bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toll‐like receptor‐ligand induced thymic stromal lymphopoietin expression in primary equine keratinocytes
Authors: Cvitas Iva , Galichet Arnaud , Ling Shui Chu , Müller Eliane J. , Marti Eliane
Published: November 2019

Background

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) plays a key role in the development of allergic inflammation. Little is known about possible triggers of equine TSLP expression.

Hypothesis/objectives

To investigate TSLP expression in equine insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) skin lesions. The capacity of TLR 1‐8 ligands (L) and of atopic cytokine milieu as potential triggers of TSLP and of interleukin (IL)‐6 as a downstream effector molecule of TLR signalling, were examined in primary equine keratinocyte cultures.

Animals

Lesional skin from IBH‐affected and healthy skin from control‐horses (n = 9 each group) was sampled.

Methods and materials

Keratinocyte cultures were established from six healthy horses and stimulated with TLR 1‐8‐L, and with IL‐4 and tumor necrosis factor‐α, to mimic an atopic inflammation cytokine milieu. TSLP and IL‐6 gene expression was assessed by quantitative real‐time PCR.

Results

Expression of TSLP was significantly greater in IBH lesions compared to healthy skin. TLR 1‐8‐L significantly upregulated TSLP expression in keratinocytes. The strongest upregulation was induced by TLR 1/2‐L and TLR 3‐L. Combination of atopic cytokine milieu and TLR 1/2‐L or TLR 3‐L further increased TSLP expression. TLR‐L 1‐5 stimulation significantly upregulated IL‐6 expression.

Conclusions and clinical importance

The data herein suggest that the upregulation of TSLP expression in lesional skin of IBH‐affected horses might play a role in IBH development. Moreover, TSLP expression is induced by TLR‐L, in particular by TLR 1/2‐L and TLR 3‐L, and is further increased by atopic cytokine milieu, indicating a mechanism for TSLP‐mediated exacerbation of IBH.
When Englishes go digital
Authors: Friedrich Patricia
Published: November 2019

Digital communications have meant a significant acceleration in rate and a widening in scope of interactions across Englishes (Friedrich & de Figueiredo, 2016). From social media posts to fan‐fiction writing, Englishes have been re‐negotiated, and new norms of interface and collaboration have been forged. Hybrid varieties have emerged, and new norms of politeness and opposition (Barnes, 2015) are constantly developing. For example, fan fiction can work as a channel for rewriting social norms through modification of existing texts (Leavenworth, 2015, p. 40), and each social media outlet has its own norms of accepted practices that give away who is an insider and who is not. Through an unstructured exploratory analysis, this paper discusses a few of the features and loci of these new modes of interaction (as in the delineation of speech community, conversational patterns, linguistic innovation) by visiting some of the media most affected by digital modes (such as social media, fan fiction communities, and texting). I will conclude with directions for further research and suggestions for pedagogical actions that not only prepare learners to deal with this reality but also take advantage of the skills they already intuitively bring into classrooms, virtual and physical.
A new species of Scutascirus and the male of Scutascirus triangulum from China (Acariformes: Cunaxidae: Coleoscirinae)

Authors: Chen Jian-xin , Guo Jian-jun , Yi Tian-ci , Jin Dao-chao
Published: November 2019

This paper deals with two species of Scutascirus. Scutascirus hechiensis Chen & Jin sp. nov. is distinguished from the close species, S. pentascutellus Corpuz-Raros & Garcia, 1996 by the follows: basifemur IV with 2 sts; telofemora III with 4 sts and IV with 3 sts; genu IV with 6 sts; tibia I with 2 bsl and III with 1 bsl; tarsus I with 3 bsl. The male of Scutascirus triangulum Lin, Zhang & Ji, 2001 is described for the first time.
The effect of con/heterospecific diet on predation, oviposition and longevity of Amblyseius swirskii, Neoseiulus californicus and Phytoseiulus persimilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Authors: Haghani Somayeh , Zahedi-golpayegani Azadeh , Saboori Alireza , Allahyari Hossein
Published: November 2019

