bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Diagnostic Genetic Markers for a Cryptic Invasive Agricultural Pest: A Test Case Using the Apple Maggot Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Doellman Meredith M , Hood Glen R , Gersfeld Jacob , Driscoe Amanda , Xu Charles C Y , Sheehy Ryan N , Holmes Noah , Yee Wee L , Feder Jeffrey L
Published: December 2019

Insect pests destroy ~15% of all U.S. crops, resulting in losses of $15 billion annually. Thus, developing cheap, quick, and reliable methods for detecting harmful species is critical to curtail insect damage and lessen economic impact. The apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella, is a major invasive pest threatening the multibillion-dollar apple industry in the Pacific Northwest United States. The fly is also sympatric with a benign but morphologically similar and genetically closely related species, R. zephyria, which attacks noncommercial snowberry. Unambiguous species identification is essential due to a zero-infestation policy of apple maggot for fruit export. Mistaking R. zephyria for R. pomonella triggers unnecessary and costly quarantines, diverting valuable control resources. Here we develop and apply a relatively simple and cost-effective diagnostic approach using Illumina sequencing of double-digest restriction site-associated DNA markers. We identified five informative single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and designed a diagnostic test based on agarose gel electrophoresis of restriction enzyme-digested polymerase chain reaction amplification products (RFLPs) to distinguish fly species. We demonstrated the utility of this approach for immediate, 1-d species identification by scoring apple- and snowberry-infesting flies from known hosts, reared from fruit collected at 11 sites throughout Washington. However, if immediate diagnosis is not required, or hundreds to thousands of specimens must be assessed, then a direct Illumina-based sequencing strategy, similar to that used here for diagnostic SNP identification, can be powerful and cost-effective. The genomic strategy we present is effective for R. pomonella and also transferable to many cryptic pests.
Growing Older in Social Work: Perspective on Systems of Support to Extend Working Lives—Findings from a UK Survey
Authors: McFadden Paula , Moriarty John , Schröder Heike , Gillen Patricia , Manthorpe Gillian , Mallett John
Published: December 2019

Social work, like many other human service professions, is ageing. This article reports and discusses the findings of a UK social work survey undertaken in 2018 (1,397 responses). It investigated how organisational policies and individual factors were affecting individual social workers’ decisions about working in later life. The survey measured (i) social workers’ attitudes to ageing at work and self-reported planning around retirement; (ii) mental health and well-being, quality of working life and home and work interface and (iii) intention to leave work and retirement planning. Statistical analysis enabled examination of how the interrelationship of these factors and relevant individual characteristics interact within the systemic work environment. Findings revealed that all participants had considered factors that might cause them to retire early. Framing the findings in an ecological conceptual model suggests that age-inclusive professional and organisational cultures, age-positive human resource management, support from line managers, fair working conditions and the ability to manage health and well-being, might enable social workers to extend their working lives in line with government policy. These findings provide insights for social work workforce policymakers and for employers to assist in their development of organisational and individual adjustments to sustain well-being in the social work profession.
Sex associations and computed tomography coronary angiography-guided management in patients with stable chest pain
Authors: Mangion Kenneth , Adamson Philip D , Williams Michelle C , Hunter Amanda , Pawade Tania , Shah Anoop S V , Lewis Stephanie , Boon Nicholas A , Flather Marcus , Forbes John , McLean Scott , Roditi Giles , van Beek Edwin J R , Timmis Adam D , Newby David E , McAllister David A , Berry Colin
Published: December 2019

Aims

The relative benefits of computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA)-guided management in women and men with suspected angina due to coronary heart disease (CHD) are uncertain.

Methods and results

In this post hoc analysis of an open-label parallel-group multicentre trial, we recruited 4146 patients referred for assessment of suspected angina from 12 cardiology clinics across the UK. We randomly assigned (1:1) participants to standard care alone or standard care plus CTCA. Fewer women had typical chest pain symptoms (n = 582, 32.0%) when compared with men (n = 880, 37.9%; P < 0.001). Amongst the CTCA-guided group, more women had normal coronary arteries [386 (49.6%) vs. 263 (26.2%)] and less obstructive CHD [105 (11.5%) vs. 347 (29.8%)]. A CTCA-guided strategy resulted in more women than men being reclassified as not having CHD {19.2% vs. 13.1%; absolute risk difference, 5.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.7–8.7, P < 0.001]} or having angina due to CHD [15.0% vs. 9.0%; absolute risk difference, 5.6 (2.3–8.9, P = 0.001)]. After a median of 4.8 years follow-up, CTCA-guided management was associated with similar reductions in the risk of CHD death or non-fatal myocardial infarction in women [hazard ratio (HR) 0.50, 95% CI 0.24–1.04], and men (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.42–0.95; P  interaction = 0.572).

