bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L’unité ovine méditerranéenne est-elle une bonne référence pour évaluer la production des pâturages méditerranéens ? Bilan de quatre ans d’utilisation en garrigue et en Crau
Authors: PRUD’HON M. , MOLENAT G. , LAPEYRONIE P. , REBOUL G.
Published: August 2020

Un groupe de chercheurs méditerranéens (groupe PHILOETIOS) a défini une unité standard : l’Unité Ovine Méditerranéenne, ou UOM, pour faciliter l’évaluation et les comparaisons des productions fourragères des parcours et prairies, en zone méditerranéenne. L’UOM est l’énergie nette consommée par une brebis de 45 kg à l’entretien sur des pâturages. Toutes les dépenses énergétiques sont transformées en UOM. Nous avons utilisé cette unité pour comparer les potentiels de production des prairies irriguées de Crau et des parcours de garrigue au cours de quatre années d’exploitation exclusive par le pâturage ovin. Les valeurs moyennes respectives : 37 et 2,3 UOM/ha/an situent bien les extrêmes que l’on peut obtenir sur de tels types de pâturage. En outre, l’étude met en évidence l’extrême variabilité des résultats saisonniers et annuels des parcours de garrigue ainsi que leur grande hétérogénéité : variations dans le rapport de 1 à 2,5 aussi bien entre années intra parcelle qu’entre parcelles à l’intérieur d’une même année. Sur prairie irriguée, les fluctuations sont plus réduites mais demeurent importantes. Sur le plan méthodologique, le calcul des UOM est simple mais nécessite le contrôle de nombreuses données : calendrier de pâturage, pesée périodique des brebis et agneaux, contrôle de la reproduction, mesure de l’état corporel. L’utilisation des facteurs de correction aboutit à des résultats cohérents dans le cas des prairies irriguées de Crau ; par contre, il semble que les besoins spécifiques à la vie au pâturage, fixés forfaitairement à 30 % des besoins d’entretien, soient sousestimés dans les conditions plus difficiles du pâturage en garrigue. Une correction complémentaire serait souhaitable dans les milieux difficiles.
Valeur énergétique des céréales françaises pour le porc : synthèse des résultats sur trois années de récolte successives
Authors: PEREZ J.M.
Published: August 2020

Quatre-vingt-dix bilans digestifs (six expériences) ont été réalisés sur des porcs mâles castrés de race Large White, à raison de cinq animaux par régime, pour apprécier la valeur énergétique (ED, EM) des céréales françaises au cours de trois années de récolte successives. Les excreta (fèces et urine) ont été collectés en totalité pendant dix jours consécutifs. Les régimes étaient exclusivement à base de céréales (96 %). Chaque année, six lots de céréales représentatifs de la récolte nationale étaient testés : maïs « Nord France », maïs « Sud France », blé tendre, orge de printemps, orge d’hiver à deux rangs et escourgeon. Les résultats obtenus indiquent de faibles variations entre années et une bonne répétabilité de la valeur énergétique relative des différentes céréales : maïs (111), blé (108), orge de printemps (100), orge d’hiver à deux rangs (100), escourgeon (98). Les valeurs énergétiques moyennes enregistrées avec les six lots de maïs (3 940 kcal ED/kg MS) et les trois lots de blé (3 830 kcal ED/kg MS) sont pratiquement identiques aux valeurs de référence (INRA 1984). Pour les neuf lots d’orges, les valeurs trouvées diffèrent seulement de 1 % en moyenne par rapport aux valeurs calculées à partir de leurs teneurs en cellulose brute à l’aide de l’équation proposée antérieurement  : ED (kcal/kg MS) = 4 072 -110 CB (% MS).
L’insémination artificielle chez la poule. Bases physiologiques et maîtrise du taux de fécondation
Authors: BRILLARD J.P. , De REVIERS M.
Published: August 2020

Chez la poule, l’insémination artificielle, exigeante en main d’oeuvre (+ 1,5 UTH par 10 000 reproductrices) et en investissements (+ 10 à 25 %, surtout dûs aux batteries de cages), n’en permet pas moins une réduction significative (- 8 à 10 %) du prix de revient des poussins qui, par ailleurs, sont souvent de meilleure qualité (vigueur et poids à l’éclosion, état sanitaire, vitesse de croissance). Elle connaît donc un regain d’intérêt chez les reproductrices de type chair. L’insémination artificielle permet en effet de réduire le nombre des coqs (2 à 4 pour 100 poules au lieu de 8 à 12 en reproduction naturelle) d’augmenter, pendant la seconde moitié de la période de reproduction, le taux de fécondation des oeufs, d’élever séparément les reproducteurs des deux sexes avec un éclairement et une alimentation adaptés à leurs besoins spécifiques. Des cages collectives (femelles) ou individuelles (mâles) autorisent un rationnement alimentaire plus strict qu’au sol et l’élimination progressive des animaux les moins productifs. Mais la réussite de l’insémination artificielle suppose qu’il y ait collecte fréquente du sperme (1 par jour), ajustement des nombres de spermatozoïdes (100 à 200 millions par dose) et de l’intervalle entre inséminations (en moyenne 7 jours) suivant l’âge et l’origine génétique des poules. De plus, la mise en place du sperme doit être faite pendant la période favorable du cycle ovulatoire, c’est-à-dire au moins 4 h avant ou 4 h après l’oviposition, en raison des contractions utérines qui accompagnent cette dernière et limitent les quantités de spermatozoïdes stockés dans les glandes utérovaginales. Cette réussite nécessite aussi un personnel qualifié, motivé et apte à persévérer dans un travail répétitif et à cadence élevée (par exemple 1 500 inséminations/ jour/personne pendant 40 semaines de suite...).
Pertes de poids du canard de Barbarie mâle lors du jeûne avant abattage
Authors: LECLERCQ B. , De CARVILLE H. , GUY G.
Published: August 2020

