bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monoacylglycerol lipase inhibition attenuates acute and anticipatory nausea in rats
Authors: Downey Rachel I. , Limebeer Cheryl L. , Morris Heather I. , Parker Linda A.
Published: September 2019

This study investigates the role of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonyl glycerol (2-AG) in regulating acute and anticipatory nausea in rats using the conditioned gaping model. The animals were systemically pretreated with MJN110, a selective monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor, to enhance endogenous levels of 2-AG. Acute nausea was assessed using the taste reactivity model in which a flavour, saccharin, was paired with the administration of the emetic agent, lithium chloride (LiCl). Anticipatory nausea was assessed using a model of contextually elicited conditioned gaping in which a context was paired with the emetic agent, LiCl. Results indicated that MJN110 at the 10.0 mg kg-1 and 20.0 mg kg-1 dosage significantly attenuated acute and anticipatory nausea, as displayed by the significant reduction in mean number of gapes. This suppression was mediated by CB1 receptor activation as displayed by reversal of such effects when MJN110 was coadministered with the CB1 receptor antagonist, SR 141716. The results suggest that enhancement of endogenous 2-AG levels by MAGL inhibition may have anti-emetic potential.

Keywords: 2-arachidonyl glycerol; monoacylglycerol lipase; endocannabinoid; nausea; conditioned gaping; CB1 receptor
Mitochondrial replacement therapy and the “three parent baby”
Authors: Tai Suzanna
Published: September 2019

The mitochondria contained in eukaryotic cells have their own DNA, and heritable mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can cause a variety of disorders in humans. A new therapy, mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT), is currently being developed to address these mitochondrial disorders by eliminating the mutated mtDNA from the germline. The two main MRT techniques are pronuclear transfer, conducted in the zygote after fertilization, and spindle-chromosomal complex transfer, conducted in the oocyte before fertilization. In pronuclear transfer, the pronuclei from a zygote affected by a mtDNA mutation are transferred to an enucleated normal zygote. In spindle-chromosomal complex transfer, the genetic material from an oocyte affected by a mtDNA mutation is inserted into the cytoplasm of a donor oocyte that contains healthy mitochondria. A third method, polar body genome transfer, attempts to increase the efficiency of the above techniques by using polar bodies to supply the genetic material. While MRT is legally and ethically controversial, it has recently been implemented successfully in a clinical setting.
Two undergraduate-involved projects featured at What We Know: Research and Insight on Guelph-Wellington
Authors: McCart Jack
Published: September 2019

This Special Series highlights two undergraduate-involved projects featured at the What We Know: Research and Insight on Guelph-Wellington event hosted by the University of Guelph’s Community Engaged Scholarship Institute (CESI). Held at the Old Quebec Street Mall in the heart of downtown Guelph, the event took place on March 1, 2017, and featured 50 poster presentations by local organizations, municipal staff, and students and faculty from the University of Guelph. The event was open to the public, and participants shared their ongoing research with the Guelph-Wellington community. All projects featured at the event are freely accessible through the Atrium, the University of Guelph’s open-access online repository.
Cost-minimization analysis of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in the Brazilian public health system (SUS) considering patients’ weight
Authors: Yazawa Priscila , Puopolo Giovanna , Walmrath Juliana , Leme-Souza Rafael , Bianco Juares
Published: September 2019

Objective: To perform a cost-minimization analysis comparing the cohort with the current average patient weight of 70 kg (MoH current assumption). Since most rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in Brazil are women (60 kg or less), we also aimed to define this percentage at Brazilian public healthcare system (SUS). Methods: Treatment-naïve RA patients using biologics from January 2008 to November 2018 were retrieved from Datasus as well as the number of patients ≤ 60 kg and their drug use distribution. Data on drug costs were assessed from the last payment reported by MoH and then recalculated using the weighted average of 60 kg and a 52-weeks a year to assess cost-minimization. Results: In the studied cohort, 33,646 patients (33.3%) were classified as ≤ 60 kg. Annual cost per patient, considering an average weight of 60 kg, ranged from 2,872,29 USD to 4,223.93 USD. Tocilizumab 80 mg was the only drug demonstrating a reduction in annual cost per patient (-526.79 USD). Conclusion: Cost-minimization analysis based on weight-dependent dosage showed that tocilizumab could reduce MoH costs with RA treatment in 14.28%. By adopting weight-dependent dose of 60 kg, the Brazilian government could save up to 916,651.31 USD per year using tocilizumab versus other biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). In ten years, it represents an accumulative saving of 9,166,513.57 USD.
State-of-the-Art Methods of Industrial Wastewater Disposal
Authors: Beisenov Anton
Published: September 2019

The article highlights the implementation of a highly efficient energy-saving technology for industrial wastewater disposal at oil, gas and condensate fields.

Using one of the NOVATEK Group's fields (the "Field 1") as a reference, we analyzed the increase in industrial wastewater generation and consumption of fuel gas to dispose of it over the recent years taking place alongside the growing flooding of the field's wells. The article contains a comparative analysis, both technical and economic, of the available technologies for industrial wastewater disposal, such as horizontal flare (HF), incinerator, wastewater treatment and injection unit (WTIU), and the new technology, namely the foam catalytic vaporizer (FCV).

