bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of weak hip abduction strength with nocturia in older women: The Nagahama study
Authors: Tabara Yasuharu , Ikezoe Tome , Matsumoto Takeshi , Murase Kimihiko , Setoh Kazuya , Funada Satoshi , Kawaguchi Takahisa , Nagashima Shunsuke , Kosugi Shinji , Hirai Toyohiro , Nakayama Takeo , Wakamura Tomoko , Chin Kazuo , Ichihashi Noriaki , Tsuboyama Tadao , Matsuda Fumihiko
Published: September 2019

Aim

Nocturia is a common phenomenon in older individuals, and is associated with poor quality of life. Nocturia is a multifactorial disorder, wherein the frailty of skeletal muscles, particularly muscle weakness in the lower trunk and hip regions, might be a risk factor in women. We analyzed a dataset of the general Japanese population to clarify the hypothesis.

Methods

Study participants included 1207 older women (mean age 67.4 ± 5.2 years). The frequency of nocturnal urination was assessed using a sleep diary for 1 week, and associations with lower muscle strength, skeletal muscle index, sarcopenia and physical performance (one‐leg standing time and Timed Up and Go test) were investigated.

Results

The frequency of nocturnal urination more than one voiding per night was 28.1%; this frequency was inversely associated with hip abduction strength quartiles (Q1: 37.0, Q2: 30.5, Q3: 25.1 and Q4: 19.9%, P < 0.001). When a sleep diary‐based nocturnal urination frequency >1.5 times/night (corresponding to a ≥2 times/night frequency obtained by questionnaire) was considered as nocturia, logistic regression analysis adjusted for major covariates identified hip abduction strength as an independent inverse determinant of nocturia (odds ratio 0.75, 95% CI 0.52–0.90, P = 0.002). In contrast, no significant association was observed with knee extension (P = 0.322) and hip flexion (P = 0.603) strengths. Physical performance, skeletal muscle index and sarcopenia did not show significant associations with nocturia.

Conclusions

Weak hip abduction strength might be a factor associated with nocturnal urination frequency in older women. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 1010–1016.
Capturing cluster life cycle with a mixed‐method analysis: Evidence from a French cluster case study
Authors: Bernela Bastien , Ferru Marie , Depret Marc‐Hubert
Published: September 2019

This article contributes to the growing literature on cluster life cycles (CLC) by demonstrating the opportunities offered by a mixed‐method approach. The combination of qualitative and quantitative data is useful both to describe the evolution of network patterns and to provide an understanding of the drivers of CLC. Based on the literature, we rely on a theoretical background integrating the pre‐existing context (cognitive, institutional, and social) in which actors involved in the nascent cluster are embedded, in order to capture the impact of the genesis period on the cluster's subsequent trajectory. The operationalization of this mixed‐method focused on one case study highlights the determining period of the genesis, since CLC is rooted in (a) the building of interpersonal relationships between actors from science and industry, (b) a longstanding specialization in a technological domain, and (c) policy opportunities and guidelines. The cluster trajectory remains driven by the initial policies, the cluster's nascent specialization and the founders' pre‐existing relationships over time, with an evolving role of each type of embeddedness over time.
Assessment of the influence of transrectal and transperineal prostate biopsies on erectile function: A prospective observational single‐center study
Authors: García Rojo Esther , García Gómez Borja , González Padilla Daniel A , Abad López Pablo , García González Lucía , Rodríguez Antolín Alfredo , Romero Otero Javier
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To assess the impact of transrectal versus transperineal prostate biopsy on erectile function.

Methods

This was a single‐center, observational, prospective study of consecutive patients who underwent a prostate biopsy (transrectal or transperineal/fusion biopsy). Study participants completed the International Index of Erectile Function‐5 questionnaire before the procedure, and 3 and 6 months after. Prostatic biopsies were carried out following the standard procedure for both techniques.

Results

The study included 135 male patients with a mean age of 63.5 years. At baseline, 28 patients (21%) presented normal erectile function, whereas 107 patients (82%) presented erectile dysfunction, which was severe in four (3%), moderate in 49 (36%) and mild in 54 (40%), with an overall mean International Index of Erectile Function‐5 score of 17.70. After 3 months, the rates were 29%, 3%, 27% and 38%, respectively (mean International Index of Erectile Function‐5 score 17.95). At 6 months, the rates were 30%, 6%, 28% and 34%, respectively (mean International Index of Erectile Function‐5 score of 17.77). No significant differences between pre‐ and post‐biopsy International Index of Erectile Function‐5 scores at 3 and 6 months were observed, even when analyzing transrectal and transperineal separately. The number of biopsy cores and number of previous biopsies did not influence the International Index of Erectile Function‐5 scores.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that prostate biopsy technique, number of biopsy cores and history of previous biopsy do not significantly impact erectile function in the medium term up to 6 months.
An empirical examination of the use of Easy Read health information in health consultations involving patients with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Chinn Deborah
Published: September 2019

Background

Easy Read health information (ERHI) has the potential to promote engagement in health care for people with intellectual disabilities. This study examined how ERHI was actually employed by clinicians and received by patients.

