bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data-Driven In-Situ Sonic-Log Synthesis in Shale Reservoirs for Geomechanical Characterization
Authors: He Jiabo , Li Hao , Misra Siddharth
Published: August 2019

Compressional–travel–time (DTC) and shear–travel–time (DTS) logs acquired using sonic–logging tools are crucial for subsurface geomechanical characterization. In this study, 13 “easy–to–acquire” conventional logs were processed using six shallow–regression–type supervised–learning models—namely, ordinary least squares (OLS), partial least squares (PLS), ElasticNet (EN), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), and artificial–neural network (ANN)—to successfully synthesize DTC and DTS logs. Among the six models, ANN outperforms other models with R2 of 0.87 and 0.85 for the syntheses of DTC and DTS logs, respectively. The six shallow–learning models are trained and tested with 8,481 data points acquired from a 4,240–ft–depth interval of a shale reservoir in Well 1, and the trained models are deployed in Well 2 for purposes of blind testing against 2,920 data points from 1,460–ft–depth interval. After that, five clustering algorithms are applied on subsamples of 13 “easy–to–acquire” logs to identify clusters and compare them with the log–synthesis performance of the shallow–learning models. A dimensionality–reduction algorithm, t–distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t–SNE), is used to visualize the petrophysical/statistical characteristics of the clustering algorithm. Hierarchical–clustering, density–based spatial clustering of application with noise (DBSCAN), and self–organizing–map (SOM) algorithms are sensitive to outliers and did not effectively differentiate the input data into consistent clusters. A Gaussian–mixture model can differentiate the various formations, but the clusters do not have a strong correlation with the performance of the log–synthesis models. Clusters identified using the K–means method have a strong correlation with the performance of the shallow–learning models. By combining the shallow–learning models for log synthesis with the K–means clustering, we propose a reliable workflow that can synthesize the DTC and DTS logs, as well as generate a reliability indicator for the synthesis logs to help the user better understand the performance of the shallow–learning models during deployment in new wells.
Linkage to Hepatitis C Care After Incarceration in Jail: A Prospective, Single Arm Clinical Trial
Authors: Akiyama Matthew Jiro , Columbus Devin , MacDonald Ross , Jordan Alison O , Schwartz Jessie , Litwin Alain H , Eckhardt Benjamin , Carmody Ellie
Published: August 2019

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health problem in correctional settings. HCV treatment is often not possible in U.S. jails due to short lengths of stay. Linkage to care is crucial in these settings, but competing priorities complicate community healthcare engagement and retention after incarceration.

Methods: We conducted a single arm clinical trial of a combined transitional care coordination (TCC) and patient navigation intervention and assessed the linkage rate and factors associated with linkage to HCV care after incarceration.

Results: During the intervention, 84 participants returned to the community after their index incarceration. Most participants were male and Hispanic, with a history of mental illness and a mean age of 45 years. Of those who returned to the community, 26 (31%) linked to HCV care within a median of 20.5 days; 17 (20%) initiated HCV treatment, 15 (18%) completed treatment, 9 (11%) had a follow-up lab drawn to confirm sustained virologic response (SVR), and 7 (8%) had a documented SVR. Among those with follow-up labs the known SVR rate was (7/9) 78%. Expressing a preference to be linked to the participant’s existing health system, being on methadone prior to incarceration, and feeling that family or a loved one were concerned about the participant’s wellbeing were associated with linkage to HCV care. Reporting drinking alcohol to intoxication prior to incarceration was negatively associated with linkage to HCV care.

Conclusion: We demonstrate that an integrated strategy with combined TCC and patient navigation may be effective in achieving timely linkage to HCV care. Additional multicomponent interventions aimed at treatment of substance use disorders and increasing social support could lead to further improvement.
Convergent degeneration of olfactory receptor gene repertoires in marine mammals
Authors: Liu Ake , He Funan , Shen Libing , Liu Ruixiang , Wang Zhijun , Zhou Jingqi
Published: August 2019

Background: Olfactory receptors (ORs) can bind odor molecules and play a crucial role in odor sensation. Due to the frequent gains and losses of genes during evolution, the number of OR members varies greatly among different species. However, whether the extent of gene gains/losses varies between marine mammals and related terrestrial mammals has not been clarified and the factors that might underlie these variations are unknown.
Results: To address these questions, we identified more than 10,000 members of the OR family in 23 mammals and classified them into 830 orthologous gene groups (OGGs) and 281 singletons. Significant differences occurred in the number of OR repertoires and OGGs among different species. We found that all marine mammals had less OR genes than their related terrestrial lineages, with the fewest OR genes found in cetaceans, which may be closely related to olfactory degradation. ORs with more gene duplications or loss events tended to be under weaker purifying selection. The average gain and loss rates of OR genes in terrestrial mammals were higher than those of mammalian gene families, while the average gain and loss rates of OR genes in marine mammals were significantly lower and much higher than those of mammalian gene families, respectively. Additionally, we failed to detect any one-to-one orthologous gene in the focal species, suggesting that OR genes are not well conserved among marine mammals.
Conclusions: Marine mammals have experienced large numbers of OR genes compared with their related terrestrial lineages, which may be related to the weaker purifying selection. Due to their independent degeneration, OR genes present in each lineage are not well conserved among marine mammals. Our study provides a basis for future research on the olfactory receptor function in mammals from the perspective of evolutionary trajectories.
Genome-wide association study reveals new loci for yield-related traits in Sichuan wheat germplasm under stripe rust stress
Authors: Ye Xueling , Li Jian , Cheng Yukun , Yao Fangjie , Long Li , Wang Yuqi , Wu Yu , Li Jing , Wang Jirui , Jiang Qiantao , Kang Houyang , Li Wei , Qi Pengfei , Lan Xiujin , Ma Jian , Liu Yaxi , Jiang Yunfeng , Wei Yuming , Chen Xianming , Liu Chunji , Zheng Youliang , Chen Guoyue
Published: August 2019

