bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discordant transmission of bacteria and viruses from mothers to babies at birth
Authors: Maqsood Rabia , Rodgers Rachel , Rodriguez Cynthia , Handley Scott A. , Ndao I. Malick , Tarr Phillip I. , Warner Barbara B. , Lim Efrem S. , Holtz Lori R.
Published: December 2019

Background

The earliest microbial colonizers of the human gut can have life-long consequences for their hosts. Precisely how the neonatal gut bacterial microbiome and virome are initially populated is not well understood. To better understand how the maternal gut microbiome influences acquisition of the infant gut microbiome, we studied the early life bacterial microbiomes and viromes of 28 infant twin pairs and their mothers.

Results

Infant bacterial and viral communities more closely resemble those of their related co-twin than unrelated infants. We found that 63% of an infant’s bacterial microbiome can be traced to their mother’s gut microbiota. In contrast, only 15% of their viral communities are acquired from their mother. Delivery route did not determine how much of the bacterial microbiome or virome was shared from mother to infant. However, bacteria-bacteriophage interactions were altered by delivery route.

Conclusions

The maternal gut microbiome significantly influences infant gut microbiome acquisition. Vertical transmission of the bacterial microbiome is substantially higher compared to vertical transmission of the virome. However, the degree of similarity between the maternal and infant gut bacterial microbiome and virome did not vary by delivery route. The greater similarity of the bacterial microbiome and virome between twin pairs than unrelated twins may reflect a shared environmental exposure. Thus, differences of the inter-generation transmissibility at birth between the major kingdoms of microbes indicate that the foundation of these microbial communities are shaped by different rules.
Reduction patterns of Japanese encephalitis incidence following vaccine introduction into long-term expanded program on immunization in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Hu Xiao-Ting , Li Qiong-Fen , Ma Chao , Zhao Zhi-Xian , He Li-Fang , Tang Ting-Ting , Yu Wen , Owiti Philip
Published: December 2019

Background

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a leading cause of childhood viral encephalitis both at global level and in China. Vaccination is recommended as a key strategy to control JE. In China most JE cases have been reported in southwest provinces, which include Yunnan. In this study, we quantify the epidemiological shift of JE in Yunnan Province from 2005 to 2017, covering before and after the introduction of JE vaccination into routine Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in 2007.

Methods

We used routinely collected data in the case-based JE surveillance system from 2005 through 2017 in Yunnan. Cases were reported from hospital and county-level Centers for Disease Control in line with the National JE Surveillance Guideline. Epidemiological data were extracted, analysed and presented in appropriate ways. Immunization coverage was estimated from actual JE doses administered and new births for each year.

Results

A total 4780 JE cases (3077 laboratory-confirmed, 1266 clinical and 437 suspected) were reported in the study period. Incidence of JE (per 100 000 population) increased from 0.95 in 2005 to 1.69 in 2007. With increase in vaccination coverage, incidence rates decreased steadily from 1.16 in 2009 to 0.17 in 2017. However, seasonality remained similar across the years, peaking in June–September. Banna (bordering Myanmar and Laos), Dehong (bordering Myanmar), and Zhaotong (an inland prefecture) had the highest incidence rates of 2.3, 1.9, and 1.6, respectively. 97% of all cases were among local residents. As vaccination coverage increased (and incidence decreased), proportion of JE cases among children < 10 years old decreased from 70% in 2005 to 32% in 2017, while that among adults ≥20 years old increased from 12 to 48%. There were a large number of JE cases with unknown treatment outcomes, especially in the earlier years of the surveillance system.

Conclusions

The 13-year JE surveillance data in Yunnan Province showed dramatic decrease of total incidence and a shift from children to adults. Improving vaccination coverage, including access to adults at risk, and strengthening the JE surveillance system is needed to further control or eliminate JE in the province.
Could Management of Blood Pressure Prevent Dementia in the elderly?
Authors: Mogi Masaki
Published: December 2019

Background

Hypertension is one of the most relevant risk factors in vascular aging, stroke and vascular dementia (VD). In the elderly, the prevalence of mixed dementia, which consists of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and VD, is increased. Moreover, disorders of blood vessels are reported to be involved in the onset and progression of AD. Thus, hypertension generally plays an important role in dementia overall.

Main Text

Mid-life hypertension is reported to be related to the incidence of dementia, but it is reported that antihypertensive treatment in aged people cannot prevent the onset and progression of dementia. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is deeply involved in not only hypertension but also lifestyle-related diseases, and may contribute to the pathological mechanism in dementia; thus, RAS regulation is expected to prevent dementia. Small vessel structural changes in lifestyle-related diseases may play a role in dementia in the elderly.

Conclusion

Here, we discuss the role of blood pressure elevation in dementia and the therapeutic possibility of antihypertensive treatment against dementia.
Turkish version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale: preliminary results of factorial structure, reliability, and construct validity
Authors: Buyuktuncer Zehra , Akyol Aslı , Ayaz Aylin , Nergiz-Unal Reyhan , Aksoy Burcu , Cosgun Erdal , Ozdemir Pınar , Pekcan Gulden , Besler Halit Tanju
Published: December 2019

Background

Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) was established to identify individuals exhibiting signs of addiction towards certain types of food. This study aimed to develop a Turkish version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale and test its psychometric properties.

