bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postdisaster image‐based damage detection and repair cost estimation of reinforced concrete buildings using dual convolutional neural networks
Authors: Pan Xiao , Yang T. Y.
Published: March 2020

Reinforced concrete (RC) buildings are commonly used around the world. With recent earthquakes worldwide, rapid structural damage inspection and repair cost evaluation are crucial for building owners and policy makers to make informed risk management decisions. To improve the efficiency of such inspection, advanced computer vision techniques based on convolutional neural networks have been adopted in recent research to rapidly quantify the damage state (DS) of structures. In this article, an advanced object detection neural network, named YOLOv2, is implemented, which achieves 98.2% and 84.5% average precision in training and testing, respectively. The proposed YOLOv2 is used in combination with the classification neural network, which improves the identification accuracy for critical DS of RC structures by 7.5%. The improved classification procedures allow engineers to rapidly and more accurately quantify the DSs of the structure, and also localize the critical damage features. The identified DS can then be integrated with the state‐of‐the‐art performance evaluation framework to quantify the financial losses of critical RC buildings. The results can be used by the building owners and decision makers to make informed risk management decisions immediately after the strong earthquake shaking. Hence, resources can be allocated rapidly to improve the resiliency of the community.
Polycysteine‐encoding leaderless short ORFs function as cysteine‐responsive attenuators of operonic gene expression in mycobacteria
Authors: Canestrari Jill G. , Lasek‐Nesselquist Erica , Upadhyay Ashutosh , Rofaeil Martina , Champion Matthew M. , Wade Joseph T. , Derbyshire Keith M. , Gray Todd A.
Published: March 2020

Genome‐wide transcriptomic analyses have revealed abundant expressed short open reading frames (ORFs) in bacteria. Whether these short ORFs, or the small proteins they encode, are functional remains an open question. One quarter of mycobacterial mRNAs are leaderless, beginning with a 5′‐AUG or GUG initiation codon. Leaderless mRNAs often encode unannotated short ORFs as the first gene of a polycistronic transcript. Here, we show that polycysteine‐encoding leaderless short ORFs function as cysteine‐responsive attenuators of operonic gene expression. Detailed mutational analysis shows that one polycysteine short ORF controls expression of the downstream genes. Our data indicate that ribosomes stalled in the polycysteine tract block mRNA structures that otherwise sequester the ribosome‐binding site of the 3′gene. We assessed endogenous proteomic responses to cysteine limitation in Mycobacterium smegmatis using mass spectrometry. Six cysteine metabolic loci having unannotated polycysteine‐encoding leaderless short ORF architectures responded to cysteine limitation, revealing widespread cysteine‐responsive attenuation in mycobacteria. Individual leaderless short ORFs confer independent operon‐level control, while their shared dependence on cysteine ensures a collective response mediated by ribosome pausing. We propose the term ribulon to classify ribosome‐directed regulons. Regulon‐level coordination by ribosomes on sensory short ORFs illustrates one utility of the many unannotated short ORFs expressed in bacterial genomes.
Impact of male‐only lifestyle interventions on men's mental health: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Drew Ryan J. , Morgan Philip J. , Pollock Emma R. , Young Myles D.
Published: March 2020

Despite rising mental health problems worldwide, engaging men to seek mental health support is challenging. Male‐only lifestyle interventions have shown promise for improving men's physical health, but the overall impact of these programs on psychological outcomes is unclear. This review aimed to evaluate the impact of male‐only lifestyle interventions on men's mental health and to identify if any study or intervention features were associated with effectiveness. A systematic literature search with no date restrictions was conducted across four databases and returned 15 946 citations. Nine studies were eligible for inclusion, representing 1427 participants. Risk of bias was generally low across studies, although none were specifically powered to detect changes in mental health. Overall, significant group‐by‐time effects were reported for 26% of mental health outcomes examined. In the fixed‐effects meta‐analyses, small‐to‐medium intervention effects were observed for mental health–related quality of life (SMD = 0.24), self‐esteem (SMD = 0.51), and positive affect (SMD = 0.58). Insights into effective study or intervention features were limited because of the low number of heterogeneous studies. Although male‐only lifestyle interventions have improved men's mental health in some circumstances, studies that are specifically powered to detect long‐term changes are urgently required, particularly in groups with pre‐existing mental health concerns.
Premature ventricular contraction detection for long‐term monitoring in an implantable cardiac monitor
Authors: Lustgarten Daniel L. , Rajagopal Gautham , Reiland Jerry , Koehler Jodi , Sarkar Shantanu
Published: March 2020

Background

Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are an important therapeutic target in symptomatic patients and in the setting of PVC‐induced cardiomyopathy; however, measuring burden and therapeutic response is challenging. We developed and validated an algorithm for continuous long‐term monitoring of PVC burden in an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM).

Methods

A high‐specificity PVC detection algorithm was developed using real‐world ICM data and validated using simultaneous Holter data and real‐world ICM data. The PVC algorithm uses long‐short‐long RR interval sequence and morphology characteristics for three consecutive beats to detect the occurrence of single PVC beats. Data are expressed as gross incidence, patient average, and generalized estimating equation estimates, which were used to determine sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value (PPV, NPV).

