bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Modified Technique of Temporomandibular Joint Arthroscopic Operative Surgery of the Superior and Inferior Joint Spaces
Authors: Rosenbrg I. , Goss A. N.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper describes in detail the first author's technique of performing arthroscopic surgery in both the superior and inferior joint spaces of the temporomandibular joint.

Methods

The key is careful measurement of sagittal and coronal tomograms to determine the individual size and shape of the joint. The joint is then distracted to allow 3-port video arthroscopy.

Results

The detailed steps in the procedure are described and illustrated.

Conclusion

This modified technique is safe and allows procedures in both joint spaces and surgical access to the fossa, condyle and disc.
Effectiveness of the dispersion of iron nanoparticles within micropores and mesopores of activated carbon for Rhodamine B removal in wastewater by the heterogeneous Fenton process
Authors: Briton Bi Gouessé Henri , Duclaux Laurent , Richardson Yohan , Yao Kouassi Benjamin , Reinert Laurence , Soneda Yasushi
Published: October 2019

Iron-based nanoparticles were formed in the pores of a micro- and mesoporous activated carbon made from banana spike by the impregnation of iron sulfate at various ratios and further pyrolysis, in order to prepare three catalysts AC@Fe/1, AC@Fe/2, AC@Fe/3 having iron mass contents of 1.6%, 2.2% and 3.3%, respectively. The pore size distributions, transmission electron microscope observations and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses have revealed that iron-based nanoparticles of 1–50 nm diameter, containing O and P, are located mainly in the supermicropores and mesopores of the activated carbon. Catalysts have been used to remove Rhodamine B in an aqueous solution by the heterogeneous Fenton process. AC@Fe/3 catalyst has allowed achieving 93% of solution discoloration compared to 87.4% for AC@Fe/2 and 78.5% for AC@Fe/1 after 180 min in batch reaction. The catalytic efficiency of AC@Fe/3 is attributed to the highest dispersion of the iron-based nanoparticles in the activated carbon porosity. The effects of hydrogen peroxide and initial dye concentration, pH, catalyst amount and temperature on the Rhodamine B removal kinetics catalyzed by AC@Fe/3 were studied. This catalyst showed remarkable performances of the Rhodamine B mineralization and possibility of recycling.
Study of Utilization of Embedded Metal Nanoparticles in Dielectric Thin Film for Humidity Sensing
Authors: El-Khozondar Hala J. , Mohammed Waleed S.
Published: October 2019

This paper presents a theoretical study of the utilization of the shift in the reflection peak of the thin dielectric film with embedded metal nanoparticles (NPs) towards humidity and vapor applications. The presence of the NPs in the film results in a complex effective index. Hence, the reflected light at the superstrate-film interface causes a phase shift when the index of the surrounding is changed. This alters the reflected spectrum of the formed Fabry-Perot, for both the reflection peak wavelength and intensity. Here, the dynamic range of the proposed sensor is optimized through the variation of the film thickness and nanoparticle metal type, as well as the volume fraction.
Commercial and household food waste separation behaviour and the role of Local Authority: a case study
Authors: Jamal Mamun , Szefler Aleksandra , Kelly Colman , Bond Nicholas
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Source segregation of food waste is one of the major challenges that inhibit food waste recycling around the world. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the local authority to implement regulations and encourage an increase in the source separation of food waste within both commercial premises and households, and identifying any gaps that exist in public awareness.

Methods

This study was conducted by the Cork County Council in 568 commercial premises and 1362 houses in County Cork, Ireland. This study also included investigations of public and private civic amenity sites and waste collectors that collect kerb side waste located within the region. The interviewee’s responses were documented and a database has been prepared and analysed.

Results

Integrated strategy is crucial to roll out food waste bin within a community for successful implementation of source segregation of food waste. This strategy should involve a dedicated team from the local authority who continue to visit, monitor and co-ordinate the activities of local authorities, waste collectors, civic amenity sites and public to implement and enforce the food waste regulations. In addition to organising appropriate infrastructure for recycling of food waste, continuous awareness raising through education, leaflets and local and national media is also crucial.

Conclusion

The role of local authorities should include facilitating the development of appropriate facilities such as composting, anaerobic digestion within communities and to encourage communities to take ownership of these facilities and reuse the resultant material within the local area.
Design of biogas digester with thermophilic pretreatment for reducing fruits wastes
Authors: Rahmat Budy , Hodiyah Ida , Supriadi Apip , Hikmat Memet , Purnama Gilang
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This study aimed to design a biogas digester that works thermophilically and mesophilically and tested its performance to produce biogas and digestate.

Methods

This study used some experimental methods, which consists of: (1) design and construction process of the digester which can facilitate the thermophilic process as a pretreatment of the feedstock and the anaerobic digestion process of the substrate; (2) determination of the quantity of biogas, liquid digestate, and compost; and (3) testing digestate quality as a liquid organic fertilizer for Ipomoea reptans.