Method

Video recordings were made of 32 patients with intellectual disabilities attending a health check with primary care clinicians who had been given access to a range of ERHI, and 9 attending a health appointment with a specialist intellectual disability nurse. The recordings were analysed using conversation analysis.

Results

Easy Read health information was visible in only 7 (22%) of the primary care health checks (though not always shared with the patients). Easy Read health information was used in sequences where clinicians offered unsolicited health advice and met with degrees of resistance from patients, though its potential for shared decision making was also evident.

Conclusions

Easy Read health information can aid patient understanding and decision making, but attention should be paid to the interactional practices accompanying their use.
Applications of sequencing technology in clinical microbial infection
Authors: Yu Xiaoling , Jiang Wenqian , Shi Yang , Ye Hanhui , Lin Jun
Published: September 2019

Infectious diseases are a type of disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Although the discovery of antibiotics changed the treatment of infectious diseases and reduced the mortality of bacterial infections, resistant bacterial strains have emerged. Anti‐infective therapy based on aetiological evidence is the gold standard for clinical treatment, but the time lag and low positive culture rate of traditional methods of pathogen diagnosis leads to relative difficulty in obtaining the evidence of pathogens. Compared with traditional methods of pathogenic diagnosis, next‐generation and third‐generation sequencing technologies have many advantages in the detection of pathogenic microorganisms. In this review, we mainly introduce recent progress in research on pathogenic diagnostic technology and the applications of sequencing technology in the diagnosis of pathogenic microorganisms. This review provides new insights into the application of sequencing technology in the clinical diagnosis of microorganisms.
Prognostic power of a lipid metabolism gene panel for diffuse gliomas
Authors: Wu Fan , Zhao Zheng , Chai Rui‐Chao , Liu Yu‐Qing , Li Guan‐Zhang , Jiang Hao‐Yu , Jiang Tao
Published: September 2019

Lipid metabolism reprogramming plays important role in cell growth, proliferation, angiogenesis and invasion in cancers. However, the diverse lipid metabolism programmes and prognostic value during glioma progression remain unclear. Here, the lipid metabolism‐related genes were profiled using RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) database. Gene ontology (GO) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) found that glioblastoma (GBM) mainly exhibited enrichment of glycosphingolipid metabolic progress, whereas lower grade gliomas (LGGs) showed enrichment of phosphatidylinositol metabolic progress. According to the differential genes of lipid metabolism between LGG and GBM, we developed a nine‐gene set using Cox proportional hazards model with elastic net penalty, and the CGGA cohort was used for validation data set. Survival analysis revealed that the obtained gene set could differentiate the outcome of low‐ and high‐risk patients in both cohorts. Meanwhile, multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that this signature was a significantly independent prognostic factor in diffuse gliomas. Gene ontology and GSEA showed that high‐risk cases were associated with phenotypes of cell division and immune response. Collectively, our findings provided a new sight on lipid metabolism in diffuse gliomas.
Myoferlin, a multifunctional protein in normal cells, has novel and key roles in various cancers
Authors: Zhu Wei , Zhou Bolun , Zhao Chenxuan , Ba Zhengqing , Xu Hongjuan , Yan Xuejun , Liu Weidong , Zhu Bin , Wang Lei , Ren Caiping
Published: September 2019

Myoferlin, a protein of the ferlin family, has seven C2 domains and exhibits activity in some cells, including myoblasts and endothelial cells. Recently, myoferlin was identified as a promising target and biomarker in non‐small‐cell lung cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, colon cancer, melanoma, oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, clear cell renal cell carcinoma and endometrioid carcinoma. This evidence indicated that myoferlin was involved in the proliferation, invasion and migration of tumour cells, the mechanism of which mainly included promoting angiogenesis, vasculogenic mimicry, energy metabolism reprogramming, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and modulating exosomes. The roles of myoferlin in both normal cells and cancer cells are of great significance to provide novel and efficient methods of tumour treatment. In this review, we summarize recent studies and findings of myoferlin and suggest that myoferlin is a novel potential candidate for clinical diagnosis and targeted cancer therapy.
Differentiated Integration and Disintegration in the EU after Brexit: Risks versus Opportunities
Authors: Leruth Benjamin , Gänzle Stefan , Trondal Jarle
Published: September 2019

Differentiation is becoming an increasingly salient feature of European integration. The multifaceted European crisis and the subsequent Brexit vote (paving the way for a ground‐breaking case of differentiated disintegration) have led scholars and practitioners to think about the consequences of differentiated integration. This article draws on five empirical models of differentiation experienced by countries both inside and outside the EU: the European economic area model, the Danish model of (quasi‐)permanent differentiation, the Swedish model of de facto differentiation, the instrumental model and the Brexit process of differentiation. It addresses the different risks and opportunities that each of these models entail. The article also introduces the contributions to this symposium, which aims at paving the way for future research on the consequences of differentiation in light of Brexit.
Predicting women's intentions to screen for breast cancer based on the health belief model and the theory of planned behavior
Authors: Wang Xinbo , Chen Dandan , Xie Tingting , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2019

Aim

The objective of this study is to identify the role of factors influencing women's breast cancer screening (BCS) intentions in Changchun city based on the health belief model (HBM) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 422 women aged 17–75 years was conducted in Changchun, northern China, in 2018. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included three parts. We used descriptive analysis, correlation analysis and multiple regressions to analyze data in spss version 23.0.

