bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of calcium level and source, acidification, and phytase on phytate degradation and the microbiota in the digestive tract of broiler chickens
Authors: Krieg Jochen , Borda-Molina Daniel , Siegert Wolfgang , Sommerfeld Vera , Chi Yung Ping , Taheri Hamid Reza , Feuerstein Dieter , Camarinha-Silva Amélia , Rodehutscord Markus
Published: August 2020

Background Diet acidification, dietary calcium ( Ca ) level, and phytase supplementation are known influences on the microbial community in the digestive tract and on phosphorus ( P ) utilization of broiler chickens. Effects of dietary factors and microbiota on P utilization may be linked because microorganisms produce enzymes that release P from phytate ( InsP 6 ), the main source of P in plant feedstuffs. This study aimed to detect linkages between microbiota and InsP 6 degradation by acidifying diets (i.e., replacing Ca carbonate (CaCO 3 ) by Ca formate or adding formic acid to CaCO 3 -containing diets), varying Ca levels, and supplementing phytase in a three-factorial design. We investigated i) the microbial community and pH in the digestive tract, ii) prececal ( pc ) P and Ca digestibility, and iii) InsP 6 degradation. Results All factors under investigation influenced digesta pH and the microbiota composition. Predicted functionality and relative abundance of microorganisms indicated that diets influenced the contribution of the microbiota on InsP degradation. Values of InsP 6 degradation and relative abundance of the strains Lactobacillus johnsonii and Lactobacillus reuteri were correlated. Phytase supplementation increased pc InsP 6 disappearance, with differences between Ca levels, and influenced concentrations of lower inositol phosphate isomers in the digestive tract. Formic acid supplementation increased pc InsP 6 degradation to myo -inositol. Replacing CaCO 3 by Ca-formate and the high level of these Ca sources reduced pc InsP 6 disappearance, except when the combination of CaCO 3 +formic acid was used. Supplementing phytase to CaCO 3 +formic acid led to the highest InsP 6 disappearance (52%) in the crop and increased myo -inositol concentration in the ileum digesta. Supplementing phytase leveled the effect of high Ca content on pc InsP 6 disappearance. Conclusions The results point towards a contribution of changing microbial community on InsP 6 degradation in the crop and up to the terminal ileum. This is indicated by relationships between InsP 6 degradation and relative abundance of phosphatase-producing strains. Functional predictions supported influences of microbiota on InsP 6 degradation. The extent of such effects still remains to be clarified. InsP 6 degradation can also be influenced by pH effects caused by dietary concentration and solubility of the Ca sources.
The Sequence of Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs: Pathways to and Predictors of Tocilizumab Monotherapy
Authors: Solomon Daniel , Xu Chang , Collins Jamie , Kim Seoyoung C. , Losina Elena , Yau Vincent , Johansson Fredrik D.
Published: August 2020

Background: There are numerous non-biologic and biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Typical sequences of bDMARDs are not clear.Methods: We used data from Corrona, a large real-world RA registry, to examine the sequence of bDMARDs in patients who eventually use tocilizumab monotherapy (TCZm), an IL-6 antagonist with similar benefits used as monotherapy or in combination. Patients starting a bDMARD were included and were followed using a Markov transition state model, assessing treatments every six-months, to determine if they used TCZm. A supervised machine learning algorithm was then employed to determine longitudinal patient factors associated with TCZm use.Results: 7,300 patients starting a bDMARD were followed for up to 5 years. Their median age was 58 years, 78% were female, median disease duration was 5 years, and 71.8% were seropositive. During follow-up, 287 (3.9%) reported use of TCZm with median time until use of 25.6 (11.5, 56.0) months. 82% of TCZm use began within three years of starting any bDMARD. 93% of TCZm users switched from TCZ combination, a TNF inhibitor, or another bDMARD. Very few patients are given TCZm as their first DMARD (0.6%). Variables associated with use of TCZm included: prior use of TCZ combination therapy, older age, longer disease duration, seronegative, higher disease activity, and no prior use of a TNF inhibitor.Conclusions: Improved understanding of treatment sequences in RA may help personalize care. These methods may help optimize treatment decisions using big data.
Spatial and temporal patterns in Carbon and Nitrogen inputs by net precipitation in Atlantic Forest, Brazil
Authors: Mantovani Vanessa Alves , Terra Marcela de Castro Nunes Santos , de Mello Carlos Rogério , Rodrigues André Ferreira , de Oliveira Vinicius Augusto , Pinto Luiz Otávio Rodrigues
Published: August 2020