Conclusion

Following the addition of CTCA, women were more likely to be found to have normal coronary arteries than men. This led to more women being reclassified as not having CHD, resulting in more downstream tests and treatments being cancelled. There were similar prognostic benefits of CTCA for women and men.
Noncardiac-Related Morbidity, Mobility Limitation, and Outcomes in Older Adults With Heart Failure
Authors: Tisminetzky Mayra , Gurwitz Jerry H , Fan Dongjie , Reynolds Kristi , Smith David H , Fouayzi Hassan , Sung Sue Hee , Goldberg Robert , Go Alan S
Published: December 2019

Background

To examine the individual and combined associations of noncardiac-related conditions and mobility limitation with morbidity and mortality in adults with heart failure (HF).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a large, diverse group of adults with HF from five U.S. integrated healthcare delivery systems. We characterized patients with respect to the presence of noncardiac conditions (<3 vs ≥3) and/or mobility impairment (defined by the use/nonuse of a wheelchair, cane, or walker), categorizing them into four subgroups. Outcomes included all-cause death and hospitalizations for HF or any cause.

Results

Among 114,553 adults diagnosed with HF (mean age: 73 years old, 46% women), compared with <3 noncardiac conditions/no mobility limitation, adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for all-cause death among those with <3 noncardiac conditions/mobility limitation, ≥3 noncardiac conditions/no mobility limitation, ≥3 noncardiac conditions/mobility limitation (vs) were 1.40 (95% CI, 1.31–1.51), 1.72 (95% CI, 1.69–1.75), and 1.93 (95% CI, 1.85–2.01), respectively. We did not observe an increased risk of any-cause or HF-related hospitalization related to the presence of mobility limitation among those with a greater burden of noncardiac multimorbidity. Consistent findings regarding mortality were observed within groups defined according to age, gender, and HF type (preserved, reduced, mid-range ejection fraction), with the most prominent impact of mobility limitation in those <65 years of age.

Conclusions

There is an additive association of mobility limitation, beyond the burden of noncardiac multimorbidity, on mortality for patients with HF, and especially prominent in younger patients.
Systematic processing of ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing data
Authors: Tremblay Julien , Yergeau Etienne
Published: December 2019

Background

With the advent of high-throughput sequencing, microbiology is becoming increasingly data-intensive. Because of its low cost, robust databases, and established bioinformatic workflows, sequencing of 16S/18S/ITS ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplicons, which provides a marker of choice for phylogenetic studies, has become ubiquitous. Many established end-to-end bioinformatic pipelines are available to perform short amplicon sequence data analysis. These pipelines suit a general audience, but few options exist for more specialized users who are experienced in code scripting, Linux-based systems, and high-performance computing (HPC) environments. For such an audience, existing pipelines can be limiting to fully leverage modern HPC capabilities and perform tweaking and optimization operations. Moreover, a wealth of stand-alone software packages that perform specific targeted bioinformatic tasks are increasingly accessible, and finding a way to easily integrate these applications in a pipeline is critical to the evolution of bioinformatic methodologies.

Results

Here we describe AmpliconTagger, a short rRNA marker gene amplicon pipeline coded in a Python framework that enables fine tuning and integration of virtually any potential rRNA gene amplicon bioinformatic procedure. It is designed to work within an HPC environment, supporting a complex network of job dependencies with a smart-restart mechanism in case of job failure or parameter modifications. As proof of concept, we present end results obtained with AmpliconTagger using 16S, 18S, ITS rRNA short gene amplicons and Pacific Biosciences long-read amplicon data types as input.

Conclusions

Using a selection of published algorithms for generating operational taxonomic units and amplicon sequence variants and for computing downstream taxonomic summaries and diversity metrics, we demonstrate the performance and versatility of our pipeline for systematic analyses of amplicon sequence data.
Temporal trends in age at menarche and age at menopause: a population study of 312 656 women in Norway
Authors: Gottschalk M S , Eskild A , Hofvind S , Gran J M , Bjelland E K
Published: December 2019

STUDY QUESTION

Have mean age at menarche or mean age at natural menopause changed from the 1939 birth cohort to the 1964 birth cohort?

SUMMARY ANSWER

We estimated a minor decrease in mean age at menarche and an increase by nearly 3 years in mean age at natural menopause.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

In the Western world, age at menarche decreased across birth cohorts from the early 1800s until the 1950s. Whether mean age at menarche has continued to decrease in birth cohorts after the 1950s remains uncertain. It is also uncertain whether mean age at natural menopause has changed across birth cohorts.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

We performed a retrospective population study of 312 656 women who were born in Norway during the years 1936–1964.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

