bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shape analysis of rectus extraocular muscles with age and axial length using anterior segment optical coherence tomography
Authors: Shibata Kiyo , Fujiwara Atsushi , Hamasaki Ichiro , Shimizu Takehiro , Kono Reika , Kanenaga Keisuke , Nakazawa Masanori , Morizane Yuki
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the shape of the extraocular muscles (EOMs) in normal subjects using the en-face images of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). The EOM insertion and the direction of the muscle fibers were investigated.

Subjects and methods

A total of 97 healthy normal subjects (194 eyes) at Okayama University Hospital (age, 47.1±21.5 years; range, 8–79 years) participated in the study. A series of 256 tomographic images of the rectus EOMs were captured using the C-scan function of the AS-OCT (CASIA2, TOMEY Co., Japan), and the images were converted to en-face images in multi-TIFF format. The anterior chamber angle to EOM insertion distance (AID) and the angle of the muscle fibers from the insertion site (angle of muscles) were measured from the images. The correlations of AID and angle of muscles with age and axial length were investigated and evaluated.

Results

AID and angle of muscles were significantly correlated with age or axial length in some EOMs. The AIDs of medial rectus (MR) (P = 0.000) and superior rectus (SR) (P = 0.005) shortened with age. The AIDs of MR (P = 0.001) and inferior rectus (IR) (P = 0.035) elongated with axial length, whereas lateral rectus (LR) (P = 0.013) shortened. The angles of MR (P = 0.001) and LR (P = 0.000) were found to have a more downward direction toward the posterior in older subjects.

Conclusion

En-face images can be created by AS-OCT, and the shape of the EOMs in normal subjects using these image measurements was available. With the ability to assess the EOMs, AID and angle of muscles are expected give useful information for treating and diagnosing strabismus-related diseases.
Assessment of the sublingual microcirculation with the GlycoCheck system: Reproducibility and examination conditions
Authors: Eickhoff Mie Klessen , Winther Signe Abitz , Hansen Tine Willum , Diaz Lars Jorge , Persson Frederik , Rossing Peter , Frimodt-Møller Marie
Published: December 2020

Background

The glycocalyx is an extracellular layer lining the lumen of the vascular endothelium, protecting the endothelium from shear stress and atherosclerosis and contributes to coagulation, immune response and microvascular perfusion. The GlycoCheck system estimates glycocalyx’ thickness in vessels under the tongue from perfused boundary region (PBR) and microvascular perfusion (red blood cell (RBC) filling) via a camera and dedicated software.

Objectives

Evaluating reproducibility and influence of examination conditions on measurements with the GlycoCheck system.

Methods

Open, randomised, controlled study including 42 healthy smokers investigating day-to-day, side-of-tongue, inter-investigator variance, intraclass-correlation (ICC) and influence of examination conditions at intervals from 0–180 minutes on PBR and RBC filling.

Results

Mean (SD) age was 24.9 (6.1) years, 52% were male. There was no significant intra- or inter-investigator variation for PBR or RBC filling nor for PBR for side-of-tongue. A small day-to-day variance was found for PBR (0.012μm, p = 0.007) and RBC filling (0.003%, p = 0.005) and side-of-tongue, RBC filling (0.025%, p = 0.009). ICC was modest but highly improved by increasing measurements. Small significant influence of cigarette smoking (from 40–180 minutes), high calorie meal intake and coffee consumption was found. The latter two peaking immediately and tapering off but remained significant up to 180 minutes, highest PBR changes for the three being 0.042μm (p<0.05), 0.183μm (p<0.001) and 0.160μm (p<0.05) respectively.

Conclusions

Measurements with the GlycoCheck system have a moderate reproducibility, but highly increases with multiple measurements and a small day-to-day variability. Smoking, meal and coffee intake had effects up to 180 minutes, abstinence is recommended at least 180 minutes before GlycoCheck measurements. Future studies should standardise conditions during measurements.
Novel CRISPR-based sequence specific enrichment methods for target loci and single base mutations
Authors: Steele Jennifer L. , Stevens Richard C. , Cabrera Oscar A. , Bassill Gary J. , Cramer Sabrina M. , Guzman Felipe , Shuber Anthony P.
Published: December 2020

The programmable sequence specificity of CRISPR has found uses in gene editing and diagnostics. This manuscript describes an additional application of CRISPR through a family of novel DNA enrichment technologies. CAMP (CRISPR Associated Multiplexed PCR) and cCAMP (chimeric CRISPR Associated Multiplexed PCR) utilize the sequence specificity of the Cas9/sgRNA complex to target loci for the ligation of a universal adapter that is used for subsequent amplification. cTRACE (chimeric Targeting Rare Alleles with CRISPR-based Enrichment) also applies this method to use Cas9/sgRNA to target loci for the addition of universal adapters, however it has an additional selection for specific mutations through the use of an allele-specific primer. These three methods can produce multiplex PCR that significantly reduces the optimization required for every target. The methods are also not specific to any downstream analytical platform. We additionally will present a mutation specific enrichment technology that is non-amplification based and leaves the DNA in its native state: TRACE (Targeting Rare Alleles with CRISPR-based Enrichment). TRACE utilizes the Cas9/sgRNA complex to sterically protect the ends of targeted sequences from exonuclease activity which digests both the normal variant as well as any off-target sequences.
Nosocomial infections in in-hospital cardiac arrest patients who undergo extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: Ko Ryoung-Eun , Huh Kyungmin , Kim Dong-Hoon , Na Soo Jin , Chung Chi Ryang , Cho Yang Hyun , Jeon Kyeongman , Suh Gee Young , Yang Jeong Hoon
Published: December 2020