Background Forests are important for governing local and regional water and nutrient dynamics. Thus, studying precipitation-forest interactions is essential to understand the consequences of land-use and climate change for the hydrological and nutrient cycles. This study aimed to quantify the contribution of the net precipitation on Atlantic Forest’s total carbon (C) and total nitrogen (N), identifying potential differences between these chemistry inputs regarding temporal (seasonal and monthly) and spatial scales.Results The rainfall was enriched after crossing the forest canopy. For gross rainfall and net precipitation, respectively, statistical differences were found between annual inputs of carbon (104.13 kg ha− 1 and 193.18 kg ha− 1) and nitrogen (16.81 kg ha− 1 and 36.95 kg ha− 1). Moreover, there was a seasonal variability in the inputs of C and N since 75% occurred in the wet season. November and December concentrated the largest nutrient contribution throughout the year. The spatial variability of C and N was higher in the wet season. Overall, the spatial patterns revealed that the same locations had the highest inputs regardless of the analyzed period.Conclusion Our findings reinforce that forests promote rainfall enrichment with C and N. The forest-rainfall interactions provide constant input of these nutrients, especially in the wet season, being fundamental for maintenance of ecological processes. Despite the nutrient inputs presented some variability, this study provides useful information on the changes of C and N inputs after forest-rainfall interactions. Thus, it can support the estimation of atmospheric deposition and advance the knowledge of the contribution of the leaching and absorption processes by canopies.
The Impact of Parturition Induction With Cloprostenol on Immunological Parameters in the Sow Colostrum
Authors: Hlavová Karolina , Kudláčková Hana , Faldyna Martin
Published: August 2020

Background: Farrowing induction with prostaglandin F2 analogue cloprostenol is commonly used on commercial farms to manage the timing of farrowing. When labour induction is applied, the questions arise about possible side effects of such a hormonal intervention on physiological processes connected with labour and lactation, including colostral immunity.Results: In this study, immune cells composition, lysozyme concentration, complement bacteriolytic activity and proinflamatory (GM-CSF2, IL-1β, IL-6, a TNFα) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10, TGFβ1 a TGFβ2) cytokines were measured in colostrum samples from sows farrowing naturally (NP) and from sows with farrowing induced using cloprostenol administration on day 113 of gestation (IP). A significantly higher proportion of lymphocytes was found in colostrum of induced sows compared to colostrum of non-induced sows. No significant differences between NP and IP were found in complement activity, in the proportions of granulocytes, macrophages and lymphocyte subpopulations. Lower lysozyme concentration and higher IL-1β, IL-6, TGFβ1 and TNFα concentrations were found in IP sow colostrum compared to colostrum from NP sows. Conclusions: An increased number of colostral lymphocytes can positively influence the cellular immunity transmission from sow to her offspring. On the other hand, a lower lysozyme concentration can adversely affect newborn’s intestinal immunity, as well as changes in cytokine concentrations can have an adverse effect on newborn piglet intestinal epithelium development and its defence function.
A rapid qualitative assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a racially/ethnically diverse sample of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men living with HIV in the US South
Authors: Rhodes Scott D. , Mann-Jackson Lilli , Alonzo Jorge , Garcia Manuel , Tanner Amanda E. , Smart Benjamin D. , Horridge Danielle N. , Dam Cornelius N. Van , Wilkin Aimee M.
Published: August 2020

Persons living with HIV (PLWH) may be at increased risk for severe COVID-19-related illness. Our community-based participatory research partnership collected and analyzed semi-structured interview data to understand the early impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a sample of racially/ethnically diverse gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men living with HIV. Fifteen cisgender men participated; their mean age was 28. Six participants were Black/African American, five were Spanish-speaking Latinx, and four were White. Seventeen themes emerged that were categorized into six domains: knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19; COVID-19 information sources and perceptions of trustworthiness; impact of COVID-19 on behaviors, health, and social determinants of health; and general COVID-19-related concerns. Interventions are needed to ensure that PLWH have updated information and adhere to medication regimens, and to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on social isolation, economic stability, healthcare access, and other social determinants of health within this vulnerable population.
Comparative validation of the BOADICEA and Tyrer-Cuzick breast cancer risk models incorporating classical risk factors and polygenic risk in a population-based prospective cohort of women of European ancestry
Authors: Choudhury Parichoy Pal , Brook Mark N. , Wilcox Amber N. , Lee Andrew , Mulder Charlotta , Coulson Penny , Schoemaker Minouk J. , Jones Michael E. , Swerdlow Anthony J. , Chatterjee Nilanjan , Antoniou Antonis C. , Garcia-Closas Montserrat
Published: August 2020

Background: The Breast and Ovarian Analysis of Disease Incidence and Carrier Estimation Algorithm (BOADICEA) and the Tyrer-Cuzick breast cancer risk prediction models are commonly used in clinical practice and have recently been extended to include polygenic risk scores (PRS). In addition, BOADICEA has also been extended to include reproductive and lifestyle factors, which were already part of Tyrer-Cuzick model. We conducted a comparative prospective validation of these models after incorporating the recently developed 313-variant PRS. Methods: Calibration and discrimination of five-year absolute risk was assessed in a nested case-control sample of 1,337 women of European ancestry (619 incident breast cancer cases) aged 23-75 years from the Generations Study.Results: The extended BOADICEA model with reproductive/lifestyle factors and PRS was well calibrated across risk deciles; expected-to-observed ratio (E/O) at the highest risk decile: 0.97 (95% CI: 0.51 - 1. 86) for women younger than 50 years and 1.09 (0.66 - 1.80) for women 50 years or older. Adding reproductive/lifestyle factors and PRS to the BOADICEA model improved discrimination modestly in younger women (Area Under the Curve (AUC): 69.7% vs. 69.1%) and substantially in older women (AUC: 64.6% vs 56.8%). The Tyrer-Cuzick model with PRS showed evidence of overestimation at the highest risk decile: E/O = 1.54 (0.81 - 2.92) for younger and 1.73 (1.03 - 2.90) for older women.Conclusion: The extended BOADICEA model identified women in a European-ancestry population at elevated breast cancer risk more accurately than the Tyrer-Cuzick model with PRS. With the increasing availability of PRS, these analyses can inform choice of risk models incorporating PRS for risk stratified breast cancer prevention among women of European ancestry.
Complementary information provided by simultaneous sequencing of CTC, cfDNA and metastatic tissue in endocrine-resistant metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Manzano Esther Navarro , Pérez Maria Piedad Fernández , García-Martínez Elena , Barrio Pilar de la Morena , Rubio Alejandra Ivars , Benito Asunción Chaves , Díaz Francisco Martínez , Montoya Raul Teruel , García-Torralba Esmeralda , Peña Francisco Ayala de la
Published: August 2020