Results

Career (P = 0.004), clinical examination (P = 0.002), X‐ray examination (P = 0.026), screening costs accepted (100–300 RMB) (P = 0.001), perceived behavioral benefit (P = 0.000), self‐efficacy (P = 0.000), subjective norms (P = 0.000), behavioral attitudes (P = 0.000) and perceived behavioral control (P = 0.000) had significant associations with BCS intentions. This study tested the applicability of the HBM (adjusted R2 = 4.7%, ΔR2 = 5.6%) and the TPB (adjusted R2 = 8.3%, ΔR2 = 3.8%) in the prediction of BCS intentions. It was found that the predictive power of the integrated model (adjusted R2 = 39%, ΔR2 = 30.8%) is better than that of each of the single models. Therefore, the integrated model has better predictive power.

Conclusion

An exploration of the factors affecting BCS intentions based on the HBM and the TPB is beneficial for reduced mortality and the development of measures to increase women's BCS awareness, thus providing a basis for future research on the factors affecting BCS intentions.
The iron record of asteroidal processes in carbonaceous chondrites
Authors: Garenne A. , Beck P. , Montes‐Hernandez G. , Bonal L. , Quirico E. , Proux O. , Hazemann J.L.
Published: September 2019

The valence of iron has been used in terrestrial studies to trace the hydrolysis of primary silicate rocks. Here, we use a similar approach to characterize the secondary processes, namely thermal metamorphism and aqueous alteration, that have affected carbonaceous chondrites. X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure spectroscopy at the Fe‐K‐edge was performed on a series of 36 CM, 9 CR, 10 CV, and 2 CI chondrites. While previous studies have focused on the relative distribution of Fe0 with respect to oxidized iron (Feox = Fe2+ + Fe3+) or the iron distribution in some specific phases (e.g., Urey–Craig diagram; Urey and Craig 1953), our measurements enable us to assess the fractions of iron in each of its three oxidation states: Fe0, Fe2+, and Fe3+. Among the four carbonaceous chondrites groups studied, a correlation between the iron oxidation index (IOI = [2(Fe2+) + 3(Fe3+)]/[FeTOT]) and the hydrogen content is observed. However, within the CM group, for which a progressive alteration sequence has been defined, a conversion of Fe3+ to Fe2+ is observed with increasing degree of aqueous alteration. This reduction of iron can be explained by an evolution in the mineralogy of the secondary phases. In the case of the few CM chondrites that experienced some thermal metamorphism, in addition to aqueous alteration, a redox memory of the aqueous alteration is present: a significant fraction of Fe3+ is present, together with Fe2+ and sometimes Fe0. From our data set, the CR chondrites show a wider range of IOI from 1.5 to 2.5. In all considered CR chondrites, the three oxidation states of iron coexist. Even in the least‐altered CR chondrites, the fraction of Fe3+ can be high (30% for MET 00426). This observation confirms that oxidized iron has been integrated during formation of fine‐grained amorphous material in the matrix (Le Guillou and Brearley 2014; Le Guillou et al. 2015; Hopp and Vollmer 2018). Last, the IOI of CV chondrites does not reflect the reduced/oxidized classification based on metal and magnetite proportions, but is strongly correlated with petrographic types. The valence of iron in CV chondrites therefore appears to be most closely related to thermal history, rather than aqueous alteration, even if these processes can occur together (Krot et al. 2004; Brearley and Krot 2013).
The age of Wolfe Creek meteorite crater (Kandimalal), Western Australia
Authors: Barrows Timothy T. , Magee John , Miller Gifford , Fifield L. Keith
Published: September 2019

Wolfe Creek crater lies in northwestern Australia at the edge of the Great Sandy Desert. Together with Meteor Crater, it is one of the two largest craters on Earth from which meteorite fragments have been recovered. The age of the impact is poorly constrained and unpublished data places the event at about 300,000 years ago. In comparison, Meteor Crater is well constrained by exposure dating. In this paper, we present new ages for Wolfe Creek Crater from exposure dating using the cosmogenic nuclides 10Be and 26Al, together with optically stimulated luminescence ages (OSL) on sand from a site created by the impact. We also present a new topographic survey of the crater using photogrammetry. The exposure ages range from ~86 to 128 ka. The OSL ages indicate that the age of the impact is most likely to be ~120 ka with a maximum age of 137 ka. Considering the geomorphic setting, the most likely age of the crater is 120 ± 9 ka. Last, we review the age of Meteor Crater in Arizona. Changes in production rates and scaling factors since the original dating work revise the impact age to 61.1 ± 4.8 ka, or ~20% older than previously reported.
Silica minerals in cumulate eucrites: Insights into their thermal histories
Authors: Ono Haruka , Takenouchi Atsushi , Mikouchi Takashi , Yamaguchi Akira
Published: September 2019