Results

The PVC detection algorithm was developed on eighty‐seven 2‐min EGM strips recorded by an ICM to obtain a sensitivity and specificity of 75.9% and 98.8%. The ICM validation data cohort consisted of 787 ICM recorded ECG strips 7‐16 min in duration from 134 patients, in which the algorithm detected PVC beats with a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 75.2%, 99.6%, 75.9%, and 99.5%, respectively. In the Holter validation dataset with continuous 2‐h snippets from 20 patients, the algorithm sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 74.4%, 99.6%, 68.8%, and 99.7%, respectively, for detecting PVC beats.

Conclusions

The PVC detection algorithm was able to achieve a high specificity with only 0.4% of the normal events being incorrectly identified as PVCs, while detecting around three of four PVCs on a continuous long‐term basis in ICMs.
Toward Sustainable Security in Africa: Theoretical Debates for the Institutionalization of African Indigenous Peacemaking Approaches
Authors: Genger Peter
Published: March 2020

There are many theoretical arguments on the legitimacy, suitability and efficacy of African Indigenous peacemaking approaches (AIPA), but they exist in conceptually separate realms. Examining them in one connected and unified intellectual sequence brings into focus the imperative to mainstream these African approaches for Africa’s sustainable security. This is in fact the current cogent recommendation from the past and present research, practice, diplomatic and policy discourse on Africa’s peace. This collation of debates has stimulated a paradigm shift, from repetitive research on the nature, legitimacy and efficacy of African Indigenous peacemaking approaches to the research that ferrets out the factors that will facilitate their genuine institutionalization.
Subtype classification of functional constipation in children: polyethylene glycol versus lactulose
Authors: Bae Sun Hwan , Kim Mok Ryeon
Published: March 2020

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness, from a therapeutic perspective, of classifying the subtypes of functional childhood constipation using a colon transit time (CTT) test.

Methods

A total of 190 children were enrolled in this study, which was based on data collected from a defecation diary, a CTT test, and medical records.

Results

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 was prescribed in 51.1% (N = 47/92) of normal transit type constipation cases (NT) and 91.8% (N = 90/98) of abnormal transit type constipation cases (P < 0.001). In terms of the subtype of CTT test, PEG 4000 was prescribed in 51.1% (N = 47/92) of NT cases, 96.2% (N = 25/26) of outlet obstruction type cases (OT), and 90.3% (N = 65/72) of slow transit type cases (ST) (P < 0.001). Polyethylene glycol 4000 was administered in 97.2% (N = 35/36) of the fecal incontinence group and 66.2% (N = 102/154) of the non‐fecal incontinence group (P < 0.001). In the non‐fecal incontinence group, PEG 4000 was prescribed in 47.3% (N = 40/84) of NT cases, 94.4% (N = 17/18) of OT cases, and 86.5% (N = 45/52) of ST cases (P < 0.001). In the fecal incontinence group, PEG 4000 was prescribed in 87.5% (N = 7/8) of NT cases, 100% (N = 8/8) of OT cases, and 100% (N = 20/20) of ST cases (P = 0.165).

Conclusions

Subtype classification of functional constipation based on the CTT test provides important information for the initial choice of drugs in children.
Rewardlessness in orchids: how frequent and how rewardless?
Authors: Shrestha M. , Dyer A. G. , Dorin A. , Ren Z.‐X. , Burd M.
Published: March 2020

About one‐third of orchid species are thought to offer no floral reward and therefore attract pollinators through deception. Statements of this idea are common in the botanical literature, but the empirical basis of the estimate is rarely mentioned. We traced citation pathways for the one‐third estimate in a sample of the literature and found that the paths lead to empirical foundations that are surprisingly narrow. Moreover, recent measurements have detected minute quantities of sugar available to insect visitors in some orchids thought to be rewardless, raising the possibility of a pollination strategy that is largely deceitful but different to absolute rewardlessness. The orchids are a well‐studied group and there is no doubt that rewardlessness is common in the family. However, greater empirical effort is needed to verify rewardlessness in orchids and to explore geographic and environmental variation in the proportion of rewardless species.
Strategic Implications of Confirmation Bias‐Inducing Advertising
Authors: Bagchi Rajesh , Ham Sung H. , He Chuan
Published: March 2020

Confirmation bias, a well‐established behavioral anomaly, asserts that when product experience is ambiguous, it is assimilated consistent with expectations set up by prior advertising. In this paper, we combine a strategic model with laboratory experiments to study the effects of consumers’ confirmation bias on firms’ advertising and pricing strategies and its implications for firms’ profits. Our results suggest that confirmation bias does not improve firms’ profits in the short run. However, it confers benefits to products that are frequently purchased in the longer time horizon. We also show that confirmation bias‐inducing advertising can have an inverse relationship with the degree of product differentiation. Furthermore, we show that our results are robust whether confirmation bias is positive or negative, whether consumers have perfect memory or suffer from memory loss, and whether the price premium induced by confirmation bias is fixed or endogenous. Our laboratory experiments test some of these key model predictions. The studies show that individuals behave in a manner consistent with the predictions of our model.
Medicalization and linguistic agency
Authors: Feinsinger Ashley , Friedell David
Published: March 2020

