bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-intensity Interval Training Enhances Hypoxia-mediated Right Cardiac Mechanics in Sedentary Men
Authors: Huang Yu-Chieh , Hsu Chih-Chin , Fu Tieh-Cheng , Wang Jong-Shyan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Purpose: Hypoxic exposure increases right ventricular (RV) afterload by triggering pulmonary hypertension, with consequent effects on the structure and function of the right ventricle. Improved myocardial contractility is a critical circulatory adaptation to exercise training. However, the types of exercise that enhance right cardiac mechanics during hypoxic stress have not yet been identified. This study investigated how high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) influence right cardiac mechanics during hypoxic exercise (HE). Methods: A total of 54 young and healthy sedentary males were randomly selected to engage in either HIIT (3-min intervals at 40% and 80% of VO2max, n = 18) or MICT (sustained 60% of VO2max, n = 18) for 30 min/day and 5 days/week for 6 weeks or were included in a control group (CTL, n = 18) that did not engage in any exercise. Right cardiac mechanics during semiupright bicycle exercise tests under hypoxic conditions (i.e., 50 watts under 12% FIO2 for 3 min) were measured using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. Results: After 6 weeks of training, HIIT was superior to MICT in improving VO2max. Furthermore, the HIIT group showed reduced pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) as well as an elevated RV ejection fraction (RVEF) under hypoxia, coupled with a significant enhancement of the right atrial (RA) reservoir and conduit functions. HIIT is superior to MICT in dilating the right ventricle and ameliorating radial strain rate but reducing radial strain in either systole or diastole. In the correlation analysis, the changes in RVEF were directly associated with improved RA reservoir and conduit functions but inversely associated with the change in radial RV strain caused by HIIT. Conclusion: HIIT is superior to MICT in improving right cardiac mechanics by simultaneously increasing RA reservoir and conduit functions and decreasing PVR during HE.
Maintenance of Blood Pressure in Emotional Context-based Autonomic Switching by the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala in Rats
Authors: Yamanaka Ko , Waki Hidefumi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Proper autonomic control is necessary in making appropriate decisions and actions, but neuronal mechanisms for this function are yet to be determined. Here we show that the amygdala plays a role in autonomic cardiovascular tuning in a dynamically changing environment. We recorded blood pressure and heart rate of head-restrained rats during appetitive and aversive classical conditioning tasks. Rats learned varying associations between conditioned stimuli and unconditioned stimuli in three types of contexts: appetitive, neutral, and aversive blocks. Blood pressure and heart rate in the appetitive block gradually increased after reward-predicting cues, followed by a vigorously increased response to the actual reward. The predictive response was found to be significantly higher than the responses in the neutral and aversive blocks. Blood pressure and heart rate responses to the air puff-predicting cue in the aversive block were significantly lower than that of the responses in the neutral block. Pharmacological blockade of the amygdala has significantly decreased reward-predictive pressor responses in the latter phase, but not in the initial phase of context change. Cardiovascular responses are thus adaptively tuned by positive and negative emotional stimuli, and the central nucleus of the amygdala likely assists in maintaining pressor response tuning based on emotional context.
Lymphocytic Profile and Ebv Serology in Sjögren’s Syndrome: Evidences for a Virally Triggered Autoimmune Epithelitis?
Authors: Barcelos Filipe , Martins Catarina , Monteiro Ricardo , Cardigos Joana , Prussiani Tizziano , Sítima Miguel , Alves Nuno , Patto José , Branco Jaime , Borrego Luís-Miguel 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Sjögren's Syndrome (SjS) is characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands, i.e. autoimmune epithelitis. Lymphocytes are central in SjS pathogenesis, with B-cell hyperactivity mediated by T-cells. B-cells are main targets of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, a frequently-suggested trigger for SjS.We aimed to evaluate how the EBV infection modulates B and T-cell subsets in SjS, including as controls Rheumatoid arthritis patients (RA) and healthy participants (HC).SjS patients presented decreased CXCR5+T-cells, although IL21-secreting Tfh and Tfc cells were increased. Tfc were positively correlated with ESSDAI scores, suggesting their relevant role in SjS pathogenesis. As previously described, SjS patients showed expanded circulating naïve B-cell compartments. SjS patients had a higher incidence of EBV-EA-D-IgG+ antibodies, characteristic of recent EBV-infection/reactivation. SjS patients with past infection or recent infection/reactivation showed increased CXCR3+Th1 and CXCR3+Tfh1 cells compared to those without active infection. SjS patients with a recent infection/reactivation profile presented increased transitional B-cells compared to patients with past infection and increased plasmablasts, compared to those without infection.Our results suggest EBV-infection contributes to B and T-cell differentiation towards the effector phenotypes typical of SjS. Local lymphocyte activation at ectopic germinal centres, mediated by Tfh and Tfc, can be EBV-driven, perpetuating autoimmune epithelitis which leads to gland destruction in SjS.
