bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors improved time‐in‐range without increasing hypoglycemia in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes: A retrospective, single‐center, pilot study
Authors: Suzuki Daisuke , Yamada Hodaka , Yoshida Masashi , Funazaki Shunsuke , Amamoto Misato , Morimoto Jun , Hara Kazuo
Published: February 2020

Aims/Introduction

Studies have shown that sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors increased time‐in‐range (TIR; percentage of time glucose level remains between 3.9 and 10.0 mmol/L [70–180 mg/dL]) and decreased glycemic variability in patients with type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on TIR, glycemic variability and glucose control in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes in a real clinical setting.

Materials and Methods

We designed a single‐arm, retrospective cohort study to analyze data from patients starting to use ipragliflozin or dapagliflozin and who used a sensor‐based flash glucose monitoring system between February 2019 and August 2019. We measured TIR, time above range >180 mg/dL (percentage of time with glucose level of >180 mg/dL or >10.0 mmol/L), time below range <70 mg/dL (percentage of time with glucose level of <70 mg/dL or <3.9 mmol/L), mean glucose and standard deviation, and coefficient of variation for glycemic variability, and then compared the data before and after SGLT2 inhibitors treatments.

Results

We enrolled 15 patients in the study. The total dosages of basal insulin decreased significantly, but the total doses of bolus insulin did not change significantly. TIR increased significantly by approximately 11.6%; the time below range <70 mg/dL remained unchanged; and the mean glucose and standard deviation decreased significantly, whereas the coefficients of variation did not.

Conclusions

SGLT2 inhibitors improved TIR and the mean glucose level and standard deviation without increasing the time below range <70 mg/dL in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Water temperature, time of exposure and population density are key parameters in Enteromyxum leei fish‐to‐fish experimental transmission
Authors: Picard‐Sánchez Amparo , Estensoro Itziar , Del Pozo Raquel , Palenzuela Oswaldo R. , Piazzon Maria Carla , Sitjà‐Bobadilla Ariadna
Published: February 2020

Enteromyxum leei is a myxozoan histozoic parasite that infects the intestine of several teleost fish species. In gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), it provokes a chronic disease, entailing anorexia, delayed growth, reduced marketability and mortality. Direct fish‐to‐fish transmission, relevant in aquaculture conditions, has been demonstrated for E. leei via effluent, cohabitation, and oral and anal routes. However, the minimum time of exposure for infection has not been established, nor the possible effect on the fish immune response. Two effluent trials were performed at different temperatures (high: average of 25.6°C; and low: constant at 18°C), different times of exposure to the effluent (1, 3, 5 and 7 weeks) and different population densities. The results showed that 1 week was enough to infect 100% of fish at high temperature and 58.3% at low temperature. High temperature not only increased the prevalence of infection in posterior intestine, but also induced a higher production of specific antibodies, limiting the progression of the infection along the intestine. Longer time of exposure to the parasite and higher fish densities facilitated E. leei infection. These results show that effective diagnosis, lowering animal density and removal of infected fish are key aspects to manage this disease in aquaculture facilities.
The Many Faces of Rural Capitalism
Authors: Clark Christopher
Published: February 2020

The territorial growth and capitalist development of the United States that began in the late eighteenth century entailed ‐‐ among other things ‐‐ a massive expansion of agriculture that continued until the 1920s. Though based on private, freehold property in land there was no single pattern to this agrarian growth or to agriculture's integration into national and global flows of commodities, finance, and labor. Slave and non‐slave systems expanded in parallel until 1860, but even the destruction of slavery during the Civil War and the subsequent emergence of industrial and finance capitalism did not impose uniformity on American agriculture or undermine independent, household‐based farming.
‘Couldn't You Have Got a Computer Program to Do That for You?’ Reflections on the Impact that Machines Have on the Ways We Think About and Undertake Qualitative Research in the Socio‐Legal Community
Authors: Mulcahy Linda , Wheeler Sally
Published: February 2020

This article addresses the role that computer software programs play in the sort of textual analysis that has typically been the preserve of the qualitative researcher. Drawing on two distinct research projects conducted separately by the authors, it considers the transformation of social science software from a competent assistant that can help to sort and retrieve data, to an intelligent assistant capable of independently finding trends and counter‐arguments, to a co‐investigator capable of doing things that human researchers cannot. In addition to challenging some of the claims of ‘siliconistas’, this article considers the impact of new technology on the aesthetics of research and the professional identity of qualitative researchers. In doing so, it raises some important questions about how well we are training early‐career academics for the challenges that they are likely to face in the future world of socio‐legal empirical research.
Ripple effect of a clinical teaching fellow programme in an Australian paediatric hospital
Authors: van Heerden Carolyn , Uahwatanasakul Wonie , Vaughan Brett , Delany Clare
Published: February 2020

Aim

Bedside teaching performed by experienced clinicians is an expected component of medical student training. As clinicians often have high clinical demands and a lack of formal training in teaching methods, clinical teaching fellowships have been established. In clinical teaching fellowships, clinicians with an interest and expertise in medical education provide medical students with standardised teaching. Studies about the impact of clinical teaching fellowships have demonstrated benefits for both clinical teaching fellows (CTFs) and medical students. However, studies have not evaluated the impact of these fellowships on other clinicians or learning relationships within the institution. In this study, we aimed to address this gap by gathering data on the perspectives of CTFs, medical students and hospital consultants.

