bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenomic, genomic, and transcriptomic landscape of schwannomatosis
Authors: Mansouri Sheila , Suppiah Suganth , Mamatjan Yasin , Paganini Irene , Liu Jeffrey C. , Karimi Shirin , Patil Vikas , Nassiri Farshad , Singh Olivia , Sundaravadanam Yogi , Rath Prisni , Sestini Roberta , Gensini Francesca , Agnihotri Sameer , Blakeley Jaishri , Ostrow Kimberly , Largaespada David , Plotkin Scott R. , Stemmer-Rachamimov Anat , Ferrer Marcela Maria , Pugh Trevor J. , Aldape Kenneth D. , Papi Laura , Zadeh Gelareh
Published: October 2020

Schwannomatosis (SWNTS) is a genetic cancer predisposition syndrome that manifests as multiple and often painful neuronal tumors called schwannomas (SWNs). While germline mutations in SMARCB1 or LZTR1, plus somatic mutations in NF2 and loss of heterozygosity in chromosome 22q have been identified in a subset of patients, little is known about the epigenomic and genomic alterations that drive SWNTS-related SWNs (SWNTS-SWNs) in a majority of the cases. We performed multiplatform genomic analysis and established the molecular signature of SWNTS-SWNs. We show that SWNTS-SWNs harbor distinct genomic features relative to the histologically identical non-syndromic sporadic SWNs (NS-SWNS). We demonstrate the existence of four distinct DNA methylation subgroups of SWNTS-SWNs that are associated with specific transcriptional programs and tumor location. We show several novel recurrent non-22q deletions and structural rearrangements. We detected the SH3PXD2A-HTRA1 gene fusion in SWNTS-SWNs, with predominance in LZTR1-mutant tumors. In addition, we identified specific genetic, epigenetic, and actionable transcriptional programs associated with painful SWNTS-SWNs including PIGF, VEGF, MEK, and MTOR pathways, which may be harnessed for management of this syndrome.
RSA, TSA and PyC hemi-prostheses: comparing indications and clinical outcomes using a second-generation modular short-stem shoulder prosthesis
Authors: Kleim Benjamin D. , Garving Christina , Brunner Ulrich H.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The goal of this study was to provide an insight into the clinical results after modular short-stem shoulder arthroplasty for various indications.

Materials and methods

A consecutive cohort study of 76 patients followed up for 23–55 (mean 31.4) months. 23 anatomical (TSA), 32 reverse (RSA) and 21 hemi-prostheses with a pyrocarbon head (PyC), using a modular short stem with proximal porous coating were implanted. Range of motion, pain and Constant score (CS) were recorded. Comparisons of pre- vs postoperative outcomes, between prosthesis types and indications, were made.

Results

All prosthesis types brought about a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in all measured outcomes. TSA had a significantly higher increase in the CS than PyC and RSA (p = 0.002 and 0.003, respectively). TSA produced superior gains in all ROM compared with RSA (p < 0.02). RSA brought about significantly smaller improvements in internal rotation than TSA and PyC (p = 0.0001 and 0.008, respectively). TSA had greater pain relief than PyC (p = 0.02). TSA with Walch A glenoids seemed to improve more than type B in the CS. PyC patients with Walch B glenoids improved more than Walch A (p = 0.03). When implanted due to Osteoarthritis (OA), PyC had a comparable final outcome to TSA (p = 0.95), although the preoperatively worse TSA patients had a greater improvement in the CS (p = 0.026). The outcome of RSA did not differ between indications, but Walch A glenoids tended to improve more.

Conclusions

Using a second-generation short-stem shoulder prostheses, TSA achieves the best clinical improvements overall, especially for OA with a Walch A glenoid. Despite refixation of the subscapularis tendon in all cases, RSA has inferior internal rotation than TSA and PyC, suggesting a mechanical limitation. OA, a Walch B glenoid and arthritis caused by instability seem to be ideal indications when considering PyC.
A cluster analysis describing spine and torso shape in Lenke type 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Gardner Adrian , Berryman Fiona , Pynsent Paul
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to identify the variability and subtypes of the combined shape of the spine and torso in Lenke type 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Methods

Using ISIS2 surface topography, measures of coronal deformity, kyphosis and skin angulation (as a measure of torso asymmetry) in a series of children with Lenke 1 convex to the right AIS were analyzed usingk-means clustering techniques to describe the combined variability of shape in the spine and torso. Following this, ak-nearest neighbor algorithm was used to measure the ability to automatically identify the correct cluster for any particular datum.

Results

There were 1399 ISIS2 images from 691 individuals available for analysis. There were 5 clusters identified in the data representing the variability of the 3 measured parameters which included mild, moderate and marked coronal deformity, mild, moderate and marked asymmetry alongside normal and hypokyphosis. Thek-nearest neighbor identification of the correct cluster had an accuracy of 93%.