Results

The built biogas digester was able to accommodate thermophilic digestion that runs intensely in the pretreatment tank, where the complex organic compounds, namely cellulose and hemicellulose, decomposed intensively, so that it becomes a suitable substrate. As raw material, every 4 kg of banana waste, can produce biogas, digestate and dry compost of 10,200 cm3 (highest yield), 5900 mL, and 1420 g, respectively. The highest Ipomoea reptans growth was achieved by digestate treatment from banana waste.

Conclusions

Thermophilic pretreatment could shorten the processing time to 3 days. Digestate treatment as a liquid organic fertilizer is able to provide a better supply of nutrients for plants.
Growth performance of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) under application of food waste compost and Fe3O4 nanoparticle treatment
Authors: bin Shuhaimi Syahnaz Ad-Din Naquib , Kanakaraju Devagi , Nori Hollena
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Utilization of food waste as composting materials offers a sustainable solution to manage waste and reduce reliance on fertilizers.

Method

This study is focused on the efficiency of food waste compost and the effect of the addition of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles on the growth and heavy metals uptake by roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) for the cultivation period of 127 days. Five different treatments were applied, namely soil (S), food waste compost (F), a mixture of soil and Fe3O4 (SM), a mixture of soil and food waste compost (SF), and a mixture of soil, food waste compost, and Fe3O4 (SFM).

Results

After 127 days of cultivation, the plant height averaged at 803 mm with 26 leaves produced across all treatments. Total leaf area, fruit production, and biomass yield were different (P < 0.05) among the treatments. Roselle crops grown under soil and food waste (SF) media produced the highest yield (12.15 g/plant), the most number of fruits (11 fruits/plant), and the highest leaf area (1200 cm2/plant). The accumulation of heavy metals in plant tissues was lower than the toxicity levels. There was no difference in the heavy metal content in all growing media, except for Ni, Mn, and Pb. Roselle crops applied with Fe3O4 showed no difference (P > 0.05) from its control (without Fe3O4) in relation to growth performance.

Conclusion

The findings of this study showed that food waste can be applied in composting to promote plant growth. Therefore, it can be considered as a substitute for chemical fertilizers. Meanwhile, the application of Fe3O4 appeared to be experimental-condition dependent.
Asymmetrical atrophy of thalamic subnuclei in Alzheimer's disease and amyloid‐positive mild cognitive impairment is associated with key clinical features
Authors: Low Audrey , Mak Elijah , Malpetti Maura , Chouliaras Leonidas , Nicastro Nicolas , Su Li , Holland Negin , Rittman Timothy , Rodríguez Patricia Vázquez , Passamonti Luca , Bevan‐Jones W Richard , Jones PP Simon , Rowe James B. , O'Brien John T.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Although widespread cortical asymmetries have been identified in Alzheimer's disease (AD), thalamic asymmetries and their relevance to clinical severity in AD remain unclear.

Methods

Lateralization indices were computed for individual thalamic subnuclei of 65 participants (33 healthy controls, 14 amyloid‐positive patients with mild cognitive impairment, and 18 patients with AD dementia). We compared lateralization indices across diagnostic groups and correlated them with clinical measures.

Results

Although overall asymmetry of the thalamus did not differ between groups, greater leftward lateralization of atrophy in the ventral nuclei was demonstrated in AD, compared with controls and amyloid‐positive mild cognitive impairment. Increased posterior ventrolateral and ventromedial nuclei asymmetry were associated with worse cognitive dysfunction, informant‐reported neuropsychiatric symptoms, and functional ability.

Discussion

Leftward ventral thalamic atrophy was associated with disease severity in AD. Our findings suggest the clinically relevant involvement of thalamic nuclei in the pathophysiology of AD.
Management of Antipsychotic-Related Sexual Dysfunction: Systematic Review
Authors: Allen Kirsty , Baban Alan , Munjiza Jasna , Pappa Sofia
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Sexual dysfunction is one of the most frequently occurring side-effects of antipsychotic medication, impacting both quality of life and adherence to treatment. Despite this, limited evidence-based guidance on treatment options is available.

Aim

To synthesize and analyze the evidence on management of antipsychotic-related sexual dysfunction, specifically taking note of the more recently developed antipsychotics that have been incorporated in studies over the past decade.

Methods

EMBASE, Medline, and PsychINFO databases were searched using search terms related to sexual or erectile dysfunction, treatments, and antipsychotics. 2 reviewers independently assessed papers for the inclusion criteria for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of treatments for antipsychotic-related sexual dysfunction, including adjunctive medications and a switch of antipsychotic. Studies were excluded if participants did not have recorded sexual dysfunction at baseline.

Main Outcome Measure

The primary outcome measure was any change in sexual function.

Results

6 RCTs were identified, all of which investigated different interventions; hence, it was not possible to synthesize the data quantitatively. Results were overall limited by small sample size, brief treatment duration, and the potential for bias. 2 studies, one assessing adjunctive sildenafil and the other adjunctive aripiprazole, reported a reduction in antipsychotic-related sexual dysfunction.

Clinical Implications

Due to the lack of high-quality data, no clinical recommendations can be made.