Au cours de deux essais on a mesuré la perte de poids vif de canards de Barbarie en fonction de plusieurs paramètres : présence ou absence d’abreuvement, pesée en cages de transport ou individuelle, température ambiante. Les animaux ont été mis à jeun pendant 8 heures puis placés en cages de transport. La reproductibilité des pertes au cours des 8 premières heures de jeûne est médiocre. En revanche les pertes de poids en cages sont très reproductibles. Elles peuvent être considérées comme linéaires en fonction du temps ; la décroissance étant de 0,20 % par heure. Une température ambiante de l’ordre de 20°C accentue ces pertes par rapport à celle de 10°C. L’abreuvement n’exerce aucune influence significative.
Différenciation, croissance et développement du tissu adipeux
Authors: ROBELIN J. , CASTEILLA L.
Published: August 2020

Le tissu adipeux est le principal organe de stockage d’énergie permettant d’assurer un équilibre entre les besoins et les apports chez de nombreux animaux. En dehors de ce rôle métabolique, il a un intérêt particulier chez les animaux producteurs de viande, car il détermine en partie la valeur commerciale de la carcasse et la qualité de la viande. Le tissu adipeux est constitué de cellules appelées adipocytes, capables de synthétiser des acides gras, de les estérifier en triglycérides, et ultérieurement d’hydrolyser ces lipides pour mettre les acides gras à la disposition des autres tissus. Son développement se déroule en trois étapes successives : prolifération cellulaire, différenciation et enfin grossissement des adipocytes. L’ontogenèse du tissu se fait à partir de cellules précurseurs (adipoblastes) qui se multiplient. Sous l’influence de gènes de détermination, ces cellules s’engagent dans le processus de différenciation et acquièrent en plusieurs étapes les caractéristiques fonctionnelles de l’adipocyte. La mise en place des différents dépôts adipeux chez les bovins a lieu durant la vie foetale. Pendant cette période et durant le début de la vie postnatale, la prolifération des cellules adipeuses est très active. Ensuite, l’hypertrophie devient le facteur prépondérant de la croissance du tissu adipeux. Les dépôts adipeux représentent environ 5 % du poids du corps d’un veau nouveau- né. Ce pourcentage reste stable durant les 3 premiers mois de la vie postnatale, puis s’accroît de plus en plus rapidement et atteint environ 25 % chez l’adulte. Le développement des tissus adipeux ainsi que la répartition des dépôts dans les différents sites anatomiques sont variables selon le génotype des animaux et selon le niveau des apports alimentaires. Cependant, les connaissances sur la régulation de la différenciation et de la croissance du tissu adipeux ne sont pas encore suffisantes pour réaliser totalement la maîtrise de l’adiposité.
Utilisation du blé ou des pulpes de betteraves en rations complètes avec de l’ensilage de maïs chez les vaches laitières
Authors: HODEN A. , HURTAUD C. , MARQUIS B. , DELABY L.
Published: August 2020

Deux rations complètes à base d’ensilage de maïs comportant un apport iso-énergétique (0,33 UFL/kg MS) sous forme de blé (28 % du mélange) ou de pulpes sèches de betteraves (33 % du mélange) ont été comparées. Selon un schéma expérimental en inversion comportant 2 périodes de 6 semaines, 2 lots appariés de 13 vaches en phase décroissante de la lactation ont reçu à volonté chacune de ces rations. Les niveaux d’ingestion ont été élevés et comparables pour les 2 régimes (3,20 kg MS p. 100 kg de poids vif en moyenne), le blé et les pulpes représentant respectivement 5,2 et 6,0 kg MS par vache et par jour. Les teneurs en amidon des rations ont été respectivement de 39,6 et 20,2 % et celles en cellulose brute de 14,3 et 18,8 % pour les rations « blé » et « pulpes ». Les apports énergétiques totaux (17 UFL en moyenne) ont été excédentaires (+ 1,6 UFL en moyenne) pour les 2 régimes mais surtout pour celui comportant la céréale (+ 2,3 UFL). Pour les 2 traitements « blé » et « pulpes », les productions de lait, de matières grasses et de protéines ont été comparables et respectivement de 23,6 et 24,0 kg, 943 et 953 g, 730 et 735 g par jour. Le taux butyreux n’a pas été affecté par la nature des aliments complémentaires (40,4 et 40,1 g/kg), mais le taux protéique du lait a été significativement amélioré dans le cas de la ration comportant le blé (31,3 g contre 31,0 g/kg). Au niveau technologique, ceci s’est traduit par un meilleur rendement fromager et une tendance à une amélioration des paramètres de la coagulation. Tous traitements confondus, les animaux ont gagné environ 250 g/j sur l’ensemble de l’essai et les rations ont été correctement valorisées (0,86 UFL/kg MS). Malgré leurs caractéristiques de composition chimique très différentes, ces 2 types de rations n’ont que peu influencé les performances zootechniques. La légère influence positive de l’utilisation du blé par rapport aux pulpes est probablement à attribuer aux apports énergétiques supérieurs avec la céréale.
Machine Learning Prediksi Karakter Pengguna Hastag (#) Bahasa Generasi Milenial Di Sosial Media
Authors: Sinaga Anita Sindar RM
Published: August 2020

