bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of fitness for recreational scuba diving in candidates with asthma: a pilot study
Authors: Ustrup Amalie , Pedersen Signe Knag , Suppli Ulrik Charlotte
Published: January 2020

Background

Asthma may be regarded as a contraindication to scuba diving.

Purpose

A clinical algorithm to assess fitness to dive among individuals with asthma was developed and tested prospectively in clinical practice.

Study design

Cohort study.

Methods

All patients with possible asthma referred to Hvidovre Hospital, Denmark, for assessment of fitness to dive over a 5-year period (2013–2017) were included. Fitness to dive was assessed by case history, spirometry and mannitol challenge test. All patients with ≥10% decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (at any point during the challenge test) were offered step-up asthma therapy and rechallenge after at least 3 months. Patients with <10% decline in FEV1after administration of a maximum dose of mannitol at the latest challenge were classified as having no medical contraindications to scuba diving.

Results

The study cohort comprised 41 patients (24 men; mean age 33 years), of whom 71% and 63% of men and women, respectively, were treated with rescue bronchodilator and inhaled corticosteroid. After the first mannitol challenge test, 21 patients were classified as having no medical contraindications to scuba diving, of whom 16 were currently prescribed asthma medication. After step-up asthma therapy and rechallenge test, an additional seven patients were classified as having no medical contraindications to scuba diving. Overall, using this clinical algorithm, 28 (68%) of the referred patients were finally assessed as having no medical contraindications to scuba diving.

Conclusion

Using a clinical algorithm with mannitol challenge to assess fitness to dive among patients with possible asthma and allowing a rechallenge test after step-up asthma therapy increased the proportion of individuals classified as having no medical contraindications to scuba diving. However, as this algorithm has so far not been evaluated against actual scuba diving safety, further studies are clearly needed before it can be implemented with confidence for use in clinical practice.

Clinical relevance

An algorithm to assess fitness for scuba diving among individuals with possible asthma using bronchial challenge test, with the option of step-up asthma therapy and rechallenge for reassessment, has been developed for clinical use.
Scheduled afternoon–evening sleep leads to better night shift performance in older adults
Authors: Isherwood Cheryl Martine , Chinoy Evan D , Murphy Audra S , Kim Jee Hyun , Wang Wei , Duffy Jeanne F
Published: January 2020

Objectives

This study investigated whether an intervention designed to reduce homeostatic sleep pressure would improve night shift performance and alertness in older adults.

Methods

Non-shift workers aged 57.9±4.6 (mean±SD) worked four day (07:00–15:00) and four night shifts (23:00–07:00). Two intervention groups were instructed to remain awake until ~13:00 after each night shift: the sleep timing group (ST; n=9) was instructed to spend 8 hours in bed attempting sleep, and the sleep ad-lib group (n=9) was given no further sleep instructions. A control group (n=9) from our previous study was not given any sleep instructions. Hourly Karolinska Sleepiness Scales and Psychomotor Vigilance Tasks assessed subjective sleepiness and performance.

Results

The ST group maintained their day shift sleep durations on night shifts, whereas the control group slept less. The ST group were able to maintain stable performance and alertness across the initial part of the night shift, while the control group’s alertness and performance declined across the entire night. Wake duration before a night shift negatively impacted sustained attention and self-reported sleepiness but not reaction time, whereas sleep duration before a night shift affected reaction time and ability to sustain attention but not self-reported sleepiness.

Conclusions

A behavioural change under the control of the individual worker, spending 8 hours in bed and waking close to the start of the night shift, allowed participants to acquire more sleep and improved performance on the night shift in older adults. Both sleep duration and timing are important factors for night shift performance and self-reported sleepiness.
Maternal occupational exposure to solvents and gastroschisis in offspring - National Birth Defects Prevention Study 1997–2011
Authors: Spinder Nynke , Almli Lynn M , Desrosiers Tania A , Arnold Kathryn E , Bergman Jorieke E H , Kromhout Hans , Boezen H Marike , de Walle Hermien E K , Rocheleau Carissa , Reefhuis Jennita
Published: January 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the association between maternal occupational exposure to solvents and gastroschisis in offspring.

Methods

We used data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, a large population-based case-control study of major birth defects conducted in 10 US states from 1997 to 2011. Infants with gastroschisis were ascertained by active birth defects surveillance systems. Control infants without major birth defects were selected from vital records or birth hospital records. Self-reported maternal occupational histories were collected by telephone interview. Industrial hygienists reviewed this information to estimate exposure to aromatic, chlorinated and petroleum-based solvents from 1 month before conception through the first trimester of pregnancy. Cumulative exposure to solvents was estimated for the same period accounting for estimated exposure intensity and frequency, job duration and hours worked per week. ORs and 95% CIs were estimated to assess the association between exposure to any solvents or solvent classes, and gastroschisis risk.

Results

Among 879 cases and 7817 controls, the overall prevalence of periconceptional solvent exposure was 7.3% and 7.4%, respectively. Exposure to any solvent versus no exposure to solvents was not associated with gastroschisis after adjusting for maternal age (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.32), nor was an association noted for solvent classes. There was no exposure-response relationship between estimated cumulative solvent exposure and gastroschisis after adjusting for maternal age.

