bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel electrochemical aptasensor for fumonisin B1 determination using DNA and exonuclease-I as signal amplification strategy
Authors: Wei Min , Zhao Fei , Feng Shuo , Jin Huali
Published: November 2019

In this work, using DNA and exonuclease-I (Exo-I) as signal amplification strategy, a novel and facile electrochemical aptasensor was constructed for fumonisin B1 (FB1) detection. The G-rich complementary DNA (cDNA) was immobilized onto the electrode surface. Then, aptamer of FB1 was hybridized with cDNA to form double-stranded DNA. In the absence of FB1, double-stranded DNA and G-rich cDNA on the electrode surface promoted effectively methylene blue (MB) enrichment and amplified the initial electrochemical response. In the presence of FB1, the combination of aptamer and FB1 led to the release of aptamer from the electrode surface and the expose of 3′ end of single-stranded cDNA. When Exo-I was added onto the electrode surface, the single-stranded cDNA was degraded in the 3′–5′ direction. The decrease of double-stranded DNA and G-rich cDNA resulted in the less access of MB to the electrode surface, which decreased the electrochemical signal. The experimental conditions including incubation time of FB1, the amount of Exo-I and incubation time of Exo-I were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the linear relationship between the change of peak current and the logarithmic concentration of FB1 was observed in the range of 1.0 × 10−3–1000 ng mL−1 with a low limit of detection of 0.15 pg mL−1. The experimental results showed that the prepared aptasensor had acceptable specificity, reproducibility, repeatability and stability. Therefore, this proposed aptasensor has a potential application in the food safety detection.
Effects of ghrelin supplementation on the acute phase of Chagas disease in rats
Authors: de Paula Silva Ferdinando , da Costa Cássia Mariana Bronzon , Pereira Luiz Miguel , Lessa Diego Fernando Silva , Pitol Dimitrius Leonardo , Issa João Paulo Mardegan , do Prado Júnior José Clóvis , Abrahão Ana Amélia Carraro
Published: November 2019

Background

Trypanosoma cruziis the causative agent of Chagas disease, which is endemic to subtropical and tropical Americas. The disease treatment remains partially ineffective, involving therapies directed to the parasite as well as palliative strategies for the clinical manifestations. Therefore, novel candidates for disease control are necessary. Additionally, strategies based on parasite inhibitionviaspecific targets and application of compounds which improve the immune response against the disease is welcomed. Ghrelin is a peptide hormone pointed as a substance with important cardioprotective, vasodilatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative and immune modulatory functions. The aims of this study were to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of ghrelin in male Wistar rats infected with the Y strain ofT. cruzi.

Methods

In order to delineate an immune response againstT. cruzimediated by ghrelin, we evaluated the following parameters: quantification of blood and cardiac parasites; analysis of cell markers (CD3+, CD8+, NK, NKT, CD45RA+, macrophage and RT1B+); nitric oxide (NO) production; lymphoproliferation assays; splenocyte apoptosis; and INF-γ, IL-12 and IL-6 quantification in sera.

Results

The animals infected withT. cruziand supplemented with ghrelin demonstrated an upregulated pattern in macrophage and NO production, whereas an anti-inflammatory response was observed in T cells and cytokines. The low response againstT. cruzimediated by T cells probably contributed to a higher colonization of the cardiac tissue, when compared to infected groups. On the other side, the peptide decreased the inflammatory infiltration in cardiac tissue infected withT. cruzi.

Conclusions

Ghrelin demonstrated a dual function in animals infected withT. cruzi. Further studies, especially related to the decrease of cardiac tissue inflammation, are needed in order to determine the advantages of ghrelin supplementation in Chagas disease, mostly for populations from endemic areas.
The feasibility of developing biomarkers from peripheral blood mononuclear cell RNAseq data in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis using machine learning approaches
Authors: Poppenberg Kerry E. , Jiang Kaiyu , Li Lu , Sun Yijun , Meng Hui , Wallace Carol A. , Hennon Teresa , Jarvis James N.
Published: November 2019

Background

The response to treatment for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) can be staged using clinical features. However, objective laboratory biomarkers of remission are still lacking. In this study, we used machine learning to predict JIA activity from transcriptomes from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We included samples from children with Native American ancestry to determine whether the model maintained validity in an ethnically heterogeneous population.

Methods

Our dataset consisted of 50 samples, 23 from children in remission and 27 from children with an active disease on therapy. Nine of these samples were from children with mixed European/Native American ancestry. We used 4 different machine learning methods to create predictive models in 2 populations: the whole dataset and then the samples from children with exclusively European ancestry.

