bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in the relationship between dietary pattern adherence and cognitive function among older adults: findings from the NuAge study
Authors: D’Amico Danielle , Parrott Matthew D. , Greenwood Carol E. , Ferland Guylaine , Gaudreau Pierrette , Belleville Sylvie , Laurin Danielle , Anderson Nicole D. , Kergoat Marie-Jeanne , Morais Jose A. , Presse Nancy , Fiocco Alexandra J.
Published: June 2020

Background

Consumption of a prudent dietary pattern rich in healthy nutrients is associated with enhanced cognitive performance in older adulthood, while a Western dietary pattern low in healthy nutrients is associated with poor age-related cognitive function. Sex differences exist in dietary intake among older adults; however, there is a paucity of research examining the relationship between sex-specific dietary patterns and cognitive function in later life.

Methods

The current study aimed to investigate sex differences in the relationship between sex-specific dietary pattern adherence and global cognitive function at baseline and over a 3-year follow-up in 1268 community-dwelling older adults (Mage = 74 years, n = 664 women, n = 612 men) from the Quebec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Successful Aging (NuAge). A 78-item Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to estimate dietary intake over the previous year. Sex-specific dietary pattern scores were derived using principal component analysis. Global cognition was assessed using the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS).

Results

Adjusted linear mixed effects models indicated that a healthy, prudent dietary pattern was not associated with baseline cognitive performance in men or women. No relationship was found between Western dietary pattern adherence and baseline cognitive function in women. Among men, adherence to an unhealthy, Western dietary pattern was associated with poorer baseline cognitive function (β = − 0.652, p = 0.02, 95% CI [− 1.22, − 0.65]). No association was found between prudent or Western dietary patterns and cognitive change over time in men or women.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the importance of conducting sex-based analyses in aging research and suggest that the relationship between dietary pattern adherence and cognitive function in late life may be sex-dependent.
PARP inhibitor resistance: the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications
Authors: Li He , Liu Zhao-Yi , Wu Nayiyuan , Chen Yong-Chang , Cheng Quan , Wang Jing
Published: June 2020

Due to the DNA repair defect, BRCA1/2 deficient tumor cells are more sensitive to PARP inhibitors (PARPi) through the mechanism of synthetic lethality. At present, several PAPRi targeting poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) have been approved for ovarian cancer and breast cancer indications. However, PARPi resistance is ubiquitous in clinic. More than 40% BRCA1/2-deficient patients fail to respond to PARPi. In addition, lots of patients acquire PARPi resistance with prolonged oral administration of PARPi. Homologous recombination repair deficient (HRD), as an essential prerequisite of synthetic lethality, plays a vital role in killing tumor cells. Therefore, Homologous recombination repair restoration (HRR) becomes the predominant reason of PARPi resistance. Recently, it was reported that DNA replication fork protection also contributed to PARPi resistance in BRCA1/2-deficient cells and patients. Moreover, various factors, such as reversion mutations, epigenetic modification, restoration of ADP-ribosylation (PARylation) and pharmacological alteration lead to PARPi resistance as well. In this review, we reviewed the underlying mechanisms of PARP inhibitor resistance in detail and summarized the potential strategies to overcome PARPi resistance and increase PARPi sensitivity.
The adaptation and validation of the satisfaction with stroke care questionnaire (Homesat) (SASC10-My™) for use in public primary healthcare facilities caring for long- term stroke survivors residing at home in the community
Authors: Abdul Aziz Aznida Firzah , Tan Chai-Eng , Ali Mohd Fairuz , Aljunid Syed Mohamed
Published: June 2020

Background

Satisfaction with post stroke services would assist stakeholders in addressing gaps in service delivery. Tools used to evaluate satisfaction with stroke care services need to be validated to match healthcare services provided in each country. Studies on satisfaction with post discharge stroke care delivery in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) are scarce, despite knowledge that post stroke care delivery is fragmented and poorly coordinated. This study aims to modify and validate the HomeSat subscale of the Dutch Satisfaction with Stroke Care-19 (SASC-19) questionnaire for use in Malaysia and in countries with similar public healthcare services in the region.

Methods

The HomeSat subscale of the Dutch SASC-19 questionnaire (11 items) underwent back-to-back translation to produce a Malay language version. Content validation was done by Family Medicine Specialists involved in community post-stroke care. Community social support services in the original questionnaire were substituted with equivalent local services to ensure contextual relevance. Internal consistency reliability was determined using Cronbach alpha. Exploratory factor analysis was done to validate the factor structure of the Malay version of the questionnaire (SASC10-My™). The SASC10-My™ was then tested on 175 post-stroke patients who were recruited at ten public primary care healthcentres across Peninsular Malaysia, in a trial-within a trial study.

Results

One item from the original Dutch SASC19 (HomeSat) was dropped. Internal consistency for remaining 10 items was high (Cronbach alpha 0.830). Exploratory factor analysis showed the SASC10-My™ had 2 factors: discharge transition and social support services after discharge. The mean total score for SASC10-My™ was 10.74 (SD 7.33). Overall, only 18.2% were satisfied with outpatient stroke care services (SASC10-My™ score ≥ 20). Detailed analysis revealed only 10.9% of respondents were satisfied with discharge transition services, while only 40.9% were satisfied with support services after discharge.

