bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using a transcriptome sequencing approach to explore candidate resistance genes against stemphylium blight in the wild lentil species Lens ervoides
Authors: Cao Zhe , Li Li , Kapoor Karan , Banniza Sabine
Published: September 2019

Background

Stemphylium blight (SB), caused byStemphylium botryosum, is a devastating disease in lentil production. Although it is known that accessions ofLens ervoidespossess superior SB resistance at much higher frequency than the cultivated lentil species, very little is known about the molecular basis regulating SB resistance inL. ervoides. Therefore, a comprehensive molecular study of SB resistance inL. ervoideswas needed to exploit this wild resource available at genebanks for use by plant breeders in resistance breeding.

Results

Microscopic and qPCR quantification of fungal growth revealed that 48, 96, and 144 h post-inoculation (hpi) were interesting time points for disease development inL. ervoidesrecombinant inbred lines (RILs) LR-66-637 (resistant to SB) and LR-66-577 (susceptible to SB). Results of transcriptome sequencing at 0, 48, 96 and 144 hpi showed that 8810 genes were disease-responsive genes after challenge byS. botryosum. Among them, 7526 genes displayed a similar expression trend in both RILs, and some of them were likely involved in non-host resistance. The remaining 1284 genes were differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between RILs. Of those, 712 DEGs upregulated in LR-66-637 were mostly enriched in ‘carbohydrate metabolic process’, ‘cell wall organization or biogenesis’, and ‘polysaccharide metabolic process’. In contrast, there were another 572 DEGs that were upregulated in LR-66-577, and some of them were enriched in ‘oxidation-reduction process’, ‘asparagine metabolic process’ and ‘asparagine biosynthetic process’. After comparing DEGs to genes identified in previously described quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for resistance to SB, nine genes were common and three of them showed differential gene expression between a resistant and a susceptible bulk consisting of five RILs each. Results showed that two genes encoding calcium-transporting ATPase and glutamate receptor3.2 were candidate resistance genes, whereas one gene with unknown function was a candidate susceptibility gene.

Conclusion

This study provides new insights into the mechanisms of resistance and susceptibility inL. ervoidesRILs responding toS. botryosuminfection. Furthermore, we identified candidate resistance or susceptibility genes which warrant further gene function analyses, and which could be valuable for resistance breeding, if their role in resistance or susceptibility can be confirmed.
Graphical comparisons of relative disease burden across multiple risk factors
Authors: Ferguson John , O’Leary Neil , Maturo Fabrizio , Yusuf Salim , O’Donnell Martin
Published: September 2019

Background

Population attributable fractions (PAF) measure the proportion of disease prevalence that would be avoided in a hypothetical population, similar to the population of interest, but where a particular risk factor is eliminated. They are extensively used in epidemiology to quantify and compare disease burden due to various risk factors, and directly influence public policy regarding possible health interventions. In contrast to individual specific metrics such as relative risks and odds ratios, attributable fractions depend jointly on both risk factor prevalence and relative risk. The relative contributions of these two components is important, and usually needs to be presented in summary tables that are presented together with the attributable fraction calculation. However, representing PAF in an accessible graphical format, that captures both prevalence and relative risk, may assist interpretation.

Methods

Taylor-series approximations to PAF in terms of risk factor prevalence and log-odds ratio are derived that facilitate simultaneous representation of PAF, risk factor prevalence and risk-factor/disease log-odds ratios on a single co-ordinate axis. Methods are developed for binary, multi-category and continuous exposure variables.

Results

The methods are demonstrated using INTERSTROKE, a large international case control dataset focused on risk factors for stroke.

Conclusions

The described methods could be used as a complement to tables summarizing prevalence, odds ratios and PAF, and may convey the same information in a more intuitive and visually appealing manner. The suggested nomogram can also be used to visually estimate the effects of health interventions which only partially reduce risk factor prevalence. Finally, in the binary risk factor case, the approximations can also be used to quickly convert logistic regression coefficients for a risk factor into approximate PAFs.
Tinkering at the margins: evaluating the pace and direction of primary care reform in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Aggarwal Monica , Williams A. Paul
Published: September 2019

Background

Primary care reform has been on the political agenda in Canada and many industrialized countries for several decades; it is widely seen as the foundation for broader health system transformation. Federal investments in primary care, including major cash transfers to provinces and territories as part of a 10-year health care funding agreement in 2004, triggered waves of primary care reform across Canada. Nevertheless, Commonwealth Fund surveys show, Canada continues to lag behind other industrialized nations with respect to timely access to care, electronic medical record use and audit and feedback for quality improvement in primary care. This paper evaluates the pace and direction of primary care reform as well as the extent of resulting change in the organization and delivery of primary care in Ontario, Canada’s most populous province.

Methods

Qualitative and quantitative methods were used for this study. A literature review was conducted to analyze the core dimensions of primary care reform, the history of reform in Ontario, and the extent to which different dimensions are integrated into Ontario’s models. Quantitative data on the number of family physicians/general practitioners and patients enrolled in these models was examined over a 10-year period to determine the degree of change that has taken place in the organization and delivery of primary care in Ontario.