Results

In both populations, models were able to predict JIA status well, with training accuracies > 74% and testing accuracies > 78%. Performance was better in the whole dataset model. We note a high degree of overlap between genes identified in both populations. Using ingenuity pathway analysis, genes from the whole dataset associated with cell-to-cell signaling and interactions, cell morphology, organismal injury and abnormalities, and protein synthesis.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates it is feasible to use machine learning in conjunction with RNA sequencing of PBMCs to predict JIA stage. Thus, developing objective biomarkers from easy to obtain clinical samples remains an achievable goal.
Investigation of molecular mechanisms underlying tetracycline resistance in thermophilic Campylobacter spp. suggests that previous reports of tet(A)-mediated resistance in these bacteria are premature
Authors: Lynch Caoimhe , Hawkins Kayleigh , Lynch Helen , Egan John , Bolton Declan , Coffey Aidan , Lucey Brigid
Published: November 2019

The true prevalence of tet(A), which codes for a tetracycline efflux pump, in thermophilic Camplyobacter spp. requires clarification after reports emerged in Iran (2014) and Kenya (2016) of the novel detection of tet(A) in Campylobacter. During our investigation of antibiotic resistance mechanisms in a sample of Irish thermophilic Campylobacter broiler isolates, it was determined that 100% of tetracycline-resistant isolates (n = 119) harboured tet(O). Accessory tetracycline-resistance mechanisms were considered as tetracycline minimum inhibitory concentrations ranged from 4 to ≥ 64 mg/L. Primers previously reported for the detection of tet(A) in Campylobacter failed to produce an amplicon using a positive control strain (Escherichia coli K12 SK1592 containing the pBR322 plasmid) and a selection of Campylobacter isolates. Accordingly, we designed new tet(A)-targeting primers on SnapGene2.3.2 that successfully generated a 407 bp product from the positive control strain only. Further in silico analysis using BLASTn and SnapGene2.3.2 revealed that previously reported Campylobacter tet(A) sequences deposited on GenBank shared 100% homology with Campylobacter tet(O). We postulate that this gave rise to the erroneous report of a high tet(A) prevalence among a pool of Kenyan broiler Campylobacter isolates that were tested using primers designed based on these apparent tet(A) sequences. In conclusion, further work would be required to determine whether the homology between tet(A) potentially present in Campylobacter and known tet(A) genes would be sufficient to allow amplification using the primers designed in our study. Finally, the existence of tet(A) in thermophilic Campylobacter spp. remains to be demonstrated.
Intention to use long-acting and permanent contraceptive methods and associated factors in health institutions of Aksum Town, North Ethiopia
Authors: Syum Hailay , Kahsay Gizienesh , Huluf Teklehaymanot , Beyene Berhe , Gerensea Hadgu , Gidey Gebreamlak , Desta Haftom , Abay Mebrahtu , Nuguse Haben , Haile Kebede
Published: November 2019

Objective

In Ethiopia, the majority of married women practice predominantly short-acting contraceptive methods. Therefore this study aims to assess intention to use LAPMs and its determinants among short-acting users in Health Institutions of Aksum Town, North Ethiopia.

Results

Prevalence of intention to use LAPMs was 52.1% (95% CI 47.4–57.0). Good knowledge on LAPMs [AOR = 2.15; 95% CI (1.29, 3.56)], positive attitude towards LAPMs [AOR = 3.41; 95% CI (1.99, 5.85)], 18–24 years of age [AOR = 3.18; 95% CI (1.30, 7.79)], being primary school in educational level [AOR = 0.34; 95% CI (0.14, 0.78)], decision on the number of children jointly with partner [AOR = 2.05; 95% CI (1.01, 4.18)], having more than two children [AOR = 10.67; 95% CI (1.29, 88.31)], and no [AOR = 10.21; 95% CI (3.10, 33.58)] and one [AOR = 4.70; 95% CI (1.68, 13.13)] extra number of children desired were factors significantly associated with having intention to use LAPMs compared to their counterparts. The intention to use LAPMs was low. Therefore, appropriate information, education and communication strategies must be designed to raise awareness and change the negative attitude of the community on LAPMs.
Connecting two worlds: positive correlation between physicochemical approach with blood gases and pH in pediatric ICU setting
Authors: Chaiyakulsil Chanapai , Mueanpaopong Papope , Lertbunrian Rojjanee , Chutipongtanate Somchai
Published: November 2019

Objective

Physicochemical approach such as strong ion difference provides a novel concept in understanding and managing acid–base disturbance in patients. However, its application in pediatrics is limited. This study aimed to evaluate a correlation between the physicochemical approach and blood gas pH for acid–base determination in critically ill pediatric patients.

Results

A total of 130 pediatric patients were included, corresponding to 1338 paired measures for analyses. Of these, the metabolic subgroup (743 paired measures) was defined. Among physicochemical parameters, the effective strong ion difference showed the best correlation with the blood gas pH in the whole cohort (R = 0.398; p < 0.001) and the metabolic subgroup (R = 0.685; p < 0.001). Other physicochemical parameters (i.e., the simplified and the apparent strong ion difference, the strong ion gap, and the sodium chloride gap) and the traditional measures (standard base excess, lactate, chloride and bicarbonate) also showed varying degrees of correlation. This study revealed the positive correlation between physicochemical parameters and the blood gas pH, serving as a connecting dot for further investigations using physicochemical approach to evaluate acid–base disturbance in pediatric population.
Bactericidal efficacy of meropenem in combination with cefmetazole against IMP-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Abe Ryuichiro , Hagiya Hideharu , Akeda Yukihiro , Yamamoto Norihisa , Ishii Yoshikazu , Tomono Kazunori
Published: November 2019

Objective

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are among the most severe threats to public and clinical health because of their high levels of resistance to various antibiotics. We assessed the efficacy of combination therapy with meropenem (MEM) and cefmetazole (CMZ) against Imipenemase (IMP)-producing CRE, using the checkerboard method and time-killing assay on 13 Enterobacteriaceae isolates harboring blaIMP-1 (4 Enterobacter hormaechei, 5 Escherichia coli, and 4 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates) and 13 isolates harboring blaIMP-6 (8 E. coli and 5 K. pneumoniae isolates).