Conclusions

The SASC10-My™ questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool to measure caregiver or patient satisfaction with outpatient stroke care services in the Malaysian healthcare setting. Studies linking discharge protocol patterns and satisfaction with outpatient stroke care services should be conducted to improve care delivery and longer-term outcomes.

Trial registration

No.: ACTRN12616001322426 (Registration Date: 21st September 2016.
Systematic review of the prospective association of daily step counts with risk of mortality, cardiovascular disease, and dysglycemia
Authors: Hall Katherine S. , Hyde Eric T. , Bassett David R. , Carlson Susan A. , Carnethon Mercedes R. , Ekelund Ulf , Evenson Kelly R. , Galuska Deborah A. , Kraus William E. , Lee I-Min , Matthews Charles E. , Omura John D. , Paluch Amanda E. , Thomas William I. , Fulton Janet E.
Published: June 2020

Background

Daily step counts is an intuitive metric that has demonstrated success in motivating physical activity in adults and may hold potential for future public health physical activity recommendations. This review seeks to clarify the pattern of the associations between daily steps and subsequent all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality, and dysglycemia, as well as the number of daily steps needed for health outcomes.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted to identify prospective studies assessing daily step count measured by pedometer or accelerometer and their associations with all-cause mortality, CVD morbidity or mortality, and dysglycemia (dysglycemia or diabetes incidence, insulin sensitivity, fasting glucose, HbA1c). The search was performed across the Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library databases from inception to August 1, 2019. Eligibility criteria included longitudinal design with health outcomes assessed at baseline and subsequent timepoints; defining steps per day as the exposure; reporting all-cause mortality, CVD morbidity or mortality, and/or dysglycemia outcomes; adults ≥18 years old; and non-patient populations.

Results

Seventeen prospective studies involving over 30,000 adults were identified. Five studies reported on all-cause mortality (follow-up time 4–10 years), four on cardiovascular risk or events (6 months to 6 years), and eight on dysglycemia outcomes (3 months to 5 years). For each 1000 daily step count increase at baseline, risk reductions in all-cause mortality (6–36%) and CVD (5–21%) at follow-up were estimated across a subsample of included studies. There was no evidence of significant interaction by age, sex, health conditions or behaviors (e.g., alcohol use, smoking status, diet) among studies that tested for interactions. Studies examining dysglycemia outcomes report inconsistent findings, partially due to heterogeneity across studies of glycemia-related biomarker outcomes, analytic approaches, and sample characteristics.

Conclusions

Evidence from longitudinal data consistently demonstrated that walking an additional 1000 steps per day can help lower the risk of all-cause mortality, and CVD morbidity and mortality in adults, and that health benefits are present below 10,000 steps per day. However, the shape of the dose-response relation is not yet clear. Data are currently lacking to identify a specific minimum threshold of daily step counts needed to obtain overall health benefit.
Poor sleep quality and associated factors among prisoners of the Diredawa correctional facility in eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Getachew Yibeltal , Azale Telake , Necho Mogesie
Published: June 2020

Background

Impaired sleep quality affects judgment, psychomotor skills, memory, decision-making, concentration, and attention. It might also contribute to the development of new physical health problems, as well as exacerbating already existing physical problems. Despite this, there is a scarcity of research done in Africa including Ethiopia that addressed this issue. So this study assessed the quality of sleep and related factors among prisoners of the Diredawa correctional facility, Diredawa, eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was done using a simple random sampling technique to recruit 421 participants from May 21 to June 21; 2017. A semi-structured questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleeps Quality Index (PSFIG), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PQ-9), and Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) were used to assess participants’ socio-demographic data, sleep quality, depression, and sleep hygiene, respectively. The collected data were entered into EPA-data 3.1 and analyzed by using SPAS-20. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression with odds ratio and 95% CI were employed. The statistical significance was declared at p value < 0.05.

Results

A total of 421 out of 423 prisoners were interviewed, resulting in a response rate of 99.5%. The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 227 (53.9%) with 95% CI (49.2, 58.7). Having co-morbidity of depression (adjusted odds ratio; OAR = 3.47, 95% CI 1.38,8.76), lifetime use of cigarette (OAR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.21,5.58), marijuana and hashish (OAR = 5.02, 95% CI 1.63,15.46), current use of coffee (OAR = 2.75, CI 1.37, 7.05), poor sleep hygiene (OAR = 3.19, CI 1.32,7.69), committing assault crime (OAR = 4.12, CI 1.29,10.63) and crime of rape (OAR = 5.57, CI (1.45, 13.89) were the associated factors for poor sleep quality in this study.