Intraguild predation (IGP) consists of interacting individuals with context dependent roles that compete for food. Information about the predator trophic interactions i.e. cannibalism or feeding on heterospecific juveniles, is a key to understand the real impact of their combinations when introduced in biological control systems. The hypothesis here, assumed that the pairwise introduction of the female predatory mites, N. californicus (predator) + P. persimilis (heterospecific prey) and vice versa, A. swirskii (predator) + P. persimilis (heterospecific prey) and vice versa could exist in the Tetranychus urticae (main prey) scarcity. Three diets consisted of either conspecific or heterospecific six eggs, four eggs + four larvae and four protonymphs were introduced to the guilds. The predation and oviposition rates and the longevity of each female intraguild predator on detached bean leaf disc was recorded every three hours for 12 consecutive days. Neoseiulus californicus predation rate was estimated to be highest on conspecific eggs + larvae (11.35 ± 1.12) and so was on those of P. persimilis (55.7 ± 3.42). No significant difference was observed in N. californicus oviposition rate on three conspecific diets (P > 0.05), while its oviposition rate was highest on P. persimilis eggs + larvae (7.15 ± 0.80). Phytoseiulus persimilis predation rate was estimated to be highest on eggs + larvae both on N. californicus and P. persimilis as prey. Its oviposition rate was estimated to be highest when feeding on conspecific eggs (2.25 ± 0.19) and N. californicus eggs + larvae. Amblyseius swirskii fed on 45 ± 2.79 P. persimilis and 12.90 ± 1.51 A. swirskii eggs + larvae, which was significantly higher than predation rates on other stages (P < 0.01). Amblyseius swirskii oviposition rate was not significantly different on each of the three diets or on A. swirskii or P. persimilis as prey (P > 0.05). The oviposition rate of P. persimilis was the highest on A. swirskii eggs + larvae (1.45 ± 0.19). When N. californicus fed on each of the three diet types, no significant difference was observed in its longevity. The greatest longevity of P. persimilis was recorded when feeding on N. californicus/P. persimilis eggs. Longevity of A. swirskii was the greatest on P. persimilis eggs and protonymphs. Similarly, P. persimilis had the greatest longevity feeding on A. swirskii eggs. We concluded that the predator species were capable of surviving under conditions of scarce prey when heterospecific species are present.
A Delphi Study of Effective Adapted Physical Education Practicum Experiences
Authors: Taliaferro Andrea R. , Bulger Sean M.
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine expert consensus regarding the essential characteristics of adapted physical education practicum experiences for preservice physical educators. Researchers used a 3-round Delphi procedure involving the repeated circulation of an online questionnaire to a panel of content experts (N = 24). During Round 1, panelists generated 70 items in response to an open-ended prompt. Then, panelists rated these recommendations on importance and feasibility in the following rounds. After the third round, 23 items were eliminated for failing to reach consensus. Of the remaining 47 items, 24 were both very important and feasible (both means >6), 21 were very important (mean ≥ 6) and probably feasible (mean ≥ 5), and 2 were feasible (mean ≥ 6) and moderately important (mean ≥ 5). Four major themes were identified through a post hoc qualitative cluster analysis: program context, teaching and learning activities, outcomes/soft skills, and evaluation of instructor performance.
Tai Chi Is Safe and Effective for the Hip Joint: A Biomechanical Perspective
Authors: Duan Jianwei , Wang Kuan , Chang Tongbo , Wang Lejun , Zhang Shengnian , Niu Wenxin
Published: November 2019

There is little research related to the biomechanical effects of Tai Chi on the hip joint. This study was aimed to analyze the biomechanical characteristic of a typical Tai Chi movement, Brush Knee and Twist Step. A total of 12 experienced older men voluntarily participated in this study. Each participant was requested to perform standard Brush Knee and Twist Step and normal walking. The scaled-generic musculoskeletal model of each participant was developed. A finite element model of the hip joint and pelvis was established and validated. Data from each trail were input to the model for simulation, and the biomechanics were compared between Brush Knee and Twist Step and walking. Compared with walking, Tai Chi may have better improvement in the range of motion of the hip joint and the coordination of the neuromuscular system under safer condition. It is suitable for patients with hip osteoarthritis and the older adults with severe muscle loss, and clinical studies are required to confirm it further.
DNA loop extrusion by human cohesin
Authors: Davidson Iain F. , Bauer Benedikt , Goetz Daniela , Tang Wen , Wutz Gordana , Peters Jan-Michael
Published: November 2019

Cohesin extrudes DNA loops

DNA is folded into loops in eukaryotic cells by a process that depends on a ring-shaped adenosine triphosphatase complex called cohesin. Davidson
et al.
and Kim
et al.
now show that in the presence of the NIPBLMAU2 protein complex, the human cohesin complex can function as a molecular motor that extrudes DNA loops with high speed in vitro. In contrast to how it mediates sister chromatid cohesion, cohesin does not appear to entrap DNA topologically during loop extrusion. The results provide direct evidence for the loop extrusion model of chromatin organization and suggest that genome architecture is highly dynamic.

Science
, this issue p.
1338
, p.
1345
In Situ
Structure of the
Vibrio
Polar Flagellum Reveals a Distinct Outer Membrane Complex and Its Specific Interaction with the Stator
Authors: Zhu Shiwei , Nishikino Tatsuro , Takekawa Norihiro , Terashima Hiroyuki , Kojima Seiji , Imada Katsumi , Homma Michio , Liu Jun
Published: November 2019

The torque of flagellar rotation is generated by interactions between a rotor and a stator; however, detailed structural information is lacking. Here, we utilized cryo-electron tomography and advanced imaging analysis to obtain a high-resolution
in situ
flagellar basal body structure in
Vibrio alginolyticus
, which is a Gram-negative marine bacterium. Our high-resolution motor structure not only revealed detailed protein-protein interactions among unique
Vibrio
-specific features, the T ring and H ring, but also provided the first structural evidence that the T ring interacts directly with the periplasmic domain of the stator. Docking atomic structures of key components into the
in situ
motor map allowed us to visualize the pseudoatomic architecture of the polar sheathed flagellum in
Vibrio
spp. and provides novel insight into its assembly and function.
Bacterial Second Messenger Cyclic di-AMP Modulates the Competence State in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Zarrella Tiffany M. , Yang Jun , Metzger Dennis W. , Bai Guangchun
Published: November 2019

