bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uma análise discursiva sobre a autoria de A Ciência na Cozinha e a Arte de Comer Bem, de Pellegrino Artusi
Authors: Silva Carla Maicá
Published: January 2020

A gastronomia é sem dúvidas um dos elos mais fortes de um povo. Nela, identidade e cultura são expressas através de práticas alimentares. Inscrita na Análise do Discurso francesa, compreendo tais práticas como discursos. Ao tratar a gastronomia e os discursos sobre por tal perspectiva, abordo a face política dessas práticas, as relações de forças que estão implicadas nelas, os conflitos e a constituição dos sujeitos a partir desses modos e saberes. Assim, ao tomar como objeto de pesquisa o livro de culinária considerado um dos pilares da construção identitária italiana pós-unificação, o tomo como uma materialidade significante.

O livro A Ciência na Cozinha e a Arte de Comer Bem foi escrito e publicado por Pellegrino Artusi em 1891 – trinta anos após a unificação – e acrescido e reeditado por vinte anos, graças à relação epistolar mantida entre autor e leitores. Enquanto o Estado investia na tentativa de consolidar a Itália como nação, Artusi, um senhor burguês de 70 anos, diletante, patriota, liberal e anticlerical, chegava aos lares de muitos desses “novos italianos” quase que sorrateiramente com uma linguagem técnica, clara e eficaz, mas nem por isso monótona. Com a grande circulação de seu manual prático para as famílias o autor foi capaz de apresentar a Itália aos italianos através não somente de receitas, mas também de observações pessoais que ficam entre a etnologia e a picuinha, entre a descrição e a interpretação, em um movimento complexo de autoria que, ao mesmo tempo em que sistematizava a terminologia culinária, gerando um efeito de unidade através da língua, salientava as diferenças entre as regiões apontando particularidades dos dialetos e das mentalidades. Seria, então, a primeira tentativa de reconhecimento nacional, de uma unidade que se construiu a partir das diferenças: a unidade na dispersão, a alteridade para se constituir como um.

A partir das quinze edições do livro e das correspondências encontradas em Pellegrino Artusi e la cucina di casa, de Martina Fabretti (2008), analisei a constituição do receituário suspendendo as evidências simbólicas tanto sobre a figura do autor quanto da obra também conhecida como O Artusi. A realização do estudo permitiu compreender a particularidade da autoria – a qual categorizo como autoria bumerangue – e também a descrição de um estilo e de um método discursivo encontrados nas linhas artusianas que asseguraram o sucesso editorial naquele momento aos dias de hoje.
Possibilidades de estudo da alimentação egípcia antiga
Authors: Gama Cintia
Published: January 2020

O estudo de culturas passadas, principalmente no que concerne ao cotidiano e às práticas mais habituais a uma determinada sociedade em períodos históricos recuados, apresenta diversas dificuldades devido à falta de documentação escrita que trate de padrões tão comuns a uma coletividade. Tendo em vista as dificuldades do estudo de padrões cotidianos, as pesquisas acerca da alimentação na antiguidade não escapam a essas questões, especialmente no que concerne às fontes tanto epigráficas quanto arqueológicas bem como a uma metodologia de estudo. Deste modo, tendo em vista tanto questões metodológicas quanto documentais, nossa breve apresentação tem como objetivo mostrar como a arqueologia, as fontes epigráficas e escritas têm auxiliado na compreensão dos padrões alimentares egípcios antigos e na relação desse povo com seus alimentos. Apresentaremos as diversas fontes para o estudo dos padrões alimentares dessa população, bem como faremos uma análise dos textos funerários associados à alimentação, mais precisamente os Textos dos Caixões, do Médio Império (2.000-1580 a.C.), bem como a apresentação de fontes arqueológicas que corroboram ou não com os textos, passando por uma breve revisão bibliográfica do tema que se encontra bastante em voga na atualidade.

Assim, trataremos também da questão do excesso de fontes acerca do cotidiano egípcio, o que, na contramão do estudo das culturas da antiguidade, pode também nos induzir ao erro.

Nossa apresentação terá, dessa maneira, o intuito de discutir abordagens metodológicas, bem como as fontes para o estudo da alimentação do período faraônico, colocando, assim, a egiptologia como um campo fértil para o conhecimento dos meios de produção e consumo de alimentos no campo de estudos da história/arqueologia alimentar.
“A arte culinária na Bahia”
Authors: Papavero Claude G.
Published: January 2020

A presente comunicação visa delinear o contexto sociocultural que deu origem ao conjunto de receitas coligidas por Manuel Querino (1851-1923), publicadas na obra intitulada: A arte culinária na Bahia (1922). Três décadas após a abolição do sistema escravista e a proclamação da República, diversos intelectuais brasileiros, empenhados em valorizar os traços específicos do país, procuraram distanciar-se da herança portuguesa. Ampliaram o conceito de três raças formadoras da nação: indígena, portuguesa e africana, acoplado (na visão de autores como Gilberto Freyre) a uma utópica democracia racial.

Ao apresentar um rol costumeiro de receitas soteropolitanas, Querino, estudioso negro, não limitou seu escopo à divulgação de criações culinárias locais. Comentários acompanhando o detalhamento dos preparos possibilitam ao leitor inferir o intento que orientou o empreendimento: um desejo de afirmar e dignificar o aporte cultural da população negra à modelagem de um cardápio local. Segundo observou Raul Lody (na apresentação de edição recente da obra do autor), Querino “inaugurou um olhar e um estilo em torno de matriz africana, baseado em suas vivências pessoais no Recôncavo baiano...”.