Conclusion

More than half of the participants (53.9%) have poor sleep quality. Depression, lifetime use of cigarettes, using cannabis and hashish, current use of coffee, poor sleep hygiene, and crime types were the associated factors that should be taken into consideration and evaluated early to minimize poor sleep quality.
Radiotherapy combined with gefitinib for patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer who are unfit for surgery or concurrent chemoradiotherapy: a phase II clinical trial
Authors: Fu Zhixue , Yang Xu , Wang Wenqing , Deng Lei , Zhang Tao , Bi Nan , Wang Xiaozhen , Chen Dongfu , Zhou Zongmei , Wang Luhua , Liang Jun
Published: June 2020

Background

The objectives of this study were to determine the objective effective response rate, survival, and safety of radiotherapy combined with gefitinib in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who were unfit for surgery or concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

The patients with the locally advanced NSCLC who were unfit to receive surgery or concurrent chemoradiotherapy, received thoracic intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) combined with gefitinib 250 mg daily.

Results

29 patients were enrolled between July 2014 and March 2017. 28 patients was in the analysis. Of the 28 patients, 21 (75.0%) experienced a partial response, 5 (17.9%) had stable disease, and 2 (7.1%) experienced progression of disease. The objective response rate was 75.0%, and the disease control rate was 92.9%. The median follow-up time was 51 months. The disease progression showed in 25 (89.3%) patients, including local progression in 19 (67.9%) and distant metastasis in 16 (57.1%). The median overall survival and progression-free survival time (PFS) were 26 and 11 months, respectively. The 3-, 4-, 5-year survival rates were 39.0, 30.1 and 30.1%, respectively. The 3-, 4-, 5-year PFS rates were 14.3, 9.5 and 9.5%. Two patients developed grade 3 acute adverse events. Seven patients developed grade 2 acute irradiation pneumonitis, and there was no grade 3 acute irradiation pneumonitis.

Conclusions

For patients with locally advanced NSCLC who are not eligible for surgery or concurrent chemoradiotherapy, IMRT combined with gefitinib can improve the objective effective rate and is generally well-tolerated.
Lissencephaly in Shih Tzu dogs
Authors: Rodríguez-Sánchez Diego Noé , Pinto Giovana Boff Araujo , Thomé Edval Fernando , Machado Vânia Maria de Vasconcelos , Amorim Rogério Martins
Published: June 2020

Background

Lissencephaly is a brain malformation characterized by smooth and thickened cerebral surface, which may result in structural epilepsy. Lissencephaly is not common in veterinary medicine. Here, we characterize the first cases of lissencephaly in four Shih Tzu dogs, including clinical presentations and findings of magnetic resonance imaging of lissencephaly and several concomitant brain malformations.

Case presentation

Early-onset acute signs of forebrain abnormalities were observed in all dogs, which were mainly cluster seizures and behavioral alterations. Based on neurological examination, the findings were consistent with symmetrical and bilateral forebrain lesions. Metabolic disorders and inflammatory diseases were excluded. Magnetic resonance imaging for three dogs showed diffuse neocortical agyria and thickened gray matter while one dog had mixed agyria and pachygyria. Other features, such as internal hydrocephalus, supracollicular fluid accumulation, and corpus callosum hypoplasia, were detected concomitantly. Antiepileptic drugs effectively controlled cluster seizures, however, sporadic isolated seizures and signs of forebrain abnormalities, such as behavioral alterations, central blindness, and strabismus persisted.

Conclusions

Lissencephaly should be considered an important differential diagnosis in Shih Tzu dogs presenting with early-onset signs of forebrain abnormalities, including cluster seizures and behavioral alterations. Magnetic resonance imaging was appropriate for ante-mortem diagnosis of lissencephaly and associated cerebral anomalies.
Research ethics and refugee health: a review of reported considerations and applications in published refugee health literature, 2015-2018
Authors: Seagle Emma E. , Dam Amanda J. , Shah Priti P. , Webster Jessica L. , Barrett Drue H. , Ortmann Leonard W. , Cohen Nicole J. , Marano Nina N.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Public health investigations, including research, in refugee populations are necessary to inform evidence-based interventions and care. The unique challenges refugees face (displacement, limited political protections, economic hardship) can make them especially vulnerable to harm, burden, or undue influence. Acute survival needs, fear of stigma or persecution, and history of trauma may present challenges to ensuring meaningful informed consent and establishing trust. We examined the recently published literature to understand the application of ethics principles in investigations involving refugees.

Methods

We conducted a preliminary review of refugee health literature (research and non-research data collections) published from 2015 through 2018 available in PubMed. Article inclusion criteria were: participants were refugees, topic was health-related, and methods used primary data collection. Information regarding type of investigation, methods, and reported ethics considerations was abstracted.

Results

We examined 288 articles. Results indicated 33% of investigations were conducted before resettlement, during the displacement period (68% of these were in refugee camps). Common topics included mental health (48%) and healthcare access (8%). The majority (87%) of investigations obtained consent. Incentives were provided less frequently (23%). Most authors discussed the ways in which community stakeholders were engaged (91%), yet few noted whether refugee representatives had an opportunity to review investigational protocols (8%). Cultural considerations were generally limited to gender and religious norms, and 13% mentioned providing some form of post-investigation support.

