bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Masticatory movements and food textures in older patients with eating difficulties
Authors: Kato Yoko , Kikutani Takeshi , Tohara Takashi , Takahashi Noriaki , Tamura Fumiyo 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate whether masticatory movements in older patients with eating difficulties were associated with oral motor function, physical function, and appropriate food textures.BackgroundThere are few reports on the association between masticatory movements and food textures in older patients with eating difficulties.Materials and MethodsThis cross‐sectional study involved outpatients at a clinic that specialised in eating and swallowing rehabilitation. Masticatory movements were evaluated as normal or abnormal masticatory path patterns. Oral and physical functions were assessed in terms of oral and physical status, muscle strength and motor skills. The appropriate food texture was determined based on fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and a video fluoroscopic swallowing study. The associations between food texture and masticatory organ, muscle strength and motor skills were analysed.ResultsA total of 126 outpatients (75 men and 51 women; mean age, 78.2 years; SD, 9.6 years) were included in the analysis. 68 participants (54.0%) showed abnormal masticatory movements. Masticatory movement was associated with masticatory performance (odds ratio [OR] = 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.98‐0.99), oral diadochokinesis (OR = 0.55, CI = 0.35‐0.86) and stepping test (OR = 0.92, CI = 0.86‐0.97). Masticatory movement (OR = 2.94, CI = 1.23‐7.01) and the number of natural teeth (OR = 0.94, CI = 0.89‐0.99) were associated with normal food.ConclusionMasticatory movements in older patients with eating difficulties may be associated with appropriate food textures whilst being influenced by individual differences in systemic motor control. Masticatory movements may be as important as teeth to enjoy eating.
Towards conceptual convergence: A systematic review of psychological resilience in family caregivers of persons living with chronic neurological conditions
Authors: McKenna Odessa , Fakolade Afolasade , Cardwell Katherine , Langlois Nigèle , Jiang Karen , Pilutti Lara A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe demand for family caregiving in persons with chronic neurological conditions (CNCs) is increasing. Psychological resilience may empower and protect caregivers in their role. Thus, a synthesis of resilience evidence within this specific population is warranted.AimIn this systematic review we aimed to: (1) examine the origins and conceptualizations of resilience; (2) summarize current resilience measurement tools; and (3) synthesize correlates, predictors and outcomes of resilience in family caregivers of persons with CNCs.DesignWe sourced English articles published up to July 2020 across five databases using search terms involving CNCs, family caregivers and resilience.ResultsA total of 50 studies were retained. Nearly half (44%) of the studies used trait‐based resilience definitions, while about one third (36%) used process‐based definitions. Twelve different resilience scales were used, revealing mostly moderate to high‐resilience levels. Findings confirmed that resilience is related to multiple indicators of healthy functioning (e.g., quality of life, social support, positive coping), as it buffers against negative outcomes of burden and distress. Discordance relating to the interaction between resilience and demographic, sociocultural and environmental factors was apparent.ConclusionsIncongruity remains with respect to how resilience is defined and assessed, despite consistent definitional concepts of healthy adaptation and equilibrium. The array of implications of resilience for well‐being confirms the potential for resilience to be leveraged within caregiver health promotion initiatives via policy and practice.Patient or Public ContributionThe findings may inform future recommendations for researchers and practitioners to develop high‐quality resilience‐building interventions and programmes to better mobilize and support this vulnerable group.
Platform work, social protection and flexicurity in Denmark
Authors: Jacqueson Catherine 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAre online platform “workers” in Denmark effectively and adequately protected against social and labour market risks? This article discusses this fundamental issue in the context of the Danish labour market, which is known for having high levels of job insecurity but a rather generous social security system. The article finds that the Danish statutory social security system provides a necessary cushion against risk, but also identifies gaps in protection, which brings into question the system’s effective coverage and the adequacy of benefits.
In vitro and in vivo activity of new strains of Bacillus subtilis against ESBL-producing Escherichia coli: an experimental study
Authors: Ishnaiwer Murad , Bezabih YihieneΙw , Javaudin François , Sassi Mohamed , Bemer Pascale , Batard Eric , Dion Michel 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Aims
The gastro-intestinal tract is a major reservoir of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli. Bacillus spores may be used as probiotics to decrease digestive colonization by ESBL-E. coli. Our aim was to assess the in vitro and in vivo activity of new Bacillus strains against ESBL-E. coli.