Conclusion

Our study found no association between maternal occupational solvent exposure and gastroschisis in offspring. Further research is needed to understand risk factors for gastroschisis.
An RNA-Seq transcriptome analysis revealing novel insights into fluorine absorption and transportation in the tea plant
Authors: Huang Xin , Wang Pu , Liu Siyi , Du Yaru , Ni Dejiang , Song Xiaowei , Chen Yuqiong
Published: January 2020

The tea plant [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] is a species with a high concentration of fluorine in its leaves, especially in the mature leaves. The physiological mechanisms for fluorine absorption and accumulation have been well studied, but the related molecular mechanisms are poorly understood in the tea plant. In this study, transcriptome analysis by RNA-Seq following exposure to 16 mg/L of fluorine for 0, 3, 6, and 24 h was performed to identify the candidate genes involved in the transmembrane transportation of fluorine. More than 1.23 billion high-quality reads were generated, and 259.84 million unigenes were assembled de novo, with 518 216 of them being annotated in the seven databases used. Meanwhile, a large number of transporters, transcription factors, and heat-shock proteins with differential expression in response to high levels of fluorine (P ≤ 0.05) were identified. Comparative transcriptome analysis showed that the uptake of fluorine is related to photosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, and glutathione metabolism. Further systematic analysis of nitrate and potassium transporter genes revealed that many of these genes regulate fluorine transportation in roots and leaves. Gene expression and fluorine content analysis in different cultivars revealed CsNRT1/PTR 3.1 and CsPT 8 as the key genes regulating the transmembrane transportation of fluorine in the tea plant.
Weld design for hollow structural section connections: application to Canadian Standards
Authors: Tousignant Kyle , Packer Jeffrey A.
Published: January 2020

This article presents a comprehensive review of existing North American research on weld effective lengths for hollow structural section (HSS) connections. Data from 393 experiments and finite-element analyses is analyzed to determine the inherent reliability index (β+) of existing and proposed AISC 360 formulae for weld effective properties in axially loaded rectangular hollow section (RHS) T-, Y- and X-connections, RHS gapped and overlapped K-connections, RHS moment-loaded T-connections, and circular hollow section T-, Y- and X-connections, when used in conjunction with CSA S16-19 Clause 13.13.4.3(a) for design of welds to the ends of HSS branches. Modifications to the formulae are proposed to achieve β+≥ 4.0 (the target reliability index for connectors according to Annex B.4 of CSA S16-19), and recommendations are made to facilitate a “fit-for-purpose” design approach for welds to HSS. These are proposed for the next scheduled revision of CSA W59.
A flexible survey design for monitoring spatiotemporal fish richness in nonwadeable rivers: optimizing efficiency by integrating gears
Authors: Dunn Corey G. , Paukert Craig P.
Published: January 2020

We designed a flexible protocol for monitoring fish species richness in nonwadeable rivers. Nine sites were sampled seasonally with six gears in two physiographic regions in Missouri (USA). Using resampling procedures and mixed-effects modeling, we quantified richness and compositional overlap among gears, identified efficient gear combinations, and evaluated protocol performance across regions and seasons. We detected 25–75 species per sample and 89 185 fish. On average, no single gear detected >62% of observed species, but an optimized, integrated-gear protocol with four complementary gears on average detected 90% of species while only requiring 51.9% of initial sampling effort. Neither season nor physiographic region explained low spatiotemporal variation in percent richness detected by the integrated-gear protocol. In contrast, equivalent effort with an electrofishing-only protocol was 53.5% less efficient, seasonally biased and imprecise (36.1%–82.3% of richness), and on average detected 15.9% less of observed richness. Altogether, riverine fish richness is likely underestimated with single-gear survey designs. When paired with existing wadeable-stream inventories, our customizable approach could benefit regional monitoring by comprehensively documenting riverine contributions to riverscape biodiversity.
Diversity and space–time dynamics of the bacterial communities in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) rhizosphere soil
Authors: Shi YingWu , Yang HongMei , Chu Ming , Niu XinXiang , Huo XiangDong , Gao Yan , Zeng Jun , Lin Qing , Zhang Tao , Li YuGuo , Outi KuEr , Lou Kai , Li XueYan , Dang WenFang , Zhang Tao
Published: January 2020

Rhizosphere bacteria are key determinants of plant health and productivity. In this study, we used PCR-based next-generation sequencing to reveal the diversity and community composition of bacteria in the cotton rhizosphere from samples collected in Xinjiang Province, China. We identified 125 bacterial classes within 49 phyla from these samples. Proteobacteria (33.07% of total sequences), Acidobacteria (19.88%), and Gemmatimonadetes (11.19%) dominated the bacterial community. Marked differences were evident in the α-diversity of rhizosphere bacteria during different cotton plant growth and development stages. The operational taxonomic unit (OTU) numbers were highest in seedling and bud stages and decreased at the flowering and fruit-boll-opening stages. Forty-three OTUs from the Proteobacteria were common to all four periods of cotton development. Proteobacteria were more abundant in the rhizospheres of cotton from southern Xinjiang than from northern Xinjiang, while the opposite trend was observed for Acidobacteria. Gemmatimonadetes frequency was broadly the same in both northern and southern Xinjiang. These results suggest that there is abundant diversity in the microbiota of cotton rhizosphere soil. Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria dominated this microbial niche and bacterial communities in the seedling, bud, flowering, and boll-opening stages appear to be more similar to one another than to communities at the other growth stages.
Elimination of electrostatic forces in precision Casimir force measurements using UV and Argon ion radiation
Authors: Liu Mingyue , Schafer Robert , Xu Jun , Mohideen Umar
Published: January 2020

