bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retention, stability, iron bioavailability and sensory evaluation of extruded rice fortified with iron, folic acid and vitamin B12
Authors: Jyrwa Yvette Wilda , Palika Ravindranadh , Boddula Swetha , Boiroju Naveen Kumar , Madhari Radhika , Pullakhandam Raghu , Thingnganing Longvah
Published: December 2020

Fortification of rice with micronutrients using extrusion technology is considered a sustainable strategy to prevent nutritional deficiencies in general population. The objective of the present study is to assess the retention, stability and iron bioavailability from indigenously developed triple fortified rice (iron, folic acid and vitamin B12) during rinsing and different cooking methods. Further, we also assessed the acceptability of fortified rice in adult human volunteers. The retention of iron during rinsing with excess water was ≥90%, whereas folic acid and vitamin B12 levels were reduced by ~25% during rinsing. Watertight cooking of rice (in electric cooker or on flame) had no additional effect on the nutrient levels as compared with rinsed rice, implying their stability during cooking. However, cooking with excess water followed by decanting led to loss of 45% iron and ≥70% folic acid and vitamin B12. The dialyzable iron and ferritin synthesis in Caco‐2 cells was significantly (P < .01) higher from fortified rice compared with unfortified rice. In addition, inclusion of ascorbic acid significantly (P < .01) increased the iron bioavailability from the fortified rice. Triangle tests in adult human subjects revealed that there are no significant sensory differences among fortified and unfortified rice. Further, fortified rice consumption appears to bridge the gaps in dietary iron intake deficits in children and women of reproductive age. These results suggest that the iron‐, folic acid‐ and vitamin B12‐fortified rice has higher retention and stability of fortified nutrients and is acceptable for consumption in adult human volunteers.
Divergence and agreement on nutrient intake between the two food composition tables of Bangladesh
Authors: Ali Masum , Amin Md Ruhul
Published: December 2020

In Bangladesh, two food composition tables (FCTs) were published over two consecutive years, in 2012 and in 2013. When different databases are used to calculate nutrient intakes, assessment of divergence and agreements is required. This study aimed to compare the differences in nutrient intakes, to assess the similarities in nutrient intakes between the two FCTs, and to explore the factors that cause the difference in nutrient intakes, if any. A total sample of 40 households was taken from the Household Income Expenditure Survey of 2010. Adult male equivalent (AME) units were used to estimate weighted average intake. Weighted k statistics were used to assess agreements between the two FCTs. Although median intake of energy and energy‐yielding nutrients (protein, fats, and carbohydrates) were found statistically significant between the two databases, the differences were not large enough to have practical significance. Excellent agreements were found in energy and carbohydrates with good for fats and fair for protein. However, statistically significant median percent differences were seen in beta carotene (441%), vitamin B6 (153%), and folate (129%), vitamin C (106%), zinc (101%), and iron (41%) intakes. For thiamin, iron, calcium, and phosphorous, more than 50% of the subjects were found in the same quintile, whereas nine out of 15 vitamins and minerals were misclassified into the opposite quintiles (≥10%). Fair agreements were found for most of the micronutrients. Variations in analytical methods and sources of nutrient information were the main contributing factors for actual differences. FCT data should be interpreted with caution, especially for micronutrients.
Relationships between land tenure insecurity, agrobiodiversity, and dietary diversity of women of reproductive age: Evidence from Acholi and Teso subregions of Uganda
Authors: Ekesa Beatrice , Ariong Richard M. , Kennedy Gina , Baganizi Mary , Dolan Ian
Published: December 2020

Land tenure security is central to food security of rural agricultural‐dependent communities, but there is limited evidence linking the state of agrobiodiversity to perception of land tenure security and access to and quality of food eaten. This study explores this relationship using data captured from 1,279 households in Acholi and Teso subregions of Uganda, and the relationships are established using a study sample of 1,227 women of reproductive age (WRA). Sixteen percent of respondents perceived themselves to be land tenure insecure. Although approximately 275 species were reported available for food, household access to a variety of plant and animal species is limited to <10 species by 69% of the study population. Dietary diversity was also low, with 53% of women meeting minimum diet diversity. Evidence from estimation of a generalized Poisson regression reveals that dietary diversity of WRA is consistently, positively correlated with species diversity available for food and negative with land tenure insecurity. A unit increase in species diversity led to 18% increase in dietary diversity of WRAs. Land tenure insecurity was likely to reduce dietary diversity of WRAs by 26% (p < .05). Interventions with an aim to increase species diversity can deliver positive dividends for food and nutrition security. Land policy reforms and interventions that strengthen land tenure security for both men and women are likely to contribute positively to dietary diversity leading to improved food and nutrition security of vulnerable communities in rural areas.
Linkages of agroecosystems producing farmed seafood on food security, nutritional status and adolescent health in Bangladesh
Authors: de Roos Baukje , Roos Nanna , Ara Gulshan , Ahmed Tahmeed , Mamun Abdullah‐Al , Sneddon Alan A. , Murray Francis , Grieve Eleanor , Little David C.
Published: December 2020