Background

As one of the most important food crops in the world, increasing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield is an urgent task for global food security under the continuous threat of stripe rust (caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) in many regions of the world. Molecular marker-assisted breeding is one of the most efficient ways to increase yield. Here, we identified loci associated to multi-environmental yield-related traits under stripe rust stress in 244 wheat accessions from Sichuan Province through genome-wide association study (GWAS) using 44059 polymorphic markers from the 55K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip.

Results

A total of 13 stable quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were found to be highly associating to yield-related traits, including 6 for spike length (SL), 3 for thousand-kernel weight (TKW), 2 for kernel weight per spike (KWPS), and 2 for both TKW and KWPS, in at least two test environments under stripe rust stress conditions. Of them, ten QTLs were overlapped or very close to the reported QTLs, three QTLs, QSL.sicau-1AL, QTKW.sicau-4AL, and QKWPS.sicau-4AL.1, were potentially novel through the physical location comparison with previous QTLs. Further, twenty-one candidate genes within three potentially novel QTLs were identified, they were mainly involved in the regulation of phytohormone, cell division and proliferation, meristem development, plant or organ development, and carbohydrate transport.

Conclusions

QTLs and candidate genes detected in our study for yield-related traits under stripe rust stress will facilitate elucidating genetic basis of yield-related trait and could be used in marker-assisted selection in wheat yield breeding.
Nutritional status of tuberculosis patients, a comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Feleke Berhanu Elfu , Feleke Teferi Elfu , Biadglegne Fantahun
Published: August 2019

Background

Each year, more than 13.7 million people became an active case of tuberculosis and more than 1.5 million cases of tuberculosis patient will die. The association between tuberculosis and malnutrition is bi-directional, tuberculosis leads the patient to malnutrition, and malnutrition increases the risk of developing active tuberculosis by 6 to 10 times higher. Improving the nutrition of individual greatly reduces tuberculosis. The objectives of this study were to assess the nutritional status and determinants of tuberculosis patients.

Methods

A comparative cross-sectional study design was implemented. The sample size was calculated using Epi-info software. The data were collected from July 2015- May 2018. The data were collected by interviewing method, measuring anthropometrics indicators and collecting the stool and blood samples. The data were entered into the computer using Epi-info software and analyzed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics were used to identify the proportion of malnutrition. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of malnutrition.

Results

A total of 5045 study participants were included giving the response rate of 93.1%. The prevalence of underweight among tuberculosis patients was 57.17% (95% CI: 54.80% -59.54%) and 88.52% of tuberculosis patients were anemic. The prevalence of malnutrition (underweight) among tuberculosis free residents was 23.37% (95% CI: 21.93-24.80). The nutritional status of tuberculosis patients were determined by site of infection AOR: 0.68[0.49-0.94], sex of the patient AOR: 0.39 [0.25-0.56], residence AOR: 3.84 [2.74-5.54], intestinal parasite infection AOR: 7 [5.2-9.95], alcohol use disorder AOR: 1.52 [1.17-2.13].

Conclusion

High proportion of tuberculosis patients was malnourished. Tuberculosis patients were highly susceptible to malnutrition and even a very distal factor for malnutrition in the community became a proximal factor for tuberculosis patients.
Impaired Fasting Glucose alone or in combination with Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, or both AND Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events among patients without previous cardiovascular disease.
Authors: Madani Nahid Hashemi , Ismail-Beigi Faramarz , Poustchi Hossein , Nalini Mahdi , Sepanlou Sadaf G. , Malek Mojtaba , Abbasi Mohammad Amin , Khajavi Alireza , Khamseh Mohammad Ebrahim , Malekzadeh Reza
Published: August 2019

Background

Whether pre-diabetes in the absence of hypertension (HTN) or dyslipidemia (DLP) is a risk factor for occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) is not fully established. We investigated the effect of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) alone and in combination with HTN, DLP or both on subsequent occurrence of MACE as well as individual MACE components.

Methods

This longitudinal population-based study included 9,831 inhabitants of Northeastern Iran. The participants were free of any cardiovascular disease at baseline and were followed yearly from 2010 to 2017. Cox proportional hazard models were fitted to measure the hazard of IFG alone or in combination with HTN and DLP on occurrence of MACE as the primary endpoint.

