bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cisatracurium stimulates testosterone synthesis in rat and mouse Leydig cells via nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Authors: Ni Chaobo , Li Yang , Li Zengqiang , Tian Lili , Fu Jie , Wu Keyang , Wang Yiyan , Yao Ming , Ge Ren‐shan
Published: October 2020

As a cis‐acting non‐depolarizing neuromuscular blocker through a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), cisatracurium (CAC) is widely used in anaesthesia and intensive care units. nAChR may be present on Leydig cells to mediate the action of CAC. Here, by Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, we identified that CHRNA4 (a subunit of nAChR) exists only on rat adult Leydig cells. We studied the effect of CAC on the synthesis of testosterone in rat adult Leydig cells and mouse MLTC‐1 tumour cells. Rat Leydig cells and MLTC‐1 cells were treated with CAC (5, 10 and 50 μmol/L) or nAChR agonists (50 μmol/L nicotine or 50 μmol/L lobeline) for 12 hours, respectively. We found that CAC significantly increased testosterone output in rat Leydig cells and mouse MLTC‐1 cells at 5 μmol/L and higher concentrations. However, nicotine and lobeline inhibited testosterone synthesis. CAC increased intracellular cAMP levels, and nicotine and lobeline reversed this change in rat Leydig cells. CAC may increase testosterone synthesis in rat Leydig cells and mouse MLTC‐1 cells by up‐regulating the expression of Lhcgr and Star. Up‐regulation of Scarb1 and Hsd3b1 expression by CAC was also observed in rat Leydig cells. In addition to cAMP signal transduction, CAC can induce ERK1/2 phosphorylation in rat Leydig cells. In conclusion, CAC binds to nAChR on Leydig cells, and activates cAMP and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, thereby up‐regulating the expression of key genes and proteins in the steroidogenic cascade, resulting in increased testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells.
Compost spatial heterogeneity promotes evolutionary diversification of a bacterium
Authors: van Houte Stineke , Padfield Daniel , Gómez Pedro , Luján Adela M. , Brockhurst Michael A. , Paterson Steve , Buckling Angus
Published: October 2020

Spatial resource heterogeneity is expected to be a key driver for the evolution of diversity. However, direct empirical support for this prediction is limited to studies carried out in simplified laboratory environments. Here, we investigate how altering spatial heterogeneity of potting compost—by the addition of water and mixing—affects the evolutionary diversification of a bacterial species,Pseudomonas fluorescens, that is naturally found in the environment. There was a greater propensity of resource specialists to evolve in the unmanipulated compost, while more generalist phenotypes dominated the compost–water mix. Genomic data were consistent with these phenotypic findings. Competition experiments strongly suggest these results are due to diversifying selection as a result of resource heterogeneity, as opposed to other covariables. Overall, our findings corroborate theoretical and in vitro findings, but in semi‐natural, more realistic conditions.
Trophic relationship between the Patinga hybrid (Piaractus mesopotamicusxPiaractus brachypomus) andEchinorhynchus gomesiMachado Filho, 1948 in fish farms
Authors: Gouveia Élida J. , Cavalcanti Lidiany D. , Leal Fernanda C. , Mendes Sarah G.F. , Russo Márcia R.
Published: October 2020

A total of 122 Patinga specimens were collected from fish farms (P1, P2 and P3), and only those from fish farm P1 were shown to be infected withEchinorhynchus gomesi. In addition, fish in this study were shown to have diets that consisted of 21 different food items, andNotodiaptomussp. (Copepoda: Calanoida) was identified as a potential intermediate host forE. gomesi.
Patients’ and parents’ perspectives of and experiences with assessing nursing students’ paediatric clinical practice
Authors: Balasa Rebecca , Chartrand Julie , Moreau Katherine , Tousignant Kelley , Eady Kaylee
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To explore patients’ and parents’ involvement in the formative assessment of undergraduate nursing students’ paediatric clinical practice.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with paediatric patients between 14 to 18 years old and parents who received care from a nursing student while admitted to a paediatric tertiary care hospital in Canada. We analysed the data using qualitative content analysis as well as Lincoln and Guba's criteria for establishing trustworthiness. The Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies (COREQ) checklist was completed for the quality appraisal of this article.

Findings

Three categories emerged from the data: 1) how patients and parents are currently involved in the formative assessment of nursing students’ paediatric clinical practice; 2) how patients and parents would prefer to be involved in the formative assessment of nursing students’ paediatric clinical practice; and 3) the potential benefits and challenges of involving patients and parents in the formative assessment of nursing students’ paediatric clinical practice.

Conclusion

This study provided an understanding of patients’ and parents’ past encounters with nursing students and the elements of care that they have assessed as well as those that they would prefer to assess and provide feedback on, while considering the potential benefits and challenges of their involvement. The findings of this study will assist clinical instructors in determining how and when to involve patients and parents in the assessment of nursing students. Academic institutions offering nursing programmes should consider the study findings when improving or changing formative assessment strategies.
Age‐related differences in diagnostic categories, psychological states and oral health–related quality of life of adult temporomandibular disorder patients
Authors: Ujin Yap Adrian , Cao Ye , Zhang Min‐Juan , Lei Jie , Fu Kai‐Yuan
Published: October 2020

Objectives

The peak prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) may occur in middle age. This study determined the proportion of matured adults seeking TMD treatment and compared their diagnostic, psychological and oral health–related quality‐of‐life (OHRQoL) profiles to younger patients.