The data were obtained by two self-administered questionnaires from women who participated in the Norwegian breast cancer screening program (BreastScreen Norway) during the years 2006–2014. We used flexible parametric survival models with restricted cubic splines to estimate mean age at menarche, mean age at menopause and mean number of years between menarche and menopause according to the women’s year of birth. The women who were still having menstrual periods contributed with follow-up time until the time of data collection, and the women who had reported surgical removal of the uterus and/or both ovaries prior to natural menopause contributed with follow-up time until the time of surgery.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The mean age at menarche was 13.42 years (95% CI: 13.40–13.44 years) among women born during 1936–1939, and it was 13.24 years (95% CI: 13.22–13.25 years) among women born during 1960–1964. The mean age at natural menopause increased from 50.31 years (95% CI: 50.25–50.37 years) among women born during 1936–1939 to 52.73 years (95% CI: 52.64–52.82 years) among women born during 1960–1964. The mean number of years between menarche and menopause increased from 36.83 years (95% CI: 36.77–36.89 years) to 40.22 years (95% CI: 40.11–40.34 years).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Information about age at menarche and age at menopause was based on self-reports.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Late menopause is associated with increased risk of breast cancer but also with increased life expectancy. Thus, higher mean age at menopause may partly explain the increase in breast cancer incidence after menopause and the increase in life expectancy in recent time. Also, a longer interval between menarche and menopause could suggest that the number of years of female fecundity has increased.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work was funded by the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority [grant number 2016112 to M.S.G.] and by the Norwegian Cancer Society [grant number 6863294-2015 to E.K.B.]. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Antibody-Dependent Natural Killer Cell Activation After Ebola Vaccination
Authors: Wagstaffe Helen R , Clutterbuck Elizabeth A , Bockstal Viki , Stoop Jeroen N , Luhn Kerstin , Douoguih Macaya , Shukarev Georgi , Snape Matthew D , Pollard Andrew J , Riley Eleanor M , Goodier Martin R
Published: December 2019

Background

Antibody Fc-mediated functions, such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, contribute to vaccine-induced protection against viral infections. Fc-mediated function of anti-Ebola glycoprotein (GP) antibodies suggest that Fc-dependent activation of effector cells, including natural killer (NK) cells, could play a role in vaccination against Ebola virus disease.

Methods

We analyzed the effect on primary human NK cell activation of anti-Ebola GP antibody in the serum of United Kingdom–based volunteers vaccinated with the novel 2-dose heterologous adenovirus type 26.ZEBOV, modified vaccinia Ankara–BN-Filo vaccine regimen.

Results

We demonstrate primary human NK cell CD107a and interferon γ expression, combined with down-regulation of CD16, in response to recombinant Ebola virus GP and post-vaccine dose 1 and dose 2 serum samples. These responses varied significantly with vaccine regimen, and NK cell activation was found to correlate with anti-GP antibody concentration. We also reveal an impact of NK cell differentiation phenotype on antibody-dependent NK cell activation, with highly differentiated CD56dimCD57+ NK cells being the most responsive.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the dual importance of vaccine-induced antibody concentration and NK cell differentiation status in promoting Fc-mediated activation of NK cells after vaccination, raising a potential role for antibody-mediated NK cell activation in vaccine-induced immune responses.
An Improved Systems Approach as a Phytosanitary Measure for Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Export Citrus Fruit From South Africa
Authors: Hattingh Vaughan , Moore Sean , Kirkman Wayne , Goddard Mat , Thackeray Sean , Peyper Mellissa , Sharp Gary , Cronjé Paul , Pringle Ken
Published: December 2019

A systems approach was previously developed for mitigating phytosanitary risk of Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) in citrus fruit exported from South Africa, as an alternative to a standalone cold disinfestation treatment. The present study first tested the original systems approach by applying it on a semicommercial scale in 10 Nova mandarin orchards. Fruit were inspected at points in the production, packing, and simulated shipping process, to assess performance of the systems approach. Additional data were obtained from 17 Valencia orange orchards and six packinghouses. In the second part of this study, the systems approach was accordingly revised and improved, consisting of three measures: 1) preharvest controls and measurements and postpicking sampling, inspection, and packinghouse procedures; 2) postpacking sampling and inspection; and 3) shipping conditions. The model quantifying the effectiveness of the systems approach was improved by correcting errors in the original version, updating parameter values and adding a component that provides for comparison with the risk mitigation provided by a standalone disinfestation treatment. Consequently, the maximum potential proportion of fruit that may be infested with live T. leucotreta after application of the improved systems approach is no greater than the proportion of fruit that may be infested after application of a Probit 9 efficacy postharvest disinfestation treatment to fruit with a 2% pretreatment infestation. The probability of a mating pair surviving is also determined. The model enables a priori determination of the required threshold levels for any of the three measures, based on quantification of the other two measures.
Identifying reionization-epoch galaxies with extreme levels of Lyman continuum leakage in James Webb Space Telescope surveys
Authors: Giri Sambit K , Zackrisson Erik , Binggeli Christian , Pelckmans Kristiaan , Cubo Rubén
Published: December 2019

