bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motivation theory‐based physical activity programme for older adults in residential care facility: A modified Delphi and single‐group pretest‐posttest study
Authors: Yang Hui‐Ju , Chen Kuei‐Min , Hsu Hui‐Fen
Published: November 2020

Background

Physical inactivity exposes older adults living in long‐term care institutions to a high risk of health deterioration. Developing effective behaviour change interventions based on a theoretical framework is a pressing concern.

Aims

This study developed an ‘Easy Walking’ intervention programme based on the Wheel of Motivation and aimed to: (1) develop the intervention programme for promoting self‐efficacy of older adults living in long‐term care facilities; and (2) examine the perceived helpfulness of the intervention programme for encouraging walking behaviours.

Methods

This study consisted of two stages. In the first stage, a three‐round modified Delphi process was conducted with ten experts to rate the eight motivators in the Wheel of Motivation. The Easy Walking programme was designed accordingly. In the second stage, a single‐group pretest‐posttest study design was employed to evaluate the Easy Walking programme. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on the changes in self‐efficacy and on the perceived helpfulness regarding the programme.

Results

The Easy Walking intervention programme features eight factors that influence motivation. Thirty older adults participated in and evaluated the programme. The results showed a significant difference in self‐efficacy (t = −7.02, p < .001) of the older adults. Regarding the perceived usefulness of the intervention, the mean scores for each item ranged from 3.73 to 4.93 points. ‘Safe environment’ was perceived to be the most helpful factor for encouraging walking behaviours.

Conclusion

The Easy Walking programme enhanced the self‐efficacy of institutionalised older adults and was perceived as helpful in physical activity engagement. Nursing professionals in long‐term care institutions could implement the Easy Walking programme to be part of daily nursing activities.
A Meta‐Analysis of Therapeutic Pain Neuroscience Education, Using Dosage and Treatment Format as Moderator Variables
Authors: Romm Marnin Joseph , Ahn Soyeon , Fiebert Ira , Cahalin Lawrence Patrick
Published: November 2020

Objectives

This meta‐analysis aimed to assess the overall effect of therapeutic pain neuroscience education (TPNE) on chronic musculoskeletal pain and to further assess whether such an effect differs by TPNE dosage as well as other treatment format components. Dosage included the number of TPNE sessions provided as well as the amount of time per TPNE session. Structural components included TPNE provided alone as treatment or combined with other pain management modalities, as well as the inclusion of group‐based treatment sessions.

Methods

Electronic databases were utilized to search for randomized controlled trials that included TPNE. The overall effectiveness of TPNE was estimated on 4 pain outcome measures, including kinesiophobia, pain intensity, pain disability, and pain catastrophizing. The differential effectiveness of TPNE was examined using a mixed‐methods moderator analysis on various study‐level characteristics to identify potential moderators affecting the overall results.

Results

Significant effects of TPNE were found on all the outcome measures. The only moderator that displayed a significant effect was group‐based treatment on kinesiophobia (z = −2.23, P < 0.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] −2.70 to −0.20). Between‐group analysis revealed that only interventions that included group sessions were found to be statistically significant (z = 2.20, P < 0.05) and displayed a large effect size (d = 0.80, 95% CI 0.09 to 1.50).

Discussion

Therapeutic pain neuroscience education had a statistically significant impact on all the explored pain outcome measures. However, when investigating the treatment dosage and format moderator variables, they appeared to not have a statistically significant effect except for group‐based interventions on kinesiophobia levels.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis examined the efficacy of TPNE for patients with chronic pain. It assessed various pain outcome measures following intervention. In addition, this research identified that various moderator variables do not have and do have an impact on the treatment modality of TPNE.
GmCCD4 controls carotenoid content in soybeans
Authors: Gao Jinshan , Yang Suxin , Tang Kuanqiang , Li Guang , Gao Xiang , Liu Bao , Wang Shaodong , Feng Xianzhong
Published: November 2020

To better understand the mechanisms regulating plant carotenoid metabolism in staple crop, we report the map‐based cloning and functional characterization of the Glycine max carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4 (GmCCD4) gene, which encodes a carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase enzyme involved in metabolizing carotenoids into volatile β‐ionone. Loss of GmCCD4 protein function in four Glycine max increased carotenoid content (gmicc) mutants resulted in yellow flowers due to excessive accumulation of carotenoids in flower petals. The carotenoid contents also increase three times in gmicc1 seeds. A genome‐wide association study indicated that the GmCCD4 locus was one major locus associated with carotenoid content in natural population. Further analysis indicated that the haplotype‐1 of GmCCD4 gene was positively associated with higher carotenoid levels in soybean cultivars and accumulated more β‐carotene in engineered E. coli with ectopic expression of different GmCCD4 haplotypes. These observations uncovered that GmCCD4 was a negative regulator of carotenoid content in soybean, and its various haplotypes provide useful resources for future soybean breeding practice.
Root‐type ferredoxin‐NADP+ oxidoreductase isoforms in Arabidopsis thaliana: Expression patterns, location and stress responses
Authors: Grabsztunowicz Magda , Rantala Marjaana , Ivanauskaite Aiste , Blomster Tiina , Koskela Minna M. , Vuorinen Katariina , Tyystjärvi Esa , Burow Meike , Overmyer Kirk , Mähönen Ari P. , Mulo Paula
Published: November 2020