Semelhante contribuição suscita indagações. Em que circunstâncias uma culinária de matriz africana teria surgido na Bahia? Em área rural ou urbana? Nas casas ou nas ruas da cidade (às mãos de vendedoras ambulantes)? E, por conseguinte, quando foi que essas iguarias saborosas e nutritivas, de tempero marcante, elaboradas com ingredientes de custo módico e um uso trabalhoso da pedra de ralar começaram a ser amplamente apreciadas pelo conjunto da população, tornando-se elemento simbólico representativo de uma identidade baiana? Em tempos coloniais? Após a abolição?

Fundamentada na perspectiva da micro-história apresentada por Carlo Ginzburg em Mito, emblemas e sinais (1986; em versão brasileira, publicado pela Companhia das Letras, 1989), pretendo delinear uma reflexão etno-histórica sobre os fenômenos envolvidos e apontar aspectos da história da alimentação baiana que merecem discussão. Comentários rápidos de cronistas, de viajantes ou de autores do período colonial como o poeta Gregório de Matos Guerra e documentos analisados por historiadores como Richard Graham, autor da obra Alimentar a cidade: das vendedoras de rua à reforma liberal (Salvador, 1780 –1860), servirão de indícios para desvendar as peculiaridades do contexto soteropolitano que presidiram à publicação da obra de Manuel Querino.
Esenbeckia (Esenbeckia) auribrunnea n. sp. (Diptera: Tabanidae) from the Amazon, with a key to the Neotropical species of the subgenus
Authors: GUALDRÓN-DÍAZ JULIETTE CRISTINA , DE SOUSA GORAYEB INOCÊNCIO
Published: January 2020

We describe a new species of horse fly, Esenbeckia (Esenbeckia) auribrunnea n. sp. from Rondônia (Brazil) and Vaupés (Colombia), including diagnoses, distributional records, measurements of body and head, photographs in dorsal, lateral and ventral views, and illustrations of genitalia of a female paratype. In addition, we presented an updated and modified key to species in the subgenus described in the last 23 years based on Wilkerson & Fairchild’s (1983) key: E. hirsutipalpus Wilkerson & Fairchild, from Mexico, and E. gracilipalpis Chaney & Hall, from Bolivia; E. griseipleura Chainey & Hall, from Bolivia; E. peruviana Burger, from Peru; and E. rafaeli Limeira-de-Oliveira, from Maranhão state, Brazil. The species E. diaphana (Schiner) from Colombia, and E. distinguenda Lutz & Castro from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, are not included with justifications.
A new species of Tenagogonus Stål (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerridae) and first records of eight species of aquatic and semi-aquatic Heteroptera from India
Authors: JEHAMALAR E. EYARIN , CHANDRA KAILASH
Published: January 2020

Aquatic and semi-aquatic Heteroptera from lentic and lotic freshwater bodies were surveyed from all the districts of Meghalaya. Tenagogonus aruli sp. nov. (Gerromorpha: Gerridae) is described and can be identified by the presence of a very long connexival process in the female, medium sized connexival process in the male, an irregular longitudinal black stripe on the sublateral region of the abdominal sternum in the apterous form, and a median longitudinal depression on the eighth abdominal sternum of the male. In addition, eight species of the infraorders Nepomorpha and Gerromorpha are recorded for the first time from India: Ranatra libera Zettel, 1999, Hydrometra jaczewskii Lundblad, 1933, H. longicapitis Torre-Bueno, 1927, Strongylovelia balteiformis Ye, Chen & Bu, 2015, S. hainanensis Ye, Chen & Bu, 2015, Gerris (Gerris) lobatus Andersen & Chen, 1993, Tenagogonus kuiterti Hungerford & Matsuda, 1958, and Rheumatogonus vietnamensis Zettel & Chen, 1996. Detailed illustrations of the new species and habitus images and distribution maps of all the species recorded for the first time from India are provided.
The Effect of Zoledronic Acid Combined with Percutaneous Kyphoplasty on the Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Body Compression Fractures in Patients
Authors: Zheng Huayong , Li Haipeng , Zhang Jianzheng , Ren Jixin , Li Shaoguang , Liu Zhi , Sun Tiansheng
Published: January 2020

Our study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of zoledronic acid combined with percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) on the treatment of Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF). 102 OVCF patients were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups (Group A and Group B). Group
A was given postoperative placebo, and group B was treated with zoledronic acid after operation. The pain visual analogue scale (VAS), vertebral bone mineral density (BMD), and adverse effects were compared between the two groups. Tartrate acid phosphonate (TRACP) 5b, type I collagen C-terminal
peptide (CTX) levels were determined. The result showed that preoperative and postoperative VAS scores after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months in group B were significantly lower than group A while the BMD in group B was higher than that in group A (P < 0.05). TRACP 5b and CTX decreased at
1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, and the level in group B was significantly reduced compared to that in group A (P < 0.05). In conclusion, zoledronic acid, combined with PKP, can improve the therapeutic efficacy of OVCF after surgery, which provides new insights for the further
treatment of OVCF in clinical practice.
Ghrelin Promotes Blood Flow and Regulates Apoptosis-Related Factors in the Stomach of Rats with Sepsis
Authors: Li Bin , Lin Qing-Ling , Guo Hong , Liu Li-Ping , Hou Qi-Liang , Li Yu-Min
Published: January 2020

