bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reporting guidelines for clinical trial reports for interventions involving artificial intelligence: the CONSORT-AI Extension
Authors: Liu Xiaoxuan , Rivera Samantha Cruz , Moher David , Calvert Melanie J , Denniston Alastair K
Published: September 2020

The CONSORT 2010 (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) statement provides minimum guidelines for reporting randomised trials. Its widespread use has been instrumental in ensuring transparency when evaluating new interventions. More recently, there has been a growing recognition that interventions involving artificial intelligence (AI) need to undergo rigorous, prospective evaluation to demonstrate impact on health outcomes.

The CONSORT-AI extension is a new reporting guideline for clinical trials evaluating interventions with an AI component. It was developed in parallel with its companion statement for clinical trial protocols: SPIRIT-AI. Both guidelines were developed through a staged consensus process, involving a literature review and expert consultation to generate 29 candidate items, which were assessed by an international multi-stakeholder group in a two-stage Delphi survey (103 stakeholders), agreed on in a two-day consensus meeting (31 stakeholders) and refined through a checklist pilot (34 participants).

The CONSORT-AI extension includes 14 new items, which were considered sufficiently important for AI interventions, that they should be routinely reported in addition to the core CONSORT 2010 items. CONSORT-AI recommends that investigators provide clear descriptions of the AI intervention, including instructions and skills required for use, the setting in which the AI intervention is integrated, the handling of inputs and outputs of the AI intervention, the human-AI interaction and providing analysis of error cases.

CONSORT-AI will help promote transparency and completeness in reporting clinical trials for AI interventions. It will assist editors and peer-reviewers, as well as the general readership, to understand, interpret and critically appraise the quality of clinical trial design and risk of bias in the reported outcomes.
Strategies adopted by men to deal with uncertainty and anxiety when following an active surveillance/monitoring protocol for localised prostate cancer and implications for care: a longitudinal qualitative study embedded within the ProtecT trial
Authors: Wade Julia , Donovan Jenny , Lane Athene , Davis Michael , Walsh Eleanor , Neal David , Turner Emma , Martin Richard , Metcalfe Chris , Peters Tim , Hamdy Freddie , Kockelbergh Roger , Catto James , Paul Alan , Holding Peter , Rosario Derek , Kynaston Howard , Rowe Edward , Hughes Owen , Bollina Prasad , Gillatt David , Doherty Alan , Gnanapragasam Vincent J , Paez Edgar
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Active surveillance (AS) enables men with low risk, localised prostate cancer (PCa) to avoid radical treatment unless progression occurs; lack of reliable AS protocols to determine progression leaves uncertainties for men and clinicians. This study investigated men’s strategies for coping with the uncertainties of active monitoring (AM, a surveillance strategy within the Prostate testing for cancer and Treatment, ProtecT trial) over the longer term and implications for optimising supportive care.

Design

Longitudinal serial in-depth qualitative interviews every 2–3 years for a median 7 (range 6–14) years following diagnosis.

Setting

Four centres within the UK Protect trial.

Participants

Purposive sample of 20 men with localised PCa: median age at diagnosis 64 years (range 52–68); 15 (75%) had low-risk PCa; 12 randomly allocated to, 8 choosing AM. Eleven men continued with AM throughout the study period (median 7 years). Nine received radical treatment after a median 4 years (range 0.8–13.8 years).

Intervention

AM: 3-monthly serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-level assessment (year 1), 6–12 monthly thereafter; increase in PSA ≥50% during previous 12 months or patient/clinician concern triggered review.

Main outcomes

Thematic analysis of 73 interviews identified strategies to accommodate uncertainty and anxiety of living with untreated cancer; implications for patient care.

Results

Men sought clarity, control or reassurance, with contextual factors mediating individual responses. Trust in the clinical team was critical for men in balancing anxiety and facilitating successful management change/continued monitoring. Only men from ProtecT were included; men outside ProtecT may have different experiences.

Conclusion

Men looked to clinicians for clarity, control and reassurance. Where provided, men felt comfortable continuing AM or having radical treatments when indicated. Clinicians build patient trust by clearly describing uncertainties, allowing patients control wherever possible and being aware of how context influences individual responses. Insights indicate need for supportive services to build trust and patient engagement over the long term.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN20141297; Pre-results.
Preferences of people with type 2 diabetes for telemedical lifestyle programmes in Germany: protocol of a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Sommer Jana , Dyczmons Jan , Grobosch Sandra , Gontscharuk Veronika , Vomhof Markus , Roden Michael , Icks Andrea
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Telemedical lifestyle programmes for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) provide an opportunity to develop a healthier lifestyle and consequently to improve health outcomes. When implementing new programmes into standard care, considering patients’ preferences may increase the success of the participants. This study aims to examine the preferences of people with T2DM with respect to telemedical lifestyle programmes, to analyse whether these preferences predict programme success and to explore the changes that may occur during a telemedical lifestyle intervention.