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) NIRSpec instrument will allow rest-frame ultraviolet/optical spectroscopy of galaxies in the epoch of reionization (EoR). Some galaxies may exhibit significant leakage of hydrogen-ionizing photons into the intergalactic medium, resulting in faint nebular emission lines. We present a machine learning framework for identifying cases of very high hydrogen-ionizing photon escape from galaxies based on the data quality expected from potential NIRSpec observations of EoR galaxies in lensed fields. We train our algorithm on mock samples of JWST/NIRSpec data for galaxies at redshifts z = 6–10. To make the samples more realistic, we combine synthetic galaxy spectra based on cosmological galaxy simulations with observational noise relevant for z ≳ 6 objects of a brightness similar to EoR galaxy candidates uncovered in Frontier Fields observations of galaxy cluster Abell-2744 and MACS-J0416. We find that ionizing escape fractions (fesc) of galaxies brighter than mAB,1500 ≈ 27 mag may be retrieved with mean absolute error Δfesc ≈ 0.09(0.12) for 24 h (1.5 h) JWST/NIRSpec exposures at resolution R = 100. For 24 h exposure time, even fainter galaxies (mAB,1500 < 28.5 mag) can be processed with Δfesc ≈ 0.14. This framework simultaneously estimates the redshift of these galaxies with a relative error less than 0.03 for both 24 (mAB,1500 < 28.5 mag) and 1.5 h (mAB,1500 < 27 mag) exposure times. We also consider scenarios where just a minor fraction of galaxies attain high fesc and present the conditions required for detecting a subpopulation of high-fesc galaxies within the data set.
Sparse Bayesian mass mapping with uncertainties: local credible intervals
Authors: Price M A , Cai X , McEwen J D , Pereyra M , Kitching T D ,   LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration
Published: December 2019

Until recently, mass-mapping techniques for weak gravitational lensing convergence reconstruction have lacked a principled statistical framework upon which to quantify reconstruction uncertainties, without making strong assumptions of Gaussianity. In previous work, we presented a sparse hierarchical Bayesian formalism for convergence reconstruction that addresses this shortcoming. Here, we draw on the concept of local credible intervals (cf. Bayesian error bars) as an extension of the uncertainty quantification techniques previously detailed. These uncertainty quantification techniques are benchmarked against those recovered via Px-MALA – a state-of-the-art proximal Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm. We find that, typically, our recovered uncertainties are everywhere conservative (never underestimate the uncertainty, yet the approximation error is bounded above), of similar magnitude and highly correlated with those recovered via Px-MALA. Moreover, we demonstrate an increase in computational efficiency of $\mathcal {O}(10^6)$ when using our sparse Bayesian approach over MCMC techniques. This computational saving is critical for the application of Bayesian uncertainty quantification to large-scale stage IV surveys such as LSST and Euclid.
Linking Branch Lengths across Sets of Loci Provides the Highest Statistical Support for Phylogenetic Inference
Authors: Duchêne David A , Tong K Jun , Foster Charles S P , Duchêne Sebastián , Lanfear Robert , Ho Simon Y W
Published: December 2019

Evolution leaves heterogeneous patterns of nucleotide variation across the genome, with different loci subject to varying degrees of mutation, selection, and drift. In phylogenetics, the potential impacts of partitioning sequence data for the assignment of substitution models are well appreciated. In contrast, the treatment of branch lengths has received far less attention. In this study, we examined the effects of linking and unlinking branch-length parameters across loci or subsets of loci. By analyzing a range of empirical data sets, we find consistent support for a model in which branch lengths are proportionate between subsets of loci: gene trees share the same pattern of branch lengths, but form subsets that vary in their overall tree lengths. These models had substantially better statistical support than models that assume identical branch lengths across gene trees, or those in which genes form subsets with distinct branch-length patterns. We show using simulations and empirical data that the complexity of the branch-length model with the highest support depends on the length of the sequence alignment and on the numbers of taxa and loci in the data set. Our findings suggest that models in which branch lengths are proportionate between subsets have the highest statistical support under the conditions that are most commonly seen in practice. The results of our study have implications for model selection, computational efficiency, and experimental design in phylogenomics.
Haemodialysis therapy and sustainable growth: a corporate experience in France
Authors: Bendine Georges , Autin Fabien , Fabre Bruno , Bardin Olivier , Rabasco François , Cabanel Jean-Marc , Chazot Charles
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Sustainable growth and environmental issues are currently a topic for all human activities, and dialysis represents a real challenge in this field because of high water and power consumption and the production of large amounts of care-related waste. In this article we describe data collection implemented in the NephroCare centres in France and the changes observed during a 13-year period regarding environmental parameters.

Methods

Monthly data collection (eco-reporting) was implemented in NephroCare centres in France in 2005. It covers three topics designed as key performance indicators (KPIs): electricity and water consumption and care-related waste production expressed, respectively, as kilowatt-hour (kWh), litres (L) and kilograms per session. We report on the three action plans (2005–10, 2011–14 and 2015–18) and changes observed during this 13-year period.