Methods

The backward translation techniques were used to develop Turkish versions of the YFAS, and its reproducibility was assessed. Turkish version of the YFAS was administered to a total of 1033 participants (439 men and 594 women), aged 19–65 years. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to examine the factorial structure of the tool. Construct validity was assessed by principal component factor analysis with varimax rotation. Reliabilities were estimated with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The criterion-related validity was tested by the administration of Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) to all participants.

Results

The primary factor loadings for seven items were ranged between 0.45 and 0.79, and no items cross-loaded onto other factors. The fit indices showed that eight items of the YFAS were a good representation of the item responses and each item loaded significantly on the specified factor (p < 0.001 for each). YFAS subscales had a high internal consistency and test–retest reliability. The criterion-related validity of the tool showed a positive relationship with scales of the EAT-26.

Conclusion

Current study suggested that the Turkish version of the YFAS is a reliable, valid, and useful tool for assessing the signs of food addiction in a non-clinical sample.
Use of a “critical difference” statistical criterion improves the predictive utility of the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index score in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Behrens Frank , Koehm Michaela , Schwaneck Eva C. , Schmalzing Marc , Gnann Holger , Greger Gerd , Tony Hans-Peter , Burkhardt Harald
Published: December 2019

Background

The Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) is used to assess functional status in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the change required for meaningful improvements remains unclear. A minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of 0.22 is frequently used in RA trials. The aim of this study was to determine a statistically defined critical difference for HAQ-DI (HAQ-DI-dcrit) and evaluate its association with therapeutic outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from adult German patients with RA enrolled in a multicenter observational trial in which they received adalimumab therapy at the decision of the treating clinician during routine clinical care. The HAQ-DI-dcrit, defined as the minimum change that can be reliably discriminated from random long-term variations in patients on stable therapy, was determined by evaluating intra-individual variation in patient scores. Other outcomes of interest included Disease Activity Score-28 joints and patient-reported pain and fatigue.

Results

The HAQ-DI-dcritwas calculated as an improvement (decrease) from baseline of 0.68 in a discovery cohort (N = 1645) of RA patients on stable therapy and with moderate disease activity (mean DAS28 [standard deviation] of 4.4 [1.6]). In the full patient cohort (N = 2740), 22.1% of patients achieved a HAQ-DI-dcritimprovement at month 6. Compared with patients with a small improvement in HAQ-DI (decrease of ≥0.22 to < 0.68) or no improvement (< 0.22), patients achieving a HAQ-DI-dcritat month 6 had better therapeutic outcomes at months 12 and 24, including stable functional improvements. Change in pain was the most important predictor of HAQ-DI improvement during the first 6 months of therapy.

Conclusions

A HAQ-DI-dcritof 0.68 is a reliable measure of functional improvement. This measure may be useful in routine clinical care and clinical trials.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT01076205. Registered on February 26, 2010 (retrospectively registered).
Modeling of pure qP- and qSV-waves in tilted transversely isotropic media with the optimal quadratic approximation
Authors: Mu Xinru , Huang Jianping , Yong Peng , Huang Jinqiang , Guo Xu , Liu Dingjin , Hu Ziduo
Published: December 2019

Seismic forward modeling in tilted transverse isotropic (TTI) media is crucial for the application of reverse time migration and full-waveform inversion. Modeling based on conventional coupled pseudoacoustic wave equations not only generates SV-wave artifacts, but it also suffers from instabilities in which the anisotropy parameter [Formula: see text]. To address these issues, we have started with the exact vertical transversely isotropic phase velocity formula and developed novel pure qP- and qSV-wave governing equations in TTI media by using the optimal quadratic approximation. For the convenience of using finite-difference (FD) method to solve the new pure qP- and qSV-wave wave equations, we decompose the equations into a combination of a time-space-domain wave equation that can be solved by the FD method and a Poisson equation that can be solved by the pseudospectral method. We find that the high-frequency errors caused by the pseudospectral method and the usual truncation errors in FD schemes may be responsible for the instability of the numerical simulations. To stabilize the computation, we design a 2D low-pass filtering operator to eliminate severe high-frequency numerical noise. Several numerical examples demonstrate that modeling using the new pure qP-wave equations does not have qSV-wave artifacts interference and is stable for [Formula: see text]. Our results indicate that our method can achieve highly accurate and stable modeling results even in extremely complex TTI media.
Apsu — A new compact surface nuclear magnetic resonance system for groundwater investigation
Authors: Larsen Jakob Juul , Liu Lichao , Grombacher Denys , Osterman Gordon , Auken Esben
Published: December 2019