Genetic competence in bacteria leads to horizontal gene transfer, which can ultimately affect antibiotic resistance, adaptation to stress conditions, and virulence. While the mechanisms of pneumococcal competence signaling cascades have been well characterized, the molecular mechanism behind competence regulation is not fully understood. The bacterial second messenger c-di-AMP has previously been shown to play a role in bacterial physiology and pathogenesis. In this study, we provide compelling evidence for the interplay between c-di-AMP and the pneumococcal competence state. These findings not only attribute a new biological function to this dinucleotide as a regulator of competence, transformation, and survival under stress conditions in pneumococci but also provide new insights into how pneumococcal competence is modulated.
Collaborative Mentoring for Retaining Secondary Biology Teachers
Authors: Gonzalez Kimberly A. , Eberiel David T. , Shea Thomas B.
Published: November 2019

Veteran biology teachers are at risk of leaving the classroom due to burnout, feeling uninspired, and overall job dissatisfaction. One way to keep veteran teachers engaged is through continued mentoring. Yet current mentoring programs vary in scope, often focus too heavily on one-to-one talk, with mentors serving as therapists, and generally fail to include veteran teachers. Considering this is not how schools operate, we argue active mentoring for veteran teachers is best when embedded into regular school practice. Collaborative mentoring, as we have termed it, pairs experienced high school teachers with other veteran colleagues, including university professors, in professional development activities centering on improving classroom practices. We believe that collaborative mentoring holds potential to meet the needs of all stakeholders—high school students for support in learning laboratory and writing skills; university faculty for hands-on classroom work and reflective practice, as well as for sharing content and pedagogical knowledge with professionals in the field; and, specifically, veteran biology teachers for expanding access to meaningful professional development opportunities. Focusing on applicable classroom pedagogy serves as a cost-effective model for professional development for veteran teachers, possibly increasing job satisfaction and teacher retention in high schools across the nation.
Postglacial erosion of bedrock surfaces and deglaciation timing: New insights from the Mont Blanc massif (western Alps)
Authors: Lehmann Benjamin , Herman Frédéric , Valla Pierre G. , King Georgina E. , Biswas Rabiul H. , Ivy-Ochs Susan , Steinemann Olivia , Christl Marcus
Published: November 2019

Since the Last Glacial Maximum, ∼20 k.y. ago, Alpine glaciers have retreated and thinned. This transition exposed bare bedrock surfaces that could then be eroded by a combination of debuttressing or local frost cracking and weathering. Quantification of the respective contributions of these processes is necessary to understand the links between long-term climate and erosion in mountains. Here, we quantified the erosion histories of postglacial exposed bedrock in glacial valleys. Combining optically stimulated luminescence and terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide (TCN) surface exposure dating, we estimated the erosion rate of bedrock surfaces at time scales from 101 to 104 yr. Bedrock surfaces sampled from the flanks of the Mer de Glace (Mont Blanc massif, European Alps) revealed erosion rates that vary from 3.5 ± 1.2 ⋅ 10−3 mm/yr to 4.3 ± 0.6 mm/yr over ∼500 m of elevation, with a negative correlation between erosion rate and elevation. The observed spatial variation in erosion rates, and their high values, reflect morphometric (elevation and surface slope) and climatic (temperature and snow cover) controls. Furthermore, the derived erosion rates can be used to correct the timing of deglaciation based on TCN data, potentially suggesting very rapid ice thinning during the Gschnitz stadial.
Coupled supercontinent–mantle plume events evidenced by oceanic plume record
Authors: Doucet Luc S. , Li Zheng-Xiang , Ernst Richard E. , Kirscher Uwe , El Dien Hamed Gamal , Mitchell Ross N.
Published: November 2019

The most dominant features in the present-day lower mantle are the two antipodal African and Pacific large low-shear-velocity provinces (LLSVPs). How and when these two structures formed, and whether they are fixed and long lived through Earth history or dynamic and linked to the supercontinent cycles, remain first-order geodynamic questions. Hotspots and large igneous provinces (LIPs) are mostly generated above LLSVPs, and it is widely accepted that the African LLSVP existed by at least ca. 200 Ma beneath the supercontinent Pangea. Whereas the continental LIP record has been used to decipher the spatial and temporal variations of plume activity under the continents, plume records of the oceanic realm before ca. 170 Ma are mostly missing due to oceanic subduction. Here, we present the first compilation of an Oceanic Large Igneous Provinces database (O-LIPdb), which represents the preserved oceanic LIP and oceanic island basalt occurrences preserved in ophiolites. Using this database, we are able to reconstruct and compare the record of mantle plume activity in both the continental and oceanic realms for the past 2 b.y., spanning three supercontinent cycles. Time-series analysis reveals hints of similar cyclicity of the plume activity in the continent and oceanic realms, both exhibiting a periodicity of ∼500 m.y. that is comparable to the supercontinent cycle, albeit with a slight phase delay. Our results argue for dynamic LLSVPs where the supercontinent cycle and global subduction geometry control the formation and locations of the plumes.
Deep and extensive meltwater system beneath the former Eurasian Ice Sheet in the Kara Sea
Authors: Montelli Aleksandr , Dowdeswell Julian A. , Pirogova Anastasiya , Terekhina Yana , Tokarev Mikhail , Rybin Nikita , Martyn Anton , Khoshtariya Vladislav
Published: November 2019