Background: Endocrine resistance is a major cause of therapeutic failure in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The information provided by DNA sequencing of plasma cell free DNA (cfDNA) and by the analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTC) may be useful to determine the occurrence and type of endocrine resistance. However, different levels of concordance between cfDNA and CTC, and also between liquid biopsy and tissue biopsy, have been reported. Thus, the best strategy for performing DNA sequencing in the setting of therapeutic decisions for luminal MBC patients is not well defined. The purpose of this study was to determine the concordance between DNA sequencing data from CTC, cfDNA, metastasis, and primary tumor in endocrine-resistant luminal MBC.Methods: Using the same panel (10 genes) we performed simultaneous sequencing of cfDNA, CTC, metastases and primary tumor in 38 patients with luminal MBC. CTC isolation was performed with an Epcam-based immunomagnetic system. Concordance of DNA sequencing data of the different types of sample was analyzed and correlated with clinical data. Results: CTC were detected in 21% of the patients. The rate of detection of genetic alterations was 87.5% for CTC, 61.5% for cfDNA, 63.2% for metastasis and 67.7% for primary tumor, and involved mainly TP53, PIK3CA, ESR1 and AKT1. A higher number of mutations was found in cfDNA of MBC patients with progressive disease (p=0.02) and the same trend was observed for endocrine resistance (p=0.08), especially for PIK3CA, ESR1 and AKT1 mutations. Global concordance was low to intermediate between CTC and cfDNA, but significantly higher between CTC and metastasis. Concordance also varied according to the specific genetic alteration, with no ESR1 mutations detected in CTC and with a low concordance for PIK3CA and AKT1 mutations between CTC and cfDNA samples.Conclusions: DNA sequencing of different types of tumor samples (cfDNA, CTC, metastasis and primary tumor) may provide different rates of genomic alterations detection in luminal endocrine-resistant MBC. A moderate to low concordance, with discordances depending both on the clinical situation and on the sequenced gene, support the complementarity of the different samples, with cfDNA and metastatic tissue as the preferred sources of tumor DNA.
Biomarkers of Response to Combinational Use of PD-1 Blockade and Anti-angiogenesis: An Analysis from a Phase II Trial in Advanced Triple-negative Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Liu Jieqiong , Li Ying , Li Qian , Liang Dandan , Wang Quanren , Liu Qiang
Published: August 2020

Background: We recently reported the results of a phase II clinical trial that the combinational use of camrelizumab plus apatinib induced an objective response rate (ORR) at 43.3% in advanced triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. This study presents the analysis of potential tumor and blood biomarkers for the patients responded to the combinational therapy. Methods: Stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), CD8+ T cells and the protein expression of programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) and PD-L1 were evaluated in tumor samples collected before and after the treatment. Peripheral blood samples were collected before treatment, 2-weeks and 8-weeks after treatment. 59 cytokines/chemokines, growth factors, or checkpoint-related proteins, blood immune cell subpopulations were analyzed in the blood samples. The correlation between biomarkers and clinical outcomes including ORR, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) was analyzed. Results: Upon database lock, the ORR of 28 evaluable patients was 46.4%. An increase of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells more than 15% during therapy was significantly associated with higher ORR (P=0.040). Patients with lower baseline plasma levels of HGF or IL-8 were more likely to respond to the combinational treatment (P=0.005 or 0.001, respectively), and showed a longer PFS and OS (HGF: PPFS<0.0001, POS<0.0001; IL-8: PPFS<0.0001, POS=0.009). Patients with a decrease of IL-8, or an increase of TIM-3 or CD152 during treatment responded more to the treatment (P=0.008, 0.040, or 0.014, respectively). Responders had a higher baseline CD4+ T cells and B cell proportions in blood than non-responders (P=0.002 and 0.030 respectively). Moreover, patients with higher baseline CD4+ T cells or B cells proportions in blood showed a longer PFS (P<0.001) or a longer OS (P=0.030) respectively. Conclusion: Higher baseline TILs or a greater increase of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells during therapy, lower baseline plasma HGF/IL-8, a decrease of plasma IL-8, an increase of plasma TIM-3/CD152 during therapy, higher baseline CD4+ T cells or B cells proportion in blood are potential biomarkers for the combinational anti-angiogenesis and immunotherapy in advanced TNBC patients.
Fibroblasts Direct Differentiation of Human Breast Epithelial Progenitors
Authors: Morsing Mikkel , Kim Jiyoung , Villadsen René , Goldhammer Nadine , Jafari Abbas , Kassem Moustapha , Petersen Ole William , Ronnov-Jessen Lone
Published: August 2020