Surface nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is emerging as a competitive method for aquifer exploration due to its direct sensitivity to subsurface water, but the method still has several shortcomings, for example, a signal-to-noise ratio that is often poor, long survey times, and bulky equipment. We have developed Apsu, a new surface NMR system designed for near-surface groundwater investigations. It provides several features such as a compact transmitter unit, separated, small receiver coils, wireless connections between multiple receivers, quasi-zero dead time, and robust phase determination. The transmitter unit is powered by a lightweight generator, and it drives a triangular current in an untuned [Formula: see text] transmitter coil. The peak current of the triangular waveform is up to 145 A, with an effective peak current of 105 A at a Larmor frequency of 2 kHz, corresponding to a 30 m depth of investigation. The frequency and amplitude in each half-oscillation of the transmit pulses can be modulated independently, which gives great flexibility in the pulse design. The receiver uses low-noise preamplifiers and multiple receivers linked to a central unit through Wi-Fi. The use of small receiver coils and wireless connections to multichannel receivers greatly improves the layout configuration flexibility and survey efficiency. The performance of the system under field conditions is demonstrated with high-quality data collected near Silkeborg, Denmark, using on-resonance and numerically optimized modulation pulses.
Forcing contacts between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum extends lifespan in a Drosophila model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Garrido-Maraver Juan , Loh Samantha H. Y. , Martins L. Miguel
Published: December 2019

Eukaryotic cells are complex systems containing internal compartments with specialised functions. Among these compartments, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays a major role in processing proteins for modification and delivery to other organelles, whereas mitochondria generate energy in the form of ATP. Mitochondria and the ER form physical interactions, defined as mitochondria-ER contact sites (MERCs) to exchange metabolites such as calcium ions (Ca2+) and lipids. Sites of contact between mitochondria and the ER can regulate biological processes such as ATP generation and mitochondrial division. The interactions between mitochondria and the ER are dynamic and respond to the metabolic state of cells. Changes in MERCs have been linked to metabolic pathologies such as diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and sleep disruption.

Here we explored the consequences of increasing contacts between mitochondria and the ER in flies using a synthetic linker. We showed that enhancing MERCs increases locomotion and extends lifespan. We also showed that, in a Drosophila model of Alzheimer's disease linked to toxic amyloid beta (Aβ), linker expression can suppress motor impairment and extend lifespan. We conclude that strategies for increasing contacts between mitochondria and the ER may improve symptoms of diseases associated with mitochondria dysfunction.
Rhinovirus 2A is the key protease responsible for instigating the early block to gene expression in infected cells
Authors: Smart David , Filippi Irene , Blume Cornelia , Smalley Benjamin , Davies Donna , McCormick Christopher J.
Published: December 2019

Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) express 2 cysteine proteases, 2A and 3C, that are responsible for viral polyprotein processing. Both proteases also suppress host gene expression by inhibiting mRNA transcription, nuclear export and cap-dependent translation. However, the relative contribution that each makes in achieving this goal remains unclear. In this study, we have compared both the combined and individual ability of the two proteases to shut down cellular gene expression using a novel dynamic reporter system. Our findings show that 2A inhibits host gene expression much more rapidly than 3C. By comparing the activities of a representative set of proteases from the three different HRV species, we also find variation in the speed at which host gene expression is suppressed. Our work highlights the key role that 2A plays in early suppression of the infected host cell response and shows that this can be influenced by natural variation in the activity of this enzyme.
Cyclic uniaxial mechanical stretching of cells using a LEGO® parts-based mechanical stretcher system
Authors: Boulter Etienne , Tissot Floriane S. , Dilly Julien , Pisano Sabrina , Féral Chloé C.
Published: December 2019

Mechanical cues are essential for the regulation of cell and tissue physiology. Hence, it has become an utmost necessity for cell biologists to account for those mechanical parameters when investigating biological processes and they need devices to manipulate cells accordingly. Here, we report a simple mechanical cell-stretching system that can generate uniaxial cyclic mechanical stretch on cells in tissue culture. This system is based upon a low-cost battery-powered uniaxial cyclic mechanical stretcher exclusively built out of LEGO® parts combined with a stretchable poly(dimethylsiloxane) tissue culture plate in order to grow and stretch cells. We characterize the system and show that it can be used in a wide variety of downstream applications, including immunofluorescence, western blotting and biochemical assays. We also illustrate how this system can be useful in a study as we investigated the behavior of integrin adhesion complexes upon cell stretching. We therefore present a cost-effective, multipurpose cell-stretching system that should help to increase understanding of mechanical signaling.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Detecting single ORAI1 proteins within the plasma membrane reveals higher-order channel complexes
Authors: Alansary Dalia , Peckys Diana B. , Niemeyer Barbara A. , de Jonge Niels
Published: December 2019

