bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parasitological and immunological evaluation of a novel chemotherapeutic agent against visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Pereira Isabela A. G. , Mendonça Débora V. C. , Tavares Grasiele S. V. , Lage Daniela P. , Ramos Fernanda F. , Oliveira‐da‐Silva João A. , Antinarelli Luciana M. R. , Machado Amanda S. , Carvalho Lívia M. , Carvalho Ana Maria R. S. , Salustiano Iorrana V. , Reis Thiago A. R. , Bandeira Raquel S. , Silva Alessandra M. , Martins Vívian T. , Chávez‐Fumagalli Miguel A. , Humbert Maria V. , Roatt Bruno M. , Duarte Mariana C. , Menezes‐Souza Daniel , Coimbra Elaine S. , Leite João Paulo V. , Coelho Eduardo A. F. , Gonçalves Denise U.
Published: August 2020

Aims

Treatment for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is hampered by the toxicity and/or high cost of drugs, as well as by emergence of parasite resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new antileishmanial agents.

Methods and Results

In this study, the antileishmanial activity of a diprenylated flavonoid called 5,7,3,4’‐tetrahydroxy‐6,8‐diprenylisoflavone (CMt) was tested against Leishmania infantum and L amazonensis species. Results showed that CMt presented selectivity index (SI) of 70.0 and 165.0 against L infantum and L amazonensis promastigotes, respectively, and of 181.9 and 397.8 against respective axenic amastigotes. Amphotericin B (AmpB) showed lower SI values of 9.1 and 11.1 against L infantum and L amazonensis promastigotes, respectively, and of 12.5 and 14.3 against amastigotes, respectively. CMt was effective in the treatment of infected macrophages and caused alterations in the parasite mitochondria. L infantum‐infected mice treated with miltefosine, CMt alone or incorporated in polymeric micelles (CMt/Mic) presented significant reductions in the parasite load in distinct organs, when compared to the control groups. An antileishmanial Th1‐type cellular and humoral immune response were developed one and 15 days after treatment, with CMt/Mic‐treated mice presenting a better protective response.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that CMt/Mic could be evaluated as a chemotherapeutic agent against VL.
Alterations in leaf photosynthetic electron transport in Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) under different light intensity and soil water conditions
Authors: Liu X. , Gao S. , Liu Y. , Cao B. , Chen Z. , Xu K.
Published: August 2020

Welsh onions (Allium fistulosum L.) are often affected by stressful environments, such as high light and drought, during summer cultivation, which hinders their growth.

We used CO2 assimilation, OJIP transient and MR curves to analyse the photosynthetic characteristics of Welsh onion.

The results showed that single high light stress caused a decrease in the net photosynthesis rate through stomatal limitation, while the single drought treatment and the combined stress induced nonstomatal limitation. FO and FJ increased, Fm decreased, and a distinct K‐phase was induced. High light and drought stress blocked MR transients, leading to a gradual decrease in VPSI and VPSII‐PSI.

In general, photosynthesis of Welsh onion was inhibited by high light and drought, which destroyed the receptor and donor side of PSII and reduced electron transport capacity of PSII and PSI.
A novel study approach on Scutellaria altissima L. cultivated at the Ghirardi Botanic Garden (Lombardy, Italy)
Authors: Giuliani C. , Bottoni M. , Ascrizzi R. , Santagostini L. , Papini A. , Flamini G. , Fico G.
Published: August 2020

Within an Open Science project, research was carried out to describe to the public of the Ghirardi Botanic Garden (BS, Lombardy, Italy) the invisible features of plants. This work is dedicated to Scutellaria altissima L. (Lamiaceae).

Micromorphological, histochemical and phytochemical investigations were conducted on the vegetative and reproductive organs to correlate the structures involved in the emission of substances and their unique productivity. This work reports volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles of leaves and flowers and the composition of essential oil (EO) obtained from aerial parts of plants cultivated in Italy that have never been described before.

Three morphotypes of glandular trichomes were observed: peltate, short‐stalked capitate and long‐stalked capitate. Peltate trichomes were the main producers of terpenes, short‐stalked capitates of polysaccharides and long‐stalked capitates of terpenes and polyphenols. The leaf VOC profile showed heterogeneous composition, with non‐terpene derivatives as the major chemical class (71.04%), while monoterpene hydrocarbons represented almost the totality of the flower (99.73%). The leaf presented a higher number of total (37 versus 11) and exclusive (33 versus 7) compounds. (Z)‐3‐Hexenol acetate was most abundant in the leaf and (E)‐β‐ocimene in the flower. Four common compounds were detected: β‐pinene, β‐caryophyllene, γ‐muurolene and germacrene‐D. The EO contaied 21 compounds, dominated by β‐caryophyllene, linalool and hexahydrofarnesyl acetone.