Conclusion

These clusters represent a new description of Lenke 1 AIS that comprises both coronal and sagittal measures of the spine combined with a measure of torso asymmetry. Automated identification of the clusters is accurate. The ability to identify subtypes of deformity, based on parameters that affect both the spine and the torso in AIS, leads to as better understanding of the totality of the deformity seen.
The influence of substrate type on macroinvertebrate assemblages within agricultural drainage ditches
Authors: Gething Kieran J. , Ripley Matthew C. , Mathers Kate L. , Chadd Richard P. , Wood Paul J.
Published: October 2020

Artificial drainage ditches are common features in lowland agricultural catchments that support a wide range of ecosystem services at the landscape scale. Current paradigms in river management suggest activities that increase habitat heterogeneity and complexity resulting in more diverse floral and faunal assemblages; however, it is not known if the same principles apply to artificial drainage ditch systems. We examined the effects of four artificial substrates, representing increasing habitat complexity and heterogeneity (bricks, gravel, netting and vegetation), on macroinvertebrate community structure within artificial drainage ditches. Each substrate type supported a distinct macroinvertebrate community highlighting the importance of habitat heterogeneity in maintaining macroinvertebrate assemblages. Each substrate type also displayed differing degrees of community heterogeneity, with gravel communities being most variable and artificial vegetation being the least. In addition, several macroinvertebrate diversity metrics increased along the gradient of artificial substrate complexity, although these differences were not statistically significant. We conclude that habitat management practices that increase habitat complexity are likely to enhance macroinvertebrate community heterogeneity within artificial drainage channels regardless of previous management activities.
Electrochromic switching of tungsten oxide films grown by reactive ion-beam sputter deposition
Authors: Gies Mario , Michel Fabian , Lupó Christian , Schlettwein Derck , Becker Martin , Polity Angelika
Published: October 2020

Chromogenic thin films are crucial building blocks in smart windows to modulate the flux of visible light and heat radiation into buildings. Electrochromic materials such as tungsten oxide are well established in those devices. Sputter deposition offers a well-suited method for the production of such layers, which can also be used on an industrial scale. Tungsten oxide films were prepared by means of reactive ion-beam sputter deposition. The choice of distinct gas mixtures as well as the growth temperature during the sputtering process allows to tune the properties of the resulting layers. Especially, the variation in the growth temperatures was found to have an impact on the structure of the resulting samples and, as a consequence, on their optical and electrochemical properties. By specific choice of the reactive gas, the deposition of colorless transparent as well as blue films of different composition is possible. The optical transmittance in the visible spectral range was up to 75% for as-deposited oxygen-rich layers. Additionally, hydrogen-doped tungsten oxide samples were grown. Superior electrochromic switching was observed for H$$^{+}$$

+

-doped layers, probably by some kind of preconditioning. This resulted in a value for the standardized optical coloration efficiency of 26.5 cm$$^{2}$$

2

/C.
Classical and Robust Regression Analysis with Compositional Data
Authors: van den Boogaart K. G. , Filzmoser P. , Hron K. , Templ M. , Tolosana-Delgado R.
Published: October 2020

Compositional data carry their relevant information in the relationships (logratios) between the compositional parts. It is shown how this source of information can be used in regression modeling, where the composition could either form the response, or the explanatory part, or even both. An essential step to set up a regression model is the way how the composition(s) enter the model. Here, balance coordinates will be constructed that support an interpretation of the regression coefficients and allow for testing hypotheses of subcompositional independence. Both classical least-squares regression and robust MM regression are treated, and they are compared within different regression models at a real data set from a geochemical mapping project.
Nonlinear vibrations of an extensional beam with tip mass in slewing motion
Authors: Warminski Jerzy , Kloda Lukasz , Lenci Stefano
Published: October 2020

Dynamics of a rotor composed of a flexible beam attached to a slewing rigid hub is presented in the paper. Dynamics of the structure is studied for a slender beam model, based on extended Bernoulli–Euler theory, which takes into account a nonlinear curvature, coupled transversal and longitudinal oscillations and non-constant angular velocity of the hub. Moreover, to demonstrate a general case for dynamical boundary conditions, lumped mass fixed at the beam tip is added. The partial differential equations (PDEs) are derived from Hamilton principle of the least action. The analytical solutions of the PDEs are obtained by the multiple time scale method applied directly to PDEs. Forced vibrations around selected resonance zones are studied and the influence of beam rotation, preset angle, hub radius, tip mass is presented. Hardening and softening phenomena, respectively for the first and the second mode, are obtained for various angular velocity values.
Exponential-Family Random Graph Models for Multi-Layer Networks
Authors: Krivitsky Pavel N. , Koehly Laura M. , Marcum Christopher Steven
Published: October 2020

Multi-layer networks arise when more than one type of relation is observed on a common set of actors. Modeling such networks within the exponential-family random graph (ERG) framework has been previously limited to special cases and, in particular, to dependence arising from just two layers. Extensions to ERGMs are introduced to address these limitations: Conway–Maxwell–Binomial distribution to model the marginal dependence among multiple layers; a “layer logic” language to translate familiar ERGM effects to substantively meaningful interactions of observed layers; and nondegenerate triadic and degree effects. The developments are demonstrated on two previously published datasets.
3D DEM simulations of monotonic interface behaviour between cohesionless sand and rigid wall of different roughness
Authors: Grabowski A. , Nitka M. , Tejchman J.
Published: October 2020