Objective: This study aimed to explore the effect of ghrelin on the gastric blood flow of a rat model of sepsis, and on the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in gastric tissues. Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 12): normal
control, sham (laparotomy without model induction, and saline injection), sepsis (cecal ligation and puncture [CLP], and saline injection), and ghrelin (ghrelin was injected at 2, 4 and 8 hours after CLP) groups. Blood flow in the greater curvature of the stomach was detected at 12 hours after
surgery by laser Doppler. Then, Bcl-2 and Bax in gastric tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: The blood flow in the greater curvature of the stomach was similar in the normal control and sham groups, the blood flow in the greater curvature of the stomach in the sepsis
group (284.3 ± 95.7) was significantly lower than that in the sham group (317.8 ± 5.2) (P < 0.05), and the blood flow in the ghrelin group (377.8 ± 99.0) was significantly higher than that in the sham and sepsis groups (P < 0.05).
In the normal control and sham groups, the expression of Bcl-2 or Bax was hardly detectable in rat gastric mucosal tissues. In the sepsis group, a moderate expression of Bcl-2 and a stronger expression of Bax were detected. In the ghrelin group, Bcl-2 expression increased and Bax expression
decreased. Conclusion: These results suggest that ghrelin can promote blood flow in the stomach of septic rats, and upregulate the protein expression of Bcl-2 and downregulate the protein expression of Bax in gastric tissues.
Exploring the Risk Factors of Thrombosis and Bloodstream Infections in Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) Patients
Authors: Liu Zhiping , Chen Jiangqiong , Zan Liping , Yi Hongjie , Ding Shenglan , Yan Changshuai
Published: January 2020

Objective: To analyze the risk factors of thrombosis and associated bloodstream infections in patients with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Method: A total of 711 patients who received a PICC in our hospital between February and December 2018 were enrolled
in this study. Clinically relevant data were collected, including general information, medical histories, laboratory examinations, etc. The 711 patients underwent risk assessments for thrombosis and bloodstream infections to statistically analyze the relevant risk factors. Result: Thirty-three
of the 711 patients developed thrombosis, which is a proportion of 4.64%. In addition, ten patients developed bloodstream infections at an infection rate of 1.41%. For patients with different catheter indwelling times, the difference in the proportion of bloodstream infections was statistically
significant (p < 0.05). Additionally, the analysis results showed that a difference in the vein-puncture site and the fibrinogen content is a direct risk factor for thrombosis. Moreover, PICC catheter indwelling is a risk factor for bloodstream infections. Conclusion: The
nursing staff should adopt targeted and predictive graded-care interventions, including drug prevention and stratified care, to reduce catheter-related thrombosis in patients.
Reduced-Order Quasilinear Model of Ocean Boundary-Layer Turbulence
Authors: Skitka Joseph , Marston J. B. , Fox-Kemper Baylor
Published: January 2020

The combined effectiveness of model reduction and the quasilinear approximation for the reproduction of the low-order statistics of oceanic surface boundary layer turbulence is investigated. Idealized horizontally homogeneous problems of surface-forced thermal convection and Langmuir turbulence are studied in detail. Model reduction is achieved with a Galerkin projection of the governing equations onto a subset of modes determined by proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). When applied to boundary layers that are horizontally homogeneous, POD and a horizontally averaged quasilinear approximation both assume flow features that are horizontally wavelike, making the pairing very efficient. For less than 0.2% of the modes retained, the reduced quasilinear model is able to reproduce vertical profiles of horizontal mean fields as well as certain energetically important second-order turbulent transport statistics and energies to within 30% error. Reduced-basis quasilinear statistics must approach the full-basis statistics as the basis size approaches completion; however, some quasilinear statistics resemble those found in the fully nonlinear simulations at smaller basis truncations. Thus, model reduction could possibly improve upon the accuracy of quasilinear dynamics.
The severe spontaneous bleeding phenotype in a novel hemophilia A rat model is rescued by platelet FVIII expression
Authors: Shi Qizhen , Mattson Jeremy G. , Fahs Scot A. , Geurts Aron M. , Weiler Hartmut , Montgomery Robert R.
Published: January 2020

Key Points

A novel HA rat model caused by an inversion exhibits a severe spontaneous bleeding phenotype. The severe spontaneous bleeding phenotype in HA rats is rescued by platelet-targeted FVIII expression.
Comprehensive genomic analysis of the DUF4228 gene family in land plants and expression profiling of ATDUF4228 under abiotic stresses
Authors: Yang Qi , Niu Xiaocui , Tian Xiaona , Zhang Xiujuan , Cong Jingyu , Wang Ruigang , Zhang Guosheng , Li Guojing
Published: January 2020

Background

Domain of unknown function (DUF) proteins represent a number of gene families that encode functionally uncharacterized proteins in eukaryotes. The DUF4228 gene family is one of these families in plants that has not been described previously.

Results

In this study, we performed an extensive comparative analysis of DUF4228 proteins and determined their phylogeny in the plant lineage. A total of 489 high-confidence DUF4228 family members were identified from 14 land plant species, which sub-divided into three distinct phylogenetic groups: group I, group II and group III. A highly conserved DUF4228 domain and motif distribution existed in each group, implying their functional conservation.