Some eucrites contain up to 10 vol% silica minerals; however, silica minerals have not been studied in detail so far. We performed a mineralogical study of silica minerals in three cumulate eucrites (Moore County, Moama, and Yamato [Y] 980433). Monoclinic tridymite was common in all three samples. Moama contained orthorhombic tridymite as lamellae within monoclinic tridymite grains. Y 980433 included quartz around an impact melt vein. The presence of orthorhombic tridymite in Moama indicates that Moama cooled more rapidly than the other two samples at low temperatures (<400 °C). This result is different from the slower cooling rates of Moama (≳0.0004 °C yr−1) than that of Moore County (>0.3 °C yr−1, after the shock event) at high temperatures (>500 °C) estimated from compositional profiles of pyroxene exsolution lamellae. The difference of the cooling rates may reflect their geological settings. Y 980433 cooled slowly at low temperature, as did Moore County. Quartz in Y 980433 could be a local product transformed from monoclinic tridymite by a shock event. We suggest that silica minerals in meteorites record thermal histories at low temperatures and shock events.
A deep learning algorithm for simulating autonomous driving considering prior knowledge and temporal information
Authors: Chen Sikai , Leng Yue , Labi Samuel
Published: September 2019

Autonomous vehicle (AV) stakeholders continue to seek assurance of the safety performance of this new technology through AV testing on in‐service roads, AV‐dedicated road networks, and AV test tracks. However, recent AV‐related fatalities on in‐service roads have exacerbated public skepticism and eroded some public trust in the safety of AV operations. Further, test tracks are unable to characterize adequately the real‐world driving environment. For this reason, driving simulators continue to serve as an attractive means of AV testing. However, in most AV driving simulators, the AV operation is based on commands external to the vehicle and embedded in the code for the driving environment. To address the simulation shortfalls associated with this approach, this paper develops a deep convolutional neural network–long short‐term memory (CNN–LSTM) algorithm for self‐driving simulation. This algorithm observes and characterizes the AV's driving environment, and controls the AV movement in the driving simulation. The CNN part extracts features that use transfer learning to introduce human prior knowledge, and the LSTM part uses temporal information to process the extracted features, and incorporates temporal dynamics to predict driving decisions. The AV may also use an external server with a database containing road environment data as an additional source of information. It is acknowledged that different driving simulators differ in their functions and their capabilities to access driving‐environment data. Therefore, to make it sufficiently flexible to facilitate replication by other researchers that use driving simulators, the algorithm has been designed and demonstrated using only image data of the driving environment as input. This is because roadway image data are easily and readily accessible from the screen of any driving simulator. The proposed algorithm was tested using the open racing car simulator test track platform and was found to be able to mimic human driving decisions with a high degree of accuracy.
Health visitors’ competences before and after implementing the newborn behavioral observations (NBO) system in a community setting: A cluster randomised study
Authors: Kristensen Ingeborg H. , Vinter Merethe , Nickell Inge K. , Kronborg Hanne
Published: September 2019

Objective

To explore differences between health visitors’ competences before and after implementing the newborn behavioral observations (NBO) system in four Danish municipalities.

Design and Sample

In a cluster randomized design, 56 and 55 health visitors were enrolled in the intervention and comparison districts. Only health visitors from the intervention district received the NBO education programme.

Measurements

Data from self‐administered questionnaires on heath visitors’ intention, self‐efficacy, knowledge, and observation skills were collected before and after NBO training. Data were analysed using descriptive and multivariable analyses.

Results

Health visitors reported high levels of intention, self‐efficacy, and knowledge working with early parent–infant relationships in both groups at baseline. After implementing NBO, the intervention health visitors reported a significantly higher level of knowledge of infant self‐regulation than the comparison group. No significant differences were found in health visitors’ level of intention and self‐efficacy working with early parent–infant relationships, or in health visitors’ observation skills assessing the quality of early relationship.

Conclusions

Health visitors attending the NBO education and working with NBO in clinical practise had a significantly higher level of knowledge of infant self‐regulation. A new discussion of how to educate health visitors’ competencies working with early relationship in clinical practise is needed.
Modeling Pathology Workload and Complexity to Manage Risks and Improve Patient Quality and Safety
Authors: Vanlandingham David M. , Hampton Wesley , Thompson Kimberly M. , Badizadegan Kamran
Published: September 2019

Anatomic pathology (AP) laboratories provide critical diagnostic information that help determine patient treatments and outcomes, but the risks of AP operations and their impact on patient safety and quality of care remain poorly recognized and undermanaged. Hospital‐based laboratories face an operational and risk management challenge because clinical work of unknown quantity and complexity arrives with little advance notice, which results in fluctuations in workload that can push operations beyond planned capacity, leading to diagnostic delays and potential errors. Modeling the dynamics of workload and complexity in AP offers the opportunity to better use available information to manage risks. We developed a stock‐and‐flow model of a typical AP laboratory operation and identified key exogenous inputs that drive AP work. To test the model, we generated training and validations data sets by combining data from the electronic medical records and laboratory information systems over multiple years. We demonstrate the implementation of 10‐day AP work forecast generated on a daily basis, and show its performance in comparison with actual work. Although the model somewhat underpredicts work as currently implemented, it provides a framework for prospective management of resources to ensure quality during workload surges. Although full implementation requires additional model development, we show that AP workload largely depends on few and accessible clinical inputs. Recognizing that level loading of work in a hospital is not practical, predictive modeling of work can empower laboratories to triage, schedule, or mobilize resources more effectively and better manage risks that reduce the quality or timeliness of diagnostic information.
The phylogeny of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) inferred from mitochondrial genomes
Authors: Nie Rui‐e , Andújar Carmelo , Gómez‐Rodríguez Carola , Bai Ming , Xue Huai‐Jun , Tang Min , Yang Chen‐Tao , Tang Pu , Yang Xing‐Ke , Vogler Alfried P.
Published: September 2019