Background

Little is known of nosocomial infections (NI) in patients who suffer from in-hospital cardiac arrest who undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This study aimed to investigate clinical pictures of NI, and the association of NIs with clinical outcomes in in-hospital cardiac arrest patients who undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Methods

To evaluate the incidence and clinical characteristics of NI in patients who undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a retrospective cohort study was conducted in a single tertiary referral center between January 2010 and December 2018. We included adult patients who undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for in-hospital cardiac arrest and excluded patients who were out-of-hospital cardiac arrest or failed ECMO implantation. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared between NI and Non-NI patients, or multidrug-resistant (MDR) and non-MDR. The independent risk factors associated with NIs were also analyzed using multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

Thirty-five (23.3%) patients developed a NI. These cases included 21 patients with a gram negative (G-) infection, 12 patients with a gram positive (G+) bacterial infection, and two patients with fungal infection. Pneumonia was the most common type of NIs, followed by catheter-related infection. The in-hospital mortality and neurologic outcomes at discharge were not different between the NI and non-NI groups. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens were detected in 10 cases (28.6%). The MDR NI patients had a higher ICU mortality than did those with non-MDR NI (80% vs. 32%, p = 0.028). Following multivariable adjustment, body mass index (adjusted OR 0.87, 95% CI, 0.77–0.97, p = 0.016) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to pump on time (adjusted OR 1.04, 95% CI, 1.01–1.06, p = 0.001) were independent predictors of NI development.

Conclusions

In patients who received extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, NIs were not associated with an increase in in-hospital mortality. However, NIs with MDR organisms do increase the risk of in-hospital mortality. Lower body mass index and longer low flow time were significant predictors of NI development.
Towards sustainable urban food systems: Analyzing contextual and intrapsychic drivers of growing food in small-scale urban agriculture
Authors: Alemu Mohammed Hussen , Grebitus Carola
Published: December 2020

Small-scale urban agriculture is associated with positive health and environmental outcomes. Previous studies examined factors that drive people to grow foods in urban areas mainly drawing on qualitative data. This research investigates quantitatively what determines consumer preferences for growing foods in community gardens, informing efforts to upscale urban agriculture. We conducted choice experiments in North America and performed latent class analysis of contextual and intrapsychic factors affecting consumers’ preferences for growing foods in cities. Results show that providing tools and guidance are the most important contextual factors affecting community garden participation. The preferences of proponents of growing foods are explained by their high subjective knowledge about growing foods and reasons tied to the benefits of participating in community gardening. Opponents of growing foods at community gardens are characterized by low knowledge. The findings can be used to design policies that promote sustainable food systems in urban areas.
A proteomics-based method for identifying antigens within immune complexes
Authors: Menikou Stephanie , McArdle Andrew J. , Li Ming-Shi , Kaforou Myrsini , Langford Paul R. , Levin Michael
Published: December 2020

A novel approach to recover and identify immune complexes (ICs) was developed using size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and affinity chromatography on immunoglobulin binding columns (HiTrap Protein G). The purification process was monitored by 1D SDS-PAGE, protein staining, Western blotting and, finally, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC MS/MS) was used to identify the recovered antigens. This approach was applied to serum with artificially created immune complexes (ICs) comprising vaccine antigen (influenza) and antibody, which led to recovery and identification of influenza peptides within the recovered ICs. This approach was compared with the established method for IC detection and recovery, polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation, followed by LC MS/MS. Both approaches successfully enabled capture, recovery and characterization of immunoglobulins and influenza antigen(s) in complex with the immunoglobulins. However, PEG precipitation has the advantage of simplicity and is more suited for large scale studies.
No association between genetic variants in MAOA, OXTR, and AVPR1a and cooperative strategies
Authors: Rivera-Hechem María I. , Rodríguez-Sickert Carlos , Guzmán Ricardo A. , Ramírez-Parada Tadeo , Benavides Felipe , Landaeta-Torres Víctor , Aspé-Sánchez Mauricio , Repetto Gabriela M.
Published: December 2020

The effort to understand the genetic basis of human sociality has been encouraged by the diversity and heritability of social traits like cooperation. This task has remained elusive largely because most studies of sociality and genetics use sample sizes that are often unable to detect the small effects that single genes may have on complex social behaviors. The lack of robust findings could also be a consequence of a poor characterization of social phenotypes. Here, we explore the latter possibility by testing whether refining measures of cooperative phenotypes can increase the replication of previously reported associations between genetic variants and cooperation in small samples. Unlike most previous studies of sociality and genetics, we characterize cooperative phenotypes based on strategies rather than actions. Measuring strategies help differentiate between similar actions with different underlaying social motivations while controlling for expectations and learning. In an admixed Latino sample (n = 188), we tested whether cooperative strategies were associated with three genetic variants thought to influence sociality in humans—MAOA-uVNTR, OXTR rs53576, and AVPR1 RS3. We found no association between cooperative strategies and any of the candidate genetic variants. Since we were unable to replicate previous observations our results suggest that refining measurements of cooperative phenotypes as strategies is not enough to overcome the inherent statistical power problem of candidate gene studies.
Calcification of the thoracic aorta on low-dose chest CT predicts severe COVID-19
Authors: Fervers Philipp , Kottlors Jonathan , Zopfs David , Bremm Johannes , Maintz David , Safarov Orkhan , Tritt Stephanie , Abdullayev Nuran , Persigehl Thorsten
Published: December 2020

Background

Cardiovascular comorbidity anticipates poor prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19) and correlates with the systemic atherosclerotic transformation of the arterial vessels. The amount of aortic wall calcification (AWC) can be estimated on low-dose chest CT. We suggest quantification of AWC on the low-dose chest CT, which is initially performed for the diagnosis of COVID-19, to screen for patients at risk of severe COVID-19.