Medicalization is the process by which conditions, for example, intellectual disability, hyperactivity in children, and posttraumatic stress disorder, become understood as medical disorders. During this process, the medical community often collectively assigns a label to a condition and consequently to those who would be said to have the disorder. We argue that there are at least two previously overlooked ways in which this linguistic practice may be wrongful, and sometimes, unjust: first, when the initial introduction of a medical label is done without the participation of those individuals who are being labelled, and second, when attempts by those individuals to renegotiate the labels are thwarted or otherwise rendered ineffective. In both cases, we argue, individuals are unfairly excluded from a linguistic practice that would be valuable for them to participate in. Furthermore, we argue that their exclusion depends in part on the authority of the medical institution to ignore their demands for participation. In making this case, we will propose the more general claim that participating in the linguistic processes of determining and renegotiating the words that will be used to describe oneself is an exercise of linguistic agency, a capacity that has both instrumental and intrinsic value.
A Solar‐Centric Approach to Improving Estimates of Exposure Processes for Coronal Mass Ejections
Authors: Kirchen Kathrin , Harbert William , Apt Jay , Morgan M. Granger
Published: March 2020

We present a solar‐centric approach to estimating the probability of extreme coronal mass ejections (CME) using the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)/Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph Experiment (LASCO) CME Catalog observations updated through May 2018 and an updated list of near‐Earth interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICME). We examine robust statistical approaches to the estimation of extreme events. We then assume a variety of time‐independent distributions fitting, and then comparing, the different probability distributions to the relevant regions of the cumulative distributions of the observed CME speeds. Using these results, we then obtain the probability that the velocity of a CME exceeds a particular threshold by extrapolation. We conclude that about 1.72% of the CMEs recorded with SOHO LASCO arrive at the Earth over the time both data sets overlap (November 1996 to September 2017). Then, assuming that 1.72% of all CMEs pass the Earth, we can obtain a first‐order estimate of the probability of an extreme space weather event on Earth. To estimate the probability over the next decade of a CME, we fit a Poisson distribution to the complementary cumulative distribution function. We inferred a decadal probability of between 0.01 and 0.09 for an event of at least the size of the large 2012 event, and a probability between 0.0002 and 0.016 for the size of the 1859 Carrington event.
A Methodology for Assessing the Probability of Occurrence of Undesired Events in the Tietê–Paraná Inland Waterway Based on Expert Opinion
Authors: Martins Marcelo Ramos , Pestana Marco Aurélio , Droguett Enrique Andrés López
Published: March 2020

The market share of Tietê–Paraná inland waterway (TPIW) in the transport matrix of the São Paulo state, Brazil, is currently only 0.6%, but it is expected to increase to 6% over the next 20 years. In this scenario, to identify and explore potential undesired events a risk assessment is necessary. Part of this involves assigning the probability of occurrence of events, which usually is accomplished by a frequentist approach. However, in many cases, this approach is not possible due to unavailable or nonrepresentative data. This is the case of the TPIW that even though an expressive accident history is available, a frequentist approach is not suitable due to differences between current operational conditions and those met in the past. Therefore, a subjective assessment is an option as allows for working independently of the historical data, thus delivering more reliable results. In this context, this article proposes a methodology for assessing the probability of occurrence of undesired events based on expert opinion combined with fuzzy analysis. This methodology defines a criterion to weighting the experts and, using the fuzzy logic, evaluates the similarities among the experts’ beliefs to be used in the aggregation process before the defuzzification that quantifies the probability of occurrence of the events based on the experts’ opinion. Moreover, the proposed methodology is applied to the real case of the TPIW and the results obtained from the elicited experts are compared with a frequentist approach evidencing the impact on the results when considering different interpretations of the probability.
Spillover effects of increased health insurance enrollment on workers’ compensation insurance
Authors: Baggett Courtney B. , Cole Cassandra R. , Crowley George , Sirmans E. Tice
Published: March 2020

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) was designed to increase the accessibility and affordability of health insurance. While the ACA did not contain direct provisions related to workers’ compensation (WC), because health‐related coverage is a significant portion of WC costs, the ACA could have unintentionally impacted the WC market. Specifically, expanded health insurance enrollment could reduce WC losses and result in higher performance among insurers participating in the WC market. Using insurer‐state level data, we consider the impact of increased health insurance enrollment on the performance of property‐casualty (PC) insurers. Utilizing multiple measures of performance, we find that the post‐ACA period is generally associated with greater profitability for PC insurers operating in the WC market, a positive unintended consequence of this federal regulation.
Interactive tissue reactions of 1064‐nm focused picosecond‐domain laser and dermal cohesive polydensified matrix hyaluronic acid treatment in in vivo rat skin
Authors: Kim Hee Kyung , Kim Hyun‐Jo , Hong Jeong Yeon , Park Jinyoung , Lee Hee Chul , Lyu Herin , Cho Sung Bin
Published: March 2020

Background

Picosecond‐domain laser treatment using a microlens array (MLA) or a diffractive optical element (DOE) generates micro‐injury zones in the epidermis and upper dermis.

Objective

To investigate interactive tissue reactions between MLA‐type picosecond laser pulses and cohesive polydensified matrix hyaluronic acid (CPMHA) filler in the dermis.

