bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occupational asbestos exposure after the ban: a job exposure matrix developed in Italy
Authors: Scarselli Alberto , Marinaccio Alessandro , Corfiati Marisa , Di Marzio Davide , Iavicoli Sergio
Published: June 2020

Background

Asbestos is a well-known carcinogen for humans. The aim of this study is to develop a tool to estimate occupational asbestos exposure in Italy after the ban using information collected in a national dataset.

Methods

Data were collected from firm registries of workers exposed to asbestos in the period 1996–2016. Descriptive statistics (arithmetic mean, standard deviation, geometric mean and geometric standard deviation) were calculated for the main exposure-related variables (activity sector, occupational group and exposure period). An estimate of workers potentially exposed to asbestos was also performed.

Results

A total of 19 704 airborne measurements of asbestos exposure was selected from the national database of occupational exposures in the sectors of asbestos abatement. Overall, a geometric mean of 7.93 f l−1 was found, and chrysotile was the asbestos type that had more exposures (41%). A total of 46 422 workers was estimated to be potentially at asbestos exposure risk. Exposure data were summarized by calendar period, activity sector and occupational group.

Conclusions

The construction of a job exposure matrix for different occupation/industry combinations may allow the assessment of occupational exposure to asbestos in several removal and disposal activities, and the estimate of the risks associated with asbestos-related diseases in epidemiological studies.
A prebiotic-enhanced lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNSp) increases Bifidobacterium relative abundance and enhances short-chain fatty acid production in simulated colonic microbiota from undernourished infants
Authors: Toe Laeticia Celine , Kerckhof Frederiek-Maarten , De Bodt Jana , Morel Fanny B , Ouedraogo Jean-Bosco , Kolsteren Patrick , Van de Wiele Tom
Published: June 2020

Undernutrition remains a public health problem in the developing world with an attributable under-five death proportion of 45%. Lower gut microbiota diversity and poor metabolic output are associated with undernutrition and new therapeutic paths may come from steering gut microbiota composition and functionality. Using a dynamic gut model, the Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®), we investigated the effect of a lipid-based nutrient supplement enriched with prebiotics (LNSp), compared to LNS alone and control treatment, on the composition and metabolic functionality of fecal microbiota from three infants suffering from undernutrition. LNS elicited a significant increase in acetate and branched-chain fatty acid production, and a higher relative abundance of the genera Prevotella, Megasphaera, Acinetobacter, Acidaminococcus and Pseudomonas. In contrast, LNSp treatment resulted in a significant 9-fold increase in Bifidobacterium relative abundance and a decrease in that of potential pathogens and detrimental bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae spp. and Bilophila sp. Moreover, the LNSp treatment resulted in a significantly higher production of acetate, butyrate and propionate, as compared to control and LNS. Our results suggest that provision of prebiotic-enhanced LNS to undernourished children could be a possible strategy to steer the microbiota toward a more beneficial composition and metabolic activity. Further in vivo investigations are needed to assess these effects and their repercussion on nutritional status.
The events that may contribute to subgingival dysbiosis: a focus on the interplay between iron, sulfide and oxygen
Authors: Chathoth Kanchana , Martin Bénédicte , Cornelis Pierre , Yvenou Stéven , Bonnaure-Mallet Martine , Baysse Christine
Published: June 2020

This minireview considers the disruption of the host–microbiota harmless symbiosis in the subgingival niche. The establishment of a chronic infection by subversion of a commensal microbiota results from a complex and multiparametric sequence of events. This review narrows down to the interplay between oxygen, iron and sulfide that can result in a vicious cycle that would favor peroxygenic and glutathione producing streptococci as well as sulfidogenic anaerobic pathogens in the subgingival niche. We propose hypothesis and discuss strategies for the therapeutic modulation of the microbiota to prevent periodontitis and promote oral health.
A physically based model for the electrical conductivity of partially saturated porous media
Authors: Thanh Luong Duy , Jougnot Damien , Van Do Phan , A Nguyen Van Nghia , Tuyen Vu Phi , Ca Nguyen Xuan , Hien Nguyen Thi
Published: June 2020

In reservoir and environmental studies, the geological material characterization is often done by measuring its electrical conductivity. Its main interest is due to its sensitivity to physical properties of porous media (i.e. structure, water content, or fluid composition). Its quantitative use therefore depends on the efficiency of the theoretical models to link them. In this study, we develop a new physically based model that takes into account the surface conductivity for estimating electrical conductivity of porous media under partially saturated conditions. The proposed model is expressed in terms of electrical conductivity of the pore fluid, water saturation, critical water saturation and microstructural parameters such as the minimum and maximum pore/capillary radii, the pore fractal dimension, the tortuosity fractal dimension and the porosity. Factors influencing the electrical conductivity in porous media are also analysed. From the proposed model, we obtain an expression for the relative electrical conductivity that is consistent with other models in literature. The model predictions are successfully compared with published experimental data for different types of porous media. The new physically based model for electrical conductivity opens up new possibilities to characterize porous media under partially saturated conditions with geoelectrical and electromagnetic techniques.
Parenting Through Academia as a SICB Member
Authors: Schwaner M Janneke , Deming Sarah , Kmec Julie A , Flammang Brooke E
Published: June 2020