Methods

Seventy consecutive patients (46 in center 1, 24 in center 2) with parallel low-dose chest CT and positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 were included in our multi-center, multi-vendor study. The outcome was rated moderate (no hospitalization, hospitalization) and severe (ICU, tracheal intubation, death), the latter implying a requirement for intensive care treatment. The amount of AWC was quantified with the CT vendor's software.

Results

Of 70 included patients, 38 developed a moderate, and 32 a severe COVID-19. The average volume of AWC was significantly higher throughout the subgroup with severe COVID-19, when compared to moderate cases (771.7 mm3 (Q1 = 49.8 mm3, Q3 = 3065.5 mm3) vs. 0 mm3 (Q1 = 0 mm3, Q3 = 57.3 mm3)). Within multivariate regression analysis, including AWC, patient age and sex, as well as a cardiovascular comorbidity score, the volume of AWC was the only significant regressor for severe COVID-19 (p = 0.004). For AWC > 3000 mm3, the logistic regression predicts risk for a severe progression of 0.78. If there are no visually detectable AWC risk for severe progression is 0.13, only.

Conclusion

AWC seems to be an independent biomarker for the prediction of severe progression and intensive care treatment of COVID-19 already at the time of patient admission to the hospital; verification in a larger multi-center, multi-vendor study is desired.
Role of surface oxygen-containing functional groups of graphene oxide quantum dots on amyloid fibrillation of two model proteins
Authors: Rostampour Ghareghozloo Ebrahim , Mahdavimehr Mohsen , Meratan Ali Akbar , Nikfarjam Nasser , Ghasemi Atiyeh , Katebi Bentolhoda , Nemat-Gorgani Mohsen
Published: December 2020

There are many reports demonstrating that various derivatives of carbon nanoparticles are effective inhibitors of protein aggregation. As surface structural features of nanoparticles play a key role on modulating amyloid fibrillation process, in the present in vitro study, bovine insulin and hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) were selected as two model proteins to investigate the reducing effect of graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) on their assembly under amyloidogenic conditions. GOQDs were prepared through direct pyrolysis of citric acid, and the reduction step was carried out using ascorbic acid. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis, X-ray photoelectron, and FT-IR spectroscopies, transmission electron and atomic force microscopies, zeta potential measurement, and Nile red fluorescence assay. They showed the tendencies to modulate the assembly of the proteins through different mechanisms. While GOQDs appeared to have the capacity to inhibit fibrillation, the presence of reduced GOQDs (rGOQDs) was found to promote protein assembly via shortening the nucleation phase, as suggested by ThT fluorescence data. Moreover, the structures produced in the presence of GOQDs or rGOQDs were totally nontoxic. We suggest that surface properties of these particles may be part of the differences in their mechanism(s) of action.
Therapeutic response monitoring after targeted therapy in an orthotopic rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma using contrast-enhanced ultrasound: Focusing on inter-scanner, and inter-operator reproducibility
Authors: Ryu Hwaseong , Kim Jung Hoon , Lee Seunghyun , Han Joon Koo
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To assess therapeutic response monitoring after targeted therapy in an orthotopic rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using CEUS with focusing on inter-scanner and inter-operator reproducibility.

Materials and methods

For reproducibility, CEUS was performed using two different US scanners by two operators in sixteen rat models of HCC. Using perfusion analysis software (VueBox ®), eleven parameters were collected, and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to analyze reproducibility. Then seventeen rat models of HCC were divided into treatment group (n = 8, 30 mg/kg/day sorafenib for five days) and control group (n = 9). CEUS was performed at baseline and 14 days after first treatment, and changes of perfusion parameters were analyzed.

Results

In treatment group, CEUS perfusion parameters showed a significant change. The peak enhancement (PE, 2.50 x103±1.68 x103 vs 5.55x102±4.65x102, p = 0.010) and wash-in and wash out AUC (WiWoAUC, 1.07x105±6.48 x104 vs 2.65x104±2.25x104, p = 0.009) had significantly decreased two weeks after treatment. On the contrary, control group did not show a significant change, including PE (1.15 x103±7.53x102 vs 9.43x102± 7.81 x102, p = 0.632) and WiWoAUC (5.09 x104±3.25x104 vs 5.92 x104±3.20x104, p = 0.646). For reproducibility, the various degrees of inter-scanner reproducibility were from poor to good (ICC: <0.01–0.63). However, inter-operator reproducibility of important perfusion parameters, including WiAUC, WoAUC, and WiWoAUC, ranged from fair to excellent (ICC: 0.59–0.93) in a different scanner.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that CEUS is useful for assessment of the treatment response after targeted therapy and with fair to excellent inter-operator reproducibility.
Vaginal microbiome-hormonal contraceptive interactions associate with the mucosal proteome and HIV acquisition
Authors: Noël-Romas Laura , Perner Michelle , Molatlhegi Refilwe , Farr Zuend Christina , Mabhula Amanda , Hoger Sarah , Lamont Alana , Birse Kenzie , Berard Alicia , McCorrister Stuart , Westmacott Garett , Leslie Al , Poliquin Vanessa , Heffron Renee , McKinnon Lyle R. , Burgener Adam D.
Published: December 2020