Conclusions

Our analysis is a preliminary assessment of the application of ethics principles reported within the recently published refugee health literature. From this analysis, we have proposed a list of best practices, which include stakeholder engagement, respect for cultural norms, and post-study support. Investigations conducted among refugees require additional diligence to ensure respect for and welfare of the participants. Development of a refugee-specific ethics framework with ethics and refugee health experts that addresses the need for stakeholder involvement, appropriate incentive use, protocol review, and considerations of cultural practices may help guide future investigations in this population.
Non-coding RNAs in cancer: platforms and strategies for investigating the genomic “dark matter”
Authors: Grillone Katia , Riillo Caterina , Scionti Francesca , Rocca Roberta , Tradigo Giuseppe , Guzzi Pietro Hiram , Alcaro Stefano , Di Martino Maria Teresa , Tagliaferri Pierosandro , Tassone Pierfrancesco
Published: June 2020

The discovery of the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the onset and progression of malignancies is a promising frontier of cancer genetics. It is clear that ncRNAs are candidates for therapeutic intervention, since they may act as biomarkers or key regulators of cancer gene network. Recently, profiling and sequencing of ncRNAs disclosed deep deregulation in human cancers mostly due to aberrant mechanisms of ncRNAs biogenesis, such as amplification, deletion, abnormal epigenetic or transcriptional regulation. Although dysregulated ncRNAs may promote hallmarks of cancer as oncogenes or antagonize them as tumor suppressors, the mechanisms behind these events remain to be clarified. The development of new bioinformatic tools as well as novel molecular technologies is a challenging opportunity to disclose the role of the “dark matter” of the genome. In this review, we focus on currently available platforms, computational analyses and experimental strategies to investigate ncRNAs in cancer. We highlight the differences among experimental approaches aimed to dissect miRNAs and lncRNAs, which are the most studied ncRNAs. These two classes indeed need different investigation taking into account their intrinsic characteristics, such as length, structures and also the interacting molecules. Finally, we discuss the relevance of ncRNAs in clinical practice by considering promises and challenges behind the bench to bedside translation.
Multiorgan failure following gastroenteritis: a case report
Authors: De Zylva Joseph , Padley James , Badbess Rassam , Dedigama Maneesha
Published: June 2020

Background

This report highlights the first published case of fatal septic shock associated with Clostridium perfringens and Enterococcus avium bacteremia due to infective gastroenteritis.

Case presentation

We report a case of hepatic infarction, abscess, and death following gastroenteritis in a 63-year-old Aboriginal man who initially presented to a rural hospital with suspected food poisoning. The patient had persistent fever and was commenced on empirical antibiotics. His blood culture results were positive for Clostridium perfringens and Enterococcus avium. He was transferred to a tertiary center but developed organ failure and refractory shock. Initial computed tomography of the abdomen was unremarkable, but repeat imaging showed small bowel enteritis, hepatic abscess, and infarction as a result of portal vein septic thromboembolism. Despite maximal intensive care treatment, including percutaneous drainage of hepatic abscess and broad antibiotic cover, the patient died 6 days after initial presentation.

Conclusions

This case highlights the rare but commonly fatal course of sepsis associated with Clostridium perfringens bacteremia and demonstrates detrimental effects of coinfection with Enterococcus avium, including potential for rapidly seeding abscess formation. Lessons for rural practice are highlighted, including the need for urgent and early referral for intensive care support, particularly for patients with complex comorbidities.
Changes of Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Ectopic Fat in Response to Weight-loss Diets: the POUNDS Lost Trial
Authors: Li Xiang , Sun Dianjianyi , Zhou Tao , Ma Hao , Heianza Yoriko , Liang Zhaoxia , Bray George A , Sacks Frank M , Qi Lu
Published: June 2020

Context

Recent evidence has related circulating branch-chained amino acids (BCAAs) to ectopic fat distribution.

Objective

To investigate the associations of changes in plasma BCAAs induced by weight-loss diet interventions with hepatic fat and abdominal fat, and potential modification by different diets.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The current study included 184 participants from the 2-year Preventing Overweight and Using Novel Dietary Strategies (POUNDS Lost) trial with repeated measurements on plasma BCAAs, hepatic fat, and abdominal fat over 2 years.

Main Outcome Measures

Repeated measurements of hepatic fat, abdominal fat distribution, including visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and total adipose tissue (TAT).

Results

Over 2 years, a decrease in total plasma BCAAs was significantly associated with improvement in hepatic density (a marker for hepatic fat; P = 0.02) and reductions in abdominal fat, including VAT, SAT, and TAT (all P < 0.05) in the main analyses. Additionally, we observed that decreases in BCAAs were associated with decreased insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and triglycerides, independent of weight loss (all P < 0.05). Moreover, we found that dietary protein intake significantly modified the relation between changes in total plasma BCAAs and hepatic density at 6 months (Pinteraction = 0.01). Participants with a larger decrease in total BCAAs showed a greater increase in hepatic density when consuming a high-protein diet, compared with those with a smaller decrease or increase in total BCAAs.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that weight-loss diet-induced decrease in plasma BCAAs is associated with reductions of hepatic and abdominal fat. In addition, dietary protein intake may modify these associations.
Plasma Clusterin as a Potential Link Between Diabetes and Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Ha Junghee , Moon Min Kyong , Kim Hyunjeong , Park Minsun , Cho So Yeon , Lee Jimin , Lee Jun-Young , Kim Eosu
Published: June 2020

Objective

Plasma clusterin, a promising biomarker of Alzheimer disease (AD), has been associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). However, clusterin has not been investigated considering a relationship with both DM and AD. In this study, we aimed to investigate the individual and interactive relationships of plasma clusterin levels with both diseases.