Strengths & Limitations

A comprehensive search strategy was used with an extensive number of relevant search terms including “erectile dysfunction” and newer antipsychotics such as aripiprazole. In light of evidence that prolactin is not a reliable marker for sexual dysfunction, this review focused its inclusion criteria on participants presenting with sexual dysfunction rather than with hyperprolactinemia, which should give its recommendations more validity. However, only 6 RCTs were identified, and results were overall limited by small sample size, brief treatment duration, and the potential for bias.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the paucity of high-quality research in this area, and conjecture that it may be difficult to recruit participants with antipsychotic-related sexual dysfunction. Future research may be necessary to unlock and address these difficulties. Furthermore, fully powered future studies should focus on the management of sexual dysfunction rather than the surrogate marker of hyperprolactinemia.
Hunter-Gatherer Mobility and Versatility: A Consideration of Long-Term Lithic Supply in the Midwest
Authors: Seeman Mark F. , Colucci Amanda N. , Fulk Charles
Published: October 2019

Hunter-gatherer societies held sway in midwestern North America for at least 11,000 years. Those at the end of this period were more complex and less mobile, and they supported larger populations than those at the beginning, but there are relatively few general conceptions as to when and how this took place. Here we examine the fit of gradual, one-way social change as it relates to the size and shape of lithic supply zones for Upper Mercer and Flint Ridge flint as well as the inflow of exotic materials. Our results show no singular cline either in the size of successive lithic supply zones or in the inflow of exotic materials. Hunter-gatherer societies can make remarkable behavioral changes through time and not necessarily in any consistent (unilineal) direction. Such differences impose more contingency—and less directionality—into particular historical sequences.
A Risk Management Tool or an Investment Strategy? Understanding the Unstable Farm Insurance Demand via a Gain-Loss Framework
Authors: Cao Ying (Jessica) , Weersink Alfons , Ferner Emma
Published: October 2019

Risk management tools are at the core of farm policy in many developed countries, and their effectiveness relies on the appropriate mechanism design. This study developed a gain-loss framework based on prospect theory to examine the reasons for the declining use of the main risk management tool offered to farmers despite growing volatility in returns. Using the administrative Ontario Farm Income Database (OFID) 2003 to 2013 and taking the beef sector as the example, this study found that the gain-loss framework predicts and explains the dynamic program participation pattern better than the conventional expected utility framework. Farms were found to be more likely to stay enrolled in the program when they experienced either larger gains or losses in revenue compared to previous years, suggesting that they were using the insurance programs both as an investment strategy (to seek government subsidies) and as a risk management tool (to protect against business risks), though the effects of revenue losses and hence risk management needs were stronger than gains. In addition, the program payment history and farm characteristics also shape the dynamic participation patterns. The findings increased the understanding of the drivers of withdrawal behavior associated with government-sponsored business risk management programs.
The competency-based medical education evolution of Canadian emergency medicine specialist training
Authors: Sherbino Jonathan , Bandiera Glen , Doyle Ken , Frank Jason R. , Holroyd Brian R. , Jones Gord , Norum Joanne , Snider Carolyn , Magee Kirk
Published: October 2019

Canadian specialist emergency medicine (EM) residency training is undergoing the most significant transformation in its history. This article describes the rationale, process, and redesign of EM competency-based medical education. The rationale for this evolution in residency education includes 1) improved public trust by increasing transparency of the quality and rigour of residency education, 2) improved fiscal accountability to government and institutions regarding specialist EM training, 3) improved assessment systems to replace poor functioning end-of-rotation assessment reports and overemphasis on high-stakes, end-of-training examinations, and 4) and tailored learning for residents to address individualized needs. A working group with geographic and stakeholder representation convened over a 2-year period. A consensus process for decision-making was used. Four key design features of the new residency education design include 1) specialty EM-specific outcomes to be achieved in residency; 2) designation of four progressive stages of training, linked to required learning experiences and entrustable professional activities to be achieved at each stage; 3) tailored learning that provides residency programs and learner flexibility to adapt to local resources and learner needs; and 4) programmatic assessment that emphasizes systematic, longitudinal assessments from multiple sources, and sampling sentinel abilities. Required future study includes a program evaluation of this complex education intervention to ensure that intended outcomes are achieved and unintended outcomes are identified.
Hegel and Aristotle on Ethical Life: Duty-Bound Happiness and Determined Freedom
Authors: Stein Sebastian
Published: October 2019

Hegel's account of ethical life can be shown to contradict Aristotle's in two main ways: first, Hegel follows Kant in emancipating virtue/duty from the particularity associated with the content of motivational drives and with Aristotle's eudaimonia. Hegel thus rejects Aristotelian happiness as the final end of rational action and prioritizes duty. However, against Kant, Hegel unites (1) abstract duty and (2) determined drives within a speculative notion of ethical duty: rational agents find happiness in heeding duty's call. Second, Hegel follows Kant in emancipating agency's subjective dimension from the all-encompassing determinacy of Aristotelian substance metaphysics. At the same time and against Kant, Hegel unifies agency's undetermined, subjective dimension with the determinacy of objective norms and habitual praxis: ethical praxis must be animated by undetermined subjectivity whilst being determined. In both cases, Hegel goes beyond Aristotle by resting his argument on the speculative structure of ‘the concept of the will’.
Laminar–turbulent coexistence in annular Couette flow
Authors: Kunii Kohei , Ishida Takahiro , Duguet Yohann , Tsukahara Takahiro
Published: October 2019