ORAI1 proteins form highly selective Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane. Crystallographic data point towards a hexameric stoichiometry of ORAI1 channels, whereas optical methods postulated ORAI1 channels to reside as dimers at rest, and other data suggests that they have a tetrameric configuration. Here, liquid-phase scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and quantum dot (QD) labeling was utilized to study the conformation of ORAI1 proteins at rest. To address the question of whether ORAI1 was present as a dimer, experiments were designed using single ORAI1 monomers and covalently linked ORAI1 dimers with either one or two label-binding positions. The microscopic data was statistically analyzed via the pair correlation function. Label pairs were found in all cases, even for concatenated dimers with one label-binding position, which is only possible if a significant fraction of ORAI1 was assembled in larger order oligomers than dimers, binding at least two QDs. This interpretation of the data was consistent with Blue Native PAGE analysis showing that ORAI1 is mainly present as a complex of an apparent molecular mass larger than that calculated for a dimer.
A fitness cost resulting from Hamiltonella defensa infection is associated with altered probing and feeding behaviour in Rhopalosiphum padi
Authors: Leybourne Daniel J. , Valentine Tracy A. , Bos Jorunn I. B. , Karley Alison J.
Published: December 2019

Many herbivorous arthropods, including aphids, frequently associate with facultative endosymbiotic bacteria, which influence arthropod physiology and fitness. In aphids, endosymbionts can increase resistance against natural enemies, enhance aphid virulence, and alter aphid fitness. Here, we use the Electrical Penetration Graph technique to uncover physiological processes at the insect-plant interface affected by endosymbiont infection. We monitored the feeding and probing behaviour of four independent clonal lines of the cereal-feeding aphid Rhopalosiphum padi derived from the same multilocus genotype containing differential infection (+/−) with a common facultative endosymbiont, Hamiltonella defensa. Aphid feeding was examined on a partially-resistant wild relative of barley known to impair aphid fitness and a susceptible commercial barley cultivar. Compared with uninfected aphids, endosymbiont-infected aphids on both plant species exhibited a two-fold increase in the number of plant cell punctures, a 50% reduction in the duration of each cellular puncture, and a two-fold higher probability of achieving sustained phloem ingestion. Feeding behaviour was also altered by host plant identity: endosymbiont-infected aphids spent less time probing plant tissue, required twice as many probes to reach the phloem, and showed a 44% reduction in phloem ingestion when feeding on the wild barley relative compared with the susceptible commercial cultivar. Reduced feeding success could explain the 22% reduction in growth of H. defensa-infected aphids measured on the wild barley relative. This study provides the first demonstration of mechanisms at the aphid-plant interface contributing to physiological effects of endosymbiont infection on aphid fitness, through altered feeding processes on different quality host plants.
How fast can raptors see?
Authors: Potier Simon , Lieuvin Margaux , Pfaff Michael , Kelber Almut
Published: December 2019

Birds, and especially raptors, are highly visual animals. Some of them have the highest spatial resolving power known in the animal kingdom, allowing prey detection at distance. While many raptors visually track fast-moving and manoeuvrable prey, requiring high temporal resolution, this aspect of their visual system has never been studied before. In this study, we estimated how fast raptors can see, by measuring the flicker fusion frequency of three species with different lifestyles. We found that flicker fusion frequency differed among species, being at least 129 Hz in the peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus, 102 Hz in the saker falcon Falco cherrug and 81 Hz in the Harris's hawk Parabuteo unicinctus. We suggest a potential link between fast vision and hunting strategy, with high temporal resolution in the fast-flying falcons that chase fast-moving, manoeuvrable prey and a lower resolution in the Harris's hawk, which flies more slowly and targets slower prey.
The role of attractive and repellent scene memories in ant homing (Myrmecia croslandi)
Authors: Murray Trevor , Kocsi Zoltan , Dahmen Hansjürgen , Narendra Ajay , Le Möel Florent , Wystrach Antoine , Zeil Jochen
Published: December 2019

Solitary foraging ants rely on vision when travelling along routes and when pinpointing their nest. We tethered foragers of Myrmecia croslandi on a trackball and recorded their intended movements when the trackball was located on their normal foraging corridor (on-route), above their nest and at a location several meters away where they have never been before (off-route). We find that at on- and off-route locations, most ants walk in the nest or foraging direction and continue to do so for tens of metres in a straight line. In contrast, above the nest, ants walk in random directions and change walking direction frequently. In addition, the walking direction of ants above the nest oscillates at a fine scale, reflecting search movements that are absent from the paths of ants at the other locations. An agent-based simulation shows that the behaviour of ants at all three locations can be explained by the integration of attractive and repellent views directed towards or away from the nest, respectively. Ants are likely to acquire such views via systematic scanning movements during their learning walks. The model predicts that ants placed in a completely unfamiliar environment should behave as if at the nest, which our subsequent experiments confirmed. We conclude first, that the ants’ behaviour at release sites is exclusively driven by what they currently see and not by information on expected outcomes of their behaviour. Second, that navigating ants might continuously integrate attractive and repellent visual memories. We discuss the benefits of such a procedure.
Dynamic biosonar adjustment strategies in deep-diving Risso's dolphins driven partly by prey evasion
Authors: Jensen Frants H. , Keller Onno A. , Tyack Peter L. , Visser Fleur
Published: December 2019