This narrative review aims to provide an interdisciplinary perspective on actors that link global aquatic food production systems with fish consumption and nutritional status, with a special focus on adolescent girls in Bangladesh. The writing of this narrative perspective was undertaken within the framework of the Aquatic Food for Health and Nutrition (AQN) project that aimed to develop a metric for assessing the impacts on nutrition and health of agroecosystems producing farmed seafood. Previous studies evaluating links between agricultural ecosystems, aquaculture, food security and human health have systemically ignored the importance of diet and nutrition. Such studies have also ignored the importance of local communities, cultural norms and household composition and behaviours to identify vulnerable groups such as adolescent girls. This narrative review presents our current understanding of the relationships between aquaculture, fish production and consumption patterns, food security, optimal nutrition and health. It also highlights the importance of research into aquaculture food systems, linking aquatic food production systems with nutritional status, health and socioeconomic prosperity, which would help to develop more integrated and relevant food policies.
Effectiveness of an individually tailored oral hygiene intervention in improving gingival health among community‐dwelling adults with physical disabilities in Thailand
Authors: Sermsuti‐Anuwat Nithimar , Pongpanich Sathirakorn
Published: December 2020

Aims

Persons with physical disabilities require specific methods for sustaining good oral health. This study aimed to evaluate an individually tailored oral hygiene intervention program (IT‐OHI) for improving gingival health among adults with disabilities.

Methods and results

A single group, quasi‐experimental design with pre‐ and post‐tests, conducted at a community club for disabled people in Thailand. This study included 145 adults with disabilities, aged 18‐74 years. Trained caregivers provided IT‐OHI program to all participants. Calibrated dentists assessed the gingival bleeding and dental plaque at baseline/pre‐intervention (T0) and at 6 (T1) and 12 (T2) weeks post‐intervention. The outcomes were analyzed using the Friedman test, Cochran's Q test, and Binary logistic regression. There were significant decreases in bleeding on probing scores (P < .001) and plaque control record scores (P < .001) throughout the study. However, considering the individual periods, values between T1 and T2 did not improve. Additionally, the IT‐OHI program's protective effect was more substantial among the male participants at 12 weeks post‐intervention (odds ratio = 0.094, P = .027) than among the females.

Conclusion

The IT‐OHI program had partial effectiveness in improving gingival health and reducing dental plaque accumulation in a group of Thai people with physical disabilities; however, the long‐term impact remains unclear.
“The Debt of Gratitude”: Mobilizing “Motherhood” in Times of Unrest in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Sabban Rima
Published: December 2020

Objective

The objective of this study is to examine the framework of "motherhood" and gender identity politics in the context of growing nationalist state projects rooted in the UAE national service discourse. While the Western scholarship has extensively examined the concept of motherhood, little empirical studies have focused on the complex linkages between motherhood, state, and national service, particularly in non‐Western contexts such as the UAE.

Methods

The method was an in‐depth field interviews with national mothers. National mothers have increasingly emerged as the new ideological “objects” of the state‐led nationalist campaign to promote national military service in the UAE. The study further dissects the spatial boundaries of, and the complex relationships between motherhood and state, while simultaneously highlighting vignette of gendered narratives of various local UAE national mothers, and how they micro‐view, sacrifice, cope, and respond to the ongoing state project.

Results

The results show how UAE national service has shaped the daily lives and sense of belonging of UAE national mothers, their acceptance of the changes National service has brought to their families. A “debt of gratitude” is a catalyst of their attitude to a state which represents their interpretation and understanding of what they foresee as the UAE state's act of “disciplining and governmentality” in times of ongoing unrest in the broader Middle East region.

Conclusion

In conclusion, UAE mothers aligned their adaptation to a new disrupted change and family relationships.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DQB1*06:374 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Elsermans Vincent , Visentin Jonathan , Top Isabelle , Varlet Pauline , Labalette Myriam
Published: December 2020

HLA‐DQB1*06:374 differs from HLA‐DQB1*06:02:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 62 in exon 2.
Rh disease prevention: the European Perspective
Authors: Toly‐Ndour Cécile , Huguet‐Jacquot Stéphanie , Mailloux Agnès , Delaby Hélène , Canellini Giorgia , Olsson Martin L. , Wikman Agneta , Koelewijn Joke M. , Minon Jean‐Marc , Legler Tobias J. , Clausen Frederik B. , Lambert Mark , Ryan Helen , Bricl Irena , Hasslund Sys , Orzinska Agnieszka , Guz Katarzyna , Uhrynowska Malgorzata , Matteocci Antonella , Nogues Nuria , Muniz‐Diaz Eduardo , Sainio Susanna , De Haas Masja , Van der Schoot C. Ellen
Published: December 2020

Background and Objectives

In Europe, postnatal and subsequently antenatal administration of anti‐RH1 (D) immunoglobulins (Ig) has reduced the number of maternal anti‐RH1 immunizations and the incidence of haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn since the 1960s. Non‐invasive foetal RHD genotyping now enables antenatal prophylaxis to be targeted only to women carrying RHD‐positive foetus. We aimed at describing how Rh disease prevention is currently managed in different European countries.

Materials and Methods

We prepared an online survey on guidelines and biological tests performed for Rh disease prevention. The link was sent to 15 expert laboratories among Europe, selected by their publications in the field.