Contaminants on the boundary surfaces lead to electric potential inhomogeneities. The resulting poorly defined electric force leads to ambiguities in precision Casimir force measurements. We experimentally demonstrate that with UV light followed by Ar ion beam radiation the electrostatic effects from these patch potentials can be eliminated. The cleaning procedure discussed reduces the sphere-plate potential difference to near zero. In addition, the UV radiation results in vacuum chamber pressures being reduced by a factor of 10 from the removal of volatile molecular species. This leads to very stable and near zero sphere-plate potential differences. The reported combination UV and Ar ion in situ cleaning procedure will find wide application.
Toward a better system for short range precision force measurements
Authors: Bsaibes Thomas , Pires Luís , Czaplewski David , López Daniel , Decca Ricardo S.
Published: January 2020

Many precision experiments have been done in the Casimir regime and in short range gravity when the separation between the interacting bodies is in the sub-micron range. Experimental complexity is minimized when one of the bodies is a sphere and the other one is a plate, making the alignment between the two bodies ubiquitous. Our group has produced the most precise Casimir measurements, and the best limits on predicted Yukawa-like potentials by measuring a force between a [Formula: see text] sphere attached to a [Formula: see text] micro-mechanical oscillator and a planar source mass. By replacing the spherical surface with a fraction of a [Formula: see text] long cylinder with [Formula: see text]m, the force sensitivity can be greatly enhanced. Here, it is paramount to know the angular deviation between the long axis of the cylinder and both the axis of rotation of the oscillator and the plate. Tests between a cylinder and a structure etched into a silicon wafer show that deviations of [Formula: see text]rad are readily accessible. Additionally, a scaled up experiment is used to investigate if capacitance measurements can determine the orientation of the cylinder with respect to a plane with the required precision.
The Casimir energy anomaly for a point interaction
Authors: Fermi Davide
Published: January 2020

The Casimir energy for a massless, neutral scalar field in presence of a point interaction is analyzed using a general zeta-regularization approach developed in earlier works. In addition to a regular bulk contribution, there arises an anomalous boundary term which is infinite despite renormalization. The intrinsic nature of this anomaly is briefly discussed.
Resonant photon emission during relative sliding of two dielectric plates
Authors: Volokitin Aleksandr
Published: January 2020

The effect of resonances in the photon emission rate in radiative heat generation and transfer, and Casimir friction at the relative sliding of two plates of polar dielectrics is studied. Resonances are of a different origin in the frequency range of the normal (NED) and anomalous (AED) Doppler effect. In the NED domain, resonances are associated with resonant photon tunneling between surface phonon/plasmon polaritons. In the AED domain resonances are associated with the instantaneous generation of excitations in both plates. While in the NED domain the resonances are finite, in the ADE domain singular resonances are possible even in the presence of dissipation in the system.
Cyclic quantum teleportation of an unknown multi-particle high-dimension state
Authors: Wu Fan , Bai Ming-Qiang , Zhang Yu-Chun , Liu Ren-Ju , Mo Zhi-Wen
Published: January 2020

In this paper, via 12-particle entangled states as quantum channels, two schemes for cyclic quantum teleportation are proposed by using two different measurement methods, one is the Bell state measurement, the other is single-particle measurement. Besides, these schemes can be generalized to realize the probabilistic teleportation of an unknown multi-particle high-dimension state. Furthermore, feasibility for the schemes and some conclusions are discussed at the end of this paper.
Latest fold and thrust tectonics conceals extensional structures inherited from Cretaceous syn-sedimentary deformation: insights for exploration in fold-and-thrust belts from the Maiella Mountain
Authors: Casabianca Davide , Auzemery Antoine , Barrier Andrea , Ricciato Angelo , Borello Stefano , Lecardez Alice , Di Cuia Raffaele
Published: January 2020

The superposition of structures produced by different tectonic phases is common in sedimentary basins. Yet the earlier structures often remain overlooked with potentially negative exploration consequences. In the Maiella anticline, Pliocene compression has folded carbonate sequences containing Cretaceous extensional structures. The geometry and evolution of the Apulian carbonate platform margin outcropping on the Maiella Mountain are described by two opposing groups of models. One proposes a structurally controlled platform margins cut by syn-sedimentary Cretaceous faults; the other assumes a passive Cretaceous palaeo-escarpments progressively filled by Cretaceous to Tertiary sediments later deformed by the Pliocene compression. Assuming models in line with either one of these two groups has significant implications for exploration plays on both platforms and adjacent basins of analogous subsurface systems. These include: hypothesized margin geometries; sediment transport mechanisms (directions and distribution); size of sequences; type and size of traps and associated exploration targets, risks and uncertainties. We demonstrate that during the Late Cretaceous the platform margin was cut by normal faults which controlled the palaeogeography of the platform and the sediment input into the adjacent basin in which thick, resedimented, carbonate megabreccia and turbidites were deposited. These carbonates represent exploration targets in similar settings worldwide.
Fully Functional Suffix Trees and Optimal Text Searching in BWT-Runs Bounded Space
Authors: Gagie Travis , Navarro Gonzalo , Prezza Nicola
Published: January 2020