Results

There are 11 core reform dimensions that individually and collectively shift from conventional primary care toward the more expansive vision of primary health care. Assessment of Ontario’s models against these core dimensions demonstrate that there has been little substantive change in the organization and delivery of primary care over 10 years in Ontario.

Conclusions

Primary care reform is a multi-dimensional construct with different reform models bundling core dimensions in different ways. This understanding is important to move beyond the rhetoric of “reform” and to critically assess the pace and direction of change in primary care in Ontario and in other jurisdictions. The conceptual framework developed in this paper can assist decision-makers, academics and health care providers in all jurisdictions in evaluating the pace of change in the primary care sector, as well as other sectors.
Clinical course, mutations and its functional characteristics of infantile-onset Pompe disease in Thailand
Authors: Ngiwsara Lukana , Wattanasirichaigoon Duangrurdee , Tim-Aroon Thipwimol , Rojnueangnit Kitiwan , Noojaroen Saisuda , Khongkraparn Arthaporn , Sawangareetrakul Phannee , Ketudat-Cairns James R. , Charoenwattanasatien Ratana , Champattanachai Voraratt , Kuptanon Chulaluck , Pangkanon Suthipong , Svasti Jisnuson
Published: September 2019

Background

Pompe disease is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficiency of acid alpha-glucosidase (EC. 3.2.1.20) due to mutations in humanGAAgene. The objective of the present study was to examine clinical and molecular characteristics of infantile-onset Pompe disease (IOPD) in Thailand.

Methods

Twelve patients with infantile-onset Pompe disease (IOPD) including 10 Thai and two other Asian ethnicities were enrolled. To examine the molecular characteristics of Pompe patients,GAAgene was analyzed by PCR amplification and direct Sanger-sequencing of 20 exons coding region. The novel mutations were transiently transfected in COS-7 cells for functional verification. The severity of the mutation was rated by study of the GAA enzyme activity detected in transfected cells and culture media, as well as the quantity and quality of the proper sized GAA protein demonstrated by western blot analysis. The GAA three dimensional structures were visualized by PyMol software tool.

Results

All patients had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, generalized muscle weakness, and undetectable or < 1% of GAA normal activity. Three patients received enzyme replacement therapy with variable outcome depending on the age of the start of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Seventeen pathogenic mutations including four novel variants: c.876C > G (p.Tyr292X), c.1226insG (p.Asp409GlyfsX95), c.1538G > A (p.Asp513Gly), c.1895 T > G (p.Leu632Arg), and a previously reported rare allele of unknown significance: c.781G > A (p.Ala261Thr) were identified. The rating system ranked p.Tyr292X, p. Asp513Gly and p. Leu632Arg as class “B” and p. Ala261Thr as class “D” or “E”. These novel mutations were located in the N-terminal beta-sheet domain and the catalytic domain.

Conclusions

The present study provides useful information on the mutations ofGAAgene in the underrepresented population of Asia which are more diverse than previously described and showing the hotspots in exons 14 and 5, accounting for 62% of mutant alleles. Almost all mutations identified are in class A/B. These data can benefit rapid molecular diagnosis of IOPD and severity rating of the mutations can serve as a partial substitute for cross reactive immunological material (CRIM) study.
Maximal standard uptake values of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography compared with Epstein-Barr virus DNA as prognostic indicators in de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Sun Xue-Song , Liang Yu-Jing , Liu Sai-Lan , Chen Qiu-Yan , Guo Shan-Shan , Wen Yue-Feng , Liu Li-Ting , Xie Hao-Jun , Tang Qing-Nan , Li Xiao-Yun , Yan Jin-Jie , Tang Lin-Quan , Mai Hai-Qiang
Published: September 2019

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of maximal standard uptake values (SUVmax) of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (PET) comparing with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA levels in de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients.

Methods

From December 2006 to December 2016, 253 de novo metastatic NPC patients assessed by PET/ computed tomography were involved in current study. SUVmax-T, SUVmax-N, and SUVmax-M referred to the SUVmax at the primary tumor, cervical lymph nodes, and metastatic lesions respectively. Overall survival (OS) was the primary endpoint.

Result

Patients who died during the follow-up had significantly higher SUVmax-N, SUVmax-M, and EBV DNA level than those in the patients who were alive. SUVmax-N and SUVmax-M were positively correlated with EBV DNA level. The cut-off values of SUVmax-T, SUVmax-N, SUVmax-M, and EBV DNA were 17.0, 12.7, and 6.9, and 13,800 copies/mL respectively, which were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Patients with elevated SUVmax-N, SUVmax-M, and EBV DNA levels had a lower 3-year OS rate. In multivariate analysis, the independent prognostic factors of OS included EBV DNA, metastatic site, and locoregional radiotherapy application, while SUVmax was not an independent prognostic factor.