Methods and analysis

We outline the protocol of the development and assessment of a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to examine patient preferences in a telemedical lifestyle programme with regard to the functions of the online portal, communication, responsibilities, group activities and time requirements. To develop the design of the DCE, we conducted pilot work involving healthcare experts and in particular people with T2DM using cognitive pretesting. The final DCE is being implemented within a randomised controlled trial for investigating whether participation in a telemedical lifestyle intervention programme sustainably improves the HbA1c values in 850 members of a large German statutory health insurance with T2DM. Preferences are being assessed before and after participants complete the programme. The DCE data will be analysed using regression and latent class analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

The DCE study has been approved by the ethics committee of the medical faculty of the Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, registration number 2018-242-ProspDEuA, registered on 6 December 2018. The TeLIPro trial is registered at the US National Library of Medicine, registration number NCT03675919, registered on 15 September 2018. We aim to disseminate our results in peer-reviewed journals, at national and international conferences and among interested patient groups and the public.
Microscopic decompressive laminectomy versus percutaneous endoscopic decompressive laminectomy in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Rong , Li Xiuxia , Zhang Xiaogang , Qin Daping , Yang Guodong , Gao Guodong , Zhang Hua
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common lumbar degenerative disease in the elderly, usually requiring surgery if conservative treatment fails. Microscopic decompressive laminectomy (MDL) and percutaneous endoscopic decompressive laminectomy (PEDL) have been widely used to treat LSS. This study aims to provide a protocol for the evaluation and comparison of the efficacy, safety and applicability between MDL and PEDL.

Methods and analysis

We will search for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing MDL and PEDL for treating LSS from inception to December 2019 in the following databases: PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase and China Biology Medicine. The quality of included studies will be assessed using the risk of bias tool recommended by the Cochrane Handbook 5.2.0. Subsequently, a meta-analysis will be performed using RevMan 5.3 software.

Ethics and dissemination

Given the nature of this study, no ethical approval will be required. The protocol will be disseminated via a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020164765.
Body mass index change and estimated glomerular filtration rate decline in a middle-aged population: health check-based cohort in Japan
Authors: Fukuma Shingo , Ikenoue Tatsuyoshi , Bragg-Gresham Jennifer , Norton Edward , Yamada Yukari , Kohmoto Daichi , Saran Rajiv
Published: September 2020

Background

Obesity is a growing public health problem worldwide. We evaluated the mediators and association between changes in obesity metrics and renal outcomes in the general population.

Methods

Using the Japanese nationwide health check-based cohort from April 2011 to March 2019, we selected individuals aged 40–74 years, with a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥45 mL/min/1.73 m2, whose body mass index (BMI) change was assessed. The primary outcome was combined 30% decline in eGFR, eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m2 and end-stage renal disease.

Results

During 245 147 person-years’ follow-up among 50 604 participants (mean eGFR, 83.7 mL/min/1.73 m2; mean BMI, 24.1 kg/m2), 645 demonstrated eGFR decline (incidence rate 2.6/1000 person-years, 95% CI: 2.4 to 2.8). We observed continued initial changes in BMI for over 6 years and a U-shaped association between BMI change and eGFR decline. Compared with 0% change in BMI, adjusted HRs for changes of −10%, −4%, 4% and 10% were 1.53 (95% CI: 1.15 to 2.04), 1.14 (95% CI: 1.01 to 1.30), 1.16 (95% CI: 1.02 to 1.32) and 1.87 (95% CI: 1.25 to 2.80), respectively. The percentage of excess risk of BMI increase (>4%) mediated by three risk factors (blood pressure, haemoglobin A1c and total cholesterol), was 13.3%.

Conclusion

In the middle-aged Japanese population, both, increase and decrease in BMI were associated with subsequent eGFR decline. Changes in risk factors mediated a small proportion of the association between BMI increase and eGFR decline. Our findings support the clinical significance of monitoring BMI as a renal risk factor.
Cancer Loyalty Card Study (CLOCS): protocol for an observational case–control study focusing on the patient interval in ovarian cancer diagnosis
Authors: Brewer Hannah R , Hirst Yasemin , Sundar Sudha , Chadeau-Hyam Marc , Flanagan James M
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer in women worldwide, and about 1 in 5 women with ovarian cancer do not receive treatment, because they are too unwell by the time they are diagnosed. Symptoms of ovarian cancer are non-specific or can be associated with other common conditions, and women experiencing these symptoms have been shown to self-manage them using over-the-counter medication. Results from a recent proof-of-concept study suggest there may be an increase in the purchases of painkillers and indigestion medication 10–12 months before ovarian cancer diagnosis. We propose a case–control study, as part of a larger project called the Cancer Loyalty Card Study (CLOCS), to investigate whether a significant change in medication purchases could be an indication for early signs of ovarian cancer, using data already collected through store loyalty cards.