Methods

Adult subjects were recruited from a tertiary TMD centre and assigned to three age groups, namely 18‐44 years (young adults [YA]), 45‐64 (middle‐aged adults [MA]) and ≥65 (old adults [OA]). TMD diagnoses were established with the Diagnostic Criteria for TMDs and categorised as pain‐related (PT), intra‐articular (IT) and combined (CT) TMDs. Psychological states and OHRQoL were assessed with the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale‐21 (DASS‐21) and Oral Health Impact Profile‐TMDs (OHIP‐TMDs). Demographic, DASS‐21, and OHIP‐TMDs data were analysed using chi‐square test, one‐way ANOVA and Pearson's correlation (P < .05).

Results

Middle‐aged (19.7%; 136/692) and old (4.0%; 28/692) adults comprised about a quarter of the TMD patients. Although gender distribution was comparable, significant differences in TMD categories were observed (P < .001). Pain‐related TMDs were more prevalent in the MA/OA groups while intra‐articular TMDs were more frequent in the YA group. No significant difference in DASS‐21 and total OHIP scores was noted among three groups. However, the MA and OA groups had significantly lower OHRQoL in the physical pain domain. Correlations between DASS‐21 and OHIP‐TMDs scores varied with age and ranged from rs = 0.47‐0.92.

Conclusions

Matured patients constituted a quarter of TMD cohort and presented higher frequencies of painful TMDs. They have similar psychological profiles to younger patients but experienced lower OHRQoL in physical pain domain.
The mechanisms associated with reflux episodes in ambulant subjects with gastro‐esophageal reflux disease
Authors: Iovino Paola , Theron Byron , Prew Sandra , Menon Shyam , Trudgill Nigel
Published: October 2020

Background

The mechanisms associated with gastro‐esophageal reflux (GER) episodes were studied using combined High‐resolution Impedance Manometry (HRIM) and pH monitoring in ambulant subjects with different patterns of GERD.

Methods

Sixteen subjects with mild‐moderate esophagitis (Los Angeles (LA) grade A&B) (group A) and 11 subjects with severe esophagitis (LA grade C&D) or Barrett's esophagus (BE) were studied before and after a meal, resting, while walking, and during standardized exercise, using a HRIM and a pH probe.

Key Results

Post‐prandial acid GER episodes were more common in group B (median 10 range (3‐18) vs A (6.5 (0‐18), p = 0.048). Postprandial acid clearance time was much longer in group B (median 0.71( 0.07‐2.66 min) vs A (0.17 (0.04‐2.44 min), p = 0.02). Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) was the most frequent mechanism associated with GER episodes in both groups. Post‐prandial TLESRs with GER were more common in group B (median 17 (9‐24) vs A 13.5 (7‐34), p = 0.014), particularly during exercise (B 8 (6‐9) vs A 6 (5‐6.8), p = 0.007). Post‐prandially TLESR with acid reflux increased during exercise in both groups (A rest median 2.4 (0‐6.4) per hour vs exercise 4.7 (0‐17.3), p = 0.005 and B 4 (0.8‐9.6) vs 5.3 (2.7‐13.3) per hour, p = 0.045).

Conclusions and Inferences

TLESR was the most common mechanism associated with reflux episodes in all subjects. Acid reflux episodes were more common in subjects with severe esophagitis or BE and esophageal acid clearance was much slower. Post‐prandial exercise increased TLESR with acid reflux and GERD patients should be encouraged to avoid exercise immediately after a meal.
Recombination suppression and evolutionary strata around mating‐type loci in fungi: documenting patterns and understanding evolutionary and mechanistic causes
Authors: Hartmann Fanny E. , Duhamel Marine , Carpentier Fantin , Hood Michael E. , Foulongne‐Oriol Marie , Silar Philippe , Malagnac Fabienne , Grognet Pierre , Giraud Tatiana
Published: October 2020

Genomic regions determining sexual compatibility often display recombination suppression, as occurs in sex chromosomes, plant self‐incompatibility loci and fungal mating‐type loci. Regions lacking recombination can extend beyond the genes determining sexes or mating types, by several successive steps of recombination suppression. Here we review the evidence for recombination suppression around mating‐type loci in fungi, sometimes encompassing vast regions of the mating‐type chromosomes. The suppression of recombination at mating‐type loci in fungi has long been recognized and maintains the multiallelic combinations required for correct compatibility determination. We review more recent evidence for expansions of recombination suppression beyond mating‐type genes in fungi (‘evolutionary strata’), which have been little studied and may be more pervasive than commonly thought. We discuss testable hypotheses for the ultimate (evolutionary) and proximate (mechanistic) causes for such expansions of recombination suppression, including (1) antagonistic selection, (2) association of additional functions to mating‐type, such as uniparental mitochondria inheritance, (3) accumulation in the margin of nonrecombining regions of various factors, including deleterious mutations or transposable elements resulting from relaxed selection, or neutral rearrangements resulting from genetic drift. The study of recombination suppression in fungi could thus contribute to our understanding of recombination suppression expansion across a broader range of organisms.
Overexpression of alfalfa SIMK promotes root hair growth, nodule clustering and shoot biomass production
Authors: Hrbáčková Miroslava , Luptovčiak Ivan , Hlaváčková Kateřina , Dvořák Petr , Tichá Michaela , Šamajová Olga , Novák Dominik , Bednarz Hanna , Niehaus Karsten , Ovečka Miroslav , Šamaj Jozef
Published: October 2020