Synopsis

The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB) has made tremendous improvements to their annual meeting in an effort to promote inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility to all scientists. However, within academia as an institution overall, many scientists face personal challenges that directly compete with the rigorous culture considered a requirement for success as an academic. Among these challenges is balancing parenthood with academic responsibilities, such as conference attendance and productivity. Herein, we present a report of the survey administered to the members of SICB and from discussion held during the Parenting through Academia workshop at the 2020 annual meeting. We hope that this information brings to the Society an opportunity for open collegial discussion, mentorship, and community building, and sheds light on new strategies that could be undertaken to support not only parents, but SICB membership as a whole.
Clinical significance of pulse index contour continuous cardiac output monitoring in patients with constrictive pericarditis undergoing pericardiectomy
Authors: Huang Jinpeng , Zhu Pengfei , Zhong Fangming , Yu Guocan , Ye Bo , Fang Likui
Published: June 2020

OBJECTIVES

The efficacy of pulse index contour continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) monitoring in patients with constrictive pericarditis undergoing pericardiectomy remains unclear. The goal of this study was to explore whether PiCCO monitoring could improve clinical outcomes in these patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 74 patients with constrictive pericarditis undergoing pericardiectomy and assigned them to a PiCCO group and a control group. Postoperative and survival outcomes were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

There were 33 (44.6%) cases in the PiCCO group and 41 (55.4%) cases in the control group. The baseline characteristics were comparable between the 2 groups. In comparison to the control group, the PiCCO group showed more intraoperative fluid infusion (P = 0.003), higher postoperative central venous pressure (P = 0.007) and lower levels of postoperative brain natriuretic peptide (P = 0.021). The incidence of postoperative complications (P = 0.004) including cardiac complications (P = 0.033) was also lower in the PiCCO group. Despite no difference in survival outcomes, duration of chest drainage (P = 0.032), length of stay in the intensive care unit (P < 0.001) and the postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.044) were significantly shorter in the PiCCO group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed the clinical significance of PiCCO monitoring in the enhanced recovery of patients with constrictive pericarditis undergoing pericardiectomy and provided new evidence for applying PiCCO monitoring in these patients.
Is protecting sunk investments an economic rationale for antitrust law?
Authors: Biggar Darryl , Heimler Alberto
Published: June 2020

In recent years, the economic foundation of antitrust law is increasingly being called into question. The hypothesis that antitrust law seeks to promote consumer welfare has historically been extremely popular but in recent years has come under attack. In part, this is due to the fact that neither the law, nor the decisions of competition law enforcers, can be fully explained as consistent with a strict consumer welfare standard. Neither do competition laws promote a textbook concept of total economic welfare, neither in their wording, nor in the way they are enforced. Some commentators argue that competition law should protect the competitive process, but this approach lacks a foundation in welfare economics and therefore lacks the ability to make basic trade-offs between desirable goals. This article puts forward an alternative hypothesis, which focuses on the sunk, relationship-specific investments made by market participants. We propose that an important, and overlooked, role of competition law is to protect trading partners from the threat of hold-up, where it is unreasonable for the parties to use conventional mechanisms to protect those sunk investments themselves. This approach can help to explain features of competition law and law enforcement that cannot be explained by the traditional consumer welfare or total welfare frameworks. We suggest that this approach offers promise as providing a consistent, comprehensive, economic foundation for competition law.
Are Citizens More Negative About Failing Service Delivery by Public Than Private Organizations? Evidence From a Large-Scale Survey Experiment
Authors: van den Bekerom Petra , van der Voet Joris , Christensen Johan
Published: June 2020

Citizens’ perceptions of the performance of public service providers are a central concern for academics and policy-makers alike. A growing body of behavioral public administration research emphasizes the psychological biases that shape the perceptions of citizens. This article makes a novel contribution to this debate by examining the interaction between politically motivated bias and cognitive bias in citizens’ performance appraisals. It asks: Are citizens more negative about failing service delivery by public organizations than by private organizations, and if so, why? This is investigated through a survey experiment conducted among a representative sample of 2,623 Dutch citizens. The main finding of the study is that public organizations are punished more severely by citizens for negative performance information than private organizations, but this tendency is concentrated among citizens who have a preference for private service provision and varies across service areas. Our study shows not only that citizens’ processing of information about public services is subject to various forms of bias, but also that these biases interact in shaping how citizens view public organizations. Further investigating these complex dynamics is an important task for behavioral public administration scholars seeking to understand the specific implications of behavioral dynamics for the broad range of organizations providing public services.
ABA-responsive transcription factor bZIP1 is involved in modulating biosynthesis of phenolic acids and tanshinones in Salvia miltiorrhiza
Authors: Deng Changping , Shi Min , Fu Rong , Zhang Yi , Wang Qiang , Zhou Yang , Wang Yao , Ma Xingyuan , Kai Guoyin
Published: June 2020