Background Breast cancer arises within specific regions in the human breast referred to as the terminal duct lobular units (TDLUs). These are relatively dynamic structures characterized by sex hormone driven cyclic epithelial turnover. TDLUs consist of unique parenchymal entities embedded within a fibroblast-rich lobular stroma. Here, we establish and characterize a new human breast lobular fibroblast cell line against its interlobular counterpart with a view to assessing the role of region-specific stromal cues in the control of TDLU dynamics.Methods Primary lobular- and interlobular fibroblasts are transduced to express human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). Differentiation of the cell lines along lobular- and interlobular pathways is determined by immunocytochemical staining and genome-wide RNA sequencing. Their functional properties are further characterized by analysis of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation repertoire in culture and in vivo . The cells´ physiological relevance for parenchymal differentiation is examined in heterotypic co-culture with fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-purified normal breast primary luminal- or myoepithelial progenitors. The co-cultures are immunostained for quantitative assessment of epithelial branching morphogenesis, polarization, growth and luminal epithelial maturation. In extension, myoepithelial progenitors are tested for luminal differentiation capacity in culture and in mouse xenografts. To unravel the significance of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)-mediated crosstalk in TDLU-like morphogenesis and differentiation, fibroblasts are incubated with SB431542 prior to heterotypic co-culture with luminal cells.Results hTERT immortalized fibroblast cell lines retain critical phenotypic traits in culture and links to primary fibroblasts. Cell culture assays and transplantation to mice show that the origin of fibroblasts determines TDLU-like and ductal-like differentiation of epithelial progenitors. Whereas lobular fibroblasts support a high level of branching morphogenesis by luminal cells, interlobular fibroblasts support ductal-like myoepithelial characteristics. TDLU-like morphogenesis, at least in part, relies on intact TGF-β signaling. Conclusions The significance of the most prominent cell type in normal breast stroma, the fibroblast, in directing epithelial differentiation is largely unknown. Through establishment of lobular and interlobular fibroblast cell lines we here demonstrate that epithelial progenitors are submitted to stromal cues for site-specific differentiation. Our findings lend credence to considering stromal subtleties of crucial importance in the development of normal breast and, in turn, breast cancer.
Weather and Policy Influences on Mobility during the U.S. COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wu Yihan , Mooring Todd , Linz Marianna
Published: August 2020

As the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 continues to proliferate across the globe, it is a struggle to predict and prevent its spread. The successes of mobility interventions demonstrate how policies can help limit the person-to-person interactions that are essential to infection. With significant community spread, experts predict this virus will continue to be a threat until a safe and effective vaccine has been developed and widely deployed. We aim to understand mobility changes, measured via mobile device tracking, during the first major quarantine period in the United States by assessing how people changed their behavior in response to policies and to weather. Here we show that consistent national messaging was associated with consistent national behavioral change, regardless of local policy. Furthermore, while behavior changed with favorable weather conditions generally the changes did not increase encounters between people. The independence of encounters and temperatures suggests that behavioral changes will not impact any direct physical modulation of transmission by weather as the pandemic continues. Both of these results are encouraging for the potential of the country to be able to curb the virus with clear national messaging.
Combination anti-coronavirus therapies based on nonlinear mathematical models
Authors: González Jorge A. , Akhtar Z. , Andrews D. , Jimenez S. , Maldonado L. , Oceguera T. , Rondon Irving , Sotolongo-Costa O.
Published: August 2020

Using nonlinear mathematical models and experimental data from laboratory and clinical studies, we have designed new combination therapies against COVID-19
Crafting futures together: scenarios for water infrastructure asset management in a context of global change
Authors: Rulleau B. , Salles D. , Gilbert D. , Le Gat Y. , Renaud E. , Bernard P. , Gremmel J. , Giard A. , Assouan E. , de Grissac B. , Eisenbeis P. , Husson A. , Rambonilaza T. , Stricker A.-E.
Published: August 2020

Drinking water supply networks play an essential role in protecting the human and economic wellbeing of the territories they serve. To ensure continued quality of service, organisations involved in water infrastructure asset management (WIAM) need to deal with a number of issues related to global change. This paper presents the results of an original interdisciplinary foresight approach carried out by a group of engineering and social scientists, in partnership with a number of stakeholders. The purpose was to examine various possible pathways for the future of a French territory. The full title of our foresight study is: ‘Supplying water destined for human consumption in Nouvelle-Aquitaine (France) up until 2070’. Four scenarios, as contrasted as possible, were designed based on five components: organisation and operation of the water supply service, social demands in terms of drinking water, the governance context, territorial dynamics, and the overall context. We then ran further simulations to visualise what a given infrastructure network would look like under each set of assumptions, and under different territorial configurations. One significant advantage of our foresight approach is the educational value it has for stakeholders and water managers. Foresight makes the future potentially visible and provides an opportunity to discuss it, in order to able to inform decision-making.
Drug Repurposing: Promises of Edaravone Target Drug in Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Shakkour Zaynab , Issa Hawraa , Ismail Helene , Ashekyan Ohanes , Habashy Karl John , Nasrallah Leila , Jourdi Hussam , Hamade Eva , Mondello Stefania , Sabra Mirna , Zibara Kazem , Kobeissy Firas
Published: August 2020