The high‐level classification of Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles) currently recognizes 12 or 13 well‐established subfamilies, but the phylogenetic relationships among them remain ambiguous. Full mitochondrial genomes were newly generated for 27 taxa and combined with existing GenBank data to provide a dataset of 108 mitochondrial genomes covering all subfamilies. Phylogenetic analysis under maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference recovered the monophyly of all subfamilies, except that Timarcha was split from Chrysomelinae in some analyses. Three previously recognized major clades of Chrysomelidae were broadly supported: the ‘chrysomeline’ clade consisting of (Chrysomelinae (Galerucinae + Alticinae)); the ‘sagrine’ clade with internal relationships of ((Bruchinae + Sagrinae) + (Criocerinae + Donaciinae)), and the ‘eumolpine’ clade comprising (Spilopyrinae (Cassidinae (Eumolpinae (Cryptocephalinae + Lamprosomatinae)))). Relationships among these clades differed between data treatments and phylogenetic algorithms, and were complicated by two additional deep lineages, Timarcha and Synetinae. Various topological tests favoured the PhyloBayes software as the preferred inference method, resulting in the arrangement of (chrysomelines (eumolpines + sagrines)), with Timarcha placed as sister to the chrysomeline clade and Synetinae as a deep lineage splitting near the base. Whereas mitogenomes provide a solid framework for the phylogeny of Chrysomelidae, the basal relationships do not agree with the topology of existing molecular studies and remain one of the most difficult problems of Chrysomelidae phylogenetics.
The NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin improves cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal innervation and function in heart failure
Authors: Wang Ke , Zhu Zong‐Feng , Chi Rui‐Fang , Li Qing , Yang Zi‐Jian , Jie Xi , Hu Xin‐Ling , Han Xue‐Bin , Wang Jia‐Pu , Li Bao , Qin Fu‐Zhong , Fan Bianai
Published: September 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does NADPH oxidase activation mediate cardiac sympathetic nerve denervation and dysfunction in heart failure.

What is the main findings and its importance?

Cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal density and function were reduced in heart failure after myocardial infarction in rabbits. The NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin prevented the reduction in cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal density and function in heart failure. This suggest that NADPH oxidase activation mediates cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal abnormalities in heart failure. NADPH oxidase may be a potential therapeutic target for cardiac sympathetic denervation and dysfunction in heart failure.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is characterized by cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal abnormalities, as evidenced by decreased noradrenaline transporter (NAT) density and cardiac catecholaminergic and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) profiles. These alterations are associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). NADPH oxidase is a major source of ROS in CHF. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that NADPH oxidase activation mediates cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal abnormalities in CHF. CHF was produced by myocardial infarction (MI) in rabbits. Rabbits with MI or a sham operation were randomized to orally receive an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, apocynin (6 mg kg−1 day−1), or placebo for 30 days. MI rabbits exhibited left ventricular dilatation, systolic dysfunction, and increases in NADPH oxidase activity and 4‐hydroxynonenal expression in the remote non‐infarcted myocardium, all of which were prevented by treatment with apocynin. Cardiac catecholaminergic histofluorescence profiles and immunostained TH and PGP9.5 expression were decreased, and the decreases were ameliorated by apocynin treatment. NAT, TH and PGP9.5 protein and mRNA expression were reduced and the reduction was mitigated by apocynin treatment. The effects of apocynin were confirmed by utilizing the NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium in a separate experiment. In conclusion, the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin attenuated increased myocardial oxidative stress and decreased cardiac sympathetic nerve terminals in CHF after MI in rabbits. These findings suggest that the activation of NADPH oxidase mediates cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal abnormalities in CHF, and the inhibition of NADPH oxidase may be beneficial for the treatment of heart failure.
Caracterización de las aguas tratadas en zonas bananeras y su incidencia sobre la calidad ambiental del río Apartadó mediante análisis fisicoquímicos y microbiológicos
Authors: Muñoz Villarreal Lizeth Lorena
Published: September 2019