Results

297 MACE were recorded during 6.2±0.1 years follow up. IFG alone compared to normal fasting glucose (NFG) was not associated with increased in occurrence of MACE (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.59-1.86; p, 0.8). However, combination of IFG and HTN (HR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.93-3.90; p, 0.001) or HTN + DLP (HR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.79-4.54; p, 0.001) significantly increased the hazard of MACE. In contrast, IFG with DLP at baseline did not increase the hazard of MACE compared to normoglycemic- normolipemic individuals (p,0.2). The results also indicated IFG with HTN, DLP, or HTN+DLP were associated with significant higher HRs for some individual components of MACE.

Conclusion

IFG, per se, does not appear to increase hazard of MACE. However, IFG with HTN or HTN + DLP conferred a significant hazard for MACE in an incremental manner.
Exploring undergraduate students achievement emotions during ward round simulation: A mixed-method study
Authors: Behrens Claudia , DOLMANS DIANA H. , GORMLEY GERARD J. , Driessen Erik
Published: August 2019

Background

Simulation based learning (SBL) has increased in its use to best equip students for clinical practice. Simulations that mirror the complex realities of clinical practice have the potential to induce a range of emotions, without a clear understanding of their impact on learning and the learner. Students’ emotional states have important effects on their learning process that can be either positive or negative, and are often difficult to predict. We aimed to determine: (1) To what extent achievement emotions are experienced by medical students during a complex simulation based learning activity, i.e. a ward round simulation (WRS). (2) What their performance scores are and too which extent performance scores do correlate with emotions and 3) how these emotions are perceived to impact learning.

Methods

A mixed methods approach was used in this study. Using an Achievement Emotion Questionnaire, we explored undergraduate medical student’s emotions as they participated in a complex ward round-based simulation. Their performance was rated using an observational ward round assessment tool and correlated with emotions scores. Six focus groups were conducted to provide a deeper understanding of their emotional and learning experiences.

Results

Students experienced a range of emotions during the simulation, they felt proud, enjoyed the simulation and performed well. Students felt proud because they could show in the complex simulation what they had learned so far. Students reported moderate levels of anxiety and low levels of frustration and shame. We found non-significant correlations between achievement emotions and performance during ward round simulation.

Conclusions

Placing undergraduate students in high complex simulations that they can handle raises positive academic achievement emotions which seem to support students’ learning and motivation.
Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) compared to Enhanced Treatment as Usual (E-TAU) for suicidal patients in an inpatient setting: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Santel Miriam , Driessen Martin , Neuner Frank , Berg Michaela , Hennig-Fast Kristina , Jobes David A. , Beblo Thomas
Published: August 2019

Background: The Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) is a therapeutic framework that has been shown to reduce suicidal ideation and overall symptom distress. CAMS has not been previously evaluated in a standard acute inpatient mental health care setting with only short treatment times for suicidal patients. In this randomized controlled trial (RCT) we investigate, if CAMS is more effective than Enhanced-Treatment as Usual (E-TAU) in reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. As secondary outcomes we are also investigating depressive symptoms, symptom relief in general, and quality of the therapeutic relationship. Methods/design: The trial is designed as a single-center, two-armed, parallel group observer-blinded randomized clinical effectiveness trial. We aim to recruit and randomize 60 participants with different diagnoses, who are admitted as inpatients due to acute suicidal thoughts or behavior in the Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ev. Hospital Bethel in Bielefeld, Germany. The duration of treatment will vary depending on patients’ needs and clinical assessments between 10 and a maximum of 40 days. Patients are assessed at 4 time points (admission, discharge, 1 month, and 5 months after discharge). The primary outcome measure is the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation. Other outcome measures are included, such as severity of psychiatric symptoms, depression, reasons for living, and the therapeutic relationship. Discussion: This effectiveness study is being conducted on an acute ward in a psychiatric clinic where patients have multiple problems and diagnoses. Treatment times are rather short and therapists have a high workload. The results of this study can be generalized to a typical hospital setting and similar results should be expected if CAMS is implemented in other psychiatric systems.
Genome-wide association mapping revealed syntenic loci QFhb-4AL and QFhb-5DL for Fusarium head blight resistance in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Hu Wenjing , Gao Derong , Wu Hongya , Liu Jian , Zhang Chunmei , Wang Junchan , Jiang Zhengning , Liu Yeyu , Li Dongsheng , Zhang Yong , Lu Chenbin
Published: August 2019