Edaravone is a potent free-radical scavenger that has been in the market for more than
30 years. It was originally developed in Japan to treat strokes and has been used there since 2001.
Aside from its anti-oxidative effects, edaravone demonstrated beneficial effects on proinflammatory
responses, nitric oxide production, and apoptotic cell death. Interestingly, edaravone
has shown neuroprotective effects in several animal models of diseases other than stroke. In particular,
edaravone administration was found to be effective in halting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(ALS) progression during the early stages. Accordingly, after its success in Phase III clinical studies,
edaravone has been approved by the FDA as a treatment for ALS patients. Considering its
promises in neurological disorders and its safety in patients, edaravone is a drug of interest that can
be repurposed for traumatic brain injury (TBI) treatment. Drug repurposing is a novel approach in
drug development that identifies drugs for purposes other than their original indication. This review
presents the biochemical properties of edaravone along with its effects on several
neurological disorders in the hope that it can be adopted for treating TBI patients.
Role of Histamine as a Peripheral Sympathetic Neuromediator and its Interrelation with Substance P
Authors: Atencio Augusto S. Manzo , de Manzo Flor A. Perez , Velasco Manuel
Published: August 2020

This article is an educational review about the fundamental aspects related to the proposal of the existence of a peripheral sympathetic reflex regulated by histamine, through its effect on presynaptic H3 type receptors, under the interaction of a sensory neuron that would be mediated by Substance P. In this respect, we consider it useful to highlight the role of histamine, so we discuss some aspects about its history, metabolism, and function, as well as its interaction with H3 type receptors that are considered as neuroreceptors, which define and typify it as a neuromediator at both levels of the nervous system, central and peripheral.
Imaging Techniques as an Aid in the Early Detection of Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Santarelli M.F. , Scipioni M. , Genovesi D. , Giorgetti A. , Marzullo P. , Landini L.
Published: August 2020

:

The idea that performing a proper succession of imaging tests and techniques allows an accurate and
early diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis, avoiding the need to perform the myocardial biopsy, is becoming increasingly
popular. Furthermore, being imaging techniques non-invasive, it is possible to perform the follow-up of the
pathology through repeated image acquisitions.

:

In the present review, the various innovative imaging methodologies are presented, and it is discussed how they
have been applied for early diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis (CA), also to distinguish the two most frequent
subtypes in CA: immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL) and transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR); this allows
to perform the therapy in a targeted and rapid manner.
A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of the Effect of Probiotic Food or Supplement on Glycemic Response and Body Mass Index in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes, Updating the Evidence
Authors: Jafarabadi Mohammad Asghari , Dehghani Azadeh , Khalili Leila , Barzegar Ali , Mesrizad Mahdi , Hassanalilou Tohid
Published: August 2020

Background:

To investigate the effects of probiotics on glucose metabolism and body mass
index (BMI), and compare the efficacy of probiotic food with the probiotic supplement in patients with
type 2 diabetes mellitus using a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials.

Methods:

Online databases Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed were searched until November 2019
to identify eligible articles. Fourteen trials were included.

Results:

Probiotic consumption reduced fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (SMD=-0.38, 95% CI: -0.76 to
0.01), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (SMD=-0.64, 95% CI: -0.91 to -0.38), fasting insulin concentration
(SMD=-0.48, 95% CI, -0.81 to -0.15), HOMA-IR (SMD=-1.01, 95% CI, -1.51 to -0.52), and
BMI (SMD=-0.02, 95%CI, -0.17 to 0.13) in intervention groups compared with control groups. Subgroup
analysis was conducted to trials with probiotic foods and probiotic supplements. Both of probiotic
foods (SMD: -0.65, 95% CI: -1.04 to -0.26; SMD: -1.17, 95% CI: -2.14 to -0.20, respectively) and
supplements (SMD: -0.64, 95% CI: -1.01 to -0.27; SMD: -0.98, 95% CI: -1.55 to -0.40, respectively)
made significant reduction in HbA1c and HOMA.IR. Meta-analysis of trials with probiotic foods found
non-significant changes in FBG and fasting insulin concentration (SMD: 0.11, 95% CI: -0.52 to 0.75;
SMD: -0.14, 95% CI: -0.48 to 0.20, respectively); however the changes in trials with probiotic supplements
were significant (SMD: -0.73, 95% CI: -1.22 to -0.23; SMD: -0.57, 95% CI: -0.97 to -0.17,
respectively). Probiotic foods cause a non-significant raise in BMI (SMD: 0.23, 95% CI: -0.03 to
0.49); however, meta-analysis of trials with probiotic supplements found a non-significant reduction in
BMI (SMD: -0.13, 95% CI: -0.31 to 0.04).