Conclusion

In de novo metastatic NPC patients, higher SUVmax-N and SUVmax-M were associated with worse prognosis. However, the predictive ability of SUVmax-N and SUVmax-M was poorer than that of EBV DNA.
Risk evaluation of splenic hilar or splenic artery lymph node metastasis and survival analysis for patients with proximal gastric cancer after curative gastrectomy: a retrospective study
Authors: Ding Peng , Gao Ziming , Zheng Chen , Chen Junqing , Li Kai , Gao Shan
Published: September 2019

Background

As splenectomy and spleen-preserving lymphadenectomy are performed only in some proximal gastric cancer patients, it is difficult to identify patients who have undergone radical gastrectomy with or without splenic hilar (No.10) or splenic artery (No.11) lymph node metastases. We aimed to determine the risk factors for No.10 and No.11 lymph node metastases and evaluate the survival significance of No.10 and No.11 lymph node dissection in advanced proximal gastric cancer patients.

Methods

A total of 873 advanced proximal gastric cancer patients who underwent curative gastrectomy with or without splenectomy or pancreaticosplenectomy were analyzed retrospectively. The clinicopathological characteristics of 152 patients who underwent splenectomy or pancreaticosplenectomy were analyzed to determine the risk factors for No.10 and No.11 lymph node metastases. The survival difference between patients with No.10 and No.11 lymph node dissections and those who did not undergo these dissections were compared.

Results

Patients with No.10 and No.11 lymph node metastases had very poor prognoses. Tumor invasion of the greater curvature and No.2 and No.4 lymph node metastases were independent risk factors for No.10 and No.11 lymph node metastases. No survival differences were evident between patients with No.10 and No.11 lymph node metastases who underwent No.10 and No.11 lymph node dissections and those who did not undergo these dissections but were at high risks of No.10 and No.11 lymph node metastases.

Conclusions

Splenic hilar or splenic artery lymph node dissection was not associated with increased survival, in proximal gastric cancer patients without direct cancer invasion of the spleen and pancreas, regardless of whether splenectomy, pancreaticosplenectomy, or spleen-preserving lymphadenectomy was performed.
Differential expression of N-linked oligosaccharides in methotrexate-resistant primary central nervous system lymphoma cells
Authors: Takashima Yasuo , Yoshimura Takeshi , Kano Yuichiro , Hayano Azusa , Hondoh Hiroaki , Ikenaka Kazuhiro , Yamanaka Ryuya
Published: September 2019

Background

Oligosaccharides of glycoprotein, particularly negatively-charged sialylatedN-glycans, on the surface of lymphomas play important roles in cell–cell interactions and bind immunoglobulin-like lectins, causing inflammatory responses and bioregulation. However, their characterizations have largely been unknown in central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma.

Methods

Here, we investigated expression patterns ofN-linked oligosaccharides of glycoproteins in cells derived from CNS lymphomas and clinical specimens.

Results

We first generated methotrexate (MTX)-resistant cells derived from HKBML and TK as CNS lymphoma, and RAJI as non-CNS lymphoma and determinedN-linked oligosaccharide structures in these cells and other non-CNS lymphoma-derived cells including A4/FUK, OYB, and HBL1. Major components of the total oligosaccharides were high-mannose typeN-glycans, whose level increased in MTX-resistant HKBML and TK but decreased in MTX-resistant RAJI. We also detected sialylated biantennary galactosylatedN-glycans with α1,6-fucosylation, A2G2F, and A2G2FB from HKBML, TK, and RAJI. Sialylated A4G4F was specifically isolated from RAJI. However, the ratios of these sialylatedN-glycans slightly decreased against MTX-resistant compared to non-resistant cells. Interestingly, almost all complex-type oligosaccharides were α2,6-sialylated.

Discussion

This is the first study for the expression profile ofN-oligosaccharides on MTX-resistant primary CNS lymphoma-derived cells HKBML and TK, and tumor tissues resected from patients with CNS lymphoma,

Conclusion

These results propose a possibility that the differential expression of high-mannose types and sialylated A2G2F, A2G2FB, and A4G4F on the surface of CNS lymphomas may provide a hint for targets for diagnoses and treatments of the oligosaccharide type-specific lymphomas.
Ocular characteristics in a variant microcephalic primordial dwarfism type II
Authors: Chen Wan-Ju , Huang Fu-Chin , Shih Min-Hsiu
Published: September 2019

Background

Microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism, type II (MOPD II) is a rare disease that is assumed to be caused by a pericentrin (PCNT) gene mutation. Clinical manifestations have been reported in pediatrics and neurology; however, only a few ocular findings have been documented.

Case presentation

We present three unrelated cases of MOPD II with similar facial features and short stature. Unlike the cases described in the literature, all subjects had normal birth weight and height but their growth was retarded thereafter. In addition to delayed milestones, they have a broad forehead, maxillary protrusion, long peaked nose, high nasal bridge, low-set large ears, extreme reromicrogenia, and normal-sized teeth. These three patients had similar ocular manifestations with the short axial length associated with high hyperopia more than + 9 diopters (D) and macular scarring. The oldest subject was a 20 year-old male without neurological symptoms. One female subject had developed alopecia during the previous 2 years. The other female subject had moyamoya disease, but a genetic study revealed a normal PCNT gene.