Background:Fusarium head blight (FHB), primarily caused by Fusarium graminearum, is a major threat to wheat production and food security worldwide. Breeding stably and durably resistant cultivars is the most effective approach for managing and controlling the disease. The success of FHB resistance breeding relies on identification of an effective resistant germplasm. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using the high-density wheat 90K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assays to better understand the genetic basis of FHB resistance in natural population and identify associated molecular markers.
Results:The resistance to FHB fungal spread along the rachis (Type II resistance) was evaluated on 171 wheat cultivars in the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 growing seasons. Using Illumina Infinum iSelect 90K SNP genotyping data, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified 26 loci(88 marker-trait associations), which explained 6.65-14.18% of the phenotypic variances. The associated loci distributed across all chromosomes except 2D, 6A, 6D and 7D, with those on chromosomes 1B, 4A, 5D and 7A being detected in both years. New loci for Type II resistance were found on syntenic genomic regions of chromsome 4AL (QFhb-4AL, 621.85 - 622.24 Mb) and chromosome 5DL (QFhb-5DL, 546.09 - 547.27 Mb) which showed highly collinarity in gene content and order. SNP markers wsnp_JD_c4438_5568170 and wsnp_CAP11_c209_198467 of 5D, reported previously linked to a soil-borne wheat mosaic virus (SBWMV) resistance gene, were also associated with FHB resistance in this study.
Conclusion:The syntenic FHB resistant loci and associated SNP markers identified in this study are valuable for FHB resistance breeding via marker-assisted selection.
Prevalence of accelerometer-measured physical activity in adolescents. The Tromsø Study: Fit Futures
Authors: Beldo Sigurd Klemetsen , Morseth Bente , Christoffersen Tore , Halvorsen Peder Andreas , Hansen Bjørge Herman , Furberg Anne-Sofie , Ekelund Ulf , Horsch Alexander
Published: August 2019

Background: Previous studies show large variations in physical activity (PA) levels among adolescents. However, the number of studies is limited and even fewer studies have assessed PA in adolescents by accelerometer devices. This study aimed to describe accelerometer-measured PA levels in adolescents in a population-based cohort in Northern Norway.
Methods: In 611 students aged 16-17 years attending the Fit Futures Study, PA was measured by Actigraph GT3X for seven consecutive days. PA was expressed as total PA volume (counts per minute, CPM), time spent in intensity zones, steps per day, and fulfilment of WHO recommendation (i.e. accumulation of 60 minutes or more of at least moderate intensity PA per day). Potential correlates of PA such as sex, socioeconomic status, study program, self-perceived health, and PA variations by weekday versus weekend were also examined.
Results: 16% of the girls and 25% of the boys fulfilled current WHO-recommendations. Total PA volume (CPM) was higher in boys than in girls (353 (SD 130) versus 326 (SD 114) CPM, p<0.05). PA levels differed with study program and increased with better self-perceived health, but were not associated with socioeconomic status. Both boys and girls were more active on weekdays than weekends (altogether; 350 (SD 124) versus 299 (SD 178) CPM, p<0.05).
Conclusions: In this cohort of adolescents, less than 25 % of 16-17-year-old boys and girls fulfilled the WHO recommendations. The levels of physical activity in 16-17-year-old adolescents are similar to previous data reported in adults.
Measles Outbreak Amplified in a Pediatric Ward: Lyantonde District, Uganda, August 2017
Authors: Biribawa Claire , Atuhairwe Joselyn Annet , Bulage Lilian , Okethwangu Denis Othuba , Kwesiga Benon , Ario Alex Riolexus , Zhu Bao-Ping
Published: August 2019

Background

Measles is a highly infectious viral disease. In August 2017, Lyantonde District, Uganda reported a measles outbreak to Uganda Ministry of Health. We investigated to assess the outbreak scope, factors facilitating transmission, and recommend control measures.

Methods

We defined a probable case as sudden onset of fever and generalized rash in a resident of Lyantonde, Lwengo, or Rakai Districts from 1 June-30 September 2017, plus ≥1 of the following: coryza, conjunctivitis, or cough. A confirmed case was a probable case with serum positivity of measles-specific IgM. We conducted a neighborhood- and age-matched case-control study to identified exposure factors, and used conditional logistic regression to analyze the data. We estimated vaccine effectiveness and vaccination coverage.

Findings

We identified 81 cases (75 probable, 6 confirmed); 4 patients (4.9%) died. In the case-control study, 47% of case-patients and 2.3% of controls were hospitalized at Lyantonde Hospital pediatric department for non-measles conditions 7-21 days before case-patient’s onset (ORadj=34, 95%CI: 5.1-225). Estimated vaccine effectiveness was 95% (95%CI: 75-99%) and vaccination coverage was 76% (95%CI: 68-82%). During the outbreak, an “isolation” ward was established inside the pediatric ward. Measles and non-measles patients were mixed in regular pediatric wards.

Conclusion

This outbreak was amplified by nosocomial transmission and facilitated by low vaccination coverage. We recommended moving the isolation ward outside of the building, supplemental vaccination, and vaccinating pediatric patients during measles outbreaks.
Genome-wide characterization of copy number variations in genetic resistance to Marek’s disease using next generation sequencing
Authors: Bai Hao , He Yanghua , Ding Yi , Zhang Huanmin , Chen Jilan , Song Jiuzhou
Published: August 2019