Activity on the internet leaves a traceable digital trail. Users who are expressive of social media and have a habit of pouring everything on Instagram are more considerate of the cause and effect of status updates. The problem discussed in this study is to describe the character of the Instagram user account according to the hashtags (#) of the most widely used millennial language such as #awesome and so on. With machine learning, computers can work alone. This digital technology has long been applied to Google search, search engines and social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). The benefits of machine learning are the ease of obtaining digital data from online users. The stages of the study consisted of the application of algorithms that produced predictions for classification using the K-Nearest Neighbors Algorithm. The formulation of the problem in this research is how to process data sourced from millennial language hashtags based on the most popular hashtags (#) on instagram using machine learning by identifying names in the text into Connected, Creative and Confident. From the results of the calculation of the closest distance and proximity of the neighboring obtained 10 popular hashtags. Creative Classifications become dominan type user.
Perinatal HIV Transmission Prevention: Challenges among Women Living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Armstrong-Mensah Elizabeth , Ruiz Krystal , Fofana Aminata , Hawley Victoria
Published: August 2020

About 86 percent of the estimated 160,000 children newly-infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) live in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite global efforts to reduce perinatal HIV transmission, this phenomenon continues to be a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. This paper discusses challenges associated with perinatal HIV transmission prevention in sub-Saharan Africa and offers strategies for the way forward. These strategies include safe sex education and behavioral change, increased access to integrated antenatal care, training of unskilled traditional birth attendants into formal delivery systems, access to antiretroviral therapy, and investing in virologic testing.

Key words: • HIV • Perinatal • Antiretroviral Therapy • Mother to Child HIV Transmission • HIV Prevention • Sub-Saharan Africa

 

Copyright © 2020 Armstrong-Mensah, et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in this journal, is properly cited.
A Surveillance System for the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ajewole, Veronica B. , Ngujede Ahone E. , Oduguwa Emmanuella , Dongarwar Deepa , Kaur Manvir , Knight Cecelia , Jackson Maresha , Nguyen Uyen , Roshan Tasha , Simpson Jordan , Vouffo Igor , Olaleye Omonike A. , Salihu Hamisu M.
Published: August 2020

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and its ensuing mitigation measures have negatively affected the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) population. There is currently no surveillance system established to enhance our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to guide policy decision making to protect the MCH population in this pandemic. Based on reports of community and household spread of this novel infection, we present an approach to a robust family-centered surveillance system for the MCH population. The surveillance system encapsulates data at the individual and community levels to inform stakeholders, policy makers, health officials and the general public about SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics within the MCH population.

Key words: • COVID-19 • Coronavirus • Maternal and child health • Family-centered • Surveillance system • Individual level data elements • Community level data elements • Community transmission of SARS-CoV-2

 

Copyright © 2020 Ajewole et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in this journal, is properly cited.
Metatheory and dialetheism
Authors: Priest Graham
Published: August 2020

Given a formal language, a metalanguage is a language which can express — amongst other things — statements about it and its properties. And a metatheory is a theory couched in that language concerning how some of those notions behave. Two such notions that have been of particular interest to modern logicians — for obvious reasons — are truth and validity. These notions are, however, notoriously deeply entangled in paradox. A standard move is to take the metalanguage to be distinct from the language in question, and so avoid the paradoxes. One of the attractions of a dialetheic approach to the paradoxes of self-reference is that this move may be avoided. One may have a language with the expressive power to talk about — among other things — itself, and a theory in that language about how notions such as truth and validity for that language behave. The contradictions delivered by these notions are forthcoming, but they are quarantined by the use of a paraconsistent logic. The point of this paper is to discuss this project, the extent to which it has been successful, and the places where issues still remain.
Many-valuedness from a universal logic perspective
Authors: Béziau Jean-Yves
Published: August 2020

We start by presenting various ways to define and to talk about many-valued logic(s). We make the distinction between on the one hand the class of many-valued logics and on the other hand what we call “many-valuedness”: the meta-theory of many-valued logics and the related meta-theoretical framework that is useful for the study of any logical systems. We point out that universal logic, considered as a general theory of logical systems, can be seen as an extension of many-valuedness. After a short story of many-valuedness, stressing that it is present since the beginning of the history of logic in Ancient Greece, we discuss the distinction between dichotomy and polytomy and the possible reduction to bivalence. We then examine the relations between singularity and universality and the connection of many-valuedness with the universe of logical systems. In particular, we have a look at the interrelationship between modal logic, 3-valued logic and paraconsistent logic. We go on by dealing with philosophical aspects and discussing the applications of many-valuedness. We end with some personal recollections regarding Alexander Karpenko, from our first meeting in Ghent, Belgium in 1997, up to our last meeting in Saint Petersburg, Russia in 2016.
Implementation of a National Electronic Health Information System in Gabon: A Survey of Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions.
Authors: Bagayoko C.O. , Tcheente Jack , Traoré Diakaridia , Moukoumbi Gaetan , Ondzigue Raymond , Koumamba Aimé Patrice , Ondjani Myriam Corille , Ndjeli Olive Lea , Gagnon Marie-Pierre
Published: August 2020