Nitrogen‐fixing rhizobia and legumes have developed complex mutualistic mechanism that allows to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia. Signalling by mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) seems to be involved in this symbiotic interaction. Previously, we reported that stress‐induced MAPK (SIMK) shows predominantly nuclear localization in alfalfa root epidermal cells. Nevertheless, SIMK is activated and relocalized to the tips of growing root hairs during their development. SIMK kinase (SIMKK) is a well‐known upstream activator of SIMK. Here, we characterized production parameters of transgenic alfalfa plants with genetically manipulated SIMK after infection with Sinorhizobium meliloti. SIMKK RNAi lines, causing strong downregulation of both SIMKK and SIMK, showed reduced root hair growth and lower capacity to form infection threads and nodules. In contrast, constitutive overexpression of GFP‐tagged SIMK promoted root hair growth as well as infection thread and nodule clustering. Moreover, SIMKK and SIMK downregulation led to decrease, while overexpression of GFP‐tagged SIMK led to increase of biomass in above‐ground part of plants. These data suggest that genetic manipulations causing downregulation or overexpression of SIMK affect root hair, nodule and shoot formation patterns in alfalfa, and point to the new biotechnological potential of this MAPK.
Post‐transplant malignancies in pediatric organ transplant recipients
Authors: Robinson Cal H. , Coughlin Carrie C. , Chanchlani Rahul , Dharnidharka Vikas R.
Published: October 2020

The majority of cancer diagnoses in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) or skin cancers. However, pediatric SOTRs are also at significantly elevated risk for multiple other solid and hematological cancers. The risks of specific cancers vary by transplanted organ, underlying disease, and immunosuppression factors. More than one‐quarter of pediatric SOTRs develop cancer within 30 years of transplantation and their risk of solid cancer is 14 times greater than the general population. Pediatric SOTRs are at significantly higher risk of cancer‐associated death. Improving patient survival among pediatric SOTRs puts them at risk of adult epithelial cancers associated with environmental carcinogenic exposures. Vaccination against oncogenic viruses and avoidance of excessive immunosuppression may reduce the risk of solid cancers following transplantation. Patient and family education regarding photoprotection is an essential component of skin cancer prevention. There is significant variability in cancer screening recommendations for SOTRs and general population approaches are typically not validated for transplant populations. An individualized approach to cancer screening should be developed based on estimated cancer risk, patient life expectancy, and screening test performance.
Do funding sources influence long‐term patient survival in pediatric liver transplantation?
Authors: Dick André A. S. , Winstanley Elizabeth , Ohara Michael , Blondet Niviann M. , Healey Patrick J. , Perkins James D. , Reyes Jorge D.
Published: October 2020

Background

Socioeconomic status has been associated with inferior outcomes after multiple surgical procedures, but has not been well studied with respect to pediatric liver transplantation. This study evaluated the impact of insurance status (as a proxy for socioeconomic status) on patient and allograft survival in pediatric first‐time liver transplant recipients.

Methods

Our retrospective analysis of the UNOS data base from January 2002 through September 2017 revealed 6997 pediatric patients undergoing first‐time isolated liver transplantation. A mixed Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for donor, recipient, and program characteristics determined the RR of insurance status on allograft and patient survival. All results were considered significant at P < .05. All statistical results were obtained using R version 3.5.1 and coxme version 2.2‐10.

Results

Medicaid status had a significant negative impact on long‐term survival after controlling for multiple covariates. Pediatric patients undergoing first‐time isolated liver transplantation with Medicaid insurance had a RR of 1.42 [confidence interval: 1.18‐1.60] of post‐transplant death.

Conclusion

Pediatric patients undergoing first‐time isolated liver transplantation have multiple risk factors that may impact long‐term survival. Having Medicaid insurance almost doubles the chances of dying post‐liver transplant. This patient population may require more global support post‐transplant to improve long‐term survival.
Do affective desires provide reasons for action?
Authors: Shaw Ashley
Published: October 2020

This paper evaluates the claim that some desires provide reasons in virtue of their connection with conscious affective experiences like feelings of attraction or aversion. I clarify the nature of affective desires and several distinct ways in which affective desires might provide reasons. Against accounts proposed by Ruth Chang, Declan Smithies and Jeremy Weiss, I motivate doubts that it is thephenomenologyof affective experiences that explains their normative or rational significance. I outline an alternative approach that centralises thefunctionof such experiences.
Needles Don't Agree with Me, Pills Don't Agree with Me: Experiences of Contraceptive Use among Pakhtun Women in Pakistan
Authors: Ataullahjan Anushka , Vallianatos Helen , Mumtaz Zubia
Published: October 2020