Results

During the period, power and water consumption declined by 29.6% (from 23.1 to 16.26 kWh/session) and 52% (from 801 to 382 L/session), respectively. At the same time, the yearly number of dialysis sessions has increased from 169 335 to 399 336. The sources of savings came both from improvements in the dialysis technology (dialysis machines and water treatment systems) and from updating and remodelling of the dialysis unit equipment and buildings. The care-related waste decreased from 1.8 to 1.1 kg because of regular staff training and the retrofiltration system, allowing the voiding of the remaining saline solution after dialysis. These savings have been estimated as equivalent to 102 440 tons of carbon dioxide.

Discussion

Implementation of KPIs and their regular monitoring by trained staff to evaluate water and power consumption and the reduction of care-related water production are essential to implement actions to reduce the impact of dialysis on the environment. These data show the importance of water treatment and dialysis technology to decrease water and power consumption and the production of care-related waste as well as upgrading or remodelling of buildings housing dialysis units. Other measures are discussed, including the reuse of rejected water by reverse osmosis, as well as behavioural changes that are needed to reach sustainable development of dialysis.

Conclusion

The first step to reach ‘green’ dialysis is to collect precise information from defined KPIs. This is the only way to design action plans to reduce the impact of dialysis therapy on the environment. Beyond this, the nephrology community must be sensitized to this challenge to be proactive and to anticipate future regulations.
Characterization of Nicotine Salts in 23 Electronic Cigarette Refill Liquids
Authors: Harvanko Arit M , Havel Christopher M , Jacob Peyton , Benowitz Neal L
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Many electronic cigarette manufacturers have begun offering liquids containing “nicotine salts,” which are formed when an acid is mixed in a solution with free-base nicotine. Type of salt could play a significant role in the abuse liability of electronic cigarette liquids. As a first step to understanding nicotine salts, this study sought to identify the types of acids present in 23 commercially available electronic cigarette liquids.

Aims and Methods

Twenty-three electronic cigarette liquids advertised as containing nicotine salts were purchased for analysis. These liquids were tested for the presence of 11 different organic acids that were deemed likely to be used in a nicotine salt formulation. Liquids were analyzed using a combination of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry methods, then compared to authentic acid standards for identification.

Results

Six of the 11 possible acids were identified in the liquids, from most to least common: lactic, benzoic, levulinic, salicyclic, malic, and tartaric acid. Acid(s) could not be identified in one of the liquids. Though most liquids contained only one type, three of the liquids contained multiple acids.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that several types of salts/acids are currently being used in electronic cigarette liquids. The type and concentration of salt(s) used in these liquids may differentially alter sensations in the throat and upper airway, and overall pharmacology of the aerosols by altering liquid pH and from flavor and sensory characteristics of the acids themselves.

Implications

This study demonstrates that at least six different types of acids are being used to create the nicotine salts in electronic cigarette liquids, with the acids lactic, benzoic, and levulinic being the most frequently identified. Identification of these acids can serve as the foundation for future research to determine if type of nicotine salt alters pharmacological and toxicological effects of electronic cigarettes.
La gestion de la douleur et de l’anxiété chez les enfants lors de brèves interventions diagnostiques et thérapeutiques
Authors: Trottier Evelyne D , Doré-Bergeron Marie-Joëlle , Chauvin-Kimoff Laurel , Baerg Krista , Ali Samina
Published: December 2019

Les interventions médicales courantes utilisées pour évaluer et traiter les patients peuvent causer une douleur et une anxiété marquées. Les cliniciens devraient adopter une approche de base pour limiter la douleur et l’anxiété chez les enfants, notamment à l’égard des interventions diagnostiques et thérapeutiques fréquentes. Le présent document de principes est axé sur les nourrissons, les enfants et les adolescents qui subissent des interventions médicales courantes mineures, mais douloureuses. Il n’aborde pas les soins prodigués à l’unité de soins intensifs néonatale. Les auteurs examinent des stratégies simples et fondées sur des données probantes pour gérer la douleur et l’anxiété et donnent des conseils pour en faire un volet essentiel de la pratique clinique. Les professionnels de la santé sont invités à utiliser des façons de procéder peu invasives et, lorsque les interventions douloureuses sont inévitables, à combiner des stratégies simples de réduction de la douleur et de l’anxiété pour améliorer l’expérience du patient, du parent et du professionnel de la santé. Les administrateurs de la santé sont encouragés à créer des politiques pour leurs établissements, à améliorer la formation et l’accès aux lignes directrices, à créer des environnements propices aux enfants et aux adolescents, à s’assurer de la disponibilité du personnel, de l’équipement et des agents pharmacologiques appropriés et à effectuer des contrôles de qualité pour garantir une gestion de la douleur optimale.
Global climate change and health in Canadian children
Authors: Buka Irena , Shea Katherine M
Published: December 2019