Conclusion

This is the first report of MOPD II focusing on ocular findings, suggesting that macular dystrophy and high hyperopia are the common ocular characteristics of MOPD II. Prompt referral to an ophthalmologist is essential. Although refractive amblyopia can be treated with optical correction, visual prognosis may be poor due to maculopathy.
Foundational knowledge regarding childhood obesity: a cross-sectional study of medical students
Authors: Guseman Emily Hill , Beverly Elizabeth A. , Whipps Jonathon , Mort Sophia
Published: September 2019

Background

Documentation and diagnosis of childhood obesity in primary care is poor and providers are often unfamiliar with guidelines. This lack of knowledge may be attributed to insufficient training in medical school and residency; however, no studies have evaluated medical students’ knowledge of recommendations.

Methods

We distributed a modified version of the Physician Survey of Practice on Diet, Physical Activity, and Weight Control to medical students at a single university. Descriptive analyses assessed knowledge and attitudes of childhood obesity and diabetes.

Results

Of the 213 participating students, 74% indicated being unfamiliar with obesity screening recommendations. Few correctly identified BMI percentile cut-points for child overweight (21.2%), obesity (23.7%), and normal weight (29.4%). They reported screening glucose 4.5 years earlier in patients with risk factors compared to those without (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Although students recognized the need for earlier diabetes screening in children with risk factors, we determined that overall, student knowledge of obesity-related preventative care was inadequate.
Costs and benefits of bevacizumab vial sharing for the treatment of retinal diseases
Authors: Sodré Sávio Lima , Barbosa Italo Antunes França , Pacheco Israel Emiliano , Ferreira Felipe de Queiroz Tavares , David Milton Agrizzi , Nascimento Mauricio Abujamra , Arieta Carlos Eduardo Leite , Vasconcellos Jose Paulo Cabral de
Published: September 2019

Background

Antiangiogenic therapy has proved to be an important therapeutic tool for many retinal vascular diseases; however, its availability is limited in developing countries. This study sought to describe the bevacizumab vial sharing process and to evaluate the impact of this repackaging system on the costs incurred in a Brazilian public hospital.

Method

This retrospective study compared the number and costs of intravitreal antiangiogenic injections approved via court order in the first year of the study (2015) to the number and costs of the bevacizumab injections provided through the use of vial sharing in the second year of the study (2016).

Vial sharing consists of the traditional process used to repackage bevacizumab; in this case, however, the drug samples used were the residual volume from the preparation of bevacizumab for oncology patients. The hospital adhered to the guidelines established by the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA).

Results

In the first year of the study and using medication obtained through court orders, 550 intravitreal injections were performed in the ophthalmology ambulatory care center. Based on local pricing tables, the total cost of the medication was BRL$1,036,056.25 (USD$267,546.58), and the average cost of each application was BRL$1883.74 (USD$486.45).

In the second year of the study, 1081 intravitreal applications were performed at the same hospital using doses obtained through bevacizumab vial sharing. The total cost was BRL$21,942.49 (USD$5663.30) and the per-unit cost was BRL$20.30, or USD$5.23 (a savings of 97.88%).

Conclusion

This study found that bevacizumab vial sharing led to a significant reduction in public health care costs associated with antiangiogenic treatment and increased the availability of the drug to public health care patients. These results can be extrapolated to other types of drugs and health care systems.
Holding the keys to health? A scoping study of the population health impacts of automated vehicles
Authors: Dean Jennifer , Wray Alexander J. , Braun Lucas , Casello Jeffrey M. , McCallum Lindsay , Gower Stephanie
Published: September 2019

Background

Automated Vehicles (AVs) are central to the new mobility paradigm that promises to transform transportation systems and cities across the globe. To date, much of the research on AVs has focused on technological advancements with little emphasis on how this emerging technology will impact population-level health. This scoping study examines the potential health impacts of AVs based on the existing literature.

Methods

Using Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping protocol, we searched academic and ‘grey’ literature to anticipate the effects of AVs on human health.

Results

Our search captured 43 information sources that discussed a least one of the five thematic areas related to health. The bulk of the evidence is related to road safety (n = 37), followed by a relatively equal distribution between social equity (n = 24), environment (n = 22), lifestyle (n = 20), and built environment (n = 18) themes. There is general agreement that AVs will improve road safety overall, thus reducing injuries and fatalities from human errors in operating motorized vehicles. However, the relationships with air quality, physical activity, and stress, among other health factors may be more complex. The broader health implications of AVs will be dependent on how the technology is adopted in various transportation systems. Regulatory action will be a significant determinant of how AVs could affect health, as well as how AVs influence social and environmental determinants of health.

Conclusion

To support researchers and practitioners considering the health implications of AVs, we provide a conceptual map of the direct and indirect linkages between AV use and health outcomes. It is important that stakeholders, including public health agencies work to ensure that population health outcomes and equitable distribution of health impacts are priority considerations as regulators develop their response to AVs. We recommend that public health and transportation officials actively monitor trends in AV introduction and adoption, regulators focus on protecting human health and safety in AV implementation, and researchers work to expand the body of evidence surrounding AVs and population health.
The association between pain catastrophizing, physical function and pain in a cohort of patients undergoing knee arthroplasty
Authors: Birch Sara , Stilling Maiken , Mechlenburg Inger , Hansen Torben Bæk
Published: September 2019

Background

Pain catastrophizing contributes to acute and long-term pain after knee arthroplasty (KA), but the association between pain catastrophizing and physical function is not clear.