Indexing highly repetitive texts—such as genomic databases, software repositories and versioned text collections—has become an important problem since the turn of the millennium. A relevant compressibility measure for repetitive texts is
r
, the number of runs in their Burrows-Wheeler Transforms (BWTs). One of the earliest indexes for repetitive collections, the Run-Length FM-index, used
O
(
r
) space and was able to efficiently count the number of occurrences of a pattern of length
m
in a text of length
n
(in
O
(
m
log log
n
) time, with current techniques). However, it was unable to locate the positions of those occurrences efficiently within a space bounded in terms of
r
. In this article, we close this long-standing problem, showing how to extend the Run-Length FM-index so that it can locate the
occ
occurrences efficiently (in
O
(
occ
log log
n
) time) within
O
(
r
) space. By raising the space to
O
(
r
log log
n
), our index counts the occurrences in optimal time,
O
(
m
), and locates them in optimal time as well,
O
(
m
+
occ
). By further raising the space by an
O
(
w
/ log σ) factor, where σ is the alphabet size and
w
= Ω (log
n
) is the RAM machine size in bits, we support count and locate in
O
(⌈
m
log (σ)/
w
⌉) and
O
(⌈
m
log (σ)/
w
⌉ +
occ
) time, which is optimal in the packed setting and had not been obtained before in compressed space. We also describe a structure using
O
(
r
log (
n
/
r
)) space that replaces the text and extracts any text substring of length ℓ in the almost-optimal time
O
(log (
n
/
r
)+ℓ log (σ)/
w
). Within that space, we similarly provide access to arbitrary suffix array, inverse suffix array, and longest common prefix array cells in time
O
(log (
n
/
r
)), and extend these capabilities to full suffix tree functionality, typically in
O
(log (
n
/
r
)) time per operation. Our experiments show that our
O
(
r
)-space index outperforms the space-competitive alternatives by 1--2 orders of magnitude in time. Competitive implementations of the original FM-index are outperformed by 1--2 orders of magnitude in space and/or 2--3 in time.
SS31, a mitochondrially targeted antioxidant, prevents sepsis-induced reductions in diaphragm strength and endurance
Authors: Supinski Gerald S. , Wang Lin , Schroder Elizabeth A. , Callahan Leigh Ann P.
Published: January 2020

Sepsis-induced diaphragm dysfunction contributes to respiratory failure and mortality in critical illness. There are no treatments for this form of diaphragm weakness. Studies show that sepsis-induced muscle dysfunction is triggered by enhanced mitochondrial free radical generation. We tested the hypothesis that SS31, a mitochondrially targeted antioxidant, would attenuate sepsis-induced diaphragm dysfunction. Four groups of mice were studied: 1) sham-operated controls, 2) sham-operated+SS31 (10 mg·kg−1·day−1), 3) cecal ligation puncture (CLP), and 4) CLP+SS31. Forty-eight hours postoperatively, diaphragm strips with attached phrenic nerves were isolated, and the following were assessed: muscle-field-stimulated force-frequency curves, nerve-stimulated force-frequency curves, and muscle fatigue. We also measured calpain activity, 20S proteasomal activity, myosin heavy chain (MHC) levels, mitochondrial function, and aconitase activity, an index of mitochondrial superoxide generation. Sepsis markedly reduced diaphragm force generation; SS31 prevented these decrements. Diaphragm-specific force generation averaged 30.2 ± 1.4, 9.4 ± 1.8, 25.5 ± 2.3, and 27.9 ± 0.6 N/cm2 for sham, CLP, sham+SS31, and CLP+SS31 groups ( P < 0.001). Similarly, with phrenic nerve stimulation, CLP depressed diaphragm force generation, effects prevented by SS31. During endurance trials, force was significantly reduced with CLP, and SS31 prevented these reductions ( P < 0.001). Sepsis also increased diaphragm calpain activity, increased 20S proteasomal activity, decreased MHC levels, reduced mitochondrial function (state 3 rates and ATP generation), and reduced aconitase activity; SS31 prevented each of these sepsis-induced alterations ( P ≤ 0.017 for all indices). SS31 prevents sepsis-induced diaphragm dysfunction, preserving force generation, endurance, and mitochondrial function. Compounds with similar mechanisms of action may be useful therapeutically to preserve diaphragm function in patients who are septic and critically ill.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Sepsis-induced diaphragm dysfunction is a major contributor to mortality and morbidity in patients with critical illness in intensive care units. Currently, there is no proven pharmacological treatment for this problem. This study provides the novel finding that administration of SS31, a mitochondrially targeted antioxidant, preserves diaphragm myosin heavy chain content and mitochondrial function, thereby preventing diaphragm weakness and fatigue in sepsis.
Effects of inhaled fluticasone propionate on extrinsic tongue muscles in rats
Authors: Setzke Christopher , Broytman Oleg , Russell John A. , Morel Natalie , Sonsalla Michelle , Lamming Dudley W. , Connor Nadine P. , Teodorescu Mihaela
Published: January 2020

