bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the predictors of e-service use among information systems users
Authors: Umukoro Immanuel Ovemeso , Tiamiyu Mutawakilu Adisa
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper sought to validate a proposed e-service use model that takes into account system's environment and user factors as plausible determinants of an information system's (IS) use that are not accounted for by previous IS use models. The aim is to establish the applicability of the model for e-services and IS design, implementation and use.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a quantitative approach to data collection and analysis. Using a systematic multi-stage random sampling, data were collected from 400 university e-library users and analysed using regression analysis to test the hypothesised relationships.

Findings

Internal system factors (particularly service quality), user satisfaction, e-service environment factors and user factors (gender, programme of study, level of study and computer/IT self-efficacy) predicted the use of e-services. These findings are partly similar to and partly different from those of the earlier studies, suggesting that more studies are needed to test the comprehensive model of e-services’ use.

Research limitations/implications

This is a replicated study and as such made use of a similar population. These findings, therefore, cannot be generalised to other organisations with users of different demographic profiles.

Practical implications

First, the use of the services provided through an IS is predicted by factors other than user satisfaction, system, service and information qualities. Second, system administrators, designers, library administrators and managers must ensure that these factors are considered during the design, implementation and use of ISs.

Social implications

The paper argues for the need to design e-services and ISs with consideration for user attributes that may lead to social exclusion if not considered. This is because the environment where an IS is hosted can be a driver of e-services use, especially if management provides the enabling environment in terms of optimal staffing, training, user support and periodic e-service evaluation.

Originality/value

This paper extends research effort in understanding the predictors of use of ISs beyond the traditional system's attributes (information, service and system qualities) to include system environment and user factors.
Trace metal pollution and its impacts on the macroinvertebrate community assemblage in a tropical reservoir
Authors: Amusan Babatunde O. , Adu Babasola W.
Published: December 2020

The extent of metal pollution in the sediment of Osinmo reservoir was determined with a view to assessing the impact of heavy metal concentrations on the community assemblage of the macroinvertebrates there‐in. The range of the mean concentrations of heavy metals are as follows: Pb (6.66–7.89 mg/kg), Cu (1.04–2.63 mg/kg), Mn (34.03–61.69 mg/kg), Zn (3.59–8.17 mg/kg) and Ni (0.08–0.1 mg/kg).The mean concentration of the investigated heavy metals in the reservoir sediment followed the order Mn > Pb > Zn > Cu > Ni. Insignificant variation of the heavy metals was observed amidst the three reaches of the reservoir except for Mn which showed a significant difference (p < 0.05). Although the insect groups were generally more sensitive to the sediment parameters than the noninsect group, the community assemblage was observed not to have been significantly impacted by these variations. The values obtained from enrichment analysis of the metals were generally lower than the background values and this indicated that a significant portion of the heavy metals in the sediment was derived from natural sources thus suggesting the existence of a stable ecological community in the Reservoir.
Alpinetin delays high‐fat diet‐aggravated lung carcinogenesis
Authors: Hou Shasha , Yuan Qi , Cheng Chunru , Zhang Zhigang , Guo Bingran , Yuan Xiaxia
Published: December 2020

Alpinetin (ALP) has been reported to act as an anticancer agent. This study was carried out to elucidate the effect of ALP on high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced aggressive cancer progression. C57BL/6 mice were fed with a control diet (CD) or HFD and administered with ALP. Following 6 weeks of feeding, mice were inoculated subcutaneously with Lewis lung carcinoma cells (LLC) to develop transplanted lung tumour. ALP suppressed cell proliferation which drives HFD‐induced lung cancer progression. ALP inhibited lipid accumulation in tumour and tumour cells cultured in vitro. qPCR and ELISA analysis of tumour tissues revealed ALP restrained macrophages accumulation, M2s polarization and chemokine secretion. Further, in macrophages cultured in tumour cells conditioned medium (CM), ALP was confirmed to decrease M2s markers expression and chemokine production under high fat. These results demonstrate that ALP suppresses HFD‐promoted harmful changes in tumour microenvironments which are crucial in curbing pulmonary tumour aggravation.
Cancer risk communication in the news coverage of suspected cancer clusters in Ontario: Contrasting media messaging on cancer by geography
Authors: Slavik Catherine E. , Yiannakoulias Niko
Published: December 2020

Key Messages

This study suggests that the communication of select information on cancer risk varies between urban and rural settings in newspaper coverage in Ontario.

News coverage that reports risk information in a variety of formats could foster health literacy and accurate perceptions of cancer risk among Canadians.