The foam catalytic vaporizer is a unit consisting of a blower, a catalytic burner to generate flue gas, and a vaporizer metal hopper.

Fuel gas and air from the blower are fed to the catalytic burner. The mixture burns on the catalyst and the generated flue gas at the temperature of 750–1000 °C is transferred to the vaporizer and introduced directly under the liquid layer. The hot gas evaporates the water generating a layer of foam bubbles on a special grid where the water evaporates rapidly.

The solids (solid waste) that settle as a result of highly-mineralized formation water evaporation sediment in the bottom section of the unit. The residue is transferred by an auger feeder to trucks.

An advantage of the technology is the fact that the solid waste is collected inside the vaporizer and subsequently transported to a industrial waste landfill.

In 2018, a laboratory-scale unit for industrial wastewater evaporation underwent a test to confirm the high efficiency and feasibility of the new technology.

Currently, a pilot FCV unit is being designed and is expected to be commissioned at a NOVATEK Group field.

Implementing FCV will allow to reduce the fuel gas consumption by a factor of 3.5 reduce emissions of air pollutatns by a factor 12.
Digital tools in the Informed Consent process: a systematic review
Authors: Francesco Gesualdo , Palazzani Laura , Dimitriou Dimitris , Domingo Javier Diez , Fons-Martinez Jaime , Jackson Sally , Vignally Pascal , Tozzi Alberto , Rizzo Caterina
Published: September 2019

Background: Providing understandable information to patients is necessary to achieve the two main aims of the Informed Consent process: respecting and promoting patients’ autonomy and protecting patients from harm. In recent decades, new, primarily digital, technologies have been used to apply and test innovative formats of Informed Consent. We conducted a systematic review to explore the impact of using digital tools for Informed Consent in both clinical care and clinical trials. Understanding, comprehension, satisfaction and participation were compared for digital tools versus the traditional Informed Consent process. Methods: We searched for studies on available electronic databases, including Pubmed, ISI web of science (WoS), and Cochrane. Studies were identified using specific Mesh-terms/keywords. We included studies, published from January 2012 to April 2018, that focused on the use of digital Informed Consent tools for surgery, diagnostic procedures, therapeutic interventions, and clinical research. Digital interventions were defined as interventions that used multimedia or audio-video to provide information to patients. We classified the interventions into 3 different categories: video only, non-interactive multimedia, and interactive multimedia. Results: Our search yielded 1046 publications. After title and abstract screening 182 studies were retained for full-text analysis, of which 38 publications were included. Studies examined interactive multimedia (17/38), non-interactive multimedia (11/38), and videos (10/38), and most (34/38) studies were conducted on adults. Innovations in consent were tested for clinical/surgical procedures (26/38) and RCTs (12/38). For RCTs, 21 outcomes were explored, with a positive effect on at least one of the studied outcomes being observed in 8/12 studies. For clinical/surgical procedures 49 outcomes were explored, and 21/26 studies reported a positive effect on at least one of the studied outcomes. Conclusions: Digital technologies for informed consent were not found to affect negatively any of the outcomes, and overall, interactive multimedia tools seem desirable. Interactive multimedia tools indicated a higher impact than passive videos. Presence of a researcher may potentially enhance efficacy of different outcomes. Studies were heterogeneous in design, making evaluation of impact challenging. Robust study design including standardisation is needed to conclusively assess impact.
Genome sequence of the model rice variety KitaakeX
Authors: Jain Rashmi , Jenkins Jerry , Shu Shengqiang , Chern Mawsheng , Martin Joel A. , Copetti Dario , Duong Phat Q. , Pham Nikki T. , Kudrna David A. , Talag Jayson , Schackwitz Wendy S. , Lipzen Anna M. , Dilworth David , Bauer Diane , Grimwood Jane , Nelson Catherine R. , Xing Feng , Xie Weibo , Barry Kerrie W. , Wing Rod A. , Schmutz Jeremy , Li Guotian , Ronald Pamela C.
Published: September 2019

Background: The availability of thousands of complete rice genome sequences from diverse varieties and accessions has laid the foundation for in-depth exploration of the rice genome. One drawback to these collections is that most of these rice varieties have long life cycles, and/or low transformation efficiencies, which limits their usefulness as model organisms for functional genomics studies. In contrast, the rice variety Kitaake has a rapid life cycle (9 weeks seed to seed) and is easy to propagate. For these reasons, Kitaake has emerged as a model for studies of diverse monocotyledonous species. Results: Here, we report the de novo genome sequencing and analysis of Oryza sativa ssp. japonica variety KitaakeX, a Kitaake plant carrying the rice XA21 immune receptor. Our KitaakeX sequence assembly contains 377.6 Mb, consisting of 33 scaffolds (476 contigs) with a contig N50 of 1.4 Mb. Complementing the assembly are detailed gene annotations of 35,594 protein coding genes. We identified 331,335 genomic variations between KitaakeX and Nipponbare (ssp. japonica), and 2,785,991 variations between KitaakeX and Zhenshan97 (ssp. indica). We also compared Kitaake resequencing reads to the KitaakeX assembly and identified 219 small variations. The high-quality genome of the model rice plant KitaakeX will accelerate rice functional genomics. Conclusions: The high quality, de novo assembly of the KitaakeX genome will serve as a useful reference genome for rice and will accelerate functional genomics studies of rice and other species.
Establishing a Normative Database for Quantitative Pupillometry in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Shah Sanket S , Ranaivo Hantamalala Ralay , Mets-Halgrimson Rebecca B , Kurup Sudhi P
Published: September 2019