Annular Couette flow is the flow between two coaxial cylinders driven by the axial translation of the inner cylinder. It is investigated using direct numerical simulation in long domains, with an emphasis on the laminar–turbulent coexistence regime found for marginally low values of the Reynolds number. Three distinct flow regimes are demonstrated as the radius ratio $\unicode[STIX]{x1D702}$ is decreased from 0.8 to 0.5 and finally to 0.1. The high-$\unicode[STIX]{x1D702}$ regime features helically shaped turbulent patches coexisting with laminar flow, as in planar shear flows. The moderate-$\unicode[STIX]{x1D702}$ regime does not feature any marked laminar–turbulent coexistence. In an effort to discard confinement effects, proper patterning is, however, recovered by artificially extending the azimuthal span beyond $2\unicode[STIX]{x03C0}$. Eventually, the low-$\unicode[STIX]{x1D702}$ regime features localised turbulent structures different from the puffs commonly encountered in transitional pipe flow. In this new coexistence regime, turbulent fluctuations are surprisingly short-ranged. Implications are discussed in terms of phase transition and critical scaling.
A Dyadic Perspective on Sexual Subjectivity and Romantic Relationship Functioning
Authors: Kohlberger Brittany , Simon Valerie A. , Rivera Zenaida
Published: October 2019

Sexual subjectivity is a central feature of healthy sexuality that is believed to shape and be shaped by relationship experiences. However, no studies have examined sexual subjectivity within a dyadic context. The current study examined partner similarity in sexual subjectivity within 75 heterosexual couples and associations with sexual relationship functioning using actor-partner interdependence models. Within couples, partners’ scores were significantly correlated on three of five elements of sexual subjectivity and showed similar mean levels on four of the five elements. Men's and women's sexual self-efficacy were positively associated with their own sexual communication. Other associations varied by gender. Men's sexual body esteem and entitlement to self-pleasure predicted their reports of sexual relationship functioning, and women's entitlement to pleasure from partners and sexual reflection predicted their reports of relationship functioning. Few partner effects were observed. Findings suggest that partners’ sexual subjectivity is relevant for dyadic functioning in emerging adulthood. Longitudinal research is needed to examine how experiences within and across relationships contribute to the development of sexual self-concepts and sexual functioning.
Geographical value spaces and gender norms in post-Maidan Ukraine: the failed ratification of the Istanbul Convention
Authors: Ketelaars Elise
Published: October 2019

With RRW populist actors’ discovery of gender norms as a useful foreign policy tool, narratives constructed in terms of geographical value spaces have become central to the struggle for women's rights. Through a detailed examination of international and domestic actors’ engagement with the failed ratification process of the Istanbul Convention in Ukraine, this article aims to enhance understanding of the appropriateness of the use of these geographical value spaces when describing the struggle to combat GBV in Ukraine, and how connecting gender justice issues to geographically restricted value spaces impacts this fight. It finds that in practice neither the EU – despite Russia's allegations to the contrary – nor domestic political elites in favour of closer cooperation with Europe have provided meaningful support to the ratification of the Istanbul Convention. Faced with this situation, some Ukrainian feminists have increasingly sought to present the struggle to combat gender-based violence in a locally acceptable vernacular. This article, however, concludes that framing the struggle for women's rights in any type of geographical terms – be they of an international or domestic nature – increases the risk of either instrumentalisation of or selective engagement with the feminist agenda.
A story of two schwas: a production study from Tashlhiyt
Authors: Ridouane Rachid , Cooper-Leavitt Jamison
Published: October 2019

What is the status of schwa in Tashlhiyt? How does it pattern at the segmental and suprasegmental levels? This paper studies these questions by examining the frequencies with which schwa is inserted in different segmental contexts, and by exploring the nature of the interaction between schwa insertion and prosodic prominence. The results show the coexistence of two types of schwa in the language: a transitional schwa and a prosodically triggered schwa. The former is ignored by the phonological system of the language; its occurrence depends solely on the phonetic characteristics of the adjacent consonants. The latter surfaces whenever a prosodically prominent feature does not attach to a vowel or sonorant already present within the word. Both schwas are argued to be manifestations of a more general principle governing the coordination pattern of consonant sequences in Tashlhiyt.
Optimization of sperm freezability in Bactrian camel using various dilution rates and equilibration times
Authors: Vahedi Vahid , Mostafaei Mohsen , Vaseghi Dodaran Hossein , Hedayat Evrigh Nemat
Published: October 2019