Participatory communication practices, involving collaboration between multiple stakeholders, could help address communication inequalities between various geographies.
Ontario child protection workers' views on assessing risk and planning for safety in exposure to domestic violence cases
Authors: Olszowy Laura , Jaffe Peter , Dawson Myrna , Straatman Anna‐Lee , Saxton Michael
Published: December 2020

The use of standardized tools to assess risk for children is mandatory in the child protection sector in Ontario. Factors that can be used specifically to assess the risk of lethality in exposure to domestic violence (DV) cases, however, are largely missing from these tools. Using data from an online survey of 138 child protection workers in Ontario, the current study examines practitioners' risk assessment and safety planning practices with DV cases. Findings provide an overview of the frequency of risk assessment and management strategies within various environmental contexts (e.g., urban and rural) and populations (e.g., indigenous and immigrants/refugees). According to the practitioners sampled, assessing and managing risk are frequently and consistently completed across the province, although specific strategies and challenges vary. Although mandatory provincial child protection tools are commonly used, some workers report using other specific DV risk assessment tools to complement their own measurement of risk and planning for safety. Respondents emphasized the importance of working collaboratively with families and professionals in other sectors to address risk. Implications for future research include exploring the barriers and challenges of using DV‐specific risk assessments in child protection and factors contributing to these challenges as identified by practising child protection workers.
Temporal trends in cardiovascular risk factors’ prevalence in patients with myocardial infarction
Authors: Cimci Murat , Witassek Fabienne , Radovanovic Dragana , Rickli Hans , Pedrazzini Giovanni B. , Erne Paul , Müller Olivier , Eberli Franz R. , Roffi Marco
Published: December 2020

Introduction and objectives

Little is known about changes in cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) profile over time in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

We assessed changes in age and CVRF profile in consecutive AMI patients enrolled in the Swiss nationwide AMIS Plus registry between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2018.

Results

A total of 57 995 AMI patients were included in the analysis. Mean age at presentation was 71.5 ± 11.3 years for women and 63.9 ± 12.8 years for men and did not change over time. Overall, the mean (standard deviation) number of CVRF increased from 1.76 (1.07) in 1997/98 to 2.26 (1.10) in 2017/18 in men (Ptrend < .001), while the corresponding rates in females were 1.83 (1.11) and 2.24 (1.08) (Ptrend < .001). In terms of active smoking, no significant trend was detected for males, while there was a significant increase in females (P < .001). As a result, the gap in smoking rates between men and women presenting with AMI decreased from 19.9% (45.3% vs 25.4%) in 1997/98 to 7.9% (41.2% vs 33.3%) in 2017/18. Reassuring was the stability in terms of diabetes prevalence for both genders. Obesity was more prevalent over time in men, while the prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia increased in both genders.

Conclusion

Among patients with AMI in Switzerland over two decades, age at presentation remained stable, while the mean number of CVRF increased in both men and women. Striking was the increase in the prevalence of smoking in women, leading to a reduction of the gender gap over time.
Assessment of undergraduate students in tooth extraction competence— A cohort study
Authors: Ali Kamran , Qazi Haroon Shahid , Siddiqi Khalid , Glanville Rebecca
Published: December 2020

Aim

The aim of the study was to determine the value of the number of patient encounters and tooth extractions on the competence of final‐year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students.

Methods

Following ethics approval, the study employed purposive sampling to enrol final‐year BDS students and assess their competence longitudinally over a full academic year. Students were assessed periodically on four separate occasions after they had gained experience in performing 15, 40, 70 and 100 patient encounters involving tooth extractions.

Results

There were 177 students with complete profiles completing the tooth extraction assessments including 31 males (18%) and 146 females (82%). The age range of participants was 22 to 24 years (mean = 21.92; median = 22). The total number of assessment data points available for the four assessments was 1062. A chi‐squared test was carried out to test the hypothesis that competence in tooth extraction increases with increasing exposure to patients. Students in Group 100 were most likely to pass the competency, whilst students in Group 15 were most likely to fail. There was a statistically significant variation in the proportion of “Below Standard,” “Meets Standard” and “Exceeds Standard” judgements awarded to students with differing levels of prior experience (p < .001). Therefore, the hypothesis was accepted. Analysis of assessment results for differential performance of students by gender did not show significant differences.

Conclusions

The results of this study show a positive relationship between the number of tooth extractions performed and competence of final‐year dental students. Over 90% students achieved competence after performing 100 patient encounters. Although competence in tooth extractions showed a linear relationship with experience of the participants in this study, the data were collected from a single cohort of students at one institution. Further multi‐institution studies involving several cohorts are required to further explore the value of increased experience.
Online memory training intervention for early‐stage dementia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pang Shi‐Hui , Lim Su‐Fee , Siah Chiew‐Jiat
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of online memory training interventions in improving memory of patients diagnosed with early‐stage dementia. The secondary outcomes comprised cognitive and psychological outcomes.

Design

This review was conducted for accordance to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

Data source

A comprehensive search from six electronic databases: PubMed, Embassy, The Cochrane Library, The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus and Web of Science was conducted (2000–2020).

Review methods

The populations included in this review comprised adults who had been clinically diagnosed with early‐stage dementia and involved in online memory training interventions. Two reviewers appraised the risks of bias through the Cochrane Collaboration's tool and performed the meta‐analysis, including the assessment of heterogeneity.