Methods

In vivo rats with or without CPMHA pretreatment were treated with a 1064‐nm picosecond‐domain neodymium:yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet (Nd:YAG) laser using an MLA or DOE. Skin samples were obtained at post‐treatment days 1, 10, and 21 and histologically and immunohistochemically analyzed.

Results

Picosecond‐domain Nd:YAG laser treatment with an MLA‐type or a DOE‐type handpiece generated fractionated zones of pseudo‐cystic cavitation along the lower epidermis and/or upper papillary dermis at Day 1. At Day 21, epidermal thickness, dermal fibroblasts, and collagen fibers had increased. Compared to CPMHA‐untreated rats, rats pretreated with CPMHA showed marked increases in fibroblasts and collagen fibers in the papillary dermis. Immunohistochemical staining for the hyaluronic acid receptor CD44 revealed that MLA‐type picosecond laser treatment upregulated CD44 expression in the basilar epidermis and dermal fibroblasts.

Conclusions

We suggest that the hyaluronic acid‐rich environment associated with CPMHA treatment may enhance MLA‐type picosecond‐domain laser‐induced tissue reactions in the epidermis and upper dermis.
Effects of polymer residue on the pull-in of suspended graphene
Authors: Ng Jimmy , Jones Talmage , Martinez-Velis Isaac , Wang Albert , Hopkins Jonathan , Xie Ya-Hong
Published: March 2020

Graphene is an ideal candidate for building microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices because of its extraordinary electronic and mechanical properties. Some research has been done to study the MEMS pull-in phenomenon in suspended graphene, but no one has yet considered the effects of polymer residue. Polymer residue is an inevitable consequence when transferring polycrystalline graphene (PCG) grown using chemical vapor deposition, the most common graphene growth method. Polymer residue is also introduced when using photolithography to build MEMS devices. In this paper, the authors study the effects of polymer residue on the pull-in of suspended PCG ribbon devices and find that thick polymer residues cause a variation in pull-in voltage. However, after removing most of the polymer residue using a more abrasive chloroform treatment, the authors find that the graphene structure is no longer able to suspend itself as the graphene-substrate interaction energy becomes greater than the strain energy needed to conform graphene to the substrate. Therefore, polymer residue is found to cause variation in the pull-in voltage but is also found to help in graphene’s suspension at high length to displacement ratios.
Influence of Grip Width and Anthropometric Characteristics on the Bench-Press Load–Velocity Relationship
Authors: Pérez-Castilla Alejandro , Jerez-Mayorga Daniel , Martínez-García Dario , Rodríguez-Perea Ángela , Chirosa-Ríos Luis J. , García-Ramos Amador
Published: March 2020

Purpose: To compare the load–velocity (L-V) relationship between bench-press exercises performed using 4 different grip widths, to determine the association between the anthropometric characteristics and L-V profile, and to explore whether a multiple linear-regression model with movement velocity and subjects’ anthropometric characteristics as predictor variables could increase the goodness of fit of the individualized L-V relationship. Methods: The individual L-V relationship of 20 men was evaluated by means of an incremental loading test during the bench-press exercise performed on a Smith machine using narrow, medium, wide, and self-selected grip widths. Simple and multiple linear-regression models were performed. Results: The mean velocity associated with each relative load did not differ among the 4 grip widths (P ≥ .130). Only body height and total arm length were correlated with the mean velocity associated with light and medium loads (r ≥ .464). A slightly higher variance of the velocity attained at each relative load was explained when some anthropometric characteristics were used as predictor variables along with the movement velocity (r2 = .969 [.965–.973]) in comparison with the movement velocity alone (r2 = .966 [.955–.968]). However, the amount of variance explained by the individual L-V relationships was always higher than with the multiple linear-regression models (r2 = .995 [.985–1.000]). Conclusions: These results indicate that the individual determination of the L-V relationship using a self-selected grip width could be recommended to monitor relative loads in the Smith machine bench-press exercise.
Warming Up Before a 20-Minute Endurance Effort: Is It Really Worth It?
Authors: Barranco-Gil David , Alejo Lidia B. , Valenzuela Pedro L. , Gil-Cabrera Jaime , Montalvo-Pérez Almudena , Talavera Eduardo , Moral-González Susana , Clemente-Suárez Vicente J. , Lucia Alejandro
Published: March 2020