Method

A mixed‐method design was used, utilising a combination of surveys for CTFs, medical students and hospital consultants and semi‐structured telephone interviews for CTFs. Quantitative and qualitative data were obtained.

Results

The combination of data from CTFs, medical students and consultants enabled a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of the CTF programme within the institution. Although benefits were identified for CTFs and medical students, the consultant group noted that they were less involved in teaching medical students and that the CTFs were not well integrated into the ward team.

Conclusion

This research highlights the importance of considering not only direct outcomes of teaching and learning but broader influences on more implicit teaching opportunities and relationships within hospital teams.
Parent perspectives on children and young people's mental health services in Victoria – What's wrong and how to fix it: A multi‐site qualitative study
Authors: Hiscock Harriet , Connolly Ann‐Siobhan , Dunlop Katie , Perera Prescilla , O'Loughlin Rachel , Brown Stephanie J , Krieser David M , West Adam , Chapman Pauline , Lawford Robyn , Cheek John A
Published: February 2020

Aim

The number of children and young people presenting to emergency departments (EDs) with anxiety and depression is increasing. We aimed to determine parent perspectives on: (i) barriers to accessing non‐ED mental health services; and (ii) improving access in the paediatric mental health service system.

Methods

Qualitative study with parents of children and young people aged 0–19 years who attended one of four EDs across Victoria between October 2017 and September 2018 and received a primary diagnosis of anxiety or depression. Exclusion criteria: child or young person without a parent/guardian, or presented with self‐harm or suicide attempt. Eligible participants completed semi‐structured phone interviews. Interviews were recorded and transcripts were coded and analysed using content analysis.

Results

A total of 72 parents completed interviews. The average child age was 14 years (standard deviation 2.5) and two thirds identified as female (64%). A total of 57% of children and young people presented with a primary diagnosis of anxiety. Parents reported barriers in accessing care including: service shortages and inaccessibility, underresourced schools, lack of clinician mental health expertise, lack of child‐clinician rapport, inconsistent care, financial constraints, lack of mental health awareness among parents, and stigma. Parents want expanded and improved access to services, more respite and support services, supportive schools, and improved mental health education for parents.

Conclusions

Parents of children and young people attending the ED for anxiety and depression are generally dissatisfied with services for child mental health. Solutions that enable parents to better care for their child in the community are needed to improve care.
The endogenous decisions of unionization and international trade: A general oligopolistic equilibrium model analysis
Authors: Sano Hosaki
Published: February 2020

This paper presents a multi‐sectoral general oligopolistic equilibrium trade model in which unionized and non‐unionized sectors interact. In our model, the proportion of unionized sectors is endogenously determined. We show that this proportion depends on exogenous parameters such as productivity, population, number of firms, union costs and labor union formation. We also show that trade openness between symmetric countries raises the competitive wage and lowers the proportion of unionized sectors.
The intensity of sexual selection, body size and reproductive success in a mating system with male–male combat: is bigger better?
Authors: Glaudas Xavier , Rice Stephen E. , Clark Rulon W. , Alexander Graham J.
Published: February 2020

Body size is a key selected trait in many animal systems: larger size is sexually selected for in males because it confers a reproductive advantage during contest competition for access to females, and larger females are naturally selected for fecundity. Herein, we used radio‐telemetry to gather a large dataset of male–female interactions and DNA paternity analyses to characterize the intensity of sexual selection and the link between two body size metrics (body length and condition, the latter manipulated experimentally for males) and reproductive success in a population of puff adders Bitis arietans. Our multiple estimates of the intensity of sexual selection generally indicated that males experienced stronger sexual selection than females. However, the Bateman gradients did not differ by sex, despite the fact that males increased reproductive success by mating with multiple females while females did not. We also found no strong evidence that females experienced indirect fitness benefits through multiple matings. Body size was not a key predictor of male reproductive success, and for females, body condition – but not body length – was the critical fecundity trait. Altogether, a combination of factors suggests that post‐copulatory mechanisms of sexual selection (e.g. sperm competition, cryptic female choice) may play critical roles in this mating system and perhaps that of other snakes. We interpret our findings in the context of sexual conflict – a ubiquitous and potent driver of mating strategy evolution – to propose a scenario for the evolution of female promiscuity that is applicable to many other animal systems where males roam widely to locate females at high costs.
Risk factors for progression of age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Heesterbeek Thomas J , Lorés‐Motta Laura , Hoyng Carel B , Lechanteur Yara T E , den Hollander Anneke I
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative disease of the macula, often leading to progressive vision loss. The rate of disease progression can vary among individuals and has been associated with multiple risk factors. In this review, we provide an overview of the current literature investigating phenotypic, demographic, environmental, genetic, and molecular risk factors, and propose the most consistently identified risk factors for disease progression in AMD based on these studies. Finally, we describe the potential use of these risk factors for personalised healthcare.