Background

The Health Information System (HIS) is a set of computerized tools for the collection, storage, management, and transmission of health data. The role of such tools in supporting the modernization of health systems, improving access to quality healthcare, and reducing costs in developing countries is unquestionable, but their implementation faces several challenges. In Gabon, a unique national electronic HIS has been launched. It will connect healthcare institutions and providers at all levels in the whole country.

Objective

This study aims to explore and identify the factors influencing healthcare providers’ perceptions of the national electronic HIS in Gabon.

Methods

A 44-item questionnaire based on the Information System Success Model (ISSM) was administered between February and April 2018 among 2,600 healthcare providers across the country. The questions assessed the different aspects of the HIS that could influence its perceived impact on a 5-level Likert scale (from fully agree to totally disagree). The reliability and construct validity of the questionnaire were checked using Cronbach alpha and congeneric reliability coefficients. A logistic regression was used to identify the factors influencing healthcare providers’ perceptions of the system.

Results

A total of 2,327 questionnaires were completed (i.e. 89.5% response rate). The logistic regression identified five elements that significantly influenced perceived system impact: System Quality (Odds Ratio–OR=1.70), Information Quality (OR=1.69), Actual Use (OR=1.41), Support Quality (OR=1.37), and Useful Functions (OR=1.14). The model explained 30% of the variance in providers’ perception that the national HIS leads to positive impacts.

Discussion

The results show that healthcare providers’ perceptions regarding the positive impact of the national HIS in Gabon are influenced by their previous use of an HIS, the scope of their usage, and the quality of the system, information, and support provided to users. These results could inform the development of strategies to ensure adequate change of management and user experience for the implementation of the national HIS in Gabon, and eventually in other low resource environments.

Keywords: Health Information System, Information System Success, User Acceptance, Healthcare Providers, Gabon
Lived experience of intimate partner violence among women using antiretroviral therapy and other outpatient services in Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia: A phenomenological study
Authors: Meskele Mengistu , Khuzwayo Nelisiwe , Taylor Myra
Published: August 2020

Background: Ethiopia is one of the nations which has an enormous burden of intimate partner violence (IPV), and where it is usually difficult to talk about HIV separately from IPV. Objectives: This research aimed to explore the lived experience of IPV against women using antiretroviral therapy (ART) and other outpatient services in Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia Methods: We used an Interpretive (hermeneutic) Phenomenological Analysis design among purposively selected adult women aged 18-49 years. A total of 43 women participated in this study, of whom 30 were using ART, and 13 women were using other health services. We used an in-depth interview and focus group discussions until data saturation, while conscious of the need to maintain the scientific rigor, dependability, and credibility. The data were transcribed verbatim and translated into English. We read the transcripts repeatedly to understand the content. We used NVivo 11 software to assist with data organisation, and also, we used the framework analysis method. Results: We identified five themes, namely: “women's terrifying experiences of violence,” “the effect of violence on women's health,” “support/lack of support /partner’s controlling behaviours,” “women’s feelings about the available services,” and “IPV prevention strategies from the perspective of women.” Interviewees described their violent experiences which included wife-beating, being stigmatised in front of others, having material thrown at the woman’s face, wife’s hand and teeth were broken, forced sex, restriction of movement, name-calling, threats to hurt, being insulted, being left alone, and the withdrawal of finances. The negative health impacts reported included abortion, infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, disability, child’s death, and depression. The disclosure of HIV test information resulted in violence. Inappropriate punishment of the perpetrator and the lack of a supportive women’s network to avert IPV were perceived as legal limitations Conclusions: IPV is a considerable health burden, varying in its presentation and its negative impact on women’s health. Improved laws should provide justice for all victims. Establishing a women’s network to assist women at risk of violence, should be emphasised. Unwise HIV test result disclosure leads to IPV; hence HIV disclosure should be facilitated through health care providers.
The relationship between personality dimensions, spirituality, coping strategies and clinical clerkship satisfaction among intern nursing students: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Rezapour-Mirsaleh Yasser , Aghabagheri Mahdi
Published: August 2020