Phenolic acids and tanshinones are major bioactive ingredients in Salvia miltiorrhiza, which possess pharmacological activities with great market demand. However, transcriptional regulation of phenolic acid and tanshinone biosynthesis remains poorly understood. Here, a basic leucine zipper transcription factor (TF) named SmbZIP1 was screened from the abscisic acid (ABA)-induced transcriptome library. Overexpression of SmbZIP1 positively promoted phenolic acid biosynthesis by enhancing expression of biosynthetic genes such as cinnamate-4-hydroxylase (C4H1). Furthermore, biochemical experiments revealed that SmbZIP1 bound the G-Box-like1 element in the promoter of the C4H1 gene. Meanwhile, SmbZIP1 inhibited accumulation of tanshinones mainly by suppressing the expression of biosynthetic genes including geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS) which was confirmed as a target gene by in vitro and in vivo experiments. In contrast, the phenolic acid content was reduced and tanshinone was enhanced in CRISPR/Cas9 [clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9]-mediated knockout lines. In addition, the previously reported positive regulator of tanshinone biosynthesis, SmERF1L1, was found to be inhibited in SmbZIP1 overexpression lines indicated by RNA sequencing, and was proven to be the target of SmbZIP1. In summary, this work uncovers a novel regulator and deepens our understanding of the transcriptional and regulatory mechanisms of phenolic acid and tanshinone biosynthesis, and also sheds new light on metabolic engineering in S. miltiorrhiza.
A holistic and probabilistic approach to the ground-based and spaceborne data of HAT-P-19 system
Authors: Baştürk Özgür , Yalçınkaya S , Esmer E M , Tanrıverdi T , Mancini L , Daylan T , Southworth J , Keten B
Published: June 2020

We update the main physical and orbital properties of the transiting hot Saturn planet HAT-P-19 b, based on a global modelling of high-precision transit and occultation light curves, taken with ground-based and space telescopes, archive spectra and radial velocity measurements, brightness values from broad-band photometry, and Gaia parallax. We collected 65 light curves by amateur and professional observers, measured mid-transit times, and analysed their differences from calculated transit timings based on reference ephemeris information, which we update as a result. We have not found any periodicity in the residuals of a linear trend, which we attribute to the accumulation of uncertainties in the reference mid-transit time and the orbital period. We comment on the scenarios describing the formation and migration of this hot-Saturn type exoplanet with a bloated atmosphere yet a small core, although it is orbiting a metal-rich ([Fe/H] = 0.24 dex) host star. Finally, we review the planetary mass–radius, the orbital period–radius, and density, and the stellar metallicity–core mass diagrams, based on the parameters we derive for HAT-P-19 b and those of the other 70 transiting Saturn-mass planets from the NASA Exoplanet Archive.
An infrared study of the high-mass, multistage star-forming region IRAS 12272−6240
Authors: Tapia Mauricio , Persi Paolo , Roth Miguel , Elia Davide
Published: June 2020

IRAS 12272−6240 is a complex star-forming region with a compact massive dense clump (DC) and several associated masers, located at a well-determined distance of d = 9.3 kpc from the Sun. For this study, we obtained sub-arcsec broad- and narrow-band near-infrared (near-IR) imaging and low-resolution spectroscopy with the Baade/Magellan telescope and its camera PANIC. Mosaics of size 2 × 2 arcmin2 in the JHKs bands and with narrow-band filters centred in the 2.12 μm H2 and 2.17 μm Br γ lines were analysed in combination with Hi-GAL/Herschel and archive IRAC/Spitzer and WISE observations. We found that the compact DC houses two Class I young stellar objects (YSOs) that probably form a 21000 -au-wide binary system. Its combined 1–1200 μm spectral energy distribution is consistent with an O9V central star with a $10^{-2} \, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ disc and a $1.3 \times 10^4 \, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ dust envelope. Its total luminosity is $8.5 \times 10^4 \, \mathrm{L}_\odot$. A series of shocked H2 emission knots are found in its close vicinity, confirming the presence of outflows. IRAS 12272−6240 is at the centre of an embedded cluster with a mean age of 1 Myr and 2.6 pc in size that contains more than 150 stars. At its nucleus, we found a more compact and considerably younger subcluster containing the YSOs. We also identified and classified the O-type central stars of two dusty radio/IR H ii regions flanking the protostars. Our results confirm that these elements form a single giant young complex where massive star formation processes started some 1 Myr ago and are still active.
Very extreme mass-ratio bursts in the Galaxy and neighbouring galaxies in relation to space-borne detectors
Authors: Han Wen-Biao , Zhong Xing-Yu , Chen Xian , Xin Shuo
Published: June 2020

Two recent papers (by Amaro-Seoane andGourgoulhon and co-workers) revealed that in our Galaxy there are very extreme mass-ratio inspirals composed of brown dwarfs and a supermassive black hole at the centre of the Galaxy. The event rates estimated in these papers are very considerable for future space-borne detectors. In addition, there are plunge events during the formation of inspiralling orbits. In this work, we calculate the gravitational waves from compact objects (brown dwarfs, primordial black holes, etc.) plunging into or being scattered by the central supermassive black hole. We find that for space-borne detectors the signal-to-noise ratios of these bursts are quite high. The event rates are estimated as ∼ 0.01 yr–1 for the Galaxy. If we are lucky, this kind of very extreme mass-ratio burst will offer a unique chance to reveal the nearest supermassive black hole and nuclei dynamics. The event rate could be as large as 4∼8 yr–1 within 10 Mpc, and because the signal is strong enough for observations by space-borne detectors, we have a good chance of being able to probe the nature of neighbouring black holes.
Melatonin supplementation over different time periods until ageing modulates genotoxic parameters in mice
Authors: Damiani Adriani Paganini , Strapazzon Giulia , de Oliveira Sardinha Thanielly Thais , Rohr Paula , Gajski Goran , de Pinho Ricardo Aurino , de Andrade Vanessa Moraes
Published: June 2020