We examined the association between preoperative pain catastrophizing and physical function one year after surgery, as well as differences in physical function, pain and general health in two groups of patients with high and low preoperative pain catastrophizing score.

Methods

We included 615 patients scheduled for KA between March 2011 and December 2013. Patients completed The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) prior to surgery. The Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Short Form-36 (SF-36) and the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) were completed prior to surgery, and 4 and 12 months after the surgery.

Results

Of the 615 patients, 442 underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and 173 unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Mean age was 67.3 (SD: 9.7) and 53.2% were females. Patients with PCS > 21 had statistically significantly larger improvement in mean OKS for both TKA and UKA than patients with PCS < 11; 3.2 (95% CI: 1.0, 5.4) and 5.4 (95% CI: 2.2, 8.6), respectively. Furthermore, patients with preoperative PCS > 21 had statistically significantly lower OKS, SF-36 and EQ-5D and higher pain score than patients with PCS < 11 both preoperatively and 4 and 12 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

Patients with high levels of preoperative pain catastrophizing have lower physical function, more pain and poorer general health both before and after KA than patients without elevated pain catastrophizing.
Risk factors of induced abortion among preparatory school student in Guraghe zone, Southern region, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lentiro Kifle , Gebru Teklemichael , Worku Abdusemed , Asfaw Agizie , Gebremariam Tigist , Tesfaye Addisu
Published: September 2019

Background

Induced abortion is a common undergo in many societies of the world. Every year, around 20 million unsafe abortions are done worldwide. From fragmented studies conducted in Ethiopia, the prevalence of induced abortion and its adverse effects are increasing over time. The aim of this study was to assess factors associated with induced abortion among female preparatory school students in Guraghe zone.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among female students of preparatory schools in April 2017. Systematic random sampling technique was employed to select 404 students from the total of 3960 female preparatory school students in the study area. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires. Descriptive summary, binary and multivariate analyses were underwent to identify factors associated with induced abortion. The study was ethically approved by institutional review board of Wolkite University.

Results

The response rate of this study was 98.3%. The lifetime prevalence of induced abortion among young preparatory schools students whose age range from 15 to 22 years was 13.6% [95% CI (10.4, 17.1)]. The odds of induced abortion undergo was 2.3 times more likely in rural family residents [AOR = 2.3, 95% CI (1.1, 4.8)] as compared to that of urban family residents. Students without sexual health education were 6.4 times more likely to undergo induced abortion as compared to those who got sexual health education at sc0000hool [AOR = 6.4, 95% CI (3.1, 13.1)]. Furthermore, students who drank alcohol often were 4 times [AOR = 4.0, 95% CI (1.1, 14.2)] more likely to undergo induced abortion and students who consumed alcohol sometimes had 3.3 times [AOR: 3.3, 95%CI (1.4, 8.1)] the risk of induced abortion compared with girls with no history of alcohol consumption.

Conclusion

A high lifetime prevalence of induced abortion among young adolescent was observed. Being rural residence, not having reproductive health education, and alcohol consumption were found to be independent predictors of induced abortion undergo. Therefore, IEC/BCC programs with special emphasis on youth friendly sexual and reproductive health services should be strengthened to reduce induced abortion.
A biological extract of turmeric (Curcuma longa) modulates response of cartilage explants to lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Pearson Wendy , Kott Laima S.
Published: September 2019

Background

Turmeric is commonly used as a dietary treatment for inflammation, but few studies have evaluated the direct effect of turmeric on cartilage. The purpose of this study was to characterize cartilage explants’ inflammatory responses to lipopolysaccharide in the presence of a simulated biological extract of turmeric.

Methods

Turmeric was incubated in simulated gastric and intestinal fluid, followed by inclusion of liver microsomes and NADPH. The resulting extract (TURsim) was used to condition cartilage explants in the presence or absence of lipopolysaccharide. Explants were cultured for 96 h (h); the first 24 h in basal tissue culture media and the remaining 72 h in basal tissue culture media containing TURsim(0, 3, 9 or 15 μg/mL). Lipopolysaccharide (0 or 5 μg/mL) was added for the final 48 H. mediasamples were collected immediately prior to lipopolysaccharide exposure (0 h) and then at 24 and 48 h after, and analyzed for prostaglandin E2(PGE2), glycosaminoglycan (GAG), and nitric oxide (NO). Explants were stained with calcein-AM for an estimate of live cells. Data were analyzed using a 2-way repeated measures (GAG, PGE2, NO) or 1-way ANOVA without repeated measures (viability). Significance accepted atp < 0.05.