Recent findings

While phenotypic risk factors such as drusen and pigment abnormalities become more important to predict disease progression during the course of the disease, demographic, environmental, genetic and molecular risk factors are more valuable at earlier disease stages. Demographic and environmental risk factors such as age and smoking are consistently reported to be related to disease progression, while other factors such as sex, body mass index (BMI) and education are less often associated. Of all known AMD variants, variants that are most consistently reported with disease progression are rs10922109 and rs570618 in CFH, rs116503776 in C2/CFB/SKIV2L, rs3750846 in ARMS2/HTRA1 and rs2230199 in C3. However, it seems likely that other AMD variants also contribute to disease progression but to a lesser extent. Rare variants have probably a large effect on disease progression in highly affected families. Furthermore, current prediction models do not include molecular risk factors, while these factors can be measured accurately in the blood. Possible promising molecular risk factors are High‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL‐C), Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), zeaxanthin and lutein.

Phenotypic, demographic, environmental, genetic and molecular risk factors can be combined in prediction models to predict disease progression, but the selection of the proper risk factors for personalised risk prediction will differ among individuals and is dependent on their current disease stage. Future prediction models should include a wider set of genetic variants to determine the genetic risk more accurately, and rare variants should be taken into account in highly affected families. In addition, adding molecular factors in prediction models may lead to preventive strategies and personalised advice.
Seed transfer zones based on environmental variables better reflect variability in vegetation than administrative units: evidence from Hungary
Authors: Cevallos David , Bede‐Fazekas Ákos , Tanács Eszter , Szitár Katalin , Halassy Melinda , Kövendi‐Jakó Anna , Török Katalin
Published: February 2020

To preserve the natural genetic pattern of species and to avoid the introduction of nonadapted ecotypes during restoration, seed transfer should be spatially restricted. Instead of applying administrative borders in the absence of species‐specific empirical data, biogeographical knowledge can be used as a proxy. Hungary was used as a suitable test region for this approach. The aims of the study were (1) to produce an evidence‐based seed transfer zone (STZ) map applying the Multiple Potential Natural Vegetation model; (2) to assess the uncertainty of the resulting STZ map; and (3) to compare the present seed transfer regulation based on administrative regions with the evidence‐based STZ map. The analysis was based on a floristic map, a vegetation map, and a landscape map of Hungary. Intersected polygons of the three maps were filled with Multiple Potential Natural Vegetation data and clustered to produce seven contiguous units that can serve as STZs. The uncertainty analyses provided a numerical comparison between the two approaches and demonstrated the inadequacy of defining administrative regions as STZs. The practical result of the study is the production of an evidence‐based STZ map that could replace the administrative map currently used for regulation in Hungary. Moreover, this map helps to develop native seed propagation and to enhance ecological restoration. We conclude that field‐based potential vegetation models, similar to the Multiple Potential Natural Vegetation, are suitable for STZ development in countries lacking an evidence‐based system for seed transfer.
Native plant abundance, diversity, and richness increases in prairie restoration with field inoculation density of native mycorrhizal amendments
Authors: Koziol Liz , Crews Timothy E. , Bever James D.
Published: February 2020

Ecological restoration efforts can increase the diversity and function of degraded areas. However, current restoration practices cannot typically reestablish the full diversity and species composition of remnant plant communities. Restoration quality can be improved by reintroducing key organisms from the native plant microbiome. In particular, root symbionts called arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are critical in shaping grassland communities, but are sensitive to anthropogenic disturbance, which may pose a problem for grassland restoration. Studies of mycorrhizal amendments include inoculation densities of 2–10,000 kg of inocula per hectare. These studies report variable results that may depend on inocula volume, composition, or nativeness. Here we test eight different densities of native AM fungal amendment, ranging from 0 to 8,192 kg/ha in a newly installed prairie restoration. We found that native plant establishment benefited from native mycorrhizal inocula, resulting in improvements in native plant abundance, richness, and community diversity. Moreover, the application of very low densities of native mycorrhizal inocula, as suggested on commercial mycorrhizal products, were ineffective, and higher concentrations were required to benefit native plant abundance and community diversity. These data suggest that higher densities of mycorrhizal amendment or perhaps alternative distribution methods may be required to maximize benefits of native mycorrhizal amendments in restoration practices.
Disturbance of floral colour pattern by activation of an endogenous pararetrovirus, petunia vein clearing virus, in aged petunia plants
Authors: Kuriyama Kazunori , Tabara Midori , Moriyama Hiromitsu , Kanazawa Akira , Koiwa Hisashi , Takahashi Hideki , Fukuhara Toshiyuki
Published: February 2020