Toothed whales have evolved flexible biosonar systems to find, track and capture prey in diverse habitats. Delphinids and phocoenids adjust inter-click intervals and source levels gradually while approaching prey. In contrast, deep-diving beaked and sperm whales maintain relatively constant inter-click intervals and apparent output levels during the approach followed by a rapid transition into the foraging buzz, presumably to maintain a long-range acoustic scene in a multi-target environment. However, it remains unknown whether this rapid biosonar adjustment strategy is shared by delphinids foraging in deep waters. To test this, we investigated biosonar adjustments of a deep-diving delphinid, the Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus). We analyzed inter-click interval and apparent output level adjustments recorded from sound recording tags to quantify in-situ sensory adjustment during prey capture attempts. Risso's dolphins did not follow typical 20-log(range) biosonar adjustment patterns seen in shallow-water species, but instead maintained stable repetition rates and output levels up to the foraging buzz. Our results suggest that maintaining a long-range acoustic scene to exploit complex, multi-target prey layers is a common strategy amongst deep-diving toothed whales. Risso's dolphins transitioned rapidly into the foraging buzz just like beaked whales during most foraging attempts, but employed a more gradual biosonar adjustment in a subset (19%) of prey approaches. These were characterized by higher speeds and minimum specific acceleration, indicating higher prey capture efforts associated with evasive prey. Thus, tracking and capturing evasive prey using biosonar may require a more gradual switch between multi-target echolocation and single-target tracking.
Artificial intelligence in diagnostic imaging: impact on the radiography profession
Authors: Hardy Maryann , Harvey Hugh
Published: December 2019

The arrival of artificially intelligent systems into the domain of medical imaging has focused attention and sparked much debate on the role and responsibilities of the radiologist. However, discussion about the impact of such technology on the radiographer role is lacking. This paper discusses the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the radiography profession by assessing current workflow and cross-mapping potential areas of AI automation such as procedure planning, image acquisition and processing. We also highlight the opportunities that AI brings including enhancing patient-facing care, increased cross-modality education and working, increased technological expertise and expansion of radiographer responsibility into AI-supported image reporting and auditing roles.
Forced isoform switching of Neat1_1 to Neat1_2 leads to the loss of Neat1_1 and the hyperformation of paraspeckles but does not affect the development and growth of mice
Authors: Isobe Momo , Toya Hikaru , Mito Mari , Chiba Tomoki , Asahara Hiroshi , Hirose Tetsuro , Nakagawa Shinichi
Published: December 2019

Neat1 is a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) that serves as an architectural component of the nuclear bodies known as paraspeckles. Two isoforms of Neat1, the short isoform Neat1_1 and the long isoform Neat1_2, are generated from the same gene locus by alternative 3′ processing. Neat1_1 is the most abundant and the best conserved isoform expressed in various cell types, whereas Neat1_2 is expressed in a small population of particular cell types, including the tip cells of the intestinal epithelium. To investigate the physiological significance of isoform switching, we created mutant mice that solely expressed Neat1_2 by deleting the upstream polyadenylation (poly-A) signal (PAS) required for the production of Neat1_1. We observed the loss of Neat1_1 and strong up-regulation of Neat1_2 in various tissues and cells and the subsequent hyperformation of paraspeckles, especially in cells that normally express Neat1_2. However, the mutant mice were born at the expected Mendelian ratios and did not exhibit obvious external and histological abnormalities. These observations suggested that the hyperformation of paraspeckles does not interfere with the development and growth of these animals under normal laboratory conditions.
Natural factors as prophylactics of major dental diseases in children
Authors: TRUBKA Iryna , SAVYCHUK Natalia , KHODZINSKA Iryna , GUSHCHA Sergey , UDOD Oleksandr , KORNIIENKO Larysa
Published: December 2019

Introduction. In Ukraine, the prevalence of dental caries in children 12 years old reaches 72.7% -91.4%, in children 15 years old - 81.3% -94.3%, while the intensity of caries in children of these age groups ranges from 2, 23 ± 0.21 to 3.71 ± 0.37 and from 3.91 ± 0.39 to 6.18 ± 1.01, respectively. For the physiological formation of dental hard tissues in children, a sufficient level of calcium intake and assimilation with the participation of vitamin D is of great importance. Children for many reasons need to correct calcium metabolic disorders by using combined calcium and vitamin D preparations and a balanced diet, including foods and drinks, enriched with calcium. Materials and methods. Clinical studies were conducted involving 138 children 7-11 years old. To assess the extent of tooth decay, caries was determined by its prevalence, intensity, growth rate of caries, reduction of the growth rate of caries, biochemical analysis of oral fluid was performed to determine the content of calcium, phosphorus, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase. Children of the main treatment subgroup were offered the proposed Treatment and Preventive Complex, which included correction of eating behaviour and drinking regimen (consumption of naturally-table low-mineralized waters without gas with Ca2+ content from 50 to 200 mg / l).Results. When using Treatment and Preventive Complex in children, a low increase in the intensity of decay of permanent teeth, an increase in the level of Ca, a decrease in the activity of acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase in the oral fluid were determined in comparison with the control group. Conclusions. Thus, the use of mineral water with a Ca2+ content of 50 to 200 mg / l, as a source of natural Ca intake, can be recommended as an aid to the comprehensive prevention of caries in schoolchildren.
The effect of stretching exercises as part of the rehabilitation program for patients with spinal cord injury
Authors: MUREȘAN Dorin-Alexandru , PIELMUSI Alexandra , PERJU DUMBRAVĂ Lăcrămioara , FODOR Dana Marieta
Published: December 2019