Background: Marek’s disease (MD) is a highly neoplastic disease primarily affecting chickens, and remains as a chronic infectious disease that threatens the poultry industry. Copy number variation (CNV) has been examined in many species and is recognized as a major source of genetic variation that directly contributes to phenotypic variation such as resistance to infectious diseases. Two highly inbred chicken lines 63 (MD-resistant) and 72 (MD-susceptible), as well as their F1 generation and six recombinant congenic strains (RCSs) with varied susceptibility to MD, are considered as ideal models to identify the complex mechanisms of genetic and molecular resistance to MD.
Results: In the present study, to unravel the potential genetic mechanisms underlying MD, we performed a genome-wide CNV detection using next generation sequencing on the inbred chicken lines with the assistance of CNVnator. As a result, a total of 1,649 CNV regions (CNVRs) were successfully identified after merging all the nine datasets, of which 90 CNVRs were overlapped across all the chicken lines. Within these shared regions, 1,360 harbored genes were identified. In addition, 55 and 44 CNVRs with 62 and 57 harbored genes were specifically identified in line 63 and 72, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the nearby genes were significantly enriched in 36 GO terms and 6 KEGG pathways including JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Ten CNVRs (nine deletions and one duplication) involved in 10 disease-related genes were selected for validation by using qRT-PCR, all of which were successfully confirmed. Finally, qRT-PCR was also used to validate two deletion events in line 72 that were definitely normal in line 63. One high-confidence gene, IRF2 was identified as the most promising candidate gene underlying MD in view of its function and overlaps with previous study.
Conclusions: Our findings provide valuable insights for understanding the genetic mechanism of resistance to MD and the identified gene and pathway could be considered as the subject of further functional characterization.
Genetic Diversity of Kedah Kelantan Cattle Breed and Its Crossbred types in Malaysia Based on Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Abdelwahid Haytham Hago , Panandam Jothi M , Sharma Reuben S K , Yaakub Halimatun
Published: August 2019

Background

The Kedah Kelantan (KK) is the indigenous cattle breed of Malaysia and is mainly kept by small farmers for meat production because of its small and compact body, and low maintenance requirement. This breed faces risk of germplasm dilution due to extensive crossbreeding and breeds replacement practices in the country. The population size of purebred KK is fast decreasing and most of the commercial populations are actually crossbreds. There is a lack of information on the genetic characteristics of KK. The genetic relationships between the KK, the synthetic breeds developed using the KK as the maternal line, as well as the non-descriptive KK crossbred types are also unknown. It is with these in mind that the present study was conducted. The objective of the study was to evaluate the genetic variability within and among the indigenous KK cattle and its crossbred types in Malaysia using 30 microsatellites loci.

Results

All the 30 microsatellites loci used were polymorphic in all populations. Heterozygosity values observed were moderate and lower than the expected values. The inbreeding was present in all populations and could lead to loss of genetic diversity if not addressed. In general, the genetic differentiation measures were moderate, with a mean FST of 0.054. The structure analysis grouped the populations into three clusters. Analysis of zebu and taurine diagnostic alleles showed that all population had high proportion of Indian zebu alleles and very low proportions of African taurine and European taurine diagnostic alleles.

Conclusions

It may be concluded that there is still some genetic variation present in the KK. However, this genetic diversity is at risk of being lost if no appropriate breeding practices are implemented.
A comparison of co-expression networks in silk gland reveals the causes of silk yield increase during silkworm domestication
Authors: Zhou Qiu-Zhong , Fu Ping , Li Shu-Shang , Zhang Chang-Jiang , Yu Quan-You , Qiu Chuan-Zhen , Zhang Hong-Bo , Zhang Ze
Published: August 2019

Background

Long-term domestication and breeding selection have led to that silk yield of the domestic silkworm (Bombyx mori) have increased several times higher than that of its wild ancestor (B. mandarina). However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of silk yield increase during silkworm domestication.

Results

Based on dynamic patterns of functional divergence in silk gland between the domestic and wild silkworms, we found that at early and intermediate stages of silk gland development, the up-regulated genes of the domestic silkworm mainly include DNA integration, nucleic acid binding and transporter activity, which is related to division and growth of cell. This has led to that posterior silk gland (PSG) of the domestic silkworm has significantly more cells (“factories” of fibroin protein synthesis) than that of wild silkworm. At the late stage of silk gland development, the up-regulated genes in the domestic silkworm are enriched in protein processing and ribosome pathways, suggesting that protein synthesis efficiency is greatly improved during silkworm domestication. The synthetic capacity of fibroin proteins of the domestic silkworm has increased, however, the synthetic capacity of sericin proteins has decreased relative to wild silkworm. This reflects that the domestic and wild silkworms have been under different selection pressures. Importantly, we found that the network co-expressed with silk-coding genes for the domestic silkworm is much larger than that for wild silkworm. Furthermore, much more genes co-expressed with silk-coding genes in the domestic silkworm have been subject to artificial selection than those in wild silkworm.