Purpose: To analyze the effects of different warm-up protocols on endurance-cycling performance from an integrative perspective (by assessing perceptual, neuromuscular, physiological, and metabolic variables). Methods: Following a randomized crossover design, 15 male cyclists (35 [9] y; peak oxygen uptake [VO2peak] 66.4 [6.8] mL·kg−1·min−1) performed a 20-minute cycling time trial (TT) preceded by no warm-up, a standard warm-up (10 min at 60% of VO2peak), or a warm-up that was intended to induce potentiation postactivation (PAP warm-up; 5 min at 60% of VO2peak followed by three 10-s all-out sprints). Study outcomes were jumping ability and heart-rate variability (both assessed at baseline and before the TT), TT performance (mean power output), and perceptual (rating of perceived exertion) and physiological (oxygen uptake, muscle oxygenation, heart-rate variability, blood lactate, and thigh skin temperature) responses during and after the TT. Results: Both standard and PAP warm-up (9.7% [4.7%] and 12.9% [6.5%], respectively, P < .001), but not no warm-up (−0.9% [4.8%], P = .074), increased jumping ability and decreased heart-rate variability (−7.9% [14.2%], P = .027; −20.3% [24.7%], P = .006; and −1.7% [10.5%], P = .366). Participants started the TT (minutes 0–3) at a higher power output and oxygen uptake after PAP warm-up compared with the other 2 protocols (P < .05), but no between-conditions differences were found overall for the remainder of outcomes (P > .05). Conclusions: Compared with no warm-up, warming up enhanced jumping performance and sympathetic modulation before the TT, and the inclusion of brief sprints resulted in a higher initial power output during the TT. However, no warm-up benefits were found for overall TT performance or for perceptual or physiological responses during the TT.
PTPN22 phosphorylation acts as a molecular rheostat for the inhibition of TCR signaling
Authors: Yang Shen , Svensson Mattias N. D. , Harder Nathaniel H. O. , Hsieh Wan-Chen , Santelli Eugenio , Kiosses William B. , Moresco James J. , Yates John R. , King Charles C. , Liu Lin , Stanford Stephanie M. , Bottini Nunzio
Published: March 2020

Phosphorylation of PTPN22 at Ser
751
balances phosphatase degradation and plasma membrane recruitment.
Epithelial damage triggers allergic inflammation
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: March 2020

A fungal protease induces allergic inflammation by damaging the lung epithelium.
Comparison of Cefepime-Cefpirome and Carbapenem Therapy for Acinetobacter Bloodstream Infection in a Multicenter Study
Authors: Chang Yea-Yuan , Yang Ya-Sung , Wu Shang-Liang , Wang Yung-Chih , Chen Te-Li , Lee Yi-Tzu
Published: March 2020

Carbapenems are currently the preferred agents for the treatment of serious
Acinetobacter
infections. However, whether cefepime-cefpirome can be used to treat an
Acinetobacter
bloodstream infection (BSI) if it is active against the causative pathogen(s) is not clear. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of cefepime-cefpirome and carbapenem monotherapy in patients with
Acinetobacter
BSI. The population included 360 patients with monomicrobial
Acinetobacter
BSI receiving appropriate antimicrobial therapy admitted to four medical centers in Taiwan in 2012 to 2017.
The Role of Fnr Paralogs in Controlling Anaerobic Metabolism in the Diazotroph Paenibacillus polymyxa WLY78
Authors: Shi Haowen , Li Yongbin , Hao Tianyi , Liu Xiaomeng , Zhao Xiyun , Chen Sanfeng
Published: March 2020

The members of the nitrogen-fixing
Paenibacillus
spp. have great potential to be used as a bacterial fertilizer in agriculture. However, the functions of the
fnr
gene(s) in nitrogen fixation and other metabolisms in
Paenibacillus
spp. are not known. Here, we found that in
P. polymyxa
WLY78, Fnr1 and Fnr3 were responsible for regulation of numerous genes in response to changes in oxygen levels, but Fnr5 and Fnr7 exhibited little effect. Fnr1 and Fnr3 indirectly or directly regulated many types of important metabolism, such as nitrogen fixation, Fe uptake, respiration, and electron transport. This study not only reveals the function of the
fnr
genes of
P. polymyxa
WLY78 in nitrogen fixation and other metabolisms but also will provide insight into the evolution and regulatory mechanisms of
fnr
in
Paenibacillus
.
Novel Cell-Virus-Virophage Tripartite Infection Systems Discovered in the Freshwater Lake Dishui Lake in Shanghai, China
Authors: Xu Shengzhong , Zhou Liang , Liang Xiaosha , Zhou Yifan , Chen Hao , Yan Shuling , Wang Yongjie
Published: March 2020

Virophages are small parasitizing viruses of large/giant viruses. To our knowledge, the few isolated virophages all parasitize giant protozoan viruses (
Mimiviridae
) for propagation and form a tripartite infection system with hosts, here named the cell-virus-virophage (CVv) system. However, the CVv system remains largely unknown in environmental metagenomic data sets. In this study, we systematically investigated the metagenomic data set from the freshwater lake Dishui Lake, Shanghai, China. Consequently, four novel large alga viruses and seven virophages were discovered to coexist in Dishui Lake. Surprisingly, a novel CVv tripartite infection system comprising green algae, large green alga viruses (
Phycodnaviridae
- and
Mimiviridae
-related), and virophages was identified based on genetic link, genomic signature, and CRISPR system analyses. Meanwhile, a nonhomologous CRISPR-like system was found in Dishui Lake large alga viruses, which appears to protect the virus host from the infection of Dishui Lake virophages (DSLVs). These findings are critical to give insight into the potential significance of CVv in global evolution and ecology.
Isolation and Characterization of Ochrobactrum tritici for Penicillin V Potassium Degradation
Authors: Wang Peng , Shen Chen , Xu Kaili , Cong Qinqin , Dong Zhe , Li Luwei , Guo Jinfeng , Lu Jialin , Liu Shouxin
Published: March 2020