To reveal the possible biological functions of these DUF4228 genes, 25 ATDUF4228 sequences from Arabidopsis thaliana were selected for further analysis of characteristics such as their chromosomal position, gene duplications and gene structures. Ka/Ks analysis identified seven segmental duplication events, while no tandemly duplication gene pairs were found in A. thaliana. Some cis-elements responding to abiotic stress and phytohormones were identified in the upstream sequences of the ATDUF4228 genes. Expression profiling of the ATDUF4228 genes under abiotic stresses (mainly osmotic, salt and cold) and protein-protein interaction prediction suggested that some ATDUF4228 genes are may be involved in the pathways of plant resistance to abiotic stresses.

Conclusion

These results expand our knowledge of the evolution of the DUF4228 gene family in plants and will contribute to the elucidation of the biological functions of DUF4228 genes in the future.
Measurement properties of oral health assessments for non-dental healthcare professionals in older people: a systematic review
Authors: Everaars Babette , Weening-Verbree Linet F. , Jerković-Ćosić Katarina , Schoonmade Linda , Bleijenberg Nienke , de Wit Niek J. , van der Heijden Geert J. M. G.
Published: January 2020

Background

Regular inspection of the oral cavity is required for prevention, early diagnosis and risk reduction of oral- and general health-related problems. Assessments to inspect the oral cavity have been designed for non-dental healthcare professionals, like nurses. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the content and the measurement properties of oral health assessments for use by non-dental healthcare professionals in assessing older peoples’ oral health, in order to provide recommendations for practice, policy, and research.

Methods

A systematic search in PubMed, EMBASE.com, and Cinahl (via Ebsco) has been performed. Search terms referring to ‘oral health assessments’, ‘non-dental healthcare professionals’ and ‘older people (60+)’ were used. Two reviewers individually performed title/abstract, and full-text screening for eligibility. The included studies have investigated at least one measurement property (validity/reliability) and were evaluated on their methodological quality using “The Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments” (COSMIN) checklist. The measurement properties were then scored using quality criteria (positive/negative/indeterminate).

Results

Out of 879 hits, 18 studies were included in this review. Five studies showed good methodological quality on at least one measurement property and 14 studies showed poor methodological quality on some of their measurement properties. None of the studies assessed all measurement properties of the COSMIN. In total eight oral health assessments were found: the Revised Oral Assessment Guide (ROAG); the Minimum Data Set (MDS), with oral health component; the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT); The Holistic Reliable Oral Assessment Tool (THROAT); Dental Hygiene Registration (DHR); Mucosal Plaque Score (MPS); The Brief Oral Health Screening Examination (BOHSE) and the Oral Assessment Sheet (OAS). Most frequently assessed items were: lips, mucosa membrane, tongue, gums, teeth, denture, saliva, and oral hygiene.

Conclusion

Taken into account the scarce evidence of the proposed assessments, the OHAT and ROAG are most complete in their included oral health items and are of best methodological quality in combination with positive quality criteria on their measurement properties. Non-dental healthcare professionals, policymakers and researchers should be aware of the methodological limitations of the available oral health assessments and realize that the quality of the measurement properties remains uncertain.
“I just keep thinking that I don’t want to rely on people.” a qualitative study of how people living with dementia achieve and maintain independence at home: stakeholder perspectives
Authors: Rapaport Penny , Burton Alexandra , Leverton Monica , Herat-Gunaratne Ruminda , Beresford-Dent Jules , Lord Kathryn , Downs Murna , Boex Sue , Horsley Rossana , Giebel Clarissa , Cooper Claudia
Published: January 2020

Background

Most people living with dementia want to remain in their own homes, supported by family and paid carers. Care at home often breaks down, necessitating transition to a care home and existing interventions are limited. To inform the development of psychosocial interventions to enable people with dementia to live well for longer at home, we qualitatively explored the views of people living with dementia, family carers and health and social care professionals, on how to achieve and maintain independence at home and what impedes this.

Methods

We conducted an inductive thematic analysis of qualitative interviews with 11 people living with dementia, 19 professionals and 22 family carers in England.

Results

We identified four overarching themes: being in a safe and familiar environment, enabling not disabling care, maintaining relationships and community connectedness, and getting the right support. For people living with dementia, the realities of staying active were complex: there was a tension between accepting support that enabled independence and a feeling that in doing so they were accepting dependency. Their and professionals’ accounts prioritised autonomy and ‘living well with dementia’, while family carers prioritised avoiding harm. Professionals promoted positive risk-taking and facilitating independence, whereas family carers often felt they were left holding this risk.

Discussion

Psychosocial interventions must accommodate tensions between positive risk-taking and avoiding harm, facilitating autonomy and providing support. They should be adaptive and collaborative, combining self-management with flexible support. Compassionate implementation of rights-based dementia care must consider the emotional burden for family carers of supporting someone to live positively with risk.
Mycoplasma penetrans bacteremia in an immunocompromised patient detected by metagenomic sequencing: a case report
Authors: Preiswerk Benjamin , Imkamp Frank , Vorburger Denise , Hömke Rico V. , Keller Peter M. , Wagner Karoline
Published: January 2020

Background

Mycoplasma sp. are well recognized as etiological agents of respiratory and sexually transmitted disease. Mycoplasma penetrans, a species of Mycoplasma sp., has been frequently detected in HIV-positive patients and associated with the progression of HIV-associated disease. To date, there is only a single case report describing M. penetrans as the causative agent of a severe respiratory tract infection in a HIV-negative patient.