Results

Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of MEM and CMZ ranged from 2 to 64 and 64 to 2048 μg/mL, respectively. Checkerboard method demonstrated the synergy of the MEM/CMZ combination in all the tested IMP-producing CRE isolates, and the time-kill assay indicated a bactericidal effect for both blaIMP-1 and blaIMP-6 positive CRE when MEM/CMZ combination was used. In vitro, the MEM/CMZ combination was potentially effective against IMP-1- or IMP-6-producing CRE. Further investigations including in vivo animal studies and clinical studies are warranted to corroborate the clinical utility of the novel combination therapy.
An exploration of the rapid transformation method for Dunaliella salina system
Authors: Song Guannan , Wang Wan , Hu Lina , Liu Yu , Li Aifang , Du Jingxia , Wang Jiao , Jia Mengyuan , Feng Shuying
Published: November 2019

As a new expression system, Dunaliella salina (D. salina) has bright prospects and applications in various fields. However, its application is currently restricted because of the low expression and instability of foreign gene in D. salina cells. During genetic operation, transformation is a crucial step for genes expression in D. salina system. Although several transformation methods are existing currently, many inherent deficiencies and limitations still can be found in actual practice. Thus, we attempted to set up a rapid transformation method using the change of salt concentrations for D. salina. Based on osmotic pressure difference, exogenous genes can be spontaneously transferred into D. salina cells. After that, transformed D. salina cells were subjected to histochemical and molecular analysis. The results showed that the reporter gene, beta-glucuronidase genes were successfully expressed in the positive transformants, and detected in all of transformed cells by PCR analysis. Moreover, different transformation parameters, containing the salt gradient, time, dye dosage and Triton X-100 concentration, were optimized to obtain an optimal transformation result. Taken together, we preliminarily established a rapid transformation method with the features of fast, simple, economic, and high-efficient. This method will provide a strong genetic manipulation tool for the future transformation of D. salina system.
Healthcare trajectories before and after critical illness: population-based insight on diverse patients clusters
Authors: Jouan Youenn , Grammatico-Guillon Leslie , Teixera Noémie , Hassen-Khodja Claire , Gaborit Christophe , Salmon-Gandonnière Charlotte , Guillon Antoine , Ehrmann Stephan
Published: November 2019

Background

The post intensive care syndrome (PICS) gathers various disabilities, associated with a substantial healthcare use. However, patients’ comorbidities and active medical conditions prior to intensive care unit (ICU) admission may partly drive healthcare use after ICU discharge. To better understand retative contribution of critical illness and PICS—compared to pre-existing comorbidities—as potential determinant of post-critical illness healthcare use, we conducted a population-based evaluation of patients’ healthcare use trajectories.

Results

Using discharge databases in a 2.5-million-people region in France, we retrieved, over 3 years, all adult patients admitted in ICU for septic shock or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), intubated at least 5 days and discharged alive from hospital: 882 patients were included. Median duration of mechanical ventilation was 11 days (interquartile ranges [IQR] 8;20), mean SAPS2 was 49, and median hospital length of stay was 42 days (IQR 29;64). Healthcare use (days spent in healthcare facilities) was analyzed 2 years before and 2 years after ICU admission. Prior to ICU admission, we observed, at the scale of the whole study population, a progressive increase in healthcare use. Healthcare trajectories were then explored at individual level, and patients were assembled according to their individual pre-ICU healthcare use trajectory by clusterization with the K-Means method. Interestingly, this revealed diverse trajectories, identifying patients with elevated and increasing healthcare use (n = 126), and two main groups with low (n = 476) or no (n = 251) pre-ICU healthcare use. In ICU, however, SAPS2, duration of mechanical ventilation and length of stay were not different across the groups. Analysis of post-ICU healthcare trajectories for each group revealed that patients with low or no pre-ICU healthcare (which represented 83% of the population) switched to a persistent and elevated healthcare use during the 2 years post-ICU.