The paper deals with three-dimensional simulations of a monotonic quasi-static interface behaviour between cohesionless sand and a rigid wall of different roughness during wall friction tests in a parallelly guided direct shear test under constant normal stress. Numerical modelling was carried out by the discrete element method (DEM) using spheres with contact moments to approximately capture a non-uniform particle shape. The varying wall surface topography was simulated by a regular mesh of triangular grooves (asperities) along the wall with a different height, distance and inclination. The calculations were carried out with different initial void ratios of sand and vertical normal stress. The focus was to quantify the effect of wall roughness on the evolution of mobilized wall friction and shear localization, also to specify the ratios between slip and rotation and between shear stress/force and couple stress/moment in the sand at the wall. DEM simulations were generally in good agreement with reported experimental results for similar interface roughness. The findings presented in this paper offer a new perspective on the understanding of the wall friction phenomenon in granular bodies.
Challenges in the Diagnosis of Leak After Sleeve Gastrectomy: Clinical Presentation, Laboratory, and Radiological Findings
Authors: Al Zoubi Mohammad , Khidir Nesreen , Bashah Moataz
Published: October 2020

Background

The presentation of leak after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is variable. A missed or delayed diagnosis can lead to severe consequences. This study presents our experience: the clinical presentations, laboratory, and radiological findings in patients with leak after LSG.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who were diagnosed and treated as leak after LSG at our center (January 2012–November 2019).

Results

Eighty patients developed leak: 68 (85%) after primary LSG, 6 (7.5%) after Re-LSG and 6 (7.5%) after band removal to revisional LSG. Mean age 35.9 ± 10 years. The diagnosis was within 18 ± 14 days after surgery. Five (6.3%) patients were diagnosed during the same admission. Only 29.3% of patients were diagnosed correctly from the first visit to the ER. Most were misdiagnosed as gastritis (49%) and pneumonia (22.6%). Thirty-four patients (45.3%) were diagnosed correctly at the third visit. The most common presenting symptoms were abdominal pain (90%), tachycardia (71.3%), and fever (61.3%). The mean white blood cells (WBCs) count was 14700 ± 5900 (cells/mm3), c-reactive protein (CRP) 270 ± 133 mg/L, lactic acid 1.6 ± 0.85 mmol/L, and albumin 30.3 ± 6.6 g/L. The abdominal CT scans revealed intraabdominal collection in 93.7% of patients, extravasation of contrast in 75%, and pleural effusion in 52.5%. Upper gastrointestinal contrast study (UGIC) showed extravasation of contrast in 77.5% of patients.

Conclusion

Abdominal pain, tachycardia, or fever after LSG should raise the suspicion of a leak. CT scan of the abdomen and UGIC study detected leaks in 75% and 77.5% consecutively. Only 29.3% of patients were diagnosed correctly as a leak from the first visit to the ER.
Statistical Shape Model: comparison between ICP and CPD algorithms on medical applications
Authors: Marzola Antonio , Robilotta Carlo , Volpe Yary , Governi Lapo , Furferi Rocco
Published: October 2020

The increasing availability of 3D anatomical models obtained from diagnostic images exploiting Reverse Engineering techniques allows the application of statistical analysis in the quantitative investigation of anatomical shapes variability. Statistical Shape Models are a well-established method for representing such variability, especially for complex forms like the anatomical ones. Not by chance, these models are widely used for medical applications, such as guiding segmentation of the diagnostic image and virtual reconstruction of incomplete anatomic region. The application of a statistical analysis on a set of shapes representing the same anatomical region essentially requires that shapes must be in correspondence, i.e. constituted by the same number of points in corresponding position. This work aims to compare two established algorithms, namely a modified version of the Iterative Closest Point and the non-rigid version of the Coherent Point Drift, to solve the correspondences’ problem in the construction of a Statistical Shape Model of the human cranium. The comparison is carried out on the models using the standard evaluation criteria: Generalization, Specificity and Compactness. The modified version of the Iterative Closest Point delivers a better Statistical Shape Model in terms of Generalization and Specificity, but not for Compactness, than the Coherent Point Drift-based model.
Adipose-Derived Stromal/Stem Cells from Large Animal Models: from Basic to Applied Science
Authors: Bukowska Joanna , Szóstek-Mioduchowska Anna Zuzanna , Kopcewicz Marta , Walendzik Katarzyna , Machcińska Sylwia , Gawrońska-Kozak Barbara
Published: October 2020