The Eurasian ice sheet extended across the Barents and Kara Seas during the late Quaternary, yet evidence on past ice dynamics and thermal structure across its huge eastern periphery remains largely unknown. Here we use three-dimensional seismic data sets covering ∼4500 km2 of the Kara Sea west of Yamal Peninsula, Siberia (71°–73°N), to identify, for the first time in the Russian Arctic seas, several buried generations of vast subglacial tunnel valley networks. Individual valleys are up to 50 km long and are incised as much as 400 m deep; among the largest tunnel valleys ever reported. This discovery represents the first documentation of an extensively warm-based eastern margin of the Eurasian ice sheet during the Quaternary glaciations. The presence of major subglacial channel networks on the shallow shelf, with no evidence of ice streaming, suggests that significant meltwater discharge and subsequent freshwater forcing of ocean circulation may be long-lived rather than catastrophic, occurring during the latest stages of deglaciation in areas where the ice sheet flows slowly and is grounded largely above sea level. Furthermore, the first account of an extensive hydrological network across large areas of the Kara Sea provides important empirical evidence for active subglacial hydrological processes that should be considered in future numerical modeling of the eastern margin of the Quaternary Eurasian ice sheet.
Geochemical evidence for an orogenic plateau in the southern U.S. and northern Mexican Cordillera during the Laramide orogeny
Authors: Chapman James B. , Greig Roy , Haxel Gordon B.
Published: November 2019

Previous studies of the central United States Cordillera have indicated that a high-elevation orogenic plateau, the Nevadaplano, was present in Late Cretaceous to early Paleogene time. The southern United States Cordillera and northern Mexican Cordillera share a similar geologic history and many of the same tectonic features (e.g., metamorphic core complexes) as the central United States Cordillera, raising the possibility that a similar plateau may have been present at lower latitudes. To test the hypothesis of an elevated plateau, we examined Laramide-age continental-arc geochemistry and employed an empirical relation between whole-rock La/Yb and Moho depth as a proxy for crustal thickness. Calculations of crustal thickness from individual data points range between 45 and 72 km, with an average of 57 ± 12 km (2σ) for the entire data set, which corresponds to 3 ± 1.8 km paleoelevation assuming simple Airy isostasy. These crustal thickness and paleoaltimetry estimates are similar to previous estimates for the Nevadaplano and are interpreted to suggest that an analogous high-elevation plateau may have been present in the southern United States Cordillera. This result raises questions about the mechanisms that thickened the crust, because shortening in the Sevier thrust belt is generally not thought to have extended into the southern United States Cordillera, south of ∼35°N latitude.
Understanding and addressing the challenges of conducting quantitative evaluation at a local level: a worked example of the available approaches
Authors: Hinde Sebastian , Bojke Laura , Richardson Gerry
Published: November 2019

Objectives

In the context of tightening fiscal budgets and increased commissioning responsibility, local decision-makers across the UK healthcare sector have found themselves in charge of the implementation and evaluation of a greater range of healthcare interventions and services. However, there is often little experience, guidance or funding available at a local level to ensure robust evaluations are conducted. In this paper, we evaluate the possible scenarios that could occur when seeking to conduct a quantitative evaluation of a new intervention, specifically with regards to the availability of evidence.

Design

We outline the full set of possible data scenarios that could occur if the decision-maker seeks to explore the impact of the launch of a new intervention on some relevant quantifiable outcomes. In each case we consider the implicit assumptions associated with conducting an evaluation, exploring possible situations where such scenarios may occur. We go on to apply the scenarios to a simulated dataset to explore how each scenario can result in different conclusions as to the effectiveness of the new intervention.

Results

We demonstrate that, across the full set of scenarios, differences in the scale of the estimated effectiveness of a new intervention and even the direction of effect are possible given different data availability and analytical approaches.

Conclusions

When conducting quantitative evaluations of new interventions, the availability of data on the outcome of interest and the analytical approach can have profound effects on the conclusions of the evaluation. Although it will not always be possible to obtain a complete set of data and conduct extensive analysis, it is vital to understand the implications of the data used and consider the implicit assumptions made through its use.
Protocol for the first large-scale emergency care-based longitudinal cohort study of recovery after sexual assault: the Women’s Health Study
Authors: Short Nicole A , Sullivan Jenyth , Soward April , Bollen Kenneth A , Liberzon Israel , Martin Sandra , Rauch Sheila A M , Bell Kathy , Rossi Catherine , Lechner Megan , Novak Carissa , Witkemper Kristen , Kessler Ronald C , McLean Samuel A
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Worldwide, an estimated 10%–27% of women are sexually assaulted during their lifetime. Despite the enormity of sexual assault as a public health problem, to our knowledge, no large-scale prospective studies of experiences and recovery over time among women presenting for emergency care after sexual assault have been performed.