The sixth most populous country, Pakistan's modern contraceptive use rate is just 25%. Of the multiple reasons for avoiding contraceptives, women cite side effects as a significant deterrent to contraceptive uptake. Efforts to understand these side effects are limited by overreliance on the biomedical framework, which typically dismisses some of women's negative experiences and explanatory models as misperceptions. Drawing on 13 months of ethnographic data from a village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, our study sought to provide an emic description of contraceptive side effects. Respondents’ described what we call “spiritual” and “somatic” side effects. While the latter included experiences such as irregular bleeding and leg pain, spiritual side effects had more severe implications ranging from job loss, birth defects, to child death. In a context of a firm belief that family planning was a sin, contraceptives were believed to negatively impact spiritual well‐being and invite God's wrath. Our data suggest these perceptions and experiences played a crucial role in contraceptive decision‐making. The spiritual and somatic experiences of contraceptive use described by respondents also demonstrate the importance of broadening dominant biomedical approaches to holistically understand contraceptive side effects and usage.
T cell immunobiology and cytokine storm of COVID‐19
Authors: Luo Xiao‐Hua , Zhu Yan , Mao Jian , Du Rui‐Chan
Published: October 2020

2019 coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) presents as a newly recognized pneumonia and could rapidly progress into acute respiratory distress syndrome which has brought about a global pandemic. Until now, no curative therapy has been strongly recommended for COVID‐19 except for personalized supportive care. T cells and virus‐specific T cells are essential to protect against virus infection, including COVID‐19. Delayed immune reconstitution (IR) and cytokine storm (CS) remain serious obstacles for the cure of COVID‐19. Most COVID‐19 patients, especially among elderly patients, had marked lymphopenia and increased neutrophils, but T cell counts in severe COVID‐19 patients surviving the disease gradually restored later. Elevated pro‐inflammatory cytokines, particularly IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐2 and IL‐17, and exhausted T cells are found in peripheral blood and the lungs. It suggests that Thymosin α1 and adoptive COVID‐19‐specific T cells could improve IR, while convalescent plasma, IL‐6 blockade, mesenchymal stem cells and corticosteroids could suppress CS. More clinical studies in this field worldwide are urgently warranted to pave the way for therapy of COVID‐19 in the future.
Strength training restores force‐generating capacity in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Nygård Mona , Brobakken Mathias Forsberg , Taylor Joshua Landen , Reitan Solveig Klæbo , Güzey Ismail Cüneyt , Morken Gunnar , Lydersen Stian , Vedul‐Kjelsås Einar , Wang Eivind , Heggelund Jørn
Published: October 2020

Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders have impaired skeletal muscle force‐generating capacity (FGC) of the lower extremities, that is, one repetition maximum (1RM) and rapid force development, and poor functional performance. We therefore investigated whether 12 weeks of maximal strength training (MST) could (a) restore FGC and functional performance to the level of healthy references, (b) increase patient activation and quality of life, and (c) explore associations between symptom severity, defined daily dose of medication, illness duration, level of patient activation, and improvements in FGC and functional performance. Forty‐eight outpatients were randomized to a training group (TG) or control group (CG). TG performed leg press MST 2 day/week at ~ 90% 1RM. The CG received two introductory training sessions and encouragement to train independently. Leg press 1RM, rapid force development, a battery of functional performance tests, Patient Activation Measure‐13, and 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey were tested. Healthy references performed baseline tests of FGC and functional performance. Thirty‐six patients completed the study (TG: 17, CG: 19). TG improved 1RM (28%) and rapid force development (20%, both P < .01) to a level similar to healthy references, while no change was apparent in the CG. TG’s improvement in rapid force development was negatively associated with defined daily dose of medication (r = −0.5, P = .05). Both TG and CG improved 30‐second sit‐to‐stand test performance (P < .05) which was associated with improved rapid force development (r = 0.6, P < .05). In conclusion, 12 weeks of MST restored patients’ lower extremity FGC to a level similar to healthy references and improved 30‐second sit‐to‐stand test performance.
Effects of including sprints during prolonged cycling on hormonal and muscular responses and recovery in elite cyclists
Authors: Almquist Nicki Winfield , Ellefsen Stian , Sandbakk Øyvind , Rønnestad Bent R.
Published: October 2020

This study investigated the acute effects of including 30‐second sprints during prolonged low‐intensity cycling on muscular and hormonal responses and recovery in elite cyclists. Twelve male cyclists (VO2max, 73.4 ± 4.0 mL/kg/min) completed a randomized crossover protocol, wherein 4 hours of cycling at 50% of VO2max were performed with and without inclusion of three sets of 3 × 30 seconds maximal sprints (E&S vs E, work‐matched). Muscle biopsies (m. vastus lateralis) and blood were sampled at Pre, immediately after (Post) and 3 hours after (3 h) finalizing sessions. E&S led to greater increases in mRNA levels compared with E for markers of fat metabolism (PDK4, Δ‐Log2 fold change between E&S and E ± 95%CI Post; 2.1 ± 0.9, Δ3h; 1.3 ± 0.7) and angiogenesis (VEGFA, Δ3h; 0.3 ± 0.3), and greater changes in markers of muscle protein turnover (myostatin, ΔPost; −1.4 ± 1.2, Δ3h; −1.3 ± 1.3; MuRF1, ΔPost; 1.5 ± 1.2, all P < .05). E&S showed decreased mRNA levels for markers of ion transport at 3h (Na+‐K+ α1; −0.6 ± 0.6, CLC1; −1.0 ± 0.8 and NHE1; −0.3 ± 0.2, all P < .05) and blunted responses for a marker of mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC‐1α, Post; −0.3 ± 0.3, 3h; −0.4 ± 0.3, P < .05) compared with E E&S and E showed similar endocrine responses, with exceptions of GH and SHBG, where E&S displayed lower responses at Post (GH; −4.1 ± 3.2 μg/L, SHBG; −2.2 ± 1.9 nmol/L, P < .05). Both E&S and E demonstrated complete recovery in isokinetic knee extension torque 24 hours after exercise. In conclusion, we demonstrate E&S to be an effective exercise protocol for elite cyclists, which potentially leads to beneficial adaptations in skeletal muscle without impairing muscle recovery 24 hours after exercise.
Is “Latino” useful? Diversity, commonality, and politics
Authors: Licea Ricardo
Published: October 2020