This research allowed us to correlate morphotypes of the secretory structures with the production of secondary metabolites, with the aim of providing the public of the Ghirardi Botanic Garden with a dedicated iconographic approach, which accounts for olfactory perception linked to S. altissima.
The morphological and physiological basis of delayed pollination overcoming pre‐fertilization cross‐incompatibility in Nicotiana
Authors: Chen S. ‐Y. , Zhang J. ‐W. , Wei X. ‐M. , Tao K. ‐L. , Niu Y. ‐Z. , Pan L , Zheng Y. ‐Y. , Ma W. ‐G. , Wang M. ‐Q. , Ou X. ‐K. , Liao J. ‐G.
Published: August 2020

Delayed pollination is widely used to overcome pre‐fertilization incompatibility, but its regulatory mechanisms are unclear. When Nicotiana tabacum was cross‐pollinated with pollen of N. alata, the incompatibility occurring in the basal 1/4 region of the style (pollinated at anthesis: 0‐day‐old pistil) was overcome by delayed pollination (of 6‐day‐old pistil), and the morphological changes and corresponding physiological basis are explored here.

The structure and ultrastructure of the pistil were observed under fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Differentially expressed proteins were screened with a monoclonal antibody chip for Nicotiana, and protein expression and distribution were analysed by immunofluorescence. Cellulase and pectinase activities were tested using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits.

The style of Nicotiana is solid in the basal region and pollen tubes grow in the extracellular spaces (ECM) of the transmitting tissue (TTS) cells. Seven of the 22 identified proteins were cell wall‐associated proteins and were expressed at higher levels during pistil senescence. Cellulase and pectinase activities increased. The TTS cells in the basal 1/4 region of the 0‐day‐old style were polygonal and tightly arranged, with narrow ECM, but these were oval or partially dissolved in the 6‐day‐old pistil, leading to wider ECM and richer secretions.

The increased expression of cell wall proteins and enhanced enzyme activity during pistil senescence might partially be responsible for the cells becoming oval and the ECM enlarged, providing the morphological basis for delayed pollination overcoming the pre‐fertilization incompatibility between N. tabacum and N. alata.
Postfire growth of seeded and planted big sagebrush—strategic designs for restoring greater sage‐grouse nesting habitat
Authors: Pyke David A. , Shriver Robert K. , Arkle Robert S. , Pilliod David S. , Aldridge Cameron L. , Coates Peter S. , Germino Matthew J. , Heinrichs Julie A. , Ricca Mark A. , Shaff Scott E.
Published: August 2020

Wildfires change plant community structure and impact wildlife habitat and population dynamics. Recent wildfire‐induced losses of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) in North American shrublands are outpacing natural recovery and leading to substantial losses in habitat for sagebrush‐obligate species such as greater sage‐grouse. Managers are considering restoration strategies that include planting container‐grown sagebrush to improve establishment within areas using more conventional seeding methods. Although it is thought that planting sagebrush provides initial structural advantages over seeding, empirical comparisons of sagebrush growth are lacking between individuals established postfire using both methods. Using a Bayesian hierarchical approach, we evaluated sagebrush height and canopy area growth rates for plants established in 26 seeded and 20 planted locations within the Great Basin. We then related recovery rates to previously published nesting habitat requirements for sage‐grouse. Under average weather conditions, planted or seeded sagebrush will require 3 or 4 years, respectively, and a relatively high density (≥2 plants/m2) to achieve the minimum recommended canopy cover for sage‐grouse (15%). Sagebrush grown in warmer and drier conditions met this cover goal months earlier. Although planted sagebrush reached heights to meet sage‐grouse nesting requirements (30 cm) 1 year earlier than seeded plants, seeded individuals were approximately 19 cm taller with 410 cm2 more canopy area than planted sagebrush after 8 years. However, big sagebrush establishment from seed is unreliable. Strategically planting small, high‐density patches of container‐grown sagebrush in historic sage‐grouse nesting habitat combined with lower density seedings in larger surrounding areas may accelerate sage‐grouse habitat restoration.
Futuristic restoration: an oxymoronic paradigm for an idiosyncratic place in time
Authors: Pape Timothy
Published: August 2020

Restoration ecology has grown in political prominence in the past decades with the United Nations General Assembly's declaration of 2021–2030 the “UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration” representing a highly visible vindication for the discipline. That said, questions of environmental justice, economic practicality, and ethics need to be considered when climate change and environmental degradation are factored into restoration projects. This article builds on previous calls for a paradigm of ecological restoration which looks toward the future, and not the past. Future‐oriented restoration projects should: (1) examine how restored ecosystems will affect local and disadvantaged communities; (2) assess whether the restoration goals will improve human health and safety; (3) evaluate how financially feasible the goals are from a systems perspective; and (4) strive for transparency of the values that inform such projects. The concept of sustainability and how it applies to restoration ecology will also be discussed.
Estimating Densities with Non-Linear Support by Using Fisher–Gaussian Kernels
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Minerva , Li Didong , Dunson David B.
Published: August 2020

Current tools for multivariate density estimation struggle when the density is concentrated near a non-linear subspace or manifold. Most approaches require the choice of a kernel, with the multivariate Gaussian kernel by far the most commonly used. Although heavy-tailed and skewed extensions have been proposed, such kernels cannot capture curvature in the support of the data. This leads to poor performance unless the sample size is very large relative to the dimension of the data. The paper proposes a novel generalization of the Gaussian distribution, which includes an additional curvature parameter. We refer to the proposed class as Fisher–Gaussian kernels, since they arise by sampling from a von Mises–Fisher density on the sphere and adding Gaussian noise. The Fisher–Gaussian density has an analytic form and is amenable to straightforward implementation within Bayesian mixture models by using Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling. We provide theory on large support and illustrate gains relative to competitors in simulated and real data applications.
A Hierarchical Mixed Effect Hurdle Model for Spatiotemporal Count Data and its Application to Identifying Factors Impacting Health Professional Shortages
Authors: Ghosal Soutik , Lau Timothy S. , Gaskins Jeremy , Kong Maiying
Published: August 2020