Methods and analysis

Women ≥18 years of age who present for emergency care within 72 hours of sexual assault to a network of treatment centres across the USA are approached for study participation. Blood DNA and RNA samples and brief questionnaire and medical record data are obtained from women providing initial consent. Full consent is obtained at initial 1 week follow-up to analyse blood sample data and to perform assessments at 1 week, 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year. These assessments include evaluation of survivor life history, current health and recovery and experiences with treatment providers, law enforcement and the legal system.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is approved by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the IRB of each participating study site. We hope to present the results of this study to the scientific community at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.
Protocol for a multicentre retrospective observational cohort study in Denmark: association between the intraoperative peripheral perfusion index and postoperative morbidity and mortality in acute non-cardiac surgical patients
Authors: Agerskov Marianne , Thusholdt Anna Nicoline Wolfhagen , Højlund Jakob , Meyhoff Christian Sahlholdt , Sørensen Henrik , Wiberg Sebastian , Secher Niels Henry , Bang Foss Nicolai
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Perioperative haemodynamic instability is associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality. Macrocirculatory parameters, such as arterial blood pressure and cardiac output are associated with poor outcome but may be uncoupled from the microcirculation during sepsis and hypovolaemia and may not be optimal resuscitation parameters. The peripheral perfusion index (PPI) is derived from the pulse oximetry signal. Reduced peripheral perfusion is associated with morbidity in critically ill patients and in patients following acute surgery. We hypothesise that a low intraoperative PPI is independently associated with postoperative complications and mortality.

Methods and analysis

We plan to conduct a retrospective cohort study in approximately 2300 patients, who underwent acute non-cardiac surgery (1 November 2017 to 31 October 2018) at two Danish University Hospitals. Data will be collected from patient records including patient demographics, comorbidity and intraoperative haemodynamic values with PPI as the primary exposure variable, and postoperative complications and mortality within 30 and 90 days as outcome variables. We primarily assess association between PPI and outcome in multivariate regression models. Second, the predictive value of PPI for outcome, using area under the receiver operating characteristics curve is assessed.

Ethics and dissemination

Data will be reported according to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology and results published in a peer-reviewed journal. The study is approved by the regional research ethics committee, storage and management of data has been approved by the Regional Data Protection Agency, and access to medical records is approved by the hospital board of directors (ClinicalTrials.gov registration no:NCT03757442).
Patient characteristics and hospitalisation costs of spinal muscular atrophy in Spain: a retrospective multicentre database analysis
Authors: Darbà Josep , Marsà Alicia
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To analyse the characteristics of patients diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy in Spain, and to revise data on disease management and use of resources in both public and private healthcare centres.

Design

A retrospective multicentre database analysis.

Setting

870 admission records registered between 1997 and 2015 with a diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy were extracted from a Spanish claims database that includes hospital inpatient and outpatient admissions from 313 public and 192 private hospitals in Spain.

Results

Admission files corresponded to 705 patients; 61.99% were males and 38.01% females. Average patient age was 37 years. Disease comorbidities registered during the admission consistently included hypertension, scoliosis and respiratory failures, all associated with the standard disease course. Regarding disease management at the hospital level, patients were mostly admitted through scheduled appointments (58.16%), followed by emergency admissions (41.72%), and into neurology services in 17% of the cases. Mean hospitalisation time was 10.45 days and in-hospital mortality reached 5.29%. The overall direct medical costs of spinal muscular atrophy were €291 525, excluding medication. The average annual cost per admission was €6274, with large variations likely to reflect disease complexity and that increases with length of stay.

Conclusions

The rarity of the disease difficulties the study of demographics and management; yet, an analysis of patient characteristics provides necessary information that can be used by governments to establish more efficient healthcare protocols. This study reflects the impact that individual needs and disease severity can have in disease burden calculations. Forthcoming decision-making policies should take into account medical costs and its variability, as well as pharmaceutical expenses and indirect costs. To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the use of healthcare resources of patients with spinal muscular atrophy in Spain.
Association between dairy intake and fracture in an Australian-based cohort of women: a prospective study
Authors: Aslam Hajara , Holloway-Kew Kara L , Mohebbi Mohammadreza , Jacka Felice N , Pasco Julie A
Published: November 2019

Objective

Given the inconsistent evidence on dairy consumption and risk of fracture, we assessed the association between milk/total dairy consumption and major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) in women from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study (GOS).

Methods

Women aged ≥50 years (n=833) were followed from baseline (1993–1997) to date of first fracture, death or 31 December 2017, whichever occurred first. Dairy consumption was assessed by self-report at baseline and the follow-up phases. MOFs (hip, forearm, clinical spine and proximal humerus) were confirmed radiologically. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine associations between milk/total dairy (milk, cheese, yoghurt, ice cream) consumption and MOFs. Cross-sectional associations between milk/total dairy consumption and serum high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP), C-terminal telopeptide (CTx) and procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) at baseline were investigated using multivariable linear regression.