Results

Eleven randomized controlled trials retrieved from six databases demonstrated low to moderate levels of quality of evidence according to the GRADE approach. The meta‐analysis revealed that online memory training interventions have demonstrated a moderate effect size in improving memory outcomes (d = 0.57; 95% confidence interval 0.28‐0.85; p = 0.0001). Additionally, such interventions have shown improvements in secondary outcomes of cognition and psychological with small to medium effects. Duration of each online memory training session and its frequencies did not affect the memory outcome. As opposed to the conventional face‐to‐face interventions conducted for a group, it is more effective to be conducted for an individual setting.

Conclusions

Online memory training intervention was effective in improving the memory for adults with dementia.

Impact

Memory interventions have the prospect of reducing everyday problems caused by lapses in memory and improving well‐being. With factors such as limited resources and restriction of social gathering due to pandemic, this review could offer relevant information for clinical decision‐makers when planning online memory training interventions for adults with dementia.
Changes over time in the management of long‐term conditions in primary health care for adults with intellectual disabilities, and the healthcare inequality gap
Authors: Hughes‐McCormack Laura , Greenlaw Nicola , McSkimming Paula , McCowan Colin , Ross Kevin , Allan Linda , Henderson Angela , Melville Craig , Morrison Jill , Cooper Sally‐Ann
Published: December 2020

Background

Quality of primary healthcare impacts on health outcomes. This study aimed to quantify trends in good practice and the healthcare inequalities gap.

Method

Indicators of best‐practice management of long‐term conditions and health promotion were extracted from primary healthcare records on 721 adults with intellectual disabilities in 2007–2010, and 3638 in 2014. They were compared over time, and with the general population in 2014, using Fisher's Exact test and ordinal regression.

Results

Management improved for adults with intellectual disabilities over time (OR = 5.32; CI = 2.69–10.55), but not for the general population (OR = 0.74; CI = 0.34–1.64). However, it remained poorer, but to a lesser extent, compared with the general population (OR = 0.38; CI = 0.20–0.73 in 2014, and OR = 0.05; CI = 0.02–0.12 in 2007–2010). In 2014, health care was comparable to the general population on 49/78 (62.8%) indicators.

Conclusions

The extent of the healthcare inequality gap reduced over this period, but remaining inequalities highlight that further action is still necessary.
Research Review: Developmental origins of depression – a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Su Yingying , D'Arcy Carl , Meng Xiangfei
Published: December 2020

Background

Many observational studies have found a direct association between adverse in utero, perinatal and postnatal exposures and offspring’s depression. These findings are consistent with the ‘developmental origins of disease hypothesis’. But no review has comprehensively summarized the roles of these exposures. This review aims to systematically scrutinize the strength of associations between individual prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal exposures and subsequent depression in offspring.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to synthesize the literature from the EMBASE, HealthStar, PsychoInfo, and Medline databases since their inception to September 1, 2019. English language articles on population‐based prospective cohort studies examining the associations between in utero, perinatal, and postnatal exposures and offspring’s depression were searched. Random‐effects models were used to calculate pooled estimates, and heterogeneity and sensitivity tests were conducted to explore potential confounders in the relationships of depression and early‐life factors. Qualitative analysis was also conducted.

Results

Sixty‐four prospective cohort studies with 28 exposures studied in the relationships to offspring’s depression met inclusion criteria. The meta‐analysis found 12 prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal characteristics were associated with an increased risk of depression in offspring: low birth weight, premature birth, small gestational age, maternal education, socioeconomic status, having younger parents (<20 years), having older parents (≥35 years), maternal smoking, paternal smoking, maternal stress, maternal anxiety, and prenatal depression. Heterogeneity and sensitivity tests supported the findings. By and large, study characteristics had no effects on conclusions. Qualitative analyses generally supported the findings of meta‐analysis and reported on additional risk factors.

Conclusions

This review provides a robust and comprehensive overview of the lasting psychopathological effects of in utero, perinatal, and postnatal exposures. The findings highlight the need for clinical and public health interventions focusing on the identified risk factors. Large prospective cohort studies are warranted to investigate the combined effects of multiple co‐existing early‐life exposures.
Cellular and physiological functions of C9ORF72 and implications for ALS/FTD
Authors: Pang Weilun , Hu Fenghua
Published: December 2020

The hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) in the C9ORF72 gene is the main cause of two tightly linked neurodegenerative diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). HRE leads to not only a gain of toxicity from RNA repeats and dipeptide repeats but also reduced levels of C9ORF72 protein. However, the cellular and physiological functions of C9ORF72 were unknown until recently. Through proteomic analysis, Smith–Magenis chromosome regions 8 (SMCR8) and WD repeat‐containing protein (WDR41) were identified as binding partners of C9ORF72. These three proteins have been shown to form a tight complex, but the exact functions of this complex remain to be characterized. Both C9ORF72 and SMCR8 contain a DENN domain, which has been shown to regulate the activities of small GTPases. The C9ORF72 complex has been implicated in many cellular processes, including vesicle trafficking, lysosome homeostasis, mTORC1 signaling , and autophagy. C9ORF72 deficiency in mice results in exaggerated inflammatory responses and human patients with C9ORF72 mutations have neuroinflammation phenotype. Recent studies indicate that C9ORF72 regulates trafficking and lysosomal degradation of inflammatory mediators, including toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and STING, to affect inflammatory outputs. Further exploration of cellular and physiological functions of C9ORF72 will help dissect the pathological mechanism of ALS/FTD caused by C9ORF72 mutations.