Methods and analysis

Using a retrospective case–control design, we aim to recruit 500 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer (cases) and 500 women without ovarian cancer (controls) in the UK who hold a loyalty card with at least one participating high street retailer. We will use pre-existing loyalty card data to compare past purchase patterns of cases with those of controls. In order to assess ovarian cancer risk in participants and their purchase patterns, we will collect information from participants on ovarian cancer risk factors and clinical data including symptoms experienced before diagnosis from recruited women with ovarian cancer.

Ethics and dissemination

CLOCS was reviewed and approved by the North West-Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee (19/NW/0427). Study outcomes will be disseminated through academic publications, the study website, social media and a report to the research sites that support the study once results are published.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN 14897082, CPMS 43323, NCT03994653.
Workplace violence against healthcare professionals in a multiethnic area: a cross-sectional study in southwest China
Authors: Jia Haonan , Fang Huiying , Chen Ruohui , Jiao Mingli , Wei Lifeng , Zhang Gangyu , Li Yuanheng , Wang Ying , Wang Yameng , Jiang Kexin , Li Jingqun , Jia Xiaowen , Ismael Omar Yacouba , Mao Jingfu , Wu Qunhong
Published: September 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study is to examine workplace violence (WPV) towards healthcare professionals in a multiethnic area in China, including prevalence, influencing factors, healthcare professionals’ response to WPV, expected antiviolence training measures and content, and evaluation of WPV interventions.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

A grade III, class A hospital in the capital of Yunnan Province, which is the province with the most diverse ethnic minority groups in China.

Participants

In total, 2036 healthcare professionals participated, with a response rate of 83.79%.

Results

The prevalence of physical and psychological violence was 5.5% and 43.7%, respectively. Healthcare professionals of ethnic minority were more likely to experience psychological violence (OR=1.54, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.05). Stratified by gender, male healthcare professionals of ethnic minority suffered from more physical violence (OR=3.31, 95% CI 1.12 to 9.79), while female healthcare professionals suffered from psychological violence (OR=1.71, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.36). We also found a unique work situation in China: overtime duty on-call work (18:00–07:00) was a risk factor for psychological violence (OR=1.40, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.93). Healthcare professionals of ethnic minority are less likely to order perpetrators to stop or to report to superiors when faced with psychological violence. They are also more interested in receiving training in force skills and self-defence. Both Han and ethnic minority participants considered security measures as the most useful intervention, while changing the time of shift the most useless one.

Conclusion

Our study comprehensively described WPV towards healthcare professionals in a multiethnic minority area. More research on WPV conducted in multiethnic areas is needed.
Rationale and design of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, investigator-initiated phase 2a study to investigate the efficacy and safety of elobixibat in combination with cholestyramine for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kessoku Takaomi , Kobayashi Takashi , Ozaki Anna , Iwaki Michihiro , Honda Yasushi , Ogawa Yuji , Imajo Kento , Saigusa Yusuke , Yamamoto Koji , Yamanaka Takeharu , Usuda Haruki , Wada Koichiro , Yoneda Masato , Saito Satoru , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis involves abnormal metabolism of cholesterol and hepatic accumulation of toxic free-cholesterol. Elobixibat (EXB) inhibits the ileal bile acid (BA) transporter. EXB and cholestyramine (CTM) facilitate the removal of free cholesterol from the liver by decreasing BA recirculation to the liver, thereby stimulating novel BA synthesis from cholesterol. In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, phase IIa study, we aim to provide a proof-of-concept assessment by evaluating the efficacy and safety of EXB in combination with CTM in patients with NAFLD.

Methods and analysis

A total of 100 adult patients with NAFLD, diagnosed based on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level of >120 mg/dL and liver fat content of ≥8% by MRI-based proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF), who meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria will be enrolled. The patients will be randomly assigned to receive the combination therapy of 10 mg EXB and 9 g CTM powder (4 g CTM), 10 mg EXB monotherapy, 9 g CTM powder monotherapy or a placebo treatment (n=25 per group). Blood tests and MRIs will be performed 16 weeks following treatment initiation. The primary study endpoint will be the absolute LDL-C level change at week 16 after treatment initiation. The exploratory endpoint will include absolute changes in the liver fat fraction as measured by MRI-PDFF. This proof-of-concept study will determine whether the combination therapy of EXB and CTM is effective and safe for patients with NAFLD.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Yokohama City University Hospital before participant enrolment. The results of this study will be submitted for publication in international peer-reviewed journals and the key findings will be presented at international scientific conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT04235205
Risk factors for disruptive behaviours: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of quasi-experimental evidence
Authors: Karwatowska Lucy , Russell Simon , Solmi Francesca , De Stavola Bianca Lucia , Jaffee Sara , Pingault Jean-Baptiste , Viding Essi
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Disruptive behaviour disorders, including oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder, are a common set of diagnoses in childhood and adolescence, with global estimates of 5.7%, 3.6% and 2.1% for any disruptive disorder, oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder, respectively. There are high economic and social costs associated with disruptive behaviours and the prevalence of these disorders has increased in recent years. As such, disruptive behaviours represent an escalating major public health concern and it is important to understand what factors may influence the risk of these behaviours. Such research would inform interventions that aim to prevent the development of disruptive behaviours. The current review will identify the most stringent evidence of putative risk factors for disruptive behaviour from quasi-experimental studies, which enable stronger causal inference.