Climate change is a reality. Numerous expert authorities warn of the critical need to undertake and adapt environmental efforts to protect human health. Climate change is accelerating, and countries in high latitudes, such as Canada, are experiencing climate change more directly and, for some end points, more dramatically than mid- and low-latitude countries. Children are vulnerable to climate change health effects, and physicians and other health care providers need to be ready to identify, manage, and prevent climate change-related health hazards. This practice point highlights specific, climate change-related threats to the health of children and youth, and provides resources for health care providers. Climate challenges and their health impacts on children are described, based on key Canadian reports and scientifically referenced information. Enhanced awareness of the immediate and longer-term health effects of climate change on children allows physicians and other health care providers to counsel families and practice more effectively.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profile Analysis of WRKY Family Genes in the Autopolyploid Saccharum spontaneum
Authors: Li Zhen , Hua Xiuting , Zhong Weiming , Yuan Yuan , Wang Yongjun , Wang Zhengchao , Ming Ray , Zhang Jisen
Published: December 2019

WRKY is one of the largest transcription factor families in plants and plays important roles in the regulation of developmental and physiological processes. To date, the WRKY gene family has not been identified in Saccharum species because of its complex polyploid genome. In this study, a total of 294 sequences for 154 SsWRKY genes were identified in the polyploid Saccharum spontaneum genome and then named on the basis of their chromosome locations, including 13 (8.4%) genes with four alleles, 29 (18.8%) genes with three alleles and 41 (26.6%) genes with two alleles. Among them, 73.8% and 16.0% of the SsWRKY genes originated from segmental duplications and tandem duplications, respectively. The WRKY members exhibited conserved gene structures and amino acid sequences among the allelic haplotypes, which were accompanied by variations in intron sizes. Phylogenetic and collinearity analyses revealed that 27 SsWRKYs originated after the split of sorghum and Saccharum, resulting in a significantly higher number of WRKYs in sugarcane than in the proximal diploid species sorghum. The analysis of RNA-seq data revealed that SsWRKYs’ expression profiles in 46 different samples including different developmental stages revealed distinct temporal and spatial patterns with 52 genes expressed in all tissues, four genes not expressed in any tissues and 21 SsWRKY genes likely to be involved in photosynthesis. The comprehensive analysis of SsWRKYs’ expression will provide an important and valuable foundation for further investigation of the regulatory mechanisms of WRKYs in physiological roles in sugarcane S. spontaneum.
Abatacept in rheumatoid arthritis and the risk of cancer: a world observational post-marketing study
Authors: de Germay Sibylle , Bagheri Haleh , Despas Fabien , Rousseau Vanessa , Montastruc François
Published: December 2019

Objectives

We aimed to investigate whether abatacept used in patients for RA was associated with an increased risk of reporting overall cancer and specific cancers, including breast, lung, lymphoma, melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer when compared with other biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs).

Methods

We performed an observational study within VigiBase, the World Health Organization’s global database of individual case safety reports, from 2007 to 2017 to compare the cases of cancer reported in RA patients exposed to abatacept with those reported in RA patients exposed to other bDMARDs. We conducted disproportionality analyses allowing the estimation of reporting odds ratios (RORs) with 95% CIs of the exposure odds among spontaneous reporting of cancers to the exposure odds among other reported adverse effects.

Results

We identified 15 846 adverse effects reported in RA patients who received abatacept and 290 568 adverse effects reported in RA patients treated with other bDMARDs. Compared with other bDMARDs, the use of abatacept was not associated with an increased risk of reporting cancer overall [ROR 0.98 (95% CI 0.91, 1.05)]. Analyses by specific cancer sites showed a significantly increased ROR for melanoma [1.58 (95% CI 1.17, 2.08)], but not for other specific cancer sites.

Conclusion

Compared with other bDMARDs, exposure to abatacept in RA patients was only significantly associated with an increased risk of reporting melanoma. This increased risk is consistent with the properties of abatacept (CTLA-4 agonist) since it has an opposite action than ipilimumab, an antibody that blocks CTLA-4 and is approved for the treatment of malignant melanoma.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (http://clinicaltrials.gov), NCT03980639.
Comparison of methods to construct a genetic risk score for prediction of rheumatoid arthritis in the population-based Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, Norway
Authors: Rostami S , Hoff M , Brown M A , Hveem K , Videm V
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To evaluate selection methods among published single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with RA to construct predictive genetic risk scores (GRSs) in a population-based setting.

Methods

The Nord-Trøndelag Health (HUNT) Study is a prospective cohort study among the whole adult population of northern Trøndelag, Norway. Participants in HUNT2 (1995–1997) and HUNT3 (2006–2008) were included (489 RA cases, 61 584 controls). The initial SNP selection from relevant genome-wide studies included 269 SNPs from 30 studies. Following different selection criteria, SNPs were weighted by published odds ratios. The sum of each person’s carriage of all weighted susceptibility variants was calculated for each GRS.