Design

Cross-sectional observation study.

Methods

We classified participants by the severity of cognitive (normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment [MCI], and AD) and metabolic (healthy control, prediabetes, and DM) impairments. We evaluated the cognitive and metabolic functions of the participants with neuropsychological assessments, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and various blood tests, to explore potential relationships with clusterin.

Results

Plasma clusterin levels were higher in participants with AD and metabolic impairment (prediabetes and DM). A two-way ANCOVA revealed no synergistic, but an additive effect of AD and DM on clusterin. Clusterin was negatively correlated with cognitive scores. It was also associated with metabolic status indicated by glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance index, and fasting C-peptide. It showed correlations between medial temporal atrophy and periventricular white matter lesions, indicating neurodegeneration and microvascular insufficiency, respectively. Further mediation analysis to understand the triadic relationship between clusterin, AD, and DM revealed that the association between DM and AD was significant when clusterin is considered as a mediator of their relationship.

Conclusions

Clusterin is a promising biomarker of DM as well as of AD. Additionally, our data suggest that clusterin may have a role in linking DM with AD as a potential mediator.
Development and Validation of Prediction Models for Subtype Diagnosis of Patients With Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Burrello Jacopo , Burrello Alessio , Pieroni Jacopo , Sconfienza Elisa , Forestiero Vittorio , Rabbia Paola , Adolf Christian , Reincke Martin , Veglio Franco , Williams Tracy Ann , Monticone Silvia , Mulatero Paolo
Published: June 2020

Context

Primary aldosteronism (PA) comprises unilateral (lateralized [LPA]) and bilateral disease (BPA). The identification of LPA is important to recommend potentially curative adrenalectomy. Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is considered the gold standard for PA subtyping, but the procedure is available in few referral centers.

Objective

To develop prediction models for subtype diagnosis of PA using patient clinical and biochemical characteristics.

Design, Patients and Setting

Patients referred to a tertiary hypertension unit. Diagnostic algorithms were built and tested in a training (N = 150) and in an internal validation cohort (N = 65), respectively. The models were validated in an external independent cohort (N = 118).

Main outcome measure

Regression analyses and supervised machine learning algorithms were used to develop and validate 2 diagnostic models and a 20-point score to classify patients with PA according to subtype diagnosis.

Results

Six parameters were associated with a diagnosis of LPA (aldosterone at screening and after confirmatory testing, lowest potassium value, presence/absence of nodules, nodule diameter, and computed tomography results) and were included in the diagnostic models. Machine learning algorithms displayed high accuracy at training and internal validation (79.1%-93%), whereas a 20-point score reached an area under the curve of 0.896, and a sensitivity/specificity of 91.7/79.3%. An integrated flowchart correctly addressed 96.3% of patients to surgery and would have avoided AVS in 43.7% of patients. The external validation on an independent cohort confirmed a similar diagnostic performance.

Conclusions

Diagnostic modelling techniques can be used for subtype diagnosis and guide surgical decision in patients with PA in centers where AVS is unavailable.
Effect of Gut Microbiota and PNPLA3 rs738409 Variant on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in Obese Youth
Authors: Monga Kravetz Ayesha , Testerman Todd , Galuppo Brittany , Graf Joerg , Pierpont Bridget , Siebel Stephan , Feinn Richard , Santoro Nicola
Published: June 2020

Context

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver disease, affecting approximately 3 in 10 obese children worldwide.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the potential relationship between gut microbiota and NAFLD in obese youth, while considering the role of PNPLA3 rs738409, a strong genetic contributor to NAFLD.

Design

In this cross-sectional study, participants completed an abdominal magnetic resonance imaging to measure hepatic fat fraction (HFF), oral glucose tolerance test, and PNPLA3 rs738409 genotyping. Fecal samples were collected to analyze the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene for intestinal bacteria characterization.

Setting

Yale Pediatric Obesity Clinic.

Participants

Obese youth (body mass index >95th percentile) with NAFLD (HFF ≥5.5%; n = 44) and without NAFLD (HFF <5.5%; n = 29).

Main Outcome Measure

Shannon-Wiener diversity index values and proportional bacterial abundance by NAFLD status and PNPLA3 genotype.

Results

Subjects with NAFLD had decreased bacterial alpha-diversity compared with those without NAFLD (P = 0.013). Subjects with NAFLD showed a higher Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio (P = 0.019) and lower abundance of Bacteroidetes (P = 0.010), Prevotella (P = 0.019), Gemmiger (P = 0.003), and Oscillospira (P = 0.036). F/B ratio, Bacteroidetes, Gemmiger, and Oscillospira were associated with HFF when controlling for group variations. We also observed an additive effect on HFF by PNPLA3 rs738409 and Gemmiger, and PNPLA3 rs738409 and Oscillospira.