Alterations to the mucosal environment of the female genital tract, such as genital inflammation, have been associated with increased HIV acquisition in women. As the microbiome and hormonal contraceptives can affect vaginal mucosal immunity, we hypothesized these components may interact in the context of HIV susceptibility. Using previously published microbiome data from 685 women in the CAPRISA-004 trial, we compared relative risk of HIV acquisition in this cohort who were using injectable depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN), and combined oral contraceptives (COC). In women who wereLactobacillus-dominant, HIV acquisition was 3-fold higher in women using DMPA relative to women using NET-EN or COC (OR: 3.27; 95% CI: 1.24–11.24,P =0.0305). This was not observed in non-Lactobacillus-dominant women (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.44–2.15,P =0.895) (interactionP= 0.0686). Higher serum MPA levels associated with increased molecular pathways of inflammation in the vaginal mucosal fluid ofLactobacillus-dominant women, but no differences were seen in non-Lactobacillusdominant women. This study provides data suggesting an interaction between the microbiome, hormonal contraceptives, and HIV susceptibility.
Los tiempos de disponibilidad, su cómputo como de trabajo efectivo y su regulación en la negociación colectiva
Authors: Llorens Espada Julen
Published: December 2020

El objetivo de este estudio reside en analizar el concepto de tiempo de trabajo efectivo para lograr una delimitación del mismo que sea respetuosa con la protección de la seguridad y salud de las personas trabajadoras. Para ello, se analiza la labor jurisprudencial europea y española respecto a qué espacios temporales deben verse incluidos en dicho concepto y, concretamente, los lapsos temporales dedicados a los desplazamientos y los tiempos de disponibilidad. Todo ello se realiza con un estudio del papel de la negociación colectiva como fuente reguladora de los tiempos de trabajo y las concretas cláusulas convencionales que a ello se dirigen. El estudio se ha focalizado en la negociación colectiva vigente, tanto de sector y como de empresa, con fecha de registro posterior al 1 de enero de 2018. Dada su regulación específica, se han dejado fuera del análisis los convenios colectivos específicos del sector de transporte por carretera.
Ciudadanía activa y participación política de las mujeres en España
Authors: Fernández de Castro Patricia , Díaz García Orlanda
Published: December 2020

En el presente trabajo se abordan, desde una perspectiva de género, algunas cuestiones claves del concepto de ciudadanía, entendiendo que éste cobra su máximo sentido desde la participación política de los/as ciudadanos/as en tanto tales. Tal posicionamiento invita a la participación de una ciudadanía activa que, además de buscar la participación en los asuntos que atañen a la comunidad de la que forma parte, contribuye a reducir las desigualdades sociales existentes en las sociedades actuales. Pero las desigualdades sociales e históricas padecidas por las mujeres dificultan su participación dentro del juego democrático, lo que se traduce en desigualdades políticas que limitan sus posibilidades de ejercer la ciudadanía en contextos democráticos, diagnóstico que se deduce tras el análisis de los datos estadísticos sobre participación política en España que se muestra.
Comunicación corporativa y educación en valores en el aula universitaria. Un proyecto de Aprendizaje-servicio (APS)
Authors: Martínez-Sanz Raquel , Durántez Stolle Patricia
Published: December 2020

El trabajo de valores solidarios en el aula fomenta la construcción de ciudadanos socialmente responsables y comprometidos. Esta investigación evalúa los efectos de la metodología del aprendizaje-servicio en el ámbito universitario cuando se apoya en la comunicación corporativa y audiovisual. A través de una triangulación multidisciplinar y multimétodo, que combinó la encuesta, el análisis de contenido y la entrevista en profundidad, se comprueba el cambio de actitud y de percepción en los participantes. Los resultados constatan la validez del trabajo colaborativo y autónomo por proyectos y del formato audiovisual como medio para involucrar y trasladar de forma efectiva valores solidarios.
Bullying LGTBI-fóbico en el contexto rural y urbano gallego
Authors: Rodríguez Otero Luis Manuel , García Álvarez María Purificación
Published: December 2020

Utilizando una metodología mixta y a través de una muestra de 246 alumnos/as, se plantea una investigación con el objetivo de identificar y describir la existencia de bullying LGBTI-fóbico en centros educativos públicos urbanos y rurales de Enseñanza Secundaria de Galicia (España). Los resultados revelan la que la muestra reconoce la existencia de este tipo de violencia en sus centros educativos (55,7%), el 10,2% haberlo ejercido y el 20,3% sufrirlo; siendo los hombres y el entorno urbano quienes registra una mayor proporción, así como los centros en los que no se imparten formaciones con perspectiva de género.
El flujo de mercancías a las misiones jesuitas en el noroeste de la Nueva España
Authors: Hausberger Bernd
Published: December 2020