Results

Experts from thirteen countries responded. Guidelines on anti‐RH1 prophylaxis are similar regarding the major aspects of RH disease prevention, including indication and timing of anti‐RH1 Ig administration, as well as indication of foetal RHD genotyping. Different anti‐RH1 Ig preparations are used, and the dosing may differ depending on gestational age. Other controversial issues include (1) timing for foetal RHD genotyping, (2) indication of tests performed to quantitate feto‐maternal haemorrhage prior to anti‐RH1 Ig administration, (3) if there is a remaining indication for newborn RH1 phenotyping. Procedures for monitoring the prophylaxis efficiency and evaluating the national prevention programme also differ among countries.

Conclusion

Despite some differences among countries, the Rh disease prevention policies are very efficient in Europe, but HDFN cases due to maternal anti‐RH1 immunization have not completely disappeared. It therefore remains important to share best practices for continuous improvement in reducing anti‐RH1 alloimmunization.
Experimental approach to nasal septal cartilage regeneration with adipose tissue‐derived stem cells and decellularized porcine septal cartilage
Authors: Kuhlmann Constanze , Schenck Thilo Ludwig , Tluczynski Katharina , Aszodi Attila , Metzger Philipp , Giunta Riccardo , Wiggenhauser Paul Severin
Published: December 2020

Background

Cartilage shortage is a major problem in facial reconstructive surgery. Prior studies have shown that decellularized porcine nasal septal cartilage (DPNC) seeded with primary human nasal chondrocytes enabled cartilage regeneration and showed potential as a replacement material for nasal cartilage. Since adipose tissue‐derived stem cells (ASCs) are easily accessible and almost abundantly available, they appear to be a promising alternative to limited chondrocytes making the combination of DPNC and ASCs a feasible approach towards clinical translation. Thus, this study was intended to investigate the interactions between ASCs and DPNC in an in vitro model.

Methods

DPNCs were seeded and 3D‐cultured with primary human ASCs that were priorly characterized with trilineage differentiation and flow cytometry. Cell vitality and proliferation were evaluated by Live‐Dead, alamarBlue, and PicoGreen assays. Chondrogenic differentiation was examined by DMMB assay and cryosectioning‐based histology. Cell invasion within DPNC was visualized and quantified by fluorescent histology (DAPI, Phalloidin).

Results

ASCs showed good adherence to DPNC and Live‐Dead assay proved their viability over 2 weeks. AlamarBlueassay showed an increase in metabolic activity compared to 2D cultures, and PicoGreen assay demonstrated an increase of cell number within DPNC over time. Biochemical assays and histology added evidence of chondrogenic differentiation of 3D‐cultured ASCs under the influence of chondrogenic induction medium. Fluorescent image analysis showed a significant increase of cell‐occupied areas of scaffolds over time (P < .05).

Conclusions

DPNC scaffolds provided a suitable environment for ASCs that allowed good cell vitality, high proliferation, and chondrogenic differentiation. Thus, the use of ASCs and DPNC yields a promising alternative to the use of primary human chondrocytes. For facial cartilage tissue engineering, we regard ASCs as an attractive alternative to human nasal chondrocytes due to their better accessibility and availability. Further research will be necessary to determine long‐term effects and in vivo outcomes of ASCs and DPNC in cartilage regeneration of the face.
Respiratory alkalinization and posterior cerebral artery dilatation predict acute mountain sickness severity during 10 h normobaric hypoxia
Authors: Barclay Holly , Mukerji Saptarshi , Kayser Bengt , O'Donnell Terrence , Tzeng Yu‐Chieh , Hill Stephen , Knapp Katie , Legg Stephen , Frei Dan , Fan Jui‐Lin
Published: December 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The pathophysiology of acute mountain sickness (AMS), involving the respiratory, renal and cerebrovascular systems, remains poorly understood. How do the early adaptations in these systems during a simulated altitude of 5000 m relate to AMS risk?

What is the main finding and its importance?

The rate of blood alkalosis and cerebral artery dilatation predict AMS severity during the first 10 h of exposure to a simulated altitude of 5000 m. Slow metabolic compensation by the kidneys of respiratory alkalosis attributable to a brisk breathing response together with excessive brain blood vessel dilatation might be involved in early development of AMS.

The complex pathophysiology of acute mountain sickness (AMS) remains poorly understood and is likely to involve maladaptive responses of the respiratory, renal and cerebrovascular systems to hypoxia. Using stepwise linear regression, we tested the hypothesis that exacerbated respiratory alkalosis, as a result of a brisk ventilatory response, sluggish renal compensation in acute hypoxia and dysregulation of cerebral perfusion predict AMS severity. We assessed the Lake Louise score (LLS, an index of AMS severity), fluid balance, ventilation, venous pH, bicarbonate, sodium and creatinine concentrations, body weight, urinary pH and cerebral blood flow [internal carotid artery (ICA) and vertebral artery (VA) blood flow and diameter], in 27 healthy individuals (13 women) throughout 10 h exposures to normobaric normoxia (fraction of inspired O2 = 0.21) and normobaric hypoxia (fraction of inspired O2 = 0.117, simulated 5000 m) in a randomized, single‐blinded manner. In comparison to normoxia, hypoxia increased the LLS, ventilation, venous and urinary pH, and blood flow and diameter in the ICA and VA, while venous concentrations of both bicarbonate and creatinine were decreased (P < 0.001 for all). There were significant correlations between AMS severity and the rates of change in blood pH, sodium concentration and VA diameter and more positive fluid balance (P < 0.05). Stepwise regression found increased blood pH [beta coefficient (β) = 0.589, P < 0.001] and VA diameter (β = 0.418, P = 0.008) to be significant predictors of AMS severity in our cohort [F(2, 20) = 16.1, R2 = 0.617, P < 0.001, n = 24], accounting for 62% of the variance in peak LLS. Using classic regression variable selection, our data implicate the degree of respiratory alkalosis and cerebrovascular dilatation in the early stages of AMS development.
¿Los elementos de la responsabilidad extracontractual del Estado en Colombia son dos o tres?: a propósito de la relación de causalidad
Authors: Arenas Mendoza Hugo Andrés
Published: December 2020