Results

The best-fitting risk score included 27 SNPs [weighted genetic risk score 27 (wGRS27)] and was identified using P-value selection criterion ≤5 × 10−8, the largest possible SNP selection without high linkage disequilibrium (r2 < 0.8), and lasso regression to select for positive coefficients. In a logistic regression model adjusted for gender, age and ever smoking, wGRS27 was associated with RA [odds ratio 1.86 (95% CI 1.71, 2.04) for each s.d. increase, P < 0.001]. The AUC was 0.76 (95% CI 0.74, 0.78). The positive and negative predictive values were 1.6% and 99.7%, respectively, and the positive predictive value was not improved in sensitivity analyses subselecting participants to illustrate settings with increased RA prevalences. Other schemes selected more SNPs but resulted in GRSs with lower predictive ability.

Conclusion

Constructing a wGRS based on a smaller selection of informative SNPs improved predictive ability. Even with a relatively high AUC, the low PPV illustrates that there was a large overlap in risk variants among RA patients and controls, precluding clinical usefulness.
ELECTRON EYE-LENS OPERATIONAL DOSE COEFFICIENTS
Authors: Dubeau J , Sun J
Published: December 2019

In 2012, the International Commission on Radiological Protection issued a recommendation for a reduced annual eye-lens dose limit in the face of mounting evidence of the risk of cataract induction. This led to worldwide research efforts in various areas including the dose simulation in realistic eye-models, the production of dosimeters and the elaboration of protection and operation fluence to eye-lens dose coefficients. In this last case, much efforts have been expanded with regards to photon operational coefficients for Hp (3) but much less for electron radiation. In this work, Hp (3) coefficients for electrons are presented following simulations using MCNP and compared to those that are available in the literature. It is found that, at energies of 1 MeV and less, Hp (3) coefficients depend strongly on the selected electron transport options and on the dose tally volume. The effect of these differences is demonstrated for two beta emitters.
An Ecological Systems Framework for Professional Resilience in Social Work Practice
Authors: Newell Jason M
Published: December 2019

The cumulative effects of chronic work-related stress pervasively and persistently affect the well-being of the human services workforce. As a preventive measure, the ongoing commitment to self-care strategies and resources is essential in maintaining a healthy and resilient professional quality of life. This article describes a holistic approach to cultivating professional resilience through the ongoing practice of self-care. A model for self-care using an ecological systems framework with activities across the biological, interpersonal, organizational, familial, peer-related, spiritual, and recreational aspects of the biopsychosocial self is proposed. Within this model, emphasis is placed on the role of compassion satisfaction and vicarious resilience as key components to fostering meaningful and rewarding careers for social workers.
The prevalence and risk factors for human Brucella species infection in a cross-sectional survey of a rural population in Punjab, India
Authors: Mangtani Punam , Berry Isha , Beauvais Wendy , Holt Hannah R , Kulashri Amit , Bharti Satinder , Sagar Vivek , Nguipdop-Djomo Patrick , Bedi Jasbir , Kaur Manmeet , Guitian Javier , McGiven John , Kaur Paviter , Singh Gill Jatinder P , Grover Gagandeep Singh , Kumar Rajesh
Published: December 2019

Background

Brucellosis is an important neglected zoonosis. Effective cattle vaccines are available but are infrequently used in India, where rural households commonly own one or two cattle as sources of protein and income. We assessed the prevalence of infection and risk factors in humans.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional sero-survey in randomly selected individuals in 60 villages in Punjab. Infection prevalence was assessed by positive Rose Bengal testing or immunoglobulin G enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Risk factors were adjusted for potential confounding using multivariable analyses.

Results

Of the 1927 subjects who were approached, 93% agreed to participate. Age-standardised prevalence for Brucella infection was 2.24% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.61 to 3.11). More than 60% of households kept cattle and 10% assisted with calving or abortions. Nearly all individuals consumed boiled cow/buffalo milk from their own or neighbours' cattle and 3.3% consumed goat’s milk. There was a 2.18 times increased odds (95% CI 0.96 to 4.95) of infection with calving/abortions and a 4.26 times increased odds (95% CI 1.33 to 13.6) with goat’s milk but not bovine milk consumption.

Conclusions

An association with calving/abortions and goat’s milk consumption was seen. Brucella vaccination of household livestock would reduce the risk to humans in such settings. Additional measures include biosecurity training around calving/abortions, education to boil all milk and for healthcare workers to test for brucellosis.
The Role of Historical Christian Missions in the Location of World Bank Aid in Africa
Authors: Alpino Matteo , Hammersmark Eivind Moe
Published: December 2019

This article documents a positive and sizable correlation between the location of historical Christian missions and the allocation of present-day World Bank aid at the grid-cell level in Africa. The correlation is robust to an extensive set of geographical and historical control variables that predict settlement of missions. The study finds no correlation with aid effectiveness, as measured by project ratings and survey-based development indicators. Mission areas display a different political aid cycle than other areas, whereby new projects are less likely to arrive in years with new presidents. Hence, political connections between mission areas and central governments could be one likely explanation for the correlation between missions and aid.
Mitophagy contributes to endothelial adaptation to simulated microgravity
Authors: Locatelli Laura , Cazzaniga Alessandra , De Palma Clara , Castiglioni Sara , Maier Jeanette A. M.
Published: December 2019