In Arabidopsis, two leaf‐type ferredoxin‐NADP+ oxidoreductase (LFNR) isoforms function in photosynthetic electron flow in reduction of NADP+, while two root‐type FNR (RFNR) isoforms catalyse reduction of ferredoxin in non‐photosynthetic plastids. As the key to understanding, the function of RFNRs might lie in their spatial and temporal distribution in different plant tissues and cell types, we examined expression of RFNR1 and RFNR2 genes using β‐glucuronidase (GUS) reporter lines and investigated accumulation of distinct RFNR isoforms using a GFP approach and Western blotting upon various stresses. We show that while RFNR1 promoter is active in leaf veins, root tips and in the stele of roots, RFNR2 promoter activity is present in leaf tips and root stele, epidermis and cortex. RFNR1 protein accumulates as a soluble protein within the plastids of root stele cells, while RFNR2 is mainly present in the outer root layers. Ozone treatment of plants enhanced accumulation of RFNR1, whereas low temperature treatment specifically affected RFNR2 accumulation in roots. We further discuss the physiological roles of RFNR1 and RFNR2 based on characterization of rfnr1 and rfnr2 knock‐out plants and show that although the function of these proteins is partly redundant, the RFNR proteins are essential for plant development and survival.
Wheat morpho‐physiological traits and radiation use efficiency under interactive effects of warming and tillage management
Authors: Li Yibo , Hou Ruixing , Tao Fulu
Published: November 2020

Understanding the interactive effects of different warming levels and tillage managements on crop morphological and physiological traits and radiation use efficiency (RUE) is essential for breeding climate‐resilient cultivars. Here, we conducted temperature free‐air controlled enhancement (T‐FACE) experiments on winter wheat during two growth seasons in the North China Plain. The experiments consisted of three warming treatments and two tillage treatments (CT: conventional tillage and NT: no‐tillage). In the normal season, warming had significant positive effects on major morphological and physiological traits and increased significantly RUE of yield (RUEY) and biomass (RUEDM) by 13.3 and 11.3%, 19.3 and 12.4%, 42.3 and 43.7%, respectively, under the treatments of CTT1, CTT2 and NTT1 relative to the control (CTN, NTN). By contrast, in the warmer season, warming had negative effects on leaf width, light extinction coefficient, light‐saturated net photosynthetic rate, aboveground, stems and spike biomass and RUE from anthesis to maturity, and consequently grain yield under conventional tillage, but positive effects under no‐tillage. Our findings bring new insights into the mechanisms on the interactive effects of warming and tillage treatments on wheat growth and productivity; provide valuable information on crop ideotypic traits for breeding climate‐resilient crop cultivars.
Human leukocyte antigen disparities reduce relapse after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia: A single‐center retrospective study from China
Authors: Lin Yu‐chen , Luo Cheng‐juan , Miao Yan , Wang Jian‐min , Luo Chang‐ying , Qin Xia , Cai Jiao‐yang , Li Ben‐shang , Chen Jing
Published: November 2020

Background

HSCT is the only proven curative therapy for JMML. Matching donor and recipient HLA alleles is considered optimal to reduce the risk of GVHD after HSCT but is not always possible. Only a limited number of studies have compared the influence of HLA disparities on HSCT outcomes for patients with JMML.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study among 47 children with JMML who received related or unrelated unmanipulated HSCT (March 2010‐October 2018). Among our participants, 27 (57.4%) donor‐recipient pairs had 0‐1 HLA disparities (Group 1: HLA‐matched or ≤1 allele/antigen mismatch donor) and 20 (42.6%) had ≥2 HLA disparities (Group 2: 2‐3 mismatched/haploidentical donors).

Results

The median follow‐up period was 26.0 months (range: 1‐105 months), and the 5‐year probabilities of DFS and RI for the whole cohort were 54.6 ± 7.7% and 34.8 ± 15.0%, respectively. Compared to Group 1, Group 2 patients had a significantly lower RI (5.3 ± 10.5% vs 55.5 ± 20.9%, P ˂ .001), though similar rates of grade II–IV acute GVHD (60.0 ± 22.4% vs 33.3 ± 18.2%, P = .08), grade III–IV acute GVHD (25.0 ± 19.5% vs 7.4 ± 10.1%, P = .08), chronic GVHD (30.0 ± 20.9% vs 34.9 ± 18.8%, P = .85), NRM (20.0 ± 18.0% vs 3.9 ± 7.7%, P = .07), and DFS (74.4 ± 9.9% vs 41.3 ± 10.0%, P = .08).

Conclusions

Disease relapse remains the major cause of treatment failure in JMML patients, especially in patients receiving HLA‐matched and limited HLA‐mismatched HSCT. Our findings suggest that donor‐recipient HLA disparities may improve the outcome of HSCT in children with JMML.
C1q‐binding DSA and allograft outcomes in pediatric kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Hayde Nicole , Solomon Sonia , Caglar Elif , Ge Jasmine , Qama Eros , Colovai Adriana
Published: November 2020