Count data are common in many fields such as public health. Hurdle models have been developed to model count data when the zero count could be either inflated or deflated. However, when data are repeatedly collected over time and spatially correlated, it is very challenging to model the data appropriately. For example, to study health professional shortage areas, the number of primary care physicians along with other demographic characteristics are collected at the county level in the USA and over different years. Since the data are repeatedly collected over time, counties are nested within the state, and adjacent counties are geographically correlated, the dependence structure of the data is very complex. We develop a Bayesian hurdle model with multilayered random effects to incorporate this complex structure. We use a time-varying random effect for each state to capture the time effect at the state level, and a temporal thin plate spline to capture the spatiotemporal correlation across different counties. We use STAN to obtain samples for inference from the posterior distribution. By using the model proposed, we can identify the important factors which impact health professional shortage areas. Simulation studies also confirm the effectiveness of the model.
Autostratigraphic modelling of the growth of alluvial‐shelf systems during steady base‐level cycles: Two‐dimensional tank experiments
Authors: Wang Junhui , Muto Tetsuji
Published: August 2020

Autostratigraphy is the stratigraphy generated by large‐scale autogenesis, developed based on the full recognition of the non‐equilibrium behaviour of depositional systems in response to steady external forcing. The existing autostratigraphic concepts were derived mostly from studies of river deltas growing during a single rise or fall of base level (or relative sea level). The present study challenges to extend the autostratigraphic framework to the alluvial‐shelf system growing through steady base‐level cycles by two‐dimensional tank experiments. During each experimental run, the base level was changed symmetrically, wherein through cycles, the rise and fall had the same constant rate (|Rbl|) and period (Tbl), and thus the same constant amplitude (Abl), but with no basin tectonism. In total, nine runs with different combinations of |Rbl| and Abl were performed. The experimental results brought the following implications. (i) The shelf‐transiting active depositional system takes non‐equilibrium responses in earlier base‐level cycles, during each of which the system experiences episodes of degradation with base‐level fall. (ii) After the system has sufficiently grown through cycles, non‐equilibrium responses change into equilibrium responses, whereby the shelf‐transiting alluvial system, whether retrogradational or progradational, is free from degradation and continues to aggrade but with a gradually decreasing rate of aggradation. (iii) The alluvial topset river tentatively but autogenically attains a graded state during the falling limb of an intermediate cycle, which separates the earlier degradation‐inclusive and later aggradation‐sustainable cycles. (iv) The number (or duration) of cycles elapsed prior to this phase‐transition is linearly proportional to the amplitude (or the square of the period) of base‐level cycles, with a coefficient defined by the rates of base‐level change and sediment supply. Such a growth pattern does not necessarily hold when considering long‐term tectonic subsidence or uplift. These notions help to understand the stratigraphic architectures of natural alluvial‐shelf systems evolved through base level cycles.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐A*24:470 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Genebrier Steve , Elsermans Vincent , Texeraud Emeric , Bertrand Gérald , Renac Virginie
Published: August 2020

A*24:470 differs from A*24:02:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at position 46 in exon 1.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐B*07:381 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Genebrier Steve , Elsermans Vincent , Texeraud Emeric , Bertrand Gerald , Renac Virginie
Published: August 2020

HLA‐B*07:381 differs from B*07:02:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at position 1046 in exon 7.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐B*07:384 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Genebrier Steve , Elsermans Vincent , Nivet Carl , Chérel Mathilde , Renac Virginie
Published: August 2020

B*07:384 differs from B*07:02:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at position 472 in exon 3.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐B*07:385 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Genebrier Steve , Elsermans Vincent , Texeraud Emeric , Bertrand Gerald , Renac Virginie
Published: August 2020

B*07:385 differs from B*07:02:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at position 660 in exon 4.
Cytomegalovirus DNA load monitoring in stool specimens for anticipating the occurrence of intestinal acute graft‐versus‐host disease following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Is it of any value?
Authors: Bueno Felipe , Albert Eliseo , Giménez Estela , Piñana José Luis , Pérez Ariadna , Gómez María Dolores , Hernández‐Boluda Juan Carlos , Gonzalez‐Barberá Eva María , Montoro Juan , Guerreiro Manuel , Balaguer‐Roselló Aitana , Hernani Rafael , Sanz Jaime , Solano Carlos , Navarro David
Published: August 2020

Background

Data have been published suggesting a bidirectional interaction between cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGvHD) in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo‐HSCT) recipients. Here, we hypothesized that prospective CMV DNA monitoring in stool specimens may be useful for predicting subsequent occurrence of intestinal aGvHD (IaGvHD).

Methods

This two‐center study enrolled 121 consecutive adult patients undergoing any modality of allo‐HSCT. A total of 1,009 stool specimens were collected (a median of 7 specimens/patient; range, 1‐18). CMV DNA monitoring in stools and plasma was performed using real‐time PCR assays.