Conclusions:

The present meta-analysis suggests that consuming probiotics could improve glucose metabolism
and affect body weight, with a potentially greater effect when probiotics are used as supplements.
Theoretical Investigation on Structural and Magnetic Properties of Mn-doped and C co-doped Zn12Se12 Nanoclusters
Authors: Chen Liangyan , Fang Chao , Liu Weihua
Published: August 2020

Background:

Mn doped ZnSe low dimensional materials are attractive for different biological
labels, gene silencing and dilute-magnetic device. ZnSe clusters are one of the basic building
blocks of quantum dots and even cluster-assembled nanodevices, stable structures of undoped ZnSe
clusters were established by previous pioneering work, and the Mn doped ZnSe clusters had been
investigated, but the stable clusters in the ferromagnetic state have not been found yet.

Objective:

Our work is mainly based on Mn doped clusters (Mn2Zn10Se12) and C codoped clusters
(Mn2Zn10Se11) structure, magnetic properties through theoretical calculations.

Methods:

First principle density functional theory calculation with Dmol3 is used to execute all calculations.

Results:

Mn atoms prefer to substitute the nearest neighbor Zn atom sites in the rhombi part, and C
atom prefers to occupy Se atom sites with shortest Mn-C bond length in Zn12Se12 nanocluster doping.
Mn doped clusters (Mn2Zn10Se12) are in antiferromagnetic states and the most stable C codoped clusters
(Mn2Zn10Se11) are in ferromagnetic states. Magnetic behavior localized at the 3d orbitals of
transitional metal Mn, 4p orbital of atom Se and 2p orbital of C atom. Mn2Zn10Se12 clusters are in
antiferromagnetic states as the p-d hybridization introduced Mn-Mn superexchange mechanism. For
the ferromagnetism of Mn2Zn10Se12 nanocluster, hole mediated double exchange mechanism introduced
by C atom p-d hole state hybridization has been suggested.

Conclusion:

The codoping of C atom can stabilize the ferromagnetism of clusters through hole mediated
double exchange mechanism, which may be meaningful for the exploring materials for cluster-
assembled spin-electronic devices.
Co-medications and Drug-Drug Interactions in People Living with HIV in Turkey in the Era of Integrase Inhibitors
Authors: Yeşilbağ Zuhal , Şengül Emine İlay , Şenoğlu Sevtap , Aydın Özlem Altuntaş , Karaosmanoğlu Hayat Kumbasar
Published: August 2020

Background:

Long life expectancy in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) caused an increase in comorbidities and co-medications. We aimed to analyse co-medications and drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive PLWH in the era of integrase inhibitors.

Methods:

A retrospective observational study was conducted between January 2016-August 2019. Patients’ characteristics
and chronic co-medications were recorded. The university of Liverpool HIV drug interaction database was used for DDIs.

Results:

Among 745 patients, the chronic co-medication rate was 30.9%. Older age (p<0.001, OR:6.66, 95% CI: 3.86-
11.49) and female gender (p=002, OR:2.25, 95%:1.14-4.44) were independently associated with co-medication. Cardiovascular system (CVS) and central nervous system (CNS) drugs were most common co-medications. Older age (p<0.001,
OR:12.04, 95% CI:4.63-36.71), having heterosexual (HS) contact (p=0.003, OR:3.8, 95% CI:1.57-9.22) were independently
associated with CVS drugs use, while being men who have sex with men (MSM) (p=0.03, OR:2.59, 95% CI:1.11-6.03) was
associated with CNS drugs use. DDIs were seen in 37.4% of patients with co-medications. Antidiabetics (23.3%), CNS
(22.1%) and CVS drugs (19.8%) most commonly had DDIs. Contraindication was most commonly seen between inhaled
corticosteroids and elvitegravir/cobicistat. A number of non-ART drugs, elvitegravir/cobicistat, antidiabetics, vitamins were
independently associated with the presence of DDIs.

Conclusion:

Results suggested the need for attention about co-medication in PLWH regardless of whether they are young or
older. CNS drugs should be questioned more detailed in MSM, as well as CVS drugs in older HS patients.
Elvitegravir/cobicistat is significantly associated with DDIs and switching to an unboosted INSTI should be considered in
patients with multiple comorbidities.
Vital Tooth Whitening Techniques. A Literature Review
Authors: Kirk Pia Chatterjee
Published: August 2020

Background:

Vital tooth whitening has become an integral part of esthetic dentistry and
remains one of the safest and most economical options today to improve dental esthetics without removing
tooth structure. The tooth whitening materials have evolved into three categories: dentist-
prescribed/dispensed in office, the dentist prescribed patient home use, and over-the-counter
purchased and applied by patients.

Objective:

This review outlines the latest advances in dentist prescribed vital teeth whitening techniques,
effects on tooth structure, soft tissues, and dental restoratives. Areas requiring additional research
are also discussed.

Methods:

Electronic and manual literature search was conducted for key words such as tooth bleaching, and dental
bleaching techniques using PubMed/MEDLINE, followed by manual selection of the studies that included whitening procedures in vital teeth.

Results:

The two main whitening agents are carbamide peroxide (CP) and hydrogen peroxide (HP
or H2O2) whose concentration, duration of contact and total treatment time can alter results. In addition,
factors including the type of stain and the age of the patient can affect results. Although
whitening agents can affect tooth structure, restorative materials, and gingival tissues, the changes
are temporary or can be treated using minimally invasive techniques.