Donor‐specific antibody (DSA) is an independent risk factor for antibody‐mediated rejection (ABMR) and graft loss. The C1q assay differentiates complement from non‐complement‐binding DSA and C1q‐binding DSA may lead to poor allograft survival. Our aim was to characterize the type of DSA seen in pediatric kidney transplant recipients and to determine whether complement binding DSA was associated with inferior graft survival.This was a single‐center retrospective study of 48 children who were transplanted between 2009 and 2016. DSA were monitored using Luminex single antigen beads. A negative crossmatch was required to proceed with transplantation. The median follow‐up time was 4.9 (3.4, 7.9) years. The median age was 12 (5.7, 15.4) years. DSA developed in 27/48 (56.3%), while C1q‐binding DSA developed in 17/27 (63%). There were no significant differences between DSA negative, C1q‐binding DSA, and C1q negative DSA, with regard to the number of HLA‐ABDR (P  =  .09) or HLA‐DQ mismatches alone (P  =  .16). For both C1q negative and C1q‐binding DSA, DQ was the most common target of the DSA (19/27; 70.4%). C1q‐binding DSA was associated with a significantly higher frequency of biopsy proven rejection (76.5%) when compared to C1q negative (10%) and DSA negative (14.3%); P  =  .001. Graft loss was seen in 6 (12.5%), all of whom had C1q‐binding DSA (P  =  .004). C1q‐binding DSA was most commonly directed to DQ antigens. C1q‐binding DSA was associated with increased rejection and graft loss. Monitoring for C1q‐binding DSA may risk stratify recipients and guide physician management.
Post‐operative fluid overload as a predictor of hospital and long‐term outcomes in a pediatric heart transplant population
Authors: Anderson Nicole M. , Bond Gwen Y. , Joffe Ari R. , MacDonald Christine , Robertson Charlene , Urschel Simon , Morgan Catherine J. ,   the Western Canadian Complex Pediatric Therapies Program Follow‐up Group
Published: November 2020

Background

Pediatric patients undergoing heart transplant have a number of factors predisposing them to become fluid‐overloaded, including capillary leak syndrome. Capillary leak and FO are associated with organ injury and may influence both short‐ and long‐term outcomes. This study aimed to 1) determine the extent, timing, and predictors of post‐operative FO and 2) investigate the association of FO with clinically important outcomes.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2012, 70 children less than 6 years old had a heart transplant at our institution. This was a secondary analysis of data from an ongoing prospective cohort study.

Results

FO, defined as cumulative fluid balance greater than 10% of body weight in the first 5 post‐operative days, occurred in 16/70 patients (23%); 7 of these had more than 20% FO. Shorter donor ischemic time and longer cardiopulmonary bypass time were independently associated with increased risk of FO. FO >20% was a statistically significant independent predictor of mortality (P = .005), ventilation time, and PICU length of stay. There was no statistically significant association between identified neurodevelopment domains and FO.

Conclusions

Our single‐center experience demonstrates that FO was common after pediatric heart transplant and was associated with worse clinical outcomes. FO is a potentially modifiable factor, and research is needed to better determine risk factors and whether intervention to reduce FO can improve outcomes in pediatric heart transplant patients.
CXCL10 immunomodulatory effect against infection caused by an antimony refractory isolate of Leishmania braziliensis in mice
Authors: Dutra Brunheld Maia , Rodrigues Naya Lúcia de Castro , Fonseca Francisco Rafael Marciano , de Moura Tatiana Rodrigues , Pacheco de Almeida Roque , de Jesus Amélia Ribeiro , Abreu Ticiana Monteiro , Pompeu Margarida Maria de Lima , Teixeira Clarissa Romero , Teixeira Maria Jania
Published: November 2020

Leishmania braziliensis is the main causative agent of American tegumentary leishmaniasis in Brazil. Current treatment includes different drugs that have important side effects and identification of cases of parasite resistance to treatment support the search for new therapeutic strategies. Recent findings have indicated that CXCL10, a chemokine that recruits and activates Th1 cells, NK cells, macrophages, dendritic cells and B lymphocytes, is a potential alternative to treat Leishmania infection. Here, we tested CXCL10 immunotherapy against experimental infection caused by an antimony‐resistant isolate of Leishmania braziliensis. Following infection, mice were treated with CXCL10 for 7 days after onset of lesions. We demonstrate that mice treated with CXCL10 controlled lesion progression and parasite burden more efficiently comparing to controls. An increased IFN‐γ, IL‐10, TGF‐β and low IL‐4 production combined with a distinct inflammatory infiltrate composed by activated macrophages, lymphocytes and granulomas was observed in the CXCL10‐treated group comparing to controls. However, CXCL10 and Glucantime combined therapy did not improve CXCL10‐induced protective effect. Our findings reinforce the potential of CXCL10 immunotherapy as an alternative treatment against infection caused by L. braziliensis resistant to conventional chemotherapy.
A mushroom derived ‘carbohydrate‐fraction’ reinstates host‐immunity and protects from Leishmania donovani infection
Authors: Hussain Aabid , Ghosh Sanhita , Roy Kamalika , Nath Supriya , Sarkar Biswajyoti , Dutta Aritri , Maji Priyankar , Basu Shibani , Paul Sharmistha , Dey Somaditya , Chakraborty Kakuli , Raychaudhury Bikramjit , Acharya Krishnendu , Ganguly Jhuma , Pal Chiranjib
Published: November 2020

The anti‐leishmanial effect of the ‘carbohydrate‐fraction’, isolated from an edible mushroom Astraeus hygrometricus, was evaluated against Leishmania donovani infection both in vitro and in vivo. Ahf‐Car induced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase 2 (iNOS2) and pro‐inflammatory cytokines like TNF‐α and IL‐12, with subsequent downregulation of the anti‐inflammatory cytokines as TGF‐β and IL‐10, in vitro and in vivo along with a remarkable increase in the expressions of IL‐6, IL‐1β, IFN‐γ and IRFs, IRF‐7 and IRF‐8 in vivo. Ahf‐Car also reduced the parasite burden in the spleen and liver dose‐dependently with a simultaneous proliferation of Ly6C+ cells in the bone marrow of Leishmania‐infected experimental animals. It also increased the monocyte population dose‐dependently and the expression of the myeloid transcription factor PU.1, in vivo, which presumably signifies the expansion of protective macrophages. Thus, Ahf‐Car might be a potent anti‐leishmanial lead with unique and effective adjuvant capacity.
Cloning of PCS gene (TpPCS1) from Tagetes patula L. and expression analysis under cadmium stress
Authors: Zha Y. Q. , Zhang K. K. , Pan F. , Liu X. , Han S. M. , Guan P.
Published: November 2020

Phytochelatins (PCs) constitute an important mechanism for plants to resist heavy metal stress. Widely found in higher plants, they are small heavy metal binding peptides, synthesized through catalysis of phytochelatin synthase (PCS). We speculate that there may be PCS genes in Peacock grass (Tagetes patula L., Asteraceae), which is an important reason for its rich cadmium.