Este ensayo trata del sistema de abastecimiento de las misiones de la Compañía de Jesús en el noroeste de la Nueva España. Sostiene que los jesuitas participaron en la cultura material y de consumo en vías de globalización, lo que desencadenó un considerable y constante flujo de mercancías de todo el mundo del centro del virreinato de la Nueva España a la frontera. Esta situación se ilustra con los pedidos que los misioneros enviaron en 1712 a la Procuraduría de la orden. El suministro se pagó con la ayuda de la Corona y con la plata que las misiones ganaron mediante la venta de sus excedentes agropecuarios a los reales de minas de la región. De esta manera, se puede demostrar que las misiones estaban insertadas en un sistema comercial que movía bienes entre las diferentes partes del globo, pero también se apoyó en procesos de sustitución de importaciones que caracterizaron la globalización temprana.
Pole placement and LQR implementation on longitudinal altitute holding control of wing in surface effect vehicle
Authors: Setiawan Muhammad Nanda , Suryana Evan Rizky , Parytta Leo , Andaro William
Published: December 2020

The longitudinal altitude holding control system (LAHCS) of wing in surface effect (WiSE) vehicle has been developed using Simulink/Matlab. The LAHCS is designed to maintain the altitude of the vehicle stands at 1 m above the surface, with a maximum allowable deviation of 0.5 m. The purpose is to gain an additional lift generated by the surface effect to increase the aerodynamic performance. This control system is investigated using two approaches, i.e., the pole placement and the linear quadratic regulator (LQR) methods. Originally, the system shows an unstable response on the phugoid mode, indicated by the positive value of its Eigen. After the pole placement method is applied, the system is stable and capable of maintaining the reference command altitude. This method produces 0.27 of the maximum altitude deviation when the disturbance, represented by the doublet input elevator ±5° is applied. Moreover, the time needed for the system to reach the steady-state response of altitude is around 2.2 seconds. In comparison, the LQR method is also applied to the system with the same scenario. Although the settling time response is quite similar to the previous result, its maximum altitude deviation is significantly reduced by around 80 %. In conclusion, both of the methods used to design the LAHCS are capable of maintaining the altitude of the WiSE vehicle always below its maximum deviation tolerance.
Serum Gastrin Predicts Hydrogen-Producing Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Patients With Abdominal Surgery: A Prospective Study
Authors: Kim Yeon-Ji , Paik Chang-Nyol , Jo Ik Hyun , Kim Dae Bum , Lee Ji Min
Published: December 2020

OBJECTIVES:

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) might be associated with a history of abdominal surgery. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of SIBO and to investigate serum gastrin and pepsinogen as predictors of SIBO in patients with a history of hysterectomy, gastrectomy, or cholecystectomy.

METHODS:

This prospective study surveyed 146 patients with a history of hysterectomy, gastrectomy, or cholecystectomy, and 30 healthy controls, who underwent a hydrogen (H2)-methane (CH4) glucose breath test (GBT) for SIBO. Serum pepsinogen I and II and gastrin levels were reviewed.

RESULTS:

GBT positivity (+) was significantly higher in patients with histories of abdominal surgery than that in in controls (37.6% vs 13.3%, P < 0.01). Among GBT+ patients, 36.0% (18/50), 96.2% (25/26), and 17.1% (12/70) were in the hysterectomy, gastrectomy, and cholecystectomy groups, respectively. Among the GBT subtypes, 43.6% (24/55), 10.9% (6/55), and 45.5% (25/55) of patients were in the GBT(H2)+, GBT(CH4)+, and GBT(mixed)+ groups, respectively. The gastrectomy group had significantly more GBT+ or GBT(H2)+ patients than the other surgical groups. Gastrin levels were higher in GBT(H2)+ patients and lower in GBT(CH4)+ patients than those in GBT− patients. Previous gastrectomy and elevated gastrin levels were independent predictive factors of GBT(H2)+.

DISCUSSION:

SIBO is not uncommon in patients with histories of abdominal surgeries, but it is more common in patients who have undergone gastrectomy. Serum gastrin level could be a serologic predictor of H2-producing SIBO. The relationship between serum gastrin and SIBO requires further research.
Numéro 158 - décembre 2020
Authors: Ginsburgh Victor , Moreno-Ternero Juan
Published: December 2020

La Commission européenne est très prudente et discrète dans ses communications sur le budget et l’utilisation des langues dans l’Union européenne (UE). Ce que l’on sait, c’est que ce budget s’élève «à peu près» à un milliard d’euros. Comme le disait le britannique Neil Kinnock du temps de sa Vice-Présidence de la Commission européenne à ceux qui, sans doute, l’ennuyaient par leurs questions sur l’importance du budget langues : «C’est le prix d’une tasse de café par habitant dans l’UE».

Dans ce numéro de Regards économiques, nous examinons comment évaluer la part dans le budget langues de l’UE de chacune des 24 langues, y compris de l’anglais qui, suite au Brexit, sera la langue maternelle d’un pourcent seulement de la population de l’UE tout en produisant, lors de ces dernières années, plus de 70 % des documents officiels qui doivent, selon leur importance, être traduits dans le 23 autres langues.

Notre analyse montre que le coût de l’anglais s’élève à près d’un tiers de budget, soit 290 millions d’euros. Ce montant est aussi le prix à payer par l’UE post-Brexit qui a conservé, dans son répertoire de langues, l’anglais comme langue officielle et procédurale (c’est-à-dire de travail). Pour les européens post-Brexit, la tasse de café s’est transformée en cappuccino au goût un peu amer.