Apartadó (Antioquia) es un municipio de Colombia, perteneciente al Urabá antioqueño, que se caracteriza por su alta producción de banano, por lo que la agricultura bananera es la principal fuente de sustento en la región. Según la asociación de bananeros en Colombia, en el año 2017 más de 34.000 hectáreas se dedicaron a este cultivo. Solo en el municipio de Apartadó hay 132 fincas bananeras, en las cuales lavan las frutas con el objetivo de garantizar su alta producción y calidad. Este proceso consiste en la eliminación de látex, polvo, insectos y clústeres deformes o que presenten señales de estropeo o rasguños. En él se vierten grandes cantidades de agua a una fuente de agua superficial. Estas aguas deben ser tratadas previamente con el objetivo de eliminar carga contaminante. Para garantizar que esto se lleve a cabo, en Colombia existe la Resolución 0631/15, que estipula los parámetros y valores máximos permisibles para su vertimiento. Por esta razón, en este estudio se evaluaron las aguas residuales de cuatro fincas bananeras y, a su vez, se analizaron las aguas del río Apartadó, con el objetivo de establecer si existe incidencia de las aguas residuales de las fincas en el río. Por otro lado, se verificó si las aguas residuales cumplen con la norma, y se aplicó el índice de calidad de agua (ICA) al río, lo que dio como resultado que hay una buena calidad en los puntos con un índice entre 44 y 66. En este estudio se evaluaron las aguas residuales de cuatro fincas bananeras, a su vez, se analizaron las aguas del rio Apartadó con el objetivo de establecer si existe incidencia entre las aguas residuales de las fincas y el río. Por otro lado, se verificaron si las aguas residuales cumplen con la norma, dando como resultado, el incumplimiento de la misma ya que para las cuatro fincas el parámetro de grasas y aceites estuvo por encima de lo estipulado 10mg/l. También se realizó el índice de calidad de agua para el rio dando como resultado buena calidad en los distintos puntos con ICA desde 66-44.
Estudio comparado de los servicios ecosistémicos de los humedales Guarinó y Cauquita, en el Valle del Cauca (Colombia)
Authors: Henao Echavarría Saul Eduardo
Published: September 2019

Se presenta una comparación de los servicios ecosistémicos de los humedales Guarinó y Cauquita. Para esto, se parte de un diagnóstico ambiental en el que se establecen los principales aspectos físicos, bióticos y económicos, y se caracteriza su problemática general. Los servicios ecosistémicos identificados fueron calificados y comparados en función de su calidad a través de la construcción de un índice de calidad ecológica, soportado en un sistema de indicadores, que permite establecer las relaciones de dependencia entre las distintas acciones que generan impactos negativos en el flujo de servicios ecosistémicos. Se finaliza con una propuesta educativa que busca sensibilizar sobre la problemática e importancia de los humedales. La metodología que se aplica es de enfoque mixto, cualitativo e interpretativo. Los resultados permiten concluir que los humedales en estudio son espacios valiosos para la conservación de biodiversidad y para mantener el acceso a condiciones de bienestar a las poblaciones locales.

Los resultados permiten concluir que los humedales en estudio son espacios de mucha importancia para la conservación de biodiversidad y para mantener el acceso a condiciones de bienestar a las poblaciones locales.
Macroinvertebrados asociados a raíces de Eichhornia crassipes (Pontederiaceae) en la Ciénaga de Palagua (Colombia)
Authors: Murillo Montoya Sergio Adrián , Mendoza Mora Alexander , Restrepo Bastidas Edwin Santiago , Fadul Vázquez Carlos Julio , Calderón García Xiomara Fernanda , Rodriguez Vanegas Miguel Angel
Published: September 2019

Los macroinvertebrados acuáticos son un grupo bien conocido en ecosistemas lóticos, pero poco estudiados en ecosistemas lénticos. En Colombia los estudios sobre la relación de este grupo con las raíces de macrófitas flotantes es escaso, por lo tanto, el objetivo de este trabajo es determinar la asociación entre Eichhornia crassipes y macroinvertebrados acuáticos, y su relación con variables fisicoquímicas, como oxígeno disuelto, pH, sólidos totales disueltos, alcalinidad, transparencia, cobre, temperatura del agua, cloro libre, cloro total, profundidad de la ciénaga y cobertura de la macrófita en la ciénaga de Palagua (Colombia). Se registraron 11.759 macroinvertebrados, pertenecientes a 37 familias, siendo los Planorbidae y los Cyclestheriidae los más abundantes. Dentro de los parámetros fisicoquímicos, la alcalinidad presentó diferencias significas a nivel temporal, mientras que a nivel espacial solamente la cobertura de la macrófita presentó diferencias. A su vez, el coeficiente de Spearman mostró correlación significativa pero inversa entre la profundidad de la ciénaga y el oxígeno disuelto y el análisis de correspondencia canónica indica que la alcalinidad y la profundidad son las variables que más influencia tuvieron sobre los macroinvertebrados. La diversidad de familias reportada en el estudio fue alta si se compara con los datos disponibles en la literatura.
Amikacin Initial Dose in Critically Ill Patients: a Nonparametric Approach To Optimize
A Priori
Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Target Attainments in Individual Patients
Authors: Boidin Clément , Bourguignon Laurent , Cohen Sabine , Roger Claire , Lefrant Jean-Yves , Roberts Jason A. , Allaouchiche Bernard , Lepape Alain , Friggeri Arnaud , Goutelle Sylvain
Published: September 2019

Amikacin is commonly used for probabilistic antimicrobial therapy in critically ill patients with sepsis. Its narrow therapeutic margin makes it challenging to determine the right individual dose that ensures the highest efficacy target attainment rate (TAR) in this setting. This study aims to develop a new initial dosing approach for amikacin by optimizing the
a priori
TAR in this population.
Chicken Meat-Associated Enterococci: Influence of Agricultural Antibiotic Use and Connection to the Clinic
Authors: Manson Abigail L. , Van Tyne Daria , Straub Timothy J. , Clock Sarah , Crupain Michael , Rangan Urvashi , Gilmore Michael S. , Earl Ashlee M.
Published: September 2019