In order to obtain the full‐length cDNA sequence of the PCS gene from T. patula L. used rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). Meanwhile, Relative expression of TpPCS1 under different concentrations of cadmium (Cd) stress was analysed using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR).

Results found ORF of TpPCS1 genes with a length of 1970 bp, a gene coding area length of 1764 bp, coding for 587 amino acids. Expression of TpPCS1 under Cd stress was tissue specific. TpPCS1 in the root showed higher expression, while expression in the leaf and seed was relatively low.

This research demonstrates that expression of TpPCS1 enhanced the enrichment of cadmium in T. patula L. roots and could be used to construct a plant hyperexpression carrier that would provide new avenues for plant restoration technology.
Colonization and survival capacities underlying the multifaceted life of Rhodococcus sp. PBTS1 and PBTS2
Authors: Vereecke Danny , Fichtner Elizabeth J. , Lambert Paul Q. , Cooke Peter , Kilcrease James , Stamler Rio A. , Zhang Yucheng , Francis Isolde M. , Randall Jennifer J.
Published: November 2020

Little is known about the epidemiology of the newly emerged disease on pistachio rootstock designated pistachio bushy top syndrome (PBTS). Here, we analysed the survival and colonization capacities of the two causative agents, Rhodococcus corynebacterioides‐like PBTS1 and R. fascians PBTS2, in the different habitats they occupy. Additionally, we examined their chromosomal sequences for genes that would support their ecology and provide experimental evidence for some of their predicted functions. We demonstrate that the soil competence of PBTS2 is better than that of PBTS1 and that both bacteria behave chemotactically, allowing them to translocate from soil to the rhizoplane. Once on the rhizoplane and the phylloplane, the PBTS bacteria form extensive epiphytic biofilms, probably aided by exopolysaccharide production. From these biofilms, the bacteria colonize the plant's interior tissues through the formation of ingression sites, likely created by the localized activity of cell wall‐degrading enzymes. The observed systemic spreading of the PBTS strains throughout the plant tissues is probably mediated by surface motility and agrees with the occurrence of symptoms in both the aerial and root parts of the plant host. Based on all available information, we provide a working model on this pathosystem to be used as a conceptual framework for future research.
Storm‐flood‐dominated delta: A new type of delta in stormy oceans
Authors: Lin Wen , Bhattacharya Janok P.
Published: November 2020

Storms are increasingly identified as a key depositional process. Their deposits show unique sedimentary characteristics, distinct from deposits of fair‐weather wave processes, but are not currently separated in classic ternary deltaic classification schemes. The term ‘storm‐flood‐dominated delta’ is proposed for a new type of delta that more fully represents deltas dominated by storm‐flood processes. This study describes several outcrop cliffs of the Gallup Formation, deposited during the Late Turonian to Early Coniacian in north‐west New Mexico, that exemplify storm‐generated facies and provide examples that can be used to generate a facies model for storm‐flood‐dominated deltas. Key identification criteria include extensive sharp‐based planar to hummocky cross‐stratified sandstone beds, commonly presenting as large‐sized gutter casts. They are interbedded with mudstones that show low bioturbation intensity and normally and inversely graded beds, suggesting direct deposition from river plumes. Major types of gutter casts are classified based on geometry and dimension. The gutter casts are interpreted as storm channels of storm‐flood‐dominated deltas and formed by erosion and infill of submerged channels resulting from offshore‐oriented downwelling currents that may include localized rip currents. These amalgamated channels are likely linked to multiple feeding rivers and distributary channels that ensured high sediment supply rates and highly efficient offshore‐directed sediment transport through hyperpycnal flows. A four‐component pyramidal classification scheme of deltaic deposition is employed to emphasize storms as a distinct process in contrast to the traditional classification that lumps storm and fair‐weather processes in a single ‘wave’ end‐member. The four‐component depositional model can be readily applied to interpret storm‐dominated environments and provide new insights into depositional processes of the marine realm. Recognition of storm processes in deciphering depositional evolution will also help to better understand control mechanisms of sequence stratigraphy, such as relative sea‐level changes, and to analyze sedimentary processes governing sediment transport in ‘source to sink’ systems.
Lynch syndrome for the gynaecologist
Authors: Ryan Neil AJ , McMahon Raymond FT , Ramchander Neal C , Seif Mourad W , Evans D Gareth , Crosbie Emma J
Published: November 2020

Key content

Lynch syndrome is an autosomal dominant condition closely associated with colorectal, endometrial and ovarian cancer.

Women with Lynch syndrome are at increased risk of both endometrial and ovarian cancer and should be offered personalised counselling regarding family planning, red flag symptoms and risk‐reducing strategies.

Surveillance for gynaecological cancer in women with Lynch syndrome remains controversial; more robust data are needed to determine its effectiveness.

