bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro
Susceptibility of
Fusarium
to Isavuconazole
Authors: Broutin A. , Bigot J. , Senghor Y. , Moreno-Sabater A. , Guitard J. , Hennequin C.
Published: November 2019

To evaluate the
in vitro
susceptibility of
Fusarium
to isavuconazole, 75 clinical isolates were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry and then tested with a broth microdilution method (EUCAST) and the gradient concentration strip (GCS) technique. The activity of isavuconazole overall was shown to be limited, with an MIC
50
 of >16 μg/ml, without significant differences between the species complexes.
Alterations of the Viable Ileal Microbiota of the Gut Mucosa-Lymph Node Axis in Pigs Fed Phytase and Lactic Acid-Treated Cereals
Authors: Klinsoda Jutamat , Vötterl Julia , Zebeli Qendrim , Metzler-Zebeli Barbara U.
Published: November 2019

A host
’
s diet largely determines the gut microbial composition and therefore may influence bacterial translocation into ICLNs. Due to its importance for cell metabolism, the intestinal phosphorus availability, which was modified here by phytase and LA treatment of cereals, affects the intestinal microbiota. Previous studies mainly focused on bacteria in the lumen. The novelty of this work resides mainly in that we report diet-microbe effects along the digesta-mucosa-ICLN axis and linked those effects to mucosal expression of barrier function genes as crucial components for host health. Lymph nodes can serve as reservoir of pathobionts; therefore, present diet-microbiome-host interactions have implications for food safety.
A Multicenter Study of the Revogene C. difficile System for Detection of the Toxin B Gene from Unformed Stool Specimens
Authors: Mashock Michael J. , Faron Matthew L. , Carroll Karen C. , Dang Christina , Lewis Shawna , Salimnia Hossein , Lephart Paul , Loo Vivian G. , Schmitt Bryan H. , Young Stephen , Buchan Blake W. , Ledeboer Nathan A.
Published: November 2019

Clostridioides difficile
is the leading cause of diarrhea in hospitalized U.S. patients and results in over 400,000 cases of
C. difficile
infection per year.
C. difficile
infections have mortality rates of 6 to 30% and significantly increase health care costs, because of increased length of stay and increased frequency of readmissions due to recurrences. Efforts to reduce the spread of
C. difficile
in hospitals have led to the development of rapid sensitive diagnostic methods.
Population Structure and Genetic Diversity among Isolates of
Coccidioides posadasii
in Venezuela and Surrounding Regions
Authors: Teixeira Marcus M. , Alvarado Primavera , Roe Chandler C. , Thompson George R. , Patané José S. L. , Sahl Jason W. , Keim Paul , Galgiani John N. , Litvintseva Anastasia P. , Matute Daniel R. , Barker Bridget M.
Published: November 2019

Valley Fever is a fungal disease caused by two species of fungi:
Coccidioides immitis
and
C. posadasii
. These fungi are found throughout the arid regions of North and South America; however, our understanding of genetic diversity and disease in South America is limited. In this report, we analyze 10 new genomes of
Coccidioides posadasii
from regions bordering the Caribbean Sea. We show that these populations are distinct and that isolates from Venezuela are likely a result of a recent bottleneck. These data point to patterns that might be observed when investigating recently established populations.
A Multicomponent Vaccine Provides Immunity against Local and Systemic Infections by Group A Streptococcus across Serotypes
Authors: Bi Shuai , Xu Meiyi , Zhou Ya , Xing Xinxin , Shen Adong , Wang Beinan
Published: November 2019

GAS is among the most common human pathogens and causes a wide variety of diseases, likely more than any other microorganism. The diverse clinical manifestations of GAS may be attributable to its large repertoire of virulence factors that are selectively and synergistically involved in streptococcal pathogenesis. To date, GAS vaccines have not been successful due to multiple serotypes and postinfection sequelae associated with autoimmunity. In this study, five conserved virulence factors that are involved in GAS pathogenesis were used as a combined vaccine. Intranasal immunization with this vaccine induced humoral and cellular immune responses across GAS serotypes and protected against mucosal, systemic, and skin infections. The significance of this work is to demonstrate that the efficacy of GAS vaccines can be achieved by including multiple nonredundant critical virulence factors and inducing local and systemic immunity. The strategy also provides valuable insights for vaccine development against other pathogens.
Structure Elucidation and Biochemical Characterization of Environmentally Relevant Novel Extradiol Dioxygenases Discovered by a Functional Metagenomics Approach
Authors: Sidhu Chandni , Solanki Vipul , Pinnaka Anil Kumar , Thakur Krishan Gopal
Published: November 2019

The disposal and degradation of xenobiotic compounds have been serious issues due to their recalcitrant properties. Microbial oxygenases are the fundamental enzymes involved in biodegradation that oxidize the substrate by transferring oxygen from molecular oxygen. Among oxygenases, catechol dioxygenases are more versatile in biodegradation and are well studied among the bacterial world. The use of catechol dioxygenases in the field is currently not practical due to their aerobically unstable nature. The significance of our research lies in the discovery of aerobically stable and halotolerant catechol dioxygenases that are efficient in degrading the targeted environmental pollutants and, hence, could be used as cost-effective alternatives for the treatment of hypersaline industrial effluents. Moreover, the structural determination of novel catechol dioxygenases would greatly enhance our knowledge of the function of these enzymes and facilitate directed evolution to further enhance or engineer desired properties.
Unusual presentation of haemoptysis following accidental inhalation of the ‘superwarfarin’ rodenticide brodifacoum
Authors: Love Ryan Laurence , Sharma Naveen , Chong Katie
Published: November 2019