Results

TURsimsignificantly reduced PGE2,NO and GAG, and calcein fluorescence was reduced. Conclusions: These data contribute to the growing body of evidence for the utility of turmeric as an intervention for cartilage inflammation.
Investigation of Brassica juncea, Forsythia suspensa, and Inula britannica: phytochemical properties, antiviral effects, and safety
Authors: Bae Won-Young , Kim Hyeong-Yeop , Choi Kyoung-Sook , Chang Kyung Hoon , Hong Young-Ho , Eun Jongsu , Lee Na-Kyoung , Paik Hyun-Dong
Published: September 2019

Background

General antiviral agents such as oseltamivir are associated with certain adverse effects and the emergence of resistance. This study investigated the phytochemical properties, antiviral activities, and safety of three herbs used in traditional Korean medicine.

Methods

Extracts of three medicinal herbs (Brassica juncea, Forsythia suspensa, and Inula britannica) were prepared using ethanol or water. The total phenolic, flavonoid, and saponin content, condensed tannin content, and reducing sugar content of the herb extracts were determined via phytochemical screening. Tandem mass analysis was performed using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-electrospray ionization (ESI)-Q/Orbitrap instrument. Virus titrations were determined via tissue culture infective dose (TCID50) and cytotoxicity assays. Hemolysis and hepatotoxicity were measured to determine safety.

Results

Among the three medicinal herbs, F. suspensa showed the highest concentration of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and saponins. The number of phytochemical compounds detected via tandem mass analysis of B. juncea, F. suspensa, and I. britannica was 5 (including sinigrin, m/z [M-H] = 358.02), 14 (including forsythoside A, m/z [M-H] = 623.19), and 18 (including chlorogenic acid, m/z [M-H] = 353.20), respectively. The antiviral effects of the B. juncea extracts (ethanol and water) and I. britannica extract (ethanol) were further investigated. The ethanol extract of B. juncea showed a 3 Log TCID50/25 μL virus titration reduction and the water extract showed a selectivity index of 13.668 against infected influenza H1N1 virus A/NWS/33. The B. juncea extracts did not show hemolysis activities and hepatotoxicity (< 20%). The ethanol extract of I. britannica showed the most effective virus titration decrease, whereas its hemolytic and hepatotoxicity values were the most significantly different compared to the control. Despite the high concentration of phytochemicals detected in F. suspensa, the extract showed approximately 1 Log TCID50/25 μL at the highest concentration.

Conclusion

B. juncea may show antiviral effects against H1N1 in a host. In addition, B. juncea may also show decreased disadvantages compared to other antiviral agents.
Needs, motivations, and identification with teaching: a comparative study of temporary part-time and tenure-track health science faculty in Iceland
Authors: Snook Abigail Grover , Schram Asta B. , Sveinsson Thorarinn , Jones Brett D.
Published: September 2019

Background

About 70% of teachers who instruct healthcare students are considered sessional (adjunct/temporary part-time) faculty and receive limited instruction in pedagogy. Sessional faculty may feel isolated and struggle with their teacher identity, and are often assumed to vary in their commitment, motivation, and ability to teach. However, research on teaching identity, motivations, and needs of sessional faculty is lacking. The aim of this study was to compare similarities and differences between sessional and tenure-track faculty across a health science school to guide faculty development for sessional faculty.

Methods

We developed an online needs assessment survey, based on informal interviews and literature reviews. Seventy-eight tenure-track faculty and 160 sessional faculty completed the survey (37, 25% response rate, respectively). We used validated scales to assess intrinsic motivation, identified regulated motivation, and identification with teaching, as well as developed scales (perceived connectedness, motivated by appreciation to try new teaching method) and single items. All scales demonstrated good internal consistency. We compared sessional and tenure-track faculty using t-tests/chi-square values.

Results

We found similarities between sessional and tenure-track faculty in intrinsic motivation, identified regulated motivation, and identification with teaching. However, sessional faculty perceived less department connectedness and were more motivated to improve instruction if shown appreciation for trying new teaching methods. Sessional faculty agreed more that they desired pedagogy instruction before starting to teach and that teachers should invest energy in improving their teaching. Admitting to less participation in activities to enhance teaching in the last year, sessional faculty were more interested in digital formats of faculty development.

Conclusion

Our comparison suggested that sessional faculty value being a teacher as part of their self, similar to tenured faculty, but desired more appreciation for efforts to improve and perceived less connectedness to their university department than tenured faculty. They also preferred digital formats for pedagogy to improve accessibility, prior to and throughout their teaching career to support their development as teachers. Using this information as a guide, we provide suggestions for faculty development for sessional faculty. Supporting sessional faculty in the health sciences should improve the quality of teaching and positively affect student learning.
Influence of response shift and disposition on patient-reported outcomes may lead to suboptimal medical decisions: a medical ethics perspective
Authors: Hartog Iris D. , Willems Dick L. , van den Hout Wilbert B. , Scherer-Rath Michael , Oreel Tom H. , Henriques José P. S. , Nieuwkerk Pythia T. , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. , Sprangers Mirjam A. G.
Published: September 2019

Background

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are frequently used for medical decision making, at the levels of both individual patient care and healthcare policy. Evidence increasingly shows that PROs may be influenced by patients’ response shifts (changes in interpretation) and dispositions (stable characteristics).

Main text

We identify how response shifts and dispositions may influence medical decisions on both the levels of individual patient care and health policy. We provide examples of these influences and analyse the consequences from the perspectives of ethical principles and theories of just distribution.