The Latino classification is distinct from all other racial or ethnic classifications employed in the United States as it is not based on shared physical appearance or geographical origin, instead Latinos are those who hail from a portion of the territories that once belonged to the Spanish Empire regardless of their ancestry or physical appearance. The diversity within the Latino classification means that it is unclear what is being measured when the Latino classification is used to conduct science. Regardless of the Latino classification's usefulness for science the Latino classification has been defended for its usefulness in helping redress the consequences of racism against Latinos. However, the ultimate cause of this discrimination is that most Latinos have a non‐White appearance making the Latino classification a poor proxy for any effort to address racism. The solution is not to return to the classification system that existed prior to the creation of the Latino classification but to instead adopt more granular classifications employed in Latin America such as Mestizo and Mulatto. This will allow for a more detailed study of discrimination and the redirection of resources to those most in need.
Co‐occurrence of and risk factors for Cryptosporidium and Giardia in brown rats from Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Hancke Diego , Suárez Olga Virginia
Published: October 2020

A rodent survey was conducted in different landscape units of the city of Buenos Aires (Argentina) to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Rattus norvegicus and to, ultimately, assess the biotic, environmental and meteorological factors that explain the variations of the likelihood of infection for both parasites in an urban environment. The results of this study revealed a ubiquitous presence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in R. norvegicus within an urban environment with the likelihood of infection depending on environmental and meteorological conditions for both parasites. The overall prevalence was greater for Cryptosporidium (p = 50.4%) than for Giardia (20.3%). The prevalence for both parasites separately was higher in parks compared to shantytowns and scrap metal yards. Generalized Linear Mixed Models revealed that the occurrence of these parasites separately, at an individual level, was positively related with rainfall variables and that the effect of temperature depended on the landscape unit. The similarities in the transmission modes, which are affected by common extrinsic factors, may facilitate the co‐occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in urban rats. Rattus norvegicus is recognized as a good model for epidemiological studies and the results of this work suggest that, from an epidemiological point of view, the probability of contact with infectious oocysts and cysts of these parasites can be modulated through environmental management and healthy behaviour towards risk factors. The information presented here will be useful to improve the understanding of the dynamics of zoonotic diseases within urban environments and to contribute to the decision‐making of new and effective prophylactic measures.
Application of Transient Electromagnetic Method in Municipal Buried Gas Pipeline Detection
Authors: Song Pan , Pu Zhe , Ren Bin , Tang Xiaoying , Wang Jielu
Published: October 2020

The safe operation of gas pipeline is related to the liveihood of people, in the process of operation, many factors will cause pipeline failure, leakage and accidents and thus impair people’s well-being and property safety. This paper puts forward the transient electromagnetic method for in-service detection of municipal buried gas pipeline, mainly introduces the principle of transient electromagnetic method and the factor analysis of pipeline failure, and comprehensively analyzes the problems existing in the application of transient electromagnetic method in in-service detection of municipal buried gas pipeline combined with two examples of gas pipeline detection. The result shows that transient electromagnetic method is practical in the detection of municipal buried gas pipeline, which can better distinguish corrosion thinning and interference, and provide reliable theoretical data basis for in-service safe operation detection and maintenance of municipal buried gas pipeline.
Outcomes of Three Large Scale Fire Reference Tests Conducted in BAM Fire Test Facility
Authors: Feldkamp Martin , Quercetti Thomas , Wille Frank
Published: October 2020

Packages for the transport of high-level radioactive material are designed to withstand severe accidents. Hypothetical severe accident conditions are defined in the IAEA Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials. One of these accident conditions is the thermal test, mainly consisting of a 30 minute fully engulfing 800°C pool fire or an equally severe fire test. The heat fluxes into the package depend substantially on the fire characteristics and the surface temperature of the package.