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Stability of class II treatment with Pendulum and Jones jig followed by fixed appliances
Authors: Patel Mayara Paim , Henriques José Fernando Castanha , Freitas Karina Maria Salvatore , Almeida Renato , Janson Guilherme
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the long‐term stability of Class II correction with the Pendulum or Jones jig followed by fixed appliances.

Settings and sample population

Group 1 comprised 20 Class II malocclusion patients with a mean initial age of 13.97 years (SD = 1.57), treated with Pendulum and fixed appliances for a mean period of 4.72 years (SD = 0.98), and mean long‐term post‐treatment evaluation of 4.72 years (SD = 0.97). Group 2 consisted of 18 Class II patients with a mean initial age of 13.19 years (SD = 1.26), treated with Jones jig and fixed appliances for a mean period of 3.96 years (SD = 0.92). Mean long‐term post‐treatment time was 5.50 years (SD = 1.57).

Methods

Lateral cephalograms were evaluated at three stages: initial (T1), final (T2) and long‐term post‐treatment (T3). Intragroup comparisons were performed with repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's test and intergroup comparisons with independent t test.

Results

Many treatment changes were observed in both groups. From the long‐term post‐treatment periods, there was stability for most of the variables. Maxillary second molars and mandibular first molars extruded in the Jones jig group and slightly intruded in the Pendulum appliance group. The nasolabial angle decreased in the Pendulum group and increased in the Jones jig group.

Conclusion

The correction of a Class II malocclusion was shown to be stable with similar long‐term post‐treatment results with Pendulum or Jones jig followed by fixed orthodontic appliances.
An unprecedented displacement of root piece in the infratemporal fossa: a case report
Authors: Setiya Sneha , Waknis Pushkar P , Jain Kunal M , Shah Sonal
Published: December 2020

There are various reports of displaced maxillary third molar in the infratemporal fossa (IFT) in the literature. However there are no reported cases of a displaced root piece in the IFT. Here we have described a case of an accidental displacement of root piece of maxillary third molar into the IFT by a resident due to lack of surgical judgement and how this case was investigated and managed by our surgical team. There is no specific protocol for management of such complication in literature. The aim of this article is to identify the errors which lead to displacement of tooth in IFT and to establish a stepwise protocol to manage the same. We have highlighted a few basic steps for young practitioners to avoid such complications and also to manage them if at all they do occur.
Ovarian gene expression in collared peccary (Pecari tajacuLinnaeus, 1758) subjected to gonadotropin stimulation protocols
Authors: Viana Ana Clara N. P. C. S. , Freitas Jeferson L. S. , Magalhães Lívia C. , Campos Lívia B. , Silva Alexandre R. , Oliveira Moacir F. , Freitas Vicente J. F. , Melo Luciana M.
Published: December 2020

Ovarian response of collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu), after hormonal stimulation with gonadotropin association (eCG/hCG), was accessed by both gene expression and follicular development. Thus, collared peccaries (n = 8) were treated with the dose used for sows (swine dose, SWD) or with dose adjusted for peccary's weight (allometric dose, ALD). The gene expression of receptors was evaluated for both gonadotropins (FSHRandLHCGR) and growth factors (proteins codified byTGFβR‐1,BMPR1‐AandBMPR2genes) in antral follicles, cortex and corpora haemorrhagica (CH). Five days after gonadotropin injection, all females presented CH. The ovulation rate was similar (p > .05) between SWD (4.00 ± 1.17) and ALD (2.50 ± 0.43) group. The total number of follicles per animal and amounts of small (<3 mm), medium (3–5 mm) and large (>5 mm) follicles was similar among groups. However, SWD produced large follicles heavier than ALD group, as accessed by weight of follicular wall biopsies. Ovarian follicles expressed both gonadotropin and growth factor receptors at levels which are independent from gonadotropin dose. In conclusion, the two gonadotropin doses (SWD and ALD) can be used for ovarian stimulation of collared peccary. Additionally, FSH and growth factors (TGFβR‐1, BMPR1‐A and BMPR2) receptors are more expressed in the early follicle development, while LH receptor seems to be more important in the final of follicular growth.
Under‐represented minority students and identification of obstacles to a career in medicine
Authors: Roche Rosellen , Manzi Joel , Baker Samantha , Ndubuizu Terra
Published: December 2020

Background and Objectives

The Aspiring Doctors Precollege Program is an innovative pipeline program designed to introduce under‐represented minority (URM) high school students to career in medicine. A total of 52 students have completed this year‐long program. This study sought to provide insight into student perceptions of barriers to entry and success in the medical field.