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) isolated from domestic animals fulfill the qualitative criteria of mesenchymal stem cells, including the capacity to differentiate along multiple lineage pathways and to self-renew, as well as immunomodulatory capacities. Recent findings on human diseases derived from studying large animal models, have provided evidence that administration of autologous or allogenic ASCs can improve the process of healing. In a narrow group of large animals used in bioresearch studies, pigs and horses have been shown to be the best suited models for study of the wound healing process, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders. To this end, current literature demonstrates that ASC-based therapies bring considerable benefits to animal health in both spontaneously occurring and experimentally induced clinical cases. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the diversity, isolation, and characterization of ASCs from livestock. Particular attention has been paid to the functional characteristics of the cells that facilitate their therapeutic application in large animal models of human disease. In this regard, we describe outcomes of ASCs utilization in translational research with pig and horse models of disease. Furthermore, we evaluate the current status of ASC-based therapy in veterinary practice, particularly in the rapidly developing field of equine regenerative medicine. In conclusion, this review presents arguments that support the relevance of animal ASCs in the field of regenerative medicine and it provides insights into the future perspectives of ASC utilization in animal husbandry.

Graphical abstract
Soziale Arbeit in Geflüchtetenunterkünften
Authors: Schmitt Caroline , Aden Samia
Published: October 2020

Dieser Beitrag befasst sich mit Möglichkeiten und Begrenzungen sozialarbeiterischen Handelns in Geflüchtetenunterkünften in Deutschland. Er zeigt auf Basis einer Fallvignette Strategien einer pädagogischen Fachkraft auf, ihr pädagogisches Mandat auszufüllen, dabei aber an Grenzen des Machbaren und der eigenen Belastbarkeit zu stoßen. Ausgehend von diesem Fall reflektiert der Beitrag die Bedeutsamkeit einer menschenrechtsbasierten und interprofessionellen Verortung Sozialer Arbeit im Spannungsfeld von nationalstaatlichen Partikularinteressen und universalistischem Gleichheitsanspruch.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Determination of Free Sugars and Mannitol in Mushrooms Using Corona Charged Aerosol Detection
Authors: Sławińska Aneta , Jabłońska-Ryś Ewa , Stachniuk Anna
Published: October 2020

Refractive index detector is usually used in the analysis of sugars in mushrooms, which is characterized by poor sensitivity, reproducibility, and susceptibility to interference from co-eluting sample components. In the current study, identification and determination of free sugars in mushroom samples by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to corona charged aerosol detector (HPLC-CAD) were presented for the first time. The best chromatographic separation was performed on a Shodex Asahipak NH2P-50 4E 5 μm and mobile phase composed of 75% acetonitrile and 25% water with flow rate was 1 mL/min. The developed method offers good linearity in concentration range 0.001–0.01 or 0.01–0.2 mg/mL for tested compounds with R2 > 0.99. Limit of detection (LOD) for analytes was in the range of 7.1–120.2 ng on column. HPLC-CAD method showed very good reproducibility (RSD < 5.1%). Fructose, mannitol, and glucose were detected in all examined mushroom samples. For white Agaricus bisporus, mannitol was the most abundant sugar (7.575 mg/g dw), whereas trehalose for Pleurotus ostreatus (3.426 mg/g dw). The developed method was successfully applied for quantification of free sugars and mannitol in mushrooms. The optimized method proved to be sensitive, reproducible, and accurate.
Effect of the Addition Frequency of 5-Azacytidine in Both Micro- and Macroscale Cultures
Authors: Kadekar Sandeep , Barbe Laurent , Stoddart Martin , Varghese Oommen P. , Tenje Maria , Mestres Gemma
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have a great clinical potential for tissue regeneration purposes due to its multilineage capability. Previous studies have reported that a single addition of 5-azacytidine (5-AzaC) causes the differentiation of hMSCs towards a myocardial lineage. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of 5-AzaC addition frequency on hMSCs priming (i.e., indicating an early genetic differentiation) using two culture environments.

Methods

hMSCs were supplemented with 5-AzaC while cultured in well plates and in microfluidic chips. The impact of 5-AzaC concentration (10 and 20 μM) and addition frequency (once, daily or continuously), as well as of culture period (2 or 5 days) on the genetic upregulation of PPARγ (adipocytes), PAX3 (myoblasts), SOX9 (chondrocytes) and RUNX2 (osteoblasts) was evaluated.

Results

Daily delivering 5-AzaC caused a higher upregulation of PPARγ, SOX9 and RUNX2 in comparison to a single dose delivery, both under static well plates and dynamic microfluidic cultures. A particularly high gene expression of PPARγ (tenfold-change) could indicate priming of hMSCs towards adipocytes.

Conclusions

Both macro- and microscale cultures provided results with similar trends, where addition frequency of 5-AzaC was a crucial factor to upregulate several genes. Microfluidics technology was proven to be a suitable platform for the continuous delivery of a drug and could be used for screening purposes in tissue engineering research.
Patient perspectives on priorities for research on conventional and sex- and gender-related cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Bolijn R. , Schalkers I. , Tan H. L. , Kunst A. E. , van Valkengoed I. G. M.
Published: October 2020

Background

Recently, cardiovascular disease (CVD) research has focused on sex- and gender-related cardiovascular risk factors, in addition to conventional risk factors. This raises the question which factors are perceived by the target group (patients with CVD) as priorities for further research.