The effect of different dilution rates and equilibration times on the cryopreservation of Bactrian camel spermatozoa was evaluated in the current study. Semen samples from four healthy adult males were collected, processed and pooled. They were then subjected to a completely randomized 4×2 factorial design including four dilution rates (DR; 1:1, 1:2, 1:4 or 1:8; v:v with SHOTOR diluent) and two equilibration times (ET; 1 or 2 h at 5ºC). After freezing and thawing, sperm kinematic parameters as well as viability, plasma membrane integrity, abnormality and seminal malondialdehyde level were assessed. According to the results, four-fold diluted samples recorded significantly higher values (P < 0.05) for sperm total (39.58 vs 31.83 and 33.33,%) and progressive motility (19.50 vs 14.00 and 14.25,%), viability (55.37 vs 43.50 and 48.75,%) and plasma membrane integrity (46.75 vs 37.25 and 37.37,%) than those of both less (1:1) and high (1:8) concentrated samples, respectively. By contrast, the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa and the concentration of seminal malondialdehyde were comparable among all treated groups. Moreover, ET revealed that 1 h equilibration had significantly higher sperm motility (37.04 vs 33.33%), linearity (42.29 vs 32.26%), beat cross-frequency (13.15 vs 8.70 Hz), plasma membrane integrity (42.25 vs 39.75%) and viability (51.37 vs 48.12%) compared with 2 h of ET (P < 0.05). Taken together, a four-fold dilution along with 1 h equilibration can be an optimal procedure to cryopreserve Bactrian camel sperm.
Trends and presentation patterns of acute rheumatic fever hospitalisations in the United States
Authors: Bradley-Hewitt Tyler , Longenecker Chris T. , Nkomo Vuyisile , Osborne Whitney , Sable Craig , Scheel Amy , Zühlke Liesl , Watkins David , Beaton Andrea
Published: October 2019

Objective:

Rheumatic fever, an immune sequela of untreated streptococcal infections, is an important contributor to global cardiovascular disease. The goal of this study was to describe trends, characteristics, and cost burden of children discharged from hospitals with a diagnosis of RF from 2000 to 2012 within the United States.

Methods:

Using the Kids’ Inpatient Database, we examined characteristics of children discharged from hospitals with the diagnosis of rheumatic fever over time including: overall hospitalisation rates, age, gender, race/ethnicity, regional differences, payer type, length of stay, and charges.

Results:

The estimated national cumulative incidence of rheumatic fever in the United States between 2000 and 2012 was 0.61 cases per 100,000 children. The median age was 10 years, with hospitalisations significantly more common among children aged 6–11 years. Rheumatic fever hospitalisations among Asian/Pacific Islanders were significantly over-represented. The proportion of rheumatic fever hospitalisations was greater in the Northeast and less in the South, although the highest number of rheumatic fever admissions occurred in the South. Expected payer type was more likely to be private insurance, and the median total hospital charges (adjusted for inflation to 2012 dollars) were $16,000 (interquartile range: $8900–31,200). Median length of stay was 3 days, and the case fatality ratio for RF in the United States was 0.4%.

Conclusions:

Rheumatic fever persists in the United States with an overall downwards trend between 2003 and 2012. Rheumatic fever admissions varied considerably based on age group, region, and origin.
I think, therefore I forget – using experimental simulation of dementia to understand functional cognitive disorders
Authors: McWhirter Laura , Sargent Brendan , Ritchie Craig , Stone Jon , Carson Alan
Published: October 2019

Background.

Symptoms of functional neurological disorder have traditionally been thought to depend, in part, on patients’ ideas about symptoms rather than on the rules of pathophysiology. The possibility that functional cognitive symptoms might similarly reflect ideas of dementia has not been explored. We aimed to assess beliefs, through performance, about symptoms of dementia in healthy non-medical adults with the intention of identifying potential markers of functional cognitive disorders.

Methods.

Healthy volunteers were asked to simulate symptoms of mild dementia during testing with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), coin-in-hand forced-choice test, short digit span trials, Luria 3-step test and interlocking finger test. Family history of dementia was recorded.

Results.

In 50 participants aged 18–27, simulating dementia, mean MoCA score was 16 (SD 5.5, range 5–26). Delayed recall was the most frequently failed item (100%) and cube drawing least frequently failed (42%). Twenty-six percent failed forward three-digit span and 36% failed reverse two-digit span. On the coin-in-hand test, 32% scored at or below chance level. Inconsistent response patterns were common.

Conclusions.

Cognitively healthy young adults simulating mild dementia perform similarly to older adults with mild dementia, demonstrating beliefs that dementia is associated with significant global impairment, including attention, motor function, and letter vigilance, but preservation of cube drawing. Inconsistent response patterns were common. Contrary to expectation, family history of dementia did not influence performance. Two and three digit span showed particular promise as a bedside test for simulation. Further investigation will establish whether similar patterns of results are produced in individuals with functional cognitive symptoms.
Climate impact from diet in relation to background and sociodemographic characteristics in the Västerbotten Intervention Programme
Authors: Strid Anna , Hallström Elinor , Hjorth Therese , Johansson Ingegerd , Lindahl Bernt , Sonesson Ulf , Winkvist Anna , Huseinovic Ena
Published: October 2019

Objective:

The objective of this study was to examine climate impact from diet across background and sociodemographic characteristics in a population-based cohort in northern Sweden.