The ageing process is a multifactorial phenomenon, associated with decreased physiological and cellular functions and an increased propensity for various degenerative diseases. Studies on melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), a potent antioxidant, are gaining attention since melatonin production declines with advancing age. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chronic melatonin consumption on genotoxic and mutagenic parameters of old Swiss mice. Herein, 3-month-old Swiss albino male mice (n = 240) were divided into eight groups and subdivided into two experiments: first (three groups): natural ageing experiment; second (five groups): animals that started water or melatonin supplementation at different ages (3, 6, 12 and 18 months) until 21 months. After 21 months, the animals from the second experiment were euthanized to perform the comet assay, micronucleus test and western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that melatonin prolonged the life span of the animals. Relative to genomic instability, melatonin was effective in reducing DNA damage caused by ageing, presenting antigenotoxic and antimutagenic activities, independently of initiation age. The group receiving melatonin for 18 months had high levels of APE1 and OGG1 repair enzymes. Conclusively, melatonin presents an efficient antioxidant mechanism aiding modulating genetic and physiological alterations due to ageing.
Binding of a viral IRES to the 40S subunit occurs in two successive steps mediated by eS25
Authors: Walters Beth , Axhemi Armend , Jankowsky Eckhard , Thompson Sunnie R
Published: June 2020

The mechanism for how internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) recruit ribosomes to initiate translation of an mRNA is not completely understood. We investigated how a 40S subunit was recruited by the cricket paralysis virus intergenic region (CrPV IGR) IRES to form a stable 40S–IRES complex. Kinetic binding studies revealed that formation of the complex between the CrPV IGR and the 40S subunit consisted of two-steps: an initial fast binding step of the IRES to the 40S ribosomal subunit, followed by a slow unimolecular reaction consistent with a conformational change that stabilized the complex. We further showed that the ribosomal protein S25 (eS25), which is required by functionally and structurally diverse IRESs, impacts both steps of the complex formation. Mutations in eS25 that reduced CrPV IGR IRES activity either decreased 40S–IRES complex formation, or increased the rate of the conformational change that was required to form a stable 40S–IRES complex. Our data are consistent with a model in which eS25 facilitates initial binding of the CrPV IGR IRES to the 40S while ensuring that the conformational change stabilizing the 40S–IRES complex does not occur prematurely.
Embryonic tissue differentiation is characterized by transitions in cell cycle dynamic-associated core promoter regulation
Authors: Wragg Joseph W , Roos Leonie , Vucenovic Dunja , Cvetesic Nevena , Lenhard Boris , Müller Ferenc
Published: June 2020

The core-promoter, a stretch of DNA surrounding the transcription start site (TSS), is a major integration-point for regulatory-signals controlling gene-transcription. Cellular differentiation is marked by divergence in transcriptional repertoire and cell-cycling behaviour between cells of different fates. The role promoter-associated gene-regulatory-networks play in development-associated transitions in cell-cycle-dynamics is poorly understood. This study demonstrates in a vertebrate embryo, how core-promoter variations define transcriptional output in cells transitioning from a proliferative to cell-lineage specifying phenotype. Assessment of cell proliferation across zebrafish embryo segmentation, using the FUCCI transgenic cell-cycle-phase marker, revealed a spatial and lineage-specific separation in cell-cycling behaviour. To investigate the role differential promoter usage plays in this process, cap-analysis-of-gene-expression (CAGE) was performed on cells segregated by cycling dynamics. This analysis revealed a dramatic increase in tissue-specific gene expression, concurrent with slowed cycling behaviour. We revealed a distinct sharpening in TSS utilization in genes upregulated in slowly cycling, differentiating tissues, associated with enhanced utilization of the TATA-box, in addition to Sp1 binding-sites. In contrast, genes upregulated in rapidly cycling cells carry broad distribution of TSS utilization, coupled with enrichment for the CCAAT-box. These promoter features appear to correspond to cell-cycle-dynamic rather than tissue/cell-lineage origin. Moreover, we observed genes with cell-cycle-dynamic-associated transitioning in TSS distribution and differential utilization of alternative promoters. These results demonstrate the regulatory role of core-promoters in cell-cycle-dependent transcription regulation, during embryo-development.
Protein sumoylation with SUMO1 promoted by Pin1 in glioma stem cells augments glioblastoma malignancy
Authors: Zhang Aili , Tao Weiwei , Zhai Kui , Fang Xiaoguang , Huang Zhi , Yu Jennifer S , Sloan Andrew E , Rich Jeremy N , Zhou Wenchao , Bao Shideng
Published: June 2020

Background

The tumorigenic potential of glioma stem cells (GSCs) is associated with multiple reversible molecular alternations, but the role of posttranslational protein sumoylation in GSCs has not been elucidated. The development of GSC-targeting drugs relies on the discovery of GSC-preferential molecular modifications and the relevant signaling pathways. In this work, we investigated the protein sumoylation status, the major sumoylated substrate, and the key regulatory enzyme in GSCs to explore the therapeutic potential of disrupting protein sumoylation for glioblastoma (GBM) treatment.