Haemoptysis is a worrying symptom for patients and can represent a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. We present the case of a 56-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with acute haemoptysis and associated sudden-onset dyspnoea. The patient remained haemodynamically stable and there was no demonstrable drop in haemoglobin concentration. Following rigorous investigations, on further questioning, the patient recalled inadvertent inhalation of the rodenticide brodifacoum. This exposure was deemed to represent the cause of their acute haemoptysis, which subsequently fully resolved without intervention.
Management of hydroureteronephrosis secondary to an aberrant middle rectal artery in a patient with congenital unilateral renal agenesis
Authors: Kim Jason Jae Yeun , Mansbridge Margaret Mary , Jones Brendan , Tracey Christopher Bernard Michael
Published: November 2019

Presented here is the case of a 21-year-old man, with a family history of unilateral renal agenesis, who presented with obstruction of his solitary functioning right kidney. Initially thought to be secondary to an obturator fossa hernia on endoscopic and retrograde pyelography assessment, diagnosis of obstruction secondary to an aberrant middle rectal artery was determined at laparotomy and division of this vessel relieved the patient’s obstruction without any short-term or long-term complications. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case in the literature of hydroureteronephrosis secondary to an aberrant middle rectal artery.
Rosai-Dorfman disease with cutaneous plaques and autoimmune haemolytic anemia
Authors: Subhadarshani Sweta , Kumar Tarun , Arava Sudheer , Gupta Somesh
Published: November 2019

Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (Rosai-Dorfman disease) is a non-Langerhan cell histiocytosis which primarily involves lymph nodes. Extranodal involvement in the form of cutaneous plaques can occur and can pose a diagnostic challenge because of pleomorphic presentation and histopathological mimics. Rarely, systemic autoimmune involvement may complicate the disease process. We present a 28-year-old woman with slowly evolving scaly erythematous cutaneous plaques and fluctuating lymphadenopathy, associated with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia. The patient responded favourably to oral corticosteroids and acitretin with significant flattening of cutaneous plaques, reduction in size of neck nodes and improvement of anaemia.
Inter-rater reliability in a bespoke scoring tool: the Paediatric Observation Priority Score
Authors: Bonfield Adam , Roland Damian
Published: November 2019

Objective

Inter-rater reliability (IRR) is rarely determined for scoring systems used to recognise deterioration in children. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to determine the IRR of the Paediatric Observation Priority Score (POPS), a bespoke paediatric scoring system for ED use. The IRR of both the overall POPS and its individual parameters are to be investigated.

Methods

This is an experimental, single-centre study based in the Leicester children’s ED, England. A purposive sample of nursing, healthcare assistants and doctors were recruited from October 2017 to December 2017. Eleven prerecorded video assessments were shown to 45 participants asked to generate a POPS for each child. The participants were blinded to each other’s scores and the triage POPS. IRR among the participants POPS was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Fleiss kappa was used to determine the IRR of individual parameters.

Results

Overall, the ICC across all assessments by staff was 0.84 (95% CI 0.71 to 0.95). Fleiss kappa for parameters ranged from 0.87 to 1 for oxygen saturation, 0.48 to 0.91 for work of breathing, 0.55 to 1 for response, 0.46 to 0.87 for gut feeling, 0.53 to 1 for medical history, 0.76 to 1 for heart rate, 0.44 to 0.96 for respiratory rate and 0.51 to 1 for temperature.

Conclusions

This study suggests there is statistically moderate to excellent IRR of the POPS when assessing a variety of clinical presentations between different healthcare professionals with a range of experience.
The incidence of airway haemorrhage in manual versus mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: Asha Stephen Edward , Doyle Sarah , Paull Glenn , Hsieh Victar
Published: November 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of airway haemorrhage between participants who received manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and those who had received mechanical CPR using the LUCAS device.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted by means of a medical chart review. All non-traumatic cardiac arrest patients that presented to the ED, from May 2014 to February 2018, were recruited. The groups were stratified according to those who had the majority of CPR performed using the LUCAS and those who had the majority of CPR performed manually. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants with airway haemorrhage, defined as blood observed in the endotracheal tube, pharynx, trachea or mouth, and documented in the doctor or nursing notes. Logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for confounders.

Results

12 of 54 (22%) participants in the majority LUCAS CPR group had airway haemorrhage, compared with 20 of 215 (9%) participants in the majority manual CPR group, a difference of 13% (95% CI 3% to 26%, p=0.02). The unadjusted odds for developing airway haemorrhage in the majority LUCAS CPR group was 2.8 (95% CI 1.3 to 6.1). After adjusting for confounders, the odds for developing airway haemorrhage in the majority LUCAS CPR group was 2.5 (95% CI 1.1 to 5.7).

Conclusions

The LUCAS mechanical CPR device is associated with a higher incidence of airway haemorrhage compared with manual CPR. Limitations in the study design mean this conclusion is not robust.
Estimation of associations between 10 common gene polymorphisms and gastric cancer: evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: Xie Zongjing , Wang Bingmei , Chai Yongjie , Chen Junyin
Published: November 2019

Aims

Associations between polymorphisms in cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4)/mannose-binding lectin (MBL)/interleukin-4 (IL-4)/interleukin-6 (IL-6)/phospholipase C ε−1 (PLCE1) and gastric cancer (GC) were already reported by many studies, yet the conclusions of these studies were somehow controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to better clarify associations between polymorphisms inCTLA-4/MBL/IL-4/IL-6/PLCE1and GC by combing the results of all relevant studies.