Design:

A cross-sectional study within the Västerbotten Intervention Programme. Dietary data from a 64-item food frequency questionnaire collected during 1996–2016 were used. Energy-adjusted greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) for all participants, expressed as kg carbon dioxide equivalents/day and 4184 kJ (1000 kcal), were estimated using data from life cycle analyses. Differences in background and sociodemographic characteristics were examined between participants with low and high GHGE from diet, respectively. The variables evaluated were age, BMI, physical activity, marital status, level of education, smoking, and residence.

Setting:

Västerbotten county in northern Sweden.

Participants:

In total, 46 893 women and 45 766 men aged 29–65 years.

Results:

Differences in GHGE from diet were found across the majority of examined variables. The strongest associations were found between GHGE from diet and age, BMI, education, and residence (all P < 0·001), with the highest GHGE from diet found among women and men who were younger, had a higher BMI, higher educational level, and lived in urban areas.

Conclusions:

This study is one of the first to examine climate impact from diet across background and sociodemographic characteristics. The results show that climate impact from diet is associated with age, BMI, residence and educational level amongst men and women in Västerbotten, Sweden. These results define potential target populations where public health interventions addressing a move towards more climate-friendly food choices and reduced climate impact from diet could be most effective.
Adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is associated with lower presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in middle-aged and elderly adults
Authors: Xiao Mian-Li , Lin Jie-Sheng , Li Yi-Hong , Liu Meng , Deng Yun-Yang , Wang Chang-Yi , Chen Yu-Ming
Published: October 2019

Objective:

Previous studies have shown that the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet might contribute to managing risk factors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but evidence is limited. We examined the association of DASH diet score (DASH-DS) with NAFLD, as well as the intermediary effects of serum retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4), serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), serum TAG, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and BMI.

Design:

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of a population-based cohort study. Dietary data and lifestyle factors were assessed by face-to-face interviews and the DASH-DS was then calculated. We assessed serum RBP4, hs-CRP and TAG and calculated HOMA-IR. The presence and degree of NAFLD were determined by abdominal sonography.

Setting:

Guangzhou, China.

Participants:

Guangzhou Nutrition and Health Study participants, aged 40–75 years at baseline (n3051).

Results:

After adjusting for potential covariates, we found an inverse association between DASH-DS and the presence of NAFLD (Ptrend= 0·009). The OR (95 % CI) of NAFLD for quintiles 2–5 were 0·78 (0·62, 0·98), 0·74 (0·59, 0·94), 0·69 (0·55, 0·86) and 0·77 (0·61, 0·97), respectively. Path analyses indicated that a higher DASH-DS was associated with lower serum RBP4, hs-CRP, TAG, HOMA-IR and BMI, which were positively associated with the degree of NAFLD.

Conclusions:

Adherence to the DASH diet was independently associated with a marked lower prevalence of NAFLD in Chinese adults, especially in women and those without abdominal obesity, and might be mediated by reducing RBP4, hs-CRP, TAG, HOMA-IR and BMI.
Dietary patterns and metabolic phenotypes in Brazilian adults: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Pereira Dayana LM , Juvanhol Leidjaira L , Silva Danielle CG , Longo Giana Z
Published: October 2019

Objective:

Dietary patterns have been pointed out as useful diet quality indicators, but evidence about their relationship to metabolic phenotypes is still scarce. Thus, the present study aimed to verify the relationship between dietary patterns and metabolic phenotypes in Brazilian adults.

Design:

Cross-sectional study. A food consumption frequency questionnaire assessed food consumption profiles. Metabolic phenotypes were defined based on the criteria of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: overweight or normal weight and metabolically healthy (MHOW and MHNW) or unhealthy (MUOW and MUNW). Dietary patterns were established through exploratory factor analysis and principal component analysis. The associations were tested using multinomial logistic regression.

Setting:

Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Participants:

Individuals (n 896) aged 20–59 years of both sexes, selected using probabilistic sampling.

Results:

Three dietary patterns were identified: Unhealthy pattern (alcoholic beverages, oils and fats, condiments, soda and juice, sugars and sweets, snacks, and meat and derivatives), Traditional pattern (culinary preparations, beans, milk and dairy products, and coffee and tea) and Healthy pattern (vegetables and fruits, whole grains, chicken and fish, and skimmed milk). Unhealthy pattern was positively associated with the MHOW and MUOW phenotypes in the fourth quartile (OR = 1·84; 95 % CI 1·06, 3·22) and in the third (OR = 1·94; 95 % CI 1·11, 3·39) and fourth (OR = 2·56; 95 % CI 1·41, 4·64) quartiles of consumption, respectively. Healthy pattern was also associated with these phenotypes.

Conclusions:

Both the pattern comprising energy-dense foods and the healthier pattern were associated with overweight phenotypes among Brazilian adults.
What makes one respond to acupuncture for insomnia? Perspectives of cancer survivors
Authors: Romero Sally A.D. , Jiang Eileen , Bussell Jason , Eriksen Whitney , Duhamel Katherine N. , Barg Frances K. , Mao Jun J.
Published: October 2019

Objective

Like any therapy, acupuncture is effective for some patients, while not helpful for others. Understanding from a patients' perspective what makes one respond or not to acupuncture can help guide further intervention development. This study aimed to identify factors that influence the perception of acupuncture's therapeutic effect among cancer survivors with insomnia.