Substantial concentrations of penicillin V potassium (PVK) have been found in the environment, which may pose potential threats to human health and contribute to the emergence of penicillin-resistant bacterial strains. In this study, antibiotic-degrading bacterial strains for PVK were isolated from sludge and characterized.
Ochrobactrum tritici
was selected for the biodegradation of PVK with high efficiency. To enhance its PVK degradation ability, a whole-cell biodegradation process was established and optimized using
Ochrobactrum tritici
. The degradation rate with 0.5 mg/ml PVK reached 100% within 3 h. The potential biodegradation pathway was also investigated. To the best of our knowledge, the present study provides new insights into the biodegradation of PVK using an
Ochrobactrum tritici
strain, a promising candidate strain for the industrial biodegradation of β-lactam antibiotics.
mSphere of Influence: Predicting Immune Responses and Susceptibility to Influenza Virus—May the Data Be with You
Authors: Ramos Irene
Published: March 2020

Irene Ramos works in the field of immunology to viral infections. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on how “Global analyses of human immune variation reveal baseline predictors of postvaccination responses” by Tsang et al. (Cell 157:499–513, 2014,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2014.03.031
) and “A crowdsourced analysis to identify ab initio molecular signatures predictive of susceptibility to viral infection” by Fourati et al.
Microsphere-Based IgM and IgG Avidity Assays for Human Parvovirus B19, Human Cytomegalovirus, and Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Wang Yilin , Hedman Lea , Nurmi Visa , Ziemele Inga , Perdomo Maria F. , Söderlund-Venermo Maria , Hedman Klaus
Published: March 2020

Human parvovirus B19, human cytomegalovirus, and
Toxoplasma gondii
are ubiquitous pathogens. Their infections are often asymptomatic or mild in the general population yet may be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy. Maternal infections by these pathogens can cause severe complications to the fetus or congenital abnormalities. As a rule, the risk of maternal transmission is critically related to the infection time; hence, it is important to determine when a pregnant woman has acquired the infection. In this study, we developed new diagnostic approaches for the timing of infections by three pathogens. All the new assays appeared to be highly sensitive and specific, providing powerful tools for medical diagnosis.
Projected burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus-related complications in Singapore until 2050: a Bayesian evidence synthesis
Authors: Tan Ken Wei , Dickens Borame Sue Lee , Cook Alex R
Published: March 2020

Objective

We examined the effects of age, gender, and ethnicity on the risk of acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and end-stage renal disease according to type 2 diabetes mellitus status among adults aged 40–79 in Singapore.

Methods

A Bayesian inference framework was used to derive age-specific, gender-specific and ethnicity-specific prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus from the 2010 Singapore National Health Survey, and age-standardized gender and ethnicity-specific incidence rates of acute myocardial infarction, stroke and end-stage renal disease from the National Registry of Diseases Office. Population forecasts were used in tandem with incidence rates to project the future chronic disease burden until 2050.

Results

The highest relative risk of acute myocardial infarction was observed in the youngest age group (aged 40–44), with higher relative risk for women (men: 4.3 (2.7–6.4); women: 16.9 (9.3–28.3)). A similar trend was observed for stroke (men: 6.5 (4.2–9.7); women: 10.7 (6.0–17.4)). For end-stage renal disease, the highest relative risk was for men aged 45–50 (11.8 (8.0–16.9)) and women aged 55–60 (16.4 (10.7–24.0)). The annual incidence of acute myocardial infarction is projected to rise from 9300 (in 2019) to 16 400 (in 2050), the number of strokes from 7300 to 12 800, and the number of end-stage renal disease cases from 1700 to 2700.

Conclusions

Type 2 diabetes mellitus was associated with an increased risk of complications and is modulated by age and gender. Prevention and early detection of type 2 diabetes mellitus can reduce the increasing burden of secondary complications.
The impacts of combined social and economic empowerment training on intimate partner violence, depression, gender norms and livelihoods among women: an individually randomised controlled trial and qualitative study in Afghanistan
Authors: Gibbs Andrew , Corboz Julienne , Chirwa Esnat , Mann Carron , Karim Fazal , Shafiq Mohammed , Mecagni Anna , Maxwell-Jones Charlotte , Noble Eva , Jewkes Rachel
Published: March 2020

Introduction

We assessed whether the Women for Women International (WfWI) economic and social empowerment programme could reduce women’s experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) and depression in Afghanistan.

Methods

We conducted a two-arm individually randomised controlled trial in six urban and peri-urban communities. Communities were selected by WfWI for being conflict affected and showing signs of economic vulnerability (eg, little or no education, living in extreme poverty). Individual eligibility were female, aged 18–49, able to consent to participate and one woman per household. At 22 months, three primary outcomes were assessed: past year physical IPV experience; past year severe IPV experience; depressive symptoms. There was no blinding to arms. We conducted an intention-to-treat analysis, controlling for age. We also conducted qualitative interviews at endline, analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

1461 women (n=933 married) were recruited and randomised. Retention at endline was n=1210 (82%). Primary outcomes were in the hypothesised direction, but showed no significant impacts: physical IPV (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.88 (0.62 to 1.23)), severe IPV (aOR 0.75 (0.50 to 1.11)) and depressive symptoms (β −0.35 (−1.19 to 0.48)). Women reported reduced food insecurity (β −0.48 (−0.85 to –0.12)), higher earnings (β 3.79 (0.96 to 6.61)) and savings (β 11.79 (9.95 to 13.64)). Women reported less gender-inequitable attitudes (β −0.89 (−1.15 to –0.62)), more household decision-making (β 0.35 (−0.04 to 0.74)) and increased mobility (aOR 1.78 (1.27 to 2.50)). Twenty-eight in-depth interviews were conducted.