Conclusion:

Areas requiring further research include the actual mechanism of whitening, its effect
on tooth structure and restorative materials, and the development of an easy method to quantitate
the degree of whitening in the dental office.
Concentraciones séricas de Beta-hidroxibutirato y su asociación con enfermedades posparto en bovinos de leche
Authors: Huertas-Molina Oscar Felipe , Guzman-Carazo Victor Manuel , Palacio-Baena Luis Guillermo , Zambrano-Varón Jorge Luis , Olivera-Angel Martha
Published: August 2020

Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia de cetosis bovina según las concentraciones séricas (mMol/Lt) de beta-hidroxibutirato (βHB) y estimar su asociación con enfermedades del posparto temprano en vacas lecheras. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal con información individual de los niveles sanguíneos de βHB y presentación clínica de enfermedades puerperales de n=1149 animales; además se evaluó la eficiencia de la prueba como predictora de enfermedad posparto. Posteriormente, se realizó X2 y un modelo de regresión logística final para explorar los factores asociados a la prevalencia de cetosis. La relación entre βHB sanguíneo, la presentación de cetosis y la ocurrencia de enfermedades puerperales se calculó analizando Característica Operativa del Receptor (Receiver Operating Characteristic -ROC). Resultados. Según los niveles de βHB, la prevalencia de cetosis fue de 7,9%, cetosis clínica 0.6% y cetosis subclínica 7.3 %. La prueba fue predictora de enfermedad puerperal (LR+ del 13.6). La condición corporal  ³ 3.5, número de partos igual a 2 y ≥3, la presentación de retención de placenta, fiebre de leche y la enfermedad posparto, son factores de riesgo de cetosis. El análisis de la curva ROC mostró que la medición de βHB (≥ 1.2 mMol/Lt) en sangre sirve para diagnosticar cetosis (p<0.0001). Conclusiones. La medición de niveles sanguíneos de βHB permitió determinar que la presentación de cetosis es baja, es una alerta no solamente para esta enfermedad sino para las enfermedades del posparto temprano. Los resultados de este estudio confirman lo reportado en estudios previos sobre los factores de riesgo de cetosis.
Comparing Computed Tomography–Derived Augmented Reality Holograms to a Standard Picture Archiving and Communication Systems Viewer for Presurgical Planning: Feasibility Study
Authors: Dallas-Orr David , Penev Yordan , Schultz Robert , Courtier Jesse
Published: August 2020

Background

Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) are ubiquitously used to store, share, and view radiological information for preoperative planning across surgical specialties. Although traditional PACS software has proven reliable in terms of display accuracy and ease of use, it remains limited by its inherent representation of medical imaging in 2 dimensions. Augmented reality (AR) systems present an exciting opportunity to complement traditional PACS capabilities.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the technical feasibility of using a novel AR platform, with holograms derived from computed tomography (CT) imaging, as a supplement to traditional PACS for presurgical planning in complex surgical procedures.

Methods

Independent readers measured objects of predetermined, anthropomorphically correlated sizes using the circumference and angle tools of standard-of-care PACS software and a newly developed augmented reality presurgical planning system (ARPPS).

Results

Measurements taken with the standard PACS and the ARPPS showed no statistically significant differences. Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean difference of 0.08% (95% CI –4.20% to 4.36%) for measurements taken with PACS versus ARPPS’ circumference tools and –1.84% (95% CI –6.17% to 2.14%) for measurements with the systems’ angle tools. Lin’s concordance correlation coefficients were 1.00 and 0.98 for the circumference and angle measurements, respectively, indicating almost perfect strength of agreement between ARPPS and PACS. Intraclass correlation showed no statistically significant difference between the readers for either measurement tool on each system.

Conclusions

ARPPS can be an effective, accurate, and precise means of 3D visualization and measurement of CT-derived holograms in the presurgical care timeline.
The Relationship Between Smartphone-Recorded Environmental Audio and Symptomatology of Anxiety and Depression: Exploratory Study
Authors: Di Matteo Daniel , Fotinos Kathryn , Lokuge Sachinthya , Yu Julia , Sternat Tia , Katzman Martin A , Rose Jonathan
Published: August 2020

Background

Objective and continuous severity measures of anxiety and depression are highly valuable and would have many applications in psychiatry and psychology. A collective source of data for objective measures are the sensors in a person’s smartphone, and a particularly rich source is the microphone that can be used to sample the audio environment. This may give broad insight into activity, sleep, and social interaction, which may be associated with quality of life and severity of anxiety and depression.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the properties of passively recorded environmental audio from a subject’s smartphone to find potential correlates of symptom severity of social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and general impairment.

Methods

An Android app was designed, together with a centralized server system, to collect periodic measurements of the volume of sounds in the environment and to detect the presence or absence of English-speaking voices. Subjects were recruited into a 2-week observational study during which the app was run on their personal smartphone to collect audio data. Subjects also completed self-report severity measures of social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and functional impairment. Participants were 112 Canadian adults from a nonclinical population. High-level features were extracted from the environmental audio of 84 participants with sufficient data, and correlations were measured between the 4 audio features and the 4 self-report measures.