Leveraging Electronic Health Records to Improve Management of Noncommunicable Diseases at Primary Healthcare Centres in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hazazi Ahmed , Wilson Andrew 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Electronic Health Records (EHRs) can contribute to the earlier detection and better treatment of chronic diseases by improving accuracy and accessibility of patient data. The Saudi Ministry of Health implemented an EHR system in all primary health care clinics (PHCs) as part of measures to improve their performance in managing chronic disease. This study examined the perspective of physicians on the current scope and content of NCDs management at PHCs including the contribution of the EHR system. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 physicians working in chronic disease clinics at PHCs covering a range of locations and clinic sizes. The participants were selected based on their expertise using a combination of purposive and convenience sampling. The interviews were transcribed, analyzed and coded into the key themes. Results: Physicians indicated that the availability of the EHR helped organise their work and positively influenced NCDs patient encounters in their PHCs. They emphasised the multiple benefits of EHR in terms of efficiency, including the accuracy of patient documentation and the availability of patient information. Shortcomings identified included the lack of a patient portal to allow patients to access information about their health and lack of capacity to facilitate multi-disciplinary care for example through referral to allied health services. Access to the EHR was limited to MOH primary healthcare centres and clinicians noted that patients also received care in private clinics and hospitals. Conclusion: While well regarded by clinicians, the EHR system impact on patient care at chronic disease clinics is not being fully realised. Enabling patient access to their EHR would be help promote self-management, a core attribute of effective NCD management. Co-ordination of care is another core attribute and in the Saudi health system with multiple public and private providers, this may be substantially improved if the patients EHR was accessible wherever care was provided. There is also a need for enhanced capacity to support improving patient’s nutrition and physical activity.
A Molecularly Defined Skin Test Reagent for Bovine Tuberculosis Compatible With Vaccination Against Johne’s Disease
Authors: Middleton Sonya , Steinbach Sabine , Coad Michael , McGill Kevina , Brady Colm , Duignan Anthony , Wiseman Jimmy , Gormley Eamonn , Jones Gareth , Vordermeier H. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Tuberculin Purified Protein Derivatives (PPDs) exhibit multiple limitations: they are crude extracts from mycobacterial cultures with largely unknown active components; their production depends on culture of mycobacteria requiring expensive BCL3 production facilities; and their potency depends on the technically demanding guinea pig assay. To overcome these limitations, we developed a molecularly defined tuberculin (MDT) by adding further antigens to our prototype reagent composed of ESAT-6, CFP-10 and Rv3615c (DIVA skin test, DST). In vitro screening using PBMC from infected and uninfected cattle shortlisted four antigens from a literature-based list of 18 to formulate the MDT. These four antigens plus the previously identified Rv3020c protein, produced as recombinant proteins or overlapping synthetic peptides, were formulated together with the three DST antigens into the MDT to test cattle experimentally and naturally infected with M. bovis, uninfected cattle and MAP vaccinated calves. We demonstrated significant increases in MDT-induced skin responses compared to DST in infected animals, whilst maintaining high specificity in unvaccinated or MAP vaccinated calves. Further, MDT can also be applied in in vitro blood-based interferon-gamma release assays. Thus, MDT promises to be a robust diagnostic skin and blood test reagent overcoming some of the limitations of PPDs and warrants full validation.
Snow Algae Blooming Are Benefitable for Microinvertebrates Assemblages (Tardigrada and Rotifera) on the Seasonal Snow Patches in Japan
Authors: Ono Masato , Takeuchi Nozomu , Zawierucha Krzysztof 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Although studies on snow algae and macroinvertebrates have been frequently conducted on snow patches, no attention have been paid to ubiquitous microinvertebrates which in other cold habitats reach high biomass and play various trophic roles. The aim of this study was to search microinvertebrates in seasonal snow patches in Mt. Gassan, in northern Japan, and identify factors determining their distribution associated with snow algal blooming of various coloration (red, green, and yellow). Microscopic observation revealed presence of two major groups of microinvertebrates Tardigrada and Rotifera. Tardigrades and rotifers were the most abundant and frequent in green snow formed by blooming of Chloromonas sp., but few in red or yellow snow. Body length of tardigrades increased through the melting season and animals laid eggs on colored snow. These results suggest tardigrades successfully grew and reproduced on snow patches. Taking into account the presence of tardigrades and rotifers mostly in green snow (only few found in red and yellow) with high densities, we may assume green snow patches constitute important and unique low-temperature ecosystems for microinvertebrates in a temperate mountainous forest. Area of snow algae blooming worldwide are unrecognized novel habitat for tardigrades and rotifers.