Methods

Eligible studies were searched from PubMed, Embase, WOS and CNKI. We used Review Manager to combine the results of individual studies.

Results

Forty-three studies were included in this meta-analysis. Combined results revealed thatCTLA-4rs5742909 (dominant comparison: OR: 1.58, 95 % CI: 1.01 to 2.48; allele comparison: OR: 1.69, 95 % CI: 1.12 to 2.56) andPLCE1rs2274223 (dominant comparison: OR: 0.84, 95 % CI: 0.72 to 0.98; recessive comparison: OR: 1.23, 95 % CI: 1.08 to 1.40; over-dominant comparison: OR: 1.16, 95 % CI: 1.00 to 1.34; allele comparison: OR 0.88, 95 % CI 0.78 to 0.99) polymorphisms were significantly associated with GC in the general population. We also obtained similar significant associations with GC for rs5742909 and rs2274223 polymorphisms in East Asians. Nevertheless, no positive results were observed for the other eight investigated polymorphisms.

Conclusion

Collectively, this meta-analysis demonstrated thatCTLA-4rs5742909 andPLCE1rs2274223 polymorphisms may confer susceptibility to GC, especially for East Asians.
Risk of non-affective psychotic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder by refugee status in Sweden
Authors: Duggal Arvinder K , Kirkbride James B , Dalman Christina , Hollander Anna-Clara
Published: November 2019

Background

Refugees have different experiences of obtaining a refugee status, however it remains unclear if this affects their risk of psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate whether risk for non-affective psychotic disorder (NAPD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) differs between quota refugees (resettled from refugee camps) and non-quota refugees (former asylum seekers).

Method

A register-based cohort with a sample size of 52 561 refugees in Sweden starting 1 January 1997 ending 31 December 2011. Exposure: refugee status (quota or non-quota refugees). Cox regression models estimated adjusted HRs with 95% CIs for NAPD (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), F20–29) and PTSD (ICD-10, F43.1) by refugee status.

Results

There were more non-quota refugees (77.0%) than quota refugees (23.0%). In total we identified 401 cases of NAPD, 1.0% among quota refugees and 0.7% among non-quota refugees, and 1070 cases of PTSD, 1.9% among quota refugees and 2.1% among non-quota refugees. Male quota refugees were at increased risk for NAPD compared with male non-quota refugees (HRmale=1.41, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.82 and HRfemale=0.65, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.00). All quota refugees were at a reduced risk of PTSD compared with non-quota refugees (HR=0.74, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.87).

Conclusions

This study suggests that risk of NAPD and PTSD varies for quota and non-quota refugees, highlighting the possibility that different experiences of the migration process differentiate the risk of psychiatric disorders among refugees.
Constraining exotic spin dependent interactions of muons and electrons
Authors: Yan H. , Sun G. A. , Peng S. M. , Guo H. , Liu B. Q. , Peng M. , Zheng H.
Published: November 2019

Many experiments have been performed to search for the exotic spin-dependent interactions in ranges from $$\sim \upmu $$∼μm to astrophysical range which corresponds to the energy scale of less than $$\sim $$∼10 eV. At present, nearly all known experiments searching for these new interactions at the macroscopic range are for protons, neutrons, and electrons. Constraints at this range for other fermions such as muons are scarce, though muons might be the most suspicious particles which might take part in new interactions, considering their involvement of several well-known puzzles of modern physics. We use the anomalous magnetic moment and electric dipole moment (EDM) to study the exotic spin-dependent interactions for muons and electrons. The muon’s magnetic moment might indicate existing of the pseudo-scalar–pseudo-scalar (PP) type interaction. We set up a constraint for the scalar–pseudo-scalar (SP) type interaction at the interested range for muons. For the PP type interaction of electrons, we obtained a new constraint at the range of $$\sim $$∼ nm to $$\sim $$∼ 1 mm. Since all the present experiments searching for the new forces give zero results, it is reasonable to consider that these new interactions might only couple to muons. We propose to further search for the new interactions using the muon spin rotation techniques.
Dynamical behaviors and spatial diffusion in a psychologically realistic rumor spreading model
Authors: Cheng Yingying , Huo Liang’an , Ma Liang , Guo Hongyuan
Published: November 2019

The spread of rumors has caused serious social and economic problems, especially during emergencies. Reducing the harm caused by rumors requires understanding the dynamical mechanism by which they propagate. To include the influence of time-dependent psychological factors, this paper proposes an improved rumor spreading model and derives mean-field equations describing the dynamics of rumor spreading. The psychological factors considered are the attenuation of individual interest, the cumulative effect of memory, and changes in sensory intensity with time. We also obtain the threshold condition of rumor spreading. Numerical simulations are used to verify our theoretical results. It is proved that the extremum of the cumulative effect of memory and the rumor attraction rate are positively correlated with the peak number of rumor spreaders, and negatively with the time required to reach the final rumor size. Time grows geometrically, while sensory intensity grows arithmetically. The initial approval rate of the memory accumulation effect and the stifling mechanism have little effect on the final rumor size. Finally, it is found that increasing the attenuation of interest coefficient reduces the time needed for the rumor to reach its final size.
Particles collision near Kerr–Sen Dilaton-Axion black hole
Authors: Debnath Ujjal
Published: November 2019