Case presentation

In this report, we describe the case of M. penetrans bacteremia in a HIV-negative, 38-year-old, female, immunocompromised, solid organ transplant patient (combined kidney and pancreas transplantation in 2016), who was admitted to our hospital with anemic uterine bleeding and fever of 38.3 °C. Several hours before her admission at our university hospital, a latex bladder catheter was inserted into her uterus and she complained about fatigue, dizziness and ongoing vaginal bleeding. Laboratory examination showed severe anemia, but microbiological examination was inconspicuous (culture negative vaginal and cervical smears, negative urine culture). Bacterial blood cultures showed a growth signal after 4 h, but microscopic examination with Gram staining and subcultures on different agar media did not identify bacterial pathogens. To identify the bacterial cause of malignancy in the patient, metagenomic sequencing of the blood culture was performed that identified M. penetrans.

Conclusion

Metagenomic sequencing identified M. penetrans in an immunosuppressed patient with culture-negative bacteremia. Clinicians should be aware of the opportunistic potential of M. penetrans that may cause severe infections in certain vulnerable patient populations and the limitations of culture and Gram staining for confirming the presence of fastidious bacterial pathogens like Mycoplasma spp.
Dual effect of the Valsalva maneuver on autonomic nervous system activity, intraocular pressure, Schlemm’s canal, and iridocorneal angle morphology
Authors: Sun Li , Chen Wei , Chen Zhiqi , Xiang Yan , Guo Jingmin , Hu Tian , Xu Qiongfang , Zhang Hong , Wang Junming
Published: January 2020

Background

The Valsalva maneuver (VM) is widely used in daily life, and has been reported to cause high intraocular pressure (IOP). This study aimed to assess changes in IOP, the Schlemm’s canal (SC), autonomic nervous system activity, and iridocorneal angle morphology in healthy individuals during different phases of the VM.

Methods

The high frequency (HF) of heart rate (HR) variability, the ratio of low frequency power (LF) and HF (LF/HF), heart rate (HR), IOP, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), the area of SC (SCAR), pupil diameter (PD), and some iridocorneal angle parameters (AOD500, ARA750, TIA500 and TISA500) were measured in 29 young healthy individuals at baseline, phase 2, and phase 4 of the VM. SBP and DBP were measured to calculate mean arterial pressure (MAP) and mean ocular perfusion pressure (MOPP). HF and the LF/HF ratio were recorded using Kubios HR variability premium software to evaluate autonomic nervous system activity. The profiles of the anterior chamber were captured by a Spectralis optical coherence tomography device (anterior segment module).

Results

Compared with baseline values, in phase 2 of the VM, HR, LF/HF, IOP (15.1 ± 2.7 vs. 18.8 ± 3.5 mmHg, P < 0.001), SCAR (mean) (7712.112 ± 2992.14 vs. 8921.12 ± 4482.79 μm2, P = 0.039), and PD increased significantly, whereas MOPP, AOD500, TIA500, and TISA500 decreased significantly. In phase 4, DBP, MAP, AOD500, ARA750, TIA500and TISA500 were significantly lower than baseline value, while PD and HF were remarkably larger than baseline. The comparison between phase 2 and phase 4 showed that HR, IOP (18.8 ± 3.5 vs. 14.7 ± 2.9 mmHg, P < 0.001) and PD decreased significantly from phase 2 to phase 4, but there were no significant differences in other parameters.

Conclusions

The expansion and collapse of the SC in different phases of the VM may arise from changes in autonomic nervous system activity. Further, the effects of the VM on IOP may be attributed to changes in blood flow and ocular anatomy.

Trial registration

This observational study was approved by the ethics committee of Tongji Hospital (Registration Number: ChiCTR-OON-16007850, Date: 01.28.2016).
Specific motor cortex hypoexcitability and hypoactivation in COPD patients with peripheral muscle weakness
Authors: Alexandre Francois , Héraud Nelly , Tremey Emilie , Oliver Nicolas , Bourgouin Dominique , Varray Alain
Published: January 2020

Background

Peripheral muscle weakness can be caused by both peripheral muscle and neural alterations. Although peripheral alterations cannot totally explain peripheral muscle weakness in COPD, the existence of an activation deficit remains controversial. The heterogeneity of muscle weakness (between 32 and 57% of COPD patients) is generally not controlled in studies and could explain this discrepancy. This study aimed to specifically compare voluntary and stimulated activation levels in COPD patients with and without muscle weakness.

Methods

Twenty-two patients with quadriceps weakness (COPDMW), 18 patients with preserved quadriceps strength (COPDNoMW) and 20 controls were recruited. Voluntary activation was measured through peripheral nerve (VAperipheral) and transcranial magnetic (VAcortical) stimulation. Corticospinal and spinal excitability (MEP/Mmax and Hmax/Mmax) and corticospinal inhibition (silent period duration) were assessed during maximal voluntary quadriceps contractions.