Este artículo de investigación tiene por objetivo demostrar que no existe claridad entre los operadores jurídicos acerca de los elementos de la responsabilidad del Estado en Colombia, puesto que el Consejo de Estado en sus decisiones recientes en ocasiones utiliza dos elementos y en otras tres. La metodología aplicada parte de un análisis histórico de la manera en la que el Consejo de Estado, desde sus primeras decisiones, ha establecido los elementos de la responsabilidad estatal. En un segundo momento, presenta la normatividad actual sobre la materia y, finalmente, se analizan decisiones recientes de cada uno de los magistrados que conforman la Sección Tercera. A partir del análisis, se ha concluido la necesidad de que el Consejo de Estado unifique su posición sobre los elementos necesarios para que se genere la responsabilidad patrimonial y, particularmente, mantenga la constatación de la relación de causalidad como un elemento esencial en sus decisiones. La determinación de los elementos de la responsabilidad por vía jurisprudencial permitirá superar contradicciones teóricas, dificultades prácticas y, sobre todo, evitar sentencias en las que se desconozcan los derechos de las víctimas.
“Salvadas por un voto”: trayectorias de la Corte Constitucional de Colombia a partir de los votos disidentes (1992-2000)
Authors: Cajas Sarria Mario Alberto , Obando Rentería Fabio Andrés
Published: December 2020

La jurisprudencia de la Corte Constitucional ha sido ampliamente estudiada por la academia local y los comparatistas le han dedicado importantes esfuerzos, lo cual contrasta fuertemente con la poca atención que se ha prestado a las posturas minoritarias de los magistrados en las decisiones. Este trabajo examina las sentencias de constitucionalidad aprobadas por cinco votos a favor y cuatro en contra, entre los nueve magistrados de la Corte Constitucional, durante el período comprendido entre 1992 y el 2000: a partir de esa reconstrucción, propone trayectorias alternativas de la Corte Constitucional. De este modo, pone en evidencia que las disputas entre los magistrados no siempre coincidieron con los fallos que fueron más controversiales para la opinión pública. De igual modo, argumenta que las posturas doctrinales de los magistrados fueron dinámicas, contrario a las “etiquetas” que tradicionalmente suelen alinearlos como “progresistas” y “conservadores”. Por último, llama la atención sobre la necesidad de analizar el comportamiento jurisprudencial de la Corte caso a caso y tomándose en serio los desacuerdos.
La transmisibilidad del crédito indemnizatorio por daño moral de la víctima fallecida: análisis del caso chileno
Authors: Espada Mallorquín Susana , Pino Emhart Alberto
Published: December 2020

Este artículo analiza la procedencia de la acción indemnizatoria por el daño moral sufrido por la víctima directa, ejercida por los herederos en el caso de su fallecimiento. Se considera especialmente el caso del derecho chileno, donde la jurisprudencia reciente ha ido cambiando desde la tradicional postura de la intransmisibilidad a la transmisibilidad de la acción en los casos en los cuales la víctima alcanzó a sobrevivir al menos un instante. Se consideran los méritos de las tesis que se han planteado al respecto, y se defiende la tesis de la transmisibilidad de la acción, para luego plantear algunas dificultades de esta tesis.
La viabilidad del proceso ejecutivo arbitral en Colombia
Authors: Brito Nieto Luisa María
Published: December 2020

Este artículo tiene como objetivo examinar si resulta viable el proceso ejecutivo arbitral en Colombia y estudiar los principales cuestionamientos que surgen en torno a esta posibilidad, a través de un método deductivo y de análisis crítico. Esto incluye explorar su verdadera utilidad, los requisitos que se predicarían del pacto arbitral ejecutivo y las pautas principales en caso de una eventual regulación normativa respecto del tema. Como principal conclusión se arribó a que no existen impedimentos normativos ni de la naturaleza jurídica misma del arbitraje nacional en Colombia que vayan en contravía de la viabilidad de un proceso ejecutivo arbitral. No obstante, deberá existir una regulación al respecto de forma previa.
Deformation Modeling of a Flexible Instrument Using a Bézier Curve
Authors: Rajesh Gudala , Khatait Jitendra P.
Published: December 2020

Flexible instruments are extensively used in medical applications. Manipulation of these instruments is challenging and troublesome. To study the behavior of these instruments, different modeling approaches like finite element, Cosserat rod, and differential geometry have been used. In this paper, an alternate modeling approach using Bézier curve is proposed to understand large deformation in a flexible instrument. The shape is represented by a Bézier curve. The deformation includes extension, flexure, and torsion in the instrument. Strain energy and geometric constraints are formulated using Bézier control points. The shape of the deformed instrument under the given constraints is obtained by minimizing the total strain energy. Nonlinear constrained optimization is used for the minimization to find the deformed shape. The proposed method is applied for large elastic deformation in three-dimensional space. Loop formation is observed and validated with the experimental results. The proposed method will help in understanding the mechanics of a flexible instrument. Looping is a common problem during colonoscopy. The developed model will help in developing strategies for the safe introduction of these instruments inside the body for performing diagnostic and surgical interventions.
Enhancement in Film Cooling Effectiveness Using Delta Winglet Pair
Authors: Halder Nirmal , Saha Arun K. , Panigrahi P. K.
Published: December 2020