Methods

We carried out a survey to study priority setting for more research into conventional and sex- and gender-related risk factors according to 980 men and women with CVD or those at increased risk of CVD in the Netherlands. Data on conventional and sex- and gender-related risk factors were descriptively analysed, stratified by gender group.

Results

The most frequently prioritised conventional factors according to men were heritability, overweight and unhealthy diet, while women most frequently listed stress, heritability and hypertension. The most frequently prioritised sex- and gender-related risk factors were depression or depressive feelings, migraine and having many caretaking responsibilities (men), and pregnancy complications, contraceptive pill use and early age at menopause (women). New research on sex- and gender-related risk factors was perceived roughly as relevant as that on conventional factors by men (mean 7.4 and 8.3 on a 1–10 scale, respectively) and women (8.2 and 8.6, respectively). Ethnic and gender minority groups placed more emphasis on risk factors related to sociocultural aspects (gender) than the majority group.

Conclusion

Men and women with CVD or those at increased risk of CVD perceived new research on conventional and sex- and gender-related risk factors as a priority. These findings may guide researchers and funders in further prioritising new CVD research.
Designing soft/hard double network hydrogel microsphere/UHMWPE composites to promote water lubrication performance
Authors: Wang Chaobao , Bai Xiuqin , Dong Conglin , Guo Zhiwei , Yuan Chengqing , Neville Anne
Published: October 2020

Several soft tissues residing in the living body have excellent hydration lubrication properties and can provide effective protection during relative motion. In order to apply this advantage of soft matters in practical applications and try to avoid its disadvantage, such as swelling and weakening in water, a design strategy of a soft/hard double network (DN) hydrogel microsphere modified ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composite is proposed in this study. A series of microspheres of urea-formaldehyde (UF), polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogel, UF/PAAm double network, and their composites were prepared. The mechanical properties, swelling, wettability, friction properties, and the lubrication mechanisms of the composites were investigated. The results show that DN microspheres can have an excellent stability and provide hydration lubrication. The performance of 75 DN-1 composite was superior to others. This finding will provide a novel strategy for the development of water-lubricated materials and have wide application in engineering fields.
Scalable and Reliable Multi-dimensional Sensor Data Aggregation in Data Streaming Architectures
Authors: Henning Sören , Hasselbring Wilhelm
Published: October 2020

Ever-increasing amounts of data and requirements to process them in real time lead to more and more analytics platforms and software systems designed according to the concept of stream processing. A common area of application is processing continuous data streams from sensors, for example, IoT devices or performance monitoring tools. In addition to analyzing pure sensor data, analyses of data for entire groups of sensors often need to be performed. Therefore, data streams of the individual sensors have to be continuously aggregated to a data stream for a group. Motivated by a real-world application scenario of analyzing power consumption in Industry 4.0 environments, we propose that such a stream aggregation approach has to allow for aggregating sensors in hierarchical groups, support multiple such hierarchies in parallel, provide reconfiguration at runtime, and preserve the scalability and reliability qualities of stream processing techniques. We propose a stream processing architecture fulfilling these requirements, which can be integrated into existing big data architectures. As all state-of-the-art stream processing frameworks have to handle a trade-off between latency, resource-efficiency, and correctness, our proposed architecture can be configured for low latency and resource-efficient computation or for always ensuring correct results. To assist adopters in choosing appropriate configuration options, we provide an experimental comparison. We present a pilot implementation of our proposed architecture and show how it is used in industry. Furthermore, in experimental evaluations we show that our solution scales linearly with the amount of sensors and provides adequate reliability in the presence of faults.
Detection of Vaginal Metabolite Changes in Premature Rupture of Membrane Patients in Third Trimester Pregnancy: a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Lou , Xu Han-Jie , Chen Jia-Le , Chen Zhong , Zhan Hui-Ying , Xu De-Xiang , Chen Yu , Xu Zheng-Feng , Chen Dao-Zhen
Published: October 2020