Background: The clinical clerkship is a crucial stage in nursing training, yet a dissatisfaction at this stage may cause a nurse to quit in future. This study aimed to investigate the relationship among personality dimensions, spirituality, coping strategies and clinical clerkship satisfaction among intern nursing students. Methods: This was a correlational, cross-sectional study. A total of 293 Iranian nursing students, who were fulfilling their clinical clerkship at university-affiliated hospitals in Tehran, were selected using cluster random sampling. All participants were provided with standard questionnaires including personality dimensions (NEO_FFI), spirituality, coping strategies (WoCQ), and satisfaction with clinical clerkship. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: The results showed that spirituality (β=0.32, p<0.001), problem-focused coping (β=0.26, p<0.001) and extraversion (of personality dimensions, β=0.22, p<0.001) played significant roles in predicting clinical clerkship satisfaction among intern nursing students. Regression analysis showed openness (β=0.14, p<0.01), extraversion (β=0.16, p<0.01), and spirituality (β=0.23, p<0.001) could significantly predict problem-focused coping style among intern nursing students. However, personality dimensions and spirituality were not good predictors for emotion-focused coping among these students (p>0.05). Conclusion: Personality dimensions, coping strategies and, in particular, spirituality are good predictors of clinical clerkship satisfaction among intern nursing students. Therefore, paying attention to spiritual needs in nursing students, improving their problem solving skills in dealing with clinical stress and training extraversion characteristics can be effective in enhancing their satisfaction with clinical clerkship.
Direct Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles on Cysteine-rich Tags in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Jiang Zhaodi , Jin Xiumei , Li Yuhua , Liu Sitong , Liu Xiao-Man , Wang Ying-Ying , Zhao Pei , Cai Xinbin , Liu Ying , Tang Yaqi , Sun Xiaobin , Liu Yan , Hu Yanyong , Li Ming , Cai Gaihong , Qi Xiangbing , Chen She , Du Li-Lin , He Wanzhong
Published: August 2020

We developed a novel auto-nucleation suppressed mechanism (ANSM) for direct synthesis of EM-visible gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on cysteine-rich tags (e.g., metallothionein) in cells for single-molecule detection with electron microscopy (it accompanies our Nature Method manuscript, Jiang et al. 2020 [1]). Both tagged-fusion proteins expressed in cells (e.g.bacteria, yeast and mammalian cells) and antigens stained with antibody-tag fusion proteins can be visualized by this protocol. Here we describe the typical protocols (both the chemical fixation and the high pressure freezing cases) developed for ANSM-based AuNP synthesis in HeLa cells expressing metallothionein (MTn) tags (Figure 1). This approach should be widely applicable to many systems for EM visualization of single-molecule in mammalian cells.
Influence of cannabis exposure in pregnancy on childhood health outcomes: a population-based birth cohort
Authors: Corsi Daniel J , Hsu Helen , El-Chaar Darine , Fell Deshayne , Walker Mark
Published: August 2020

Cannabis use in pregnancy has increased, and many women continue to use it throughout pregnancy. With the legalization of recreational cannabis in many jurisdictions, there is concern about potentially adverse childhood outcomes related to prenatal exposure.4 Using the provincial birth registry containing information on cannabis use during pregnancy, we will assemble a large, population-based cohort of children born to mothers in Ontario, with and without prenatal exposure to cannabis from birth to 10 years of age. A series of investigations will examine the health effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on child outcomes using novel methods to address confounding. We will link pregnancy and birth data to provincial health administrative databases to ascertain child neurodevelopmental outcomes. The unique aspect of our proposed research is that we plan to utilize an existing population-based perinatal registry combined with administrative datasets for long-term follow up of children using a rich set of covariates and potential confounders to assess the association with cannabis exposure on pregnancy and perinatal outcomes and into childhood.
Mitochondrial DNA drives noncanonical inflammation activation via cGAS–STING signaling pathway in retinal microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Guo Yue , Gu Ruiping , Gan Dekang , Hu Fangyuan , Li Gang , Xu Gezhi
Published: August 2020

Background

Pathological stimuli cause mitochondrial damage and leakage of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into the cytosol, as demonstrated in many cell types. The cytosolic mtDNA then drives the activation of noninfectious inflammation. Retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RMECs) play an important role in the inner endothelial blood–retinal barrier (BRB). RMEC dysfunction frequently occurs in posterior-segment eye diseases, causing loss of vision. In this study, we investigated the involvement of cytosolic mtDNA in noninfectious immune inflammation in RMECs under pathological stimuli.

Methods

RMECs were stimulated with 100 ng/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 200 μM hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), or 25 mM d -glucose. After 24 h, immunofluorescent staining was used to detect the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP). Cytosolic mtDNA was detected with immunofluorescent staining and PCR after stimulation. mtDNA was then isolated and used to transfect RMECs in vitro, and the protein levels of cGAS were evaluated with western blotting. Real-time PCR was used to examine cGAS mRNA expression levels at different time points after mtDNA stimulation. The activation of STING was detected with immunofluorescent staining 6 h after mtDNA stimulation. Western blotting was used to determine the expression of STING and IFNβ, the phosphorylation status of TBK1, IRF3, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) P65, and the nuclear translocation of IRF3 and NF-κB P65 at 0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h. The mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines CCL4, CXCL10, IFNB1, and transcription factor IRF1 were determined with real-time PCR, together with the concentrations of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) mRNA.

Results

Pathological stimuli caused mtDNA to leak into the cytosol by opening the MPTP in RMECs after 24 h. Cytosolic mtDNA regulated the expression of cGAS and the distribution of STING in RMECs. It promoted ICAM-1, STING, and IFNβ expression, TBK1, IRF3, and NF-κB phosphorylation and the nuclear translocation in RMECs at 12 and 24 h after its transfection. The mRNAs of proinflammatory cytokines CCL4, CXCL10, IFNB1, and transcription factor IRF1 were significantly elevated at 12 and 24 h after mtDNA stimulation.