Conclusion

If influences of response shift and disposition on PROs and consequently medical decision making are not considered, patients may not receive optimal treatment and health insurance packages may include treatments that are not the most effective or cost-effective. We call on healthcare practitioners, researchers, policy makers, health insurers, and other stakeholders to critically reflect on why and how such patient reports are used.
Genetic voltage indicators
Authors: Bando Yuki , Grimm Christiane , Cornejo Victor H , Yuste Rafael
Published: September 2019

As a “holy grail” of neuroscience, optical imaging of membrane potential could enable high resolution measurements of spiking and synaptic activity in neuronal populations. This has been partly achieved using organic voltage-sensitive dyes in vitro, or in invertebrate preparations yet unspecific staining has prevented single-cell resolution measurements from mammalian preparations in vivo. The development of genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) and chemogenetic sensors has enabled targeting voltage indicators to plasma membranes and selective neuronal populations. Here, we review recent advances in the design and use of genetic voltage indicators and discuss advantages and disadvantages of three classes of them. Although genetic voltage indicators could revolutionize neuroscience, there are still significant challenges, particularly two-photon performance. To overcome them may require cross-disciplinary collaborations, team effort, and sustained support by large-scale research initiatives.
Adaptational changes in physiological and transcriptional responses of Bifidobacterium longum involved in acid stress resistance after successive batch cultures
Authors: Wei Yanxia , Gao Jing , Liu Dianbin , Li Yang , Liu Wenli
Published: September 2019

Bifidobacterium inhabiting the human and animal intestinal tract is known for its health-promoting effect. Tolerance to acid stress is crucial for bifidobacteria to survive and then exert their beneficial effects in the gut. A long-term adaptation in successive batch cultures was used as evolutionary engineering strategy to improve acid stress tolerance in an industrial probiotic strain, B. longum JDM301. Its derivative, JDM301AR showed higher resistance to several stress conditions, including acid stress than the parental strain, JDM301. To better understand bifidobacterial acid stress response, the changes of fatty acid (FA) in cell membrane of these two strains were determined. A shift in the production of FA in cell membrane, characterized by increased C14:0 was found, when JDM301AR was exposed to low-pH environment. It was implied that the increased production of C14:0 is associated with the acquisition of acid-tolerant phenotype for JDM301AR. High-throughput RNA-sequencing was performed to analyze the changes of gene expression profile after acid-exposure. The transcriptional profiles of JDM301AR and JDM301 under normal condition and acid stress were compared to reveal the different acid response between them. A total of 5 genes involved in FA metabolism were upregulated and no downregulated genes were found in response to acid stress in JDM301AR. The up-regulated BLJ_0565 and BLJ_1105 may play important roles in the modification of membrane FA composition of JDM301AR after acid exposure. Overall, these results suggested that successive batch cultures induced the acid stress tolerance of B. longum involved in transcriptional and physiological responses, including modification of cell wall and cell membrane, metabolism of amino acid and neutralization of internal pH by strengthening NH3 production and transport.
Increasing trends of malaria in a border area of the Greater Mekong Subregion
Authors: Geng Jinting , Malla Pallavi , Zhang Jiaqi , Xu Shiling , Li Cuiying , Zhao Yan , Wang Qinghui , Kyaw Myat Phone , Cao Yaming , Yang Zhaoqing , Cui Liwang
Published: September 2019

Background

Intensive malaria transmission along international borders is a significant impediment to malaria elimination in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) of Southeast Asia. Passive case detection (PCD) was used to study the dynamics and trends of malaria transmission at the China–Myanmar border to provide epidemiologic information for improved malaria control.

Methods

PCD was conducted in one hospital and 12 clinics near the Laiza town in northeast Myanmar from 2011 to 2016. Clinical malaria was diagnosed by microscopy and demographic information was captured using a structured questionnaire at the time of the patient’s presentation for care.

Results

Over the study period, 6175 (19.7%) malaria cases were confirmed by microscopy from 31,326 suspected cases. The four human malaria parasite species were all identified, with Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum accounting for 5607 (90.8%) and 481 (7.8%) of the confirmed cases, respectively. In contrast to the steady decline of malaria in the general GMS, the study site had an upward trend of malaria incidence with vivax malaria outbreaks in 2013 and 2016. Adult males, children under the age of 15, and those with occupations such as farming, being a soldier or student, had significantly higher risks of clinical malaria compared to having fevers from other aetiologies. A self-reported history of clinical malaria was also associated with a higher risk of confirmed malaria.