Conclusion

The intervention did not impact IPV or depression. The intervention did improve livelihoods, create more gender-equitable relationships and increase women’s mobility. Translating these gains into IPV and depression reduction is critical.

Trial registration number

NCT03236948, registered 2 August 2017.
Outcome reporting bias in Cochrane systematic reviews: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Shah Kieran , Egan Gregory , Huan Lawrence (Nichoe) , Kirkham Jamie , Reid Emma , Tejani Aaron M
Published: March 2020

Background

Discrepancies in outcome reporting (DOR) between protocol and published studies include inclusions of new outcomes, omission of prespecified outcomes, upgrade and downgrade of secondary and primary outcomes, and changes in definitions of prespecified outcomes. DOR can result in outcome reporting bias (ORB) when changes in outcomes occur after knowledge of results. This has potential to overestimate treatment effects and underestimate harms. This can also occur at the level of systematic reviews when changes in outcomes occur after knowledge of results of included studies. The prevalence of DOR and ORB in systematic reviews is unknown in systematic reviews published post-2007.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of DOR and risk of ORB in all Cochrane reviews between the years 2007 and 2014.

Methods

A stratified random sampling approach was applied to collect a representative sample of Cochrane systematic reviews from each Cochrane review group. DOR was assessed by matching outcomes in each systematic review with their respective protocol. When DOR occurred, reviews were further assessed if there was a risk of ORB (unclear, low or high risk). We classified DOR as a high risk for ORB if the discrepancy occurred after knowledge of results in the systematic review.

Results

150 of 350 (43%) review and protocol pairings contained DOR. When reviews were further scrutinised, 23% (35 of 150) of reviews with DOR contained a high risk of ORB, with changes being made after knowledge of results from individual trials.

Conclusions

In our study, we identified just under a half of Cochrane reviews with at least one DOR. Of these, a fifth were at high risk of ORB. The presence of DOR and ORB in Cochrane reviews is of great concern; however, a solution is relatively simple. Authors are encouraged to be transparent where outcomes change and to describe the legitimacy of changing outcomes in order to prevent suspicion of bias.
Phase I trial of WEE1 inhibition with chemotherapy and radiotherapy as adjuvant treatment, and a window of opportunity trial with cisplatin in patients with head and neck cancer: theWISTERIAtrial protocol
Authors: Kong Anthony , Good James , Kirkham Amanda , Savage Joshua , Mant Rhys , Llewellyn Laura , Parish Joanna , Spruce Rachel , Forster Martin , Schipani Stefano , Harrington Kevin , Sacco Joseph , Murray Patrick , Middleton Gary , Yap Christina , Mehanna Hisham
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with locally advanced disease often require multimodality treatment with surgery, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Adjuvant radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy is offered to patients with high-risk pathological features postsurgery. While cure rates are improved, overall survival remains suboptimal and treatment has a significant negative impact on quality of life.

Cell cycle checkpoint kinase inhibition is a promising method to selectively potentiate the therapeutic effects of chemoradiation. Our hypothesis is that combining chemoradiation with a WEE1 inhibitor will affect the biological response to DNA damage caused by cisplatin and radiation, thereby enhancing clinical outcomes, without increased toxicity. This trial explores the associated effect of WEE1 kinase inhibitor adavosertib (AZD1775).

Methods and analysis

This phase I dose-finding, open-label, multicentre trial aims to determine the highest safe dose of AZD1775 in combination with cisplatin chemotherapy preoperatively (group A) as a window of opportunity trial, and in combination with postoperative cisplatin-based chemoradiation (group B).

Modified time-to-event continual reassessment method will determine the recommended dose, recruiting up to 21 patients per group. Primary outcomes are recommended doses with predefined target dose-limiting toxicity probabilities of 25% monitored up to 42 days (group A), and 30% monitored up to 12 weeks (group B). Secondary outcomes are disease-free survival times (groups A and B). Exploratory objectives are evaluation of pharmacodynamic (PD) effects, identification and correlation of potential biomarkers with PD markers of DNA damage, determine rate of resection status and surgical complications for group A; and quality of life in group B.

Ethics and dissemination

Research Ethics Committee, Edgbaston, West Midlands (REC reference 16/WM/0501) initial approval received on 18/01/2017. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publication and presentation at international conferences.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN76291951andNCT03028766.
Long-term patient satisfaction and durability of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery in a large Danish cohort: study protocol for a retrospective cohort study with development of a novel scoring system for patient selection
Authors: Sanberg Ljungdalh Jonas , Rubin Katrine Hass , Durup Jesper , Houlind Kim Christian
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery is standard of care in surgical treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and is not without risks of adverse effects, including disruption of the fundoplication and postfundoplication dysphagia, in some cases leading to reoperation. Non-surgical factors such as pre-existing anxiety or depression influence postoperative satisfaction and symptom relief. Previous studies have focused on a short-term follow-up or only certain aspects of disease, such as reoperation or postoperative quality of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate long-term patient-satisfaction and durability of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery in a large Danish cohort using a comprehensive multimodal follow-up, and to develop a clinically applicable scoring system usable in selecting patients for anti-reflux surgery.