Exposure to real or simulated microgravity is sensed as a stress by mammalian cells, which activate a complex adaptive response. In human primary endothelial cells, we have recently shown the sequential intervention of various stress proteins which are crucial to prevent apoptosis and maintain cell function. We here demonstrate that mitophagy contributes to endothelial adaptation to gravitational unloading. After 4 and 10 d of exposure to simulated microgravity in the rotating wall vessel, the amount of BCL2 interacting protein 3, a marker of mitophagy, is increased and, in parallel, mitochondrial content, oxygen consumption, and maximal respiratory capacity are reduced, suggesting the acquisition of a thrifty phenotype to meet the novel metabolic challenges generated by gravitational unloading. Moreover, we suggest that microgravity induced‐disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton triggers mitophagy, thus creating a connection between cytoskeletal dynamics and mitochondrial content upon gravitational unloading.
DDIT4 gene expression is switched on by a new HDAC4 function in ataxia telangiectasia
Authors: Ricci Anastasia , Galluzzi Luca , Magnani Mauro , Menotta Michele
Published: December 2019

Ataxia telangiectasia (AT) is a rare, severe, and ineluctably progressive multisystemic neurodegenerative disease. Histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) nuclear accumulation has been related to neurodegeneration in AT. Since treatment with glucocorticoid analogues has been shown to improve the neurological symptoms that characterize this syndrome, the effects of dexamethasone on HDAC4 were investigated. In this paper, we describe a novel nonepigenetic function of HDAC4 induced by dexamethasone, through which it can directly modulate HIF‐1a activity and promote the upregulation of the DDIT4 gene and protein expression. This new HDAC4 transcription regulation mechanism leads to a positive effect on autophagic flux, an AT‐compromised biological pathway. This signaling was specifically induced by dexamethasone only in AT cell lines and can contribute in explaining the positive effects of dexamethasone observed in AT‐treated patients.
Development of an Alarm Algorithm, With Nanotechnology Multimodal Sensor, to Predict Impending Infusion Failure and Improve Safety of Peripheral Intravenous Catheters in Neonates
Authors: Bosque Elena M.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Peripheral intravenous catheters connected to an infusion pump are necessary for the delivery of fluids, nutrition, and medications to hospitalized neonates but are not without complications. These adverse events contribute to hospital-acquired patient harm. An artificial intelligence theory called fuzzy logic may allow the use of appropriate variables to predict infusion failure.

Purpose:

This innovative study aimed to develop an intravenous infusion nanotechnology monitoring system that would alert the nurse to impending peripheral intravenous infusion failure.

Methods:

An intravenous infusion nanotechnology monitoring system, using predictor variables of pressure, pH, and oxygen saturation used in a fuzzy logic alarm algorithm was developed to alert the nurse to impending peripheral intravenous infusion failure.

Findings:

The developed intravenous infusion nanotechnology monitoring system is composed of a peripheral intravenous catheter with nanotechnology multimodal sensor, an intravenous pump, a fuzzy logic algorithm, and alarm. For example, using this system, an elevated in-line pressure, a low pH, and a low venous oxygen level would generate an alarm for possible impending infusion failure.

Implications for Practice:

With further development, this technology may help nurses predict and prevent adverse outcomes from intravenous infusions. This work shows how nurses can be content experts and innovators of technology that they use to make clinical decisions.

Implications for Research:

After regulatory approval, a randomized controlled trial may be performed to investigate whether interventions at the time of an alarm would result in fewer adverse outcomes and improve safety.
Induction treatment prior to chemoradiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: triplet or doublet chemotherapy?
Authors: Hennessy Maeve A. , Morris Patrick G.
Published: December 2019

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignancy that is endemic in Asia. The current standard of care for loco-regionally advanced disease is platinum-based concurrent chemo-radiotherapy. However, relapse remains a common issue. Phase II trials have shown encouraging results when induction chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin is added to chemo-radiation. In a major recent advance, a phase III trial demonstrated significantly improved recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) for this approach compared to chemo-radiotherapy alone. Results from this trial showed a 4.3% improvement in OS over standard therapy at 3 years, (94.6% vs 90.3%), with an expected increase in acute adverse events. In this article, we put this treatment in context of other proven approaches in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. There is a lack of comparative data in relation to the optimal induction regimen. It remains to be seen whether or not treatment with the gemcitabine-cisplatin doublet differs significantly from the established induction triplet of docetaxel, cisplatin and fluorouracil (TPF) with regard to efficacy or toxicity, but it is likely that many more patients would tolerate gemcitabine-cisplatin compared to TPF. Immunotherapy could prove a promising strategy in combination with induction therapy. Future treatment strategies for nasopharyngeal carcinoma will likely adopt a more personalised approach.