White areas of star‐type bicolour petals of petunia (Petunia hybrida) are caused by post‐transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) of the key enzyme of anthocyanin biosynthesis. We observed blotched flowers and a vein‐clearing symptom in aged petunia plants. To determine the cause of blotched flowers, we focused on an endogenous pararetrovirus, petunia vein clearing virus (PVCV), because this virus may have a suppressor of PTGS (VSR). Transcripts and episomal DNAs derived from proviral PVCVs accumulated in aged plants, indicating that PVCV was activated as the host plant aged. Furthermore, DNA methylation of CG and CHG sites in the promoter region of proviral PVCV decreased in aged plants, suggesting that poor maintenance of DNA methylation activates PVCV. In parallel, de novo DNA methylation of CHH sites in its promoter region was also detected. Therefore, both activation and inactivation of PVCV occurred in aged plants. The accumulation of PVCV transcripts and episomal DNAs in blotched regions and the detection of VSR activity support a mechanism in which suppression of PTGS by PVCV causes blotched flowers.
Association between cardiac troponin I concentrations and electrocardiographic abnormalities in dogs with blunt trauma
Authors: Biddick Allison A. , Bacek Lenore M. , Fan Shirley , Kuo Kendon W.
Published: February 2020

Objective

To determine whether a normal cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentration and normal ECG on entry rule out the development of a clinically significant cardiac arrhythmia (CSCA, defined as an arrhythmia requiring anti‐arrhythmic treatment) in dogs that have sustained blunt trauma.

Design

Prospective, observational study. Client‐owned dogs were enrolled between January 2015 and November 2016.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Forty‐seven client‐owned dogs with a history of witnessed or suspected blunt trauma within 24 hours prior to presentation to the hospital.

Interventions

On admission to the emergency service, dogs had a standard 3‐lead ECG and cTnI concentration (using a veterinary point‐of‐care device*) performed. Animal Trauma Triage (ATT) scores, Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS), and the details regarding the nature and timing of the injury were recorded. The patients were monitored in the ICU for a minimum of 24 hours on continuous ECG telemetry. Cardiac rhythm was monitored every hour, and any abnormalities were noted. The need for anti‐arrhythmic therapy was recorded. There were no treatment interventions.

Measurements and main results

Five of 47 dogs (10.6%) developed a CSCA during hospitalization after sustaining blunt trauma. A normal entry ECG and normal cardiac troponin concentration on entry had a 100% negative predictive value (NPV) for ruling out the development of a CSCA, although a normal cardiac troponin concentration alone also had an NPV of 100%. A normal entry ECG had an NPV of 95.3%. The prognosis for survival to discharge was 89.4% in this study population (42/47 dogs).

Conclusions

In dogs with blunt trauma, an entry cTnI concentration or a combination of cTnI and ECG on entry may be useful in determining which patients are at a higher risk for the development of CSCA during the first 12 to 24 hours after the trauma.
Construction cost minimisation of the stepped spillway using improved particle swarm optimisation and artificial bee colony algorithms
Authors: Jazayeri Pedram , Moeini Ramtin
Published: February 2020

In this paper, the improved artificial bee colony (IABC) and improved particle swarm optimisation (IPSO) have been used for the optimal design of stepped spillway with the minimisation of construction cost as the energy dissipater structure for a dam project. Generally, the construction cost of this structure is the most expensive part of the project. However, traditional designing methods of stepped spillway such as the Vittal and Porey (VP) approach cannot find optimal dimensions of the stepped spillway with minimum cost. Therefore, the optimisation methods such as meta‐heuristic algorithms have been used. As a case study, Tehri dam’s stepped spillway in India has been considered here and the optimal dimensions of this spillway have been obtained using IPSO, IABC algorithms and the results have been compared with VP approach and other available results. Comparison of the results shows that when the three‐stepped spillway is considered, the results of IABC and IPSO algorithms are improved by 17.72% in comparison with VP results. In addition, when the four‐stepped spillway is considered, the results of IABC, IPSO algorithms are, respectively, improved by 16.47% and 16.53% in comparison with the VP results.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Young James
Published: February 2020

