bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MIR137/MIR2682 locus is associated with perineural invasiveness in head and neck cancer
Authors: Čelešnik Helena , Büdefeld Tomaž , Čizmarević Bogdan , Švagan Matija , Potočnik Uroš
Published: March 2021

Background

Head and neck cancer (HNSCC) is one of the most lethal cancers characterized by high relapse and poor prognosis. Several miRNAs have been implicated in HNSCC, including the tumor suppressor miR‐137. A large CpG island (CpG73) spans most of the miR‐137 gene sequence and stretches 659‐bp downstream, ending just upstream of miR‐2682 in the same host gene. Here, we assessed the role of the MIR137/MIR2682 locus in HNSCC.

Methods

MiRNA expression was analyzed in paired cancerous and normal tissues from 77 HNSCC patients by Quantitative Reverse‐Transcription PCR. CpG73 methylation in paired tissues from 48 patients was determined by combined bisulfite restriction analysis. Associations between expression and methylation levels and patient clinicopathological parameters were investigated.

Results

Decreased expression of miR‐137 (P<0.01) and miR‐2682 (P<0.01) precursors was observed in cancerous tissues, most significantly in oropharyngeal tumors. Lower miR‐137 levels correlated with increased perineural invasiveness (P = 0.04). Predicted common miRNA targets MTDH and Notch1 were upregulated in tumor tissues. The CpG73 region between miR‐137 and miR‐2682 was hypermethylated in tumors. Methylation was observed in 60.4% of cancerous compared to 31.6% of normal tissues, and methylation levels were significantly higher (P<0.01) in tumors. Increased methylation correlated with decreased disease‐free patient survival (P = 0.024).

Conclusion

The MIR137/MIR2682 locus correlated with HNSCC perineural invasiveness. This is the first report showing miR‐2682 downregulation in head and neck cancer. Our results support the tumor suppressive role of miR‐137 and miR‐2682. The inverse correlation between CpG73 hypermethylation and disease‐free survival suggests this epigenetic mark may have prognostic value in HNSCC.
Clinical utility of quantifying hepatitis B surface antigen in African patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Post Gerrit , Howell Jess , Sow Amina , Ndow Gibril , Chemin Isabelle , Lo Gora , Cessay Amie , Cohen Damien , Njie Ramou , Toure Souleymane , Diop Madoky , Sombie Roger , Nana Jean , Leroy Vincent , Lacombe Karine , Bojang Lamin , Tacke Frank , Toure‐Kane Coumba , Ka Mourtalla , Mendy Maimuna , Mboup Souleymane , Thursz Mark , Shimakawa Yusuke , Ingiliz Patrick , Lemoine Maud
Published: March 2021

The clinical utility of quantifying hepatitis B surface antigen (qHBsAg) levels in African subjects with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been poorly documented. From a multicentre cohort of 944 HBV‐infected African patients, we aimed to assess whether qHBsAg alone can accurately identify i) those in a HBeAg‐negative chronic HBV infection phase at low risk of liver disease progression and ii) those in need of antiviral therapy according to the 2017 EASL guidelines. We analysed 770 HBV mono‐infected treatment‐naïve patients, mainly males (61%) from West Africa (92%), median age 35 years (IQR: 30–44), median HBV DNA: 95.6 IU/ml (10.0–1,300.0), median qHBsAg 5,498 IU/ml (1,171–13,000) and HBeAg‐pos 38 (5%). A total of 464/770 (60.2%) patients were classified as HBeAg‐negative chronic infection (median age 36 years (31–46), median ALT 23 IU/l (18–28), median HBV‐DNA 33.5 IU/ml (3.8–154.1), median LSM 4.8 kPa (4.1–5.8)) and qHBsAg levels had poor accuracy to identify these subjects with an AUROC at 0.58 (95%CI: 0.54–0.62), sensitivity 55.0% and specificity 55.6%; 118/770 (15.3%) patients were eligible for treatment according to the 2017 EASL criteria. qHBsAg correlated poorly with HBV DNA and had poor accuracy to select patients for antiviral therapy with an AUROC at 0.54 (0.49–0.60), sensitivity 46.6% and specificity 46.9%. In African treatment‐naïve HBV‐infected subjects, the clinical utility of qHBsAg to identify subjects in HBeAg‐negative infection phase or subjects eligible for antiviral therapy seems futile. Whether qHBsAg levels can be used as a predictor of long‐term liver complications in Africa needs to be further investigated.
Asymmetric effects of changes in the habitat‐forming algae Sargassum on different associated mobile faunas along São Paulo coast, Brazil
Authors: Leite Fosca P. P. , Bottcher Claudia , Lewinsohn Ilana D. A. , Siqueira Silvana G. L. , Mansur Karine F. R. , Longo Pedro A. S. , Vieira Edson A.
Published: March 2021