Methods

Patient-derived GSCs, primary GBM sections, and intracranial GBM xenografts were used to determine protein sumoylation and the related molecular mechanisms by immunoblot, quantitative PCR, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. Orthotopic GBM xenograft models were applied to investigate the inhibition of tumor growth by disrupting protein sumoylation with short hairpin (sh)RNAs or molecular inhibitors.

Results

We show that high levels of small ubiquitin-related modifier 1 (SUMO1)—but not SUMO2/3—modified sumoylation are preferentially present in GSCs. The promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein is a major SUMO1-sumoylated substrate in GSCs, whose sumoylation facilitates its interaction with c-Myc to stabilize c-Myc proteins. The prolyl-isomerase Pin1 is preferentially expressed in GSCs and functions as the key enzyme to promote SUMO1 sumoylation. Disruption of SUMO1 sumoylation by Pin1 silencing with shRNAs or inhibition with its inhibitor Juglone markedly abrogated GSC maintenance and mitigated GSC-driven tumor growth.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that high SUMO1-modified protein sumoylation as a feature of GSCs is critical for GSC maintenance, suggesting that targeting SUMO1 sumoylation may effectively improve GBM treatment.
Trace Element and Isotopic Evidence for Recycled Lithosphere from Basalts from 48 to 53°E, Southwest Indian Ridge
Authors: Wang Jixin , Zhou Huaiyang , Salters Vincent J M , Dick Henry J B , Standish Jared J , Wang Conghui
Published: June 2020

Mantle source heterogeneity and magmatic processes have been widely studied beneath most parts of the Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR). But less is known from the newly recovered mid-ocean ridge basalts from the Dragon Bone Amagmatic Segment (53°E, SWIR) and the adjacent magmatically robust Dragon Flag Segment. Fresh basalt glasses from the Dragon Bone Segment are clearly more enriched in isotopic composition than the adjacent Dragon Flag basalts, but the trace element ratios of the Dragon Flag basalts are more extreme compared with average mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB) than the Dragon Bone basalts. Their geochemical differences can be explained only by source differences rather than by variations in degree of melting of a roughly similar source. The Dragon Flag basalts are influenced by an arc-like mantle component as evidenced by enrichment in fluid-mobile over fluid-immobile elements. However, the sub-ridge mantle at the Dragon Flag Segment is depleted in melt component compared with a normal MORB source owing to previous melting in the subarc. This fluid-metasomatized, subarc depleted mantle is entrained beneath the Dragon Flag Segment. In comparison, for the Dragon Bone axial basalts, their Pb isotopic compositions and their slight enrichment in Ba, Nb, Ta, K, La, Sr and Zr and depletion in Pb and Ti concentrations show resemblance to the Ejeda–Bekily dikes of Madagascar. Also, Dragon Bone Sr and Nd isotopic compositions together with the Ce/Pb, La/Nb and La/Th ratios can be modeled by mixing the most isotopically depleted Dragon Flag basalts with a composition within the range of the Ejeda–Bekily dikes. It is therefore proposed that the Dragon Bone axial basalts, similar to the Ejeda–Bekily dikes, are sourced from subcontinental lithospheric Archean mantle beneath Gondwana, pulled from beneath the Madagascar Plateau. The recycling of the residual subarc mantle and the subcontinental lithospheric mantle could be related to either the breakup of Gondwana or the formation and accretion of Neoproterozoic island arc terranes during the collapse of the Mozambique Ocean, and is now present beneath the ridge.
ASSESSMENT OF RADON AND THORON EXHALATION FROM SOILS AND DISSOLVED RADON IN GROUND WATER IN THE VICINITY OF ELEVATED GRANITIC HILL, CHIKKABALLAPUR DISTRICT, KARNATAKA, INDIA
Authors: Poojitha C G , Sahoo B K , Ganesh K E , Pranesha T S , Sapra B K
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we intend to evaluate the rate of radon and thoron exhalation from soil with reference to the underlying bedrock and gamma dose rate in the environment of elevated granitic hill—Nandi hills of Karnataka. The measurement of exhalation rates for all the soil samples collected from study area was carried out using a continuous radon–thoron monitor (Smart RnDuo monitor). The surface exhalation rate of thoron from soil samples were found to vary from 4160 ± 326 to 21 822 ± 634 mBq m−2 s−1. The mass exhalation rate of radon from soil samples were found to vary from 76 ± 6 to 269 ± 19 mBq kg−1 h−1. Concentrations of radon activity measurements were carried out for all the groundwater samples from study area. A detailed analysis along with physicochemical parameters of water has been made and discussed in this research paper.
Voice-Hearing and Personification: Characterizing Social Qualities of Auditory Verbal Hallucinations in Early Psychosis
Authors: Alderson-Day Ben , Woods Angela , Moseley Peter , Common Stephanie , Deamer Felicity , Dodgson Guy , Fernyhough Charles
Published: June 2020