Universal testing for Lynch syndrome in endometrial cancer is being adopted by centres across Europe and is now recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence; thus, gynaecologists must become familiar with testing strategies and their results.

Testing strategies involve risk stratification of cancers based on phenotypical features and definitive germline testing.

Learning objectives

To define the pathogenesis of Lynch syndrome and its associated gynaecological cancers.

To understand the testing strategies for Lynch syndrome in women with gynaecological cancer.

To learn how best to counsel women with Lynch syndrome regarding gynaecological cancer and risk‐reducing strategies to enable informed decision‐making.

Ethical issues

Offering gynaecological surveillance despite a lack of robust evidence for its clinical effectiveness may falsely reassure women and delay risk‐reducing hysterectomy.

Genetic testing may yield variants of unknown significance with ill‐defined clinical implications, which can lead to confusion and anxiety.

Genetic testing has implications not only for the individual, but also for the whole family, so expert counselling is crucial.
The canonical RdDM pathway mediates the control of seed germination timing under salinity
Authors: Palomar Víctor Miguel , Garciarrubio Alejandro , Garay‐Arroyo Adriana , Martínez‐Martínez Coral , Rosas‐Bringas Omar , Reyes José L. , Covarrubias Alejandra A.
Published: November 2020

Plants respond to adverse environmental cues by adjusting a wide variety of processes through highly regulated mechanisms to maintain plant homeostasis for survival. As a result of the sessile nature of plants, their response, adjustment and adaptation to the changing environment is intimately coordinated with their developmental programs through the crosstalk of regulatory networks. Germination is a critical process in the plant life cycle, and thus plants have evolved various strategies to control the timing of germination according to their local environment. The mechanisms involved in these adjustment responses are largely unknown, however. Here, we report that mutations in core elements of canonical RNA‐directed DNA methylation (RdDM) affect the germination and post‐germination growth of Arabidopsis seeds grown under salinity stress. Transcriptomic and whole‐genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) analyses support the involvement of this pathway in the control of germination timing and post‐germination growth under salinity stress by preventing the transcriptional activation of genes implicated in these processes. Subsequent transcriptional effects on genes that function in relation to these developmental events support this conclusion.
Pancreatic GLP-1r binding potential is reduced in insulin-resistant pigs
Authors: Malbert Charles-Henri , Chauvin Alain , Horowitz Michael , Jones Karen L
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The insulinotropic capacity of exogenous glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is reduced in type 2 diabetes and the insulin-resistant obese. We have tested the hypothesis that this response is the consequence of a reduced pancreatic GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1r) density in insulin-resistant obese animals.

Research design and methods

GLP-1r density was measured in lean and insulin-resistant adult miniature pigs after the administration of a68Ga-labeled GLP-1r agonist. The effect of hyperinsulinemia on GLP-1r was assessed using sequential positron emission tomography (PET), both in the fasted state and during a clamp. The impact of tissue perfusion, which could account for changes in GLP-1r agonist uptake, was also investigated using68Ga-DOTA imaging.

Results

GLP-1r binding potential in the obese pancreas was reduced by 75% compared with lean animals. Similar reductions were evident for fat tissue, but not for the duodenum. In the lean group, induced hyperinsulinemia reduced pancreatic GLP-1r density to a level comparable with that of the obese group. The reduction in blood to tissue transfer of the GLP-1r ligand paralleled that of tissue perfusion estimated using68Ga-DOTA.

Conclusions

These observations establish that a reduction in abdominal tissue perfusion and a lower GLP-1r density account for the diminished insulinotropic effect of GLP-1 agonists in type 2 diabetes.
HbA1c reduction following flash monitoring commencement is not independently associated with adverse diabetic eye disease outcomes in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Al-Dalla Ali Muhammad , Stimson Roland H , Dover Anna R , Forbes Shareen , Annoh Roxanne , Madill Karen , Gibb Fraser W
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Intensification of therapy has been associated with early worsening of retinopathy prior to subsequent risk reduction. We sought to assess whether glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction, following flash monitoring, was associated with early worsening.

Research design and methods

An observational study in 541 individuals with type 1 diabetes and paired HbA1c and eye assessment prior to and following flash monitoring commencement.

Results

Change in HbA1c was −4 mmol/mol (IQR −9–1) (−0.4% (−0.8–0.1)) and 25% achieved a fall in HbA1c of ≥10 mmol/mol. The occurrence of the composite end point (panretinal photocoagulation, macular laser or anti-VEGF therapy) was associated with baseline HbA1c >75 mmol/mol (9.0%) (HR 4.0 (95% CI 2.0 to 7.9), p<0.001) but not with fall in HbA1c of ≥10 mmol/mol (0.9%) (HR 1.6 (95% CI 0.8 to 3.2), p=0.203) over a follow-up period of 615 days (527–863). In multivariate analysis, diabetes duration (p=0.035) and prior retinopathy (p<0.001) were most predictive of the composite end point. Baseline HbA1c was the strongest predictor of worsening retinopathy (p=0.002) or new retinopathy (p=0.002) in multivariate analysis whereas change in HbA1c was not independently associated with either (p=0.930 and p=0.830, respectively).