Methods and Results
We screened the in vitro activity of 50 Bacillus strains against clinical isolates of ESBL-E. coli and selected B. subtilis strains CH311 and S3B. Both strains decreased ESBL-E. coli titers by 4 log10 CFU L−1 in an in vitro model of gut content, whereas the B. subtilis CU1 strain did not. In a murine model of intestinal colonization by ESBL-E. coli, CH311 and S3B did not decrease fecal titers of ESBL-E. coli. Ten sequences of putative antimicrobial peptides were identified in the genomes of CH311 and S3B, but not in CU1.

Conclusions
Two new B. subtilis strains showed strong in vitro activity against ESBL-E. coli.

Significance and Impact of Study
Despite strong in vitro activities of new B. subtilis strains against ESBL-E. coli, intestinal colonisation was not altered by curative Bacillus treatment even if their spores proved to germinate in the gut. Thus, this work underlines the importance of in vivo experiments to identify efficient probiotics. The use of potential antimicrobial compounds identified by genome sequencing remains an attractive alternative to explore.
Expanding the clinicopathological‐genetic spectrum of GNE myopathy by a Chinese neuromuscular centre
Authors: Zhang Kai‐Yue , Duan Hui‐Qian , Li Qiu‐Xiang , Luo Yue‐Bei , Bi Fang‐Fang , Huang Kun , Yang Huan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractGNE myopathy is a heterogeneous group of ultrarare neuromuscular disorders caused by mutations in theGNEgene. An estimated prevalence of 1~21/1,000,000 leads to a deficiency of data and a lack of availability of samples to conduct clinical research on this neuromuscular disorder. AlthoughGNE, which is the mutated gene responsible for the disease, is well known as the key enzyme in the biosynthesis pathway of sialic acid, the clinicopathological‐genetic spectrum ofGNEmutant patients is still unclear and expanding. This study presents ten unrelated patients with GNE myopathy, discovering five novel missense mutations. Clinical, electrophysiological, imaging, pathological and genetic data are presented in a retrospective manner. Interestingly, several patients in the cohort were found to have peripheral neuropathy and inflammatory cell infiltration in muscle biopsies, which have seldom been reported. This study, conducted by a neuromuscular centre in China, is the first attempt to highlight these abnormal clinicopathological features and associate them with genetic mutations in GNE myopathy.
Environmental, inflammatory, and anti‐inflammatory squad in acne vulgaris pathogenesis: AhR, IL‐36, and IL‐38
Authors: Mohamed El Esawy Fatma , Ali Mohammed Shuzan , Nasar Zargon Nasar Ebtesam , Hemdan Mostafa Sara , Elhabak Doaa M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundAcne vulgaris (AV) is an extraordinarily common skin condition. The high prevalence of AV is linked to the exposure factors, as environmental pollutants and climatic factors, occupational, psychosocial, and lifestyle factors. The AhR plays a critical part in environmental toxic action. The AhR expression and imbalance in the IL‐36 & 38 expression may have a role in inflammation and AV pathogenesis.AimsTo detect possible links between environmental, inflammatory, and anti‐inflammatory factors in AV pathogenesis through measuring AhR, IL‐36, and IL‐38 mRNA gene expression levels.Patients and MethodsTotal of 100 subjects (70 AV patients and 30 apparently healthy control subjects) were tested for AhR, IL‐36γ, and IL‐38 mRNA levels by quantitative real‐time PCR.ResultsThe median levels of AhR and IL‐36 mRNA gene expression were considerably greater, while that of IL‐38 was essentially lower in AV than healthy subjects (p < 0.001, 0.021 and 0.002, respectively). The AhR and IL‐36 mRNA gene expression levels increased, while IL‐38 decreased significantly with higher grades of severity (p < 0.001, 0.001, and <0.001, respectively). ROC curve showed that AhR mRNA gene expression level had the best AUC for diagnosis of AV, with better sensitivity and specificity than IL‐36 and IL‐38.ConclusionsHigher levels of AhR, IL‐36, and lower levels of IL‐38 gene expression were significantly associated with AV patients and higher grades of severity. AhR had better diagnostic ability than IL‐38 and IL‐36.
Histological and haemodynamic characterization of right ventricle in sedentary and trained rats with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Oliveira Maria Isilda , Leite Sara , Barros António , Lourenço André P. , Mendes Cláudia , Schmidt Cristine , Santos Mário , Leite‐Moreira Adelino , Moreira‐Gonçalves Daniel 
Published: October 2021