Methods and analysis

The study is a retrospective cohort study utilising data from patient records and follow-up with patient-reported quality of life as well as registry-based data. The study population consists of all adult patients having undergone laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery at The Department of Surgery, Kolding Hospital, a part of Lillebaelt Hospital Denmark in an 11-year period. From electronic records; patient characteristics, preoperative endoscopic findings, reflux disease characteristics and details on type of surgery, will be identified. Disease-specific quality of life and dysphagia will be collected from a patient-reported follow-up. From Danish national registries, data on comorbidity, reoperative surgery, use of pharmacological anti-reflux treatment, mortality and socioeconomic factors will be included. Primary outcome of this study is treatment success at follow-up.

Ethics and dissemination

Study approval has been obtained from The Danish Patient Safety Agency, The Danish Health Data Authority and Statistics Denmark, complying to Danish and EU legislation. Inclusion in the study will require informed consent from participating subjects. The results of the study will be published in peer-reviewed medical journals regardless of whether these are positive, negative or inconclusive.

Trial registration number

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03959020).
Structural barriers to condom access in a community-based cohort of sex workers in Vancouver, Canada: influence of policing, violence and end-demand criminalisation
Authors: Goldenberg Shira , Liyanage Ruchi , Braschel Melissa , Shannon Kate
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Sex workers (SWs) face a disproportionate burden of HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STIs), violence and other human rights violations. While recent HIV prevention research has largely focused on the HIV cascade, condoms remain a cornerstone of HIV prevention, requiring further research attention. Given serious concerns regarding barriers to condom use, including policing, violence and ‘end-demand’ sex work criminalisation, we evaluated structural correlates of difficulty accessing condoms among SWs in Vancouver over an 8-year period.

Methods

Baseline and prospective data were drawn from a community-based cohort of women SWs (2010–2018). SWs completed semi-annual questionnaires administered by a team that included lived experience (SWs). Multivariable logistic regression using generalised estimating equations (GEE) modelled correlates of difficulty accessing condoms over time.

Results

Among 884 participants, 19.1% reported difficulty accessing condoms during the study. In multivariable GEE analysis, exposure to end-demand legislation was not associated with improved condom access; identifying as a sexual/gender minority (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.62, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.27), servicing outdoors (aOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.97), physical/sexual workplace violence (aOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.72), community violence (aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.27 to 2.52) and police harassment (aOR 1.66, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.24) were associated with enhanced difficulty accessing condoms.

Conclusions

One-fifth of SWs faced challenges accessing condoms, suggesting the need to scale-up SW-tailored HIV/STI prevention. Despite the purported goal of ‘protecting communities’, end-demand criminalisation did not mitigate barriers to condom access, while sexual/gender minorities and those facing workplace violence, harassment or those who worked outdoors experienced poorest condom accessibility. Decriminalisation of sex work is needed to support SWs’ labour rights, including access to HIV/STI prevention supplies.
Surgical or medical abortion of pregnancies between 13+0and 23+6weeks’ gestation? A systematic review and new NICE national guidelines
Authors: Schmidt-Hansen Mia , Lohr Patricia A , Cameron Sharon , Hasler Elise
Published: March 2020

Background

Abortion in the second trimester may be performed surgically or medically. The objective of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness, safety and acceptability/satisfaction of surgical compared with medical abortion of pregnancy between 13+0and 23+6weeks’ gestation for a new national guideline.

Methods

We searched Embase, Medline and the Cochrane Library on 4 March 2019. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs; any size) and non-randomised comparative studies with n≥100 in each arm, published in English from 1985. Risk-of-bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration checklist for RCTs. Meta-analysis of risk ratios (RRs)

used the Mantel-Haenszel method. The quality of the evidence was assessed using GRADE.

Results

Two RCTs (n=140) were included. ‘Incomplete abortion requiring surgical intervention’ was clinically significantly higher with medical than surgical methods (RR=4.58, 95% CI 1.07 to 19.64). ‘Abortion completed by the intended method’ was statistically, but not clinically, significantly lower after medical than surgical methods, but was marked by high between-study heterogeneity (RR=0.88, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.98). To the extent that ‘haemorrhage requiring transfusion/≥500 mL blood loss’, ‘uterine injury’, ‘cervical injury requiring repair’ and ‘infection reported within 1 month of abortion’ were reported, they did not differ significantly between methods. Depending on measurement method, ‘patient satisfaction/acceptability’ was either clinically significantly higher or comparable after surgical than medical methods. The quality of this evidence was limited by low event rates and attrition bias.

Conclusion

Based on this evidence and consensus, women should be offered the choice of medical or surgical methods of abortion between 13+0and 23+6weeks’ gestation, unless not clinically appropriate.