Conclusion

Our results revealed that increase in silk yield during silkworm domestication is involved in improvement of a biological system which includes not only expansion of “factories” (cells of PSG) of protein synthesis but also high expression of silk-coding genes as well as silk production related genes such as biological energy, transport, and ribosome pathway genes. In addition, a combination of comparative multi-omics and dynamic network biological method used in this study provides a methodology reference for investigation of molecular mechanisms of formation of a complex trait for other domestic animals.
Quantitative assessment and impact of thermal treatment on quality of Holstein dairy cattle colostrum immunoglobulin and viscosity
Authors: Hassan Abdulwahed Ahmed , Ganz Sebastian , Schneider Florian , Wehrend Axel , Khan Izhar U.H. , Failing Klaus , Bülte Michael , Abdulmawjood Amir
Published: August 2019

BackgroundBovine postpartum colostrum delivers a vital source of immunoglobulins (Igs) and other non-specific immune factors for passive transfer of immunity to newborn calves. Heat treatment of colostrum is an effective practice to reduce potential pathogens that can be transmitted to the newborn calves. Therefore, there is a need to determine optimized temperature and time that can minimally change IgG concentration and the viscosity (consistency) of colostrum. In order to preserve the quality and value of bovine postpartum colostrum, this study aimed to determine the IgG concentration, influence of different thermal treatments on the quality of colostrum and other properties including viscosity, fat and color.ResultsA total of 40 German Holstein dairy cattle first colostrum samples, collected after birth, were evaluated for color gradation, fat (%), colostrum IgG (mg mL-1), IgG (%Brix) and refractive index (nD) concentration, visual and dynamic viscosity and impact of different treatments (60 °C/60 min; 63.5°C/30 min and 72.0°C/15 s) on the viscosity. The color was graded from white-pale yellow to yellow and dark-yellowish, fat (1.4 - 8.2%) and IgG concentration (4 - 116 mg mL-1), Brix (8.5% - 35.4% Brix) and nD (1.3454 - 1.3905), respectively. The visual viscosity of first colostrum was classified into watery, liquid and thick consistency, whereas the dynamic viscosity and treated colostrum ranged from <10 to 219 and <10 to 3066 centipoise (cP), respectively. The consistency of treated samples were classified into liquid, thick and solid with significant change in the dynamic viscosity.ConclusionData revealed significant variation in the IgG values where both measurement methods showed high congruence with IgG classification. Due to the fact that individual IgG values were disparate, this significantly affected the colostrum consistency with different treatments. The study showed that colostrum containing IgG ≤80 mg mL-1 and ≤68 mg mL-1 treated at 60°C for 60 min and 63.5°C for 30 min showed a slight to moderate change in the consistency which suggests that these two temperatures and lengths of time that had a minimal impact on the consistency can be used to pasteurize colostrum.
Comparison of short- and long-term outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing surgical resection, local ablation, angiological treatment or palliation: Single center results over 35 years
Authors: Kairaluoma Valtteri , Karjalainen Mira , Saarnio Juha , Niemelä Jarmo , Huhta Heikki , Helminen Olli
Published: August 2019

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one leading cause of cancer mortality often presenting at inoperable stage. The aim of this study was to examine and compare surgically resected, locally ablated, angiologically treated and palliatively treated HCC patients’ short- and long-term outcomes in a single center over 35 year period.

Methods

All HCC diagnosed in Oulu University Hospital between 1983-2018 were identified from hospital records (n=273). Patients underwent hepatic resection (n=49), local ablation (RF, laser ablation or PEI; n=25), angiological treatments (TACE, TAE and SIRT; n=48) or palliative treatment (chemotherapy, best supportive care; n=151). Primary outcomes of the study were postoperative complications within 30 days after the operation, and short- (30- and 90-day) and long-term (1, 3 and 5-year) survival. Results were adjusted with sex, age, comorbidities, cirrhosis, Child-Pugh index points, ASA status, year of operation and stage.

Results

Surgically resected patients were younger than patients in other groups. Recurrence and local recidives occurred more often in local ablation group and in angiological treatment group (p<0.001). Surgical resection rate was 17.9%. Overall complication rates in surgical resection, local ablation and angiological group were 71.5%, 32.0% and 58.3%, (p<0.001). Major complications in respective groups occurred in 28.6%, 8.0% and 27.1%. Overall survival rates in surgical resection group were at 30 and 90 days, 1-, 3 and 5-years 95.9%, 95.9%, 85.1%, 59.0% and 51.2%. In local ablation group, respective overall survival rates were 100.0%, 100.0%, 86.1%, 43.1% and 18.8%, and in angiological group 95.8%, 93.6%, 56.1%, 26.3% and 6.6%. In cox regression model adjusted for confounding factors, local ablation and angiological treatment were significant risk factors for mortality. Prognosis was poor in palliatively treated patients.

Conclusions

Based on our study on Northern Finland population, the surgical resection of HCC seems to be the most effective treatment considering long-term survival and tumor recurrence after adjustment for confounding factors.
Neonatal Near-Misses in Ghana: A Prospective, Observational, Multi-Center Study
Authors: Bakari Ashura , Bell April J. , Oppong Samuel A. , Bockarie Yemah , Wobil Priscilla , Plange-Rhule Gyikua , Goka Bamenla Q. , Engmann Cyril M , Adanu Richard M , Moyer Cheryl A
Published: August 2019

Background

For every newborn who dies within the first month after birth, as many as eight more suffer life-threatening complications but survive. Such events, termed ‘neonatal near-misses’, are becoming increasingly important indicators for epidemiologic surveillance and quality of care assessment. However, to date, there is no universally agreed-upon definition of a neonatal near-miss (NNM) nor a standard assessment mechanism. This study sought to describe the development of the Neonatal Near-Miss Assessment Tool (NNMAT) for low-resource settings, identify the incidence of NNM at three tertiary care hospitals in Ghana, compare the incidence rates of NNM to institutional records of neonatal mortality, and identify the strongest predictors of death when comparing NNM cases to those who died.