Conclusions

Pathological stimulation induces mtDNA escape into the cytosol of RMECs. This cytoplasmic mtDNA is recognized by the DNA sensor cGAS, increasing the expression of inflammatory cytokines through the STING–TBK1 signaling pathway.
Impact of cervical sagittal parameters on axial neck pain in patients with cervical kyphosis
Authors: Li Jia , Zhang Di , Shen Yong
Published: August 2020

Background: Cervical sagittal alignment (CSA) is closely related with cervical disc degeneration and impacts the spinal function, especially in the setting of cervical kyphosis (CK). In this study, we evaluated the influence of cervical sagittal parameters on the development of axial neck pain (ANP) in patients with CK.Methods: Data pertaining to 263 patients with CK who visited the outpatient department of our hospital between January 2012 and December 2018 were retrospective analyzed. The most common symptoms of ANP were neck pain, stiffness, or dullness. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate ANP. The following radiographic parameters were evaluated: CK types, C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), thoracic inlet angle (TIA), T1 slope, neck tilt (NT), cranial tilt, and cervical tilt. Sagittal alignment of CK was classified into 2 types: global and regional type. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for ANP.Results: Patients who complained of ANP were categorized as ANP group (VAS score≥3; n=92), while those without ANP were categorized as non-ANP group (VAS score<3; n=171). There was no significant between-group difference with respect to age (P=0.196), gender (P=0.516), TIA (P=0.139), NT (P=0.676), CK type (P=0.533), cranial tilt (P=0.332), cervical tilt (P=0.585), or cervical disc degeneration (P=0.695). The T1 slope and C2-7 SVA in the ANP group was significantly greater than that in the non-ANP group (P < 0.05). On multivariate logistic regression, C2-7 SVA [odds ratio (OR) 2.318, 95% confidence interval 1.373–4.651, P=0.003) and T1 slope (OR 2.563, 95% CI 1.186–4.669, P=0.028) were identified as risk factors for ANP.Conclusions: Our findings suggest a significant effect of cervical sagittal parameters on the occurrence of ANP in patients with CK. Greater T1 slope and larger C2-7 SVA may lead to the development of neck pain.
Motor unit number index detects the effectiveness of surgical treatment in improving distal motor neuron loss in patients with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury
Authors: Li Jun , Zhu Yancheng , Li Yang , He ShiSheng , Wang Deguo
Published: August 2020

Background Recovery of motor dysfunction is important for patients with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). To enhance the recovery of muscle strength, both research and treatments mainly focus on injury of upper motor neurons at the direct injury site. However, accumulating evidences have suggested that SCI has a downstream effect on the peripheral nervous system, which may contribute to the poor improvement of the muscle strength after operation. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of early vs. delayed surgical intervention on the lower motor neurons (LMNs) distal to the injury site in patients with incomplete cervical SCI. Methods Motor unit number index (MUNIX) was performed on the tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) and abductor hallucis (AH) in 47 patients with incomplete cervical SCI (early vs. delayed surgical-treatment: 17 vs. 30) and 34 healthy subjects approximately 12 months after operation. All patients were further assessed by American spinal injury association (ASIA) motor scales and Medical Research Council (MRC) scales. Results There are no difference of both ASIA motor scores and MRC scales between the patients who accepted early and delayed surgical treatment (P > 0.05). In contrast, the patients undergoing early surgical treatment showed lower MUSIX values in both bilateral EDB and bilateral TA, along with greater MUNIX values in both right-side EDB and right-side TA, compared to the patients who accepted delayed surgical treatment (P < 0.05). Conclusions Cervical SCI has a negative effect on the LMNs distal to the injury site. Early surgical intervention in Cervical SCI patients may improve the dysfunction of LMNs distal to the injury site, reducing secondary motor neuron loss, and eventually improving clinical prognosis.
Inducing multiple antibodies to treat squamous cell esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Hoshino Isamu , Nabeya Yoshihiro , Takiguchi Nobuhiro , Gunji Hisashi , Ishige Fumitaka , Iwatate Yosuke , Kuwajima Akiko , Shiratori Fumiaki , Okada Rei , Shimada Hideaki
Published: August 2020

Background

The positive response and the clinical usefulness of 14 serum antibodies in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) were examined in this study. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used to investigate the frequency of gene expressions, mutations, and amplification of these 14 antigens and also the possible effects of antibody induction.

Methods

Blood serum derived from 85 patients with ESCC was collected and analyzed for the 14 antibodies using ELISA. The prognosis between positive and negative antibodies were then compared. The antibody panel included galectin1, HCA25a, HCC-22-5, and HSP70.

Results

Patient serum was positive for all antibodies, except VEGF, with the positive rates ranging from 1.18% to 10.59%. Positive rates for galectin1, HCA25a, HCC-22-5, and HSP70 were >10%. TCGA data revealed that all antigen-related genes had little or no mutation or amplification, and hence an increase in gene expression affected antibody induction. The positive results from the panel accounted for the positive rate comparable to the combination of CEA and SCC. No significant association was observed between the presence of antibodies and disease prognosis.