Introduction & objectives: Spinal cord injury is a neurological condition with a devastating impact on all aspects of patients’ life. Spasticity, a symptom of the resulting pyramidal syndrome, can be both beneficial and non-beneficial, and requires treatment when it causes significant limitations and complications. The therapeutic approach comprises a wide variety of therapies ranging from non-invasive to invasive procedures. One of the non-invasive procedures is physiotherapy including stretching exercises. There are several studies investigating the effects of stretching on spasticity but with inconclusive results, slightly favoring a positive effect. The aim of this case-control study was to evaluate the effect of a stretching module added to the specific physiotherapy program for patients with SCI.
Material and method: An observational case-control study was conducted which included 20 patients with SCI attending a motor neurorehabilitation program for 10 consecutive days at the Rehabilitation Hospital Cluj-Napoca and “Dorina Palace” Center, Cluj-Napoca, during the years 2016-2017. The patients were divided into 2 groups of 10 patients each: the control group, which received specific physiotherapy and occupational therapy, and the study group, in which a stretching exercise module was added to the rehabilitation program (attended by the control group). The patients were assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale, the Range of Motion (ROM) test for the lower limb joints, and the Ten Meter Walk Test, both at the beginning and at the end of the 10-days rehabilitation program.
Results & discussions: The patients in the study group had statistically significant improvements in all the assessed scores compared to the control group, in which improvements were also present, but at the limit of statistical significance.
Conclusion: The inclusion of stretching exercises in the specific physiotherapy program for patients with spastic paraparesis after spinal cord injury seems to have a short-term favorable impact, by reducing spasticity and improving ambulation.
Key words: spinal cord injury, spasticity, stretching,
Does Respiratory Rehabilitation improve the outcome of pleural effusion in pulmonology department? Case report series and short literature review.
Authors: CROITORU Alina , MOTOC Nicoleta Ștefania , IANOSI Edith Simona , TODEA Doina , STANCIU Ionut , ALEXESCU Teodora-Gabriela , CIUMĂRNEAN Lorena , DOGARU Gabriela , ARGHIR Oana Cristina
Published: December 2019

Introduction. Pulmonary rehabilitation is recognized as a complementary, non-pharmacological therapy for patients with COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. For pleural effusion, however there are not current recommendations in the existing literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the beneficial role of respiratory rehabilitation (RR) in patients with pleural effusion and to review the main physiotherapy (kinetic therapeutic) techniques, as part of RR programs. Material and method. The article exemplifies three cases of acute pleural effusion or pachypleuritis, describing the diagnostic and treatment procedures as well as the pulmonary rehabilitation technique used. Results and discussions. Treatment goals, intervention, types of exercises were explained for each type of pleural disease. The diaphragmatic breathing, relaxation and/or antalgic postures, early mobilization, and a daily walking are recommended. Conclusions. Pulmonary rehabilitation should be applied in every patient with acute pleural effusion or pachypleuritis considering the potential benefits of physical therapy in the management of the patient`s illness. Key words: pleural effusion, respiratory rehabilitation, pachypleuritis,
Non-surgical correction of diplopia after stroke- a strong impact factor on quality of life-minireview
Authors: NICULA Cristina , NICULA Dorin , BULBOACĂ Adriana Elena
Published: December 2019

One of the most frequent disorders accompanied by diplopia is represented by stroke. Beyond different symptoms of stroke, diplopia constitutes an important clinical factor in influencing the quality of life in surviving patients. In this paper we discuss the visual impairment associated with stroke location, types of diplopia, the clinical examination, and the nonsurgical treatment of diplopia. The purpose of diplopia treatment is to restore binocular vision and eliminate the double vision. The most used nonsurgical treatment for diplopia is the optical correction by the prisms. Another therapeutic option is the botulinum toxin injections.

Key words: diplopia, stroke, visual rehabilitation, prism correction,
Clinical-therapeutic and recuperatory features in a patient with pluripatology: ischemic stroke, ischemic heart disease (sechelar myocardial infarction), chronic kidney disease and monstrous gout
Authors: STOICA Simona-Isabelle , CHIPĂRUȘ Carmen Elena , LAPADAT Magdalena Vasilica , PĂTRAȘCU George , ONOSE Gelu
Published: December 2019