Methods

This prospective, observational, multi-center study was conducted at three tertiary care hospitals in southern Ghana from April – July 2015. Newborns with evidence of complications and those admitted to the NICUs were screened for inclusion using the NNMAT. Incidence of NNM was determined and compared against institutional neonatal mortality rates. NNM cases were compared with newborns not classified as near-misses and followed to 28 days to determine odds of survival. The main outcome measures were incidence of NNM, NNM:mortality ratio, and factors associated with NNM classification.

Results

Out of 735 newborns with complications, 578 (approximately 80%) were classified as near-misses using the NNMAT. Those newborns with complications who were classified as near-misses using the NNMAT had eight times the odds of dying before 28 days than those classified as non-near-misses. While most newborns qualified as NNM via intervention-based criteria, nearly two-thirds (approximately 65%) of newborns qualified based on two or more of the four NNMAT categories. When disaggregated, the most predictive elements of the NNMAT were gestational age < 33 weeks, presence of a major congenital abnormality, neurologic dysfunction and respiratory dysfunction. The ratio of near-misses to deaths was slightly less than 1:1, yet this varied widely across the three study sites.

Conclusions

This research suggests that the NNMAT is an effective tool for assessing neonatal near-misses in low-resource settings. We believe this approach has significant systems-level, continuous quality improvement, clinical and policy-level implications.
Povidone-iodine pharmacokinetics and study design
Authors: Koerner Jagger , Grzybowski Andrzej
Published: August 2019

Dr. Gnanasekaran et al. reported the bactericidal activity of various concentrations of povidone iodine (PI) solution in an agar plate experiment of respiratory flora. The study design and the pharmacokinetic properties of PI solution ensured that dilute PI would not be effective in this study. These results may not replicate the typical clinical situation and are significantly different than a previously reported agar plate experiment, again owing to subtle but very significant differences in methodology.
Longitudinal validity of using digital hand photographs for assessing hand osteoarthritis progression over 7 years in community-dwelling older adults with hand pain
Authors: Marshall Michelle , Jonsson Helgi , Helgadottir Gudrun , Nicholls Elaine , Myers Helen L , Jansen Victoria , Windt Danielle van der
Published: August 2019

Background: To determine the longitudinal construct validity of assessing hand OA progression on digital photographs over 7 years compared with progression determined from radiographs, clinical features and change in symptoms.

Methods: Participants were community-dwelling older adults (≥50 years) in North Staffordshire, UK. Standardized digital hand photographs were taken at baseline and 7 years, and hand joints graded for OA severity using an established photographic atlas. Radiographic hand OA was assessed using the Kellgren and Lawrence grading system. Hand examination determined the presence of nodes, bony enlargement and deformity. Symptoms were reported in self-complete questionnaires. Radiographic and clinical progression and change in symptoms were compared to photographic progression. Differences were examined using analysis of covariance and Chi-Square tests.

Results: Of 253 individuals (61% women, mean age 63 years) the proportion with photographic progression at the joint and joint group-level was higher, though not statistically significantly, in those with radiographic or clinical progression compared to those without. At the person-level, those with moderate photographic progression over 7 years had significantly higher summed radiographic and clinical scores after adjustment for baseline scores compared to those with no or mild photographic progression. Similar findings were observed for change in symptoms, although differences were small and not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Assessing hand OA on photographs shows modest longitudinal construct validity over 7 years compared with change in radiographic and clinical hand OA at the person-level. Using hand photographs for determining long-term change may be a reasonable alternative when hand examinations and radiographs are not feasible.
Clinical, Neuroimaging, Biochemical, and Genetic Features in Six Chinese Patients with Adrenomyeloneuropathy
Authors: Li Jie , Wang Hongfen , He Zizi , Wang Xiangqing , Tang Jing , huang dehui
Published: August 2019