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more common in patients with asthma, and inhaled corticosteroids may contribute to OSA pathogenesis in these patients. This study tested the effects of orally inhaled fluticasone propionate (FP) on extrinsic tongue muscles. Unanesthetized rats were treated with FP or placebo for 28 days. On day 29, tongue retrusive and protrusive functions were tested via hypoglossal nerve stimulation under a state of anesthesia, followed by genioglossus (GG), styloglossus (SG) and hyoglossus (HG) muscle extraction, after euthanasia, for histology [myosin heavy chain (MHC) fibers and laminin content reflecting extracellular matrix (ECM)]. On protrusive testing, FP increased percent maximum tetanic force at 40 Hz ( P = 0.03 vs. placebo) and endurance index ( P = 0.029 vs. placebo). On retrusive testing, FP increased maximum twitch ( P = 0.026 vs. placebo) and tetanic forces ( P = 0.02 vs. placebo) with no effect on endurance index. On histology, FP increased GG cross-sectional area of MHC type IIa ( P = 0.036 vs. placebo) and tended to increase type IIb ( P = 0.057 vs. placebo) fibers and HG MHC IIx fibers ( P = 0.065). The FP group had significantly increased laminin-stained areas, of greatest magnitude in the HG muscle. FP affects tongue protrusive and retrusive functions differently, concurrent with a shift in MHC fibers and increased ECM accumulation. These differential alterations may destabilize the tongue’s “muscle hydrostat” during sleep and promote collapse.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The effects of inhaled corticosteroid on upper airway may contribute to OSA pathogenesis in asthma. In this study, we tested the effects of orally inhaled fluticasone propionate on tongue protrusive and retrusive functions and on tongue extrinsic muscle fiber composition and molecular properties. We found that fluticasone treatment: 1) increased protrusive endurance and retrusive maximum twitch and tetanic force; and 2) on histology, increased cross-sectional area of myosin heavy chain (MHC) type IIa fibers and tended to increase cross-sectional area of MHC type IIb fibers in the protrusive muscle and of MHC IIx fibers in the retrusors. It also increased laminin-stained areas, across extrinsic tongue muscles, of greatest magnitude in the retrusors; and 3) reduced protein degradation and activated pathways associated with increased protein synthesis in the protrusor. These differential effects on the protrusors and retrusors may destabilize the tongue’s “muscle hydrostat” properties during sleep and promote collapse.
Inhibition of TrkB kinase activity impairs transdiaphragmatic pressure generation
Authors: Pareja-Cajiao Miguel , Gransee Heather M. , Cole Naomi A. , Sieck Gary C. , Mantilla Carlos B.
Published: January 2020

Signaling via the tropomyosin-related kinase receptor subtype B (TrkB) regulates neuromuscular transmission, and inhibition of TrkB kinase activity by 1NMPP1 in TrkBF616Amice worsens neuromuscular transmission failure (NMTF). We hypothesized that acute inhibition of TrkB kinase activity will impair the ability of the diaphragm muscle to produce maximal transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) without impacting the ability to generate forces associated with ventilation, consistent with the greater susceptibility to NMTF in motor units responsible for higher-force nonventilatory behaviors. Adult male and female TrkBF616Amice were injected with 1NMPP1 ( n = 8) or vehicle (DMSO; n = 8) 1 h before Pdi measurements during eupneic breathing, hypoxia/hypercapnia (10% O2/5% CO2), tracheal occlusion, spontaneous deep breaths (“sighs”) and during maximal activation elicited by bilateral phrenic nerve stimulation. In the vehicle-treated group, Pdi increased from ~10 cmH2O during eupnea and hypoxia/hypercapnia, to ~35 cmH2O during sighs and tracheal occlusion, and to ~65 cm H2O during maximal stimulation. There was no effect of acute 1NMPP1 treatment on Pdi generated during most behaviors, except during maximal stimulation (~30% reduction; P < 0.05). This reduction in maximal Pdi is generally similar to the worsening of NMTF previously reported with TrkB kinase inhibition in rodents. Accordingly, impaired TrkB signaling limits the range of motor behaviors accomplished by the diaphragm muscle and may contribute to neuromuscular dysfunction, primarily by impacting fatigable, higher force-generating motor units.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY TrkB signaling plays an important role in maintaining neuromuscular function in the diaphragm muscle and may be necessary to accomplish the various motor behaviors ranging from ventilation to expulsive, behaviors requiring near-maximal forces. This study shows that inhibition of TrkB kinase activity impairs maximal pressure generation by the diaphragm muscle, but the ability to generate the lower pressures required for ventilatory behaviors is not impacted.
In vivo imaging of canine lung deformation: effects of posture, pneumonectomy, and inhaled erythropoietin
Authors: Yilmaz Cuneyt , Dane D. Merrill , Tustison Nicholas J. , Song Gang , Gee James C. , Hsia Connie C. W.
Published: January 2020

Mechanical stresses on the lung impose the major stimuli for lung growth. We used computed tomography to image deformation of the lung in relation to posture, loss of lung units, and inhalational delivery of the growth promoter erythropoietin. Following loss of one lung in adult large animals, the remaining lung expanded and grew while retaining near-normal mechanical properties. Inhalation of erythropoietin promoted more uniform distribution of blood volume within the remaining lung.
Adaptive and innate immune cell responses in tendons and lymph nodes after tendon injury and repair
Authors: Noah Andrew C. , Li Thomas M. , Martinez Leandro M. , Wada Susumu , Swanson Jacob B. , Disser Nathaniel P. , Sugg Kristoffer B. , Rodeo Scott A. , Lu Theresa T. , Mendias Christopher L.
Published: January 2020