A simulation study has been carried out to investigate the influence of delta winglet pair (DWP) for improving the film cooling effectiveness of a gas turbine blade. Incompressible continuity, momentum, energy, and two equations k − ω SST model have been used for investigating the nature of flow field, temperature field, and turbulent statistics. The Reynolds number based on the jet velocity and the diameter of the film cooling hole is set at a constant value equal to 4232. The jet to the crossflow blowing ratio has been varied as 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5. The corresponding Reynolds numbers based on the crossflow inlet velocity and film hole diameter are equal to 6462, 4229, and 3231, respectively. It is observed that common-flow-down (CFD) DWP configuration augments the film cooling effectiveness due to generation of secondary longitudinal vortices, which annihilates the counter-rotating vortex structures present in the baseline flow. The generation of hairpin vortices and the growth of shear layer vortices are modified due to the implementation of DWP. The overall turbulence intensity and vorticity get reduced due to the presence of DWP. A maximum of 97.46% and a minimum of 61.50% enhancement in film cooling effectiveness have been observed at blowing ratio of M = 1.5 and M = 0.5, respectively. The wake region of the film cooling jet is modified due to DWP leading to formation of stagnation region and lower mixing resulting in higher film cooling effectiveness. The strength of horseshoe vortices is reduced due to the presence of DWP, resulting in lower mixing between the jet with the cross flows and stable film formation. Lower thermal boundary layer thickness is observed in DWP configuration compared to that of the baseline case confirming lower mixing due to the implementation of DWP. Overall, the present study explains the effectiveness of DWP configuration for enhancement of film cooling effectiveness of a DWP.
The chromatin remodeler ALC1 underlies resistance to PARP inhibitor treatment
Authors: Juhász Szilvia , Smith Rebecca , Schauer Tamás , Spekhardt Dóra , Mamar Hasan , Zentout Siham , Chapuis Catherine , Huet Sébastien , Timinszky Gyula
Published: December 2020

ALC1 mobilizes trapped PARP1, allowing the subsequent recruitment of downstream repair factors to initiate efficient repair.
Mitochondria form contact sites with the nucleus to couple prosurvival retrograde response
Authors: Desai Radha , East Daniel A. , Hardy Liana , Faccenda Danilo , Rigon Manuel , Crosby James , Alvarez María Soledad , Singh Aarti , Mainenti Marta , Hussey Laura Kuhlman , Bentham Robert , Szabadkai Gyorgy , Zappulli Valentina , Dhoot Gurtej K. , Romano Lisa E. , Xia Dong , Coppens Isabelle , Hamacher-Brady Anne , Chapple J. Paul , Abeti Rosella , Fleck Roland A. , Vizcay-Barrena Gema , Smith Kenneth , Campanella Michelangelo
Published: December 2020

Physical tethering between mitochondria and nucleus sustains retrograde response.
Long-range dynamic correlations regulate the catalytic activity of the bacterial tyrosine kinase Wzc
Authors: Hajredini Fatlum , Piserchio Andrea , Ghose Ranajeet
Published: December 2020

A mechanism for nucleotide exchange and activation is proposed for a family of protein tyrosine kinases unique to bacteria.
Termini restraining of small membrane proteins enables structure determination at near-atomic resolution
Authors: Liu Shixuan , Li Shuang , Yang Yihu , Li Weikai
Published: December 2020

Termini restraining enables structural determination of small membrane proteins, greatly expanding their structural database.
In Vitro
Selection Implicates ROP1 as a Resistance Gene for an Experimental Therapeutic Benzoquinone Acyl Hydrazone in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Martens Matthew C. , Won Madalyn M. , Won Harim I. , Schulze Thomas T. , Judge Abigail K. , Neville Andrew J. , Vennerstrom Jonathan L. , Davis Paul H.
Published: December 2020

Toxoplasma gondii
is a globally distributed apicomplexan parasite and the causative agent of toxoplasmosis in humans. While pharmaceuticals exist to combat acute infection, they can produce serious adverse reactions, demonstrating a need for enhanced therapies.
Dichotomy between Regulation of Coral Bacterial Communities and Calcification Physiology under Ocean Acidification Conditions
Authors: Shore A. , Day R. D. , Stewart J. A. , Burge C. A.
Published: December 2020

Ocean acidification (OA) is a consequence of anthropogenic CO
2
emissions that is negatively impacting marine ecosystems such as coral reefs. OA affects many aspects of coral physiology, including growth (i.e., calcification) and disrupting associated bacterial communities.
Acquired Resistance to Severe Ethanol Stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Protein Quality Control
Authors: Yoshida Masashi , Kato Sae , Fukuda Shizu , Izawa Shingo
Published: December 2020