Fire tests can be performed at BAM on a propane gas fire test facility. In order to investigate the heat fluxes over a wide range of surface temperatures in this test facility a fire reference package was designed for multiple use. The package represented the outer geometry of a specific transport cask for radioactive waste. The fire reference package is a closed steel sheet cylinder with a wall thickness of 10 mm, a length of 1500 mm and a diameter of 1050 mm. The package was instrumented with thermocouples and filled with heat resistant insulation material. Three open-air fire tests were performed in the BAM propane gas fire test facility. The flames exposure time period varied slightly for the fire tests. The wind direction as well as the wind speed were measured and changed between and during the tests. Test stand parameters such as wind shield location and propane gas volume flow were chosen constant for the three tests. The locally measured fire reference package steel sheet temperatures were used for the calculation of heat fluxes as function of time and surface temperature. The measured temperatures allowed further calculations. In a first approach effective fire characteristics of the propane gas fire, including the flame temperature, the fire convection coefficient and a radiation exchange coefficient mathematically describing the determined average heat flux over the surface temperature were calculated.
Measuring Fatigue Crack Growth Behavior of Ferritic Steels Near Threshold in High Pressure Hydrogen Gas
Authors: Ronevich Joseph , San Marchi Chris , Nibur Kevin A. , Bortot Paolo , Bassanini Gianluca , Sileo Michele
Published: October 2020

Following the ASME codes, the design of pipelines and pressure vessels for transportation or storage of high-pressure hydrogen gas requires measurements of fatigue crack growth rates at design pressure. However, performing tests in high pressure hydrogen gas can be very costly as only a few laboratories have the unique capabilities. Recently, Code Case 2938 was accepted in ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) VIII-3 allowing for design curves to be used in lieu of performing fatigue crack growth rate (da/dN vs. ΔK) and fracture threshold (KIH) testing in hydrogen gas. The design curves were based on data generated at 100 MPa H2 on SA-372 and SA-723 grade steels; however, the data used to generate the design curves are limited to measurements of ΔK values greater than 6 MPa m1/2. The design curves can be extrapolated to lower ΔK (< 6 MPa m1/2), but the threshold stress intensity factor (ΔKth) has not been measured in hydrogen gas. In this work, decreasing ΔK tests were performed at select hydrogen pressures to explore threshold (ΔKth) for ferritic-based structural steels (e.g. pipelines and pressure vessels). The results were compared to decreasing ΔK tests in air, showing that the fatigue crack growth rates in hydrogen gas appear to yield similar or even slightly lower da/dN values compared to the curves in air at low ΔK values when tests were performed at stress ratios of 0.5 and 0.7. Correction for crack closure was implemented, which resulted in better agreement with the design curves and provide an upper bound throughout the entire ΔK range, even as the crack growth rates approach ΔKth. This work gives further evidence of the utility of the design curves described in Code Case 2938 of the ASME BPVC VIII-3 for construction of high pressure hydrogen vessels.
Study on Multifunctional Base Isolation System Using Air-Floating Technique
Authors: Furuya Osamu , Takito Kiyotaka , Kurabayashi Hiroshi , Sampei Kunio , Yamazaki Koji
Published: October 2020

Vibration isolation devices are generally applied to equipment that dislikes vibration installed in buildings. Since the vibration isolator is intended for small vibration input, the damage has been frequently confirmed with excessive vibration input such as an huge earthquake motion. Therefore, the development of a seismic isolation device with a vibration isolation function is desired for important equipment and expensive manufacturing equipment.

However, the vibration region targeted by the vibration isolator and the vibration region of the seismic input are at completely different levels. In this study, the authors propose a seismic isolation system using air floating technique to cope with such different vibration levels. In this paper, basic concept, basic performance, preliminary performance evaluation by nonlinear time response analysis, and performance evaluation by shaking table test.
Genome integrity and neurogenesis of postnatal hippocampal neural stem/progenitor cells require a unique regulator Filia
Authors: Li Jingzheng , Shang Yafang , Wang Lin , Zhao Bo , Sun Chunli , Li Jiali , Liu Siling , Li Cong , Tang Min , Meng Fei-Long , Zheng Ping
Published: October 2020

Filia regulates genome integrity and neurogenesis of postnatal hippocampal neural stem/progenitor cells.
Residential solid fuel emissions contribute significantly to air pollution and associated health impacts in China
Authors: Yun Xiao , Shen Guofeng , Shen Huizhong , Meng Wenjun , Chen Yilin , Xu Haoran , Ren Yuang , Zhong Qirui , Du Wei , Ma Jianmin , Cheng Hefa , Wang Xilong , Liu Junfeng , Wang Xuejun , Li Bengang , Hu Jianying , Wan Yi , Tao Shu
Published: October 2020

Residential contributions are substantially magnified from energy use, emissions, air pollution, to health impacts.
Gastrointestinal-resident, shape-changing microdevices extend drug release in vivo
Authors: Ghosh Arijit , Li Ling , Xu Liyi , Dash Ranjeet P. , Gupta Neha , Lam Jenny , Jin Qianru , Akshintala Venkata , Pahapale Gayatri , Liu Wangqu , Sarkar Anjishnu , Rais Rana , Gracias David H. , Selaru Florin M.
Published: October 2020

Hookworm inspired, autonomous latching on the gastrointestinal mucosa extends the in vivo retention of a drug delivery device.
Microscopic scan-free surface profiling over extended axial ranges by point-spread-function engineering
Authors: Gordon-Soffer Racheli , Weiss Lucien E. , Eshel Ran , Ferdman Boris , Nehme Elias , Bercovici Moran , Shechtman Yoav
Published: October 2020