Conclusions

The detection rates of galectin1, HCA25a, HCC-22-5, and HSP70 were 10% higher in patients with ESCC. Gene overexpression may be involved in such antibody production. These four antibodies were applied as a panel in comparison with conventional tumor markers. Moreover, it was confirmed that the combination of this panel and the conventional tumor markers significantly improved the positive rate.
Going web or staying paper? The use of web-surveys among older people
Authors: Kelfve Susanne , Kivi Marie , Johansson Boo , Lindwall Magnus
Published: August 2020

Background: Web-surveys are increasingly used in population studies. Yet, web-surveys targeting older individuals are still uncommon for various reasons. However, with younger cohorts approaching older age, the potentials for web-surveys among older people might be improved. In this study, we investigated response patterns in a web-survey targeting older adults and the potential importance of offering a paper questionnaire as an alternative to the web questionnaire.

Methods: We analyzed data from three waves of a retirement study, in which a web-push methodology was used and a paper questionnaire was offered as an alternative to the web questionnaire in the last reminder. We mapped the response patterns, compared web- and paper respondents and compared different key outcomes resulting from the sample with and without the paper respondents, both at baseline and after two follow-ups.

Results: Paper-respondents, that is, those that did not answer until they got a paper questionnaire with the last reminder, were more likely to be women, low educated, fully retired, non-married and reported higher depression and lower self-rated health, compared with web-respondents. The association between retirement status and depression was only present among web-respondents. The differences between web and paper respondents were stronger in the longitudinal sample (after two follow-ups) than at baseline.

Conclusions: We conclude that a web survey might be a feasible and good alternative in surveys targeting people in the retirement age range. However, without offering a paper questionnaire, a small but important group will likely be missing with potential biased estimates as the result.
Clinically significant shared and distinct genomic alterations in Chinese and Western patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Xu Shifeng , Guo Yuan , Zeng Yanwu , Song Zhijian , Zhu Xiaodan , Fan Ning , Zhang Zhilei , Ren Guibing , Zang Yunjin , Rao Wei
Published: August 2020

BackgroundThe goal of this study is to disclose the clinically significant genomic alterations in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma of the Chinese and Western populations.MethodsA total of 86 Chinese patients were enrolled in this study. Samples from those patients were sequenced for a panel of pan-cancer genes. Results were compared to a public dataset from a cohort of Western patients. The comparison between the two populations was conducted in the driver genes, actionability, and tumor mutational burden.ResultsThe Chinese and Western cohorts had 36 and 12 driver genes, respectively. Seven driver genes ( IDH1 , KRAS , TP53 , BAP1 , PBRM1 , ARID1A, and NRAS ) were shared by the two cohorts. For both cohorts, half of the patients had actionable mutations. The two cohorts shared most of the actionable genes but differed much in the frequency. Though KRAS mutations were at the first and second actionable rank respectively for Chinese and Western populations, they were still at a relatively low level of actionable evidence. Four driver genes ( SPTA1 , ARID2 , TP53 , and GATA1 ) were found significantly correlated with the tumor mutational burden.ConclusionsThe revealed genomic alterations with clinical significance could help to improve the treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
Comparison of IOL Power Calculated by Preoperative Biometry versus Intraoperative Wavefront Aberrometry in Thai Cataract Patients.
Authors: Khambhiphant Bharkbhum , Thanyaporn Sribenjapanon
Published: August 2020

Background: To find agreement between the calculated intraocular lens (IOL) power from using the SRK/T based preoperative biometry and the intraoperative wavefront aberrometry (ORA®) in Thai cataract patients, and to compare the accuracy of each method with the postoperative refraction results.Methods: Eyes that underwent cataract surgery with monofocal or multifocal IOL implantation were enrolled in this prospective study. All eye biometry was measured preoperatively and the ORA intraoperatively. The SRK/T suggested IOL from the preoperative biometry was chosen in all cases. The suggested power and the estimated refraction (EST) from both devices were collected. Bland Altman analysis was used to find the agreement between them. The predicted EST of implanted IOL from both devices were compared with the one-month postoperative SE. Results: The study comprised 97 eyes (79 patients). Of these, 38 eyes (39.2%) had the same suggested IOL power, 36 eyes (37.1%) were within ±0.5D, 20 eyes (20.6%) were within ±1.0D and 3 eyes were beyond ±1.0D. Bland-Altman analysis found the mean difference between IOL power calculated from both devices was 0.39 with LoA of -0.54 to 1.31. The correlation was 98.50% (95%CI 98%- 99.10%). In the same suggested IOL power group, the median difference of EST by preoperative biometry and ORA compared with one-month postoperative SE were -0.08 (95%CI: -0.08, 1.11), and -0.14 (95%CI: -0.88, 1.2), respectively. Conclusions:The ORA and preoperative biometry results were in concordance with each other. The result of preoperative biometry was more accurate than ORA in this study. Trial Registration: The thai clinical trial registration number: TCTR20171005001Registration Date: October 3rd, 2017First Enrollment: November 10th, 2017
Comparing the Efficacy of Syngeneic Iliac and Femoral Allografts with Iliac Crest Autograft in a Rat Model of Lumbar Spinal Fusion
Authors: Holmes Christina , Elder Benjamin D. , Ishida Wataru , Perdomo-Pantoja Alexander , Locke John , Cottrill Ethan , Lo Sheng-Fu L. , Witham Timothy F.
Published: August 2020