Methods and analysis

The review will be carried out according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. An electronic search of references published between 1 January 1980 and 1 March 2020 will be conducted using Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and Web of Science. Initial abstract and title screening, full-text screening and data extraction will be completed independently by two reviewers using Evidence for Policy and Practice Information (EPPI)-Reviewer 4 software. Quasi-experimental studies in the English language examining the association between any putative risk factor and a clearly defined measure of disruptive behaviour (eg, a validated questionnaire measure) will be included. We will conduct meta-analyses if we can pool a minimum of three similar studies with the same or similar exposures and outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

The proposed review does not require ethical approval. The results will help to identify risk factors for which there is strong evidence of causal effects on disruptive behaviours and also highlight potential risk factors that require further research. The findings will be disseminated via publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and through presentations at international meetings and conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020169313.
Inferred duration of infectious period of SARS-CoV-2: rapid scoping review and analysis of available evidence for asymptomatic and symptomatic COVID-19 cases
Authors: Byrne Andrew William , McEvoy David , Collins Aine B , Hunt Kevin , Casey Miriam , Barber Ann , Butler Francis , Griffin John , Lane Elizabeth A , McAloon Conor , O'Brien Kirsty , Wall Patrick , Walsh Kieran A , More Simon J
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Our objective was to review the literature on the inferred duration of the infectious period of COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, and provide an overview of the variation depending on the methodological approach.

Design

Rapid scoping review. Literature review with fixed search terms, up to 1 April 2020. Central tendency and variation of the parameter estimates for infectious period in (A) asymptomatic and (B) symptomatic cases from (1) virological studies (repeated testing), (2) tracing studies and (3) modelling studies were gathered. Narrative review of viral dynamics.

Information sources

Search strategies developed and the following searched: PubMed, Google Scholar, MedRxiv and BioRxiv. Additionally, the Health Information Quality Authority (Ireland) viral load synthesis was used, which screened literature from PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, NHS evidence, Cochrane, medRxiv and bioRxiv, and HRB open databases.

Results

There was substantial variation in the estimates, and how infectious period was inferred. One study provided approximate median infectious period for asymptomatic cases of 6.5–9.5 days. Median presymptomatic infectious period across studies varied over <1–4 days. Estimated mean time from symptom onset to two negative RT-PCR tests was 13.4 days (95% CI 10.9 to 15.8) but was shorter when studies included children or less severe cases. Estimated mean duration from symptom onset to hospital discharge or death (potential maximal infectious period) was 18.1 days (95% CI 15.1 to 21.0); time to discharge was on average 4 days shorter than time to death. Viral dynamic data and model infectious parameters were often shorter than repeated diagnostic data.

Conclusions

There are limitations of inferring infectiousness from repeated diagnosis, viral loads and viral replication data alone and also potential patient recall bias relevant to estimating exposure and symptom onset times. Despite this, available data provide a preliminary evidence base to inform models of central tendency for key parameters and variation for exploring parameter space and sensitivity analysis.
Hypertension prevalence, associated factors, treatment and control in rural Cameroon: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Simo Larissa Pone , Agbor Valirie Ndip , Noubiap Jean Jacques N , Nana Orlin Pagnol , Nkosu Pride Swiri-Muya , Anouboweh Arnold Forlemu Asaah , Ndi Jude Nfor , Mbock Jacques Nguend , Bakari Noel Fils , Tambou Harold Giovani Guifo , Mbanya Dora
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing a surge in the burden of hypertension, and rural communities are increasingly affected by the epidemic.

Objectives

We aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with hypertension in rural communities of the Baham Health District (BHD), Cameroon. In addition, we sought to assess awareness, treatment and control rates of hypertension among community members.

Design

A community-based cross-sectional study.

Setting

Participants from five health areas in the BHD were recruited from August to October 2018.

Participants

Consenting participants aged 18 years and above were included.

Results

We included 526 participants in this study. The median age of the participants was 53.0 (IQR=35–65) years and 67.1% were female. The crude prevalence of hypertension was 40.9% (95% CI=36.7–45.1) with no gender disparity. The age-standardised prevalence of hypertension was 23.9% (95% CI=20.3–27.5). Five-year increase in age (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.34; 95% CI=1.23–1.44), family history of hypertension (AOR=2.22; 95% CI=1.37–3.60) and obesity (AOR=2.57; 95% CI=1.40–4.69) were associated with higher odds of hypertension after controlling for confounding. The rates of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension were 37.2% (95% CI=31.0–43.9), 20.9% (95% CI=16.0–26.9) and 22.2% (95% CI=12.2– 37.0), respectively.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of hypertension in these rural communities is associated with contrastingly low awareness, treatment and control rates. Age, family history of hypertension and obesity are the major drivers of hypertension in this community. Veracious policies are needed to improve awareness, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and control of hypertension in these rural communities.
Personal hygiene risk factors for contact lens-related microbial keratitis
Authors: Stellwagen Anna , MacGregor Cheryl , Kung Roger , Konstantopoulos Aristides , Hossain Parwez
Published: September 2020

Objective

Microbial keratitis is a sight-threatening complication of contact lens wear, which affects thousands of patients and causes a significant burden on healthcare services. This study aims to identify compliance with contact lens care recommendations and identify personal hygiene risk factors in patients who develop contact lens-related microbial keratitis.