Background
Pupillary evaluation is a crucial element of physical exams. Noting size, reactivity, and consensual response is critical in assessing for optic nerve dysfunction. We aim to establish normative data for scotopic pupillary size and function in the pediatric population in a clinical setting.
Methods
Pupillometry was obtained prospectively for consecutive, normal patients <18 years old being evaluated by Lurie Children’s Ophthalmology. Quantitative data included maximum (MAX) and minimum (MIN) diameters, constriction percentage (CON), latency (LAT), average (ACV) and maximum (MCV) constriction velocities, average dilation velocity (ADV), and 75% recovery time (T75). Iris color was noted as light, intermediate, or dark.
Results
196 eyes of 101 participants (42.6% male, ages 1–17 years, average age 10.3 years) were analyzed. Mean MAX was 6.6 mm (5.1–8.1 mm 95% CI); MIN was 4.7 mm (3.1–6.1 mm 95% CI); CON was 30% (17–42% 95% CI); LAT was 230 milliseconds (160–300 ms 95% CI); ACV was 3.70 mm/sec (2.21–5.18 mm/sec 95% CI); and ADV was 0.88 mm/sec (0.38–1.38 mm/sec 95% CI). Age had a positive correlation with MAX, MIN, and CON. 84.2% and 95.8% of participants showed resting pupil asymmetry of ≤0.5 mm and ≤1.0 mm, respectively.
Conclusions
Quantitative pupillometry can be a useful tool for screening pediatric patients. We sought to establish normative data in this group. We found males to have significantly greater MCV and CON than females (p < 0.05). Also, age had a positive correlation with MAX, MIN, and CON.

Keywords: Pupillometry; pupils; pediatric screening; normative
Satisfaction With Use Of Public Health And Peer-Led Facilities For Hiv Prevention Services By Key Populations In Nigeria
Authors: Ochonye Bartholomew , Folayan Morenike Oluwatoyin , Fatusi Adesegun O , Emmanuel Godwin , Adepoju Tomi , Ajidagba Babatunde , Jaiyebo Toluwanimi , Umoh Paul , Yusuf Ayo
Published: September 2019

Objective: To identify the proportion of FSW, MSM and PWID who had accessed HIV prevention services at public health facilities and peer-led facilities, their level of satisfaction with these services and perceived barriers and challenges to accessing HIV services from public and peer-led HIV prevention service providers.
Methods: A mixed method approach was used to collect data from key populations in four states in Nigeria. Data collected included level of satisfaction with and barriers to use of public and peer-led facilities. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to explore reasons for satisfaction with and barriers to use of services. Descriptive and bivariate analysis was conducted for quantitative data. A ground theory approach was used to analyse the qualitative data.
Results : There were 482 and 485 respondents to the questions on use of public health and peer-led facilities. Of these, 49.4% and 48.7% had received HIV and sexual and reproductive health services through the public health and peer-led facilities respectively. Significantly more respondents were satisfied with the quality of services provided by peer led organisations than public health facilities. Significantly more respondents using peer-led organisations than those using public health facilities identified no barriers to service access (p=0.003). More respondents using public health facilities than peer led facilities identified cost of services (p=0.01), confidentiality (p=0.002), waiting time (p<0.01) and staff attitude (p=0.001) as barriers to service access. There was no difference in the proportion of respondents willing to discontinue their use of either facilities (p=0.08). Qualitative data showed that concerns about access of services at the public health facility were related to healthcare worker discrimination and fear of being arrested due to the enacted same-sex prohibition law in Nigeria.
Conclusion: Key populations had better satisfaction receiving HIV prevention services at peer led organisations than at public health facilities.
Involvement of SLC39A6 in gastric adenocarcinoma and correlation of the SLC39A6 polymorphism rs1050631 with clinical outcomes after resection
Authors: Gao Jian , Ren Wenjun , Xiao Chunhong , Wang Lie , Huang Qiaojia , Zhang Zaizhong , Dang Yuan , Weng Pengcheng , Wang Hui , Fang Xuehong , Zhuang Minxian , Lin Liying , Chen shaoquan
Published: September 2019