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 8, Number 2Amin Ali Almubar, University of El Imam Al mahdi, SudanAna Uka, Beder University, AlbaniaAnastasia Panagakos, Cosumnes River College, USAAntónio Calha, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, PortugalBassam Yousef Ibrahim Banat, Al-Quds University, PalestineEnzo Loner, University of Trento, ItalyFernando Aragón-Durand, National Autonomous University of Mexico, MexicoJesster Pasule Eduardo, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, PhilippinesJuanita GOICOVICI, University Babeș-Bolyai of Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaKatja Eman, Univerza v Mariboru, SloveniaMei-Ling Lin, National Open University, TaiwanRonaldo R. Larioque, NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, PhilippinesXian-Liang Tian, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, China
Uncertainty Analysis of the Chemical Reactor Network Approach for Predicting the Pollutant Emissions in a Double-Swirl Combustor
Authors: Khodayari Hamidreza , Ommi Fathollah , Saboohi Zoheir
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study is to predict the pollutant emissions generated within an aero-engine combustor model using the computational fluid dynamics-chemical reactor network (CFD-CRN) approach by modeling combustion in highly swirled flows. The selected test case is a laboratory double swirled combustor that came with an extensive experimental database from previous works for CH4/air diffusion flames at atmospheric pressure. The CFD-CRN modeling approach is initiated by solving Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations for a 3D computational domain. The numerically achieved time-averaged values of the velocity components are in good agreement with the experimental data for two different thermal power. The CRN is obtained by dividing the flow field into ideal chemical reactors using various filters on the CFD results. The temperature, axial velocity, CH4, and O2 mass fractions distributions are selected as the splitting criteria for constructing the CRN. An uncertainty analysis is carried out to investigate the effects of different splitting approaches for the temperature criteria since it significantly affected the pollutant emissions in the gas turbine combustor. The simulations of the pollutant emissions are performed via the detailed gas-phase chemical kinetic mechanism of GRI-Mech 3.0. The nonlinear distribution of the temperature intervals result in lower uncertainty and provide reliable results even with a small number of ideal reactors. Also, it is observed that the CRN can be used in different operating conditions and provide suitable results if it is constructed with exceptional consideration. Moreover, a parametric study is performed by varying the equivalence ratio and air inlet temperature to investigate the trends of the NO and CO emissions.
Models, Uncertainty, and the Sandia V&V Challenge Problem
Authors: Hazelrigg George A. , Klutke Georgia-Ann
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this paper is not to present new results; rather, it is to show that the current approach to model validation is not consistent with the accepted mathematics of probability theory. Specifically, we argue that the Sandia V&V Challenge Problem is ill-posed in that the answers sought do not, mathematically, exist. We apply our arguments to show the types of mistakes present in the papers presented in the Journal of Verification, Validation and Uncertainty Quantification, Volume 1,1 along with the challenge problem. Further, we argue that, when the problem is properly posed, both the applicable methodology and the solution techniques are easily drawn from the well-developed mathematics of probability and decision theory. The unfortunate aspect of the challenge problem as currently stated is that it leads to incorrect and inappropriate mathematical approaches that should be avoided and corrected in the current literature.
Altered Scapular Time Series in Individuals With Subacromial Pain Syndrome
Authors: Rossi Denise M. , Resende Renan A. , Hotta Gisele H. , da Fonseca Sérgio T. , de Oliveira Anamaria S.
Published: February 2020

Altered scapular movement in subacromial pain syndrome has been demonstrated using discrete data reduction approach. However, this approach does not consider the data collinearity and variability, and scapular translations are poorly investigated in symptomatic individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the scapular rotation and translation of asymptomatic individuals and those with subacromial pain syndrome during arm motions using principal component analysis. Scapulothoracic kinematics were evaluated in 47 participants with subacromial pain syndrome and 50 asymptomatic individuals. The symptomatic group had increased range of scapular anterior/posterior tilt during arm elevation (P = .01, effect size = .59) and arm lowering (P < .01, effect size = .61), and increased range of scapular forward/backward translation during arm lowering (P < .01, effect size = .60) compared with the asymptomatic group. In addition, the symptomatic group had a reduced difference in anterior tilt angular velocities between the early-arm and mid-arm lowering phases and between the mid- and late-arm lowering phases compared with the asymptomatic group (P = .03, effect size = .44). This study demonstrated that scapular anterior/posterior tilt motion and angular velocity and scapular forward/backward translation of symptomatic individuals were different from asymptomatic individuals when considering the entire arm movement.
Steroids make inflamed tissues less sticky
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: February 2020

The steroid hormone DHEA reduces inflammation by restoring production of the integrin antagonist DEL-1.
Long Noncoding RNA NRAV Promotes Respiratory Syncytial Virus Replication by Targeting the MicroRNA miR-509-3p/Rab5c Axis To Regulate Vesicle Transportation
Authors: Li Jian , Li Miao , Wang Xiuli , Sun Mengfei , Ma Cuiqing , Liang Wenzhang , Gao Xue , Wei Lin
Published: February 2020

The mechanism of interaction between RSV and host noncoding RNAs is not fully understood. In this study, we found that the expression of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) negative regulator of antiviral response (NRAV) was reduced in RSV-infected patients, and overexpression of NRAV facilitated RSV production
in vitro
, suggesting that the reduction of NRAV in RSV infection was part of the host antiviral response. We also found that NRAV competed with vesicle protein Rab5c for microRNA miR509-3p in cytoplasm to promote RSV vesicle transport and accelerate RSV proliferation, thereby improving our understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of RSV infection.
A 25-Year-Old Sample Contributes the Complete Genome Sequence of
Avian Coronavirus
Vaccine Strain ArkDPI, Reisolated from Commercial Broilers in the United States
Authors: Goraichuk Iryna V. , Davis James F. , Kulkarni Arun B. , Afonso Claudio L. , Suarez David L.
Published: February 2020

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Avian coronavirus
strain ArkDPI of the GI-9 lineage, isolated from broiler chickens in North Georgia in 1994. This is the complete genome sequence of this vaccine strain, reisolated from broilers in the United States.
Whole-Genome Sequencing ofPantoeasp. Strain RIT388, a Potential Oral Opportunistic Pathogen Isolated from a Chewing Stick (Distemonanthus benthamianus)
Authors: Gan Han Ming , Parthasarathy Anutthaman , Henry Kurtis R. , Savka Michael A. , Thomas Bolaji N. , Hudson André O.
Published: February 2020