Results

CMV DNA was detected in stools in 20 patients (cumulative incidence, 16.9%; 95% CI, 6.3%‐31.8%). Median CMV DNA level in stool specimens was 1,258 IU/0.1g (range, 210‐4,087 IU/0.1 g). All these patients and their donors were CMV seropositive, and 16 of the 20 patients also had CMV DNAemia, while 4 patients had CMV DNA detected in stools without CMV DNAemia. No correlation was found between CMV DNA loads in plasma and stools (P = .40). Prior CMV DNAemia, aGvHD, or IaGvHD were not associated with presence of CMV DNA in feces. IaGvHD was present in 30 patients, in 5 of whom CMV DNA was detected in stools. Neither detection of CMV DNA in feces nor in plasma was associated with subsequent IaGvHD (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.18‐2.52; P = .55 and OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.38‐1.96; P = .71, respectively). No patient in this cohort had CMV end‐organ disease within the study period.

Conclusion

Our study failed to provide evidence pointing to a reciprocal interaction between GI CMV infection and IaGvHD. CMV DNA monitoring in stools seems of no value to anticipate occurrence of IaGvHD.
Integrative omic and transgenic analyses reveal the positive effect of ultraviolet‐B irradiation on salvianolic acid biosynthesis through upregulation of SmNAC1
Authors: Yin Xiaojian , Fan Hui , Chen Yan , Li Lan‐Zhu , Song Wei , Fan Yuanming , Zhou Wei , Ma Gaoxiang , Alolga Raphael N. , Li Weiqiang , Zhang Baolong , Li Ping , Tran Lam‐Son P. , Lu Xu , Qi Lian‐Wen
Published: August 2020

Salvianolic acids (SalAs), a group of secondary metabolites in Salvia miltiorrhiza, are widely used for treating cerebrovascular diseases. Their biosynthesis is modulated by a variety of abiotic factors, including ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) irradiation; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, an integrated metabolomic, proteomic, and transcriptomic approach coupled with transgenic analyses was employed to dissect the mechanisms underlying UV‐B irradiation‐induced SalA biosynthesis. Results of metabolomics showed that 28 metabolites, including 12 SalAs, were elevated in leaves of UV‐B‐treated S. miltiorrhiza. Meanwhile, the contents of several phytohormones, including jasmonic acid and salicylic acid, which positively modulate the biosynthesis of SalAs, also increased in UV‐B‐treated S. miltiorrhiza. Consistently, 20 core biosynthetic enzymes and numerous transcription factors that are involved in SalA biosynthesis were elevated in treated samples as indicated by a comprehensive proteomic analysis. Correlation and gene expression analyses demonstrated that the NAC1 gene, encoding a NAC transcriptional factor, was positively involved in UV‐B‐induced SalA biosynthesis. Accordingly, overexpression and RNA interference of NAC1 increased and decreased SalA contents, respectively, through regulation of key biosynthetic enzymes. Furthermore, ChIP‐qPCR and Dual‐LUC assays showed that NAC1 could directly bind to the CATGTG and CATGTC motifs present in the promoters of the SalA biosynthesis‐related genes PAL3 and TAT3, respectively, and activate their expression. Our results collectively demonstrate that NAC1 plays a crucial role in UV‐B irradiation‐induced SalA biosynthesis. Taken together, our findings provide mechanistic insights into the UV‐B‐induced SalA biosynthesis in S. miltiorrhiza, and shed light on a great potential for the development of SalA‐abundant varieties through genetic engineering.
Towards a geographical account of shame: Foodbanks, austerity, and the spaces of austere affective governmentality
Authors: Strong Samuel
Published: August 2020

This paper is about shame, its geographies, and its role in the government of conduct in austerity Britain. Drawing on ethnographic and interview data from a Trussell Trust foodbank in the Valleys of South Wales, the geography of shame is investigated through its spatiality, temporality, and politics. This paper demonstrates how shame is a central framework for understanding the contested politics of austerity both in the places it creates and through the feelings, behaviours, and values it encourages.
Effects of a Web‐Based Educational Support Intervention on Total Exercise and Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Adults With Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Wong Eliza Mi‐Ling , Leung Doris Y. P. , Chair Sek‐Ying , Sit Janet W. H.
Published: August 2020

Background

eHealth educational programs have proven to be an effective means for health promotion, yet limited studies have been conducted for coronary heart disease (CHD) patients to improve their total physical exercise, self‐efficacy for exercise, and cardiovascular risk factor profile.

Method

A prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in two cardiac clinics in Hong Kong. Four hundred thirty‐eight eligible CHD clients were randomly assigned to either the control or the intervention group. All of the participants received standard care, which consisted of regular medical and nursing care in the cardiac clinic. The intervention group received an additional web‐based educational support intervention (eHES), which consisted of a 20‐minute individual educational session on the use of the eHES web link. The eHES web link contains a health information platform related to CHD care and an individual member area with records of health measures and physical exercise data for six months. Data were collected at baseline, at three‐month and six‐month intervals at the cardiac clinic. The primary outcome was the total amount of physical exercise, measured by the Godin–Shephard Leisure‐Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. The secondary outcomes were self‐efficacy for exercise and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers (body weight, blood pressure, lipid profile). The data were analyzed using a generalized estimating equations model.

Results

The intervention group reported a statistically higher amount of physical exercise and a higher HDL‐C at 3 and 6 months, respectively. There were no statistical differences between the groups in self‐efficacy for exercise and other CVD risk markers.