Results

The regularity in daily patterns of activity and inactivity inferred from the environmental audio volume was correlated with the severity of depression (r=−0.37; P<.001). A measure of sleep disturbance inferred from the environmental audio volume was also correlated with the severity of depression (r=0.23; P=.03). A proxy measure of social interaction based on the detection of speaking voices in the environmental audio was correlated with depression (r=−0.37; P<.001) and functional impairment (r=−0.29; P=.01). None of the 4 environmental audio-based features tested showed significant correlations with the measures of generalized anxiety or social anxiety.

Conclusions

In this study group, the environmental audio was shown to contain signals that were associated with the severity of depression and functional impairment. Associations with the severity of social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder were much weaker in comparison and not statistically significant at the 5% significance level. This work also confirmed previous work showing that the presence of voices is associated with depression. Furthermore, this study suggests that sparsely sampled audio volume could provide potentially relevant insight into subjects’ mental health.
Role of Assistive Robots in the Care of Older People: Survey Study Among Medical and Nursing Students (Preprint)
Authors: Łukasik Sylwia , Tobis Sławomir , Kropińska Sylwia , Suwalska Aleksandra
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Populations are aging at an alarming rate in many countries around the world. There has been not only a decrease in the number of births and an increase in the percentage of older people, but also an increase in the number of people living alone. There is growing demand for specialist medical care and daily care with the number of people who can act as caregivers reducing. The use of assistive robots can, at least partially, solve these problems.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the opinions of future health care professionals (medical and nursing students) regarding the use of assistive robots in the care of older people.

METHODS

The study was conducted with a group of 178 students from Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland (110 nursing students and 68 medical students), using the Users’ Needs, Requirements, and Abilities Questionnaire.

RESULTS

The participants of this study believed that assistive robots should, first of all, remind older people to take medication regularly, ensure their safety, monitor their health status and environment, provide cognitive training, and encourage them to maintain physical activity. In the students’ opinion, the robot should not be an older person’s companion but only act as an assistant. Nursing students had significantly higher scores than medical students in several statements concerning everyday use of robots, including reminding about meals (P=.03), monitoring the environment (P=.001), providing advice about a healthy diet (P=.04), monitoring the intake of food and fluids (P=.02), and automatic “switch on” function (P=.02). Nursing students were more focused on the social functions of robots, including encouraging contact with friends (P=.003) and reducing the sense of loneliness and improving mood (P=.008). Medical students were more aware of privacy issues in the statement concerning the possibility of switching off the robot in specific situations (P=.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed a generally positive attitude of future doctors and nurses toward assistive robots, which can have an impact on their acceptance by older adults. In the future, medical professionals could help their patients to choose the right robots (and necessary functions) that are best suited to their needs. However, this would require expanding the curriculum to include the issues of gerontechnology.
Instagram Posts Related to Backwoods Cigarillo Blunts: Content Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Kim Stephanie , Mourali Alia , Allem Jon-Patrick , Unger Jennifer B , Boley Cruz Tess , Smiley Sabrina L
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Instagram, one of the most popular social media platforms among youth, offers a unique opportunity to examine blunts—partially or fully hollowed-out large cigars, little cigars, and cigarillos that are filled with marijuana. Cigarillo brands like Backwoods (Imperial Tobacco Group Brands LLC) have product features that facilitate blunt making, including a variety of brand-specific flavors that enhance the smoking experience (eg, honey, dark stout). Backwoods has an active online presence with a user-friendly website.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the extent to which Backwoods cigarillo–related posts on Instagram showed blunt making. Instagram offers a unique opportunity to examine blunt making as Instagram accounts will contain images reflective of behavior occurring without the prime of a researcher.

METHODS

Data consisted of publicly available Instagram posts with the hashtag #backwoods collected from August 30 to September 12, 2018. Inclusion criteria for this study included an Instagram post with the hashtag “#backwoods”. Rules were established to content analyze posts. Categories included Type of post (ie, photo, video, or both); Blunt-related hashtags (ie, the corresponding post caption contained one or more hashtags like #blunts, #cannabis, and #weed that were identified in previous social media research); Rolling blunts (ie, the post contained an image of one or more individuals rolling a Backwoods cigarillo visibly containing marijuana); and Smoking blunts (ie, the post contained an image of one or more individuals blowing smoke or holding a lit blunt). We coded images for Product flavor reference, where a code of 1 showed a Backwoods cigarillo pack with a brand-specific flavor (eg, honey, dark stout, Russian crème) visible in the blunt-related image, and a code of 0 indicated that it was not visible anywhere in the image.

RESULTS

Among all posts (N=1206), 871 (72.2%) were coded as Blunt-related hashtags. A total of 125 (10.4%) images were coded as Smoking blunts, and 25 (2.1%) were coded as Rolling blunts (ie, Backwoods cigarillo explicitly used to roll blunts). Among blunt images, 434 of 836 (51.9%) were coded as Product flavor (ie, a Backwoods pack with a brand-specific flavor was visible).

CONCLUSIONS

Most Backwoods cigarillo–related Instagram images were blunt-related, and these blunt-related images showed Backwoods packages indicating flavor preference. Continued monitoring and surveillance of blunt-related posts on Instagram is needed to inform policies and interventions that reduce the risk that youth may experiment with blunts. Specific policies could include restrictions on product features (eg, flavors, perforated lines, attractive resealable foil pouches, sale as singles) that facilitate blunt making.