Results

COPDMWexhibited lower VAcorticaland lower MEP/Mmax compared with COPDNoMW(p < 0.05). Hmax/Mmax was not significantly different between groups (p = 0.25). Silent period duration was longer in the two groups of COPD patients compared with controls (p < 0.01). Interestingly, there were no significant differences between all COPD patients taken together and controls regarding VAcorticaland MEP/Mmax.

Conclusions

COPD patients with muscle weakness have reduced voluntary activation without altered spinal excitability. Corticospinal inhibition is higher in COPD regardless of muscle weakness. Therefore, reduced cortical excitability and a voluntary activation deficit from the motor cortex are the most likely cortical mechanisms implicated in COPD muscle weakness. The mechanisms responsible for cortical impairment and possible therapeutic interventions need to be addressed.
Developing institutional infrastructure for physician wellness: qualitative Insights from VA physicians
Authors: Schwartz Rachel , Shanafelt Tait D. , Gimmler Christophe , Osterberg Lars
Published: January 2020

Background

The prevalence and detrimental effect of physician burnout requires new strategies for supporting physicians. In this project, we describe the development, and assessment, of a “Balint-like” physician support group that provided social cohesion and delivered novel didactic curricula for building resilience.

Methods

The project began with a nine-month facilitated peer-support group for physicians that met every other week. Based on input from the first group, tailored content was developed to address physician wellness needs. These curricula were delivered to participants in the second nine-month Balint-like group. We then conducted semi-structured interviews with 7 hospitalists and 2 outpatient primary care physicians who participated in the Balint-like groups to explore the intervention’s value and to identify remaining unmet physician wellness needs. Using an inductive thematic analysis approach, we identified a set of institutional-, community- and individual-level factors affecting physician wellness and corresponding intervention opportunities.

Results

Physicians spoke of systems-level factors that contributed to distress, and proposed infrastructure, both physical and procedural, that they felt could better support physician wellness. They highlighted the emotional challenges of daily work, and the need for a forum by which to process these interactions in order to maintain their own wellness. Participants reported that participation in Balint-like groups provided this forum and served to help the physicians normalize struggles, reduce isolation and provide new strategies for navigating challenging interactions.

Conclusions

Institutional infrastructure, in the form of regular, psychologically-safe forums for processing with peers and learning relational strategies for preserving wellness, may mitigate physician distress. This project provides a model for how to develop and deliver a low-cost physician wellness program that can be tailored to the needs of individual clinical units.
Synthetic carbohydrate-based vaccines: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Mettu Ravinder , Chen Chiang-Yun , Wu Chung-Yi
Published: January 2020

Glycoconjugate vaccines based on bacterial capsular polysaccharides (CPS) have been extremely successful in preventing bacterial infections. The glycan antigens for the preparation of CPS based glycoconjugate vaccines are mainly obtained from bacterial fermentation, the quality and length of glycans are always inconsistent. Such kind of situation make the CMC of glycoconjugate vaccines are difficult to well control. Thanks to the advantage of synthetic methods for carbohydrates syntheses. The well controlled glycan antigens are more easily to obtain, and them are conjugated to carrier protein to from the so-call homogeneous fully synthetic glycoconjugate vaccines. Several fully glycoconjugate vaccines are in different phases of clinical trial for bacteria or cancers. The review will introduce the recent development of fully synthetic glycoconjugate vaccine.
Detection and phylogeny of Staphylococcus aureus sequence type 398 in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Yhu-Chering , Chen Chih-Jung
Published: January 2020

Background

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ST398 is a livestock associated-bacterium that is most prevalent in Europe. Human-adapted MRSA ST398 was recently reported from China, but there is no data available yet for Taiwan.

Methods

To identify S. aureus ST398 isolates, we examined 6413 S. aureus isolates (5632 MRSA and 781 susceptible strains) that were collected in Taiwan between 1995 and 2017. If isolates could not be typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis upon Sma I digestion, we performed further characterization and complete genome sequencing.

Results

We identified 18 ST398 S. aureus isolates from 16 subjects (0.28%), including 6 sensitive and 12 resistant strains. Of these, 14 were colonizing isolates, 3 were clinical (infecting) isolates and one isolate was from a pork specimen. All 3 infecting isolates were MSSA strains identified in 2015 from two children with recurrent otitis media or sinusitis. The other 3 MSSA isolates were identified from workers handling pork (2) or pork meat (1) in 2015. The first 5 MRSA colonizing isolates were identified from residents in two nursing homes in 2012. Six MRSA isolates were identified from residents and foreign employees at a nursing home in 2016 and one MRSA from a foreign worker in 2017. Phylogenetic analysis of genome sequences indicated that all 12 local ST398 MRSA strains cluster together, human-adapted and phylogenetically related to a human MRSA strain identified in China in 2002. Two local MSSA isolates could be linked to isolates from livestock. The toxin profiles were similar for the MRSA and MSSA isolates.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that S. aureus ST398 was present in Taiwan in 2012 and potentially earlier. Although some isolates could be linked to livestock, most ST398 S. aureus isolates identified in Taiwan, particularly MRSA, represent human-adapted strains. Local transmission of human-adapted MRSA ST398 strains has occurred in nursing homes in Taiwan, possibly after import from China. Further surveillance is needed.
Dopamine D3 receptor and GSK3β signaling mediate deficits in novel object recognition memory within dopamine transporter knockdown mice
Authors: Chang Pi-Kai , Chu Jung , Tsai Ya-Ting , Lai Yan-Heng , Chen Jin-Chung
Published: January 2020

Background

Over-stimulation of dopamine signaling is thought to underlie the pathophysiology of a list of mental disorders, such as psychosis, mania and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. These disorders are frequently associated with cognitive deficits in attention or learning and memory, suggesting that persistent activation of dopamine signaling may change neural plasticity to induce cognitive or emotional malfunction.