Methods and analysis

A case–control study was conducted at the University Hospital Southampton Eye Casualty from October to December 2015. Two participant groups were recruited: cases were contact lens wearers presenting with microbial keratitis and controls were contact lens wearers without infection. Participants underwent face-to-face interviews to identify lens wear practices, including lens type, hours of wear, personal hygiene and sleeping and showering in lenses. Univariate and multivariate regression models were used to compare groups.

Results

37 cases and 41 controls were identified. Showering in contact lenses was identified as the greatest risk factor (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.2 to 8.5; p=0.03), with showering daily in lenses compared with never, increasing the risk of microbial keratitis by over seven times (OR, 7.1; 95% CI, 2.1 to 24.6; p=0.002). Other risks included sleeping in lenses (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.1 to 8.6; p=0.026), and being aged 25–39 (OR, 6.38; 95% CI, 1.56 to 26.10; p=0.010) and 40–54 (OR, 4.00; 95% CI 0.96 to 16.61; p=0.056).

Conclusion

The greatest personal hygiene risk factor for contact lens-related microbial keratitis was showering while wearing lenses, with an OR of 3.1, which increased to 7.1 if patients showered daily in lenses. The OR for sleeping in lenses was 3.1, and the most at-risk age group was 25–54.
Pragmatic posterior capsular stretch and its effects on shoulder joint range of motion
Authors: Keramat Keramat Ullah , Naveed Babur Muhammad
Published: September 2020

Objective

To evaluate the immediate effects of pragmatic posterior capsular stretch (PPCS) on shoulder joint range of motion (ROM).

Method

A quasi-experimental design was used to recruit healthy subjects of age 21.43 (±1.960) years, height 165.8 (±2.1069) cm and weight 63.90 (±13.187) kg. Inclusion criteria were grade 1 and grade 2 of the shoulder mobility test of functional movement screening. Preintervention and postintervention measurement of flexion, abduction, internal rotation (IR), external rotation (ER), reaching up behind the back (RUBTB) and reaching down behind the neck (RDBTN) were compared. A therapist-administered PPCS was the only intervention applied.

Results

Paired t-test statistics showed improvement (mean°±SD) in shoulder flexion (13.5°±8.11), abduction (11°±8.35), IR (8.5°±10.27), ER (7.83°±7.15), RUBTB (17.34°±13.81) inches and RDBTN (2.93±1.52) inches. The changes in these ROM and functional movements were statistically significant (p<0.05).

Conclusion

PPCS can effectively improve the functional movement of RUBTB and shoulder ROM in healthy subjects. It is recommended for the trials on prevention and rehabilitation of shoulder pathologies.

Trial registration number

NCT04242888.
Influence of the matrix type over the concentration of GDF-15
Authors: Rivera-Caravaca José Miguel , Vílchez Juan Antonio , Rodríguez-Rojas Carlos , Albadalejo-Otón María Dolores , Gil-Pérez Pablo , Lopez-García Cecilia , Veliz-Martínez Andrea , Roldán Vanessa , Marín Francisco
Published: September 2020

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) has been suggested as a prognostic biomarker for bleeding and mortality in atrial fibrillation (AF). To date, serum and EDTA matrices are standardized for the GDF-15 assay but it is unclear if it can be measured also in citrate. In this study, we aim to investigate if the Elecsys GDF-15 assay (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) can be determined accurately in citrate samples in a cohort of 10 patients with AF and 10 healthy controls. From January 2018 to March 2018, we included healthy controls and patients with AF under vitamin K antagonists in a tertiary hospital. Blood samples were drawn in both groups. We included 10 controls (50% males, mean age 36.4±8.9 years) and 10 patients with AF (80% males, mean age 76.5±16.6 years). The mean GDF-15 levels were increased in patients with AF in comparison to healthy controls, as expected by the presence of a heart-related condition and the higher age of this population. In healthy controls, GDF-15 levels showed an optimal correlation between EDTA-serum (r=0.975; p<0.001), EDTA-citrate (r=0.972; p<0.001), and serum-citrate (r=0.997; p<0.001) samples. This was also observed in patients with AF: EDTA-serum (r=0.975; p<0.001), serum-citrate (r=0.835; p=0.003), and EDTA-citrate (r=0.768; p=0.009). Our results demonstrate that citrate samples may be used for the determination of GDF-15 in AF given the positive and good correlation with EDTA and serum matrices. Further studies should validate these observations.
A bacteriophage infectingMesorhizobiumspecies has a prolate capsid and shows similarities to a family ofCaulobacter crescentusphages
Authors: Gunathilake K.M. Damitha , Halmillawewa Anupama P. , MacKenzie Keith D. , Perry Benjamin J. , Yost Christopher K. , Hynes Michael F.
Published: September 2020