Method

We conducted post-treatment semi-structured interviews with cancer survivors who were randomized to the acupuncture group in a clinical trial for the treatment of insomnia. Survivors were categorized into Responders and Non-Responders to acupuncture treatment based on the change in the Insomnia Severity Index with a reduction of eight points or greater as the cut-off for the response. An integrated approach to data analysis was utilized by merging an a priori set of codes derived from the key ideas and a set of codes that emerged from the data through a grounded theory approach. Codes were examined for themes and patterns.

Results

Among 28 cancer survivors interviewed, 18 (64%) were classified as Responders. Participants perceived the ability to respond to acupuncture as dependent on treatment that effectively: (1) alleviated co-morbidities contributing to insomnia, (2) supported sleep hygiene practices, and (3) provided a durable therapeutic effect. Acupuncture treatment that did not address one of these themes often detracted from positive treatment outcomes and diminished perceived benefit from acupuncture.

Significance of results

We identified patient-perceived contributors to response to acupuncture, such as co-morbid medical conditions, adequate support for sleep hygiene practices, and temporary therapeutic relief. Addressing these factors may improve the overall effectiveness of acupuncture for insomnia.
CME: Polycythaemia vera
Authors: Wellauer Atencio Mirjam , Goede Jeroen S.
Published: October 2019

Zusammenfassung. Die Polycythaemia vera gehört zu den chronisch myeloproliferativen Neoplasien, die mit einer gesteigerten Proliferation aller drei Zellreihen (Erythro-, Granulo- und Megakaryopoiese) einhergeht. Bei fast allen Patienten liegt ursächlich dafür eine aktivierende Mutation im JAK2-Tyrosinkinase-Gen vor. Im Rahmen der Erythrozytose kann es zu Symptomen kommen, die durch die erhöhte Blutviskosität bestimmt sind. Weitere Symptome sind ein aquagener Pruritus und die Erythromelalgie. Die häufigsten Komplikationen sind thromboembolische Ereignisse. Risikofaktoren dafür sind ein höheres Lebensalter (>60 Jahre) und eine bereits stattgehabte Thrombose. Als primäre Therapie wird neben Aderlässen niedrigdosierte Acetylsalicylsäure 100 mg täglich verwendet. Ziel der Therapie ist es, thromboembolische Ereignisse zu verhindern. Im Verlauf benötigen die meisten Patienten dafür eine zytoreduktive Therapie.
Global Response Patterns of Major Rainfed Crops to Adaptation by Maintaining Current Growing Periods and Irrigation
Authors: Minoli Sara , Müller Christoph , Elliott Joshua , Ruane Alex C. , Jägermeyr Jonas , Zabel Florian , Dury Marie , Folberth Christian , François Louis , Hank Tobias , Jacquemin Ingrid , Liu Wenfeng , Olin Stefan , Pugh Thomas A. M.
Published: October 2019

Increasing temperature trends are expected to impact yields of major field crops by affecting various plant processes, such as phenology, growth, and evapotranspiration. However, future projections typically do not consider the effects of agronomic adaptation in farming practices. We use an ensemble of seven Global Gridded Crop Models to quantify the impacts and adaptation potential of field crops under increasing temperature up to 6 K, accounting for model uncertainty. We find that without adaptation, the dominant effect of temperature increase is to shorten the growing period and to reduce grain yields and production. We then test the potential of two agronomic measures to combat warming‐induced yield reduction: (i) use of cultivars with adjusted phenology to regain the reference growing period duration and (ii) conversion of rainfed systems to irrigated ones in order to alleviate the negative temperature effects that are mediated by crop evapotranspiration. We find that cultivar adaptation can fully compensate global production losses up to 2 K of temperature increase, with larger potentials in continental and temperate regions. Irrigation could also compensate production losses, but its potential is highest in arid regions, where irrigation expansion would be constrained by water scarcity. Moreover, we discuss that irrigation is not a true adaptation measure but rather an intensification strategy, as it equally increases production under any temperature level. In the tropics, even when introducing both adapted cultivars and irrigation, crop production declines already at moderate warming, making adaptation particularly challenging in these areas.
Thunderstorm Efficiency Regimes in South America as Observed by STARNET and TRMM
Authors: Morales Rodriguez C.A.
Published: October 2019