Conclusion

For 83% of ARDS/septic shock survivors, critical illness appears to have a pivotal role in healthcare trajectories, with a switch from a low and stable healthcare use prior to ICU to a sustained higher healthcare recourse 2 years after ICU discharge. This underpins the hypothesis of long-term critical illness and PICS-related quantifiable consequences in healthcare use, measurable at a population level.
Optimal two-parameter geometric and arithmetic mean bounds for the Sándor–Yang mean
Authors: Qian Wei-Mao , Yang Yue-Ying , Zhang Hong-Wei , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: November 2019

In the article, we provide the sharp bounds for the Sándor–Yang mean in terms of certain families of the two-parameter geometric and arithmetic mean and the one-parameter geometric and harmonic means. As applications, we present new bounds for a certain Yang mean and the inverse tangent function.
The partially shared values and small functions for meromorphic functions in a k-punctured complex plane
Authors: Xu Hong Yan , Li Yong Ming , Liu Shan
Published: November 2019

The main aim of this article is to discuss the uniqueness of meromorphic functions partially sharing some values and small functions in a k-punctured complex plane Ω. We proved the following: Let $f_{1},f_{2}$f1,f2 be two admissible meromorphic functions in Ω and $\alpha _{j}\ (j=1,2,\ldots ,l)$αj(j=1,2,…,l) be $l(\geq 5)$l(≥5) distinct small functions with respect to f and g. If $\widetilde{E}(\alpha _{j},\varOmega ,f_{1})\subseteq \widetilde{E}(\alpha _{j},\varOmega , f_{2})\ (j=1,2,\ldots ,l)$E˜(αj,Ω,f1)⊆E˜(αj,Ω,f2)(j=1,2,…,l) and
$$ \liminf_{r\rightarrow +\infty }\frac{\sum_{j=1}^{l}\overline{N} _{0} (r,\frac{1}{f_{1}-\alpha _{j}} )}{\sum_{j=1} ^{l}\overline{N}_{0} (r,\frac{1}{f_{2}-\alpha _{j}} )}> \frac{5}{2l-5}, $$lim infr→+∞∑j=1lN‾0(r,1f1−αj)∑j=1lN‾0(r,1f2−αj)>52l−5, then $f_{1}\equiv f_{2}$f1≡f2. Our results are some improvements and extension of previous theorems given by Cao–Yi and Ge–Wu.
Efficacy of medium-chain fatty acid salts distilled from coconut oil against two enteric pathogen challenges in weanling piglets
Authors: López-Colom Paola , Castillejos Lorena , Rodríguez-Sorrento Agustina , Puyalto Mónica , Mallo Juan José , Martín-Orúe Susana María
Published: November 2019

Background

The search for alternatives to antibiotics in pig production has increased the interest in natural resources with antimicrobial properties, such as medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) as in-feed additives. This study evaluated the potential of a novel blend of MCFA salts (DIC) from distilled coconut oil with a lauric acid content to reduce enteropathogens and control intestinal diseases around weaning. Two experimental disease models were implemented in early-weaned piglets, consisting of two oral challenges: Salmonella Typhimurium (1.2 × 108 CFU) or enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F4 (1.5 × 109 CFU). The parameters assessed were: animal performance, clinical signs, pathogen excretion, intestinal fermentation, immune-inflammatory response, and intestinal morphology.

Results

The Salmonella challenge promoted an acute course of diarrhea, with most of the parameters responding to the challenge, whereas the ETEC F4 challenge promoted a mild clinical course. A consistent antipathogenic effect of DIC was observed in both trials in the hindgut, with reductions in Salmonella spp. plate counts in the cecum (P = 0.03) on d 8 post-inoculation (PI) (Salmonella trial), and of enterobacteria and total coliform counts in the ileum and colon (P < 0.10) on d 8 PI (ETEC F4 trial). When analyzing the entire colonic microbiota (16S rRNA gene sequencing), this additive tended (P = 0.13) to reduce the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and enriched Fibrobacteres after the Salmonella challenge. In the ETEC F4 challenge, DIC prompted structural changes in the ecosystem with increases in Dialister, and a trend (P = 0.14) to increase the Veillonellaceae family. Other parameters such as the intestinal fermentation products or serum pro-inflammatory mediators were not modified by DIC supplementation, nor were the histological parameters. Only the intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) counts were lowered by DIC in animals challenged with Salmonella (P = 0.07). With ETEC F4, the IEL counts were higher with DIC on d 8 PI (P = 0.08).

Conclusions

This study confirms the potential activity of this MCFA salts mixture to reduce intestinal colonization by opportunistic pathogens such as Salmonella or E. coli and its ability to modulate colonic microbiota. These changes could explain to some extent the local immune cell response at the ileal level.
Resonant Kuiper belt objects: a review
Authors: Malhotra Renu
Published: November 2019

Our understanding of the history of the solar system has undergone a revolution in recent years, owing to new theoretical insights into the origin of Pluto and the discovery of the Kuiper belt and its rich dynamical structure. The emerging picture of dramatic orbital migration of the planets driven by interaction with the primordial Kuiper belt is thought to have produced the final solar system architecture that we live in today. This paper gives a brief summary of this new view of our solar system’s history and reviews the astronomical evidence in the resonant populations of the Kuiper belt.
Old nest material functions as an informative cue in making nest-site selection decisions in the European Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
Authors: E Mingju , Wang Tuo , Wang Shangyu , Gong Ye , Yu Jiangping , Wang Lin , Ou Wei , Wang Haitao
Published: November 2019

Background

For secondary cavity-nesting bird species that do not add lining materials to nests, the presence of old nest material or organic remains that have accumulated within nest cavities from previous breeding events may be a cue of nest-site quality. These materials potentially contain information about past breeding success in con- and heterospecifics and may improve the thermal insulation of eggs during incubation. However, few studies have addressed whether the presence of old nest materials serves as a cue for cavity-nesting raptors when choosing specific nest sites.