Methods

Each year, students were selected based on a competitive application process. At the end of the program, students were asked to complete a survey evaluating their experiences in this program and their level of interest in medicine. Students were specifically asked to provide rational for their college/career choices and to identify obstacles they perceived as barriers to a career in medicine.

Results

Students repeatedly identified competitiveness, duration, and cost of training as major obstacles to a medical career. Although the majority of students intended to pursue medical education, in the post‐survey, a small minority (15%) revealed they were no longer interested in medical education.

Conclusions

All participants highlighted competitiveness, duration, and cost of training as obstacles to their future career. While this resulted in a change in career plans for some, other remained committed to careers in medicine. This work illustrates the importance of acknowledging the impact these factors can have on URM students at early stages of the education. In order to increase the diversity of the health care workforce, systemic solutions must be sought to ensure equitable financial access and pre‐medical opportunities be afforded to all qualified students.
Development of a Cadre of Evidence‐Based Practice Mentors for Nurses: What Works?
Authors: Wang Man , Zhang Yin‐Ping , Guo Min
Published: December 2020

Background

Development of a critical mass of evidence‐based practice (EBP) mentors for healthcare professionals is pivotal in facilitating and sustaining system‐wide implementation of evidence‐based care, especially for nurses. Empirical evidence shows that organizational factors are strongly associated with EBP. However, the understanding of organizational support to promote EBP competency is found lacking, especially in Mainland China.

Aims

The purposes of this study were to (1) establish a baseline assessment of EBP nursing leadership and work environment support as well as EBP competency for EBP mentors of nurses in Western China, and (2) explore how nursing leadership and work environment impact the EBP competencies of mentors.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted. The study population was 286 EBP mentors for nurses from six urban general hospitals in Xi’an City, Shanxi Province. The EBP Nursing Leadership Scale and the EBP Work Environment Scale were used to evaluate their perceived organizational support. EBP competency was measured by the Evidence‐Based Practice Questionnaire.

Results

There was insufficient time for EBP mentors of nurses to engage in EBP. Lack of experts in EBP and educational offerings about EBP were identified as the two lowest workplace organizational supports for EBP. The respondents reported themselves as not competent in EBP, especially for the knowledge/skills. EBP nursing leadership and work environment support were key predictors of the self‐reported EBP competency in the stepwise multiple linear regression models (β = .211–.345, p < .01).

Linking Evidence to Action

It is imperative to provide EBP mentors for nurses with the knowledge and skills to achieve the expected level of EBP competency. Strategies for developing a cadre of EBP mentors for nurses who have competency in EBP need to be multipronged and target the cultivation of an organizational culture that supports EBP.
Human forced expiratory noise. Origin, apparatus and possible diagnostic applications
Authors: Korenbaum Vladimir I. , Pochekutova Irina A. , Kostiv Anatoly E. , Malaeva Veronika V. , Safronova Maria A. , Kabantsova Oksana I. , Shin Svetlana N.
Published: December 2020

Forced expiratory (FE) noise is a powerful bioacoustic signal containing information on human lung biomechanics. FE noise is attributed to a broadband part and narrowband components—forced expiratory wheezes (FEWs). FE respiratory noise is composed by acoustic and hydrodynamic mechanisms. An origin of the most powerful mid-frequency FEWs (400–600 Hz) is associated with the 0th–3rd levels of bronchial tree in terms of Weibel [(2009). Swiss Med. Wkly. 139(27–28), 375–386], whereas high-frequency FEWs (above 600 Hz) are attributed to the 2nd–6th levels of bronchial tree. The laboratory prototype of the apparatus is developed, which includes the electret microphone sensor with stethoscope head, a laptop with external sound card, and specially developed software. An analysis of signals by the new method, including FE time in the range from 200 to 2000 Hz and band-pass durations and energies in the 200-Hz bands evaluation, is applied instead of FEWs direct measures. It is demonstrated experimentally that developed FE acoustic parameters correspond to basic indices of lung function evaluated by spirometry and body plethysmography and may be even more sensitive to some respiratory deviations. According to preliminary experimental results, the developed technique may be considered as a promising instrument for acoustic monitoring human lung function in extreme conditions, including diving and space flights. The developed technique eliminates the contact of the sensor with the human oral cavity, which is characteristic for spirometry and body plethysmography. It reduces the risk of respiratory cross-contamination, especially during outpatient and field examinations, and may be especially relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regular Sports Participation as a Potential Predictor of Better Clinical Outcome in Adult Patients With COVID-19: A Large Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Halabchi Farzin , Mazaheri Reza , Sabeti Khashayar , Yunesian Masoud , Alizadeh Zahra , Ahmadinejad Zahra , Aghili Seyed Mojtaba , Tavakol Zahra
Published: December 2020