Background: The single-nucleotide polymorphism SLC39A6 rs1050631 is strongly implicated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, leading us to question whether it may also play a role in gastric adenocarcima (GA).
Methods: We genotyped the SLC39A6 rs1050631 in 512 patients who underwent GA resection. All study subjects lived in an area of China with high GA incidence. Genotypes were examined for possible correlation with survival and recurrence. The potential involvement of SLC39A6 in gastric cancer was explored in clinical samples and cell culture studies.
Results: Multivariable analysis showed that patients with the CT+TT genotype at SLC39A6 rs1050631 were at greater risk of recurrence (hazard ratio, HR 1.387, p = 0.004) and death (HR 1.429, p =0.002) than patients with CC genotype. Median recurrence-free and overall survival were significantly shorter in patients with the CT+TT genotype (20, 27 months) than in patients with the CC genotype (36, 43 months, p = 0.001, p < 0.001). Patients with the CT+TT genotype who were male or ≥60 years, or who had a tumor ≥ 5 cm or a moderately differentiated tumor were at significantly higher risk of recurrence and death. SLC39A6 was overexpressed in tissues from GA patients and in GA cell lines, and SLC39A6 knockdown in GA cell lines inhibited their proliferation, migration and invasion.
Conclusion: SLC39A6 rs1050631 correlates with post-resection prognosis of GA patients and SLC39A6 may participate in GA onset or progression.
Keywords: SLC39A6 rs1050631, Gastric adenocarcinoma, Prognostic biomarker, High-occurrence area, Ki67, TOPOII
Lack of Impact of Nil-Per-Os (NPO) Time on Goal-Directed Fluid Delivery in First Case versus Afternoon Case Starts: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Field R Ryan , Mai Tuan , Hanna Samouel , Harrington Brian , Calderon Michael-David , Rinehart Joseph
Published: September 2019

Background: Goal Directed Fluid Therapy(GDFT) represents an objective fluid replacement algorithm. The effect of provider variability remains a confounder. Overhydration worsens perioperative morbidity and mortality; therefore, the impact of the calculated NPO deficit prior to the operating room may reach harm.
Methods: A retrospective single-institution study analyzed patients at UC Irvine Medical Center main operating rooms from September 1, 2013 through September 1, 2015 receiving GDFT. The primary study question asked if GDFT suggested different fluid delivery after different NPO periods, while reducing inter-provider variability. We created two patient groups distinguished by 0715 surgical start time or start time after 1200. We analyzed fluid administration totals with either a 1:1 crystalloid to colloid ratio or a 3:1 ratio. We performed direct group-wise testing on total administered volume expressed as total ml, total ml/hr, and total ml/kg/hr between the first case start (AM) and afternoon case (PM) groups. A linear regression model included all baseline covariates that differed between groups as well as plausible confounding factors for differing fluid needs. Finally, we combined all patients from both groups, and created NPO time to total administered fluid scatterplots to assess the effect of patient-reported NPO time on fluid administration.
Results: Whether reported by total administered volume or net fluid volume, and whether we expressed the sum as ml, ml/hr, or ml/kg/hr, the AM group received more fluid on average than the PM group in all cases. In the general linear models, for all significant independent variables evaluated, AM vs PM case start did not reach significance in both cases at p=0.64 and p=0.19, respectively. In scatterplots of NPO time to fluid volumes, absolute adjusted and unadjusted R2 values are < 0.01 for each plot, indicating virtually non-existent correlations between uncorrected NPO time and fluid volumes measured.
Conclusions: This study showed NPO periods do not influence a patient’s volume status just prior to presentation to the operating room for surgical intervention. We hope this data will influence the practice of providers routinely replacing calculated NPO period volume deficit; particularly with those presenting with later surgical case start times.
Analyzing preferences for family doctor contract services in rural China: a study using discrete choice experiment
Authors: Fu peipei , Wang Yi , Liu Shimeng , Li Jiajia , Gao qiufeng , Zhou Chengchao , Meng Qingyue , Sylvia Sean
Published: September 2019

Background: Preliminary evaluations have found that family doctor contract service has significantly controlled medical expenses, better managed chronic diseases, and increased patient satisfaction and service compliance. In 2016, China proposed the establishment of a family doctor system to carry out contract services, but studies have found uptake and utilization of these services to be limited. This study aimed to investigate rural resident preferences for FDCS from the public perspective in China.
Methods : A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was performed to elicit respondent preferences towards FDCS among rural residents in China. Attributes and levels were established based on literature review and qualitative methods. Five attributes consisted of cost, medicine availability, reimbursement rate, competence of the family doctor, and attitude of the family doctor were evaluated using mixed logit model.
Results: A total number of 609 residents were included in the main DCE analysis. Respondents valued high competence (coefficient 2.44, [SE 0.13]) and good attitude (coefficient 1.42, [SE 0.09]) of the family doctor most. Cost was negatively valued (coefficient -0.01, [SE 0.01]) as expected. The preference heterogeneity analysis was conducted after adjusting the interaction terms, we found that rural residents with lower educational attainment prefer good attitude than those with higher educational attainment counterparts. The estimated willingness to pay (WTP) for “high” relative to “low” competence was 441.13 RMB/year and WTP for a provider with a “good” relative to a “poor” attitude was 255.77 RMB/year. Conclusion: This present study suggested priorities should be given to strengthen and improve the quality of primary health care including family doctors’ competence and attitudes so as to increase the uptake of signing FDCS. The contract service package including annual cost, insurance reimbursement rate and individualized services should be redesigned and become congruent with residents with different health status and their stated preferences.
Predictors of exacerbations of pulmonary MAC disease
Authors: Kodaka Norio , Nakano Chihiro , Oshio Takeshi , Watanabe Kayo , Niitsuma Kumiko , Imaizumi Chisato , Matsuse Hiroto
Published: September 2019