In this study, we report the isolation, identification, characterization, and whole-genome sequence of the endophytePantoeasp. strain RIT388, isolated fromDistemonanthus benthamianus, a plant known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties that is commonly used for chewing sticks.
Seroprevalence ofEntamoeba histolyticaat a voluntary counselling and testing centre in Tokyo: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yanagawa Yasuaki , Nagashima Mami , Gatanaga Hiroyuki , Kikuchi Yoshimi , Oka Shinichi , Yokoyama Keiko , Shinkai Takayuki , Sadamasu Kenji , Watanabe Koji
Published: February 2020

Background

Amebiasis, which is caused byEntamoeba histolytica, is a re-emerging public health issue owing to sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Japan. However, epidemiological data are quite limited.

Methods

To reveal the relative prevalence of sexually transmittedE. histolyticainfection to other STIs, we conducted a cross-sectional study at a voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) centre in Tokyo. Seroprevalence ofE. histolyticawas assessed according to positivity with an ELISA forE. histolytica-specific IgG in serum samples collected from anonymous VCT clients.

Results

Among 2083 samples, seropositive rate forE. histolyticawas 2.64%, which was higher than that for HIV-1 (0.34%, p<0.001) and comparable to that for syphilis (rapid plasma reagin (RPR) 2.11%, p=0.31). Positivity forChlamydia trachomatisin urine by transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) was 4.59%. Seropositivity forE. histolyticawas high among RPR/Treponema pallidumhemagglutination (TPHA)-positive individuals and it was not different between clients with and without other STIs. Both seropositivity ofE. histolyticaand RPR were high among male clients. The seropositive rate for anti-E. histolyticaantibody was positively correlated with age. TMA positivity for urineC. trachomatiswas high among female clients and negatively correlated with age. Regression analysis identified that male sex, older age and TPHA-positive results are independent risk factors ofE. histolyticaseropositivity.

Conclusions

Seroprevalence ofE. histolyticawas 7.9 times higher than that of HIV-1 at a VCT centre in Tokyo, with a tendency to be higher among people at risk for syphilis infection. There is a need for education and specific interventions against this parasite, as a potentially re-emerging pathogen.
Trabeculotomy versus combined trabeculotomy–trabeculectomy for primary congenital glaucoma: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Fang Lei , Guo Xinxing , Yang Yangfan , Zhang Jian , Chen Xiangxi , Zhu Yingting , Huang Jielei , Huang Jingjing , Zhong Yimin , Xu Xiaoyu , Liu Xing
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Trabeculotomy and combined trabeculotomy–trabeculectomy (CTT) are major surgical options for primary congenital glaucoma (PCG). However, it is unclear which of these two surgical procedures should be recommended as the optimum first-line treatment for PCG. This trial aims to determine whether the outcomes of trabeculotomy are non-inferior to those of CTT in moderate PCG with a horizontal corneal diameter (HCD) of 12–14 mm.

Methods and analysis

This is a 3-year, non-inferiority, prospective, randomised controlled trial. We plan to recruite 248 participants (aged ≤3 years) with PCG with an HCD of 12–14 mm from the Department of Glaucoma, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangzhou, China. One eye per participant will be randomly (1:1) assigned to receive trabeculotomy or CTT. The primary outcome is the 3-year postoperative success rate in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP), and the secondary clinical outcomes will include IOP reduction, visual acuity, HCD, central corneal thickness, axial length, cup–disc ratio, refractive error and postoperative complications. Data will be analysed by the intention-to-treat principle.

Ethical approval and dissemination

The study protocol has been approved by the ethics committee of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center (2014MEKY023) and the ‘5010 Plan’ evaluation committee at Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China. The results will be disseminated in international academic meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-IOR-14005588; Date registered: 20 November 2014.
Quantifying gender disparity in physician authorship among commentary articles in three high-impact medical journals: an observational study
Authors: Mamtani Mira , Shofer Frances , Mudan Anita , Khatri Utsha , Walker Rachael , Perrone Jeanmarie , Aysola Jaya
Published: February 2020

Background

Scholarship plays a direct role in career advancement, promotion and authoritative recognition, and women physicians remain under-represented as authors of original research articles.

Objective

We sought to determine if women physician authors are similarly under-represented in commentary articles within high-impact journals.

Design/Setting/Participants

In this observational study, we abstracted and analysed author information (gender and degree) and authorship position from commentary articles published in three high-impact journals between 1 January 2014 and 16 October 2018.

Primary outcome measure

Authorship rate of commentary articles over a 5-year period by gender, degree, authorship position and journal.

Secondary outcome measures

To compare the proportion of men and women physician authorship of commentaries relative to the proportion of men and women physician faculty within academic medicine; and to examine the gender concordance among the last and first authors in articles with more than one author.