Methods

Dopamine transporter knockdown (DAT-KD) mice were used to mimic a hyper-dopamine state. Novel object recognition (NOR) task was performed to assess the recognition memory. To test the role of dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) on NOR, DAT-KD mice were treated with either a D3R antagonist, FAUC365 or by deletion of D3R. Total or phospho-GSK3 and –ERK1/2 signals in various brain regions were measured by Western blot analyses. To examine the impact of GSK3 signal on NOR, wild-type mice were systemically treated with GSK3 inhibitor SB216763 or, micro-injected with lentiviral shRNA of GSK3β or GSK3α in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC).

Results

We confirmed our previous findings that DAT-KD mice displayed a deficit in NOR memory, which could be prevented by deletion of D3R or exposure to FAUC365. In WT mice, p-GSK3α and p-GSK3β were significantly decreased in the mPFC after exposure to novel objects; however, the DAT-KD mice exhibited no such change in mPFC p-GSK3α/β levels. DAT-KD mice treated with FAUC365 or with D3R deletion exhibited restored novelty-induced GSK3 dephosphorylation in the mPFC. Moreover, inhibition of GSK3 in WT mice diminished NOR performance and impaired recognition memory. Lentiviral shRNA knockdown of GSK3β, but not GSK3α, in the mPFC of WT mice also impaired NOR.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that D3R acts via GSK3β signaling in the mPFC to play a functional role in NOR memory. In addition, treatment with D3R antagonists may be a reasonable approach for ameliorating cognitive impairments or episodic memory deficits in bipolar disorder patients.
RNA sequencing reveals an additional Crz1-binding motif in promoters of its target genes in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans
Authors: Xu Huihui , Fang Tianshu , Omran Raha Parvizi , Whiteway Malcolm , Jiang Linghuo
Published: January 2020

Background

The calcium/calcineurin signaling pathway is mediated by the transcription factors NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) in mammals and Crz1 (calcineurin-responsive zinc finger 1) in yeasts and other lower eukaryotes. A previous microarray analysis identified a putative Crz1-binding motif in promoters of its target genes inCandida albicans, but it has not been experimentally demonstrated.

Methods

An inactivation mutant forCaCRZ1was generated through CRISPR/Cas9 approach. Transcript profiling was carried out by RNA sequencing of the wild type and the inactivation mutant forCaCRZ1in response to 0.2 M CaCl2. Gene promoters were scanned by the online MEME (Multiple Em for Motif Elicitation) software. Gel electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis were used for in vitro and in vivo CaCrz1-binding experiments, respectively.

Results

RNA sequencing reveals that expression of 219 genes is positively, and expression of 59 genes is negatively, controlled by CaCrz1 in response to calcium stress. These genes function in metabolism, cell cycling, protein fate, cellular transport, signal transduction, transcription, and cell wall biogenesis. Forty of these positively regulated 219 genes have previously been identified by DNA microarray analysis. Promoter analysis of these common 40 genes reveals a consensus motif [5′-GGAGGC(G/A)C(T/A)G-3′], which is different from the putative CaCrz1-binding motif [5′-G(C/T)GGT-3′] identified in the previous study, but similar toSaccharomyces cerevisiaeScCrz1-binding motif [5′-GNGGC(G/T)CA-3′]. EMSA and ChIP assays indicate that CaCrz1 binds in vitro and in vivo to both motifs in the promoter of its target geneCaUTR2. Promoter mutagenesis demonstrates that these two CaCrz1-binding motifs play additive roles in the regulation ofCaUTR2expression. In addition, theCaCRZ1gene is positively regulated by CaCrz1. CaCrz1 can bind in vitro and in vivo to its own promoter, suggesting an autoregulatory mechanism forCaCRZ1expression.

Conclusions

CaCrz1 differentially binds to promoters of its target genes to regulate their expression in response to calcium stress. CaCrz1 also regulates its own expression through the 5′-TGAGGGACTG-3′ site in its promoter.
Prevalence and associated factors of anemia among full-term newborn babies at University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tiruneh Tegenaw , Shiferaw Elias , Enawgaw Bamlaku
Published: January 2020

Background

Anemia in newborn babies causes asymptomatic to an acute life-threatening event. If untreated, it leads to a delay in brain maturation, tissue hypoxia, and stunted growth. In Sub-Saharan Africa, its burden ranges 23–66%. However, in Ethiopia, there is limited information regarding the prevalence and associated factors of newborn anemia. Thus, this study was aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among full-term newborn babies.

Method

Cross-sectional study was conducted from February 1 to April 30, 2019, among 192 full-term newborn babies. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select study participants. Socio-demographic characteristics were collected through interviews. Clinical data were collected by reviewing medical records. Cord blood was collected from the clumped cord. Complete blood count was analyzed by using the Sysmex KX-21 N hematology analyzer. SPSS 20 was used to analyze the data. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to identify associated factors.P-value < 0.05 was considered a statistically significant association.