Background and Objectives
The number of patients with pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease is increasing worldwide, especially among middle-aged women and never-smokers. Although sex and smoking status have attracted attention as predictors of the development and exacerbation of pulmonary MAC disease, the exact associations remain unknown.The aim of the present study was to clarify the associations of sex and smoking status with the clinical characteristics of pulmonary MAC disease and to identify the predictors of exacerbations of pulmonary MAC disease.
Methods
From April 2011 to May 2016, 128 MAC patients at our institute were newly diagnosed with pulmonary MAC disease according to the 2007 American Thoracic Society/Infectious Disease Society guideline. Their medical records were retrospectively examined for their clinical findings. The radiological findings at the time of the diagnosis and 1 year later were evaluated. Clinical characteristics were compared by smoking status and sex. To identify the natural predictors of exacerbation, multivariable analysis was performed with the data of 80 treatment-naïve patients.
Results
Female, never-smoker, and nodular/bronchiectatic (NB) type were common in patients with pulmonary MAC disease. Univariate analysis of data from treatment-naïve subjects showed that female, never-smoker, fewer lung diseases other than MAC, extensive radiological findings, and ≥3 lobes involved were significantly associated with exacerbations. On multivariate analysis, fewer lung diseases other than MAC, extensive radiological findings, and ≥3 lobes involved were significantly associated with exacerbations, but female and never-smoker were not.
Conclusions
In this study, the presence of extensive radiological findings, especially abnormal shadows in ≥3 lobes and absence of lung diseases other than MAC, rather than sex and smoking status, was a predictor of exacerbations of treatment-naïve pulmonary MAC disease.
Prevalence, infection intensity and associated risk factors of Intestinal Schistosomiasis among primary school Children in Lira District, Northern Uganda
Authors: Byagamy John Paul , Malinga Geoffrey Maxwell , Angwech Harriet , Opiro Robert , Echodu Richard , Odongo-Aginya Emmanuel
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence, infection intensity and associated risk factors of intestinal schistosomiasis among primary school children in Lira district, Uganda. The study was conducted among 532 primary school pupils aged 6-16 years from eight randomly selected primary schools (March-May 2017). Stool samples were collected and examined for schistosomiasis using Odongo-Aginya method. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors were obtained using questionnaires.
Results: The overall prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni was 35.7% indicating a moderate infection. Both males and females were equally affected with S. mansoni . Ogur sub county had highest prevalence (65.0%) than others. Akangi (65.5%) and Akano (64.5%) primary schools both had highest prevalence compared to the others. With regard to risk factors, source of drinking water, sub-county location and primary school were associated with prevalence of infection whereas only school location and home distance to water source was associated with intensity. Participants who fetch water from spring, dam and wells had higher infection than those who fetch from boreholes. The study recommends provision of safe water, periodic treatment of school-aged children with praziquantel and public health education to reduce prevalence of S. mansoni .
Antimicrobial activities and in vitro properties of cold-adapted Lactobacillus strains isolated from the intestinal tract of cold water fishes of high latitude water areas in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Wei Xiaojing , Zhang Yan , Zhou Hong , Tian Fengwei , Ni Yongqing
Published: September 2019

Background There are still a large variety of microorganisms among aquatic animals, especially probiotic lactic acid bacteria in cold water fishes at high latitudes have not been fully developed. Hence, the present study aims to evaluate the probiotic potential of cold-adapted Lactobacillus strains isolated from the intestinal tract of cold water fishes (Xinjiang) and select candidates to be used as new food preservative agents and/or probiotic additives in feeding of aquaculture. Results A total of 43 Lactobacillus spp. were isolated from 16 kinds of intestinal tract of cold-water fishes. They were characterized by phenotypic methods, identified using Rep-PCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing as four species: Lactobacillus sakei (22 isolates), Lactobacillus plantarum (16 isolates), Lactobacillus casei (4 isolates) and Lactobacillus paracasei (1 isolate). The in vitro tests included survival in low pH and bile, antimicrobial activity (against Escherichia coli , Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium , Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica , Listeria monocytogenes , and Listeria innocua ), resistance to 15 antibiotics and hemolytic tests. Among all 43 lactobacilli isolates, the 22 isolates showed a wide range of antimicrobial activity against 6 different pathogenic strains. There were twenty isolates growing at a optimal temperature ranging 16~20°C, which were initially considered to be cold-adapted strains. Two (2) Lb. sakei strains and 2 Lb. plantarum strains demonstrated the highest survivability after 4 h of exposure at pH 2.0. Most of the tested strains cannot be cultured after exposed into 0.5% bile solution for 4 h, while 2 Lb. plantarum strains (E-HLM-3, CQ-CGC-2) and 1 Lb. sakei strain M-DGM-2 survived even at 2% bile concentration. In addition, the safety assessment showed that 22 strains without any detectable hemolytic activity and resistant to glycopeptides (vancomycin, teicoplanin), levofloxacin, aztreonam, amikacin and oxacillin, while all the studied lactobacilli showed sensitivity to or semi-tolerant to other antibiotics. Conclusions Based on all the experiments, 3 strains, including E-HLM-3, CQ-CGC-2, and M-DGM-2 might be a candidate of choice for using in the food preservative agents and/or probiotic additives in feeding of aquaculture.
Detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E. coli and Klebsiella spp in effluents of different hospitals sewage in Biratnagar, Nepal
Authors: Mahato Sanjay , Mahato Ajay , Pokharel Elina , Tamrakar Ankita
Published: September 2019