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?Right ventricle (RV) dysfunction is highly prevalent in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), nearly doubling the risk of death: what are the RV functional and structural changes in HFpEF and how does aerobic exercise impact them?
What is the main finding and its importance?The HFpEF ZSF1 rat model presents RV structural and functional changes mimicking the human condition. Aerobic exercise prevented the decline in , lowered surrogate markers of RV overload (e.g., higher mean and maximum systolic pressure) and improved diastolic dysfunction (e.g., end‐diastolic pressure and relaxation time constant). This emphasizes the importance of using exercise to manage HFpEF.
AbstractRight ventricle (RV) dysfunction is highly prevalent in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and is a marker of poor prognosis. We assessed the obese ZSF1 rat model of HFpEF to ascertain if these animals also develop RV dysfunction and evaluated whether aerobic exercise could prevent this. Obese ZSF1 rats were randomly allocated to an aerobic exercise training group (n = 7; treadmill running, 5 days/week, 60 min/day, 15 m/min for 5 weeks) or to a sedentary group (n = 7). We used lean ZSF1 rats (n = 7) as the control group. After 5 weeks, rats were submitted to an exercise tolerance test and invasive haemodynamic evaluation, killed and samples from the RV collected for histological analysis. Obese sedentary ZSF1 rats showed lower , RV pressure overload (e.g., higher mean and maximum systolic pressure) and diastolic dysfunction (e.g., higher minimum and end‐diastolic pressure and relaxation time constant), paralleled by RV cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Except for cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, aerobic exercise prevented these functional changes. Our data support that this model of HFpEF shows functional and structural changes in the RV that resemble the human HFpEF phenotype, reinforcing its utility to understand this pathophysiology and to adress novel therapeutic targets to manage HFpEF. In addition, we showed that aerobic exercise is cardioprotective for the RV. A deeper knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the benefits of aerobic exercise could also lead to the identification of therapeutic targets to be further explored.
An examination of motor unit firing rates during steady torque of maximal efforts with either an explosive or slower rate of torque development
Authors: Reece Tanner M. , Arnold Catherine E. , Herda Trent J. 
Published: October 2021