Mesorhizobium phage vB_MloS_Cp1R7A-A1 was isolated from soil planted with chickpea in Saskatchewan. It is dissimilar in sequence and morphology to previously described rhizobiophages. It is a B3 morphotype virus with a distinct prolate capsid and belongs to the tailed phage family Siphoviridae. Its genome has a GC content of 60.3% and 238 predicted genes. Putative functions were predicted for 57 genes, which include 27 tRNA genes with anticodons corresponding to 18 amino acids. This represents the highest number of tRNA genes reported yet in a rhizobiophage. The gene arrangement shows a partially modular organization. Most of the structural genes are found in one module, whereas tRNA genes are in another. Genes for replication, recombination, and nucleotide metabolism form the third module. The arrangement of the replication module resembles the replication module of Enterobacteria phage T5, raising the possibility that it uses a recombination-based replication mechanism, but there is also a suggestion that a T7-like replication mechanism could be used. Phage termini appear to be long direct repeats of just over 12 kb in length. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Cp1R7A-A1 is more closely related to PhiCbK-like Caulobacter phages and other B3 morphotype phages than to other rhizobiophages sequenced thus far.
Natural and anthropogenic sources of copper to organic soils: a global, geochemical perspective
Authors: Shotyk W.
Published: September 2020

Copper (Cu) is essential for all organisms but is commonly deficient in organic soils or found locally in excess. Natural and anthropogenic inputs of Cu were examined using 32 peat cores from bogs in Europe, North America, New Zealand, Greenland, and Antarctica. The natural abundance of Cu in ombrotrophic (rainwater-fed) peat was studied using (1) samples from pre-industrial periods (representing background values), (2) bromine (Br) concentrations and the background Cu/Br ratio, and (3) cores from remote locations. Etang de la Gruère in Switzerland provides a record of 15 000 yr of peat accumulation. The lowest Cu concentrations (1.0 ± 0.20 mg·kg−1) are found in 18 peat layers dating from ca. 6000 to 9000 cal yr BP, when atmospheric deposition of soil-derived dust was at a minimum. Similar background values occur in peat bogs from other regions. Recent peat layers from bogs in developed areas reveal much greater concentrations. Using the Cu/Br ratio, “excess” Cu in peat profiles can be calculated and attributed either to anthropogenic inputs in recent peats or natural inputs from mineral–water interactions in deeper layers. Peat cores from remote regions of northern Alberta show little or no evidence of anthropogenic Cu.
Leaching loss of dissolved organic nitrogen from cropland ecosystems
Authors: Liang Hao , Gao Songjuan , Qi Zhiming , Hu Kelin , Xu Junzeng
Published: September 2020

Although widely studied in grassland and forest ecosystems, dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), an important form of nitrogen (N) lost through leaching, has received little attention in cropland ecosystem research. A global literature review and partial least squares path modeling (PLS–PM) were adopted to assess the quantity and composition of N leaching loss under different cropping systems, soil types, and management practices, as well as to identify the major factors controlling DON leaching. Annual total dissolved nitrogen (TDN, organic + inorganic N) leaching under different cropping systems ranged from 4.0 to 383.2 kg N ha−1. Vegetable and rice production systems showed the greatest and least TDN leaching, respectively. Across different cropping systems, DON accounted for 4.7%–34.9% of TDN in leachate. The NH4 +–N form of N leaching is negligible in most upland cropping systems (<2.3%), but not so in lowland rice systems. The largest ratio of DON leaching to TDN leaching was found in a rice–wheat rotation (34.9%). Catch crop slightly increased DON leaching; however, it greatly decreased TDN leaching. Cropping systems in which animal manure or plant compost was applied or lowland rice was included showed a relatively high DON leaching ratio. Accordingly, in investigating DON leaching, more attention should be focused on cropping systems with manure application or lowland rice systems. Compared with climatic conditions and soil properties, field management practices (irrigation, chemical N input, and manure amendments) proved to be the factors most strongly influencing DON leaching. This suggests that optimizing water and N management practices is the most effective way of reducing the risk of DON leaching and increasing N use efficiency, particularly for vegetable and rice production systems.
Designable quantum beamsplitter using the two-level InGaAs quantum dot interacting with a Y-Type plasmonic waveguide
Authors: Ko Myong-Chol , Kim Nam-Chol , Ri Su-Ryon , Ryom Ju-Song , Choe Song-Il , Choe Il-Hyang , Kim Yong-Chol , An Gyong-Il
Published: September 2020