Although the budding yeast
S. cerevisiae
, which is used in the production of alcoholic beverages and bioethanol, is highly tolerant of ethanol, high concentrations of ethanol are also stressful to the yeast and cause various adverse effects, including protein denaturation. A pretreatment with mild stress improves the ethanol tolerance of yeast cells; however, it currently remains unclear whether it increases PQC activity and reduces the levels of denatured proteins.
Coronavirus Endoribonuclease Ensures Efficient Viral Replication and Prevents Protein Kinase R Activation
Authors: Zhao Jing , Sun Lu , Zhao Ye , Feng Delan , Cheng Jinlong , Zhang Guozhong
Published: December 2020

Coronaviruses can emerge from animal reservoirs into naive host species to cause pandemic respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases with significant mortality in humans and domestic animals. Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), a γ-coronavirus, infects respiratory, renal, and reproductive systems, causing millions of dollars in lost revenue worldwide annually.
Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Processivity Factor, ORF59, Binds to Canonical and Linker Histones, and Its Carboxy Terminus Is Dispensable for Viral DNA Synthesis
Authors: Gutierrez Isaura Vanessa , Sarkar Poulomee , Rossetto Cyprian C.
Published: December 2020

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an oncogenic virus and the causative agent of potentially fatal malignancies. Lytic replication of KSHV is an essential part of the viral life cycle, allowing for virus dissemination within the infected host and shedding to infect naive hosts.
A High-Throughput Method for Screening for Genes Controlling Bacterial Conjugation of Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Alalam Hanna , Graf Fabrice E. , Palm Martin , Abadikhah Marie , Zackrisson Martin , Boström Jonas , Fransson Alfred , Hadjineophytou Chris , Persson Linnéa , Stenberg Simon , Mattsson Matilda , Ghiaci Payam , Sunnerhagen Per , Warringer Jonas , Farewell Anne
Published: December 2020

The rapid transmission of antibiotic resistance genes on conjugative plasmids between bacterial host cells is a major cause of the accelerating antibiotic resistance crisis. There are currently no experimental platforms for fast and cost-efficient screening of genetic effects on antibiotic resistance transmission by conjugation, which prevents understanding and targeting conjugation.
Silicone Y-stent insertion under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in a patient with tracheal tear
Authors: Mohd Esa Nurul Yaqeen , Faisal Mohamed , Vengadesa Pilla Saravanan , Abdul Rahaman Jamalul Azizi
Published: December 2020

Tracheal tear after endotracheal intubation is extremely rare. The role of silicone Y-stent in the management of tracheal injury has been documented in the previous studies. However, none of the studies have mentioned the deployment of silicone Y-stent via rigid bronchoscope with the patient solely supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) without general anaesthesia delivered via the side port of the rigid bronchoscope. We report a patient who had a tracheal tear due to endotracheal tube migration following a routine video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery sympathectomy, which was successfully managed with silicone Y-stent insertion. Procedure was done while she was undergoing ECMO; hence, no ventilator connection to the side port of the rigid scope was required. This was our first experience in performing Y-stent insertion fully under ECMO, and the patient had a successful recovery.
Shot in the dark: three patients successfully treated with onabotulinumtoxin A injections for relief of post-traumatic chronic headaches and dystonia induced by gunshot wounds
Authors: Ferguson Lauren Palitz , Abdukalikov Ruslan , Shbeeb David , Gray Terence K
Published: December 2020

Three patients ranging from 49 to 61 years-old presented to our pain clinic after failing multiple treatment attempts for debilitating, chronic post-traumatic headaches, neck pain and involuntary muscle spasm following gunshot wounds to the head, neck and face. Concurrent cervical dystonia was noted in each patient on presentation. All patients were treated with onabotulinumtoxin A (ONA) injections in the head and neck. Each patient reported between 70% and 100% improvement of their headache pain, neck pain and spasm with a significant reduction in the frequency, duration and intensity of their headaches. This level of improvement has been successfully maintained in all three patients with regular ONA injections at 90-day intervals. Two patients experienced a single relapse in symptoms when scheduling conflicts caused them to miss their regularly scheduled ONA injections by several weeks. These symptoms resolved when their ONA injections resumed, suggesting that ONA is the causative agent alleviating their symptoms.
Campylobacter colibacteraemia: how common is it?
Authors: Pisipati Sindhura , Zafar Adnan , Zafar Yousaf
Published: December 2020

Campylobacterspecies are known to cause enteritis. However, over the past 40–50 years, there have been reports of varying presentations, such as cellulitis, spondylodiscitis and bacteraemia. Of theCampylobacterspecies,Campylobacter jejuniis the most common culprit for causing bacteraemia, however,Campylobacter colibacteraemia is becoming more prevalent. Here, we discuss an unusual case ofC. colibacteraemia in a patient with decompensated liver cirrhosis.
Low-intermediate dose of lenvatinib in anaplastic thyroid cancer is highly effective and safe
Authors: Barbaro Daniele , Lapi Paola , Viacava Paolo , Torregrossa Liborio
Published: December 2020