Macroalgae constitute an important habitat for several marine invertebrates, and their biomass and structural complexity modulates the abundance and diversity of species that live on them. Overall, fluctuations in algae biomass inflict fluctuations in the abundance of the associated mobile macrofauna, but the structure of the community may vary according to how each group/species uses the resources provided by the algal habitat. Here, we evaluated how temporal variations in the biomass of Sargassum algal bed (increase, decrease, or maintenance) can affect the abundance, density, and assemblage structure of distinct associated faunistic groups. The collections were performed in three rocky shores located on the north coast of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, during Fall and Spring. We observed different patterns of algal substrate variation between sampling events, and this reflected on variable effects on the associated fauna. The algal substrate reduction was accompanied by the reduction in the abundance and density of all associated faunal groups. However, the increase or maintenance of the algal substrate was accompanied by an increase in the abundance of peracarids, due to the dominance of herbivorous species, while other taxonomic groups like mollusks and polychaetes decreased or maintained their abundance, although with higher species evenness of gastropods when alga increases. Seasonal biomass variations in macroalgae beds are relevant for the dynamics of its associated fauna, and our results indicate that some taxonomic groups may preferentially use the available extra resources originated from biomass increment when compared to other groups.
Bayesian Inference in Spatial Stochastic Volatility Models: An Application to House Price Returns in Chicago*
Authors: Taşpınar Süleyman , DoĞan Osman , Chae Jiyoung , Bera Anil K.
Published: March 2021

In this study, we propose a spatial stochastic volatility model in which the latent log‐volatility terms follow a spatial autoregressive process. Though there is no spatial correlation in the outcome equation (the mean equation), the spatial autoregressive process defined for the log‐volatility terms introduces spatial dependence in the outcome equation. To introduce a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) estimation algorithm, we transform the model so that the outcome equation takes the form of log‐squared terms. We approximate the distribution of the log‐squared error terms of the outcome equation with a finite mixture of normal distributions so that the transformed model turns into a linear Gaussian state‐space model. Our simulation results indicate that the Bayesian estimator has satisfactory finite sample properties. We investigate the practical usefulness of our proposed model and estimation method by using the price returns of residential properties in the broader Chicago Metropolitan area.
Plasticity in the trophic niche of an invasive ant explains establishment success and long‐term coexistence
Authors: Balzani Paride , Vizzini Salvatrice , Frizzi Filippo , Masoni Alberto , Lessard Jean‐Philippe , Bernasconi Christian , Francoeur André , Ibarra‐Isassi Javier , Brassard François , Cherix Daniel , Santini Giacomo
Published: March 2021

Invasive species are one of the main threats to biodiversity worldwide and the processes enabling their establishment and persistence remain poorly understood. In generalist consumers, plasticity in diet and trophic niche may play a crucial role in invasion success. There is growing evidence that invasive ants, in particular, occupy lower trophic levels in their introduced range compared to the native one, but evidences remain fragmented. We conducted stable isotope analysis at five locations distributed on two continents to infer the trophic position of the invasive ant Formica paralugubris in the native and introduced part of the range. This species forms large colonies and can be a voracious predator while feeding on sugar‐based resources as well. Whereas native populations had trophic positions comparable to that of an omnivore, the introduced populations varied from being honeydew specialists to top predators, or omnivore. Where other ant species co‐occurred, there was no overlap in their trophic niches, and F. paralugubris occupied the lower position, suggesting that trophic displacement may enable the coexistence of different ant species. Taken together, our results suggest that shifts in diet associated with changes in the trophic niche of introduced species might mediate invasion success and enable long‐term coexistence with native species.
The ontogenetic pattern of neurocentral suture closure in the axial skeleton of Hyperodapedontinae (Archosauromorpha, Rhynchosauria) and its evolutionary implications
Authors: Heinrich Clara , Paes Neto Voltaire D. , Lacerda Marcel B. , Martinelli Agustín G. , Fiedler Maico S. , Schultz Cesar L.
Published: March 2021

Understanding the ontogeny of a taxon is a crucial step to properly elucidate its taxonomy and evolution. However, aside from histological data, osteological criteria for assessing maturity are considered lineage specific or controversial. The sequence of neurocentral suture closure of the axial skeleton of extant crocodilians, which occurs in a posterior–anterior sequence, is a non‐destructive method used to determine maturity in extinct reptiles. However, its use in extinct archosaurs not closely related to crocodilians is debatable, as the ancestral condition of Archosauria is unknown and variation occurs in timing and sequence orientation within the clade. We have assessed the pattern of neurocentral suture closure of Hyperodapedontinae rhynchosaurs, an early archosauromorph clade distantly related to archosaurs. Unlike extant crocodilians, they exhibit an anterior–posterior sequence neurocentral suture closure. Relative size and other ontogenetic markers suggest that neurocentral closure in the Hyperodapedontinae correlates with aging, although closed sutures were rare in the sample. A high number of open or partially open sutures in mature individuals indicate that they remained open during most of their life. Our study indicates that: (1) the delayed neurocentral closure may be a paedomorphic heterochronic process in Hyperodapedontinae, as it contrasts with the fully closed neurocentral sutures of early diverging non‐hyperodapedontine rhynchosaurs; (2) the assumption that open neurocentral sutures indicates immaturity in extinct reptiles is not always correct; and (3) the delayed closure may have originated independently in several archosauromorph lineages, but the ancestral condition of Archosauria probably follows the crocodilian closure pattern.
Evaluating provider knowledge, perception, and concerns about cannabinoid use in pediatric dermatology
Authors: Shah Nidhi , Kirkorian Anna Yasmine , Friedman Adam J.
Published: March 2021