Conclusions

Obese youth with NAFLD have a different gut microbiota composition than those without NAFLD. These differences were still statistically significant when controlling for factors associated with NAFLD, including PNPLA3 rs738409.
Local socioeconomic status and paramedic students' academic performance
Authors: Hamel Lydia , Procum Ashley , Hunter Justin , Gridley Donna , O'Connor Kathleen , Fentress Thomas , Goenner Christopher , Khalsa Sahaj , Batt Alan M.
Published: June 2020

Research indicates that students of lower socioeconomic status are educationally disadvantaged. This study sought to examine differences in paramedic students' academic performance from counties with varied socioeconomic status in the United States of America. Student performance data and socioeconomic status data were combined for counties within the states of California, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and Virginia. Linear multiple regression modelling was performed to determine the relationship between income, high school graduation rate, poverty and food insecurity, with first-attempt scores on the Fisdap Paramedic Readiness Exam versions 3 and 4. Linear regression models indicated that there was a significant relationship between county-level income, poverty, graduation rate, food insecurity, and paramedic student academic performance. It remains unclear what type of relationship exists between individual socioeconomic status and individual academic performance of paramedic students. These findings support the future collection of individual student socioeconomic data to identify issues and mitigate impact on academic performance.
Physiological and psychological components of paramedic wellbeing
Authors: Wheeler Bethany , Dippenaar Enrico
Published: June 2020

Literature throughout the years has identified that wellbeing includes a variety of concepts that primarily have social, physical, and mental components. Research still needs to identify how the key aspects of these themes link together to create a holistic wellbeing approach, especially in frontline emergency healthcare, like paramedics. Linking together physiological indicators and psychological mediators is currently being investigated through a feasibility study at Anglia Ruskin University. We describe these components as an individual's state in relation to their heart rate variability and cortisol levels (physiological), and individual, social, and organisational mediators (psychological). We present a narrative review of selected literature to introduce and describe these components to the paramedic profession. This review is not exhaustive or representative of all literature on the topic and thus our description should be interpreted as an introduction to concepts of paramedic wellbeing that has not previously been combined or discussed in such a manner.
Lion's mane jellyfish sting
Authors: Mahon Andrew , Mallinson Tom E
Published: June 2020

The authors present the case of an Irukandji-like syndrome resulting from cnidarian envenomation, following multiple stings from the lion's mane jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) encountered by a sea swimmer in the coastal waters of the UK. This case presents the initial features of Irukandji-like syndrome in this 45-year-old female, her management in the emergency department and subsequent discharge. Envenomation from the lion's mane species and the Irukandji syndrome are briefly discussed.
Comparative study between the Titanium Phosphate TiP2O7 and the Phosphate Fertilizers in the catalysis of the Quinazolin-4(3H)-one derivatives synthesis
Authors: Merroun Youssef , Chehab Soukaina , Ghailane Tourya , Ghailane Rachida , Boukhris Said , Hassikou Amina , Habbadi Nouzha , Lakhrissi Brahim , Souizi Abdelaziz
Published: June 2020

A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of quinazolin-4(3H)-one derivatives via condensation of anthranilamide with aromatic aldehyde catalyzed by monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), and triple superphosphate (TSP), were developed.  The modification of these three phosphate fertilizers using titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) has increased their catalytic efficiency. The prepared titanium phosphate (TiP2O7) was characterized using microscopic and spectroscopic methods, namely X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and infrared spectroscopy (IR). The TiP2O7 was applied for the first time as a heterogeneous catalyst in quinazolin-4(3H)-ones synthesis. High yields and short reaction times were observed in the determined optimal condition (solvent nature, volume, and catalyst amount). This study shows that the TiP2O7 presents an exciting catalytic activity and long-term durability compared to those of MAP, DAP, and TSP.
Periodic trapezoidal VO2-Ge multilayer absorber for dynamic radiative cooling
Authors: Zhang Wen-Wen , Qi Hong , Sun An-Tai , Ren Ya-Tao , Shi Jing-Wen
Published: June 2020

Nowadays, the requirement for achieving dynamic radiative cooling is more and more intense, so a cooling system is proposed and developed to meet the demand in this paper. This cooling system is composed of a filter and a periodic trapezoidal VO2-Ge multilayer absorber (VGMA). The filter on the top enables the VGMA to reflect most of the solar irradiation at daytime and the absorptance or emittance of the VGMA is very different in the spectrum band of 8-13 μm for insulating and metallic VO2 due to the phase transition characteristic of VO2. With this cooling system, close-to-zero absorptance in the range of 0.3-2.5 μm and high (low) absorptance from 8 to 13 μm are achieved for metallic (insulating) VO2. Based on changing the temperature and absorptivity or emissivity simultaneously, radiative heat can be transferred dynamically to the outer space. When VO2 is in the insulating phase, the absorption mechanism of the absorber is magnetic resonance and surface plasmon polariton resonance, and broadband high absorptivity is achieved by exciting slowlight waveguide mode at broadband wavelengths when VO2 is in metallic phase. The spectral absorptance characteristics of the absorber in the two phase states are investigated as a function of the layer number and the incident angle of the electromagnetic waves. The results show that the absorber designed is insensitive to the incident angle. Moreover, the net cooling power of the VGMA of metallic VO2 is instantly 4 times more than that of insulating VO2 once the phase change temperature is reached. This work will be beneficial to the advancement of dynamic radiative cooling.
Bacteriological quality of water in private wells and boreholes in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Agyo Ruth Adi , Ofukwu Raph Agbo , Okoh Anthony Ekle J. , Agada Charity A.
Published: June 2020