Here, we consider axially symmetric, stationary, rotating and charged Kerr–Sen Dilaton-Axion black hole as particle accelerator. We find the effective potential and discuss the circular orbit of a particle. We investigate the center of mass energy of two colliding neutral particles with different rest masses falling from rest at infinity to near the non-extremal horizons (event horizon and Cauchy horizon) and extremal horizon of the Kerr–Sen Dilaton-Axion black hole. Analogous to the Compton process, we discuss the collision of a particle and a massless photon. Finally, we find the center of mass energy due to the collision of two photons in the background of Kerr–Sen Dilaton-Axion black hole.
Integration of multi-omics data to mine cancer-related gene modules
Authors: Li Peng , Guo Maozu , Sun Bo
Published: November 2019

The identification of cancer-related genes is a major research goal, with implications for determining the pathogenesis of cancer and identifying biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment. In this study, by integrating multi-omics data, including gene expression, DNA copy number variation, DNA methylation, transcription factors, miRNA, and lncRNA data, we propose a method for mining cancer-related genes based on network models. First, using random forest-based feature selection method multi-omics data are integrated to identify key regulatory factors that affect gene expression, and then genome-wide regulatory networks are constructed. Next, by comparing the regulatory networks of key candidate genes in variant samples and non-variant samples, a differential expression regulatory network is generated. The differential network contains a collection of abnormal regulatory genes of key candidate genes. Then, by introducing the functional similarity as a distance metric for gene sets, a density-based clustering method is used to mine gene modules related to cancer. We applied this method to LUSC (lung squamous cell carcinoma) and mined cancer-related gene modules composed of 20 genes. GO function and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that the modules were closely related to cancer. A survival analysis was used to verify that the excavated gene modules can effectively distinguish between high- and low-risk groups. Overall, these results suggest that the proposed method can be used to identify cancer-related gene modules, providing a basis for the development of biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment.
Finding the local in locations: Working with GPS non-use in Nairobi
Authors: Resor Elizabeth
Published: November 2019

The Nairobi Accident Map crowdsourced traffic accident reports on social media and geocoded them using the landmarks and road names mentioned in social media posts. In doing so, the project centered the agency and local practices of Kenyan social media users.
Protibadi: Starting the fight against sexual abuse
Authors: Ahmed Nova
Published: November 2019

The story of how a group of Bangladeshi volunteers used technology to address the country's sexual abuse problem.
Africa's social contract with AI
Authors: Nwankwo Ezinne , Sonna Belona
Published: November 2019

The ethics of artificial intelligence in Africa should come from the social contract theories and ethical frameworks developed by African philosophers. But if AI researchers fail to incorporate cultural differences, they risk perpetuating the same injustices witnessed during colonial times.
Nongenetic Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in Melanoma
Authors: Rebecca Vito W. , Herlyn Meenhard
Published: November 2019

Resistance to targeted and immune-based therapies limits cures in patients with metastatic melanoma. A growing number of reports have identified nongenetic primary resistance mechanisms including intrinsic microenvironment- and lineage plasticity–mediated processes serving critical functions in the persistence of disease throughout therapy. There is a temporally shifting spectrum of cellular identities fluidly occupied by therapy-persisting melanoma cells responsible for driving therapeutic resistance and metastasis. The key epigenetic, metabolic, and phenotypic reprogramming events requisite for the manifestation and maintenance of so-called persister melanoma populations remain poorly understood and underscore the need to comprehensively investigate actionable vulnerabilities. Here we attempt to integrate the field's observations on nongenetic mechanisms of drug resistance in melanoma. We postulate that the future design of therapeutic strategies specifically addressing therapy-persisting subpopulations of melanoma will improve the curative potential of therapy for patients with metastatic disease.
IL-17A activated by Toll-like receptor 9 contributes to the development of septic acute kidney injury
Authors: Naito Yoshitaka , Tsuji Takayuki , Nagata Soichiro , Tsuji Naoko , Fujikura Tomoyuki , Ohashi Naro , Kato Akihiko , Miyajima Hiroaki , Yasuda Hideo
Published: November 2019

Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), which is activated by endogenously released mtDNA during sepsis, contributes to the development of polymicrobial septic acute kidney injury (AKI). However, downstream factors of TLR9 to AKI remain unknown. We hypothesized that IL-17A activated by TLR9 may play a critical role in septic AKI development. To determine the effects of TLR9 on IL-17A production in septic AKI, we used a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model in Tlr9 knockout ( Tlr9KO) mice and wild-type (WT) littermates. We also investigated the pathway from TLR9 activation in dendritic cells (DCs) to IL-17A production by γδT cells in vitro. To elucidate the effects of IL-17A on septic AKI, Il-17a knockout ( Il-17aKO) mice and WT littermates were subjected to CLP. We further investigated the relationship between the TLR9-IL-17A axis and septic AKI by intravenously administering recombinant IL-17A or vehicle into Tlr9KO mice and assessing kidney function. IL-17A levels in both plasma and the peritoneal cavity and mRNA levels of IL-23 in the spleen were significantly higher in WT mice after CLP than in Tlr9KO mice. Bone marrow-derived DCs activated by TLR9 induced IL-23 and consequently promoted IL-17A production in γδT cells in vitro. Knockout of Il-17a improved survival, functional and morphological aspects of AKI, and splenic apoptosis after CLP. Exogenous IL-17A administration aggravated CLP-induced AKI attenuated by knockout of Tlr9. TLR9 in DCs mediated IL-17A production in γδT cells during sepsis and contributed to the development of septic AKI.
Vertical selection for nuclear and mitochondrial genomes shapes gut microbiota and modifies risks for complex diseases
Authors: Zhang Youjie , Kumarasamy Sivarajan , Mell Blair , Cheng Xi , Morgan Eric E. , Britton Steven L. , Vijay-Kumar Matam , Koch Lauren Gerard , Joe Bina
Published: November 2019