Methods

We conducted a 9-year nest box experiment to test whether old nest materials from con- and heterospecifics serve as informative cues to the European Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) when making nest selection decisions, as this species uses nest boxes without adding nesting material.

Results

The presence of old nest materials and entrance size best discriminated nest boxes occupied by European Kestrels from unoccupied boxes. Nest boxes containing conspecific organic remains, artificial dry leaf and branch material, and material left behind by Great Tits (Parus major) were reused at higher rates, especially those containing conspecific nest material, than nest boxes containing true or simulated nest materials from predators. In 2010, no single nest box was occupied by the same banded individual that occupied the box in the previous year (10 females and 2 males were banded in 2009).

Conclusions

European Kestrels preferred nest boxes containing old nest material over empty boxes, which is consistent with previous findings that they exploit con- and heterospecific cues when deciding where to settle and breed, as old nest or organic material provides substrate for incubating females. Kestrels may be able to assess the predation risks associated with a specific nest site based on experience or the presence of prey remains. The repeated use of nest boxes across breeding seasons by kestrels cannot be entirely ascribed to philopatry. This study provides evidence that old nest materials are potentially used as informative cues when making nest-site selection decisions in European Kestrels.
Functional exploration of co-expression networks identifies a nexus for modulating protein and citric acid titres in Aspergillus niger submerged culture
Authors: Cairns Timothy C. , Feurstein Claudia , Zheng Xiaomei , Zhang Li Hui , Zheng Ping , Sun Jibin , Meyer Vera
Published: November 2019

Background

Filamentous fungal cell factories are used to produce numerous proteins, enzymes, and organic acids. Protein secretion and filamentous growth are tightly coupled at the hyphal tip. Additionally, both these processes require ATP and amino acid precursors derived from the citric acid cycle. Despite this interconnection of organic acid production and protein secretion/filamentous growth, few studies in fungi have identified genes which may concomitantly impact all three processes.

Results

We applied a novel screen of a global co-expression network in the cell factory Aspergillus niger to identify candidate genes which may concomitantly impact macromorphology, and protein/organic acid fermentation. This identified genes predicted to encode the Golgi localized ArfA GTPase activating protein (GAP, AgeB), and ArfA guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs SecG and GeaB) to be co-expressed with citric acid cycle genes. Consequently, we used CRISPR-based genome editing to place the titratable Tet-on expression system upstream of ageB, secG, and geaB in A. niger. Functional analysis revealed that ageB and geaB are essential whereas secG was dispensable for early filamentous growth. Next, gene expression was titrated during submerged cultivations under conditions for either protein or organic acid production. ArfA regulators played varied and culture-dependent roles on pellet formation. Notably, ageB or geaB expression levels had major impacts on protein secretion, whereas secG was dispensable. In contrast, reduced expression of each predicted ArfA regulator resulted in an absence of citric acid in growth media. Finally, titrated expression of either GEFs resulted in an increase in oxaloacetic acid concentrations in supernatants.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the Golgi may play an underappreciated role in modulating organic acid titres during industrial applications, and that this is SecG, GeaB and AgeB dependent in A. niger. These data may lead to novel avenues for strain optimization in filamentous fungi for improved protein and organic acid titres.
Smoothness: an Unexplored Window into Coordinated Running Proficiency
Authors: Kiely John , Pickering Craig , Collins David J.
Published: November 2019

Over the expanse of evolutionary history, humans, and predecessor Homo species, ran to survive. This legacy is reflected in many deeply and irrevocably embedded neurological and biological design features, features which shape how we run, yet were themselves shaped by running.

Smoothness is a widely recognised feature of healthy, proficient movement. Nevertheless, although the term ‘smoothness’ is commonly used to describe skilled athletic movement within practical sporting contexts, it is rarely specifically defined, is rarely quantified and remains barely explored experimentally. Elsewhere, however, within various health-related and neuro-physiological domains, many manifestations of movement smoothness have been extensively investigated. Within this literature, smoothness is considered a reflection of a healthy central nervous system (CNS) and is implicitly associated with practiced coordinated proficiency; ‘non-smooth’ movement, in contrast, is considered a consequence of pathological, un-practiced or otherwise inhibited motor control.

Despite the ubiquity of running across human cultures, however, and the apparent importance of smoothness as a fundamental feature of healthy movement control, to date, no theoretical framework linking the phenomenon of movement smoothness to running proficiency has been proposed. Such a framework could, however, provide a novel lens through which to contextualise the deep underlying nature of coordinated running control. Here, we consider the relevant evidence and suggest how running smoothness may integrate with other related concepts such as complexity, entropy and variability. Finally, we suggest that these insights may provide new means of coherently conceptualising running coordination, may guide future research directions, and may productively inform practical coaching philosophies.
A feasibility cluster randomised controlled trial of a preschool obesity prevention intervention: ToyBox-Scotland
Authors: Malden Stephen , Reilly John. J. , Gibson Ann-Marie , Bardid Farid , Summerbell Carolyn , De Craemer Marieke , Cardon Greet , Androutsos Odysseas , Manios Yannis , Hughes Adrienne
Published: November 2019

Background

High levels of childhood obesity have been observed globally over the last three decades. Preschools are promising settings to implement obesity prevention interventions in the early years. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of a cluster randomised controlled trial of the ToyBox-Scotland preschool obesity prevention intervention.