Purpose: To compare the severity outcomes of COVID-19 disease between patients with and without regular sports participation. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, the authors investigated all patients who visited the emergency department of Imam Khomeini hospital with signs and symptoms of COVID-19 from February 20 to April 20, 2020. Then the authors assessed all patient outcomes (outpatient vs hospitalization or death). Finally, the authors compared the outcomes between athletes with regular sports participation and others, adjusting for confounding factors of age and sex. Results: Of all 4694 adult patients, 249 individuals (137 males and 112 females with mean [SD] age of 36.45 [9.77] y) had regular participation in different sport disciplines. Overall, 30 (12%) athletes were hospitalized or died (30 and 0, respectively) compared with 957 (21.5%) nonathletes (878 and 79, respectively). Athletes with regular sports participation were 1.49 times less likely to be hospitalized (P = .044). Conclusions: Regular sports participation may positively affect the clinical outcome, regardless of confounding factors of age and sex. The probability of hospitalization in athletes with regular sports participation was 33% lower than nonathletes. However, more longitudinal studies are needed to determine the causal effects.
A GC-Rich Prophage-Like Genomic Region of Mycoplasma bovirhinis HAZ141_2 Carries a Gene Cluster Encoding Resistance to Kanamycin and Neomycin
Authors: Lysnyansky Inna , Borovok Ilya
Published: December 2020

Recently, a complete genome sequence ofMycoplasma bovirhinisHAZ141_2 was published showing the presence of a 54-kB prophage-like region. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that this region has a more than 40% GC content and a chimeric organization with three structural elements—a prophage continuous region, a restriction-modification cassette, and a highly transmittableaadE-sat4-aphA-3gene cluster found in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Most-Probable-Number-Based Minimum Duration of Killing Assay for Determining the Spectrum of Rifampicin Susceptibility in Clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates
Authors: Vijay Srinivasan , Nhung Hoang Ngoc , Bao Nguyen Le Hoai , Thu Do Dang Anh , Trieu Le Pham Tien , Phu Nguyen Hoan , Thwaites Guy E. , Javid Babak , Thuong Nguyen T. T.
Published: December 2020

Accurate antibiotic susceptibility testing is essential for successful tuberculosis treatment. Recent studies have highlighted the limitations of MIC-based phenotypic susceptibility methods in detecting other aspects of antibiotic susceptibilities in bacteria. Duration and peak of antibiotic exposure, at or above the MIC required for killing the bacterial population, has emerged as another important factor for determining antibiotic susceptibility. This is broadly defined as antibiotic tolerance.
Hyperreflective cystoid spaces in diabetic macular oedema: prevalence and clinical implications
Authors: Couturier Aude , Mane Valerie , Lavia Carlo Alessandro , Tadayoni Ramin
Published: December 2020

Aims

To analyse the prevalence and evolution of hyper-reflective cystoid spaces with decorrelation signal detected using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in diabetic macular oedema (DMO).

Methods

A retrospective study of consecutive eyes with DMO imaged using OCTA over a 1-year period was conducted. All eyes with hyper-reflective cystoid spaces at baseline and at least 3 months of follow-up were included in a longitudinal analysis.

Results

The prevalence of hyperreflective cystoid spaces with decorrelation signal was of 37% (61/165) in DMO eyes. Hyperreflective foci within hyperreflective cystoid spaces were observed in 85% of eyes. The longitudinal study included 33 eyes (10 observed and 23 treated with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor), with a median follow-up of 15 months. The hyperreflective cystoid spaces resolved in 85% of eyes. The mean best-corrected visual acuity remained stable during the follow-up, even in the eyes achieving a resolution of the hyperreflective cystoid spaces. Hard exudates appeared in the area of resolved hyperreflective cystoid spaces in 33% of eyes.

Conclusion

Hyperreflective cystoid spaces detected by OCTA affected more than one-third of the DMO eyes. Their disappearance was not associated with any functional improvement and led to the formation of new hard exudate deposits in about one-third of the eyes.
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) for migraine: an fMRI study
Authors: Zhang Yue , Huang Yiting , Li Hui , Yan Zhaoxian , Zhang Ying , Liu Xian , Hou Xiaoyan , Chen Weicui , Tu Yiheng , Hodges Sierra , Chen Helen , Liu Bo , Kong Jian
Published: December 2020

Background

Dysfunction of the thalamocortical connectivity network is thought to underlie the pathophysiology of the migraine. This current study aimed to explore the thalamocortical connectivity changes during 4 weeks of continuous transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) treatment on migraine patients.

Methods

70 migraine patients were recruited and randomized in an equal ratio to receive real taVNS or sham taVNS treatments for 4 weeks. Resting-state functional MRI was collected before and after treatment. The thalamus was parceled into functional regions of interest (ROIs) on the basis of six priori-defined cortical ROIs covering the entire cortex. Seed-based functional connectivity analysis between each thalamic subregion and the whole brain was further compared across groups after treatment.