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is usually associated with pregnant and neonatal complications. Most of the PROM cases are caused by ascending asymptomatic genital infection. In China, PROM (15.3%) is more common than spontaneous preterm labor (7.3%) and leads to more adverse pregnancy outcomes. Here, we designed a prospective cohort study to measure the metabolomics changes in vaginal swab samples and explored their potential contribution to PROM. A total of 260 differentially expressed metabolites were identified and further analyzed. In the PROM group, N-acetyl-d-galactosamine and sucrose were downregulated (P = 0.0025, P = 0.0195, respectively), both of which are the upstream metabolites of the glycolysis pathway. Furthermore, estriol 3-sulfate 16-glucuronide (P = 0.0154) and 2-methoxy-17beta-estradiol 3-glucosiduronic acid (P = 0.004), two final metabolites in steroid hormone biosynthesis, were both downregulated in the PROM group. Finally, we found two catechin metabolites (epigallocatechin-7-glucuronide, P = 0.0009; 4′-methyl-epigallocatechin-7-glucuronide, P = 0.01) as well as DL-citrulline (P = 0.0393) were also significantly downregulated in the PROM group compared with the healthy control (HC) group, which are related to important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in the human body. Altogether, metabolite changes in glycolysis, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory pathways may contribute to (or be a consequence of) vaginal dysbiosis and PROM. Metabolite pathway analysis is a new and promising approach to further investigate the mechanism of PROM and help prevent its unfavorable pregnant outcomes at a functional level. Trial registration number: ChiCTR2000034721
Doctors Talking About Sexuality: What Are the Patients’ Feelings?
Authors: Zéler Arnaud , Troadec Catherine
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Many medical practitioners avoid discussing the subject of sexuality with their patients because they are afraid of invading their privacy.

Aim

This study was carried out to discover what patients feel when asked about their sexuality by their GP.

Methods

A qualitative study was carried out that involved 96 patients aged 18 to 86. The patients were recruited from 4 medical offices in the South of France. A substitute general practitioner asked the patients, “How is your sexuality these days?” during routine consultations. The patients were then asked how they felt about that question in semi-structured interviews.

Main Outcome Measures

This study highlights the existence of a discrepancy between physicians’ beliefs and patients’ expectations. Indeed, physicians fear that they would embarrass their patients if they address the subject of sexual intimacy. As it turns out, 93% of the patients would have welcomed that question.

Results

34 patients (35%) were surprised by the question. 7 patients (7%) found the question unwelcome. 89 patients (93%) had a neutral or positive feeling. 78 patients (81%) deemed that sexual history should form an integral part of GP consultations (50% were in favor of systematic screenings for sexual dysfunctions, while 31% preferred targeted screenings). 2 patients (2%) found that the question had boosted their confidence and strengthened the doctor-patient relationship.

Conclusion

Most patients do not deem that their GP is invading their privacy if the GP touches upon the subject of sexuality, even if the patient’s visit was for a different reason. Before addressing the issue, the GP must ensure that an appropriate framework of trust, care, and empathy is in place. If this framework is present, the patient will be able to overcome his/her feelings of surprise and know that there is a safe space to talk freely about this topic.
Inter-and intra-observer reliability of scoliogauge app to assess the axial trunk rotation of scoliosis: Prospective reliability analysis study
Authors: Getnet Moges Gashaw , Jember Gashaw , Janakiraman Balamurugan
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACT

Background:

Axial of trunk rotation is a key distinguishing feature in the diagnosis of structural scoliosis. The non-affordability, high cost, and non-availability of clinical scoliometer device and availability of the mobile application like scoliogauge to measure the angle of this rotation has led to frequent usage. However, the reliability of such applications should be assessed on the specific population before using them for screening scoliosis.

Objective:

To test the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the scoliogauge mobile application in children with scoliosis.

Methods:

Sixty-two children with a diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis in both sexes were agreed to participate in this study. The mean age of the participant was 11.73 (±2.31) years; the mean height was 1.32 (±0.22) m and the mean weight was 31.92 (±7.82) kg. The scoliogauge measurement procedure was performed by two consultants senior musculoskeletal physiotherapists on an iPhone4 Scoliogauge. For statistical analysis, the measurements were divided by spinal levels into the upper thorax, medium thorax, lower thorax, and lumbar segments. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used to determine the intra-rater reliability and inter-rater reliability.

Results:

The observer intra-rater reliability of axial trunk rotation of subjects measured by the scolioguage was considered excellent for the upper, lower thorax, and lumbar segments range from (ICC = 0.871 to 0.932). The inter-rater reliability of axial trunk rotation measures was considered excellent for the upper thorax segment, excellent for the lower thorax, and lumbar segments (ICC, 0.884 to 0.925), and the lowest inter-rater reliability coefficients were in the lumbar spine segments (ICC = 0.884).

Conclusion:

The scoliogauge application in the iphone device has respectable intra and inter-rater reliability. Though the intra and inter-rater reliability for the lumbar spine region is relatively lower compared to that of the thoracic spine region.

Highlights:
Disasters and History
Authors: van Bavel Bas , Curtis Daniel R. , Dijkman Jessica , Hannaford Matthew , de Keyzer Maïka , van Onacker Eline , Soens Tim
Published: October 2020

Disasters and History offers the first comprehensive historical overview of hazards and disasters. Drawing on a range of case studies, including the Black Death, the Lisbon earthquake of 1755 and the Fukushima disaster, the authors examine how societies dealt with shocks and hazards and their potentially disastrous outcomes. They reveal the ways in which the consequences and outcomes of these disasters varied widely not only between societies but also within the same societies according to social groups, ethnicity and gender. They also demonstrate how studying past disasters, including earthquakes, droughts, floods and epidemics, can provide a lens through which to understand the social, economic and political functioning of past societies and reveal features of a society which may otherwise remain hidden from view. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
European Human Rights Justice and Privatisation
Authors: Cliquennois Gaëtan , Cichowski Rachel
Published: October 2020