Results

During follow-up (11 507 person-years), 206 women had an MOF. Consuming >500 mL/d of milk was not significantly associated with increased HR for MOF. Non-milk (1.56; 95% CI 0.99 to 2.46) drinkers and consumption of ≥800 g/d total dairy (1.70; 95% CI 0.99 to 2.93) had marginally higher HR for MOF compared with consuming <250 mL/d of milk and 200–399 g/d of total dairy, respectively. Milk consumption was inversely associated with serum hsCRP and CTx, but total dairy consumption was not associated with these serum markers.

Conclusion

Higher milk consumption did not increase the risk for MOF in older women. However, a trend for increased MOF was detected in zero milk and higher total dairy consuming women.
Quality of life and objective functional impairment in lumbar spinal stenosis: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of moderators
Authors: Ferretti Fabio , Coluccia Anna , Gusinu Roberto , Gualtieri Giacomo , Muzii Vitaliano Francesco , Pozza Andrea
Published: November 2019

Background

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common degenerative spine disease associated with a strong impairment in various quality of life areas, particularly the ability to perform work-related activity. Depression is a condition frequently associated. There is no comprehensive review on quality of life and objective functional impairment in LSS. This paper presents the protocol of the first systematic review and meta-analysis summarising evidence about quality of life and functional impairment in patients with LSS compared with healthy controls. Comorbid depressive disorders, age, gender, LSS duration, disability, pain severity and study methodological quality will be investigated as moderators.

Methods

The protocol is reported according to PRISMA-P guidelines. Studies will be included if they were conducted on patients aged 18 years old or older with primary LSS and if they reported data on differences in the levels of quality of life or objective functional impairment between patients with LSS and healthy controls. Independent reviewers will search published/unpublished studies through electronic databases and additional sources, will extract the data and assess the methodological quality. Random-effects meta-analysis will be carried out by calculating effect sizes as Cohen’sdindices. Heterogeneity will be examined by theI2and theQstatistics. Moderators will be investigated through meta-regression.

Conclusions

A summary of the evidence on quality of life and functional impairment in LSS may suggest clinical and occupational health medicine strategies aimed to timely detect and prevent these outcomes. Higher percentages of patients with LSS with depression may be expected to be related to poorer quality of life. Depressive comorbidity might impact negatively on quality of life because it is associated with dysfunctional coping, disability and psychophysiological symptoms.

Ethics and dissemination

The current review does not require ethics approval. The results will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Review registration

CRD42019132209.
Patients’ and healthcare providers’ perspectives of diabetes management in Cambodia: a qualitative study
Authors: Nang Ei Ei Khaing , Dary Chhavarath , Hsu Li Yang , Sor Sokrath , Saphonn Vonthanak , Evdokimov Konstantin
Published: November 2019

Objective

This study aimed to explore the challenges encountered by patients and healthcare providers and opportunities for improvement in managing diabetes mellitus (DM) in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC) facing a rise in DM prevalence.

Design

Qualitative cross-sectional study.

Setting

Urban, semiurban, and rural areas in Cambodia.

Participants

Thirty health service providers and fifty-nine adult DM patients.

Results

Most of the 59 DM patients reported having developed DM complications when they first sought treatment. The biggest challenges for the patients were geographical barriers, diet control, and shortage of medication supply. The healthcare staff expressed concerns about their limited knowledge and lack of confidence to treat diabetes, limited availability of diabetes care services, inadequate laboratory services, shortage of staff, poor patients’ compliance, and insufficient medication supplies. Both healthcare staff and patients urged an expansion of diabetes services in Cambodia and prioritisation of diabetes care in a manner similar to communicable disease control programmes of the recent past.

Conclusions

Currently, the Cambodian healthcare system has very limited capacity to provide quality care for chronic diseases. As a consequence, many patients are either left untreated or have interrupted care due to several barriers including financial, geographical, and lack of knowledge and skills. A more comprehensive and multipronged approach is urgently needed to improve DM care, which would require a collaborative effort from government, external funding agencies, private sector, and communities.
Recall of health-related quality of life: how does memory affect the SF-6D in patients with psoriasis or multiple sclerosis? A prospective observational study in Germany
Authors: Topp Janine , Andrees Valerie , Heesen Christoph , Augustin Matthias , Blome Christine
Published: November 2019

Objective

This study aimed to quantify recall bias in the measurement of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), that is, the extent to which recollection is impaired and leads to distorted judgements.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting and participants

One hundred patients with two paradigmatic chronic diseases (50 with multiple sclerosis and 50 with psoriasis) were recruited at two outpatient clinics.

Methods and outcome measures

Patients completed the online version of the 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12) repeatedly for 28 consecutive days: (1) daily, considering the past 24 hours; (2) weekly, considering the past 7 days; and (3) on the last day of data collection, considering the past 4 weeks. SF-12 scores for all three measurement approaches were subsequently converted into preference-based utility indices (Short-Form Six-Dimension). Agreement of the three indices was analysed on group and individual patient levels.