Tendon injuries are a common clinical condition with limited treatment options. The cellular components of the innate immune system, such as neutrophils and macrophages, have been studied in tendon injuries. However, the adaptive immune system, comprising specialized lymphocytes, plays an important role in orchestrating the healing of numerous tissues, but less is known about these cells in tendon healing. To gain a greater understanding of the biological processes that regulate tendon healing, we determined how the cellular components of the adaptive and innate immune system respond to a tendon injury using two-month-old male mice. We observed that lymphatic vasculature is present in the epitenon and superficial regions of Achilles tendons, and that the lymphatics drain into the popliteal lymph node. We then created an acute Achilles tenotomy followed by repair, and collected tendons and popliteal lymph nodes 1, 2, and 4 wk after injury. Tendon injury resulted in a robust adaptive immune cell response that followed an initial innate immune cell response in tendons and lymph nodes. Monocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages initially accumulated at 1 wk after injury in tendons, while dendritic cells and CD4+ T cells peaked at 2 wk after injury. B cells and CD8+ T cells progressively increased over time. In parallel, immune cells of the popliteal lymph node demonstrated a similarly coordinated response to the injury. These results suggest that there is an adaptive immune response to tendon injury, and adaptive immune cells may play a role in regulating tendon healing.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY While the innate immune system, consisting of macrophages and related hematopoietic cells, has been studied in tendon injury, less is known about the adaptive immune system. Using a mouse model of Achilles tendon tenotomy and repair, we observed an adaptive immune cell response, consisting of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and B cells, which occur through 4 wk after tendon injury. This response appeared to be coordinated by the draining popliteal lymph node.
Small RNA Sequencing Reveals Exosomal miRNAs Involved in the Treatment of Asthma by Scorpio and Centipede
Authors: Tang Binqing , Wu Yingen , Fang Hong , Wu Yuqin , Shi Kehua
Published: January 2020

Asthma is a common respiratory disease with inflammation in the lungs. Exosomes and microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial role in inflammation, whereas the role of exosomal miRNA in asthma remains unknown. Here, we aimed to identify the key exosomal miRNAs and their underlying mechanisms involved in scorpio and centipede (SC) treatment in asthma. Eighteen mice were randomly divided into three groups: control group, asthma group, and SC treatment group. Effect of SC was assessed by hematoxylin‐eosin staining and real‐time PCR. Exosomes from asthma and SC treatment groups were analyzed by small RNA‐seq. Results revealed SC significantly alleviated the pathogenesis of asthma and suppressed the release of inflammatory cytokines. A total of 328 exosomal miRNAs were differentially expressed between the exosomes from asthma and SC‐treated mice, including 118 up‐ and 210 downregulated in SC‐treated mice. The altered exosomal miRNAs were primarily involved in the function of transcription, apoptotic process, and cell adhesion; and pathway of calcium, Wnt, and MAPK signaling. Real‐time PCR verified exosomal miR‐147 was downregulated, while miR‐98‐5p and miR‐10a‐5p were upregulated in SC‐treated mice compared to asthma mice. Moreover, the target genes of miR‐147‐3p, miR‐98‐5p, and miR‐10a‐5p were mainly enriched in Wnt and MAPK inflammatory signaling. miR‐10a‐5p promoted the proliferation of mouse lung epithelial cells and downregulated the expression of Nfat5 and Map2k6. These data suggest SC‐induced exosomal miRNAs might mediate the inflammatory signaling and might be involved in the SC treatment in asthma. The exosomal miRNAs might be promising candidates for the treatment of asthma.
A Multicenter Study Evaluating the Stages of Change in Food Consumption with Warning Labels among Chilean University Students
Authors: Durán Agüero Samuel , Araneda Jacqueline , Ahumada Danay , Silva Rojas Jaime , Bonacich Rodrigo Bühring , Caichac Astrid , Salamanca Marcelo Fernández , Villarroel Pía , Fernandez Eloína , Pacheco Viviana , Martinovic Paola Aravena , Wilson Waleska , Neira Ana María , Encina Claudia , Tillería Jessica Moya
Published: January 2020

Objective. To analyze the stage of change in food consumption with warning labels among Chilean university students. Materials and Methods. Cross‐sectional study which applied surveys in universities from all over the country. Study included 4807 participants of 18 to 40 years of both sexes who were asked about the level of knowledge of the new food law and food consumption with warning signals, including questions regarding their willingness to behavior change according to Prochaska’s transtheoretical model. To compare continuous variables, Student’s t‐test was used in the statistical package SPSS 22.0, and p <0.05 was considered a significant difference. Results. Of the total number of respondents, 99.3% of the students indicated that they know about the food law, classifying foods with signals in the precontemplation stage. Compared by sex, we observed that women give greater importance to behavior change in all of foods (p <0.001). Underweight students give less importance to change in unhealthy foods, while obesity students give more importance but do not show more confidence in behavior change (p <0.05). Conclusion. The university students show a low importance and confidence to make behavior change, aspects associated with sex and nutritional status. It is necessary to strengthen nutritional food education and not just talk about structural measures.
Experimental Research on Simulation Material for Water‐Resisting Soil Layer in Mining Physical Simulation
Authors: Yang Tao , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2020