Methods

Six preschools in predominantly deprived areas of Glasgow, UK, were randomised to either the ToyBox intervention (n = 3) or usual curriculum control group (n = 3). The intervention ran for 18 weeks from March–June 2018, and consisted of practitioner-led physical activity and sedentary behaviour sessions in preschools, with an additional interactive home component. Primary outcome measures were intervention fidelity, recruitment rates, attrition rates, and compliance with trial procedures. Secondary outcomes were body mass index (BMI) z-score, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), objectively measured physical activity and sedentary time via activPAL accelerometer, and parent-reported home eating, snacking, and water consumption.

Results

The preschool component of the intervention was implemented with high fidelity (64%), while the home component was implemented with low fidelity (41%). A cluster-level recruitment rate of 10% was achieved, and the individual-level recruitment rate was 18% (42/233 children, mean age 4.4 years; 17 girls). The attrition rate was 14%, and compliance rates varied considerably by the outcome. Compliance was highest for BMI (86%), while 19% of the sample returned valid accelerometer data for both baseline and follow-up and the parental questionnaire response rate was 23%. Both intervention and control groups showed small increases in BMI z-scores at follow-up of 0.02 and 0.06, respectively. Both groups had small decreases in physical activity and increases in sedentary time at follow-up.

Conclusions

Before progression to an effectiveness trial, additional procedures should be considered to improve recruitment rates, compliance with outcome measures, and implementation of the home-based component of the ToyBox-Scotland intervention.

Trial registration

ISRCTN12831555
An analysis of passengers’ ride needs of urban rail transit services: application of quality function deployment
Authors: Chan Catherine Y. P. , Chin Kwai-Sang , Chan Candace , Tsui Kwok L.
Published: November 2019

This study aims to suggest using the interpretation type of deployment of quality function deployment (QFD) as a methodology to understand the passengers’ needs when they situate in the train cars of urban rail, using the East Rail Line (ERL) in Hong Kong as a case study. The result shows that behaved environment and safe stand are the two most important ride needs demanded by the everyday ordinary passengers of the rail line. In addition to this, the members of the study team reflected that the deployment process has greatly helped them on acquiring a thorough understanding of the passengers’ needs, which is very essential for deriving innovative solutions. Besides the rail company could make use of the case study for improving its train ride quality, the suggested methodology is applicable to understand the passengers’ ride needs of other kinds of public transport as well as the recipient needs of those public services that are of similar nature.
Preanesthetic severe postural hypotension following 5-aminolevulinic acid pretreatment in patients for photodynamic diagnosis-assisted urological surgery
Authors: Shiratori Tohru , Hotta Kunihisa , Satoh Masaaki , Kiuchi Chiaki , Ogawa Noriyuki , Kamigaito Takayuki
Published: November 2019

Background

5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is utilized for photodynamic diagnosis-assisted (PDD) surgery. However, it has been associated with vasodilation, hence, occasional hypotension.

Case presentation

We encountered two patients who had severe postural hypotension following 5-ALA pretreatment prior to an operation. They were scheduled for urological PDD surgery, but upon standing to walk to the operation room, they felt sick because of severe hypotension. One of them underwent the surgery after recovery, but the other surgery was canceled due to a prolonged hypotension that lasted for more than a day.

Conclusions

Severe postural hypotension may develop as a result of the high concentration of porphyrin precursors, which may affect the nervous system. Severe postural hypotension may be due to 5-ALA-induced autonomic dysfunction as well as vasodilative action of 5-ALA. These observations suggest that in addition to the careful monitoring of patients’ vital signs, standing should be avoided following 5-ALA pretreatment.
Developing and pretesting a new patient reported outcome measure for paediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ Myalgic Encephalopathy (CFS/ME): cognitive interviews with children
Authors: Parslow Roxanne M. , Shaw Alison , Haywood Kirstie L. , Crawley Esther
Published: November 2019

Background

There is a lack of patient derived, child specific outcome measures to capture what health outcomes are important to children with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ Myalgic Encephalopathy (CFS/ME). We developed a new Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) for paediatric CFS/ME through qualitative research with children. This study aimed to pre-test the new measure through cognitive interviews with children with CFS/ME.

Methods

Cognitive interviews were undertaken in children’s homes or over Skype. The Three-Step Test-Interview (TSTI) method was used to assess the quality of the draft PROM with children with CFS/ME to identify problems with initial content and design and test modifications over subsequent interview rounds. Children were purposively sampled from a single specialist paediatric CFS/ME service in England.

Results

Twenty-four children and their parents took part. They felt the new measure captured issues relevant to their condition and preferred it to the generic measures they completed in clinical assessment. Changes were made to item content and phrasing, timeframe and response options and tested through three rounds of interviews.