Il est sans aucun doute efficace, aussi bien pour l’UE que pour le Royaume-Uni, de préserver l’anglais comme langue officielle et procédurale. Mais on peut se demander pourquoi il irait de soi que les britanniques puissent profiter gratuitement de cette aubaine. Bien avant les velléités de quitter l’UE, on peut arguer que le Royaume-Uni a bénéficié, depuis son adhésion en 1973, du statut de sa langue dans l’UE, en détrônant très largement le rôle du français et de l’allemand, ce qui n’a enchanté et continuera de ne pas enchanter ni la France ni l’Allemagne. Il sera intéressant de suivre l’affaire dans les prochaines années.
On the Causal Nature between Financial Development and Economic Growth in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Is it Supply Leading or Demand Following?
Authors: PINSHI Christian P.
Published: December 2020

This paper seeks to study and answer the question on the nature and direction of the causality between financial development and economic growth in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) using data from 2004 to 2019. The long-term relationship not being robust, we opted for the short-term dynamics with the causality test in the sense of Granger to support this question. The results indicated the existence of a one-way causality from economic growth to financial development. This result is in line with the Demand following hypothesis, given the country’s economic and financial landscape, which presents a less deep financial system. Consequently, choices of growth policies (increase in knowledge, infrastructure, pleasant business climate, structural reforms, etc.) should be adopted to enhance and develop the Congolese financial system. However, we recognize that once growth is restored and becomes sustainable, financial development could lead to sustained and resilient economic growth.
Massive Traumatic Subcutaneous Emphysema
Authors: Fernandes Diana , Pereira Sara , Guedes Celeste , Silva David
Published: December 2020

74 year-old-man, former smoker, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease GOLD grade 4, group D, with emphysema component, treated in a pulmonary rehabilitation program, on oxygen therapy and nocturnal bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) ventilation. During the night he had a traumatic rib fracture (5–11th right ribs) but still he used BiPAP ventilation during the sleep. In the morning after he presented with a diffuse and massive emphysema in the face, thorax and abdominal regions. On physical examination, the patient presented with massive swelling and crepitus on palpation. A chest computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed a diffuse subcutaneous emphysema and revealed a mediastinal emphysema and bilateral small pneumothorax. A fast resolution of the emphysema was of paramount importance as the patient was severely agitated due to his inability to open both eyes, and the need to reintroduce BiPAP ventilation as soon as possible. It was placed a fenestrated subcutaneous catheter on left hemithorax and a subcutaneous ostomy on right hemithorax for comparative purpose. It was also performed a confluent centripetal massage towards drainage orifices, with immediate and substantial improvement of emphysema, especially in left hemithorax, and progressive ocular opening. Further emphysema absorption occurred during hospitalization.
The magic world of whiskey microbiota
Authors: PRISTAVEC Ajda , KOREN Simon , JERŠEK Barbara , VERONOVSKI Anja , KOROŠEC Leon , KOVAČ Miha , KOVAČ Minka , TOPLAK Nataša
Published: December 2020

Modern metagenomics techniques in combination with next generation sequencing are increasingly used for research of numerous environments inhabited by diverse microbiota. In the present study we focused on a rather unusual environment for their growth, a forgotten bottle of blended Scotch whiskey. Whiskey is a world-known popular spirit, traditionally produced in a series of steps comprising malting of barley, fermenting the malt to an alcoholic wort, distilling and at least 3-year long maturation in oak casks, followed by filtration. In the process, notably in the fermentation, microorganisms play a crucial role. However, we were primarily interested in potential microbiological and chemical changes that might have taken place over the years while the half-empty whiskey bottle was left open. We found that only a very low number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria survived in it while the ethanol content decreased from 40 % to approximately 30 %. Interestingly, the metagenomics analysis showed there was a large and diverse microbial community present in the forgotten whiskey. Among the most abundant microorganisms were members of human commensal microbiota, some potentially disease-causing and also food spoiling bacteria, in particular genus Pseudomonas. Surprisingly, we even found a non-negligible number of typically environmental bacterial species.
Replace of the EPOST glyphosate with pre herbicides and application of different LPOST glyphosate rates for weed control in established vineyard
Authors: PACANOSKI Zvonko , BOŠKOV Krum , MEHMETI Arben Beni
Published: December 2020

Two-year field trials were conducted at two winegrowing districts (Kavadarci and Skopje in 2016 and 2017) to evaluate wheather oxyfluorfen, pendimethalin and flazasulfuron can replace early post-emergence (EPOST) application of glyphosate in established vineyard until its application in early summer period. The weed vegetation in vineyards in both years was consisted mainly of Chenopodium album L., Setaria viridis (L). Beauv., Papaver rhoeas L., Xanthium strumarium L., Lolium multiflorum Lam., Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. and Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Pendimethalin, oxyfluorfen and flazasulfuron efficiently reduced predominant annual weeds and S. halepense seedlings in 2017, but not in 2016. PRE herbicides, regardless year, had no significant effect on C. dactylon. Opposite, the efficacy of EPOST applied glyphosate was significantly lower in 2017 compared to 2016. LPOST glyphosate applied at 2.0 l ha-1 provided at least 94 % control of dominant annual broadleaf and grass weeds. LPOST application of glyphosate at 2.0 l ha-1 and glyphosate at 2.0 and 4.0 l ha-1 resulted in unsatisfactory weed control of predominant perennial S. halepense, and C. dactylon, respectively. LPOST glyphosate applied at 4.0 l ha-1 provided control of S. halepense by 84 % or more. LPOST glyphosate applied at 8.0 l ha-1 reduced the amount of S. halepense and C. dactylon at least 97 %. Grapevine yield of both varieties was not lower in all herbicide treatments in 2016 compared with 2017. However, yield in the PRE herbicide treatments fb 2.0 and 4.0 l ha-1 glyphosate was collectively 15-19 % and 17-19 % lower compare to PRE herbicide treatments fb 8.0 l ha-1 glyphosate and standard two applications of glyphosate, respectively for both years and districts. No impacts to grapevine growth were observed from PRE herbicide treatments at either district
Growth assessment of juvenile oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) intercropped with fruit vegetables in a rainforest zone of Nigeria
Authors: OLUWATOBI Ayodele Samuel , OLORUNMAIYE Kehinde Stephen , ADEKOLA Olabisi Fatimo
Published: December 2020