With the decline of public funding and new strategies pursued by interest groups, foreign private foundations and donors have become growing contributors to the European human rights justice system. These groups have created their own litigation teams, have increasingly funded NGOs litigating the European Courts, and have contributed to the content and supervision of the European judgements, which all have direct effects on the growth and procedure of human rights. European Human Rights Justice and Privatisation analyses the impacts of this private influence and the resultant effects on international relations between states, including the orientation of European jurisprudence towards Eastern countries and the promotion of private and neo-liberal interests. This book looks at the direct and indirect threat of this private influence on the independency of the European justice and on the protection of human rights in Europe.
Cyclonic Change: How Tracy Shaped Australian Loss Adjusters’ Break from Britain
Authors: MARX ELIZABETH VONEIFF , MUURLINK OLAV TITUS
Published: October 2020

The professional institutions of loss adjusting in Australasia were shaped by a range of postcolonial developments, including adhesion to the British badge of organizational prestige, the Royal Charter. The aim of this paper is to explore how a single exogenous shock to the institution of loss adjusting in Australia enhanced a sense of national identity, altering the future of those institutions. Our conclusions are based on over sixty interviews with loss adjusters in three countries and the archives of several Australasian loss adjusting institutions dating back to the late 1800s. Archival material included correspondence, meeting minutes, various memorandum, newspaper clippings, membership lists, criteria for barriers to entry, records of lobbying efforts, disciplinary actions, and educational material. Reus-Smit (2002, 2017), Bell (2009), and Rae (2017) have developed the understanding of the role collective cultural and national identities play in institutionalism, whereas Suddaby et al. (2007, 2011) have contributed to the theory of field-level institutional change. Building on the literature of Suddaby et al., this paper appraises how a single historic natural event triggered normative changes impacting the institution of loss adjusting in the region.
Does Civic Education Foster Civic Duty? A Systematic Cross-Country Analysis of the Effect of Three Forms of Civic Education on the Sense of Civic Duty to Vote
Authors: Feitosa Fernando
Published: October 2020

This article investigates if civic education can spur a sense of duty to vote and, in this way, help to augment the number of voters and diminish inequality in participation. I perform a systematic cross-country analysis of the link between different forms of civic education and civic duty, using the data from the 2016 International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS) that include 23 countries. The results show that three key civic education mechanisms—civics courses, active learning strategies and open classroom environment—exert an influence on civic duty but that civics courses have the strongest effect. Country-level analyses confirm that civics courses are more influential on civic duty than the other types of civic education. This evidence elucidates which channels of school socialization may help to develop a sense of duty in adolescents, as well as the relative effect of each mechanism.
Pahalwan Baba Ramdev: Wrestling with yoga and middle-class masculinity in India
Authors: ALTER JOSEPH S.
Published: October 2020

In the view of many people, Baba Ramdev embodies the practice of modern yoga in twenty-first century India. A tremendously successful entrepreneur, infamous ‘godman’ with political ties, and a highly visible TV personality, he is also a vocal supporter ofpahalwani(Indian wrestling) as a way of life and of wrestling in India as a national sport. Beyond sponsorship of tournaments and support for a new professional wrestling league, he promotes a form of modern, nationalistic masculinity that draws on the ‘ideals’ of yoga, competitive athleticism, ‘Hindu’ conceptions of embodied power, and fetishized Vedic asceticism. In complex and often contradictory ways, Baba Ramdev's embodiment of these ideals shapes the bio-morality of wrestlers as they train, compete, and endorse his products. Critically analysed in terms of gender theory, his sponsorship of wrestling belies deep contradictions in religious nationalism, middle-class modernity, and in the gendered morality of both wrestling as a sport and yoga as a form of practice.
Perinatal adversity profiles and suicide attempt in adolescence and young adulthood: longitudinal analyses from two 20-year birth cohort studies
Authors: Orri Massimiliano , Russell Abigail E. , Mars Becky , Turecki Gustavo , Gunnell David , Heron Jon , Tremblay Richard E. , Boivin Michel , Nuyt Anne-Monique , Côté Sylvana M. , Geoffroy Marie-Claude
Published: October 2020

Background

We aimed to identify groups of children presenting distinct perinatal adversity profiles and test the association between profiles and later risk of suicide attempt.

Methods

Data were from the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (QLSCD, N = 1623), and the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC, N = 5734). Exposures to 32 perinatal adversities (e.g. fetal, obstetric, psychosocial, and parental psychopathology) were modeled using latent class analysis, and associations with a self-reported suicide attempt by age 20 were investigated with logistic regression. We investigated to what extent childhood emotional and behavioral problems, victimization, and cognition explained the associations.