This paper focuses on the failure mechanism of a water‐resisting soil layer with both coal excavation and seepage effect. Being taken the simulation principle of fluid‐solid coupling as the research basis, we have established a new kind of experimental material for fluid‐solid physical simulation (FPS). The material adopts river sand and clay as the aggregates, besides engine oil and low‐temperature grease that are used as the gelatinizing agents. According to the relevant property testing on the experimental material, the mechanical parameters and seepage parameters of the material totally match the parameters of the soil layer, which satisfy requirements of the fluid‐solid coupling experiment. Simultaneously, we have solved abundant material property problems, such as the material disintegration with water and visuality of water seepage in the simulation. Next, we have built up the FPS model to simulate coal excavation under water‐bearing strata with the specific material. The results indicated that in the FPS, movement and failure mechanism of the water‐resisting soil layer agree with the in‐situ monitoring results. In addition, the revolution law of a mining‐induced crack is also fitting the actual data. The mechanism of submarine seepage and its parameters on the material and the prototype are similar. All research results would be necessary for controlling mining‐induced destroying of clay water‐resisting property. Meanwhile, the model demonstrates that selection of the material and coupling parameters is valid. Finally, we can alter the material matching to obtain the layer materials with various characteristics, which would be applied in extensive experiments for studying soil layer failure and seepage simulation.
Evaluation of the Cardiac Protection Conferred by Proanthocyanidins in Grape Seeds against Development of Ehrlich Solid Tumors in Mice
Authors: Aldubayan Maha Abdulrahman
Published: January 2020

Examination of the antineoplastic effects of a range of chemical compounds is often undertaken via the transplantable tumor model of Ehrlich solid tumor (EST), which is a simulation of breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore how cardiac toxicity, damage, oxidative stress, and changes in the expressions of TNFα and apoptotic P53 triggered by EST could be countered with grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPE). To that end, 50 female mice were used, with arbitrary and equal distribution into five groups, namely, the control group (G1), GSPE group (G2), EST group (G3), GSPE + EST (G4; cotreatment consisted of mice that received GSPE treatment at the beginning of EST induction over a period of 14 days), and EST + GSPE (G5; posttreatment consisted of mice with EST that received GSPE treatment for 14 days following the 14 days since the induction of EST). By comparison with the control group, the EST group had significantly higher levels of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), creatine kinase MB (CK‐MB), myoglobin, cardiac TBARS, nitric oxide (NO), total thiol and hydrogen peroxide, cardiac damage, and expression of P53 and TNFα. On the other hand, the EST group had significantly lower levels of cardiac catalase and total antioxidant (TAC) than the control group. Furthermore, better improvement in cardiac toxicity, oxidative stress, damage, apoptosis, and TNFα expressions was displayed by the cotreated (GSPE + EST) group than by the posttreated (EST + GSPE) group. This led to the conclusion that GSPE conferred cardiac protective and antioxidant effects against EST. This finding calls for more investigation on the benefits of grape seeds as adjuvant agents to prevent and treat cardiac toxicity.
Investigating the Effect of Prompt Treatment on Malaria Prevalence in Children Aged below Five Years in Zambia: A Nested Case-Control Study in a Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Nawa Mukumbuta
Published: January 2020

Background. In a highly malaria endemic country like Zambia, prompt treatment of cases is known to reduce morbidity and mortality; however, it is not known whether it has a role as an effective prevention strategy because of the presence of asymptomatic chronic carriers who do not seek treatment and maintain the reservoirs of infection in the population. This study investigated the role of treatment of malaria cases as a prevention strategy in low, moderate, and high endemic settings. Methods. A nested case-control design was employed using datasets from a large countrywide national Malaria Indicator Survey of 2015. Self-reported malaria cases (n = 209) who took treatment in the two weeks preceding the survey were matched with controls (n = 511) who did not report malaria and did not take treatment during the same period using nearest neighbour propensity score matching for age, sex, and district. The data were analysed using conditional logistic regression in STATA version 15.1. Results. The malaria cases were more likely to be from rural areas (p=0.001), poorest households (p=0.049), and who lived in improvised housing structures (p=0.004) compared with the controls. Data from low and moderate malaria endemic areas did not have sufficient cases for the analysis to proceed; however, data from high endemic areas showed borderline evidence (p=0.054) that prompt treatment reduces the risk of malaria by almost half in the short-term aOR 0.057 (95% CI 0.32–1.01). Conclusion. We found borderline evidence which suggests that prompt treatment of malaria cases even in high endemic areas has potential to reduce the risk of malaria by almost half in the short term.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice towards Hepatitis B Virus among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gebrecherkos Teklay , Girmay Getu , Lemma Mulualem , Negash Markos
Published: January 2020