Non-corner Localized Surface Plasmons Resonance Based Ultrathin Metasurface Single-layer Quarter Wave Plate
Authors: Qian Qinyu , Wang Chinhua , Liu Pengfei , Fan Li , Zhao Liang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
We report on a non-corner quarter wave plate (NCQW) within the single Ag hollow elliptical ring array layer of only 8 nm thickness, where the strong localized surface plasmons (LSP) resonances are excited. By manipulating the parameters of the hollow elliptical ring, the transmitted amplitude and phase of the two orthogonal components are well controlled. The phase difference of π/2 and amplitude ratio of 1 is realized simultaneously at the wavelength of 834 nm with the transmission of 0.46. The proposed NCQW works perfectly at the wavelength of 834 nm and works well at a ultrawide wavelength range of 110 nm, which suggests an efficient way of a new way of exciting LSP resonances and designing wave plates, and provides a great potential for liquid crystal display, optical communication, sensor detection and imaging.
Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Type 1, 2 Diabetes and Thyroid Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study in Taif City, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alshehri Khalid , Thobaiti Raghad Al , Alqurashi Athar , Algethami Nada , Alswat Khaled 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Women with diabetes mellitus or thyroid disorders are at risk of sexual dysfunction. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in women with diabetes and/or thyroid disorders and the impact of disease control on the ASEX score.Methods: A cross-sectional study for female patients who had a routine clinic visit were included. The Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) was used to evaluate for FSD. Those with a total score of ≥ 19 or scored ≥ 5 on any item or ≥ 4 on three items were considered to have FSD.Results: A total of 253 female patients with a mean age of 39.1 ± 7.3 years were included. Two-thirds of the participants have no FSD. More than half (57.7%) of the participants had a strong desire for sex, and about 20% of the participants were unsatisfied with their orgasm. Compared to those with no FSD, those with FSD had lower BMI (P = 0.375), more likely to have a master’s degree or higher (P = 0.117), diabetes (P = 0.879), hypothyroidism (P = 0.625), diabetes-related microvascular and macrovascular complications (P = 0.049), higher HbA1c, fasting glucose, and TSH (P = 0.731, P = 0.161, and P = 0.561, respectively), lower total cholesterol and LDL (P = 0.368 and P = 0.339, respectively), and exercise more regularly (P = 0.929). Conclusion: One-third (32.5%) of the study participants had a FSD. Those with type 1 diabetes had the highest ASEX scores. We detected non-significant negative correlations between total ASEX score and both BMI and TSH, as well as a non-significant positive correlation between total ASEX score and both HbA1c and fasting glucose value.
Food Allergy Adjuvant and Early Immune Effects of Oral Exposure to Known and Suspected Gut Barrier Disruptors&nbsp;
Authors: Drønen Elena , Nygaard Unni , Namork Ellen , Dirven Hubert 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Exposure to adjuvants with a food allergen has been shown to promote sensitization and development of food allergy in animal models. Barrier disrupting capacities have been suggested to be one mechanism of adjuvant action. In this study, we investigated how gut barrier disrupting compounds affected food allergy development in a mouse model of peanut allergy. Sensitization and clinical peanut allergy in C3H/HEOuJ mice were assessed after repeated oral exposure to peanut extract together with cholera toxin (CT), the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON), house dust mite (HDM) or the pesticide glyphosate (GLY). In addition, we investigated early effects 4 to 48 hours after a single exposure to the compounds, by assessing markers of intestinal barrier permeability, alarmin production, intestinal epithelial responses, and local immune responses.Results: CT and DON exerted adjuvant effects on peanut allergy development assessed as clinical anaphylaxis in mice. The early markers were consistently only affected by DON, observed as increased IL-33 (interleukin 33) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) alarmin production in intestines and Interleukin 33 receptor ST2 in serum. DON also induced an inflammatory immune response in lymph node cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). HDM and GLY did not promote clinical food allergy and affected few (or none) of the early markers at the present doses.Conclusions: Oral exposure to CT and DON promoted development of clinical anaphylaxis in the peanut allergy mouse model. DON, but not CT, affected the early markers measured in the present study, indicating that DON and CT have different modes of action at the early stages of peanut sensitization.