Recent therapeutic approaches to auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) exploit the person-like qualities of voices. Little is known, however, about how, why, and when AVH become personified. We aimed to investigate personification in individuals’ early voice-hearing experiences. We invited Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) service users aged 16–65 to participate in a semistructured interview on AVH phenomenology. Forty voice-hearers (M = 114.13 days in EIP) were recruited through 2 National Health Service trusts in northern England. We used content and thematic analysis to code the interviews and then statistically examined key associations with personification. Some participants had heard voices intermittently for multiple years prior to clinical involvement (M = 74.38 months), although distressing voice onset was typically more recent (median = 12 months). Participants reported a range of negative emotions (predominantly fear, 60%, 24/40, and anxiety, 62.5%, 26/40), visual hallucinations (75%, 30/40), bodily states (65%, 25/40), and “felt presences” (52.5%, 21/40) in relation to voices. Complex personification, reported by a sizeable minority (16/40, 40%), was associated with experiencing voices as conversational (odds ratio [OR] = 2.56) and companionable (OR = 3.19) but not as commanding or trauma-related. Neither age of AVH onset nor time since onset related to personification. Our findings highlight significant personification of AVH even at first clinical presentation. Personified voices appear to be distinguished less by their intrinsic properties, commanding qualities, or connection with trauma than by their affordances for conversation and companionship.
BEAMS: a workforce development program to bridge the gap between biologists and material scientists
Authors: Lee Marilyn S , Lux Matthew W , DeCoste Jared B
Published: June 2020

To maximize innovation in materials science and synthetic biology, it is critical to master interdisciplinary understanding and communication within an organization. Programming aimed at this juncture has the potential to bring members of the workforce together to frame new networks and spark collaboration. In this article, we recognize the potential synergy between materials and synthetic biology research and describe our approach to this challenge as a case study. A workforce development program was devised consisting of a lecture series, laboratory demonstrations and a hands-on laboratory competition to produce a bacterial cellulose material with the highest tensile strength. This program, combined with support for infrastructure and research, resulted in a significant return on investment with new externally funded synthetic biology for materials programs for our organization. The learning elements described here may be adapted by other institutions for a variety of settings and goals.
Blood parameters of wistar albino rats fed processed tropical sickle pod (Senna obtusifolia) leaf meal-based diets
Authors: Augustine Clement , Khobe Dishi , Babakiri Yahaya , Igwebuike Joseph U , Joel Isa , John Tiva , Ibrahim Asabe
Published: June 2020

A feeding trial was conducted for 28 d to evaluate the effects of feeding albino rats with processed Senna obtusifolia leaf meal (SOLM) based diets. Five experimental diets were compounded to contain 0% and 20% each of the sun-dried, boiled, fresh fermented, and boiled and fermented SOLM-based diets designated as T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively. A total of 90 young albino rats with initial weight of 13.52–14.48 g were randomly allocated to the dietary treatments in a completely randomized design with three replicates of six rats each. The hematological parameters revealed nonsignificant (P > 0.05) difference except for the rats fed the sun-dried SOLM-based diet, which had the lowest packed cell volume (34%), red blood cell (5.32 × 106/µ/L), and hemoglobin (13.67 g/dL). The hematological values recorded were, however, within the normal reference ranges. The biochemical indices were also not significantly (P > 0.05) different. The total protein, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, and total bilirubin recorded were within the ranges of 71.50–77.73 g/L, 1.03–1.23 mg/dL, 20.67–24.37 µ/L, and 10.13–11.67 µ/L, respectively. It was concluded that the different processed SOLM-based diets had no adverse effects on the blood parameters of the albino rats and are, therefore, recommended for feeding albino rats.
The Impact of 6 and 12 Months in Space on Human Brain Structure and Intracranial Fluid Shifts
Authors: Hupfeld Kathleen E , McGregor Heather R , Lee Jessica K , Beltran Nichole E , Kofman Igor S , De Dios Yiri E , Reuter-Lorenz Patti A , Riascos Roy F , Pasternak Ofer , Wood Scott J , Bloomberg Jacob J , Mulavara Ajitkumar P , Seidler Rachael D ,   Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: June 2020

As plans develop for Mars missions, it is important to understand how long-duration spaceflight impacts brain health. Here we report how 12-month (n = 2 astronauts) versus 6-month (n = 10 astronauts) missions impact brain structure and fluid shifts. We collected MRI scans once before flight and four times after flight. Astronauts served as their own controls; we evaluated pre- to postflight changes and return toward preflight levels across the 4 postflight points. We also provide data to illustrate typical brain changes over 7 years in a reference dataset. Twelve months in space generally resulted in larger changes across multiple brain areas compared with 6-month missions and aging, particularly for fluid shifts. The majority of changes returned to preflight levels by 6 months after flight. Ventricular volume substantially increased for 1 of the 12-month astronauts (left: +25%, right: +23%) and the 6-month astronauts (left: 17 ± 12%, right: 24 ± 6%) and exhibited little recovery at 6 months. Several changes correlated with past flight experience; those with less time between subsequent missions had larger preflight ventricles and smaller ventricular volume increases with flight. This suggests that spaceflight-induced ventricular changes may endure for long periods after flight. These results provide insight into brain changes that occur with long-duration spaceflight and demonstrate the need for closer study of fluid shifts.
Clostridium difficile infection after antibiotic use
Authors: Brown Heather L. , Erickson Gerald A.
Published: June 2020