Results

Of the 2087 articles during the study period, 48% were men physician first authors compared with 17% women physician first authors (p<0.0001). Of the 1477 articles with more than one author, similar distributions were found with regard to last authors: 55% were men physicians compared with only 12% women physicians (p<0.0001). The proportion of women physician first authors increased over time; however, the proportion of women physician last authors remained stagnant. Women coauthored with women in the first and last authorship positions in 9% of articles. In contrast, women coauthored with men in the first and last author positions, respectively, in 55% of articles.

Conclusions

Women physician authors remain under-represented in commentary articles compared with men physician authors in the first and last author positions. Women also coauthored commentaries with other women in far fewer numbers.
Healthcare professionals knowledge, attitude and practice of adverse drug reactions reporting in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gidey Kidu , Seifu Mohammedamin , Hailu Berhane Yohannes , Asgedom Solomon Weldegebreal , Niriayo Yirga Legesse
Published: February 2020

Objective

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reporting and identify factors associated with ADRs reporting among healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in Tigray region, Ethiopia.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March of 2019 in a tertiary care hospital in Tigray region, Ethiopia. A self-administered, pretested questionnaire was administered to HCPs. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with poor ADRs reporting practices.

Results

In total, 362 questionnaires were distributed, and the response rate was 84.8% (n=307). Of all respondents, 190 (61.9%) were nurses, 63 (20.5%) were pharmacist and 54 (17.6%) were physicians. About 58.3% of HCPs had poor knowledge of ADRs reporting. The majority of the respondents had a positive attitude (59.9%), and only a few (32.1%) respondents have good ADRs reporting practices. Poor knowledge (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.63, 95% CI: 1.26 to 5.45) and lack of training on ADRs reporting (AOR=7.31, 95% CI: 3.42 to 15.62) were both negatively associated with ADRs reporting practice, whereas higher work experience (≥10 years) (AOR=0.36, 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.97) was positively associated with ADRs reporting practice.

Conclusions

The majority of HCPs had poor knowledge and practice, but a positive attitude towards ADRs reporting. Poor knowledge, less work experience and lack of training were associated with poor ADRs reporting practice. Hence, strategies to improve the knowledge and practice of ADRs reporting should be implemented, particularly for untrained and less experienced HCPs.
Association between blood pressure levels and cardiovascular deaths: a 20-year follow-up study in rural China
Authors: Wang Mengying , Wu Tao , Yu Canqing , Gao Wenjing , Lv Jun , Wu Yiqun , Qin Xueying , Tang Xun , Gao Pei , Zhan Siyan , Cao Weihua , Zhao Qingshui , Huang Shaoping , Yang Dongli , Li Liming , Hu Yonghua
Published: February 2020

Objectives

The 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) hypertension guideline recommended 130/80 mm Hg as blood pressure (BP) target goals. However, the generalisability of this recommendation to populations at large with hypertension remains controversial. We assessed the association between BP and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) mortality using a 20-year follow-up study among Chinese populations.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Participants

7314 participants were followed up for a median of 20 years in Fangshan District, Beijing, China.

Methods

The primary outcome variable was death from cardiovascular causes. The adjusted HR for CVDs mortality associated with baseline BP was calculated using Cox regression analysis.

Results

We identified 350 deaths from CVDs (148 stroke, 113 coronary heart disease and 89 other CVDs) during follow-up. Hypertension (defined by systolic BP (SBP)/diastolic BP (DBP) ≥140/90 mm Hg) was significantly associated with mortality due to CVDs (HR=2.49, 95% CI=1.77 to 3.50) among people aged 35–59 years rather than people aged ≥60 years. In addition, there was no significant association between stage 1 hypertension defined by the 2017 ACC/AHA (SBP/DBP of 130–139/80-89 mm Hg) and CVDs mortality when compared with SBP/DBP of <120/80 in neither the participants aged <60 years (HR=0.90, 95% CI=0.54 to 1.50) nor participants aged ≥60 years (HR=1.47, 95% CI=0.94 to 2.29).

Conclusion

The study revealed hypertension of SBP/DBP≥140/90 mm Hg was an important risk factor of CVDs mortality, especially among people aged 35–59 years. However, stage 1 hypertension under the definition of 2017 ACC/AHA was not associated with an increased risk of CVDs mortality. This study indicated that whether adopting the new hypertension definition needs further consideration in rural Chinese populations.
Fatty acid ω-hydroxylases of soybean:CYP86Agene expression and aliphatic suberin deposition
Authors: Tully Trish L.A. , Kaushik Pooja , O’Connor Jessica , Bernards Mark A.
Published: February 2020