Bacteria that contaminate food can serve as a conduit for moving drug resistance genes from farm to table to clinic. Our results show that chicken meat-associated isolates of
Enterococcus
are often multidrug resistant, closely related to pathogenic lineages, and harbor worrisome virulence factors. These drug-resistant agricultural isolates could thus represent important stepping stones in the evolution of enterococci into drug-resistant human pathogens. Although significant efforts have been made over the past few years to reduce the agricultural use of antibiotics, continued assessment of agricultural practices, including the roles of processing plants, shared breeding flocks, and probiotics as sources for resistance spread, is needed in order to slow the evolution of antibiotic resistance. Because antibiotic resistance is a global problem, global policies are needed to address this threat. Additional measures must be taken to mitigate the development and spread of antibiotic resistance elements from farms to clinics throughout the world.
Horizontal Gene Transfer and Acquired Antibiotic Resistance in Salmonella enterica Serovar Heidelberg followingIn VitroIncubation in Broiler Ceca
Authors: Oladeinde Adelumola , Cook Kimberly , Lakin Steven M. , Woyda Reed , Abdo Zaid , Looft Torey , Herrington Kyler , Zock Gregory , Lawrence Jodie Plumblee , Thomas Jesse C. , Beaudry Megan S. , Glenn Travis
Published: September 2019

S.Heidelberg is a clinically important serovar, linked to foodborne illness and among the top 5 serovars isolated from poultry in the United States and Canada. Acquisition of new genetic material from the microbial flora in the gastrointestinal tract of food animals, including broilers, may contribute to increased fitness of pathogens likeS.Heidelberg and may increase their level of antibiotic tolerance. Therefore, it is critical to gain a better understanding of the interactions that occur between important pathogens and the commensals present in the animal gut and other agroecosystems. In this report, we show that the native flora in broiler ceca were capable of transferring mobile genetic elements carrying the AmpC β-lactamase (blaCMY-2) gene to an important foodborne pathogen,S. Heidelberg. The potential role for bacteriophage transduction is also discussed.
Yersiniabactin-Producing Adherent/Invasive Escherichia coli Promotes Inflammation-Associated Fibrosis in Gnotobiotic

Il10
−/−

Mice
Authors: Ellermann Melissa , Gharaibeh Raad Z. , Fulbright Laura , Dogan Belgin , Moore Lyndsey N. , Broberg Christopher A. , Lopez Lacey R. , Rothemich Aaron M. , Herzog Jeremy W. , Rogala Allison , Gordon Ilyssa O. , Rieder Florian , Brouwer Cory R. , Simpson Kenneth W. , Jobin Christian , Sartor R. Balfour , Arthur Janelle C.
Published: September 2019

Fibrosis is a significant complication of intestinal disorders associated with microbial dysbiosis and pathobiont expansion, notably Crohn’s disease (CD). Mechanisms that favor fibrosis are not well understood, and therapeutic strategies are limited. Here we demonstrate that colitis-susceptible
Il10
-deficient mice develop inflammation-associated fibrosis when monoassociated with adherent/invasive
Escherichia coli
(AIEC) that harbors the yersiniabactin (Ybt) pathogenicity island.
Molecular Testing for Mycoplasma genitalium in the United States: Results from the AMES Prospective Multicenter Clinical Study
Authors: Gaydos Charlotte A. , Manhart Lisa E. , Taylor Stephanie N. , Lillis Rebecca A. , Hook Edward W. , Klausner Jeffrey D. , Remillard Carmelle V. , Love Melissa , McKinney Byron , Getman Damon K.
Published: September 2019

A prospective multicenter clinical study involving subjects from 21 sites across the United States was conducted to validate the performance of a new
in vitro
diagnostic nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for the detection of
Mycoplasma genitalium
.
Nir2 Is an Effector of VAPs Necessary for Efficient Hepatitis C Virus Replication and Phosphatidylinositol 4-Phosphate Enrichment at the Viral Replication Organelle
Authors: Wang Hongliang , Tai Andrew W.
Published: September 2019

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is known for its ability to modulate phosphoinositide signaling pathways for its replication. Elevated levels of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate [PI(4)P] in HCV replication organelles (ROs) recruits lipid transfer proteins (LTPs), like oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP). OSBP exchanges PI(4)P with cholesterol, thus removing PI(4)P from the HCV RO. Here, we found that the phosphatidylinositol transfer protein Nir2 acts as an LTP and may replenish PI at the HCV RO by interacting with VAMP-associated proteins (VAPs), enabling continuous viral replication during chronic infection. Therefore, the coordination of OSBP, Nir2, and VAPs completes our understanding of the phosphoinositide cycle between the ER and HCV ROs.
Identification of Initial Colonizing Bacteria in Dental Plaques from Young Adults Using Full-Length 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Authors: Ihara Yukari , Takeshita Toru , Kageyama Shinya , Matsumi Rie , Asakawa Mikari , Shibata Yukie , Sugiura Yuki , Ishikawa Kunio , Takahashi Ichiro , Yamashita Yoshihisa
Published: September 2019