We have theoretically studied the designable quantum beamsplitter of single photons interacting with the two-level quantum dot placed in the node of a Y-type waveguide on the basis of the real-space approach. We showed that splitting of incoming single photons from one quantum channel to the others could be achieved by controlling the coupling strength of two-level quantum dot with waveguide, detuning between the quantum dot and the incoming single photon, and so on. Such quantum devices based on the controllable single photon transport behave as quantum beamsplitter at the single photon level, which provides us rich ways of configuration of important elements for the practical realization of the quantum information network.
Stability of the Markov (conservativity) property under perturbations
Authors: Kumar Dharmendra , Sinha Kalyan B. , Srivastava Sachi
Published: September 2020

It is shown that if a Quantum Markov semigroup is “multiplicatively” perturbed under suitable conditions, the resulting minimal semigroup remains Markov (or conservative).
The Convergence of the Legendre–Galerkin Spectral Method for Constructing Atmospheric Acoustic Normal Modes
Authors: Evans Richard B.
Published: September 2020

The asymptotic rate of convergence of the Legendre–Galerkin spectral approximation to an atmospheric acoustic eigenvalue problem is established, as the dimension of the approximating subspace approaches infinity. Convergence is in the [Formula: see text] Sobolev norm and is based on the existing theory [F. Chatelin, Spectral Approximations of Linear Operators (SIAM, 2011)]. The assumption is made that the eigenvalues are simple. Numerical results that help interpret the theory are presented. Eigenvalues corresponding to acoustic modes with smaller [Formula: see text] norms are especially accurately approximated, even with lower dimensioned basis sets of Legendre polynomials. The deficiencies in the potential applications of the theoretical results are noted in connection with the numerical examples.
Paying Attention to Attention
Authors: Neal Lisa
Published: September 2020

There are so many more distractions online than there are in a traditional classroom. In addition to the classroom options of staring out the window or daydreaming, distractions for the online learner include emails, phone calls, piles of paper, colleagues, friends, and family. As instructors, we don't know who is paying attention and we have good reason to suspect that many are not.
Ubiquity symposium: Biological Computation
Authors: Mitchell Melanie
Published: September 2020

In this thirteenth piece to the Ubiquity symposium discussing What is computation? Melanie Mitchell discusses the idea that biological computation is a process that occurs in nature, not merely in computer simulations of nature. --Editor
Attack of the Apps: Helping facilitate online learning with mobile devices
Authors: McGrath Naomi
Published: September 2020

Can iPad apps help facilitate online learning? Naomi McGrath, Educational Development and Communications Officer at the UNE Business School, University of New England, answers this question with a reviews of four apps. It is her hope that using by incorporating mobile apps in the classroom, instructors can improve enable communication to external students. These specific apps have either been used as a “gadget” to help provide support when teaching, assist with ease of access, or used within an LMS to collaborate information and share with other open source software available online.
Freirean Principles for E-learning
Authors: Carr-Chellman Davin
Published: September 2020

Learning is a transformative process as much for the e-learner as for the more traditional learner. In the process of helping our students grow, the transformative potential of our work can be enhanced by humanizing, participatory, and emancipatory methods. These methods, as portrayed in this article, have foundations in the work of Paulo Freire and are presented here to give specific guidelines for e-learning applications of Freire's ideas.
Tree Diversity and Forest Resistance to Insect Pests: Patterns, Mechanisms, and Prospects
Authors: Jactel Hervé , Moreira Xoaquín , Castagneyrol Bastien
Published: September 2020

Ecological research conducted over the past five decades has shown that increasing tree species richness at forest stands can improve tree resistance to insect pest damage. However, the commonality of this finding is still under debate. In this review, we provide a quantitative assessment (i.e., a meta-analysis) of tree diversity effects on insect herbivory and discuss plausible mechanisms underlying the observed patterns. We provide recommendations and working hypotheses that can serve to lay the groundwork for research to come. Based on more than 600 study cases, our quantitative review indicates that insect herbivory was, on average, lower in mixed forest stands than in pure stands, but these diversity effects were contingent on herbivore diet breadth and tree species composition. In particular, tree species diversity mainly reduced damage of specialist insect herbivores in mixed stands with phylogenetically distant tree species. Overall, our findings provide essential guidance for forest pest management.
Prospects and Pitfalls: Next-Generation Tools to Control Mosquito-Transmitted Disease
Authors: Caragata E.P. , Dong S. , Dong Y. , Simões M.L. , Tikhe C.V. , Dimopoulos G.
Published: September 2020