Linking Evidence to Action

The study demonstrated the effectiveness of the eHES in meeting the challenge of boosting the amount of physical exercise and increase HDL‐C among CHD patients who engaged for over three months. The results provide insight for eHealth development to support and promote exercise among CHD patients in the community.
Atypical diabetes: a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Sjöholm Åke
Published: August 2020

In medical school, we learned how to classify diabetes according to different clinical characteristics. However, at the dawn of the precision medicine era, it is clear that today’s clinical reality does not always align well with textbook teachings. The terms juvenile versus elderly-onset diabetes, as well as insulin-dependent versus non-insulin-dependent diabetes, have become obsolete. Contrary to what is often taught severe ketoacidosis may occur in type 2 diabetes. Patients may also suffer from two or more forms of diabetes simultaneously or consecutively. Five authentic cases of diabetes with uncommon characteristics that pose diagnostic challenges are presented here.
Generating national projections of dementia cases for Ireland using a calibrated macro-simulation model
Authors: Pierse Tom , Keogh Fiona , O'Neill Stephen
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Epidemiological data on dementia is not available in many European countries and regions due to the high cost and complexity of conducting large scale dementia screening studies. The available epidemiological studies identify potentially substantial variation in the prevalence of dementia over time and across Europe.

Methods

In this paper we generate simulations of the number of dementia cases in Ireland from 1991 to 2036 using a three-state Markov illness-death model. Parameters values are selected for each simulation from a range using a random parameter search pattern. We employ a novel calibration method which exploits the strong relationship between dementia, ageing and mortality. Simulation weights are generated based on differences between observed and modelled cohorts of older people and the reported number of deaths from dementia. Irish Census data from 1991 to 2016 and the number of recorded deaths due to dementia in 2018 are used as calibration points. A weighted average projection of the number of dementia cases is generated.

Results

We estimate a weighted average number of cases of dementia in 2016 of 54 877 increasing to 98 946 in 2036; this estimate is substantially lower than the estimates generated using extrapolation methods. We show the wide range of possible outcomes given the range in the available parameter estimates and show that irrespective of whether the incidence rate of dementia is declining the number of cases of dementia is rapidly increasing due to population ageing.

Conclusion

Previous studies have used parameter estimates from meta-analyses of the literature or from individual studies. In this paper we supplement these with a calibration approach using observed cause of death and population age structure data. These additional sources of data can be used to generate estimates of dementia prevalence in any country or region which has census data and data on deaths due to dementia.
Associations between antenatal and perinatal risk factors and cerebral palsy: a Swedish cohort study
Authors: Jöud Anna , Sehlstedt Andréa , Källén Karin , Westbom Lena , Rylander Lars
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To investigate known and suggested risk factors associated with cerebral palsy in a Swedish birth cohort, stratified by gestational age.

Setting

Information on all births between 1995 and 2014 in Skåne, the southernmost region in Sweden, was extracted from the national birth register.

Participants

The cohort comprised a total of 215 217 children. Information on confirmed cerebral palsy and subtype was collected from the national quality register for cerebral palsy (Cerebral Palsy Follow-up Surveillance Programme).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We calculated the prevalence of risk factors suggested to be associated with cerebral palsy and used logistic regression models to investigate the associations between potential risk factors and cerebral palsy. All analyses were stratified by gestational age; term (≥37 weeks), moderately or late preterm (32–36 weeks) and very preterm (<32 weeks).

Results

In all, 381 (0.2 %) children were assigned a cerebral palsy diagnosis. Among term children, maternal preobesity/obesity, small for gestational age, malformations, induction, elective and emergency caesarian section, Apgar <7 at 5 min and admission to neonatal care were significantly associated with cerebral palsy (all p values<0.05). Among children born moderately or late preterm, small for gestational age, malformations, elective and emergency caesarian section and admission to neonatal care were all associated with cerebral palsy (all p values <0.05), whereas among children born very preterm no factors were significantly associated with the outcome (all p values>0.05).

Conclusion

Our results support and strengthen previous findings on factors associated with cerebral palsy. The complete lack of significant associations among children born very preterm probably depends on to the small number of children with cerebral palsy in this group.
Risk factors for pain and functional impairment in people with knee and hip osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sandhar Sandeep , Smith Toby O , Toor Kavanbir , Howe Franklyn , Sofat Nidhi
Published: August 2020

Objective

To identify risk factors for pain and functional deterioration in people with knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) to form the basis of a future ‘stratification tool’ for OA development or progression.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

An electronic search of the literature databases, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science (1990–February 2020), was conducted. Studies that identified risk factors for pain and functional deterioration to knee and hip OA were included. Where data and study heterogeneity permitted, meta-analyses presenting mean difference (MD) and ORs with corresponding 95% CIs were undertaken. Where this was not possible, a narrative analysis was undertaken. The Downs & Black tool assessed methodological quality of selected studies before data extraction. Pooled analysis outcomes were assessed and reported using the Grading of Reccomendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results

82 studies (41 810 participants) were included. On meta-analysis: there was moderate quality evidence that knee OA pain was associated with factors including: Kellgren and Lawrence≥2 (MD: 2.04, 95% CI 1.48 to 2.81; p<0.01), increasing age (MD: 1.46, 95% CI 0.26 to 2.66; p=0.02) and whole-organ MRI scoring method (WORMS) knee effusion score ≥1 (OR: 1.35, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.83; p=0.05). On narrative analysis: knee OA pain was associated with factors including WORMS meniscal damage ≥1 (OR: 1.83). Predictors of joint pain in hip OA were large acetabular bone marrow lesions (BML; OR: 5.23), chronic widespread pain (OR: 5.02) and large hip BMLs (OR: 4.43).