Six years of cloud to ground lighting strokes from Sferics Timing And Ranging NETwork (STARNET) and rain estimates from Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM 3B42) gridded in a box of 1° × 1° of longitude by latitude have been combined to investigate how thunderstorm efficiency (rain yield − daily rain accumulations/daily number of strokes) varies spatially and seasonally over South America. Based on daily rain yields, 98% of the thunderstorms can be represented by four regimes: continental‐arid (106.5–107.5 kg per stroke), continental (107.5–108.5 kg per stroke), continental‐maritime (green‐ocean; 108.5–109.5 kg per stroke), and maritime (109.5–1010.5 kg per stroke). The continental‐arid regimes are found over the Andes Mountains while the continental regimes extend from southern to central northern South America. The continental‐maritime regime runs from the Amazon basin to northern South America, and the maritime regime is found over the ocean and along the coastline. Mean radar reflectivity profiles from coincident measurements of 2A25 TRMM‐Precipitation Radar obtained for each rain yield regimes show that (a) the continental regimes have a higher concentration of ice and supercooled water droplets above the 0 °C isotherm height; (b) maritime regimes have larger rain volumes in the warmer phase; (c) the continental‐arid regime shows the highest concentration of ice and supercooled water droplets at temperatures below −20 °C; (d) the continental‐maritime and maritime regimes are similar, but the continental‐maritime regime has slightly higher reflectivities (1–2 dBZ) and has greater 30‐dBZ height; and (e) the partition of ice and supercooled water droplets between 0 and −40 °C influences the lightning frequency.
ERK-dependent phosphorylation of the linker and substrate-binding domain of HSP70 increases folding activity and cell proliferation
Authors: Lim Semi , Kim Dae Gyu , Kim Sunghoon
Published: October 2019

The enhanced productive folding of translated polypeptides by heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is often required for the survival of cancer cells. Although the folding activity of HSP70 is considered a significant determinant of the progression of cancer cells, it is still unknown how this activity could be regulated. Here, we report that the phosphorylation of HSP70 facilitates its folding activity, enhancing cell proliferation. Mass spectrometry identified the serine residues at positions 385 and 400 in the linker and substrate-binding domains of HSP70, respectively, as sites of phosphorylation mediated by EGF signaling, and this result was further confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis. ERK is known to be a specific kinase. The phosphorylation of the two sites induces the extended conformation of HSP70 via the regulation of the binding of the linker to the nucleotide- and substrate-binding domains, augmenting the binding affinity of HSP70 to substrates and enhancing its folding activity; this ultimately results in pro-proliferative effects. Cell lines harboring activated ERK showed increased phosphorylation of HSP70, and a positive correlation between the phosphorylation of HSP70 and the activity of ERK was observed. Thus, this study demonstrated that the ERK-dependent phosphorylation of HSP70 facilitated its folding activity and cellular proliferative function.
Advancing antimicrobial strategies for managing oral biofilm infections
Authors: Jiao Yang , Tay Franklin R. , Niu Li-na , Chen Ji-hua
Published: October 2019

Effective control of oral biofilm infectious diseases represents a major global challenge. Microorganisms in biofilms exhibit increased drug tolerance compared with planktonic cells. The present review covers innovative antimicrobial strategies for controlling oral biofilm-related infections published predominantly over the past 5 years. Antimicrobial dental materials based on antimicrobial agent release, contact-killing and multi-functional strategies have been designed and synthesized for the prevention of initial bacterial attachment and subsequent biofilm formation on the tooth and material surface. Among the therapeutic approaches for managing biofilms in clinical practice, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy has emerged as an alternative to antimicrobial regimes and mechanical removal of biofilms, and cold atmospheric plasma shows significant advantages over conventional antimicrobial approaches. Nevertheless, more preclinical studies and appropriately designed and well-structured multi-center clinical trials are critically needed to obtain reliable comparative data. The acquired information will be helpful in identifying the most effective antibacterial solutions and the most optimal circumstances to utilize these strategies.
Functional characterization of BRCC3 mutations in acute myeloid leukemia with t(8;21)(q22;q22.1)
Authors: Meyer Tatjana , Jahn Nikolaus , Lindner Stefanie , Röhner Linda , Dolnik Anna , Weber Daniela , Scheffold Annika , Köpff Simon , Paschka Peter , Gaidzik Verena I. , Heckl Dirk , Wiese Sebastian , Ebert Benjamin L. , Döhner Hartmut , Bullinger Lars , Döhner Konstanze , Krönke Jan
Published: October 2019

BRCA1/BRCA2-containing complex 3 (BRCC3) is a Lysine 63-specific deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) involved in inflammasome activity, interferon signaling, and DNA damage repair. Recurrent mutations in BRCC3 have been reported in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) but not in de novo AML. In one of our recent studies, we found BRCC3 mutations selectively in 9/191 (4.7%) cases with t(8;21)(q22;q22.1) AML but not in 160 cases of inv(16)(p13.1q22) AML. Clinically, AML patients with BRCC3 mutations had an excellent outcome with an event-free survival of 100%. Inactivation of BRCC3 by CRISPR/Cas9 resulted in improved proliferation in t(8;21)(q22;q22.1) positive AML cell lines and together with expression of AML1-ETO induced unlimited self-renewal in mouse hematopoietic progenitor cells in vitro. Mutations in BRCC3 abrogated its deubiquitinating activity on IFNAR1 resulting in an impaired interferon response and led to diminished inflammasome activity. In addition, BRCC3 inactivation increased release of several cytokines including G-CSF which enhanced proliferation of AML cell lines with t(8;21)(q22;q22.1). Cell lines and primary mouse cells with inactivation of BRCC3 had a higher sensitivity to doxorubicin due to an impaired DNA damage response providing a possible explanation for the favorable outcome of BRCC3 mutated AML patients.