Here we postulate that the heritability of complex disease traits previously ascribed solely to the inheritance of the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes is broadened to encompass a third component of the holobiome, the microbiome. To test this, we expanded on the selectively bred low capacity runner/high capacity runner (LCR/HCR) rat exercise model system into four distinct rat holobiont model frameworks including matched and mismatched host nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Vertical selection of varying nuclear and mitochondrial genomes resulted in differential acquisition of the microbiome within each of these holobiont models. Polygenic disease risk of these novel models were assessed and subsequently correlated with patterns of acquisition and contributions of their microbiomes in controlled laboratory settings. Nuclear-mitochondrial-microbiotal interactions were not for exercise as a reporter of health, but significantly noted for increased adiposity, increased blood pressure, compromised cardiac function, and loss of long-term memory as reporters of disease susceptibility. These findings provide evidence for coselection of the microbiome with nuclear and mitochondrial genomes as an important feature impacting the heritability of complex diseases.
Multiconcept Methods to Enhance Photovoltaic System Efficiency
Authors: Cotfas D. T. , Cotfas P. A.
Published: November 2019

The main goal of this paper is to review the most important methods previously developed to enhance the efficiency and increase the lifetime of photovoltaic panels. The methods to increase the solar radiation incident on photovoltaic panels, as well as the cooling and the maximum power point tracker methods, are concisely presented in this paper. The pros and cons analysis reveals that the methods to enhance the power generated by the photovoltaic panels are strongly dependent on geographical location, climatic conditions, and the materials used. This review paper is also of interest for engineers who attempt to identify the most adequate solutions to maximize the energy output of photovoltaic systems for each location.
Tikhonov Regularized Variable Projection Algorithms for Separable Nonlinear Least Squares Problems
Authors: Fu Zhengqing , Guo Lanlan
Published: November 2019

This paper considers the classical separable nonlinear least squares problem. Such problems can be expressed as a linear combination of nonlinear functions, and both linear and nonlinear parameters are to be estimated. Among the existing results, ill‐conditioned problems are less often considered. Hence, this paper focuses on an algorithm for ill‐conditioned problems. In the proposed linear parameter estimation process, the sensitivity of the model to disturbance is reduced using Tikhonov regularisation. The Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm is used to estimate the nonlinear parameters. The Jacobian matrix required by LM is calculated by the Golub and Pereyra, Kaufman, and Ruano methods. Combining the nonlinear and linear parameter estimation methods, three estimation models are obtained and the feasibility and stability of the model estimation are demonstrated. The model is validated by simulation data and real data. The experimental results also illustrate the feasibility and stability of the model.
Heads-Up 3D Surgery under Low Light Intensity Conditions: New High-Sensitivity HD Camera for Ophthalmological Microscopes
Authors: Matsumoto Celso Soiti , Shibuya Masayuki , Makita Jun , Shoji Takuhei , Ohno Hisato , Shinoda Kei , Matsumoto Harue
Published: November 2019

Purpose. To determine the feasibility of performing intraocular surgeries in a heads-up position with low illuminance conditions by observing a display of the surgical field created by a three-dimensional imaging (3D) system. Methods. Seventy-four eyes of 56 patients underwent cataract surgery (72 eyes) with the heads-up 3D surgery system; 60 eyes with cataract surgery alone, 7 eyes with combined cataract and glaucoma microdevice implant surgery, 5 eyes with combined cataract and vitrectomy surgery, and two eyes with vitrectomy surgery alone were studied. The illuminance from the surgical microscope was set to be dimmer (Leica M822F40 main light 2%; otto-flex 6%) than the usual setting to minimize the discomfort and glare for the patient. The surgeries were performed under topical anesthesia. The luminance of the images observed through the eyepieces of the operating microscope and the image of a 3D system created by a high-sensitivity sensor Exmor R 3CMOS HD camera (Sony MCC-1000MD) were measured. Results. All surgeries were completed without any complications under the low illumination conditions. The surgical field on the display monitor was created by a 3D system using a high-sensitivity sensor camera and was observed in a heads-up position. The patients did not report any intolerable discomfort or glare during the surgery. Cataract surgeries were performed with a good view of the surgical field under the extremely low illumination from the surgical microscope. The high-sensitivity sensors and electronic amplifications of the image signals made the surgical field brighter and allowed the surgeon to perform the surgery confidently and safely. Conclusions. Heads-up, 3D-assisted intraocular surgeries can be performed safely and efficiently with low illuminance of the surgical field. This trial is registered with UMIN000037838.
Oxidative Stress and Apoptotic Changes in Broiler Chicken Splenocytes Exposed to T-2 Toxin
Authors: Chen Yuqi , Han Shunshun , Wang Yan , Li Diyan , Zhao Xiaoling , Zhu Qing , Yin Huadong
Published: November 2019