Result

The median (interquartile range) of cord hemoglobin was 15 g/dL (13.93–16.2 g/dL). From the total, 25% (95% CI: 18.9, 31.1%) of the newborns were anemic. From anemic 89.5, 6.3, and 4.2% were mild, moderate and severe anemia type, respectively. Maternal vegetable consumption habit (AOR = 0.34, 95%CI: 0.17, 0.69) were significant associated with anemia.

Conclusion

Anemia among newborn babies found to be a moderate public health problem. Based on the finding early screening of newborn anemia may reduce further complications.
Prokaryotic ribosomal RNA stimulates zebrafish embryonic innate immune system
Authors: Basu Abhishikta , Yoshihama Maki , Uechi Tamayo , Kenmochi Naoya
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Cell-culture studies reported that prokaryotic RNA molecules among the various microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) were uniquely present in live bacteria and were categorized as viability-associated MAMPs. They also reported that specific nucleotide modifications are instrumental in the discrimination between self and nonself RNAs. The aim of this study was to characterize the in vivo immune induction potential of prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) using zebrafish embryos as novel whole animal model system. Additionally, we aimed to test the possible role of rRNA modifications in immune recognition.

Results

We used three immune markers to evaluate the induction potential of prokaryotic rRNA derived from Escherichia coli and eukaryotic rRNAs from chicken (nonself) and zebrafish (self). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa served as a positive control. E. coli rRNA had an induction potential equivalent to that of LPS. The zebrafish innate immune system could discriminate between self and nonself rRNAs. Between the nonself rRNAs, E. coli rRNA was more immunogenic than chicken rRNA. The in vitro transcript of zebrafish 18S rRNA gene without the nucleotide modifications was not recognized by its own immune system. Our data suggested that prokaryotic rRNA is immunostimulatory in vivo and could be useful as an adjuvant.
Derivation of bounds of several kinds of operators via $(s,m)$-convexity
Authors: Chel Kwun Young , Farid Ghulam , Min Kang Shin , Khan Bangash Babar , Ullah Saleem
Published: January 2020

The objective of this paper is to derive the bounds of fractional and conformable integral operators for $(s,m)$(s,m)-convex functions in a unified form. Further, the upper and lower bounds of these operators are obtained in the form of a Hadamard inequality, and their various fractional versions are presented. Some connections with already known results are obtained.
SIRT3 protects against early brain injury following subarachnoid hemorrhage via promoting mitochondrial fusion in an AMPK dependent manner
Authors: Wu Xun , Luo Jianing , Liu Haixiao , Cui Wenxing , Feng Dayun , Qu Yan
Published: January 2020

Background

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), an acute cerebrovascular accident, features with its high death and disability rate. Sirtuin3 (SIRT3) is a NAD+ dependent deacetylase which mainly located in mitochondria. Reduced SIRT3 function was indicated to involve in many disorders of central nervous system. Herein, we aimed to explore the neuroprotective effects of SIRT3 on SAH and to furtherly explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Adult C57BL/6 J male mice (8–10 weeks) were used to establish SAH models. The pharmacological agonist of SIRT3, Honokiol (HKL), was injected in an intraperitoneal manner (10 mg/kg) immediately after the operation. Brain edema and neurobehavioral score were assessed. Nissl staining and FJC staining were used to evaluate the extent of neuronal damage. The changes of mitochondria morphology were observed with transmission electron microscopy. Western blot was used for analyzing the protein level of SIRT3 and the downstream signaling molecules.

Result

SIRT3 was downregulated after SAH, and additional treatment of SIRT3 agonist HKL alleviated brain edema and neurobehavioral deficits after SAH. Additionally, electron microscopy showed that HKL significantly alleviated the morphological damage of mitochondria induced by SAH. Further studies showed that HKL could increase the level of mitochondrial fusion protein Mfn1 and Mfn2, thus maintaining (mitochondrial morphology), protecting mitochondrial function and promoting neural survival. While, additional Compound C (CC) treatment, a selective AMPK inhibitor, abolished these protective effects.

Conclusions

Activation of SIRT3 protects against SAH injury through improving mitochondrial fusion in an AMPK dependent manner.
Perceptual salience influences food choices independently of health and taste preferences
Authors: Dai Jane , Cone Jeremy , Moher Jeff
Published: January 2020

Background

Making decisions about food is a critical part of everyday life and a principal concern for a number of public health issues. Yet, the mechanisms involved in how people decide what to eat are not yet fully understood. Here, we examined the role of visual attention in healthy eating intentions and choices. We conducted two-alternative forced choice tests of competing food stimuli that paired healthy and unhealthy foods that varied in taste preference. We manipulated their perceptual salience such that, in some cases, one food item was more perceptually salient than the other. In addition, we manipulated the cognitive load and time pressure to test the generalizability of the salience effect.

Results

Manipulating salience had a powerful effect on choice in all situations; even when an unhealthy but tastier food was presented as an alternative, healthy food options were selected more often when they were perceptually salient. Moreover, in a second experiment, food choices on one trial impacted food choices on subsequent trials; when a participant chose the healthy option, they were more likely to choose a healthy option again on the next trial. Furthermore, robust effects of salience on food choice were observed across situations of high cognitive load and time pressure.

Conclusions

These results have implications both for understanding the mechanisms of food-related decision-making and for implementing interventions that might make it easier for people to make healthy eating choices.