Conclusions

Cognitive interviews identified problems with the draft PROM, enabling us to make changes and then confirm acceptability in children aged 11–18. Further cognitive interviews are required with children 8–10 years old to examine the acceptability and content validity and provide evidence for age related cut offs of the new PROM to meet FDA standards. This study demonstrates the content validity of the new measure as relevant and acceptable for children with CFS/ME. The next stage is to undertake a psychometric evaluation to support the reduction of items, confirm the structure of the PROM and provide evidence of the data quality, reliability and validity.
Raynaud's phenomenon
Authors: Devgire Vikrant , Hughes Michael
Published: November 2019

Raynaud's phenomenon is a common vasospastic condition which carries a significant burden of pain and hand-related disability ( Hughes and Herrick, 2016 ). The prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon in the general population has been reported to be approximately 5% ( Garner et al, 2015 ). Raynaud's phenomenon can occur either as a primary (‘idiopathic’) phenomenon or secondary to a wide range of underlying medical conditions and drug causes. Therefore, hospital-based specialists are frequently involved in the care of patients with Raynaud's phenomenon and need to be aware of associated conditions and prescribed medications for Raynaud's phenomenon. In particular, Raynaud's phenomenon is often the earliest manifestation of an underlying autoimmune connective tissue disease (e.g. systemic sclerosis). A comprehensive clinical assessment is required including performing targeted investigations (e.g. nailfold capillaroscopy and systemic sclerosis-associated autoantibodies). Patient education and lifestyle adaptations is first-line treatment for Raynaud's phenomenon. There is a wide range of pharmacological options including oral and intravenous drug therapies available to treat Raynaud's phenomenon. Surgical intervention is sometimes required for refractory Raynaud's phenomenon and tissue ischaemia. This review describes the clinical manifestations of Raynaud's phenomenon including potential secondary causes and presents an approach to assessment and management.
Maximizing opportunities at medical school to support a career in surgery
Authors:   STARSurg Collaborative
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

During medical school, students have numerous opportunities to develop their portfolios for a career in surgery, such as undertaking additional surgical placements and participating in surgical research. However, at present, there is little guidance available for medical students on how to build a strong portfolio for the UK core surgical training application. This article outlines work undertaken to provide concise guidance to support future surgeons, via application of the competency-based CanMEDS framework to the current UK core surgical training specification.

Materials and methods:

A pre-conference meeting was arranged for medical students at the Society of Academic and Research Surgeons annual conference in January 2018. Self-selected research enthusiasts from different university years discussed practical approaches to pair the CanMEDS model with the core surgical training specification, with support from the STARSurg Collaborative committee to facilitate discussion. A nominal group-based method was adopted in order to reach areas of consensus.

Results:

Practical tips and recommendations for each respective CanMEDS domain (communicator, collaborator, leader, health advocate, scholar, professional) were made in relation to the core surgical training specification. These included key action points and named opportunities that are currently available to UK medical students.

Conclusions:

A consensus approach was taken to address key areas of competence across each CanMEDS domain. This informed the development of a guidance framework to support students to develop a strong portfolio for a core surgical training application. This framework can be followed by medical students, equipping them with the skills necessary to succeed in their future surgical career.
A primer in interpretation of head CT scans
Authors: Kular Saminderjit , Martin Andrew
Published: November 2019

Over recent years with the development of increasingly efficient scanners, the computed tomography (CT) scan of the head has become one of the most commonly requested initial investigations, used to provide an overview of the brain and its surrounding structures. In particular, the CT head scan has become significant in the trauma setting. With short scanning time, an investigation to confirm or exclude intracranial haemorrhage, skull fracture or stroke can now be performed in a matter of seconds. This article provides physicians with a structure for reading a CT head scan, to help identify key findings that may warrant further specialist neurosurgical or stroke team referral.
Scarring and wound healing
Authors: Potter Daniel A , Veitch David , Johnston Graham A
Published: November 2019

Following injury, the skin undergoes a wound healing process culminating in the formation of a mature scar. Millions of patients worldwide are left with scars every year as a result of trauma or surgery. Scars can be painful, disfiguring and disabling, yet patients report that clinicians are often dismissive of their concerns, unable to identify pathological scars and unaware of treatment options. The normal wound healing process comprises three overlapping stages: inflammation, proliferation and remodelling. In some patients this process is deranged, resulting in the formation of hypertrophic or keloid scars. Clinicians can minimize the risk of these pathological scars developing with good surgical technique and wound aftercare. If pathological scars do form, they should be identified early and patients referred for treatment, most often topical or intralesional corticosteroids. In resistant cases, pathological scars may be treated with phototherapy, radiotherapy or surgical resection.
Hacia una identidad y cultura academica colaborativa. Los equipos docentes como innovación en los Grados universitarios.
Authors: Alonso Sáez Israel , Darretxe Leire , Beloki Nekane
Published: November 2019