T-2 toxin is a trichothecene mycotoxin produced by fungi which are known to contaminate cereals, especially in wheat and corn. T-2 toxin is known to cause a range of toxic effects in humans and animals, including immunosuppression and carcinogenesis. Although the effects of T-2 toxin on condition of chickens’ spleens have been reported, there has been no systematic study of damage to the spleen of broiler chickens exposed to T-2 toxin. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of T-2 toxin on pathology, rates of apoptosis, oxidative stress, and T-lymphocyte subsets in the spleen of broiler chickens. One hundred and twenty male broiler chickens were randomly assigned to one of four groups (30 birds per group), fed 0 mg/kg (control), 0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, or 2 mg/kg T-2 toxin, respectively. After 21 days, chickens exposed to T-2 toxin demonstrated decreased relative weight and size of the spleen, increased percentage of apoptotic splenocytes, and evident lesions. Concentrations of reactive oxygen species and MDA content increased in splenocytes during T-2 toxin treatments, whereas activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-PX decreased. The ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cells also decreased as the dose of T-2 toxin increased. Overall, these results suggest that T-2 toxin causes oxidative stress, leading to increased rates of splenocyte apoptosis and might impair the splenic immune function of broiler chickens.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use for Primary Dysmenorrhea among Senior High School Students in the Western Region of Ghana
Authors: Samba Conney Catherine , Akwo Kretchy Irene , Asiedu-Danso Michelle , Allotey-Babington Grace Lovia
Published: November 2019

Background. Dysmenorrhea is a major gynaecological complaint among females who have reached menarche. It is one of the major causes of absenteeism of females from schools and at the workplaces resulting in loss of productive working hours and work efficiency. Owing to socioeconomic and cultural differences, females from different backgrounds perceive and manage dysmenorrhea differently. Little is known about the use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) in the management of this condition by females in senior high schools in Ghana. Thus, this study sought to assess the use of CAM in the management of dysmenorrhea among female students in two senior high schools in Ghana. Methods. A school-based cross-sectional study using a quantitative approach was conducted on a total of 478 female students attending Archbishop Porter Girl’s Secondary School and Mporhor Senior High School. Information on the sociodemographic characteristics, lay representations of dysmenorrhea, pain intensity and severity, quality of life, self-management, and the use of CAM in the management of dysmenorrhea were obtained. The data were analysed using SPSS. Results. 79.3% of the students used some form of CAM to manage dysmenorrhea. Of CAM users, 32% were utilizing mind-body medicine such as endurance and relaxation, 31% used the whole and alternative medicine such as the hot water therapy, 15% used biological-based medicine such as herbal products, and 22% used the manipulative and body-based systems such as exercises. Various CAM methods and products were perceived to be effective in relieving the pain and discomfort associated with dysmenorrhea in about 90% of the participants who used them. Significant associations were reported for pain severity and quality of life (QoL). Conclusions. This study has demonstrated that the female students experiencing dysmenorrhea employ various CAM remedies in its management. Therefore, there is the need for education on the right management of dysmenorrhea to ensure that safe and efficacious CAM products and methods are used by adolescent female students.
Are Kidney-Tonifying and Blood-Activating Medicinal Herbs Better than NSAIDs for Knee Osteoarthritis? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Hetao , Pan Jianke , Yang Weiyi , Han Yanhong , Luo Minghui , Liang Haodong , Zeng Lingfeng , Liang Guihong , Lin Jiongtong , Liu Jun
Published: November 2019

Objective. To compare the efficacy and safety of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating medicinal herbs (KTBAMs) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from online databases that compared the efficacy of KTBAMs and NSAIDs in the treatment of KOA were retrieved. The main outcomes included the evaluation of functional outcomes, pain, and adverse effects. The Cochrane risk-of-bias (ROB) tool was used to assess methodological quality. Results. A total of 38 RCTs (3994 participants) were included in our meta-analysis. We found that KTBAMs had a significantly higher total effective rate (P<0.00001, risk ratio (RR) = 1.08, confidence interval (CI) = 1.05 to 1.11, I2 = 4%) and a lower gastrointestinal adverse reaction rate (P<0.00001, RR = 0.36, CI = 0.24 to 0.53, I2 = 33%) than NSAIDs. KTBAMs showed greater improvements in the Knee Society Scale (KSS) scores (mean difference (MD) = 7.17, 95% CI 0.71 to 13.64, P=0.03). Regarding the visual analog scale (VAS) scores, WOMAC scores, and Lequence scores, there were no significant differences between the KTBAM group and the NSAID group. The GRADE quality level of this systematic review indicated that the very low-quality evidence showed that KTBAMs had a higher total effective rate, while the moderate-quality evidence showed that the adverse reactions of KTBAMs were lower and the KSS scores were higher. Low-quality evidence showed no significant differences in improving VAS scores, WOMAC scores, or Lequence scores. Conclusion. KTBAMs were superior to NSAIDs in terms of a higher total effective rate, a lower adverse reaction rate, and a higher KSS score. There were no significant differences between KTBAMs and NSAIDs in improving VAS scores, WOMAC scores, and Lequence scores of patients with KOA. Therefore, KTBAMs may be an alternative effective method for treating KOA. However, high-quality, well-designed RCTs with long-term follow-up are still required.
The NOTCH–FOXM1 Axis Plays a Key Role in Mitochondrial Biogenesis in the Induction of Human Stem Cell Memory–like CAR-T Cells
Authors: Kondo Taisuke , Ando Makoto , Nagai Nao , Tomisato Wataru , Srirat Tanakorn , Liu Binbin , Mise-Omata Setsuko , Ikeda Mari , Chikuma Shunsuke , Nishimasu Hiroshi , Nureki Osamu , Ohmura Mitsuyo , Hayakawa Noriyo , Hishiki Takako , Uchibori Ryosuke , Ozawa Keiya , Yoshimura Akihiko
Published: November 2019