We report two cases of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) which had a very good response to a treatment with lenvatinib at 14 mg. A 73-year-old man with ATC stage IVB was operated on, undergoing a near-total thyroidectomy, and the pathological remnant tissue showed a quick and partial response to treatment with the drug. The patient had a single metastasis in the brain after 9 months, but then died due to bronchopneumonia after undergoing a neurosurgical intervention for the complete removal of the lesion. A 74-year-old woman with ATC stage IV was operated on, undergoing a near-total thyroidectomy after a neoadjuvant treatment with the drug, that was continued after surgical treatment. She had a partial remission of the local disease and of distant metastasis, which lasted for 14 months. She then died 4 months later due to cancer progression. Lenvatinib at 14 mg appears to be effective, fast and well tolerated.
Unusual case of cholecystocolonic fistula secondary to megabowel
Authors: Mahmood Fahad , Ajayi Oluwasola , Ahmed Marriam , Akingboye Akinfemi Ayobami
Published: December 2020

Cholecystocolonic fistula with associated idiopathic megabowel (megacolon and megarectum) is a rare presentation as acute large bowel obstruction. Frequently presenting with chronic constipation, acute bowel obstruction is rarely encountered in the presence of concomitant cholecystocolonic fistula. This presents diagnostic and management difficulties with no consensus on appropriate surgical approach. This case highlights the outcomes following emergency total colectomy and subtotal cholecystectomy as a single-stage procedure for a 68-year-old man presenting with cholecystocolonic fistula secondary to idiopathic megabowel as acute large bowel obstruction.
Systemic capillary leak syndrome: a rare but potentially life-threatening cause of protein loss and oedema in B cell prolymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Williams Rhys , El-Sharkawi Dima , Stewart Andrew
Published: December 2020

A 64-year-old man had a several year history of B prolymphocytic leukaemia (PLL) which behaved indolently and had not required any treatment. Five years after diagnosis, he developed hypoalbuminaemia associated with severe lower-limb oedema, consistent with systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS). He recovered spontaneously but went on to have three further increasingly severe and protracted episodes over the subsequent 18 months. There was no identifiable precipitating factor for these episodes, but his peripheral lymphocyte count continued to increase slowly. The start of treatment for his PLL with chemoimmunotherapy was followed by a rapid resolution of residual oedema and normalisation of serum albumin. He has had no further attacks of SCLS in the 14 months since he started therapy for PLL. SCLS is a rare consequence of haematological malignancy which may show an excellent response to treatment of the haematological disease.
Bouveret syndrome: a clinicoradiological perspective
Authors: Checkley Elliot W , Balian Vartan , Aziz Abdul , Lee Fred
Published: December 2020

An 87-year-old woman presented to us with a 5-day history of worsening epigastric pain and vomiting. Her medical history included known gallstones and a previous episode of acute cholecystitis complicated by a perforated gallbladder for which she had declined surgery 5 years prior. Radiological imaging confirmed a large gallstone impacted in the first part of the duodenum with gross gastric outlet obstruction and pneumobilia, confirming the diagnosis of Bouveret syndrome, an often overlooked and rare variant of gallstone ileus. Following an unsuccessful oesophagogastroduodenoscopy for stone retrieval, she underwent a laparotomy and gastrotomy with a successful outcome and discharged from hospital 4 weeks following the procedure.
Corneal confocal microscopy compared with quantitative sensory testing and nerve conduction for diagnosing and stratifying the severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Ferdousi Maryam , Kalteniece Alise , Azmi Shazli , Petropoulos Ioannis N , Worthington Anne , D'Onofrio Luca , Dhage Shaishav , Ponirakis Georgios , Alam Uazman , Marshall Andrew , Faber Catharina G , Lauria Giuseppe , Soran Handrean , Malik Rayaz A
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Diabetic neuropathy can be diagnosed and assessed using a number of techniques including corneal confocal microscopy (CCM).

Research design and methods

We have undertaken quantitative sensory testing, nerve conduction studies and CCM in 143 patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes without neuropathy (n=51), mild neuropathy (n=47) and moderate to severe neuropathy (n=45) and age-matched controls (n=30).

Results

Vibration perception threshold (p<0.0001), warm perception threshold (WPT) (p<0.001), sural nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) (p<0.001), corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD) (p<0.0001), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD) (p<0.0001), corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) (p=0.002), inferior whorl length (IWL) (p=0.0001) and average nerve fiber length (ANFL) (p=0.0001) showed a progressive abnormality with increasing severity of diabetic neuropathy. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for the diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy showed comparable performance in relation to the area under the curve (AUC) but differing sensitivities and specificities for vibration perception threshold (AUC 0.79, sensitivity 55%, specificity 90%), WPT (AUC 0.67, sensitivity 50%, specificity 76%), cold perception threshold (AUC 0.64, sensitivity 80%, specificity 47%), SNCV (AUC 0.70, sensitivity 76%, specificity 54%), CNFD (AUC 0.71, sensitivity 58%, specificity 83%), CNBD (AUC 0.70, sensitivity 69%, specificity 65%), CNFL (AUC 0.68, sensitivity 64%, specificity 67%), IWL (AUC 0.72, sensitivity 70%, specificity 65%) and ANFL (AUC 0.72, sensitivity 71%, specificity 66%).

Conclusion

This study shows that CCM identifies early and progressive corneal nerve loss at the inferior whorl and central cornea and has comparable utility with quantitative sensory testing and nerve conduction in the diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy.
Effective prevention of intimate partner violence through couples training: a randomised controlled trial ofIndashyikirwain Rwanda
Authors: Dunkle Kristin , Stern Erin , Chatterji Sangeeta , Heise Lori
Published: December 2020

Background

Between 2015 and 2018, three civil society organisations in Rwanda implementedIndashyikirwa, a four-part intervention designed to reduce intimate partner violence (IPV) among couples and within communities. We assessed the impact of the programme’s gender transformative curriculum for couples.