Improper intercropping of Elaeis guineensis with other crops has impaired the growth and development of the oil palm due to competition for environmental resources. The study was conducted to investigate the impact of intercropping on the growth of juvenile oil palm for 2 years. The research commenced during the rainy season of 2016 at an established juvenile oil palm plantation in Ala, Akure-North Local Government of Ondo State. Four fruit vegetables were intercropped separately within the alley of the plantation at 1, 2 or 3 m away from the oil palms in a randomized complete block design. Growth parameters of the juvenile oils were assessed. Results revealed that at 16 weeks after intercropping (WAI), the intercropped oil palm recorded better growth performance with higher canopy spread, number of frond, number of leaflets and trunk height (218.20, 37.00, 87.48 and 38.17 cm) respectively, than the sole oil palms (214.67, 32.83, 72.89 and 31.67 cm) respectively. There were no significant difference in all the growth parameters examined except canopy height (p < 0.05). Juvenile oil palm cultivated in rainforest agroecological zone of Nigeria can be intercropped with fruit vegetables without any deleterious effect when intercropped at minimum of 1 m away from the oil palms.
Interpreting Small Quantities of DNA: the Hierarchy of Propositions and the Use of Bayesian Networks
Authors: Evett IW , Gill PD , Jackson G , Whitaker J , Champod C
Published: December 2020

The dramatic increase in the sensitivity of DNA profiling systems that has occurred over recent years has led to the need to address a wider range of interpretational problems in forensic science. The issues surrounding questions of the kind “whose DNA is this?” have been the subject of considerable controversy but now it is clear that the emphasis is shifting to questions of the kind “how did this DNA get here?” Such issues are discussed in this paper and new insights are provided by two particular recent developments. First, the notion of the “hierarchy of propositions” that has arisen from a project called Case Assessment and Interpretation (CAI) that has been running in the British Forensic Science Service (FSS). Second, a technique for drawing inferences in the face of many interacting considerations, known as “Bayesian networks”— or “Bayes' nets“ for short—that has been the subject of an earlier paper in this journal (1). The discussion is carried out by means of case studies, based on actual cases. It is clear that, whereas the inference in relation to the source of the DNA in a crime sample might be overwhelmingly strong, the inference in relation to the propositions that a jury must consider relating to the identity of the actual offender may be much more tentative.
Sudden Death due to Undiagnosed Wilms' Tumor in an Adult
Authors: Oeberst JL , Barnard JJ , Prahlow JA
Published: December 2020

Sudden unexpected deaths due to natural causes constitute a large number of cases encountered by the forensic pathologist. In a majority of such cases, heart disease is responsible for sudden death. Rare disease entities resulting in sudden death are occasionally encountered and may not fit the classic epidemiological profile. We present a case of sudden death due to a previously undiagnosed Wilms' tumor (WT) in an adult. The pathology of WT is discussed, as is the topic of sudden death due to previously unrecognized malignancy.
Distribution of HLA-DQA1 and Amplitype PM Locus Alleles in Aegean Region of Turkey
Authors: Çakir AH , Şimşek F , AltunbaŞ FS
Published: December 2020

The samples were collected from unrelated individuals randomly selected from criminal cases. The DNA was extracted from fresh blood leucocytes, bloodstains, and single hairs by Chelex 100 method (1).
Frequency Data of Nine Y-Chromosomal STR Loci in a Sample from Central Spain
Authors: López-Parra AM , Alvarez S , Mesa M-S , Bandrés F , Arroyo-Pardo E
Published: December 2020

A sample of 91 blood specimens from unrelated apparently healthy males was collected from individuals autochthonous to the geographic region of Vera-Jerte Valleys, Central Spain (the four grandparents were born within the region). DNA was recovered using a standard phenol/chloroform procedure and typed in an ALF-Sequencer (Pharmacia) according to protocols and alleles kindly supplied by Peter de Knijff (1) for DYS390, DYS391, DYS393, DYS19 loci. DYS434, DYS437, and DYS439 systems were typed according to Hou et al. (2) and DYS389I and DYS389II were typed according to Schultes et al. (3) using allelic ladders from our laboratory. Frequencies were calculated through the gene counting method and gene diversity was estimated according to Nei (4).
Fatal and Nonfatal Poisoning by Hydrogen Sulfide at an Industrial Waste Site
Authors: Kage S , Kashimura S , Ikeda H , Kudo K , Ikeda N
Published: December 2020