Aim: This study aimed at examined the presence of coliform bacteria in private wells and boreholes (BH) in peri-urban areas of Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, using the approaches of most probable number (MPN) index and coliform count.

Materials and Methods: Seven hundred and sixty-eight water samples were randomly collected during a 1-year period from non-cased wells, burn brick cased wells (BBW), concrete cased wells, and BH in four locations; A, B, C, and D during the wet and dry seasons. One liter of water was obtained from each well at every visit to the four sites, and eight water samples were collected from each visit. The samples were analyzed using multiple tube fermentation methods and pour plate techniques to determine the MPN of coliform/100 ml of water, reading from the MPN statistics table.

Results: One-way analysis of variance statistics was applied using Duncan's new multiple range test to separate the means where there was a significant difference. The result revealed that the MPN index and total coliform counts in all the wells in the locations were above the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit for potable water. The highest MPN index of 54.807 was recorded in Location A and followed by 42.679 in Location B. The MPN index in Locations C and D was 36.740 and 30.943, respectively. There was significantly (p=0.000) higher total coliform count in the wet season (41.48±7.09) than in the dry season (38.33±2.83).

Conclusion: This study shows the presence of coliform bacteria isolates in all the wells and BH that exceeded the WHO permissible limits for drinking water. The water from these sources is unsafe for drinking except after dosing with appropriate germicides. Sensitization of the population on the actions they can take to make the water safe for domestic use is suggested.
Mersenne-Horadam identities using generating functions
Authors: Frontczak R. , Goy T.
Published: June 2020

The main object of the present paper is to reveal connections between Mersenne numbers $M_n=2^n-1$ and generalized Fibonacci (i.e., Horadam) numbers $w_n$ defined by a second order linear recurrence $w_n=pw_{n-1}+qw_{n-2}$, $n\geq 2$, with $w_0=a$ and $w_1=b$, where $a$, $b$, $p>0$ and $q\ne0$ are integers. This is achieved by relating the respective (ordinary and exponential) generating functions to each other. Several explicit examples involving Fibonacci, Lucas, Pell, Jacobsthal and balancing numbers are stated to highlight the results.
Analysis of a Strong Suppressor of Segregation Distorter in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Greenberg Temin Rayla
Published: June 2020

Segregation Di st orter (SD) is a naturally occurring male meiotic drive system in Drosophila melanogaster, characterized by almost exclusive transmission of the SD chromosome owing to dysfunction of sperm receiving the SD+ homolog. Previous studies identified at least three closely linked loci on chromosome 2 required for distortion: Sd, the primary distorting gene; E(SD) (Enhancer of SD), which increases the strength of distortion; and Rsp (Responder), the apparent target of Sd. Strength of distortion is also influenced by linked upward modifiers including M(SD) (Modifier of SD) and St(SD) (Stabilizer of SD), and by various unlinked suppressors. Although Sd is known to encode a mutant RanGAP protein, none of the modifiers have been molecularly identified. This work focuses on the genetic and cytological characterization of a strong X-linked suppressor, Su(SD), capable of restoring Mendelian transmission in SD/SD+ males. Sd and its cohort of positive modifiers appear to act semiquantitatively in opposition to Su(SD) with distortion strength depending primarily on the total number of distorting elements rather than which particular elements are present. Su(SD) can also suppress male sterility observed in certain SD genotypes. To facilitate its eventual molecular identification, Su(SD) was localized by deletion mapping to polytene region 13C7-13E4. These studies highlight the polygenic nature of distortion and its dependence on a constellation of positive and negative modifiers, provide insight into the stability of Mendelian transmission in natural populations even when a drive system arises, and pave the way for molecular characterization of Su(SD) whose identity should reveal new information about the mechanism of distortion.
Realisme Moral dalam Pandangan Ṭabāṭabā’ī (Respons terhadap Natuaralisme, Emotivisme, dan Anti-Realisme Moral)
Authors: Hamdani Basrir
Published: June 2020