Background. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a serious public health concern worldwide. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is the major mode in endemic areas, including Ethiopia, where little is known about pregnant women’s knowledge, attitudes, and practice towards HBV infection and MTCT. Therefore, the study is aimed at determining the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards HBV among pregnant women attending antenatal care. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2018, at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. A total of 354 pregnant women were selected by systematic random sampling and included in this study. KAP of participants on HBV MTCT was assessed using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22 software. Result. The total response rate was 100% (354/354). Out of the 354 participants, 73.4% were within the poor knowledge. Only 18.9% of the respondents know HBV can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy. Less than half (43.8) of the participants think that they will never be infected with HBV, and 47.7% of them go to traditional healers when they have symptoms of HBV. Majority of the respondents (85.87%) had never screened for HBV, and only 28.5% of the participants believed that hepatitis B can cause liver cancer. In multivariable analysis, residence, income, and educational level were associated with mean score knowledge and attitude. Conclusions. Knowledge about HBV among pregnant women was found to be poor, and their attitude and practice were also limited. Therefore, extensive health education program should be given to the pregnant women to increase their awareness towards HBV infection. All pregnant women should be screened for HBV as part of ANC follow-up.
Spontaneous Appearance and Transmission of Polydactyly in Dexter Cattle
Authors: Browning Jr. Richard , Hayes Emily G. , Lear Andrea S.
Published: January 2020

A 3-yr-old Dexter cow and her yearling Dexter heifer calf exhibited polydactyly. Neither animal was linebred within 5 generations. This cow-calf pair represented the first reported occurrence of polydactyly in Dexter cattle in the US or abroad. Based upon external examination, the cow was classified as having a spontaneous unilateral case of polydactyly with an extra digit along the medial digit of the right front limb and the heifer was classified as having bilateral polydactyly because both front limbs exhibited an extra digit along the medial digit. Radiographic examination confirmed bilateral status of the heifer and revealed bilateral status of the cow. The front feet of the cow and heifer had extra bone formation consistent with an extra digit along the medial digit. Neither animal suffered from limited mobility to date or required hoof treatments. The cow produced a second calf from a different sire, a bull calf that did not appear polydactylous per external examination and was not examined radiographically. The two polydactylous animals will remain in the breeding herd to produce more study calves unless their fitness becomes compromised. Genetic aspects of the cases are discussed.
Development of Real-Time Maneuver Library Generation Technique for Implementing Tactical Maneuvers of Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Authors: Lee Do hyeon , Kim Chang-Joo , Heo Man Jung , Hwang Joo Wan , Lyu Hee Gyeong , Lee Jun Yeop
Published: January 2020

This study develops the real-time maneuver library generation technique for performing aggressive maneuvers of fixed-wing aircraft. Firstly, the general maneuver libraries are defined, and then 7th-order polynomials are used to create the maneuver libraries. The attitude command attitude hold (ACAH) system, the rate command rate hold (RCRH) system, and the speed command speed hold (SCSH) system using the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control technique are designed to minimize the complexity of the flight control system (FCS) and to reduce the weight and volume of the payload. Moreover, the FCS is used for implementing tactical maneuvers. Finally, flight simulations are implemented for the longitudinal loop and Immelmann-turn maneuvers to check the usefulness of the proposed maneuver library generation technique. This study can affect the development of flight techniques for aircraft tactical maneuvers and the modification of air force operational manuals.
Microbial Community Changes in the Rhizosphere Soil of Healthy and Rusty Panax ginseng and Discovery of Pivotal Fungal Genera Associated with Rusty Roots
Authors: Wei Xuemin , Wang Xiaoyue , Cao Pei , Gao Zitong , Chen Amanda Juan , Han Jianping
Published: January 2020

Panax ginseng Meyer, a valuable medicinal plant, is severely threatened by rusty root, a condition that greatly affects its yield and quality. Studies investigating the relationship between soil microbial community composition and rusty roots are vital for the production of high‐quality ginseng. Here, high‐throughput sequencing was employed to systematically characterize changes in the soil microbial community associated with rusty roots. Fungal diversity was lower in the soils of rusty root‐affected P. ginseng than in those of healthy plants. Importantly, principal coordinate analysis separated the fungal communities in the rhizosphere soils of rusty root‐affected ginseng from those of healthy plants. The dominant bacterial and fungal genera differed significantly between rhizosphere soils of healthy and rusty root‐affected P. ginseng, and linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) further indicated a strong imbalance in the soil microbial community of diseased plants. Significantly enriched bacterial genera (including Rhodomicrobium, Knoellia, Nakamurella, Asticcacaulis, and Actinomadura) were mainly detected in the soil of rusty root‐affected P. ginseng, whereas significantly enriched fungal genera (including Xenopolyscytalum, Arthrobotrys, Chalara, Cryptococcus, and Scutellinia) were primarily detected in the soil of healthy plants. Importantly, five fungal genera (Cylindrocarpon, Acrophialophora, Alternaria, Doratomyces, and Fusarium) were significantly enriched in the soil of rusty root‐affected plants compared with that of healthy plants, suggesting that an increase in the relative abundance of these pathogenic fungi (Cylindrocarpon, Alternaria, and Fusarium) may be associated with ginseng rusty roots. Additionally, this study is the first to report that an increase in the relative abundances of Acrophialophora and Doratomyces in the rhizosphere of P. ginseng may be associated with the onset of rusty root symptoms in this plant. Our findings provide potentially useful information for developing biological control strategies against rusty root, as well as scope for future screening of fungal pathogens in rusty roots of P. ginseng.