Conclusions

Progression of eye disease is associated with baseline HbA1c, diabetes duration and previous retinopathy and such individuals should be monitored during intensification of glycemic therapy. Reassuringly, the extent of glucose lowering does not appear to be an independent risk factor for early worsening of eye disease in this context.
HbA1c during early pregnancy reflects beta-cell dysfunction in women developing GDM
Authors: Bozkurt Latife , Göbl Christian S , Leitner Karoline , Pacini Giovanni , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra
Published: November 2020

Introduction

It is of current interest to assess eligibility of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) as a screening tool for earlier identification of women with risk for more severe hyperglycemia in pregnancy but data regarding accuracy are controversial. We aimed to evaluate if HbA1c mirrors pathophysiological precursors of glucose intolerance in early pregnancy that characterize women who develop gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Research design and methods

220 pregnant women underwent an HbA1c measurement as well as an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with multiple measurements of glucose, insulin and C-peptide for evaluation of insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function at 16th gestational week (IQR: 14–18). Clinical follow-ups were performed until end of pregnancy.

Results

Increased maternal HbA1c ≥5.7% (39 mmol/mol) corresponding to pre-diabetes outside of pregnancy was associated with altered glucose dynamics during the OGTT. Pregnancies with early HbA1c ≥5.7% showed higher fasting (90.4±13.2 vs 79.7±7.2 mg/dL, p<0.001), mean (145.6±31.4 vs 116.2±21.4 mg/dL, p<0.001) as well as maximum glucose concentrations and tended to a delay in reaching the maximum glucose level compared with those with normal-range HbA1c (186.5±42.6 vs 147.8±30.1 mg/dL, p<0.001). Women with increased HbA1c showed impaired beta-cell function and differences in disposition index independent of body mass index status. We observed a high specificity for the HbA1c cut-off of 5.7% for GDM manifestation (0.96, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.98) or need of glucose-lowering medication (0.95, 95% CI 0.90 to 0.98) although overall predictive accuracy was moderate to fair. Further, elevated HbA1c was associated with higher risk for delivering large-for-gestational-age infants, also after adjustment for GDM status (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.2 to 15.0, p=0.018).

Conclusions

HbA1c measured before recommended routine screening period reflects early pathophysiological derangements in beta-cell function and glucose disposal that are characteristic of GDM development and may be useful in early risk stratification.
Effectiveness and safety of azithromycin 1.5% eye drops for mass treatment of active trachoma in a highly endemic district in Cameroon
Authors: Bella Assumpta Lucienne , Einterz Ellen , Huguet Pierre , Bensaid Philippe , Amza Abdou , Renault Didier
Published: November 2020

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of azithromycin 1.5% eye drops under field conditions to reduce active trachoma in a highly endemic district in Cameroon. This is a follow-up of an initial report published in 2010.

Methods and analysis

Three annual campaigns were performed in 2008, 2009 and 2010 to treat the population (~1 20 000 individuals) of the Kolofata Health District with topical azithromycin 1.5% (one drop in each eye, morning and evening for three consecutive days). The effectiveness of this intervention against active trachoma was assessed in children aged 1–9 years in cross-sectional studies prior to each mass treatment using a systematic sampling procedure (in 2008, 2009 and 2010) and then 1 year (2011) and 3 years (2013) after the last intervention among the villages with previously high active trachoma prevalence or never tested.

Results

The prevalence of trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) dropped from 24.0% (95% CI 20.7 to 27.5) before treatment to 2.8% (95% CI 2.2 to 3.7) 1 year after completion of the 3 year campaign. Trachomatous inflammation—intense was present in only 4 (0.2%) children 1 year after the third round of treatment. Three years after the last campaign, the surveillance survey among the most prevalent villages and villages never tested before showed a prevalence of 5.2% (95% CI 3.6 to 7.2) of active trachoma. Tolerance was excellent, with no report of treatment interruption, serious ocular or systemic adverse events.

Conclusion

Annual mass treatment with azithromycin eye drops was shown to be effective in reducing TF to a level ≤5% one year after a 3-round annual mass treatment in an endemic region at the district level.
Marijuana use and repeated attempted suicide among senior high school students in Ghana: Evidence from the WHO Global School-Based Student Health Survey, 2012
Authors: Tetteh John , Ekem-Ferguson George , Swaray Swithin Mustapha , Kugbey Nuworza , Quarshie Emmanuel Nii-Boye , Yawson Alfred Edwin
Published: November 2020

Background

The association between substance use including marijuana use and attempted suicide has been well documented. However, little is known about marijuana use and its association with attempted suicide repetition among young people in low-income and middle-income contexts.

Aims

This analysis was conducted to assess the factors associated with marijuana use and ascertain marijuana use as a determinant of repeated attempted suicide among senior high school (SHS) students in Ghana.

Methods

Data from the 2012 Global School-Based Student Health Survey in Ghana was used for this study. Modified Poisson, Logistic and Probit models weighted with Mahalanobis distance matching within propensity calliper were employed separately to determine the hypothetical association between marijuana use and repeated attempted suicide. All analysis was performed using Stata 16 and p≤0.05 was deemed statistically significant.

Results

The prevalence estimates of marijuana use and repeated attempted suicide among SHS students in Ghana were 3.4% (95% CI: 2.3 to 5.1) and 11.5% (95% CI: 9.1 to 14.4), respectively. The prevalence of marijuana use was significantly associated with school grade, smoking exposure, parent smoker, alcohol intake and truancy. Marijuana use was positively associated with repeated attempted suicide among SHS in Ghana (φ correlation=0.23, p<0.001). Repeated attempted suicide among students who use marijuana was approximately threefold and fivefold significant compared with non-marijuana use students, based on the Poisson (adjusted prevalence ratio: 3.02; 95% CI: 1.67 to 5.43, p<0.001) and Logistic (adjusted OR:5.06; 95% CI: 3.19 to 11.64, p<0.001) estimates respectively. Also, the Probit model showed that marijuana use significantly increased the log count of repeated attempted suicide by 95% (aβ: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.49 to 1.41, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Marijuana use does not only influence the onset of suicidal attempts but also repeated attempted suicide among SHS students in Ghana. Special attention is required for suicide attempters with a history of repeated attempts and current marijuana use among SHS students in Ghana. Early identification of the potential risk and protective factors is recommended to inform school-based interventions. National level structured school-based substance abuse interventions and health promotion programmes would be useful.
SSTR2a is constantly expressed in lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma with squamous differentiation other than that with glandular differentiation
Authors: Tao LiLi , Chen Yaoli , Huang Yuhua , Yin Weihua , Yu Guangyin
Published: November 2020