Objective

This study was aimed to determine prevalence and resistance pattern like multidrug resistant (MDR) or ESBL nature of E. coli and Klebsiella spp from various sewage drain samples with an idea to deliver baseline information that could be utilized for defining guidelines for the treatment of hospital sewages.Results

Of 10 sewage samples analyzed, 7 (70%) contained E. coli while 6 (60%) contained Klebsiella. Except one sample, all positive samples contained both E. coli and Klebsiella spp. E. coli isolates were resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin, cefoxitin, cefuroxime, and cefpodoxime; while 85.7% were resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanate, ceftazidime, cefotaxime and ceftriaxone. 71.4%, 57.1%, 42.9%, and 28.6% were resistant to aztreonam, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, and gentamicin. Most were sensitive to chloramphenicol, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin. 85.7% and 57.1% of E. coli were MDR and ESBL isolates respectively. Klebsiella were resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin, and amoxicillin/clavulanate. 83.4% of Klebsiella were resistant to cefoxitin. 66.7% of strains were resistant to cefuroxime, ceftazidime, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, and cefpodoxime. Klebsiella showed 50% resistant to aztreonam and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, while 33.3% were resistant to chloramphenicol, nitrofurantoin, ofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin. Klebsiella were sensitive to azithromycin and gentamicin. 66.7% and 33.3% of Klebsiella were MDR and ESBL isolates respectively.
Cry for health: a quantitative evaluation of a hospital-based advocacy intervention for domestic violence and abuse
Authors: Halliwell Gemma , Dheensa Sandi , Fenu Elisabetta , Jones Sue K , Asato Jessica , Jacob Suzanne , Feder Gene
Published: September 2019

Background
Domestic violence and abuse damages the health of survivors and increases use of healthcare services. We report findings from a multi-site evaluation of hospital-based advocacy services, designed to support survivors attending emergency departments and maternity services.
Methods
Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) were co-located in five UK hospitals. Case-level data were collected at T1 (initial referral) and T2 (case closure) from survivors accessing hospital (T1 N = 692; T2 N = 476) and community IDVA services (T1 N = 3,544; T2 N = 2,780), used as a comparator. Measures included indicators of sociodemographic characteristics, experience of abuse, health service use, health and safety outcomes. Multivariate analyses tested for differences in changes in abuse, health and factors influencing safety outcomes. Health service use data in the six months pre-and post- intervention were compared to generate potential cost savings by hospital IDVA services.
Results
Hospital IDVAs worked with survivors less visible to community IDVA services and facilitated intervention at an earlier point. Hospital IDVAs received higher referrals from health services and enabled access to a greater number of health resources. Hospital survivors were more likely to report greater reductions in and cessation of abuse. No differences were observed in health outcomes for hospital survivors. The odds of safety increased two-fold if hospital survivors received over five contacts with an IDVA or accessed six or more resources / programmes over a longer period of time. Six months preceding IDVA intervention, hospital survivors cost on average £2,463 each in use of health services; community survivors cost £533 each. The cost savings observed among hospital survivors amounted to a total of £2,050 per patient per year. This offset the average cost of providing hospital IDVA services.
Conclusions
Hospital IDVAs can identify survivors not visible to other services and promote safety through intensive support and access to resources. The co-location of IDVAs within the hospital encouraged referrals to other health services and wider community agencies. Further research is required to establish the cost-effectiveness of hospital IDVA services, however our findings suggest these services could be an efficient use of health service resources.
The Smoking Cessation in Pregnancy Incentives Trial (CPIT): study protocol for a phase III randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sinclair Lesley , McFadden Margaret , Tilbrook Helen , Mitchell Alex , Keding Ada , Watson Judith , Bauld Linda , Kee Frank , Torgerson David , Hewitt Catherine , McKell Jennifer , Hoddinott Pat , Harris Fiona M , Uny Isabelle , Boyd Kathleen , Mcmeekin Nicola , Mitchell Shirley , Dover Joanna , Ussher Michael , Pattie Amanda , Tappin David
Published: September 2019