Methods

Sectors (n=28) were purposively selected based on density of village savings and loan association (VLSA) groups and randomised (with stratification by district) to either the full community-levelIndashyikirwaprogramme (n=14) or VSLA-only control (n=14). Within each sector, 60 couples recruited from VSLAs received either a 21-session curriculum or VSLA as usual. No blinding was attempted. Primary outcomes were perpetration (for men) or experience (for women) of past-year physical/sexual IPV at 24 months post-baseline, hypothesised to be reduced in intervention versus control (ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT03477877).

Results

We enrolled 828 women and 821 men in the intervention sectors and 832 women and 830 men in the control sectors; at endline, 815 women (98.4%) and 763 men (92.9%) in the intervention and 802 women (96.4%) and 773 men (93.1%) were available for intention-to-treat analysis. Women in the intervention compared with control were less likely to report physical and/or sexual IPV at 24 months (adjusted relative risk (aRR)=0.44, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.59). Men in the intervention compared with control were also significantly less likely to report perpetration of physical and/or sexual IPV at 24 months (aRR=0.54, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.75). Additional intervention benefits included reductions in acceptability of wife beating, conflict with partner, depression, and corporal punishment against children and improved conflict management, communication, trust, self-efficacy, self-rated health, household earnings, food security and actions to prevent IPV. There were no study-related harms.

Conclusions

TheIndashyikirwacouples’ training curriculum was highly effective in reducing IPV among male/female couples in rural Rwanda. Scale-up and adaptation to similar settings should be considered.
Behavioural insights to support increased consumption of quality protein maize by young children: a cluster randomised trial in Ethiopia
Authors: Donato Katherine , McConnell Margaret , Han Dan , Gunaratna Nilupa S , Tessema Masresha , De Groote Hugo , Cohen Jessica
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Biofortified crops have tremendous potential to improve child nutrition. We tested whether complementing the distribution of quality protein maize (QPM) with a package of interventions informed by behavioural insights could support greater consumption of QPM by young children and translate into improved growth.

Methods

We conducted a cluster-randomised trial in Oromia, Ethiopia. Clusters of households with a child between 6 and 35 months were randomised into an arm receiving QPM seed only (320 households, 203 clusters) or an arm receiving QPM seed and a child consumption targeting intervention (290 households, 183 clusters). The intervention package included tools to help caregivers keep QPM separate from conventional maize and to earmark QPM specifically for child consumption, as well as encouragement regarding cooking QPM specifically for young children. We analysed the impact of the intervention on food storage, cooking and consumption behaviours and on anthropometric measures (weight-for-age, height-for-age z scores).

Results

The consumption targeting intervention increased the probability of child consumption of QPM in the past week by 17.3 percentage points (pp) (95% CI 9.4 pp to 25.1 pp; p<0.01), increased the probability that QPM flour was stored separately from conventional maize by 46.5 pp (95% CI 38.3 pp to 54.7 pp; p<0.01) and increased the probability that caregivers cooked QPM specifically for young children in the past week by 14.4 pp (95% CI 7.9 pp to 20.9 pp; p<0.01). These effects persisted, but were attenuated, 10 months postintervention. No significant effects on anthropometric outcomes were found.

Conclusions

Enhancing the distribution of new, biofortified crop varieties with a consumption targeting campaign can change storage, cooking and consumption behaviours. However, these improved behaviours did not translate into increased growth in this setting.

Trial registration number

NCT02710760and AEARCTR0000786.
Country performance against COVID-19: rankings for 35 countries
Authors: Jamison Dean T , Lau Lawrence J , Wu Kin Bing , Xiong Yanyan
Published: December 2020

Objective

To generate rankings of 35 countries from all continents (except Africa) on performance against COVID-19.

Design

International time series, cross-sectional analysis.

Selected countries

Countries having 5500 or more cases (collectively including 85% of the world’s cases) as of 16 April 2020 and that had reached 135 days into their pandemic by 30 July.

Main outcome measures

Theinitial severityandlate-pandemicperformance of countries can reasonably be ranked by COVID-19 cases or deaths per million population. For guiding policy and informing public accountability during the pandemic, we proposemid-pandemicperformance rankings based on doubling time in days of the total number of cases and deaths in a country. Rank orderings then follow.

Results

At day 25 into a country’s pandemic, cross-country performance variation was modest: in most countries, cumulative deaths doubled in fewer than 5 days. By day 65, and even more so by day 135, great cross-country variation emerged. By day 135, 9 of the 10 top-performing countries on deaths were European, although they were initially hard hit by the pandemic. Thus, rankings change rapidly enough to point to the value of a dynamic indicator. Five countries—Brazil, Mexico, India, Indonesia and Israel—were among the seven poorest performers at day 135 on both cases and deaths. Doubling times for cases and for deaths are positively correlated, but differ sufficiently to point to the value of both indicators.

Conclusions

Readily available data support transparently generated rankings of countries’ performance against COVID-19 based on doubling times of cases and deaths. It is premature to judge the value of these rankings in practice, but the potential and early experience suggest they might help facilitate identification of good policies and inform judgements on national leadership.