The main purpose of this article is to point out Ṭabāṭabā’ī’s metaethical idea, that is moral realism, based on the principle of moral philosophy which found in his theory of I’tibāriyat, a theory of perception dealing with various kinds of perception related to practical action of human being whether individual or social. Departing from many problems related to ontological and epistemological statuses of morality that have not been solved yet by several modern metaethical theories, cognitivism and non-cognitivism, this Ṭabāṭabā’ī’s metaethical idea is considered enable to give alternative solutions by proposing two points as the results of reflection on it that morality in the case of metaethical study is imaginative-cognitive-relative and existent in threefold components (action, pupose, and nature of an actor). The elaboration of this reflection in the same time constitutes a response to those modern metaethical theories especially Naturalism, Emotivism, and Anti-Realism. The method by which the writer presents this article is analytical-critical-comparative method, that is, to analyze every idea or theory of metaethics mentioned and, then, by comparative-critical approach, the writer attempts to provide a response to some claims from Naturalism, Emotivism, and Anti-Realism.
Caution is needed in interpreting the results of comparative studies regarding oncological operations by minimally invasive versus laparotomic access
Authors: FERNANDES PEDRO RICARDO DE OLIVEIRA , FERNANDES NETO FRANCISCO AMÉRICO , WOHNRATH DURVAL RENATO , VAZQUEZ VINÍCIUS DE LIMA
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT We aim to alert the difference between groups while comparing studies of abdominal oncological operations performed either by minimally invasive or laparotomic approaches and potential conflicts of interest in presenting or interpreting the results. Considering the large volume of scientific articles that are published, there is a need to consider the quality of the scientific production that leads to clinical decision making. In this regards, it is important to take into account the choice of the surgical access route. Randomized, controlled clinical trials are the standard for comparing the effectiveness between these interventions. Although some studies indicate advantages in minimally invasive access, caution is needed when interpreting these findings. There is no detailed observation in each of the comparative study about the real limitations and potential indications for minimally invasive procedures, such as the indications for selected and less advanced cases, in less complex cavities, as well as its elective characteristic. Several abdominal oncological operations via laparotomy would not be plausible to be completely performed through a minimally invasive access. These cases should be carefully selected and excluded from the comparative group. The comparison should be carried out, in a balanced way, with a group that could also have undergone a minimally invasive access, avoiding bias in selecting those cases of minor complexity, placed in the minimally invasive group. It is not a question of criticizing the minimally invasive technologies, but of respecting the surgeon’s clinical decision regarding the most convenient method, revalidating the well-performed traditional laparotomy route, which has been unfairly criticized or downplayed by many people.
Standardization of elective tracheostomies at the Central Institute of the Hospital das Clínicas in São Paulo during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: MENEGOZZO CARLOS AUGUSTO METIDIERI , ARAP SÉRGIO SAMIR , MARIANI ALESSANDRO WASUM , MINAMOTO HÉLIO , IMAMURA RUI , BENTO RICARDO FERREIRA , PÊGO-FERNANDES PAULO MANOEL , KOWALSKI LUIZ PAULO , UTIYAMA EDIVALDO MASSAZO
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 Pandemic has resulted in a high number of hospital admissions and some of those patients need ventilatory support in intensive care units. The viral pneumonia secondary to Sars-cov-2 infection may lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and longer mechanical ventilation needs, resulting in a higher demand for tracheostomies. Due to the high aerosolization potential of such procedure, and the associated risks of staff and envoirenment contamination, it is necesseray to develop a specific standardization of the of the whole process involving tracheostomies. This manuscript aims to demonstrate the main steps of the standardization created by a tracheostomy team in a tertiary hospital dedicated to providing care for patients with COVID-19.
Walras in the light of Marx, Lacan and his own
Authors: PRADO ELEUTÉRIO F. S.
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT This article discusses Léon Walras’s conception of pure science, which naturalizes market prices. We then show how Marx critically explains the naturalization of economic phenomena in general. Then - based on Jacques Lacan’s theory of the subject - we indicate how the discourse of positive science contributes to the formation of technoscientific knowledge and, specially, to the diffusion of the neoclassical theory. Moreover, the article shows that this understanding of knowledge contributes to deduct from the responsibilities of technobureaucrats for potentially disastrous consequences of the application of positive science to society.
Dragon in the “backyard”: China’s investment and trade in Latin America in the context of crisis
Authors: Menezes Roberto Goulart , Bragatti Milton Carlos
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to analyze China’s trade and investment relations with Latin America, especially with Brazil and MERCOSUR in the context of the international economic crisis. In a scenario in which commodity prices appear to remain low, the region increases its dependence on China. Thus, the Chinese take advantage to advance on the economies of the region, increasing reprimarization of the economies of these countries.
Luzes e Sombras: um olhar de Keynes sobre a esquerda
Authors: Sicsú João
Published: June 2020

RESUMO A posição política e ideológica de J. M. Keynes é de difícil classificação. O objetivo do artigo é identificar sua posição. Nos dias de hoje, há uma forte identificação das ideias de Keynes com parte da esquerda. Por outro lado, há na literatura econômica especializada posições que o colocam de forma bastante nítida bem afastado da esquerda marxista/comunista. Parece, entretanto, que a relação de Keynes e suas ideias com a cultura da esquerda comunista estaria marcada por profundas aderências e rejeições. Keynes adotou posições que eram aparentemente dúbias e pendulares. Em verdade, Keynes era um iluminista, um intelectual elitista, que tinha uma utopia de justiça social, bem-estar material e liberalismo político. Esse é o motivo por que hoje ele é admirado pela esquerda reformista e radical.