Este trabajo profundiza en el valor que tiene la colaboración docente en la Educación Superior (ES).  A partir de una revisión de la literatura científica internacional, se presentan los resultados de un estudio de caso realizado en un Grado de Educación Social. En él, la creación y establecimiento de equipos docentes en cada cuatrimestre durante cuatro años, ha permitido desvelar las potencialidades de este avance hacia una identidad y cultura docente más colaborativa, pero también las dificultades y condiciones necesarias para transitar hacia ese horizonte. Se discuten los resultados obtenidos con otros estudios e investigaciones realizadas y se concluye afirmando el valor que tiene para la formación universitaria trabajar de modo colaborativo y convergente.
Reformulando la comunicación institucional de la universidad pública española desde el enfoque de la comunicación participativa
Authors: Simancas González Esther , García López Marcial
Published: November 2019

La teoría y la práctica de la comunicación institucional de las universidades públicas en España tienen un marcado carácter corporativo e instrumental. En esta investigación se discute la posibilidad de implementar una planificación y gestión comunicativa centradas en priorizar procesos comunicativos más horizontales y participativos. Para ello, se realiza un estudio cualitativo empleando la técnica del panel Delphi con 10 investigadores e investigadoras destacadas de universidades españolas, cuyas líneas de investigación están enmarcadas en la comunicación participativa o para el cambio social. El estudio evidencia que la apuesta por un modelo de comunicación institucional universitaria participativa requeriría el convencimiento y la implicación de la comunidad universitaria al completo  y conllevaría que se estableciesen procedimientos y mecanismos que garanticen la transversalidad de la comunicación así como la presencia activa de los diferentes grupos intra y extrauniversitarios que conforman la institución en el diagnóstico, diseño, ejecución y evaluación de la comunicación institucional.
Qualitative SAR Dark Spot Analysis for Oil Anomaly Characterization
Authors: Obowu Chituru Dike , Abam Tamunoene Kingdom , Ngah Sabastian
Published: November 2019

The characterization of the morphology of a dark spot event in a SAR image is crucial to determining the nature, fate and classification of a potential oil on water anomaly. Hence the need to adequately analyze SAR backscatter values from an amplitude power image were darks spots have been identified and extracted. The dark spots are potential areas of oil on water events and it is imperative that they are understood sufficiently for the purpose of assigning the level of confidence in the processing of oil analysis, understanding the type of oil on water event, classifying the extent of weathering impacting the detected anomaly and relating the oil anomaly to a potential source. In order to generate high quality datasets for anomaly characterization, it is imperative to transform satellite image amplitude data into power values in units of dB and represented on a logarithmic scale. This new power dataset is corrected radiometrically and requisite speckle to noise filter applied for data cleaning and noise suppression. Oil anomaly or darks spot extraction, representative of a potential oil on water is event which is the primary objective of the pre-processing is done. Gamma enhancement was applied on the dark spots in order to characterize their radiometric, textural and geometric properties. This is predominantly for estimating the confidence level of each anomaly detected, and their properties which are indicative of the type, fate, age and physical processes relating to each anomaly.
Bioremediation of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soil: Assessment of Compost Manure and Organic Soap
Authors: Uguru Hilary , O. I. Akpokodje,
Published: November 2019

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of compost manure and organic soap on hydrocarbon degradation in petroleum products contaminated soil. 10 kg of top soil collected at a depth of 0-20 cm, air dried and sieved, were poured into plastic containers. The soil samples were was pounded with 1 L of spent engine oil, 1 L of kerosene, 1 L of petrol and 1 L of diesel daily for five days. The containers were placed under natural environmental conditions for three weeks to enable full acclimatization of the petroleum products with the soil. A completely randomized design comprising T1 (Polluted soil without treatment ‘control’); T2 (10 kg contaminated soil + 500 g organic soap); T3 (10 kg contaminated soil + 500 g compost manure); and T4 (10 kg contaminated soil + 500 g compost manure + 500 g organic soap) was used for this study. Some physical characteristics (soil porosity and specific gravity) and Total Hydrocarbon Content (THC) of the soil samples were tested for, after the full acclimatization of the soil samples, and at the end of the 10 week experimental period, in accordance with standard methods. Results of the study showed that addition of the compost manure and organic soap the contaminated soil samples significantly (p ≤0.05) degraded the THC, and improved the soil physical characteristics. The result showed that the combination of compost manure and organic soap gave the best remediation result (from 957.21 mg/kg to 154.36 mg/kg), followed by organic soap (from 957.21mg/kg to 203.61 mg/kg), and then compost manure (from 957.21 mg/kg to 262.03 mg/kg). At the end of the experimental period, vegetative growth was observed in the treated soil samples; whereas,  in the control soil samples vegetative growth was absent. Results obtained from this study have shown that amending petroleum products contaminated soils with compost manure and organic soap will enhance remediation of petroleum products contaminated sites.
Holomorphy in Pseudo-Euclidean Spaces and the Classic Electromagnetic Theory
Authors: Negulescu Vlad L.
Published: November 2019

A new concept of holomorphy in pseudo-Euclidean spaces is briefly presented. The set of extended Cauchy-Riemannn differential equations, which are verified by the holomorphic functions, is obtained. A form of the general pseudo-rotation matrix was developed. The generalized d’Alembert- operator and extended Poisson’s equations are defined. Applying these results to the relativistic space-time, the charge conservation and general Maxwell equations are derived.