Every day, patients are prescribed antibiotics to treat infections, and some of these patients will subsequently develop a superinfection with Clostridium difficile. Although the use of antibiotics is a necessary part of modern medical care, clinicians must be judicious with their use and choice of antibiotics to prevent consequences for patients whenever possible.
Hijab pin inhalation
Authors: Sheikh Sophia , Grosel John
Published: June 2020

Foreign body aspiration can be an acute life-threatening emergency and, if left untreated, can result in severe complications. Among Muslim women, the hijab pin can be accidentally aspirated. The article describes standard management with rigid bronchoscopy and a new technique involving magnets.
Sleep Characteristics in Adults With and Without Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
Authors: Abeler Karin , Friborg Oddgeir , Engstrøm Morten , Sand Trond , Bergvik Svein
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

Sleep disturbance is associated with persistence and exacerbation of chronic pain. As this relationship seems to be bidirectional, factors underpinning sleep disturbance may prove important in multimodal rehabilitation approaches. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the impact of psychological symptoms on subjective and objective sleep measures in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP), as compared with pain-free controls.

Materials and Methods:

Sleep was assessed by self-report questionnaires, actigraphy, and polysomnography recordings in 56 patients (75.0% female; M
age=41.7 y, SD=10.8 y) with CMP and compared with 53 matched pain-free controls (71.7% female; M
age=41.8 y, SD=10.7). Mental distress (Hopkins Symptoms Checklist [HSCL]) and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) were tested as predictors of objective and subjective sleep measures in multiple regression models, and their indirect effects were tested in bootstrapped mediation models.

Results:

The sleep data revealed substantially more subjective sleep disturbance (Hedge g: 1.32 to 1.47, P<0.001), moderately worse sleep efficiency in the actigraphy measures (Hedges g: 0.5 to 0.6, P<0.01), and less polysomnography measured slow wave sleep (Hedges g: 0.43, P<0.05) in patients, as compared with controls. HSCL was strongly associated with the self-reported measures Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). HSCL also partially explained the association between pain and sleep, but HSCL was not associated with any of the objective sleep measures. More pain catastrophizing was related to less slow wave sleep.

Discussion:

The differences in subjective and objective sleep measures indicate that they probe different aspects of sleep functioning in patients with musculoskeletal pain, and their combined application may be valuable in clinical practice. Self-reported sleep disturbance seems to overlap with affective dimensions reflected by the HSCL questionnaire.
Fractures of the base of the proximal phalanx in children: comparison between cast immobilization and Kirschner wire fixation
Authors: Zhi XinWang , Canavese Federico , Li YiQiang , Xu HongWen
Published: June 2020

To retrospectively evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of fractures of the base of the proximal phalanx (FBPP) in children by closed reduction and cast immobilization (CRCI) and closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP). Thirty-four consecutive children with FBPP were treated by CRCI (group A) and CRPP (group B). The diaphyseal axis-metacarpal head angle (DHA) was measured in anteroposterior radiographs before and after treatment. At the last follow-up visit, the range of motion of the injured finger was evaluated by the Total Active Flexion Scale. One year and more after the index procedure, patients were asked to answer the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ). Fifteen patients (44.1%) were in group A and 19 (55.9%) in group B. groups A and B did not differ significantly in their demographics and preoperative DHA (P > 0.05). However, the postoperative DHA improved significantly after treatment, whether group A (P < 0.001) or group B (P < 0.001). And nonoperative treatment yielded a better DHA than surgical treatment (P = 0.01). Overall, five in group A (20%) and two in group B (37%) (P = 0.06) developed a complication. The mean MHQ score was 97.2 ± 5.3 (range, 78.1–100) and 99.3 ± 2.0 (range, 92.8–100) in groups A and B, respectively (P = 0.15). Children with isolated, displaced FBPP treated conservatively can achieve similar clinical and radiological outcomes, and lower complication rates, compared to patients managed surgically; however, fracture more severely displaced initially may have higher rates of complications after surgical fixation. If conservative treatment fails, surgery is recommended.
Transulnar Styloid Foveal TFC Reconstruction: With a Palmaris Longus Tendon Graft
Authors: Bain Gregory I. , Tu Chen Gang
Published: June 2020

We describe an evolution of the senior author’s technique in the repair or reconstruction of foveal triangular fibrocartilage complex tears. This technique uses a transulnar styloid approach, which gives superior access to the fovea, without disruption of secondary stabilizers. A free palmaris longus graft is used to stabilize and augment the triangular fibrocartilage complex with an interosseous anchor through an ulnar tunnel.
Effect of temperature maintenance by forced-air warming blankets of different temperatures on changes in inflammatory factors in children undergoing congenital hip dislocation surgery
Authors: He Li-Ping , Liu Pei-Zhen , Wen Yuan-Ming , Wu Jun
Published: June 2020

Background

Hypothermia is associated with many adverse clinical outcomes in pediatric patients, and thus, it is important to find an effective and safe method for preventing peri-operative hypothermia and its associated adverse outcomes in pediatric patients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of forced-air warming blankets with different temperatures on changes in the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-10 levels in children undergoing surgical treatment for developmental displacement of the hip (DDH).