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?The aim was to explore agonist and antagonist motor unit firing rates during maximal efforts performed with either an explosive or a slower rate of torque development.
What is the main finding and its importance?The antagonist muscle presented a motor unit firing rate relationship similar to the agonist muscle. Additionally, the motor units of both muscles exhibited higher firing rates during explosive maximal contractions than during maximal contractions performed at a slower rate of torque development. These results could prove useful to future research analysing the effects of age, disease, resistance training and/or fatigue‐related alterations to motor unit firing rates.
AbstractThe primary purpose of the present study was to examine motor unit (MU) firing rates in agonist and antagonist muscles during periods of steady, maximal efforts using explosive and slower rates of torque development. A secondary purpose was to analyse the MU firing rate versus action potential amplitude relationships of the agonist and antagonist muscles during maximal efforts. Thirteen subjects (mean ± SD; age, 21.2 ± 3.6 years; mass 81.1 ± 21.3 kg; and stature, 177.1±9.9 cm) performed two maximal isometric trapezoid muscle actions of the elbow flexors that included either an explosive or a slower, linearly increasing rate (ramp) of torque development. Surface EMG signals of the biceps brachii (BB) and triceps brachii (TB) muscles were collected and decomposed into their constituent MU action potential trains. The MU firing rate versus action potential amplitude relationships of the BB (agonist) and TB (antagonist) muscles were analysed. Moderate to strong relationships (|r| ≥ 0.65) were present for the explosive and ramp contractions in the agonist and antagonist muscles. Firing rates of smaller and larger MUs were higher during the explosive [mean ± SD; agonist = 18.1 ± 6.9 pulses per second (pps), antagonist = 22.0±3.9 pps] than the ramp (agonist = 14.0 ± 5.1 pps, antagonist = 18.3 ± 4.4 pps) contractions for the agonist (P = 0.013) and antagonist muscles (P = 0.007). The antagonist muscle exhibits a similar MU firing rate versus action potential amplitude relationship to the agonist muscle at maximal efforts. Future research should investigate the effects of short‐term resistance training on antagonist firing rates and the involvement of peripheral feedback on firing rates during maximal efforts performed at various rates of torque development.
Acute Inhalation Injury
Authors: Hampton Trevor R. W. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA group of casualties from a major conflagration was exposed only to the inhalation of fire smoke and not to burning. The resulting respiratory syndrome was clinically identical to that repeatedly reported in fire victims and often attributed to respiratory burns. Clinical and experimental evidence is reviewed suggesting that thermal burns of the respiratory tract are unlikely to be encountered clinically, but that there is a common syndrome of acute respiratory injury from inhaled irritants, whose management demands the urgent use of steroids.
Royal Naval Dockyards Asbestosis Research Project – Survey of Registered Asbestos Workers
Authors: Harries P. G. , Lumley K. P. S. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA Register of Asbestos Workers was set up in each Royal Naval Dockyard in 1969 to ensure that the health of those who worked with asbestos was medically supervised at regular intervals.The examination of this group of workers showed that radiographic, clinical, and lung function abnormalities associated with exposure to asbestos only occurred in the older men who had been exposed before the introduction of strict protective measures.The results obtained wilt form a valuable base line for the future assessment of these workers.
‘Mali Matters’: reflections on a leadership and quality improvement project to improve blood transfusion safety at Maluti Adventist Hospital, Mapoteng, Lesotho
Authors: Snead Charlotte M , Upton Rebecca J , Ranaivoarijaona Gilbert S V N , Luthango Ellen 
Published: October 2021