Background Eighty percent of UK women have at least one baby, making pregnancy an opportunity to help women to stop smoking before their health is irreparably compromised. Smoking cessation during pregnancy helps protect infants from miscarriage, still birth, low birth weight, asthma, attention deficit disorder and adult cardiovascular disease. UK national guidelines highlight lack of evidence for effectiveness of financial incentives to help pregnant smokers quit. This includes a research recommendation: Within a UK context, are incentives an acceptable, effective and cost-effective way to help pregnant women who smoke to quit? Methods CPIT III is a pragmatic, 39-month, multi-centre, parallel group, individually randomised controlled superiority trial of the effect on smoking status of adding to usual smoking cessation support the offer of up to £400 of financial voucher incentives, compared with usual support alone, to quit smoking during pregnancy. Participants (n = 940) are pregnant smokers (age > 16, <24 weeks pregnant, English speaking), who consent via telephone to take part and are willing to be followed-up in late pregnancy and 6 months after birth. The primary outcome is cotinine/anabasine validated abstinence from smoking in late pregnancy. Secondary outcomes include engagement with cessation services, quit rates at four weeks from agreed quit date and 6 months after birth, and birth weight. Outcomes will be analysed by intention-to-treat, and regression models will be used to compare treatment effects on outcomes. A meta-analysis will include data from the feasibility study in Glasgow. An economic evaluation will assess cost-effectiveness from a UK NHS perspective. Process evaluation using a case study approach will identify opportunities to improve recruitment and learning for future implementation. Research questions: What is the therapeutic efficacy of incentives? Are incentives cost-effective? What are the potential facilitators and barriers to implementing incentives in different parts of the UK? Discussion This phase III trial in Scotland, England and Northern Ireland, follows a successful phase II trial in Glasgow UK. The participating sites have diverse smoking cessation services, that represent most cessation services in the UK and serve demographically varied populations. If found to be acceptable and cost-effective this trial could demonstrate that financial incentives are effective and transferable to most UK cessation services for pregnant women.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN15236311 date registered 09/10/2017 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN15236311
Factors Associated with the Acceptance of a Novel Integrated Care Service by Community-Dwelling Elderly in Chongqing, China
Authors: Huanhuan Huang , Zhiyu Chen , Mingzhao Xiao , Ling Xiao , Mei Chen , Wenbi Jia , Qinghua Zhao
Published: September 2019

Background: Medical Union is a novel model of integrated care services. At present, the Chinese government encourages the development of health care services for aged people provided by Medical Union which may help make effective use of limited medical resources in China. Purpose: This study aims at examining the prevalence of and associated factors affecting the acceptance of a novel integrated care service by community-dwelling elderly. Methods: We extracted raw data generated from 1,180 community residents over 60 years old and performed binary logistic regression analyses to predict odds of the acceptance in Chongqing, China. Using Anderson’s health behavioral model, we examined three groups of predictive factors: (1) predisposing factors (e.g. social demographic information), (2) enabling factors (e.g. health insurance status), (3) need factors (e.g. health status). Results: The application of this novel integrated care service was explained better by enabling factors than other predictive factors. In the best explanatory model (model 3), one predisposing factor (degree of education), one enabling factor (insurance type), and five need factors (self-reported health status, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and disability) were variables considered as the significant factors affecting the acceptance of the novel integrated care service by community-dwelling elderly in Chongqing, china. Conclusion: This study provides an empirical understanding of the equity of the access to a novel integrated care service for older adults who live in communities. Our findings advocate that primary health institutions should play an important role in health education. Advanced policies are needed to protect physically and economically vulnerable groups.
Point of care testing evaluation of lateral flow immunoassay for diagnosis of Cryptococcus Meningitis in Kenya, 2017
Authors: Gitonga Lawrence Kirimi , Boru Waqo Gufu , Kwena Arthur , Maritim Marybeth , Wamicwe Joyce , Ransom James Anthony
Published: September 2019

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) against latex agglutination (LA), India ink and culture in point-of-care diagnosis of CM. We conducted a cross-sectional study among patients with suspected CM at Mbagathi Hospital, Nairobi, April-July 2017.
Results: Of 124 capillary blood and serum and 99 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, the agreement between LFA and LA on serum was 94.4%, kappa (0.88), sensitivity (100%) and specificity (91%). LFA and LA on CSF, was 97.9%, kappa (0.96), sensitivity (100%) and specificity (96%). LFA and India ink was 96.9%, kappa (0.94), sensitivity (100%) and specificity (94.1%). On CSF culture, the agreement was 72.7%, kappa (0.43), sensitivity (100%) and specificity (64%). The agreement of LFA on capillary blood, serum and CSF was 100% with kappa (1.00), sensitivity and specificity of 100%
Prevalence of viral sexually transmitted infections and HPV high-risk genotypes in women in rural communities in Bolivia
Authors: Patzi-Churqui Marianela , Terrazas-Aranda Katty , Liljeqvist Jan-Åke , Lindh Magnus , Eriksson Kristina
Published: September 2019