Results

Of the 59 patients that finished the study, those in the taVNS group had significantly reduced number of migraine days, pain intensity and migraine attack times after 4 weeks of treatment compared with the sham taVNS. Functional connectivity analysis revealed that taVNS can increase the connectivity between the motor-related thalamus subregion and anterior cingulate cortex/medial prefrontal cortex, and decrease the connectivity between occipital cortex-related thalamus subregion and postcentral gyrus/precuneus.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that taVNS can relieve the symptoms of headache as well as modulate the thalamocortical circuits in migraine patients. The results provide insights into the neural mechanism of taVNS and reveal potential therapeutic targets for migraine patients.
Measurement properties of the Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth (PLAY) Tools
Authors: Caldwell Hilary A. , Di Cristofaro Natascja A. , Cairney John , Bray Steven R. , Timmons Brian W.
Published: December 2020

The Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth (PLAY) Tools are a suite of tools to assess an individual’s physical literacy. The purpose of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the PLAY Tools, including inter-rater reliability, internal consistency, validity and the associations between the tools. In this study, 218 children and youth (aged 8.4 to 13.7 years) and a parent/guardian completed the appropriate physical literacy assessments (i.e., PLAYbasic, PLAYfun, PLAYparent and PLAYself) and the Bruiniks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2). Inter-rater reliability for PLAYfun was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.94). The PLAYbasic, PLAYfun total, running and object control scores, and PLAYparent motor competence domain were higher in males than females, and PLAYfun locomotor skills were lower in males than females (p < 0.05). Age was positively correlated with PLAYbasic and PLAYfun (r = 0.14–0.32, p < 0.05). BOT-2 was positively correlated with PLAYfun and PLAYbasic (r = 0.19–0.59, p < 0.05). PLAYbasic is a significant predictor of PLAYfun (r2 = 0.742, p < 0.001). PLAYfun, PLAYparent and PLAYself were moderately correlated with one another. PLAYfun, PLAYparent and PLAYself demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.74–0.87, ω = 0.73–0.87). The PLAY Tools demonstrated moderate associations between one another, strong inter-rater reliability and good construct and convergent validity. Continued evaluation of these tools with other populations, such as adolescents, is necessary.

Novelty: In school-age children, the PLAY Tools demonstrated strong inter-rater reliability, moderate associations with one another, acceptable internal consistency and good construct and convergent validity. The results suggest that that PLAY Tools are an acceptable method of evaluation for physical literacy in school-age children.
Long-lived deformation history recorded along the Precambrian Thelon and Judge Sissons faults, northeastern Thelon Basin, Nunavut
Authors: Hunter R.C. , Lafrance B. , Heaman L.M. , Thomas D.
Published: December 2020

The east–northeast-striking Thelon and Judge Sissons faults of south-central Nunavut are well preserved and record long-lived dextral transcurrent movement with complex reactivation and fluid flow histories. The faults cut across Archean gneisses, Paleoproterozoic plutons, and a Mesoproterozoic sedimentary basin in the Rae domain of the western Churchill Province. They formed and were reactivated during multiple deformation events beginning with an initial faulting event at 1830–1760 Ma, followed by an epithermal faulting event at 1760–1750 Ma and late reactivation events at 1600–1300 Ma. The initial faulting event produced the core-damage zone architecture of the faults. Damage zones are characterized by multiple fracture sets, quartz veins and hydrothermal crackle breccias, surrounding core zones defined by multiple mosaic to chaotic breccias and cataclasites with dextral slip indicators. The epithermal faulting event is expressed by the presence of crosscutting comb, crustiform-cockade and lattice-bladed quartz ± hematite ± carbonate veins, and is likely associated with a magmatic event of similar age. The late reactivation events resulted in the formation of irregular, non-cohesive crackle to mosaic breccias and gouges, which became the primary pathways for uranium-bearing hydrothermal fluids and the formation of unconformity-type uranium deposits. The Thelon and Judge Sissons faults are similar to other major continental faults in the Rae domain (e.g., McDonald fault, Wager Bay shear zone), which formed during the Paleoproterozoic Taltson–Thelon and Trans-Hudson orogenies and to modern analogues, such as the Karakorum, Altyn Tagh, and Hunan–Jiangxi faults, which formed during the Himalayan–Tibetan orogeny and experienced prolonged hydrothermal and even hot spring activity.
Bacteriome Structure, Function, and Probiotics in Fish Larviculture: The Good, the Bad, and the Gaps
Authors: Borges Nuno , Keller-Costa Tina , Sanches-Fernandes Gracinda M.M. , Louvado António , Gomes Newton C.M. , Costa Rodrigo
Published: December 2020

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing sector in food production worldwide. For decades, research on animal physiology, nutrition, and behavior established the foundations of best practices in land-based fish rearing and disease control. Current DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and data science technologies now allow deep investigations of host-associated microbiomes in a tractable fashion. Adequate use of these technologies can illuminate microbiome dynamics and aid the engineering of microbiome-based solutions to disease prevention in an unprecedented manner. This review examines molecular studies of bacterial diversity, function, and host immunitymodulation at early stages of fish development, where microbial infections cause important economic losses. We uncover host colonization and virulence factors within a synthetic assemblage of fish pathogens using high-end comparative genomics and address the use of probiotics and paraprobiotics as applicable disease-prevention strategies in fish larval and juvenile rearing. We finally propose guidelines for future microbiome research of presumed relevance to fish larviculture.
Adaptive Image Restoration via a Relaxed Regularization of Mean Curvature
Authors: Ma Mingxi , Zhang Jun , Deng Chengzhi , Liu Zhaoyang , Wang Yuanyun
Published: December 2020