Results

The mean age of participants was 40.3 years (±12.0), and 63% were female. The utility index based on daily recall (0.74±0.13) was more positive than indices based on a weekly (0.70±0.13, p<0.001) or a monthly (0.70±0.14, p<0.001) recall. While agreement of measurement approaches was high on group level (intraclass correlation coefficient>0.85), it was lower for the subgroup of patients experiencing high variability of HRQoL over time. Bland-Altman plots revealed considerable differences on individual patient level.

Conclusions

On the group level, retrospective overestimation and underestimation of HRQoL almost cancelled out one another and recall bias was relatively small. Therefore, a 4-week recall period could be appropriate when group-level data are used for research or economic evaluations. In contrast, recall bias can be considerable on the individual patient level and may thus impact decision-making in clinical practice.

Trial registration number

VfD_RECALL_16_003837.
Effects of basic carbohydrate counting versus standard outpatient nutritional education (The BCC Study): study protocol for a randomised, parallel open-label, intervention study focusing on HbA1c and glucose variability in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ewers Bettina , Bruun Jens Meldgaard , Vilsbøll Tina
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Recommendations on energy intake are key in body weight management to improve glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). International clinical guidelines recommend a variety of eating patterns to promote energy restriction as the primary dietetic approach to body weight control in managing T2D. In addition, individualised guidance on self-monitoring carbohydrate intake to optimise meal timing and food choices (eg, basic carbohydrate counting (BCC)) is recommended to achieve glycaemic control. However, the evidence for this approach in T2D is limited. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of an educational programme in BCC as add-on to the usual dietary care on glycaemic control in people with T2D.

Methods and analyses

The study is designed as a randomised, controlled trial with a parallel-group design. The study duration is 12 months with data collection at baseline, and after 6 and 12 months. We plan to include 226 adults with T2D. Participants will be randomised to one of two interventions: (1) BCC as add-on to usual dietary care or (2) usual dietary care. The primary outcome is changes in glycated haemoglobin A1c or mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions from baseline and after 6-month intervention between and within study groups. Further outcome measures include changes in time in range, body weight and composition, lipid profile, blood pressure, mathematical literacy skills, carbohydrate estimation accuracy, dietary intake, diet-related quality of life, perceived competencies in diet and diabetes and perceptions of an autonomy supportive dietician-led climate, physical activity and urinary biomarkers.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Capital Region, Copenhagen, Denmark. Study findings will be disseminated widely through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT03623139.
The challenges of being a student nurse and the advice proffered by peers
Authors: Swift Amelia , Twycross Alison
Published: November 2019

EBN engages through a range of Online social media activities to debate issues important to nurses and nursing.EBNOpinion papers highlight and expand on these debates.
microRNA overexpression in slow transit constipation leads to reduced NaV1.5 current and altered smooth muscle contractility
Authors: Mazzone Amelia , Strege Peter R , Gibbons Simon J , Alcaino Constanza , Joshi Vikram , Haak Andrew J , Tschumperlin Daniel J , Bernard Cheryl E , Cima Robert R , Larson David W , Chua Heidi K , Graham Rondell P , El Refaey Mona , Mohler Peter J , Hayashi Yujiro , Ordog Tamas , Calder Stefan , Du Peng , Farrugia Gianrico , Beyder Arthur
Published: November 2019

Objective

This study was designed to evaluate the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in slow transit constipation (STC).

Design

All human tissue samples were from themuscularis externaof the colon. Expression of 372 miRNAs was examined in a discovery cohort of four patients with STC versus three age/sex-matched controls by a quantitative PCR array. Upregulated miRNAs were examined by quantitative reverse transcription qPCR (RT-qPCR) in a validation cohort of seven patients with STC and age/sex-matched controls. The effect of a highly differentially expressed miRNA on a custom human smooth muscle cell line was examinedin vitroby RT-qPCR, electrophysiology, traction force microscopy, and ex vivo by lentiviral transduction in ratmuscularis externaorganotypic cultures.

Results

The expression of 13 miRNAs was increased in STC samples. Of those miRNAs, four were predicted to targetSCN5A, the gene that encodes the Na+channel NaV1.5. The expression ofSCN5AmRNA was decreased in STC samples. Let-7f significantly decreased Na+current density in vitro in human smooth muscle cells. In ratmuscularis externaorganotypic cultures, overexpression of let-7f resulted in reduced frequency and amplitude of contraction.