Conclusions

Our study identified risk factors for clinical pain in OA by imaging measures that can assist in predicting and stratifying people with knee/hip OA. A ‘stratification tool’ combining verified risk factors that we have identified would allow selective stratification based on pain and structural outcomes in OA.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018117643.
Gastric residual volume measurement in British neonatal intensive care units: a survey of practice
Authors: Dorling Jon , Tume Lyvonne , Arch Barbara , Woolfall Kerry , Latten Lynne , Roper Louise , Deja Elizabeth , Pathan Nazima , Eccleson Helen , Hickey Helen , Brown Michaela , Beissel Anne , Andrzejewska Izabela , Valla Frederic , Gale Chris
Published: August 2020

Objective

Despite little evidence, the practice of routine gastric residual volume (GRV) measurement to guide enteral feeding in neonatal units is widespread. Due to increased interest in this practice, and to examine trial feasibility, we aimed to determine enteral feeding and GRV measurement practices in British neonatal units.

Design and setting

An online survey was distributed via email to all neonatal units and networks in England, Scotland and Wales. A clinical nurse, senior doctor and dietitian were invited to collaboratively complete the survey and submit a copy of relevant guidelines.

Results

95/184 (51.6%) approached units completed the survey, 81/95 (85.3%) reported having feeding guidelines and 28 guidelines were submitted for review. The majority of units used intermittent (90/95) gastric feeds as their primary feeding method. 42/95 units reported specific guidance for measuring and interpreting GRV. 20/90 units measured GRV before every feed, 39/90 at regular time intervals (most commonly four to six hourly 35/39) and 26/90 when felt to be clinically indicated. Most units reported uncertainty on the utility of aspirate volume for guiding feeding decisions; 13/90 reported that aspirate volume affected decisions ‘very much’. In contrast, aspirate colour was reported to affect decisions ‘very much’ by 37/90 of responding units. Almost half, 44/90, routinely returned aspirates to the stomach.

Conclusions

Routine GRV measurement is part of standard practice in British neonatal units, although there was inconsistency in how frequently to measure or how to interpret the aspirate. Volume was considered less important than colour of the aspirate.
Discovery and validation of surfaceN-glycoproteins in MM cell lines and patient samples uncovers immunotherapy targets
Authors: Oldham Robyn A A , Faber Mary L , Keppel Theodore R , Buchberger Amanda R , Waas Matthew , Hari Parameswaran , Gundry Rebekah L , Medin Jeffrey A
Published: August 2020

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by clonal expansion of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. While recent advances in treatment for MM have improved patient outcomes, the 5-year survival rate remains ~50%. A better understanding of the MM cell surface proteome could facilitate development of new directed therapies and assist in stratification and monitoring of patient outcomes.

Methods

In this study, we first used a mass spectrometry (MS)-based discovery-driven cell surface capture (CSC) approach to map the cell surfaceN-glycoproteome of MM cell lines. Next, we developed targeted MS assays, and applied these to cell lines and primary patient samples to refine the list of candidate tumor markers. Candidates of interest detected by MS on MM patient samples were further validated using flow cytometry (FCM).

Results

We identified 696 MM cell surfaceN-glycoproteins by CSC, and developed 73 targeted MS detection assays. MS-based validation using primary specimens detected 30 proteins with significantly higher abundance in patient MM cells than controls. Nine of these proteins were identified as potential immunotherapeutic targets, including five that were validated by FCM, confirming their expression on the cell surface of primary MM patient cells.

Conclusions

This MM surfaceN-glycoproteome will be a valuable resource in the development of biomarkers and therapeutics. Further, we anticipate that our targeted MS assays will have clinical benefit for the diagnosis, stratification, and treatment of MM patients.
CD163+cytokine-producing cDC2 stimulate intratumoral type 1 T cell responses in HPV16-induced oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Santegoets Saskia J , Duurland Chantal L , Jordanova Ekaterina J , van Ham Vanessa J , Ehsan Ilina , Loof Nikki M , Narang Vipin , Dutertre Charles A , Ginhoux Florent , van Egmond Sylvia L , J P Welters Marij , van der Burg Sjoerd H
Published: August 2020

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is a distinct clinical entity with a much better prognosis after (chemo)radiotherapy than HPV-negative OPSCC, especially in patients with a concomitant intratumoral HPV-specific and type-1 cytokine-oriented T cell response. However, knowledge on the type of myeloid cells and their coordination with intratumoral T cells and influence on patient outcome in OPSCC is lacking.

Methods

We analyzed the presence of intratumoral myeloid cells and their relationship to tumor-infiltrating T cells and patient outcome in a well-described cohort of HPV16+patients with OPSCC using multispectral immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and functional analyses.