Illuminated points reveal 3D microscopic surface topography.
Layer-engineered large-area exfoliation of graphene
Authors: Moon Ji-Yun , Kim Minsoo , Kim Seung-Il , Xu Shuigang , Choi Jun-Hui , Whang Dongmok , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Park Dong Seop , Seo Juyeon , Cho Sung Ho , Son Seok-Kyun , Lee Jae-Hyun
Published: October 2020

A layer-engineered exfoliation approach allows us to obtain millimeter-size graphene and control the number of layers.
Neutrophil-mediated carbamylation promotes articular damage in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: O’Neil Liam J. , Barrera-Vargas Ana , Sandoval-Heglund Donavon , Merayo-Chalico Javier , Aguirre-Aguilar Eduardo , Aponte Angel M. , Ruiz-Perdomo Yanira , Gucek Marjan , El-Gabalawy Hani , Fox David A. , Katz James D. , Kaplan Mariana J. , Carmona-Rivera Carmelo
Published: October 2020

Carbamylated histone antibodies potentiate osteoclast formation and associate with bone erosion in rheumatoid arthritis.
A probiotic yeast-based immunotherapy against
Clostridioides difficile
infection
Authors: Chen Kevin , Zhu Yixuan , Zhang Yongrong , Hamza Therwa , Yu Hua , Saint Fleur Ashley , Galen James , Yang Zhiyong , Feng Hanping
Published: October 2020

An engineered yeast-based immunotherapy shows prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy against
C. difficile
infection in mice.
Targeted inhibition of PI3 kinase/mTOR specifically in fibrotic lung fibroblasts suppresses pulmonary fibrosis in experimental models
Authors: Hettiarachchi Suraj U. , Li Yen-Hsing , Roy Jyoti , Zhang Fenghua , Puchulu-Campanella Estela , Lindeman Spencer D. , Srinivasarao Madduri , Tsoyi Konstantin , Liang Xiaoliang , Ayaub Ehab A. , Nickerson-Nutter Cheryl , Rosas Ivan O. , Low Philip S.
Published: October 2020

Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in lung myofibroblasts reduced symptoms of IPF in rodents and in vitro human samples.
Dietary simple sugars alter microbial ecology in the gut and promote colitis in mice
Authors: Khan Shahanshah , Waliullah Sumyya , Godfrey Victoria , Khan Md Abdul Wadud , Ramachandran Rajalaksmy A. , Cantarel Brandi L. , Behrendt Cassie , Peng Lan , Hooper Lora V. , Zaki Hasan
Published: October 2020

High-sugar diet promotes the growth of mucolytic bacteria, leading to reduction of the mucus layer and predisposition to colitis in mice.
Complete and Circularized Genome Assemblies of the Kroppenstedtia eburnea Genus Type Strain and the Kroppenstedtia pulmonis Species Type Strain with MiSeq and MinION Sequence Data
Authors: Gulvik Christopher A. , Batra Dhwani , Rowe Lori A. , Sheth Milli , Humrighouse Ben W. , Howard Dakota T. , Lee Justin , McQuiston John R. , Lasker Brent A.
Published: October 2020

Kroppenstedtia eburnea
DSM 45196
T
and
Kroppenstedtia pulmonis
W9323
T
are aerobic, Gram-positive, filamentous, chemoorganotrophic thermoactinomycetes. Here, we report on the complete and circular genome assemblies generated using Illumina MiSeq and Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION reads. Putative gene clusters predicted to be involved in the production of secondary metabolites were also identified.
Assessing the efficiency of countries in making progress towards universal health coverage: a data envelopment analysis of 172 countries
Authors: Jordi Emma , Pley Caitlin , Jowett Matthew , Abou Jaoude Gerard Joseph , Haghparast-Bidgoli Hassan
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Maximising efficiency of resources is critical to progressing towards universal health coverage (UHC) and the sustainable development goal (SDG) for health. This study estimates the technical efficiency of national health spending in progressing towards UHC, and the environmental factors associated with efficient UHC service provision.

Methods

A two-stage efficiency analysis using Simar and Wilson’s double bootstrap data envelopment analysis investigates how efficiently countries convert health spending into UHC outputs (measured by service coverage and financial risk protection) for 172 countries. We use World Bank and WHO data from 2015. Thereafter, the environmental factors associated with efficient progress towards UHC goals are identified.

Results

The mean bias-corrected technical efficiency score across 172 countries is 85.7% (68.9% for low-income and 95.5% for high-income countries). High-achieving middle-income and low-income countries such as El Salvador, Colombia, Rwanda and Malawi demonstrate that peer-relative efficiency can be attained at all incomes. Governance capacity, income and education are significantly associated with efficiency. Sensitivity analysis suggests that results are robust to changes.