Suberin has been shown to play a role in protection against and response to stress, including defense against soil-borne pathogens. In soybean, oxidized fatty acids are the most predominant monomers contributing to root suberin, with 18-hydroxy-oleic acid being the most abundant. 18-Hydroxy-oleic acid is predicted to be synthesized by members of the CYP86A family of cytochrome P450 enzyme. Six putative CYP86A genes were identified through phylogenetic analysis of the soybean genome. Two of these, CYP86A37 and CYP86A38 show a root-specific gene expression pattern, and were further analyzed to assess their physiological role in suberin deposition using RNAi knockdown in a hairy root system. Soybean hairy roots were found to be nearly identical to soil-grown roots in terms of anatomy, suberin deposition patterns, and suberin chemistry. The RNAi knockdown of CYP86A37 and CYP86A38 yielded hairy root lines with reduced gene expression and a reduction in the oxidized monomers of suberin, most notably 18-hydroxy-oleic acid. Based on this evidence, CYP86A37 and CYP86A38 are predicted to function as fatty acid ω-hydroxylases in vivo.
New soliton solutions for resonant nonlinear Schrödinger’s equation having full nonlinearity
Authors: Ali Khalid K. , Rezazadeh Hadi , Talarposhti R. A. , Bekir Ahmet
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we discuss deep visual solutions of resonant nonlinear Schrödinger’s equation having full nonlinearity via taking the modified Kudryashov method. There are four types of nonlinearity in this paper. They are quadratic-cubic law, anti-cubic law, cubic-quintic-septic law and triple-power law. By performing this algorithm, logarithmical and rational solitons are deduced.
Influence of thermal treatment on photoluminescent properties of PP/PbS/CdS nanocomposites
Authors: Ramazanov M. A. , Chianese Angelo , Hajiyeva F. V. , Novruzova A. A.
Published: February 2020

This paper deals with an investigation on the photoluminescence (PL) properties of PP+PbS/CdS nanocomposites at different temperatures ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) under vacuum. The optical bandgap was calculated on the basis of the spectra of UV absorption and it was shown that after thermal treatment the nanocomposites optical bandgap changed. The change has been attributed to the modification of the upper molecular structure of the polymer matrix due to the thermal process. The luminescence spectra of nanocomposites before and after thermal treatment at different temperatures ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) under vacuum were also measured and discussed. A very high luminescence intensity was observed after thermal treatment at [Formula: see text] temperature. This was attributed to the luminescent centers’ increase and the optimal structure formation.
The echo chirp signal amplification by the vibrational information fusion method
Authors: Jia Pengxiang , Yang Jianhua , Leng Yonggang
Published: February 2020

We use two traditional indices and propose a new fusion index to quantify the echo chirp signal amplification effectively. They are the cross-correlation coefficient, the spectral amplification factor and the fusion index. Through investigating different numerical examples, we verify the validation of the re-scaled vibrational resonance (VR) method for the echo chirp signal by using the two traditional indices. Besides, taking into account that a single index has its own shortness, we combine the advantages of the two traditional indices mentioned and propose a new fusion index based on the information fusion method. Then we verify the superiority of the fusion index. Furthermore, the effect of noise on VR is also investigated. Finally, with the help of the adaptive inertia weight particle swarm optimization (APSO) algorithm, we propose the adaptive VR in noise background and verify its validity.
Hermitian Adjacency Spectrum of Cayley Digraphs over Dihedral Group
Authors: Li Honghai , Yu Teng
Published: February 2020

We first study the spectrum of Hermitian adjacency matrix (H-spectrum) of Cayley digraphs X(D2n, S) on dihedral group D2n with |S| = 3. Then we show that all Cayley digraphs X(D2p, S) with |S| = 3 and p odd prime are Cay-DS, namely, for any Cayley digraph X(D2p, T), X(D2p, T) and X(D2p, S) having the same H-spectrum implies that they are isomorphic.
Chemical Polymerization of Aniline on Poly(styrene sulfonate) and Perfluorosulfonate Membranes
Authors: Tan Sophie , Belanger Daniel
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Investigation of Copper Electrodeposition in the Presence of Additives; the Role of the Active Copper
Authors: Buckley Claire , Burke Laurence
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Growth Of Carbon Nano -Materials And Measurement Of Microwave Attenuation For Twt Applications
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Vohra Anil
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Passivation of Martensitic Stainless Steel at NaCl Solution Containing Cerium Ion
Authors: Park Jeeyong
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Self-Assembly and Novel Functions of pi-Conjugated Metalloporphyrin Dimer
Authors: Aimi Junko , Oya Kazumasa , Tsuda Akihiko , Aida Takuzo
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Homogeneous Electron Transfer to Aryl and Benzyl Thiocyanates
Authors: Ahmida Mohamed , Houmam Abdelaziz , Hamed Emad , Baba Jamal
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Electrodeposition of Palladium-Indium Alloys from The Water-Stable 1-Ethyl-3Methylimidazolium Chloride/tetrafluoroborate
Authors: Tai Chia-Cheng , Su Fan-Yin , Sun I-Wen
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Using Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy to Measure the Rebinding of Lysozyme to Molecularly Imprinted Polymers
Authors: Chen Hsiao-Chi , Lin Hung-Yin , Lin Hung-Yin , Chou Tse-Chuan
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
The Effect of the C2H2/Ar Pressure on the Corrosion Behavior of Chromium Carbide Coatings Deposited on Steel by filtered Cathodic Vacuum Arc Deposition
Authors: Lin Chun-Chun , Chang Ku-Ling , Hsieh Wei-Jen , Wang Chih-Yuan , Chen Uei-Shin , Shih Han-C.
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.