In this paper, a new relaxation model based on mean curvature for adaptive image restoration is proposed. To solve the problem efficiently, an alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMMs) is proposed. Furthermore, a rigorous convergence theory of the proposed algorithm is established. We also give the complexity analysis of our proposed method. Experimental results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method over a state-of-the-art method on synthetic and natural images.
In Vitro Modulation of Endogenous Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and Oxidative Stress in Autism Lymphoblastoid Cell Line (ALCL) by Stingless Bee Honey Treatment
Authors: Nayan Nazatul Shima , Yazid Muhammad Aiman Mohd , Nallappan Kamachisree , Amran Amirul Asyiq , Zaidi Nur Syuhaidah , Zakaria Fazaine , Hassan Hazirah , Karim Norwahidah Abdul
Published: December 2020

Autism has been associated with a low antioxidant defense mechanism, while honey has been known for decades for its antioxidant and healing properties. Determination of stingless bee honey (KH) effects on antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative damage in Autism Lymphoblastoid Cell Line (ALCL) was performed. ALCL and its normal sibling pair (NALCL) were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium at 37°C and 5% CO2. ALCL was treated with 400 μg/mL KH (24 h), and oxidative stress marker, malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage was determined via comet assay. Low SOD activity (

p
<
0.05

) and high MDA level (

p
<
0.05

) were observed in ALCL compared to NALCL. Higher grade (Grades 2 and 3) of DNA damage was highly observed (

p
<
0.05

) in ALCL compared to NALCL, whereas lower grade (Grades 0 and 1) DNA damage was highly detected (

p
<
0.05

) in NALCL compared to ALCL. KH treatment caused a significant increase in SOD and GPx activities (

p
<
0.05

) in ALCL compared to untreated ALCL. Correspondingly, KH treatment reduced the Grade 2 DNA damage (

p
<
0.05

) in ALCL compared to untreated ALCL. CAT activity showed no significant difference between all three groups, while the MDA level showed no significant difference between treated and untreated ALCL. In conclusion, KH treatment significantly reduced the oxidative stress in ALCL by increasing the SOD and GPx antioxidant enzyme activities, while reducing the DNA damage.
Simplified Method for Consolidation Settlement Calculation of Combined Composite Foundation
Authors: Liu Fei , Qin Kang , Han Yongsheng
Published: December 2020

Treating weak saturated soil foundation by drainage powder jetting pile foundation can not only increase the bearing capacity of the foundation but also accelerate the drainage and consolidation process of the foundation. Having been commonly used in engineering, the plum blossom pile layout scheme is based on the foundation axisymmetric consolidation model (the powder jetting pile is the model center and the drainage board is located at the outer boundary of the model). It adopts reasonable boundary conditions and foundation seepage conditions and the method of pile-soil composite modulus and obtains the expression of the average excess pore water pressure of the composite foundation of the instantaneous loading of the drainage powder jetting pile under the simplified model. Therefore, the average consolidation degree of the foundation is acquired. The expression of the average consolidation degree can comprehensively reflect factors such as pile-soil modulus ratio, displacement ratio, drain spacing ratio, and those which affect the consolidation process of the foundation. The obtained analytical solution is of certain practical application significance for the consolidation settlement calculation of such engineering.
State-of-Charge Estimation of Lithium-Ion Battery Pack Based on Improved RBF Neural Networks
Authors: Zhang Li , Zheng Min , Du Dajun , Li Yihuan , Fei Minrui , Guo Yuanjun , Li Kang
Published: December 2020

Lithium-ion batteries have been widely used as energy storage systems and in electric vehicles due to their desirable balance of both energy and power densities as well as continual falling price. Accurate estimation of the state-of-charge (SOC) of a battery pack is important in managing the health and safety of battery packs. This paper proposes a compact radial basis function (RBF) neural model to estimate the state-of-charge (SOC) of lithium battery packs. Firstly, a suitable input set strongly correlated with the package SOC is identified from directly measured voltage, current, and temperature signals by a fast recursive algorithm (FRA). Secondly, a RBF neural model for battery pack SOC estimation is constructed using the FRA strategy to prune redundant hidden layer neurons. Then, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to optimize the kernel parameters. Finally, a conventional RBF neural network model, an improved RBF neural model using the two stage method, and a least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) model are also used to estimate the battery SOC as a comparative study. Simulation results show that generalization error of SOC estimation using the novel RBF neural network model is less than half of that using other methods. Furthermore, the model training time is much less than the LSSVM method and the improved RBF neural model using the two-stage method.