IntroductionThis report outlines a quality improvement (QI) project aiming to improve blood transfusion safety at Maluti Adventist Hospital (MAH), Lesotho, from August 2019 to January 2020.The project team comprised nine local staff members and two UK doctors working through the NHS ‘Improving Global Health through Leadership Development’ (IGH) programme.MethodsBaseline data was gathered and a ‘process mapping’ meeting held to understand existing processes and identify methods for improvement.Improvements were implemented using Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) methodology.The NHS Healthcare Leadership Model was used as a framework for leadership development and team members reflected on their personal learning.ResultsVaried interventions included introduction of a pre-transfusion bedside safety checklist and staff training.Documentation of critical patient identifiers for transfusion improved. Completion of the bedside safety checklist was 65.5% by 3 months. Knowledge scores improved post-transfusion training. 77% of staff strongly agreed and 21% agreed that the training was useful.Challenges and further work were reflected on.DiscussionThis collaborative system-strengthening project provided varied, reciprocal learning experiences including skills in leadership, teamwork, teaching, QI methodology, communication and IT.Our experiences will help to inform ongoing work at MAH and may be helpful to others conducting similar work in related settings.
Activation of Notch and Myc Signaling via B-cell–Restricted Depletion of Dnmt3a Generates a Consistent Murine Model of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Biran Anat , Yin Shanye , Kretzmer Helene , ten Hacken Elisa , Parvin Salma , Lucas Fabienne , Uduman Mohamed , Gutierrez Catherine , Dangle Nathan , Billington Leah , Regis Fara Faye , Rassenti Laura Z. , Mohammad Arman , Hoffmann Gabriela Brunsting , Stevenson Kristen , Zheng Mei , Witten Elizabeth , Fernandes Stacey M. , Tausch Eugen , Sun Clare , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Brown Jennifer R. , Kipps Thomas J. , Aster John C. , Gnirke Andreas , Neuberg Donna S. , Letai Anthony , Wang Lili , Carrasco Ruben D. , Meissner Alexander , Wu Catherine J. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by disordered DNA methylation, suggesting these epigenetic changes might play a critical role in disease onset and progression. The methyltransferase DNMT3A is a key regulator of DNA methylation. Although DNMT3A somatic mutations in CLL are rare, we found that low DNMT3A expression is associated with more aggressive disease. A conditional knockout mouse model showed that homozygous depletion of Dnmt3a from B cells results in the development of CLL with 100% penetrance at a median age of onset of 5.3 months, and heterozygous Dnmt3a depletion yields a disease penetrance of 89% with a median onset at 18.5 months, confirming its role as a haploinsufficient tumor suppressor. B1a cells were confirmed as the cell of origin of disease in this model, and Dnmt3a depletion resulted in focal hypomethylation and activation of Notch and Myc signaling. Amplification of chromosome 15 containing the Myc gene was detected in all CLL mice tested, and infiltration of high-Myc–expressing CLL cells in the spleen was observed. Notably, hyperactivation of Notch and Myc signaling was exclusively observed in the Dnmt3a CLL mice, but not in three other CLL mouse models tested (Sf3b1-Atm, Ikzf3, and MDR), and Dnmt3a-depleted CLL were sensitive to pharmacologic inhibition of Notch signaling in vitro and in vivo. Consistent with these findings, human CLL samples with lower DNMT3A expression were more sensitive to Notch inhibition than those with higher DNMT3A expression. Altogether, these results suggest that Dnmt3a depletion induces CLL that is highly dependent on activation of Notch and Myc signaling.

Significance:
Loss of DNMT3A expression is a driving event in CLL and is associated with aggressive disease, activation of Notch and Myc signaling, and enhanced sensitivity to Notch inhibition.
Comperative analysis of accuracy between low-frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy and 14-MHz ultrasonography with tissue harmonic imaging for the evaluation of the posterior lens capsule in traumatic cataracts
Authors: Wu Bin , Yuan Xiaoyong , Chen Song 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
To compare the accuracy of low-frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy (LFUBM) and 14-MHz ultrasonography with tissue harmonic imaging (14-MHz + THI) in the assessment of posterior capsule (PC) integrity in patients with traumatic cataracts (TCs).

Methods
From January 2019 to October 2020, 51 patients (51 eyes) with TCs who were scheduled for cataract extraction and for whom the PC of the lens could not be observed by the slit lamp visited Tianjin Eye Hospital, including 47 patients (47 eyes) with a penetrating injury of the eyeball and 4 patients (4 eyes) with a blunt injury of the eyeball. All eyes underwent LFUBM and 14-MHz + THI examinations before cataract extraction to determine the integrity of the PC. The integrity of the PC observed in surgery was the actual findings, and the consistency between the 2 methods was assessed in terms of the preoperative examination and intraoperative findings. Fisher’s exact test was used for consistency analysis, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
Thirty-two eyes with ruptured PCs and 19 eyes with intact PCs were actual findings in surgery. Thirty eyes with ruptured PCs and 21 eyes with intact PCs were examined by LFUBM. Thirty-two eyes with ruptured PCs and 19 eyes with intact PCs were examined by 14-MHz + THI. There were no significant differences between the 2 methods and the intraoperative findings (P = 0.293 LFUBM, P = 0.623 14-MHz + THI). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of LFUBM and 14-MHz + THI were 91 and 94%, 95 and 89%, 97 and 94%, 86 and 89% and 92 and 92%, respectively.

Conclusions
Both LFUBM and 14-MHz + THI were proved to have high levels sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing the status of the PC in TC and they can be used as accurate diagnostic tool in these cases.