Aims

Somatostatin receptor 2a (SSTR2a) is an important diagnostic marker of meningioma and neuroendocrine tumours and is frequently expressed in primary and metastatic non-keratinising nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NK-NPC). Since NK-NPC cases are considered a kind of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELCs) which originate from the nasopharynx, information on the expression profile of SSTR2a in LELC in other sites with squamous and glandular differentiations is still lacking. This study aimed to assess the expression of SSTR2a in LELC of various organs and clarify its expression profile.

Methods

Expression of SSTR2a in 164 cases of LELC was retrospectively analysed by immunohistochemistry in paraffin-embedded tissues, including 146 cases of LELC with squamous differentiation (120 cases of the nasopharynx, 21 cases of the lung and 5 cases of the parotid gland) and 18 cases of LELC with glandular differentiation (15 cases of the stomach and 3 cases of the liver).

Results

We found that all (100%) cases of LELC of the lung (21/21) and parotid gland (5/5), and 93.3% (112/120) cases of LELC of the nasopharynx showed a diffused and strong expression of SSTR2a, while cases of gastric (0/15) and biliary (0/3) showed no SSTR2a expression.

Conclusion

SSTR2a is constantly expressed in LELC with squamous differentiation, but not expressed in LELC with glandular differentiation. However, the selective expression mechanism of SSTR2a remains unknown, which needs further investigation. Our novel findings might provide potential therapeutic approaches for the treatment of LELC with squamous cell differentiation.
AAC Redwater hard red spring wheat
Authors: Zi Y. , Humphreys D.G. , Olson A. , McCallum B.D. , Fetch T.G. , Gilbert J.A. , Lukow O.M. , Menzies J.G. , Brown P.D. , Fox S.L.
Published: November 2020

AAC Redwater is a hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) adapted to the shorter season wheat-growing regions of the Canadian prairies. AAC Redwater was evaluated in the Parkland Wheat Cooperative Test in 2009, 2010, and 2011. AAC Redwater was significantly (P < 0.05) higher yielding than Katepwa (6.4%) and AC Splendor (7.5%) and was not significantly different in grain yield compared to CDC Teal and CDC Osler. AAC Redwater had maturity similar to AC Splendor, matured a day earlier than Katepwa, and was significantly earlier maturing (2 d) than CDC Teal and CDC Osler. AAC Redwater was significantly shorter than all check cultivars and had a similar mean lodging score to the check cultivars. AAC Redwater is resistant to moderately resistant to leaf and stem rust, comparable to AC Splendor. AAC Redwater was resistant to intermediate in its field reaction to stripe rust and intermediate in its reaction to the Ug99 stem rust race, similar to CDC Teal. At the time of registration, AAC Redwater met the end-use quality specifications of the Canada Western Red Spring wheat class.
Study of the process $$e^+e^- \rightarrow \eta \pi ^0\gamma $$ in the energy range $$\sqrt{s} = {1.05-2.00}$$ GeV with the SND detector
Authors: Achasov M. N. , Barnyakov A. Yu. , Baykov A. A. , Beloborodov K. I. , Berdyugin A. V. , Berkaev D. E. , Bogdanchikov A. G. , Botov A. A. , Dimova T. V. , Druzhinin V. P. , Golubev V. B. , Kirpotin A. N. , Kardapoltsev L. V. , Kasaev A. S. , Kharlamov A. G. , Koop I. A. , Korol A. A. , Kovrizhin D. P. , Kupich A. S. , Martin K. A. , Melnikova N. A. , Muchnoy N. Yu. , Obrazovsky A. E. , Pakhtusova E. V. , Pugachev K. V. , Rabusov D. V. , Rogovsky Yu. A. , Savchenko Y. S. , Senchenko A. I. , Serednyakov S. I. , Shatilov D. N. , Shatunov Yu. M. , Shtol D. A. , Shwartz D. B. , Silagadze Z. K. , Surin I. K. , Timoshenko M. V. , Usov Yu. V. , Zhabin V. N. , Zhulanov V. V.
Published: November 2020

The process $$e^+e^-\rightarrow \eta \pi ^0\gamma $$

e
+

e
-

→
η

π
0

γ

is studied in the center-of-mass energy range 1.05–2.00 GeV using data with an integrated luminosity of 94.5 $$\hbox {pb}^{-1}$$

pb

-
1

collected by the SND detector at the VEPP-2000 $$e^{+}e^{-}$$

e
+

e
-

collider. The $$e^+e^-\rightarrow \eta \pi ^0\gamma $$

e
+

e
-

→
η

π
0

γ

cross section is measured for the first time. It is shown that the dominant mechanism of this reaction is the transition through the $$\omega \eta $$