Recent studies have shown that stem cell memory T (TSCM) cell-like properties are important for successful adoptive immunotherapy by the chimeric antigen receptor–engineered-T (CAR-T) cells. We previously reported that both human and murine-activated T cells are converted into stem cell memory-like T (iTSCM) cells by coculture with stromal OP9 cells expressing the NOTCH ligand. However, the mechanism of NOTCH-mediated iTSCM reprogramming remains to be elucidated. Here, we report that the NOTCH/OP9 system efficiently converted conventional human CAR-T cells into TSCM-like CAR-T, “CAR-iTSCM” cells, and that mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming played a key role in this conversion. NOTCH signaling promoted mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid synthesis during iTSCM formation, which are essential for the properties of iTSCM cells. Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) was identified as a downstream target of NOTCH, which was responsible for these metabolic changes and the subsequent iTSCM differentiation. Like NOTCH-induced CAR-iTSCM cells, FOXM1-induced CAR-iTSCM cells possessed superior antitumor potential compared with conventional CAR-T cells. We propose that NOTCH- or FOXM1-driven CAR-iTSCM formation is an effective strategy for improving cancer immunotherapy.

Significance:

Manipulation of signaling and metabolic pathways important for directing production of stem cell memory–like T cells may enable development of improved CAR-T cells.
Diet-Related Metabolomic Signature of Long-Term Breast Cancer Risk Using Penalized Regression: An Exploratory Study in the SU.VI.MAX Cohort
Authors: Lécuyer Lucie , Dalle Céline , Lefevre-Arbogast Sophie , Micheau Pierre , Lyan Bernard , Rossary Adrien , Demidem Aicha , Petera Mélanie , Lagree Marie , Centeno Delphine , Galan Pilar , Hercberg Serge , Samieri Cecilia , Assi Nada , Ferrari Pietro , Viallon Vivian , Deschasaux Mélanie , Partula Valentin , Srour Bernard , Latino-Martel Paule , Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle , Druesne-Pecollo Nathalie , Vasson Marie-Paule , Durand Stéphanie , Pujos-Guillot Estelle , Manach Claudine , Touvier Mathilde
Published: November 2019

Background:

Diet has been recognized as a modifiable risk factor for breast cancer. Highlighting predictive diet-related biomarkers would be of great public health relevance to identify at-risk subjects. The aim of this exploratory study was to select diet-related metabolites discriminating women at higher risk of breast cancer using untargeted metabolomics.

Methods:

Baseline plasma samples of 200 incident breast cancer cases and matched controls, from a nested case–control study within the Supplémentation en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydants (SU.VI.MAX) cohort, were analyzed by untargeted LC-MS. Diet-related metabolites were identified by partial correlation with dietary exposures, and best predictors of breast cancer risk were then selected by Elastic Net penalized regression. The selection stability was assessed using bootstrap resampling.

Results:

595 ions were selected as candidate diet–related metabolites. Fourteen of them were selected by Elastic Net regression as breast cancer risk discriminant ions. A lower level of piperine (a compound from pepper) and higher levels of acetyltributylcitrate (an alternative plasticizer to phthalates), pregnene-triol sulfate (a steroid sulfate), and 2-amino-4-cyano butanoic acid (a metabolite linked to microbiota metabolism) were observed in plasma from women who subsequently developed breast cancer. This metabolomic signature was related to several dietary exposures such as a “Western” dietary pattern and higher alcohol and coffee intakes.

Conclusions:

Our study suggested a diet-related plasma metabolic signature involving exogenous, steroid metabolites, and microbiota-related compounds associated with long-term breast cancer risk that should be confirmed in large-scale independent studies.

Impact:

These results could help to identify healthy women at higher risk of breast cancer and improve the understanding of nutrition and health relationship.
ВИВЧЕННЯ ДУМКИ ІНОГОРОДНІХ СТУДЕНТІВ ЩОДО ДОСТУПНОСТІ ТА ЯКОСТІ МЕДИЧНОГО ОБСЛУГОВУВАННЯ
Authors: Hupalo I. V. , Bubleiko I.-O. O. , Kopach Ya. M.
Published: November 2019

Мета: виявити основні проблеми у сфері охорони здоров’я, що стосуються доступності та якості медичного обслуговування іногородніх студентів, пошук методів та способів вирішення цих проблем.

Матеріали і методи. Проведено анонімне соціологічне опитування методом анкетування 100 іногородніх студентів ІІІ–VІ курсів Львівського національного медичного університету імені Данила Галицького.

Результати. Медичне обслуговування іногородніх студентів зумовлює багато проблем: віддають перевагу при погіршенні самопочуття альтернативним варіантам допомоги (поради колег, родичів, знайомих, пошук інформації в мережі «Інтернет»), а не професійній допомозі лікарів; неприязне ставлення з боку медичного персоналу до іногородніх студентів; небажання консультувати їх чи надавати інші види медичної допомоги.