Background: Despite widespread use of femoral-sourced allografts in clinical spinal fusion procedures and the increasing interest in using femoral reamer–irrigator–aspirator (RIA) autograft in clinical bone grafting, few studies have examined the efficacy of femoral grafts compared to iliac crest grafts in spinal fusion. The objective of this study was to directly compare the use of autologous iliac crest with syngeneic femoral and iliac allograft bone in the rat model of lumbar spinal fusion.Methods: Single-level bilateral posterolateral intertransverse process lumbar spinal fusion surgery was performed on Lewis rats divided into three experimental groups: iliac crest autograft; syngeneic iliac crest allograft; and syngeneic femoral allograft bone. Eight weeks postoperatively, fusion was evaluated via microCT analysis, manual palpation and histology. In vitro analysis of the colony-forming and osteogenic capacity of bone marrow cells derived from rat femurs and hips was also performed to determine whether there was a correlation with the fusion efficacy of these graft sources.Results: Although no differences were observed between groups in CT fusion mass volumes, iliac allografts displayed an increased number of radiographically fused fusion masses and a higher rate of bilateral fusion via manual palpation. Histologically, hip-derived grafts showed better integration with host bone than femur derived ones, likely associated with the higher concentration of osteogenic progenitor cells observed in hip-derived bone marrow. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility of using syngeneic allograft bone in place of autograft bone within inbred rat fusion models and highlights the need for further study of femoral-derived grafts in fusion.
Short term outcomes of preterm infants following antenatal corticosteroid treatment for childbearing women at 34 (0/7) to 36 (6/7) weeks: do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Authors: Hu Zhimei , Deng Xiaochun , Liu Honglin , Xie Lili , Liang Bingwei , Yang Jianhui , Lin Xuemei , Chen Peishan , Huang Yuejun
Published: August 2020

Background The effects of maternal antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) treatment, for fetal maturation, on the short-term outcome of late preterm infants are unclear. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study conducted in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College. Data of pregnant women who gave birth between 34 (0/7) to 36 (6/7) weeks gestation from January 2014 to June 2019 were collected. Nine short-term outcomes of preterm infants from mothers who received ACS treatment were compared to preterm infants from mothers who did not receive ACS treatment. Results In total, 1393 pregnant women (of whom 757 accepted ACS treatment before delivery) and 1472 preterm infants were eligible for analysis. The results were as follows: (1) ACS administration to pregnant women at high risk for giving birth between 34 (0/7) to 36 (6/7) weeks pregnancy , was related to decreasing cost and infant inpatient time (slope was -0.784, P =0.026 and slope was -933.173, P =0.001, respectively); (2) lack of maternal ACS treatment was an independent risk factor for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RR=0.548, 95%CI=0.332～0.906); (3) use of maternal ACS did not increase risk of neonatal pneumonia, neonatal hypoglycemia, neonatal sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis of newborns, neonatal intracranial hemorrhage, and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in preterm infants. Conclusions Use of ACS for pregnant women at risk for giving birth between 34 (0/7) to 36 (6/7) weeks pregnancy may have more advantages than disadvantages. Our study provides evidence-based medicine for clinicians to make ACS treatment choices for pregnant women with risk of giving birth between 34 (0/7) to 36(6/7) weeks gestation.
Pelvic Rotation Parameters Related to In-Brace Correction in Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: li kepeng , Miao Jun , Jing-an Zhang
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND: To identify the pelvic parameters affecting in-brace correction (IBC) in patients with idiopathic scoliosis (IS). METHODS: Patients with IS receiving Chêneau brace treatment in our scoliosis center from January 2019 to November 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Pelvic rotation parameters, including Pelvic incidence (PI), Sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), L/R ratio, were collected. Other radiographic data, such as Risser sign, coronal and sagittal balance, curve location, kyphosis, lordosis of each patient was also recorded to analyze their correlations with IBC. Correlation analyses were performed to identify the classified variables influencing IBC. The principal component analysis was used to extract common factors of radiographic parameters to eliminate interaction effects. The linear regression equation was established using principal components, the variables influencing IBC were identified.RESULTS: A cohort of 44 patients with IS (36 girls and 8 boys) were included in the present study. The mean IBC was 49.87% (range, 3%∽100%). IBC of lumbar IS was negatively correlated with apical rotate factor (ARF, B=-0.385), mainly consisted of pelvic coronal plane rotation (PCPR, 0.449), cobb angle (CA,0.575), apical vertebral rotation (AVR, 0.918), and pelvic rotate factor (PRF, B=-0.387), mainly consisted of PT (0.861), PI (0.728), PCPR (-0.570). The regression equation of lumbar IS had statistical significance (F=6.500, P=0.005，R2=0.317). Whereas statistically significance was not found in the regression equation of thoracic IS (F=2.913, P=0.106). The remaining parameters were not related to IBC.CONCLUSIONS: For lumbar IS, ARF and PRF have negative effects on IBC, Coronal and sagittal rotation of the pelvis is related to IBC.