Conclusions

A small group of miRNAs is upregulated in STC, and many of these miRNAs target the SCN5A-encoded Na+channel NaV1.5. Within this set, a novel NaV1.5 regulator, let-7f, resulted in decreased NaV1.5 expression, current density and reduced motility of GI smooth muscle. These results suggest NaV1.5 and miRNAs as novel diagnostic and potential therapeutic targets in STC.
Inherited metabolic disorders and dyslipidaemia
Authors: Sulaiman Raashda A
Published: November 2019

Monogenic dyslipidaemia is a diverse group of multisystem disorders. Patients may present to various specialities from early childhood to late in adult life, and it usually takes longer before the diagnosis is established. Increased awareness of these disorders among clinicians is imperative for early diagnosis. This best practice review provides an overview of primary dyslipidaemias, highlighting their clinical presentation, relevant biochemical and molecular tests. It also addresses the emerging role of genetics in the early diagnosis and prevention of these disorders.
Assessing Deaf patients in the neurology clinic
Authors: Harris Matthew J , Atkinson Joanna R , Judd Katy , Bergson Maureen , Mummery Catherine J
Published: November 2019

There are over 87 000 Deaf people in the UK with British Sign Language (BSL) as their first language.1 Few healthcare professionals receive training in Deaf awareness or in BSL, and missed diagnoses and inadequate treatment of Deaf patients are estimated to cost the National Health Service £30 million per year.2 Neurologists are likely to encounter Deaf BSL users in their practice, but without prior experience may find consultations challenging, especially within the time constraints and pressure of a standard clinic. In this article, we provide guidance on consulting with Deaf people in a neurology clinic, drawing on experience from our cognitive clinic for Deaf BSL users where effective communication is essential.
Soil compaction from cut-to-length thinning operations in young redwood forests in northern California
Authors: Hwang Kyungrok , Han Han-Sup , Marshall Susan E. , Page-Dumroese Deborah S.
Published: November 2019

In northern California, United States, a cut-to-length (CTL) system was recently used for the first time to harvest young redwood (Sequoia sempervirens (Lamb. ex D. Don) Endl.) forests. Landowners and public agencies in this region have been concerned about the potential negative impacts of CTL on soils during wet-season harvest operations. To determine soil impacts, we measured changes in soil bulk density (BD) and hydraulic conductivity (HC) after CTL operations in May and August. Soil samples were collected at two locations (track and center) along forwarder trails and at a reference point at three soil depths (0–5, 10–15, and 20–25 cm), and HC samples were collected only at the 0–5 cm soil depth from the same sample points. We found a significant difference in BD between the reference point and track at 0–5 cm, which decreased as soil depth increased. There was a negative correlation between initial BD values and percent increase of BD, supporting the fact that the percent increase in BD was high at the soil surface (25%–30%), but BD did not exceed 1.13 Mg·m–3 at the 0–5 cm depth. However, our HC results were different from what we expected and were not as consistent as the BD results, as the HC data had much higher variability.
Investigation of chaos in the absence of programming skill
Authors: Csernovszky Zoltán , Nagy Péter , Tasnádi Péter
Published: November 2019

Studying chaotic systems at all levels of physics education can highly motivate students to learn physics. In this paper two simple systems, the Duffing oscillator and compass needle motion, are presented, which were used in a high school and in a university setting for teaching the basic ideas of chaotic motion. Studying both systems can begin with their simple mechanical models, which connect the mathematical description to tangible reality for the students. To surmount the mathematical difficulties of the theoretical treatment of the models, freeware software, the Dynamics Solver (DS), was applied. It will be shown how DS can facilitate students’ first steps toward chaotic systems both at college and high school levels. Downloadable materials in ZIP format, related to this paper, can be found in our web page ( http://csodafizika.hu/ds_girepmptl ).
Effects of the thermodynamic conditions on the acoustic signature of bubble nucleation in superheated liquids used in dark matter search experiments
Authors: Ardid M. , Baschirotto A. , Burgio N. , Corcione M. , Cretara L. , De Matteis M. , Felis I. , Frullini M. , Manara L. , Quintino A. , Santagata A. , Spena V. A. , Vallicelli E. A. , Zanotti L.
Published: November 2019

In the framework of the search for dark matter in the form of WIMPs using superheated liquids, a study is conducted to establish a computational procedure aimed at determining how the thermodynamic conditions kept inside a particle detector affect the acoustic signal produced by bubble nucleation. It is found that the acoustic energy injected into the liquid by the growing vapour bubble increases as the liquid pressure is decreased and the superheat degree is increased, the former effect being crucial for the generation of a well-intelligible signal. A good agreement is met between the results of the present study and some experimental data available in the literature for the amplitude of the acoustic signal. Additionally, the higher loudness of the alpha-decay events compared with those arising from neutron-induced nuclear recoils is described in terms of multiple nucleations.
Klein–Gordon particle near RN black hole, generalized sl(2) algebra and harmonic oscillator energy
Authors: Sadeghi J. , Alipour M. R.
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we consider Klein–Gordon particle near Reissner–Nordström black hole. The symmetry of such a background led us to compare the corresponding Laplace equation with the generalized Heun functions. Such relations help us achieve the generalized [Formula: see text] algebra and some suitable results for describing the above-mentioned symmetry. On the other hand, in case of [Formula: see text], which is near the proximity black hole, we obtain the energy spectrum. When we compare the equation of RN background with Laguerre differential equation, we show that the obtained energy spectrum is same as the three-dimensional harmonic oscillator. So, finally we take advantage of harmonic oscillator energy and make suitable partition function. Such function help us to obtain all thermodynamical properties of black hole. Also, the structure of obtained entropy lead us to have some bit and information theory in the RN black hole.