Background
Adrenoleukodystrophy is a rare neurogenetic disease, AMN is the most common adult phenotype, such patients in China have not gotten enough attention.This article aims to study the features of AMN in Chinese patients and expand the gene spectrum of Chinese X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) patients.
Methods
We applied clinical analysis, radiology, plasma levels of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) and genetic analysis to test the 6 Chinese AMN patients.
Results
All 6 patients are men. Ages of neurological symptom onset are distributed between 21 and 38. Sexual dysfunction occurred in 5 of 6 patients. Three patients had positive family history. Five patients had Addison's disease. Four patients were diagnosed as pure AMN, while the other two patients were with cerebral involvement. Four patients had abnormalities of nerve conduction studies. There were four patients with central conduction defects in somatosensory evoked potential tests. All 6 patients were found diffuse cord atrophy in spinal MRI. Brain MRI showed abnormal signals in 2 of the 6 tested patients, which indicated the clinical phenotypes. Plasma levels of VLCFA, as well as C24:0/C22:0 and C26:0/C22:0 ratios were elevated in 5 tested patients. Five different ABCD1 mutations were identified in 5 tested patients, one of which was a de novo mutation, and the other four have been reported previously.
Conclusion
This research described the clinical, neuroimaging, biochemical, and genetic sides of Chinese AMN patients. A de novo mutation in the ABCD1 gene sequence was identified. Emotional trauma may trigger or aggravate the development of cerebral demyelination in AMN patients. Regular evaluation of brain MRI is important for AMN patients, especially for ‘pure AMN’ patients. When encountering patients with ‘myeloneuropathy-only’, neurologists should not ignore the tests of VLCFA or/and the ABCD1 gene.
Online Social anxiety Cognitive therapy for Adolescents (OSCA): a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Leigh Eleanor , Clark David M
Published: August 2019

Background

Adolescent social anxiety disorder (SAD) is common, impairing and persistent. There is a need to intervene early to avert its long-term consequences. Cognitive Therapy for SAD is the leading treatment for adults and shows promise for adolescents. However, given the scale of the problem of adolescent SAD and the limited availability of psychological therapists in child and adolescent mental health services, there is a substantial gap in service provision. Delivering therapy via the Internet may provide part of the solution to this problem. An Internet version of adult Cognitive Therapy for SAD has been developed, with outcomes similar to face-to-face therapy. We have recently adapted this treatment for use with adolescents with SAD. Here, we describe a randomised controlled trial designed to test the efficacy of Internet Cognitive Therapy for adolescent SAD compared to waitlist.

Methods and Design

Forty adolescents aged 14-18 years old with a diagnosis of SAD will be recruited via schools. Participants will be randomly allocated to Internet Cognitive Therapy or to waitlist. All participants will be assessed three times during the study – at baseline (pretreatment/wait), midtreatment/wait (week 8), and at posttreatment/wait (week 15). Participants in the experimental arm will also complete weekly measures as part of the online program and they will be assessed at 3 and 6 months follow-up. Postwait, participants in the waitlist arm will be offered Internet Cognitive Therapy, and weekly and posttreatment data will also be collected for them. The trial aims to test whether Internet Cognitive Therapy is superior to waitlist in reducing social anxiety symptoms and in reducing the proportion of adolescents meeting criteria for SAD. Other outcomes of interest include depression and general anxiety symptoms. Acceptability of the online treatment will also be evaluated.

Discussion

This RCT will provide preliminary evidence on whether this intervention, requiring relatively low levels of therapist input, is safe and clinically effective. If this is shown to be the case, Internet Cognitive Therapy for adolescents has the potential to provide a service to the large population of adolescents with untreated SAD.
Intraoperative electroencephalographic burst suppression may help to indentify patients at risk for long-term adverse outcome: Findings from a homozygous twins case
Authors: Linassi Federico , Maran Eleonora , Kreuzer Matthias , Mazzarolo Anna Paola , Rosellini Edoardo , Zanatta Paolo , Carron Michele
Published: August 2019

Background: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) presents a risk factor after general anesthesia, especially for old or cognitively impaired patients. Hence, strategies to identify possible patients at risk could help to decrease the rate of POCD.
In this case report we relate the occurrence of electroencephalographic burst suppression and low bispectral indices to the development of neurocognitive decline after 12 months in one homozygous twin, whereas the other twin exhibited neither burst suppression nor neurocognitive decline.
Case presentation: Two 68-year-old homozygous twins underwent the same surgical procedure with the same anesthetic regimens in comparable concentrations. For cognitive assessment, we applied a battery of neurocognitive tests at baseline (one day before surgery), at hospital discharge (three days after surgery), and 12 months after the procedure. The twins performed similarly in preoperative and discharge testing, but one twin showed worse test performance after 12 months.
During surgery, we tested for possible connected consciousness by applying the isolated forearm technique (IFT). For assessment of the level of anesthesia and visual inspection of the EEG, we used the bispectral index (BIS). Neither of the twins showed signs of connected consciousness during anesthesia and the emergence tone to the return of a positive IFT response were similar. We observed lower intraoperative BIS indices for one twin. Furthermore, this twin also had two episodes of Burst Supppression. Vital parameters, particularly mean blood pressure, were stable and comparable during the entire duration of anaesthesia. The twin who exhibited Burst Suppression and lower BIS indices showed distinctly worse cognitive test scores after 12 months compared to baseline and discharge testing, indicating serious neurocognitive decline. The other twin’s cognitive performance did not decrease.
Conclusions: We present findings from a unique scenario of homozygous twins with comparable lifestyles undergoing the same surgical intervention. The twin with neurocognitive decline had lower BIS values and multiple episodes of BSupp. These findings suggest that EEG monitoring under general anesthesia could help to identify frail brains that may be at increased risk of developing cognitive impairments.