Conclusion

We provide a 2015 baseline for cross-country UHC technical efficiency scores. If countries wish to improve their UHC outputs within existing budgets, they should identify their current efficiency and try to emulate more efficient peers. Policy-makers should focus on strengthening institutions and implementing known best practices to replicate efficient systems. Using resources more efficiently is likely to positively impact UHC coverage goals and health outcomes, and without addressing gaps in efficiency progress towards achieving the SDGs will be impeded.
In pursuit of ‘safe’ water: the burden of personal injury from water fetching in 21 low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Venkataramanan Vidya , Geere Jo-Anne L , Thomae Benjamin , Stoler Justin , Hunter Paul R , Young Sera L
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Water fetching for household needs can cause injury, but documentation of the burden of harm globally has been limited. We described the frequency, characteristics and correlates of water-fetching injuries in 24 sites in 21 low-income and middle-income countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Methods

In a survey of 6291 randomly selected households, respondents reported whether and how they had experienced water-fetching injuries. Responses were coded for injury type, mechanism, bodily location and physical context. We then identified correlates of injury using a multilevel, mixed-effects logistic regression model.

Results

Thirteen per cent of respondents reported at least one water-fetching injury. Of 879 injuries, fractures and dislocations were the most commonly specified type (29.2%), and falls were the most commonly specified mechanism (76.4%). Where specified, 61.1% of injuries occurred to the lower limbs, and dangerous terrain (69.4%) was the most frequently reported context. Significant correlates included being female (aOR=1.50, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.96); rural (aOR=4.80, 95% CI 2.83 to 8.15) or periurban residence (aOR=2.75, 95% CI 1.64 to 4.60); higher household water insecurity scores (aOR=1.09, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.10) and reliance on surface water (aOR=1.97, 95% CI 1.21 to 3.22) or off-premise water sources that required queueing (aOR=1.72, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.49).

Conclusion

These data suggest that water-fetching injuries are an underappreciated and largely unmeasured public health challenge. We offer guidelines for comprehensive data collection on injuries to better capture the true burden of inadequate water access. Such data can guide the design of interventions to reduce injury risk and promote equitable water access solutions.
“I’m in a very good frame of mind”: a qualitative exploration of the experience of standing frame use in people with progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Dennett Rachel , Hendrie Wendy , Jarrett Louise , Creanor Siobhan , Barton Andrew , Hawton Annie , Freeman Jennifer A
Published: October 2020

Objectives

The study aim was to explore the experiences of people with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) and their standing assistants during their participation in Standing Up in Multiple Sclerosis, a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a home-based, self-managed standing frame programme.

Design

A qualitative approach, using audio diary methodology was used to collect data contemporaneously. Diary data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.

Setting

Participants were recruited from eight healthcare organisations in two regions of the UK. The intervention was home-based.

Participants

As part of the RCT, 140 participants were randomly allocated to either usual care or usual care plus a standing frame programme. Using a sampling matrix 12 people with progressive MS (6 female, aged 35–71 years, Expanded Disability Status Scale 6.5–8.0) and 8 standing assistants (4 female) kept audio diaries of their experiences.

Intervention

The standing frame programme involved two face-to-face home-based physiotherapy sessions to set up the standing frame programme, supplemented by educational material designed to optimise self-efficacy. Participants were encouraged to stand for at least 30 min, three times a week for the 36-week study period.

Results

Four main themes were identified: “Feeling like the old me”; ‘Noticing a difference’; “I want to do it right” and “You have a good day, you have a bad day”.

Conclusions

Supported standing helped people with progressive MS feel more like their old selves and provided a sense of normality and enjoyment. People noticed improvements in physical and psychological symptoms, which were often associated with increased participation in activities they valued. Provision of support from a physiotherapist and recognition of the variable nature of the condition were highlighted as factors to consider when establishing a standing programme.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN69614598.
Effects of bright light therapy for depression during pregnancy: a randomised, double-blind controlled trial
Authors: Bais Babette , Kamperman Astrid M , Bijma Hilmar H , Hoogendijk Witte JG , Souman Jan L , Knijff Esther , Lambregtse-van den Berg Mijke P
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Approximately 11%–13% of pregnant women suffer from depression. Bright light therapy (BLT) is a promising treatment, combining direct availability, sufficient efficacy, low costs and high safety for both mother and child. Here, we examined the effects of BLT on depression during pregnancy.

Design

Randomised, double-blind controlled trial.

Setting

Primary and secondary care in The Netherlands, from November 2016 to March 2019.

Participants

67 pregnant women (12–32 weeks gestational age) with a DSM-5 diagnosis of depressive disorder (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).

Interventions

Participants were randomly allocated to treatment with either BLT (9000 lux, 5000 K) or dim red light therapy (DRLT, 100 lux, 2700 K), which is considered placebo. For 6 weeks, both groups were treated daily at home for 30 min on awakening. Follow-up took place weekly during the intervention, after 6 weeks of therapy, 3 and 10 weeks after treatment and 2 months postpartum.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Depressive symptoms were measured primarily with the Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Depression Scale—Seasonal Affective Disorder. Secondary measures were the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Changes in rating scale scores of these questionnaires over time were analysed using generalised linear mixed models.

Results

Median depression scores decreased by 40.6%–53.1% in the BLT group and by 50.9%–66.7% in the DRLT group. We found no statistically significant difference in symptom change scores between BLT and DRLT. Sensitivity and post-hoc analyses did not change our findings.

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms of pregnant women with depression improved in both treatment arms. More research is necessary to determine whether these responses represent true treatment effects, non-specific treatment responses, placebo effects or a combination hereof.

Trial registration number

NTR5476.