Results

In both cohorts, we identified five profiles: No perinatal risk, Poor fetal growth, Socioeconomic adversity, Delivery complications, Parental mental health problems (ALSPAC only). Compared to children with No perinatal risk, children in the Poor fetal growth (pooled estimate QLSCD-ALSPAC, OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.04–3.44), Socioeconomic adversity (pooled-OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.08–1.85), and Parental mental health problems (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.27–2.40), but not Delivery complications, profiles were more likely to attempt suicide. The proportion of this effect mediated by the putative mediators was larger for the Socioeconomic adversity profile compared to the others.

Conclusions

Perinatal adversities associated with suicide attempt cluster in distinct profiles. Suicide prevention may begin early in life and requires a multidisciplinary approach targeting a constellation of factors from different domains (psychiatric, obstetric, socioeconomic), rather than a single factor, to effectively reduce suicide vulnerability. The way these factors cluster together also determined the pathways leading to a suicide attempt, which can guide decision-making on personalized suicide prevention strategies.
Nanoplasmonic laser fusion response to Földes and Pokol
Authors: Csernai L. P. , Kroó N. , Papp I. , Strottman D. D.
Published: October 2020

Földes and Pokol in their letter “Inertial fusion without compression does not work either with or without nanoplasmonics” criticized our works. Here, we refute their argumentation. Our proposed improvement is the combination of two basic research discoveries: (i) the possibility of detonations on space-time hypersurfaces with time-like normal (i.e., simultaneous detonation in a whole volume) and (ii) to increase the ignition volume to the whole target, by regulating the laser light absorption using nanoantennas. These principles can be realized in an in-line, one-dimensional configuration, in the simplest way with two opposing laser beams as in particle colliders.
Diabetic photoreceptors: Mechanisms underlying changes in structure and function
Authors: Becker Silke , Carroll Lara S. , Vinberg Frans
Published: October 2020

Based on clinical findings, diabetic retinopathy (DR) has traditionally been defined as a retinal microvasculopathy. Retinal neuronal dysfunction is now recognized as an early event in the diabetic retina before development of overt DR. While detrimental effects of diabetes on the survival and function of inner retinal cells, such as retinal ganglion cells and amacrine cells, are widely recognized, evidence that photoreceptors in the outer retina undergo early alterations in diabetes has emerged more recently. We review data from preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating a conserved reduction of electrophysiological function in diabetic retinas, as well as evidence for photoreceptor loss. Complementing in vivo studies, we discuss the ex vivo electroretinography technique as a useful method to investigate photoreceptor function in isolated retinas from diabetic animal models. Finally, we consider the possibility that early photoreceptor pathology contributes to the progression of DR, and discuss possible mechanisms of photoreceptor damage in the diabetic retina, such as enhanced production of reactive oxygen species and other inflammatory factors whose detrimental effects may be augmented by phototransduction.
SOME REFLECTIONS ON NATURALISM
Authors: Blackburn Simon
Published: October 2020

In this article I argue that we do not need a strict definition of naturalism, but can satisfactorily describe the naturalistic stance or attitude in terms of hostility to seeing human beings as subject to powers or forces or laws of nature that go beyond those governing the rest of the empirical world. We are to be explained as the evolutionary products of natural processes. I argue that we should see our concepts as well in this light, and explore some examples of the way this attitude can illuminate questions of meaning.
More Trees Are Dying Due to Drought and Wildfire but Do Not Lose Sight of Forest Pathogens
Authors: Davis Frank W.
Published: October 2020

Accelerated forest dieback has been documented at many locations around the world that have experienced severe drought, warming, and wildfires associated with global climate change. Exotic forest diseases pose a comparably large threat to wild forests. Synthesizing surveillance plot data to parameterize spatial epidemiological models, Cobb et al. (2020, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020EF001500) estimate that the introduced invasive water mold, Phytophthora ramorum (Sudden Oak Death), has already killed 43 million trees in coastal evergreen forests of northern California and southern Oregon. Their results highlight the value of long‐term surveillance networks for monitoring and modeling the spread of invasive forest pathogens and underscore the need for stronger public policy to reduce the global spread of these extremely harmful organisms.
Quantifying Hail and Lightning Risk Factors Using Long‐Term Observations Around Australia
Authors: Dowdy Andrew J. , Soderholm Joshua , Brook Jordan , Brown Andrew , McGowan Hamish
Published: October 2020

There is a growing need to better understand and quantify risks associated with extreme weather, including severe thunderstorm‐related hazards such as hail and lightning. Hail occurrence based on a long‐term archive of radar observations is presented for the first time in many temperate and subtropical regions of Australia, together with lightning observations from a ground‐based network of sensors. Mean monthly and hourly occurrence frequencies are examined for hail and lightning. Environmental conditions obtained from hourly reanalysis data indicate stronger wind shear on average for hail than lightning. The environmental conditions also indicate higher freezing levels on average for lightning than hail. These environmental differences provide plausible physical reasons for observed differences between hail and lightning climatology through the year. The study results are intended to help inform future planning and preparedness for thunderstorm‐related risks, including for severe weather forecasting and climate risk applications.