Introduction: gout is a chronic inflammatory arthropathy produced by depositing crystals of monosodium uric acid (in joints and tissues) following an anomaly (genetics or acquired) in the purine metabolism (1,2). The manifestations of the disease are: hyperuricemia, recurrent episodes of acute arthritis, the presence of tophi, chronic kidney disease, urinary lithiasis(2). Stroke represents„ the rapid development of localized or global clinical signs of cerebral dysfunction with symptoms exceeding 24 hours, leading to death, without any other cause, except for vascular origin”. (3)
Materials and Methods: with the permission of the THEBA Ethics Commission ( no.17464/14.06.2019), we will present the clinical case of a 57-year-old patient admitted to the TEHBA Neuromuscular Recovery Clinic presenting a right hemiplegia and mixed aphasia after an ischemic stroke in the territory of the left middle cerebral artery, on the background of complex polypathology (monstrous gout arthropathy, chronic smoking, arterial hypertension, myocardial infarction with coronary artery stenosis, chronic kidney disease).
Results: the patient did in our clinic a neuro-muscular recovery treatment, adapted to his needs,which consisted of kinetotherapy and speech therapy and received appropriate medical treatment. The clinical evolution of the patient was slowly favorable, with improvement in language disorders and motor control of paralyzed limbs.
Conclusions: the case of this patient has several particularities. This is a patient with a vicious life style, with a severe arthropathy, with severe cardio-vascular sufferers, hospitalized for recovering neuro-muscular deficits after an ischemic stroke. Despite limited prognosis, the patient has improved ADL and the quality of life after recovery treatment.
Key words: stroke, hemiplegia, poly-pathologic, ischemic,
Effect of silver nanoparticles combined with antibiotics on different phylogenetic groups of Escherichia coli
Authors: Kazemnia Ali
Published: December 2019

Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) can attach to flexible polymeric chains of antibiotics, hence it can be used in combination with antibiotics against resistant bacteria. In this study, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and MBC/MIC ratio of Ag-NPs and antibiotics (gentamicin, tetracycline, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, cefixime, cephalexin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, and penicillin) were quantified against 50 Escherichia coli isolates (25 human urinary tract infection and 25 avian colibacillosis). All isolates had been assigned as four phylogenetic groups A, B1, B2, and D. The results showed that the majority of the human and broiler isolates belonged to phylogenetic groups A and B2. MBC/MIC ratio of Ag-NPs in combination with antibiotics was assessed. It was found that the MIC of the majority of broiler isolates to Ag-NPs was equal to or greater than 50 µg/ml. To conclude, as combination of penicillin with Ag-NPs and ciprofloxacin with Ag-NPs exhibited profound impact against isolates, the combinations might be used against multidrug resistant bacteria.
Prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi in horses (Equus caballus) and donkeys (Equus asinus) in El-Bayadh district, southwestern Algeria
Authors: BENFODIL K. , ANSEL S. , MOHAMED-CHERIF A. , AIT-OUDHIA K.
Published: December 2019

Trypanosoma evansi is a parasite that causes surra in a variety of wild and domestic animals and is mainly transmitted by biting flies in Africa, Asia and Latin-America. Horses infected by Trypanosoma evansi present a chronic weight loss, icterus, oedema, anemia, abortions and neurological troubles. Due to this parasite, cases of human trypanosomiosis have been reported in different countries by contacting with infected animals. In this study, 206 healthy equines (177 horses and 29 donkeys) from El-Bayadh district, located in southwest Algeria, were tested for the presence of parasites in blood using Giemsa-stained blood films and for the presence of antibodies against T. evansi using CATT /T. evansi. While none of the equines showed detectable parasites in the blood, the individual seroprevalence of T. evansi was found to be 46.6% (CI 95%, 40.7-54.4%). Out of 98 positives samples, 56.1% (55/98) were shown at level 1 (+), 27.5% (27/98) at level 2 (++) and 16.3% (16/98) at level 3 (+++). The results show that out of 177 tested horses, 80 were seropositive to T. evansi, 45.2% (CI 95%, 37.8-52.5%) and out of 29 tested donkeys, 18 were seropositive to T. evansi, 62.1% (CI 95%, 44.4-79.7%). A questionnaire for the owners, targeted to associate risk factors for surra in horses, showed that environmental factors that are favorable for Tabanids, such as water and vegetation, but also promiscuity with dromedaries were positively associated with the seroprevalence rate in the horses. El-Bayadh district is a highly endemic region for surra in Algeria.
The in vitro toxicity of atrazine on kinematics and DNA fragmentation in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) sperm cells
Authors: ÖZGÜR M.E.
Published: December 2019

This study investigated the in vitro effects of different concentrations of Atrazine (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 0.5 mg/L) added to motile and immotile solutions on kinematics quality of sperm cells of common carp, Cyprinus carpio, which is a fish of economic significance. The kinematics of the sperm cells was analyzed by a computer-assisted sperm analysis system (CASA). As a result of the study, while there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the groups in terms of the VSL (μm/s) and VCL (μm/s) values after the Atrazine-added immotile solution’s (IMS) and incubation for 3 hours, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in only the VSL values directly activated by the Atrazine-added motile solution (MS). DNA fragmentation was evident but not in higher numbers in the 0.1 mg/L atrazine group. Finally, it was determined the effective concentration (EC50) values of the VSL value of the motile and immotile solution as 0.34 mg/L and 0.03 mg/L, respectively.
Combined efficacy of silver nanoparticles and commercial antibiotics on different phylogenetic groups of Escherichia coli
Authors: KAZEMNIA A. , AHMADI M. , MARDANI K. , MORADI M. , DARVISHZADEH R.
Published: December 2019

Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) can attach to flexible polymeric chains of antibiotics, hence it can be used in combination with antibiotics against resistant bacteria. In this study, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and MBC/MIC ratio of Ag-NPs and antibiotics (gentamicin, tetracycline, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, cefixime, cephalexin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, and penicillin) were quantified against 50 Escherichia coli isolates (25 human urinary tract infection and 25 avian colibacillosis). All isolates had been assigned as four phylogenetic groups A, B1, B2, and D. The results showed that the majority of the human and broiler isolates belonged to phylogenetic groups A and B2. MBC/MIC ratio of Ag-NPs in combination with antibiotics was assessed. It was found that the MIC of the majority of broiler isolates to Ag-NPs was equal to or greater than 50 μg/ml. To conclude, a combination of penicillin and ciprofloxacin with Ag-NPs exhibited profound impact against isolates, the combinations might be applicable for treating multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Isolation, genotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility of pathogenic Escherichia coli serotypes in ready to eat foods
Authors: KARADAL F. , ERTAS ONMAZ N. , HIZLISOY H. , AL S. , TELLI N. , YILDIRIM Y. , GONULALAN Z.
Published: December 2019

In this study, pathogenic Escherichia coli serotypes (E. coli O157:H7, O26, O111) and their molecular proximity and antimicrobial susceptibility were investigated in RTE foods. A total of 240 samples; consist of 105 stuffed mussel, 56 meatless cig kofte, 54 Russian salad, 25 cheese halva, were analyzed. The conventional culture and serotyping methods for determination of the organisms were performed and further confirmation by PCR was carried out. Confirmed E. coli O157 isolates were genotyped by the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus(ERIC)-PCR. Antibacterial susceptibility testing of the isolates was performed by disc diffusion method. E. coli was detected in 7 (2.9 %) of 240 samples, including 3 (5.5%) Russian salad, 3 (2.8%) stuffed mussel, 1 (4 %) cheese halva. Two isolates from Russian salad, 1 from stuffed mussel and 1 from cheese halva were identified as E. coli O157 . In addition, stuffed mussel isolate was found to carry stx1 ve hlyA genes whereas one Russian salad isolate carried the stx1 gene. E. coli isolates were found to be resistant to amoxycillin/clavulonic acid, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin, at the rate of 29%, 14% and 29 %, respectively. Only one (14 %) isolate from stuffed mussel was classified as multidrug resistant to three antimicrobials. Furthermore, the isolates, related to O157 and O157:H7, presented different ribotypes in this study. The results provide useful data for the development of public health policy concerning the potential presence of pathogenic antimicrobial resistant E. coli serotypes in RTE foods. Strict surveillance of RTE foods at retail points for emerging pathogens, their antimicrobial resistance patterns and the potential likelihood of cross-contamination is required.
Biochemical characteristics of reduced-fat cheese made from high-heat treated goat’s milk supplemented with Penicillium candidum
Authors: KAMINARIES S. , SCORDOBEKI A. , ZOIDOU E. , MOATSOU G.
Published: December 2019

Novel reduced-fat goat-cheese (R) was produced from high-pasteurized milk using Penicillium candidum as an adjunct. A full-fat goat-cheese (F) from pasteurized milk without mold addition was produced for comparison reasons. Physicochemical analyses of the two cheeses were performed through the 14-d period of ripening. The effect of P.candidum on proteolysis of goat-cheese caseins and the production of hydrophilic and hydrophobic peptides during cheese ripening were investigated. To our knowledge, similar results for reduced-fat, mold-ripened, goat-milk cheeses have not been previously reported before. R-cheese exhibited a higher organoleptic score and developed properties similar to Kopanisti, which is a Protected Designation of Origin Greek soft cheese with specific intense flavour manufactured from raw milk without the use of starters. Moreover, R-cheese had significantly higher moisture, protein in dry matter and water soluble nitrogen contents than F-cheese and was less adhesive. The high-pasteurization improved the texture and cheese yield, while the use of P. candidum as an adjunct improved the flavour, increased and accelerated proteolysis in R-cheese. According to the results, the technology for R-cheese employed in the present study can be easily adopted and could be used to produce a reduced-fat goat-cheese.
Caudal cruciate ligament avulsion at its origin in a dog
Authors: KRYSTALLI A.A. , PRASSINOS N.N. , MANTIS P.
Published: December 2019

Caudal cruciate ligament (CaCL) rupture is uncommon in dogs and usually occurs with a concurrent rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL). A 10-month-old cross-bred dog was presented with left hind limb lameness. Orthopaedic examination revealed positive craniocaudal drawer sign in the left stifle. Arthrotomy confirmed CrCL rupture, and showed CaCL avulsion fracture at its origin. The stifle was stabilized using extracapsular lateral fabellotibial suture. Eight months postoperatively the dog was free of obvious lameness and remained sound until the last re-evaluation (3 years). This case raises the possibility that restoration of the CaCL function is not always essential for animals’ successful outcome.