Selective attachment of salivary bacteria to the tooth surface is an initial and repetitive phase in dental plaque development. We employed full-length 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis with a high taxonomic resolution using a third-generation sequencer, PacBio Sequel, to determine the bacterial composition during early plaque formation in 74 young adults accurately and in detail. The results revealed 21 bacterial taxa primarily involved in early plaque formation on hydroxyapatite disks in young adults, which include several streptococcal species as well as nonstreptococcal species, such as
Neisseria sicca
/
N
.
flava
/
N
.
mucosa
and
Rothia dentocariosa
. Given that no notable variations in the microbiota composition were associated with the dental caries status, the maturation process, rather than the specific bacterial species that are the initial colonizers, is likely to play an important role in the development of dysbiotic microbiota associated with dental caries.
Optical solitons for coupled Fokas–Lenells equation in birefringence fibers
Authors: Raza Nauman , Arshed Saima , Sial Sultan
Published: September 2019

This paper discusses bright, dark and singular optical soliton as well as complexiton solutions to the coupled Fokas–Lenells equation (FLE) for birefringent fibers by three integration tools such as [Formula: see text]-expansion method, the first integral method and the sine-Gordon expansion method. The existence criterion of these solutions is also given.
Gas Sensing of Monolayer GeSe: A First-Principles Study
Authors: Zhuang Qinqin , Yang Weihuang , Lin Wei , Dong Linxi , Zhou Changjie
Published: September 2019

The adsorption of various gas molecules (H2, H2O, CO, NH3, NO and NO[Formula: see text] on monolayer GeSe were investigated by first-principles calculations. The most stable configurations, the adsorption energies, and the amounts of charge transfer were determined. Owing to the appropriate adsorption energies and the non-negligible charge transfers, monolayer GeSe could be a promising candidate as a sensor for NH3, CO, NO and NO2. According to the band structures of the H2O, CO, NH3, NO and NO2 adsorbed systems, the reductions of the bandgaps are caused by the orbital hybridizations between the gas molecules and the underlying GeSe. The partial densities of states reveal the degrees of these orbital hybridizations. The mechanisms of charge transfer are discussed in the light of both traditional and orbital mixing charge transfer theories. The charge transfer of the paramagnetic molecules NO and NO2 could be governed by both charge transfer mechanisms, while for the other gas molecules H2, H2O, CO and NH3, it was most likely determined by the mixing of the HOMO or LUMO with the GeSe orbitals.
China’s E-commerce Development and Its Implication
Authors: KONG Tuan Yuen
Published: September 2019

E-commerce is one of the main drivers of Chinese economic growth in not only metropolitan areas with convenient payment methods, but also rural areas with efficient logistics arrangements. Various third-party online payment methods and new festivals as well as information technology investments were introduced to stimulate e-commerce development. The Chinese government had raised the idea of encouraging various innovative ways of doing business and to incubate creative ideas online.
Application of Gelatin Incorporated with Red Pitaya Peel Methanol Extract as Edible Coating for Quality Enhancement of Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) during Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Liu Wenru , Shen Yong , Li Na , Mei Jun , Xie Jing
Published: September 2019

China is one of the largest producers of red pitaya in the world and responsible for disposal of the huge amount of peel generated as a waste. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of the addition of red pitaya peel extract (RPPE, 1.0%, 2.0%, or 3.0% (w/v)) and 0.1% ε-polylysine (ε-PL) to a fish gelatin edible coating on the preservation of deshelled crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) during refrigerated storage. The physicochemical and water migration of the samples were determined during 8-day storage. Deshelled crayfish packaged in edible coatings exhibited significantly (p<0.05) lower values for total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), K value maintenance, and free amino acids (FAAs). This study shows that application of an edible coating incorporated with RPPE and ε-PL is an effective strategy in retarding the quality deterioration in deshelled crayfish during storage.
Advancing Simulation-Based Orthopaedic Surgical Skills Training: An Analysis of the Challenges to Implementation
Authors: Atesok Kivanc , Hurwitz Shepard , Anderson Donald D. , Satava Richard , Thomas Geb W. , Tufescu Ted , Heffernan Michael J. , Papavassiliou Efstathios , Theiss Steven , Marsh J. Lawrence
Published: September 2019

Simulation-based surgical skills training is recognized as a valuable method to improve trainees’ performance and broadly perceived as essential for the establishment of a comprehensive curriculum in surgical education. However, there needs to be improvement in several areas for meaningful integration of simulation into surgical education. The purpose of this focused review is to summarize the obstacles to a comprehensive integration of simulation-based surgical skills training into surgical education and board certification and suggest potential solutions for those obstacles. First and foremost, validated simulators need to be rigorously assessed to ensure their feasibility and cost-effectiveness. All simulation-based courses should include clear objectives and outcome measures (with metrics) for the skills to be practiced by trainees. Furthermore, these courses should address a wide range of issues, including assessment of trainees’ problem-solving and decision-making abilities and remediation of poor performance. Finally, which simulation-based surgical skills courses will become a standard part of the curriculum across training programs and which will be of value in board certification should be precisely defined. Sufficient progress in these areas will prevent excessive development of training and assessment tools with duplicative effort and large variability in quality.