Виявлено, що більшість іногородніх студентів (57,0±5,0) % у разі погіршення самопочуття звертається за медичною допомогою до родичів, (30,0±4,6) % – шукають аналогічні симптоми захворювання в мережі «Інтернет», що призводить до виникнення ускладнень. Більшість (81,0±3,9) % іногородніх студентів підписала декларацію за місцем проживання ще до вступу в навчальний заклад, це може зумовлювати труднощі при отриманні медичної допомоги через віддалене їх розташування. Тільки (42,0±4,9) % опитаних звертаються у лікувально-профілактичні заклади з метою профілактики захворювань, періодичного обстеження, що призводить до виявлення хвороб на пізніх термінах, іноді вже у термінальній стадії. Для удосконалення медичного обслуговування іногородніх студентів необхідно проводити санітарно-просвітню роботу, тижні профілактики найбільш поширених та небезпечних захворювань у навчальних закладах.
СУЧАСНІ ТЕНДЕНЦІЇ, ДЕТЕРМІНАНТИ ТА ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ РОЗВИТКУ МЕДИЧНОГО ТА ЛІКУВАЛЬНО-ОЗДОРОВЧОГО SPA- ТА WELLNESS-ТУРИЗМУ В СВІТІ
Authors: Mochulska O. M. , Shulhai A. H. , Oshlianska O. A. , Bondarchuk V. I. , Zavidnyuk Yu. V. , Chornomydz I. B. , Dobrovolska L. I. , Sverstiuk A. S.
Published: November 2019

Мета: проаналізувати сучасний стан, основні тенденції та особливості функціонування туристичної інфра­структури, вивчити детермінанти, перспективи розвитку медичного та лікувально-оздоровчого spa- та wellness-туризму в світі. 

Матеріали і методи. У дослідженні застосовано бібліосемантичний, структурно-логічний, математично-статистичний та аналітичний методи.

Результати. Медичний і лікувально-оздоровчий spa- та wellness-туризм перебуває на стадії активного швидкого розвитку. Spa- та wellness-відпочинок є складовою частиною життя населення в більшості країн в усьому світі. Клієнт (пацієнт), обравши медичний, лікувально-оздоровчий spa- та wellness-туризм, зможе одночасно відпочити, комплексно обстежитись і лікуватись, омолоджуватись і покращувати свій зовнішній вигляд. Медичний і лікувально-оздоровчий spa- та wellness-туризм має такий великий потенціал, що тепер виділяється у самостійний сегмент туристичного ринку з широким колом інвестиційних можливостей: від масштабних готельних проектів, що прилягають до клінік та розташовані в межах міста, до вже існуючих спеціалізованих комплексів із деякими модифікаціями у структурі послуг.

Висновки. Медичний, лікувально-оздоровчий spa- та wellness-туризм є найперспективнішими видами ту­ризму в світі, які активно розвиваються під впливом низки політичних та економічних чинників, що зумовлені трансформаційними процесами, що відбуваються в світі.
Cost-Related Medication Nonadherence in Adults With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in the United States, 2013 to 2017
Authors: Khera Rohan , Valero-Elizondo Javier , Das Sandeep R. , Virani Salim S. , Kash Bita A. , de Lemos James A. , Krumholz Harlan M. , Nasir Khurram
Published: November 2019

Background:

Medication nonadherence is associated with worse outcomes in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), a group who requires long-term therapy for secondary prevention. It is important to understand to what extent drug costs, which are potentially actionable factors, contribute to medication nonadherence.

Methods:

In a nationally representative survey of US adults in the National Health Interview Survey (2013–2017), we identified individuals ≥18 years with a reported history of ASCVD. Participants were considered to have experienced cost-related nonadherence (CRN) if in the preceding 12 months they reported skipping doses to save money, taking less medication to save money, or delaying filling a prescription to save money. We used survey analysis to obtain national estimates.

Results:

Of the 14 279 surveyed individuals with ASCVD, a weighted 12.6% (or 2.2 million [95% CI, 2.1–2.4]) experienced CRN, including 8.6% or 1.5 million missing doses, 8.8% or 1.6 million taking lower than prescribed doses, and 10.5% or 1.9 million intentionally delaying a medication fill to save costs. Age <65 years, female sex, low family income, lack of health insurance, and high comorbidity burden were independently associated with CRN, with >1 in 5 reporting CRN in these subgroups. Survey respondents with CRN compared with those without CRN had 10.8-fold higher odds of requesting low-cost medications and 8.9-fold higher odds of using alternative, nonprescription, therapies.

Conclusions:

One in 8 patients with ASCVD reports nonadherence to medications because of cost. The removal of financial barriers to accessing medications, particularly among vulnerable patient groups, may help improve adherence to essential therapy to reduce ASCVD morbidity and mortality.
On the genus Berosus Leach (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) in the State of Roraima, Brazil: description of three new species and new records
Authors: SANTANA LARISSA , BENETTI CESAR JOÃO , CLARKSON BRUNO , PES ANA MARIA
Published: November 2019

As a contribution to knowledge of the aquatic beetles of the Neotropical Region, the genus Berosus Leach is recorded for the first time from Roraima State in northern Brazil. Three new species are described and illustrated: Berosus illuviosus sp. n., B. parvus sp. n., and B. andreazzei sp. n. In addition, we present a checklist of the Berosus species collected in 26 ponds in the savanna area of the State of Roraima, with 12 new species records for the state, five of which are also new country records for Brazil.
A new species of the cricket genus, Cacoplistes from Rajasthan, India (Orthoptera: Phalangopsidae: Cachoplistinae:Cachoplistini)
Authors: MEENA ASHOK KUMAR , SWAMINATHAN RAJAMANI , NAGAR RAJENDRA
Published: November 2019

A new species of the phalangopsid cricket in Cacoplistes subgenus, Laminogryllus, is reported and described as Cacoplistes (Laminogryllus) latioribus sp nov., from Rajasthan, India. Description of the two existing phenotypic forms, brachypterous and macropterous is provided with suitable plates and figures.