ω
η

intermediate state. The measured cross section of the subprocess $$e^+e^-\rightarrow \omega \eta \rightarrow \eta \pi ^0\gamma $$

e
+

e
-

→
ω
η
→
η

π
0

γ

is consistent with previous measurements in the $$e^+e^-\rightarrow \pi ^+\pi ^-\pi ^0\eta $$

e
+

e
-

→

π
+

π
-

π
0

η

mode. It is found, with a significance of $$5.6\sigma $$

5.6
σ

, that the process $$e^+e^-\rightarrow \eta \pi ^0\gamma $$

e
+

e
-

→
η

π
0

γ

is not completely described by hadronic vector-pseudoscalar intermediate states. The cross section of this missing contribution, which can originate from radiation processes, e. g. $$e^+e^-\rightarrow a_{0}(1450)\gamma $$

e
+

e
-

→

a
0

(
1450
)

γ

, is measured. It is found to be 15–20 pb in the wide energy range from 1.3 to 1.9 GeV.
CDKL2 Is Associated with HER2 Status and Overall Survival in Gastric Cancer: Comparative Analysis of CDKL2 Protein Expression and Gene Copy Number
Authors: Shao Qiong , Wang Fang , Xu Yuxia , Zhang Xu , Tang Wenting , Feng Yanfen , Li Yue
Published: November 2020

Background. Cyclin‐dependent kinase‐like 2 (CDKL2) is a member of the CDKL family and recognized as a novel regulator of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of breast cancer cells, but its role has not been explored in gastric cancer (GC). This study was to characterize the CDKL2 protein expression and gene copy number in relation to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status, clinicopathological features, and overall survival (OS) in GC. Methods. This study detected the CDKL2 protein expression and gene copy number by immunochemistry (IHC) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), respectively, in 334 GC samples. HER2 status was determined according to established criteria. Associations of the CDKL2 protein expression and gene copy number with OS in GC were evaluated, and the association between CDKL2 mRNA expression and OS in GC was also analyzed using TCGA data. Results. The detection results suggested that 34.1% cases showed high CDKL2 protein expression; 11.4% cases had ≥5 copies of CDKL2 gene or a ratio of CDKL2 to chromosome of ≥2. The CDKL2 protein expression was markedly correlated with its gene copy number. High protein expression and high gene copy number were both significantly associated with positive HER2 status, and they both could predicted a shorter OS, although not as independent markers suggested by the multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. The TCGA data indicated that higher CDKL2 mRNA level also predicted a shorter OS in GC. Conclusions. The combined detection of the CDKL2 protein level and gene copy number could be of important value in predicting HER2 status and prognosis of patients with GC.
Predictors of Urinary Tract Infections in Children and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern in the Buea Health District, South West Region, Cameroon
Authors: Nji Che Pantalius , Assob Jules Clément Nguedia , Akoachere Jane-Francis Tatah Kihla
Published: November 2020

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are among the most common pediatric infections and if not promptly diagnosed and treated, it could cause long term complications. Worldwide and in Cameroon, little attention has been paid to this growing problem in the pediatric population. Identification of risk factors will contribute significantly to prevention. A cross‐sectional case‐control study was carried out in children ≤ 15 years to identify the risk factors of UTI, etiologic agents, and their antibiotic susceptibility. Samples (urine) were collected from in and outpatients with symptoms of UTI attending two health facilities in Buea. Controls were age‐ and sex‐matched children in the community and those visiting these health facilities for unrelated reasons. Samples were analyzed by microscopy, culture, and antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria isolates tested by the disc diffusion technique. Questionnaires were administered to collect sociodemographic, clinical characteristics and data on risk factors. Odds ratios and bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the relationship between predictors (symptoms and risk factors) and UTI. P < 0.05 was considered significant. A total of 405 participants (200 cases and 205 controls) were investigated. UTI prevalence was 12% in cases. From the UTI cases, bacteria was the major cause of infection, with E. coli (39.4%) predominating. Parasitic organisms, Trichomonas vaginalis (0.5%) and Schistosoma spp (0.5%), and yeast (6%) were also detected. Urinary urgency (F = 4.98, P = 0.027) and back pain (F = 12.37, P = 0.001) were associated to UTI following bivariate analysis. These parameters could be used to predict UTI in the pediatric population in the study area. Third generation cephalosporins: ceftriaxone (90.1%) and cefadroxil (85.4%) were the most effective and thus recommended for treatment.
Analysis of the Components in Moxa Smoke by GC‐MS and Preliminary Discussion on Its Toxicity and Side Effects
Authors: Xu Xiaoyu , Shan Si , Wang Wenlei , Liu Hongning
Published: November 2020

Moxibustion plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of diseases and the promotion of human health. In this study, the components in moxa smoke from Jiangxi Poai Biotechnology Co., Ltd., namely, Qing moxa sticks, were absorbed by five solvents (cyclohexane, ethyl acetate, n‐butanol, anhydrous ethanol, and water) and identified by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The identification results of the smoke from the Qing moxa sticks that was absorbed in liquid are as follows: a total of 294 compounds were identified, including 139 in cyclohexane, 145 in ethyl acetate, 60 in n‐butanol, 89 in anhydrous ethanol, and 77 in water, and of those, 112 toxic compounds were identified. Furthermore, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software and the PubChem database were successfully applied to analyze the toxic compounds. There were 812 target proteins related to the toxic components, 25 molecular networks, and 54 biological pathways. The results showed that the toxic compounds of moxa smoke may have some side effects on the heart, liver, and kidney of humans. This study revealed that the components of moxa smoke are complex and diverse. Due to the findings of toxic compounds in moxa smoke, we recommend that moxibustion rooms should be equipped with ventilation equipment or enough artificial ventilation to ensure the health of patients and practitioners.