Efficacy and Safety of Ultrasound-guided Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Biopsy for Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions: Comparison Between 16-gauge and 18-gauge Core Biopsy Needle- a Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Huang Weijun , Ye Jieyi , Qiu Yide , Peng Weiwei , Lan Ninghui , Cui Weizhen , Huang Ting , Ou Yinghui , Li Yingjia 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Definitive diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) depends upon histologic proof obtained via pleural biopsy. Ultrasound-guided sampling is now standard practice. How to determine a suitable needle size and sampling times to improve efficacy and safety remained challenging. This study aimed to compare the efficacy for histology diagnosis and the resulting complications between 16-gauge and 18-gauge core biopsy needle in ultrasound-guided percutaneous transthoracic biopsy for PPLs.Materials and Methods:1169 patients (767 men, 402 women; mean age, 59.4±13.2 years) who received biopsy for PPLs between September2011 and February 2019 were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to adjust the baseline differences, and the rate of successful specimen assessment and complications were compared between 16-gauge (249 patients) and 18-gauge (920 patients) group. The number of pleural surfaces crossed (NOPSC) was defined as the times visceral pleural surface was transgressed. Stratified analysis was made based on NOPSC.Results: The overall success rate was 92.0% (1076/1169). The overall complication rate was 9.6%, including pneumothorax, hemorrhage and vasovagal reaction, which occurred in 2.5% (29/1169), 6.6% (77/1169), and 0.5% (6/1169) of patients, respectively. When NOPSC was one, the success rate and complication rate in 16-gauge group were comparable to that of 18-gauge group (both P>0.05). When NOPSC was two, the success rate in 16-gauge group was significantly higher than that of 18-gauge group (P=0.017), while the complication rate was comparable (P>0.05). When NOPSC was more than two, the rate of vasovagal reaction was significantly higher in 16-gauge group than that of 18-gauge group (P=0.012).Conclusion: Higher success rate could be achieved using 16-gauge than 18-gauge core biopsy needle in ultrasound-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy for PPLs when NOPSC was two. However, the rate of vasovagal reaction would be increased by using 16-gauge needle when NOPSC was more than two.
How Experiences in a Medical School Affect Medical Students’ Attitudes Toward Family Medicine as a Career Choice: A Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Homsangpradit Kwanchanok , Hathirat Saipin , Sumrithe Sutida 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Family practice is the key element of a primary care system. A shortage of family physicians is an important issue in Thailand. However, Thai medical students still show low interest in pursuing a career in family medicine. The objective of this research is to study how a curriculum, an extra-curricular activity, and a hidden curriculum in a medical school affect medical students’ attitude toward family medicine as their career choice.Methods: This research is a mixed-method study with a sequential-explanatory design. The quantitative part is an online questionnaire to obtain a distribution of interest in a career of family physician. It was distributed among 181 senior medical students of Ramathibodi medical school; out of which 64 have participated. In the qualitative part, a total of 14 students who met the inclusion criteria were chosen from the questionnaire and from a snowball sampling to participate in an in-depth interview. Thereafter, a content analysis was done to identify themes.Results: Four out of 64 participants showed interest in a career of family physician, but only one participant was strongly interested. As the whole curriculum focuses mostly on specialty contents, only the family medicine department teaches holistic care and students find it difficult to understand. Some students perceive that a psychosocial assessment intrudes too much into a patient’s personal life and is not a physician task. The examination-based curriculum causes them to lack spare time to participate in any extra-curricular activity. The students received both positive and negative comments about family physicians from other specialists. However, this hidden curriculum does not have a direct impact on the student’s decision to choose their career path. Important factors that influence the decision are their personal interests, masteries, family factors, a work-life balance, and a humanized environment. Conclusions: Experiences in medical school have an impact on medical students’ attitudes toward family physician as a career choice. A disease-oriented care model is still dominating Thai medical education. Therefore, the curriculum needs to be reformed to promote the importance of holistic care. This will lead to an increase in the production of Thai family physicians.
The effect of dietary supplementation of Nigella sativa (black seeds) on cell mediated immunological function of male Wistar rats
Authors: Mahmoud Hany , Almallah Amani , EL-Hak Heba Gad , Aldayel Tahany , Abdelrazek Heba , Khaled Howayda 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This experiment aimed to investigate the effect of dietary Nigella sativa on cell mediated immune response. A total of eighteen male Wistar rats were divided equally into control and black seeds at 30 and 50 g/kg/diet (Sa30 and Sa50), respectively for 30 days. Weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), cell mediated immune response was monitored after injection of 0.1 mL of 10% phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Intumesce Index, serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Catalase (CAT), Interleukin-12 (IL-12), gamma interferon (γ-IF) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were determined. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry of splenic caspase-3 and CD 8 were done. Nigella sativa significantly (p<0.05) improved weight gain and FCR in Sa30 and Sa50 groups. Significant increase for Intumesce Index in Sa50 group was observed. Total TAC, CAT, IL-12, γ-IF and TNF-αincreased significantly (P<0.05) in Sa30 and Sa50 groups. Histological examination of PHA stimulated foot pads showed more leukocytes infiltration and edema in a dose dependent pattern. Splenic caspase-3 and CD 8 showed significant (P<0.05) decrease and increase, respectively in Sa30 and Sa50 groups. Nigella sativa seeds had immunostimulatory ability through their antioxidant potential, cytokines induction, CD 8 promotion and reducing splenic apoptosis.