Results

We show that the tumor microenvironment of HPV16+OPSCC tumors with such an ongoing HPV16-specific T cell response is highly infiltrated with a newly defined CD163+cytokine-producing subset of conventional dendritic cell type 2 (cDC2), called DC3. These CD163+cDC2 predominantly stimulated type 1 T cell polarization and produced high levels of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-18, required for IFNγ and IL-22 production by T cells after cognate antigen stimulation. Tumor-infiltration with these CD163+cDC2 positively correlated with the infiltration by Tbet+and tumor-specific T cells, and with prolonged survival.

Conclusions

These data suggest an important role for intratumoral CD163+cDC2 in stimulating tumor-infiltrating T cells to exert their antitumor effects.
Anaesthetic management of a dog with a lung laceration: novel use of an oxygen fuel cell
Authors: Ward Rob , Taylor Polly M
Published: August 2020

A one‐year‐old male entire Bracco Italiano weighing 29.4 kg presented with a pyothorax secondary to a thoracic foreign body. During the procedure the patient became hypotensive, which stabilised after intervention. After closing the thoracic cavity, negative pressure could not be obtained through the thoracic drain. An oxygen fuel cell was used to quickly and non‐invasively determine that a lung laceration was the source of the pneumothorax. The declining physiological condition of the patient during anaesthesia led to the decision to attach a one‐way valve to the chest drain, and for recovery to position the dog in lateral recumbency with the affected lung on the dependent side. The recovery was uneventful.
Can Lorentz invariance violation affect the sensitivity of deep underground neutrino experiment?
Authors: Agarwalla Sanjib Kumar , Masud Mehedi
Published: August 2020

We examine the impact of Lorentz Invariance Violation (LIV) in measuring the octant of $$\theta _{23}$$θ23 and CP phases in the context of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE). We consider the CPT-violating LIV parameters involving $$e - \mu $$e-μ ($$a_{e\mu }$$aeμ) and $$e - \tau $$e-τ ($$a_{e\tau }$$aeτ) flavors, which induce an additional interference term in neutrino and antineutrino appearance probabilities. This new interference term depends on both the standard CP phase $$\delta $$δ and the new dynamical CP phase $$\varphi _{e\mu }$$φeμ/$$\varphi _{e\tau }$$φeτ, giving rise to new degeneracies among ($$\theta _{23}$$θ23, $$\delta $$δ, $$\varphi $$φ). Taking one LIV parameter at-a-time and considering a small value of $$|a_{e\mu }| = |a_{e\tau }| = 5 \times 10^{-24}$$|aeμ|=|aeτ|=5×10-24 GeV, we find that the octant discovery potential of DUNE gets substantially deteriorated for unfavorable combinations of $$\delta $$δ and $$\varphi _{e\mu }$$φeμ/$$\varphi _{e\tau }$$φeτ. The octant of $$\theta _{23}$$θ23 can only be resolved at $$3\sigma $$3σ if the true value of $$\sin ^2\theta _{23} \lesssim 0.42$$sin2θ23≲0.42 or $$ > rsim 0.62$$≳0.62 for any choices of $$\delta $$δ and $$\varphi $$φ. Interestingly, we also observe that when both the LIV parameters $$a_{e\mu }$$aeμ and $$a_{e\tau }$$aeτ are present together, they cancel out the impact of each other to a significant extent, allowing DUNE to largely regain its octant resolution capability. We also reconstruct the CP phases $$\delta $$δ and $$\varphi _{e\mu }$$φeμ/$$\varphi _{e\tau }$$φeτ. The typical $$1\sigma $$1σ uncertainty on $$\delta $$δ is 10–15$$^{\circ }$$∘ and the same on $$\varphi _{e\mu }$$φeμ/$$\varphi _{e\tau }$$φeτ is 25–30$$^{\circ }$$∘ depending on the choices of their true values.
MULTINATIONAL TAX AVOIDANCE AND ANTI-AVOIDANCE ENFORCEMENT: FIRM-LEVEL EVIDENCE FROM DEVELOPING ASEAN COUNTRIES
Authors: MUTHITACHAROEN ATHIPHAT , SAMPHANTHARAK KRISLERT
Published: August 2020

We use firm-level data from ASEAN5 to examine the significance of tax-motivated profit shifting by multinational enterprises and to analyze how anti-avoidance measures mitigate the profit shifting. We show that (1) tax-motivated profit shifting is statistically and economically significant, especially for manufacturing firms, (2) auditing and transfer-pricing scrutiny is more effective in reducing profit shifting than documentation requirement alone and (3) tax-motivated profit shifting is prominent for large firms, while anti-tax avoidance measures result in the absence of profit shifting detected from small manufacturing firms. The findings have important implications for developing countries with weak governance but dependent on MNEs.
A Description Scheme for Video Overview Based on Scene Detection and Face Clustering
Authors: Tang Boyuan , Chen Weiting
Published: August 2020

With the rapid growth of online videos, it is crucial to generate overviews of videos to help audiences make viewing decisions and save time. Video summarization and video captioning are two of the most common solutions. In this paper, we proposed a new solution in the form of a series of scene-person pairs generated from our proposed video description scheme. This new formation takes substantially less time than watching video summaries and is more acceptable than video captions. In addition, our method can be generalized to different types of videos. We also proposed a face clustering method and a scene detection method. The experimental results indicate that our methods outperform other state-of-the-art methods and are highly generalizable. As an example, a demo application is developed to demonstrate the proposed description scheme.
Chaotic Dynamics of Piezoelectric MEMS Based on Maximum Lyapunov Exponent and Smaller Alignment Index Computations
Authors: Tchakui M. V. , Woafo P. , Skokos Ch.
Published: August 2020