An adult man (A) entered a pit to collect seepage at an industrial waste site in Japan. As he suddenly lost consciousness, three colleagues (B, C, D) entered the pit to rescue him. All of these men lost consciousness in the pit. Two workers (A and B) died soon after the accident, one worker (C) died 22 days after the accident, and one worker (D) survived. Since hydrogen sulfide gas was detected in the atmosphere of the pit, gas poisoning was suspected. Toxicological analyses of sulfide and thiosulfate, a metabolite of sulfide, in blood and urine of the victims were made using the extractive alkylation technique combined with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

Sulfide was detected in the blood of A and B at levels of 0.13 and 0.11 mg/L, respectively, somewhat higher than in healthy persons. Thiosulfate was detected in whole blood of deceased victims A and B, in the plasma of deceased victim C, at concentrations of 10.53, 4.59, and 4.14 mg/L, respectively. These values were similar to those found in fatal cases of hydrogen sulfide poisoning. Thiosulfate was not detected in the plasma of survivor D. With respect to urine samples, thiosulfate was the highest in the non-acute death victim C (137.20 mg/L), followed by that in the survivor D (29.34 mg/L), and low (0.90 mg/L) and not detected in the acute death victims, A and B, respectively.

Based on these results, all four patients were victims of hydrogen sulfide poisoning. The concentrations of thiosulfate in blood and urine were more useful than that for sulfide for determining hydrogen sulfide poisoning. Thiosulfate in urine was the only indicator of hydrogen sulfide poisoning in the non-fatal victim.
D1S80 Population Data in Eight Predominant Populations of India
Authors: Trivedi R , Chattopadhyay P , Dutta R , Sarkar N , Sharma AK , Kashayp VK
Published: December 2020

DNA Extraction: From blood by phenol chloroform method (1), from buccal swab by chelex method (Bio-rad chelex 100 resin).
The Application of NIST's Fire Dynamics Simulator to the Investigation of Carbon Monoxide Exposure in the Deaths of Three Pittsburgh Fire Fighters
Authors: Christensen AM , Icove DJ
Published: December 2020

A case is reported in which computer fire modeling was used to reevaluate a fire that killed three fire fighters. NIST's Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) was employed to model the fire in order to estimate the concentration of carbon monoxide present in the dwelling, which was the immediate cause of death of two of the fire fighters, who appear to have removed their face pieces in order to share available air. This estimate, along with an assumed respiration volume and known blood carboxyhemoglobin, was plugged into a standard equation to estimate the time of exposure. The model indicated that 27 min into the fire, the carbon monoxide concentration had already reached approximately 3600 ppm. At this concentration, and a respiration of 70 L/min, an estimated 3 to 8 min of exposure would have been required to accumulate the concentrations of carboxyhemoglobin (49, 44, and 10%) measured on the fire fighters at autopsy.
Lugol's Test Reexamined again: Buccal Cells
Authors: Jones EL , Leon JA
Published: December 2020

Lugol's iodine staining technique was used to examine oral samples from 10 men and 10 women. Examination of saliva samples before and after extraction with water shows that the low levels (49 positive cells and 3,951 negative cells) of glycogen in buccal epithelial cells become even lower after water extraction (0 positive cells and 4,000 negative cells). In addition to the 20 samples used in this paper, 40 oral swabs extracted with water were examined under classroom conditions with much less than 1% of the epithelial cells being positive for glycogen. Furthermore, 119 saliva samples from chewed gauze in sexual assault kits were extracted with water and all of them yielded less than 1% glycogen positive cells. This paper proposes that when more than 1% of the nucleated squamous epithelial cells are glycogen positive with Lugol's test after extraction in water, it is reasonable to eliminate the mouth as a source of these glycogen positive cells.
The Etiological Heterogeneity of Bicuspid Aortopathy between Ascending and Root Morphotype
Authors: Li Fei , Li Xuan , Wang Yue-tang , Yu Cun-tao , Yin Gang , Chen Xiu-yu , Zhao Shihua , Wang Wei , Gao Qi
Published: December 2020

Background: Valve-related hemodynamics and intrinsically regulated matrix proteases are 2 determined pathogenetic factors associated with medial elastin degeneration in bicuspid aortopathy. This study analyzed the association between elastic fiber deterioration and the 2 pathogenetic factors in ascending and root morphotypes, aiming to elucidate the etiological heterogeneity between the 2 morphotypes.
Methods: Four-dimensional flow cardiac magnetic resonance was used to measure the regional wall shear stress (WSS) on the ascending aorta, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression was assessed by immunoblotting. After histopathology analysis of aortic tissue, we assessed whether elevated regional WSS and increased MMP expression corresponded with medial elastin thinning.
Results: Increased regional WSS corresponded with medial elastin thinning in both morphotypes. Increased expression of different MMP isoforms corresponded with medial elastin degeneration in bicuspid aortopathy. The significantly increased expression of MMP-2 corresponded with a decrease of elastic fiber thickness in the ascending morphotype (P = .046), whereas elastic fiber thinning was associated with high levels of MMP-3 expression (P = .012) in the root morphotype. No association was observed between regional WSS and MMP expression.
Conclusion: There is no difference in the effect of valve-related hemodynamics between ascending and root morphotype, and MMPs are not involved in the process of elastic fiber degeneration induced by increased WSS. The increased expression of different MMP isoforms was observed in the context of elastic fiber degeneration between the 2 morphotypes, implying that heterogeneity between them is revealed in the different intrinsic pathway of medial elastin degradation.