Background: Bolivia has the highest prevalence of cervical cancer in South America and the prevalence of viral sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among people in urban cities is increasing. Little is known about the prevalence of viral STIs in rural communities, which generally have limited access to health care. In order to study the prevalence of viral STIs in rural Bolivia, we recruited women from villages and towns in the Department of La Paz in Bolivia. Methods: 394 female participants were assessed for IgG-antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV, anti-HBc), as well as for the presence of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) in dried blood spots. The prevalence of 12 high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) was assessed by qPCR in dried cervicovaginal cell spots from 376 of these women. χ 2 test was used to compare variables between the populations and binary logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with the positivity of the tests. Results: The seroprevalence of HSV-2 was 53% and of HBV 10.3%. HBAg was detected in 15.8% of women with anti-HBV antibodies indicating chronic infection. The frequency of high-risk HPV infection was 27%, with the most prevalent high-risk HPV types being HPV 56, 39 and 31 followed by HPV 16 and 18. Finally, none of the 394 women were seropositive for HIV, and about 64% of the studied population was positive for at least one of the viral infections. Conclusions: Women in Bolivian rural communities in La Paz show a high prevalence of HBV, HPV and, in particular, HSV-2, but a low prevalence of HIV. The pattern of high-risk HPV types differed from e.g. Sweden with a predominance of HPV-types not included in the Gardasil vaccine which was officially introduced in Bolivia in April 2017.
Detection and Integrated Analysis of LncRNA and mRNA Relevant to Plateau Adaptation of Yak
Authors: Wang Jiabo , Chai Zhixin , Deng Lei , Wang Jikun , Wang Hui , Tang You , Zhong Jincheng , Ji Qiumei
Published: September 2019

Background:
Yaks, which are known as “The ship in the Plateau”, play an important role in the life of people on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. There are many potential genetic advantages for Plateau Adaptation(PA) of Yak to improve breeding and adapt the environment with low oxygen and strong ultraviolet ray. In this study, in order to filter the Different Expression (DE) genes and new long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) ,also reveal underlying co-expression and regulation network of these, we sequenced 18 samples (cerebellum and cerebrum) of Bos Taurus, Bos Grunniens ☓ Bos Taurus and Bos Grunniens (3 individuals as replications for each species), ,and compared the relationship between modules and PA trait basing on the background of crossbreed genetics. Generalized linear model was used to analyze DE genes, and the different tissues as adjust variations in the model can reduce the noise of population structure.
Results:
On average, 50 million clean reads for each sample were obtained by the control of data quality. 12,072 pseudo lncRNAs were predicted in intersection of three software (CPC2, CNCI and CPAT). Total 4,257 significant DE transcripts were identified by using Ballgown R package (P<0.01) , 1021 of which were protein coding genes, 14were known lncRNAs, 661 were novel lncRNAs. By WGCNA, a co-expression network of DE mRNAs and lncRNAs with 6 modules was created to present functional relationship with PA trait. Our study provided a valuable sub-network composed by 8 hub genes (GRAMD3, MAST4, MICAL1, TLE1, ERAP1, PINK1, MRPL49 and IL34),.1of them was known lncRNA (LOC106700748) ,5 were novel lncRNAs (MSTRG247.1, MSTRG431.1, MSTRG422.1, MSTRG327.1 and MSTRG97.1) in the major module of the whole network.
Conclusions:
The functions of those hub genes are associated with blood pressure, reactive oxygen and metabolic process. The analysis of co-expressed genes with PA trait provides a reference way of the regulation mechanisms in PA of Yak and gets a reference method of the additive genetics expression detection between crossbreed and parents population as well.
Identification of eQTL and sQTL associated with meat quality in beef
Authors: Gutierrez Joel David Leal , Elzo Mauricio A. , Mateescu Raluca G.
Published: September 2019

Background: Transcription has a substantial genetic control and genetic dissection of gene expression could help us understand the genetic architecture of complex phenotypes such as meat quality in cattle.Results: A total of 80 steers were selected for phenotyping, genotyping and RNA-seq evaluation. A panel of traits related to meat quality were recorded. Information on 112,042 SNPs and expression data on 8,588 autosomal genes and 87,770 exons from 8,467 genes were included in an expression and splicing quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping (eQTL and sQTL, respectively). Expression of 1,352 genes was previously identified as associated with meat quality traits using a gene, exon and isoform differential expression (DE) analysis. The R package Matrix eQTL was used to perform the QTL mapping using linear regression. The identified QTLs were classified as cis or trans using 1 Mb as maximum distance between the associated SNP and the gene. Polymorphisms associated with expression of at least 20 genes, and splicing of at least 20 exons were considered QTL hot spots. A total of 8,377 eQTLs were identified, including 75.6% trans, 10.4% cis, 12.5% DE trans and 1.5% DE cis; 11,929 sQTLs were uncovered: 66.1% trans, 16.9% DE trans, 14% cis and 3% DE cis. Twenty seven expression master regulators and 13 splicing master regulators were identified and were classified as membrane associated or cytoskeletal proteins, transcription factors or DNA methylases These genes could control expression of other genes through cell signaling or by a direct transcriptional activation/repression mechanism. The ZNF804A, ALAD, OR13F1 and ENSBTAG00000000336 genes were identified as both expression and splicing master regulators.Conclusion: In the present analysis, we show that eQTL and sQTL mapping makes possible positional identification of gene and isoform expression regulators. Additionally, this mapping provides new insight into the regulatory network architecture in longissimus dorsi muscle in an Angus-Brahman multibreed population.