We characterize the dynamical states of a piezoelectric micrcoelectromechanical system (MEMS) using several numerical quantifiers including the maximum Lyapunov exponent, the Poincaré Surface of Section and a chaos detection method called the Smaller Alignment Index (SALI). The analysis makes use of the MEMS Hamiltonian. We start our study by considering the case of a conservative piezoelectric MEMS model and describe the behavior of some representative phase space orbits of the system. We show that the dynamics of the piezoelectric MEMS becomes considerably more complex as the natural frequency of the system’s mechanical part decreases. This refers to the reduction of the stiffness of the piezoelectric transducer. Then, taking into account the effects of damping and time-dependent forces on the piezoelectric MEMS, we derive the corresponding nonautonomous Hamiltonian and investigate its dynamical behavior. We find that the nonconservative system exhibits a rich dynamics, which is strongly influenced by the values of the parameters that govern the piezoelectric MEMS energy gain and loss. Our results provide further evidences of the ability of the SALI to efficiently characterize the chaoticity of dynamical systems.
Dynamics of Newton Maps of Quadratic Polynomial Maps of ℝ2 into Itself
Authors: De Leo Roberto
Published: August 2020

We study numerically the [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-limits of the Newton maps of quadratic polynomial transformations of the plane into itself. Our results confirm the conjectures posed in a recent work about the general dynamics of real Newton maps on the plane.
Limit Cycle Bifurcations from an Order-3 Nilpotent Center of Cubic Hamiltonian Systems Perturbed by Cubic Polynomials
Authors: Zhang Li , Wang Chenchen , Hu Zhaoping
Published: August 2020

From [Han et al., 2009a] we know that the highest order of the nilpotent center of cubic Hamiltonian system is [Formula: see text]. In this paper, perturbing the Hamiltonian system which has a nilpotent center of order [Formula: see text] at the origin by cubic polynomials, we study the number of limit cycles of the corresponding cubic near-Hamiltonian systems near the origin. We prove that we can find seven and at most seven limit cycles near the origin by the first-order Melnikov function.
Chaos Suppression for Coupled Electromechanical Torsional Vibrations in a High-Speed Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Driven System via Multitime Delayed Feedback Control
Authors: Chen Xing , Han Sen , Li Jun , Sun Shizheng
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we describe a coupled nonlinear electromechanical torsional vibration model of a high-speed permanent magnet synchronous motor driven system based on the Lagrange–Maxwell theory. The chaotic state is induced by external excitation forces. A multitime delay feedback control scheme is derived to suppress chaos in such vibrations. An analytical criterion condition for chaos is deduced by Melnikov’s method. Detailed numerical studies, including bifurcation diagram, phase portrait, and a Poincaré map, confirm the analytical prediction. It is revealed that the chaotic motion can be effectively suppressed by reducing or increasing the feedback parameters of the multitime delay feedback control scheme.
Tristable Phenomenon in a Predator–Prey System Arising from Multiple Limit Cycles Bifurcation
Authors: Jiang Jiao , Zhang Wenjing , Yu Pei
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we consider a predator–prey system with Holling type III ratio-dependent functional response. Such a system can exhibit complex dynamical behavior such as bistable and tristable phenomena which contain equilibria and oscillating motions for certain parameter values. In particular, we show that the ratio-dependent predator–prey system can exhibit multiple limit cycles due to Hopf bifurcation, giving rise to coexistence of stable equilibria and stable periodic solutions. These solutions may reveal some new type of patterns of complex dynamical behaviors in predator–prey systems.
Hopf Bifurcation for Semilinear FDEs in General Banach Spaces
Authors: Li Shangzhi , Guo Shangjiang
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we extend the equivariant Hopf bifurcation theory for semilinear functional differential equations in general Banach spaces and then apply it to reaction–diffusion models with delay effect and homogeneous Dirichlet boundary condition on a general open domain with a smooth boundary. In the process we derive the criteria for the existence and directions of branches of bifurcating periodic solutions, avoiding the process of center manifold reduction.
Stair-Like Frequency Response of Single Neuron to External Electromagnetic Radiation and Onset of Chaotic Behaviors
Authors: Feng Peihua , Zhang Zhengyuan , Wu Ying
Published: August 2020

The nonlinear response of neuron firing under external electromagnetic radiation as well as transmembrane current, as two kinds of external forces, are studied in an improved Fitzhugh–Nagumo (FHN) model. The control effects of external forces to neuron firing are measured by winding number [Formula: see text] during mode transition of motion types. The phenomenon of match and mismatch between the angular frequency [Formula: see text] and the angular frequency of external forcing can be explained by whether the winding number is [Formula: see text] or not. [Formula: see text] remains as constants like [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], etc. The amplitude of transmembrane current [Formula: see text] is increased so that it distributes in a stair-like structure in parameter space before the system enters chaotic state when [Formula: see text] is large enough. The scenarios of motion type switching are different between and beyond in the stairs. Besides, the occurrence and the disappearance of chaos are accompanied with the destruction of the orbit with the variation of parameters which temporarily spoils the toroidal topology and induces chaotic oscillation. Indeed, nonlinear response to external forces is pivotal to neuron firing and its control.