Conclusions

The China–Myanmar border area has experienced an overall upward trend of malaria incidence in recent years with P. vivax becoming the predominant species. Evidence-based control strategies need to focus on high-risk populations.
Real-time algorithm for Poissonian noise reduction in low-dose fluoroscopy: performance evaluation
Authors: Sarno A. , Andreozzi E. , De Caro D. , Di Meo G. , Strollo A. G. M. , Cesarelli M. , Bifulco P.
Published: September 2019

Background

Quantum noise intrinsically limits the quality of fluoroscopic images. The lower is the X-ray dose the higher is the noise. Fluoroscopy video processing can enhance image quality and allows further patient’s dose lowering. This study aims to assess the performances achieved by a Noise Variance Conditioned Average (NVCA) spatio-temporal filter for real-time denoising of fluoroscopic sequences. The filter is specifically designed for quantum noise suppression and edge preservation. It is an average filter that excludes neighborhood pixel values exceeding noise statistic limits, by means of a threshold which depends on the local noise standard deviation, to preserve the image spatial resolution. The performances were evaluated in terms of contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR) increment, image blurring (full width of the half maximum of the line spread function) and computational time. The NVCA filter performances were compared to those achieved by simple moving average filters and the state-of-the-art video denoising block matching-4D (VBM4D) algorithm. The influence of the NVCA filter size and threshold on the final image quality was evaluated too.

Results

For NVCA filter mask size of 5 × 5 × 5 pixels (the third dimension represents the temporal extent of the filter) and a threshold level equal to 2 times the local noise standard deviation, the NVCA filter achieved a 10% increase of the CNR with respect to the unfiltered sequence, while the VBM4D achieved a 14% increase. In the case of NVCA, the edge blurring did not depend on the speed of the moving objects; on the other hand, the spatial resolution worsened of about 2.2 times by doubling the objects speed with VBM4D. The NVCA mask size and the local noise-threshold level are critical for final image quality. The computational time of the NVCA filter was found to be just few percentages of that required for the VBM4D filter.

Conclusions

The NVCA filter obtained a better image quality compared to simple moving average filters, and a lower but comparable quality when compared with the VBM4D filter. The NVCA filter showed to preserve edge sharpness, in particular in the case of moving objects (performing even better than VBM4D). The simplicity of the NVCA filter and its low computational burden make this filter suitable for real-time video processing and its hardware implementation is ready to be included in future fluoroscopy devices, offering further lowering of patient’s X-ray dose.
Atherogenic index of plasma is a novel and strong predictor associated with fatty liver: a cross-sectional study in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Xie Fangfei , Zhou Hong , Wang Yun
Published: September 2019

Background

Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) has been reported to be an important predictor for coronary artery disease and obesity. However, few studies has yet systematically evaluated the association between AIP and Fatty Liver (FL) and its advantage in FL prediction compared with BMI, waist, SBP, DBP, BG, ALT and AST.

Methods

A total of 7838 participants aged from 19 to 93 years were included in this study. Height, weight, waist, SBP, DBP, BG, ALT and AST were measured. Difference analyses, odds ratio calculation, logistic and predictive analyses were used to evaluate the association and discrimination ability between AIP, BMI, waist, SBP, DBP, BG, ALT, AST and FL.

Results

Compared with non-FL, AIP in FL people showed a significant increase. Subjects in the higher quartiles of AIP had a significantly increased risk of fatty liver compared with those in the lowest quartile (P < 0.01) after adjustment of gender and age. ORs were grown faster in female and youth group. AIP contributed most in the logistic eq. (B = 2.64, P < 0.01) and showed high ability in risk prediction for FL (AUC = 0.810, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

AIP might be a novel and strong predictor associated with FL in Chinese Han population. Higher AIP level was positively and strongly associated with FL.
A perspective on Chiropractic Councils on Education accreditation standards and processes from the inside: a narrative description of expert opinion, part 1: Themes
Authors: Innes Stanley I. , Cope Vicki , Leboeuf-Yde Charlotte , Walker Bruce F.
Published: September 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to report on key informant opinions of Councils on Chiropractic Education (CCE) regarding recent research findings reporting on improving accreditation standards and processes for chiropractic programs (CPs).

Methods

This qualitative study employed in-depth semi-structured interviews with key experienced personnel from the five CCEs in June and July of 2018. The interviews consisted of open-ended questions on a range of issues surrounding accreditation, graduate competency standards and processes. All interviews were audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were analysed to develop codes and themes using thematic analysis techniques assisted by NVivo coding software. The study followed the COREQ guidelines for qualitative studies.

Results

Six themes were isolated from the interview transcripts; they were: professional differences; keep it in the family; to focus on outcomes or be prescriptive?; more resources please; inter-profession integration; and CPs making ends meet. Most respondents saw a need for CCEs standards and processes to improve interdisciplinarity while at the same time preserving the ‘uniqueness’ of chiropractic. Additionally, informants viewed CCEs as carrying out their functions with limited resources while simultaneously dealing with vocal disparate interest groups. Diverse views were observed on how CCEs should go about their business of assessing chiropractic programs for accreditation and re-accreditation.

Conclusions

An overarching confounder for positive changes in CCE accreditation standards and processes is the inability to clearly define basic and fundamental terms such as ‘chiropractic’ and its resultant scope of practice. This is said to be because of vocal, diverse and disparate interest groups within the chiropractic profession. Silence or nebulous definitions negotiated in order to allow a diversity of chiropractic practice to co-exist, appears to have complicated and hindered the activities of CCEs. Recommendations are made including an adoption of an evidence-based approach to accreditation standards and processes and the use of expertise from other health professions. Further, the focus of attention should be moved away from professional interests and toward that of protection of the public and the patient.