Methods

The study included 123 children undergoing surgery for DDH under general anesthesia. The patients were randomly assigned to three groups, using a random number table: the 32, 38, and 43°C groups according to the temperature setting of the forced-air warming blankets. For each patient, body temperature was recorded immediately after anesthesia induction and intubation (T0), at initial incision (T1), at 1 h after incision (T2), at 2 h after incision (T3), at the end of surgery (T4), immediately upon return to the ward after surgery (T5), and then at 12 h (T6), 24 h (T7), 36 h (T8), and 48 h (T9) after the surgery. The serum levels of TGF-β, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10 were measured at T0 and T4 for all groups.

Results

The number of patients with fever in the 38°C group was significantly less than those in the 32 and 43°C groups (χ
2 = 6.630, P = 0.036). At T0, the body temperatures in the 38 and 43°C groups were significantly higher than that in the 32°C group (F = 17.992, P < 0.001). At T2, the body temperature was significantly higher in the 43°C group than those in the 32 and 38°C groups (F = 12.776, P < 0.001). Moreover, at T4, the serum levels of TGF-β (F = 3286.548, P 
< 0.001) and IL-10 (F = 4628.983, P 
< 0.001) were significantly increased in the 38°C group, and the serum levels of TNF-α (F = 911.415, P 
< 0.001) and IL-1β (F = 322.191, P 
< 0.001) were significantly decreased in the 38°C group, compared with the levels in the 32 and 43°C groups.

Conclusion

Force-air warming blankets set at 38°C maintained stable body temperature with less adverse outcome and effectively inhibited the inflammatory response in pediatric patients undergoing surgery for DDH.

Clinical trial registration

ChiCTR1800014820; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=25240.
Global lung cancer mortality trends and lifestyle modifications: preliminary analysis
Authors: Khaltaev Nikolai , Axelrod Svetlana
Published: June 2020

Background:

According to the Independent High-level Commission on Non-communicable Diseases (NCD) of the World Health Organization (WHO), global reduction in lung cancer mortality has been achieved since the year 2000, although this effect is not sufficient to reach the 30% reduction of mortality from NCDs by the year 2030, as stipulated by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3.4. The objective of this study was to analyze whether the lifestyle changes implemented by the WHO at country level could have an impact on mortality from this form of cancer.

Methods:

WHO statistics, based on the unified mortality and causes-of-death reports of Member-State countries, were used to evaluate global lung cancer mortality trends and make comparisons and assessments of different types of community-based, country-wide interventions.

Results:

The lung cancer mortality decline was associated with the anti-tobacco campaign initiated by the WHO in the last 15 to 20 years. Comprehensive tobacco control remained the major and most successful lifestyle modification measure. In countries with declining lung cancer mortality, 91% of countries had decreasing tobacco prevalence in males and 82% in females. Country- wide measures to increase physical activity had a strong tendency to be better implemented in countries with declining lung cancer mortality (t = 1.79, P > 0.05). Other WHO “best-buy” lifestyle modification campaigns (diet and alcohol) had been carried out for shorter periods, and their associations with lung cancer were less strong than tobacco. There was no significant difference between countries with declining and increasing lung cancer mortality in the measures for reduction of harmful alcohol use (t = 0.92, P > 0.05) and unhealthy diet reduction measures (t = 0.84, P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Following WHO “best-buys” should facilitate to move countries towards the NCD including lung cancer mortality reduction targets. Governments and communities must embrace these targets with coordinated effective action for better health.
A Novel Mobile Application for Preoperative and Intraoperative Assessments of Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments Implantation for Keratoconus
Authors: Fernandes Dias Francisco Aecio , Fernandes Dias Vinicius Jose , Carneiro Carolina Lyra Barreira , Bernardes Bianca Gomes , Dutra Barbara de Araujo Lima , Crispim Ribeiro Joao
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

To develop a mobile app that allows photographs to be captured and edited under the overlay of images and projection of a protractor with 360 degrees axis markings, which enables the surgeon to accurately visualize the programmed and marked alignment where the intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) will be implanted, detecting possible marking errors.

Methods:

A codesign methodology was chosen to develop the Eye Axis Check application. After app development, measurements were obtained, and comparisons were made between manual marks and ICRS alignment with and without the app in 13 eyes that had undergone ICRS implantation for keratoconus. The mobile app was made available to 15 ophthalmic surgeons in different cities to assess its usability.

Results:

The users approved the developed application for ease of use and utility. No difference was found between the markings made manually and those made with the app, and the mean difference between ICRS centralization and assessment made by the app was 4.84 degrees (95% confidence interval: −5.32 to 15.01; P = 0.3193). On comparison of the agreement between app measurements and manual measurements for the ICRS centration, no significant differences were found, and excellent concordance (0.991) and a strong positive linear correlation (0.984) were observed.

Conclusions:

A mobile app for preoperative planning and intraoperative ICRS alignment was developed and revealed to be useful and easy to use, allowing the surgeon to visualize the programmed alignment where the ICRS will be implanted.