Mosquito-transmitted diseases, including malaria and dengue, are a major threat to human health around the globe, affecting millions each year. A diverse array of next-generation tools has been designed to eliminate mosquito populations or to replace them with mosquitoes that are less capable of transmitting key pathogens. Many of these new approaches have been built on recent advances in CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing. These initiatives have driven the development of pathogen-resistant lines, new genetics-based sexing methods, and new methods of driving desirable genetic traits into mosquito populations. Many other emerging tools involve microorganisms, including two strategies involving Wolbachia that are achieving great success in the field. At the same time, other mosquito-associated bacteria, fungi, and even viruses represent untapped sources of new mosquitocidal or antipathogen compounds. Although there are still hurdles to be overcome, the prospect that such approaches will reduce the impact of these diseases is highly encouraging.
Surface Sensing and Adaptation in Bacteria
Authors: Laventie Benoît-Joseph , Jenal Urs
Published: September 2020

Bacteria thrive both in liquids and attached to surfaces. The concentration of bacteria on surfaces is generally much higher than in the surrounding environment, offering bacteria ample opportunity for mutualistic, symbiotic, and pathogenic interactions. To efficiently populate surfaces, they have evolved mechanisms to sense mechanical or chemical cues upon contact with solid substrata. This is of particular importance for pathogens that interact with host tissue surfaces. In this review we discuss how bacteria are able to sense surfaces and how they use this information to adapt their physiology and behavior to this new environment. We first survey mechanosensing and chemosensing mechanisms and outline how specific macromolecular structures can inform bacteria about surfaces. We then discuss how mechanical cues are converted to biochemical signals to activate specific cellular processes in a defined chronological order and describe the role of two key second messengers, c-di-GMP and cAMP, in this process.
Spatial locations of certain enzymes and transporters within preinvasive ductal epithelial cells predict human breast cancer recurrences
Authors: Kraft Alexandra M. , Petty Howard R.
Published: September 2020

Some patients treated for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast will experience cancer recurrences, whereas other patients will not. Unfortunately, current techniques cannot identify which preinvasive lesions will lead to recurrent cancer. Because the mechanism of cancer recurrence is unknown, it is difficult to design a test that detects its activity. We propose that certain pentose phosphate pathway enzymes, glutathione synthesis enzymes, and RhoA cluster at the epithelial cell periphery before cancer recurrences. Enzyme clustering enhances metabolic flux. Using fluorescence microscopy, we show that phosphophorylated glucose transporter type-1, transketolase-like protein-1, glutathione synthetase, GTP-loaded RhoA, and RhoA accumulate as a peripheral layer near the epithelial cell surface in surgical biopsies of women who will suffer recurrences, but not in samples from women who will not experience recurrences as judged using 2×2 contingency tables. Machine-learning studies of phospho-glucose transporter type 1-labeled tissue sections of patients with DCIS demonstrated strong cross-validation and holdout performance. A machine study of individual cribriform, papillary, micropapillary, and comedo forms of DCIS demonstrated 97% precision and 95% recall in the detection of samples from women who will not experience a recurrence and 90% precision and 94% recall in the detection of lesions that will become recurrent. A holdout study of these patients showed 73% true negatives, 18% true positives, 4% false positives, and 4% false negatives at a 50% threshold. This work suggests mechanistic features of cancer recurrences that may contribute to a new clinical test distinguishing high from low-recurrence risk in patients with DCIS.
Bile acid metabolism and circadian rhythms
Authors: Yang Yunxia , Zhang Jianfa
Published: September 2020

Circadian rhythms are biological systems that synchronize cellular circadian oscillators and regulate nutrient absorption and utilization. Bile acids are important modulators that facilitate nutrient absorption and regulate energy metabolism. Bile acid metabolism and circadian rhythms are related to metabolic diseases, and their intersections have not been summarized clearly up to now. This review summarizes the molecular association between circadian rhythms and bile acid metabolism and points out future perspectives and potential therapeutic targets in metabolic diseases.
Effects of dietary components on intestinal permeability in health and disease
Authors: Khoshbin Katayoun , Camilleri Michael
Published: September 2020

Altered intestinal permeability plays a role in many pathological conditions. Intestinal permeability is a component of the intestinal barrier. This barrier is a dynamic interface between the body and the food and pathogens that enter the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, dietary components can directly affect this interface, and many metabolites produced by the host enzymes or the gut microbiota can act as signaling molecules or exert direct effects on this barrier. Our aim was to examine the effects of diet components on the intestinal barrier in health and disease states. Herein, we conducted an in-depth PubMed search based on specific key words (diet, permeability, barrier, health, disease, and disorder), as well as cross references from those articles. The normal intestinal barrier consists of multiple components in the lumen, epithelial cell layer and the lamina propria. Diverse methods are available to measure intestinal permeability. We focus predominantly on human in vivo studies, and the literature is reviewed to identify dietary factors that decrease (e.g., emulsifiers, surfactants, and alcohol) or increase (e.g., fiber, short-chain fatty acids, glutamine, and vitamin D) barrier integrity. Effects of these dietary items in disease states, such as metabolic syndrome, liver disease, or colitis are documented as examples of barrier dysfunction in the multifactorial diseases. Effects of diet on intestinal barrier function are associated with precise mechanisms in some instances; further research of those mechanisms has potential to clarify the role of dietary interventions in treating diverse pathologic states.