As the use of medical cannabinoids expands, the value and acceptance in pediatric dermatology is poorly characterized. To better assess the current climate, this survey evaluated pediatric dermatologists’ familiarity and knowledge about medical cannabis and their interest to research and use cannabinoids. While the fund of knowledge and acceptance was high, providers voiced concerns about psychoactive effects of cannabis and substance abuse among their pediatric patients.
Springs that don't spring out: Fiducials for stereotactic radiotherapy
Authors: Shah Pallav L.
Published: March 2021

See related article
New Methods for Evaluating Energy Infrastructure Development Risks
Authors: Ford Michael J. , Abdulla Ahmed
Published: March 2021

Many energy technologies that can provide reliable, low‐carbon electricity generation are confined to nations that have access to robust technical and economic capabilities, either on their own or through geopolitical alliances. Equally important, these nations maintain a degree of institutional capacity that could lower the risks associated with deploying emergent energy technologies such as advanced nuclear or carbon capture and storage. The complexity, expense, and scrutiny that come with building these facilities make them infeasible choices for most nations. This paradigm is slowly changing, as the pressing need for low‐carbon electricity generation and ongoing efforts to develop modular nuclear and carbon capture technologies have opened the door for potentially wider markets, including in nations without substantial institutional capacity. Here, using advanced nuclear technologies as our testbed, we develop new methods to evaluate national readiness for deploying complex energy infrastructure. Specifically, we use Data Envelopment Analysis—a method that eliminates the need for expert judgment—to benchmark performance across nations. We find that approximately 80% of new nuclear deployment occurs in nations that are in the top two quartiles of institutional and economic performance. However, 85% of potential low‐carbon electricity demand growth is in nations that are in the bottom two quartiles of performance. We offer iconic paradigms for deploying nuclear power in each of these clusters of nations if the goal is to mitigate risk. Our research helps redouble efforts by industry, regulators, and international development agencies to focus on areas where readiness is low and risk correspondingly higher.
An Interview with Kris Sealey on Creolizing the Nation
Authors: Sealey Kris
Published: March 2021

Michael Monahan, Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Memphis, speaks with Kris Sealy about her recent book, Creolizing the Nation (Northwestern University Press, 2020). Drawing on Caribbean, decolonial, and Latina feminist resources, Creolizing the Nation identifies the nation‐form as a powerful resource for political struggles against colonialism, racism, and other manifestations of Western hegemony in the Global South even as it acknowledges the homogenizing effects of the politics of nationalism. Sealey argues that creolization provides a rich theoretical ground for rethinking the nation and deploying its political and cultural apparatus to imagine more just, humane communities.
The Human Factor: Algorithms, Dissenters, and Detention in Immigration Enforcement
Authors: Koulish Robert , Calvo Ernesto
Published: March 2021

Objective

This article measures Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers’ punitive biases in immigration enforcement, comparing rates of dissent with low‐ and high‐risk classification scores. It provides evidence that contextual political factors alter dissent with risk classification assessment (RCA) scores and describes how such dissent informs more punitive versions of ICE's RCA scoring rules.

Methods

We implement a statistical decomposition technique that compares the gap between low‐ and high‐risk dissent rates in risk assessments. Historical and qualitative evidence describes the effect of punitive biases in algorithmic editing.

Results

Results of this investigation show that larger gaps in dissent rates between low‐ and high‐risk classifications result in more punitive scoring updates in later versions of the RCA algorithm.

Conclusion

Our article provides evidence that risk assessment tools implemented to reduce biases in immigration enforcement were updated to accommodate the punitive bias of ICE officers and supervisors.
Current applications of platelet gels in wound healing—A review
Authors: Wang Shujun , Yang Jie , Zhao Guangchao , Liu Ran , Du Ying , Cai Zhimei , Luan Jianfeng , Shen Yanfei , Chen Baoan
Published: March 2021

Human platelets play important roles in several physiologic and pathologic processes. Platelet concentrates are activated with thrombin or calcium, resulting in a viscous coagulum (platelet gel [PG]), composed of 95% platelets at least. PG is increasingly used for the treatment of a variety of soft and hard tissue defects, most notably in the management of chronic non‐healing wounds. During wound healing, platelets not only play a critical role in primary hemostasis and thrombosis, but also release growth factors and cytokines to promote tissue regeneration, enhance collagen synthesis, and trigger an immune response. This review addresses a variety of aspects relevant to the functions of well‐known platelet growth factors, animal and clinical studies of PG in the last decade, and different sources of platelets for PG. PG is used for non‐healing chronic wounds, such as oral ulcerations related to epidermolysis bullosa and chronic graft‐versus‐host disease, for those, the traditional treatment effect is poor. PG maybe provide a new therapeutic direction for these diseases. Nevertheless, some uncertainty is present, the number of clinical studies is not enough. Hence, randomized controlled trials are still required to study the potential of the use of PG in the near future.
Stationary Response of Nonlinear Vibration Energy Harvesters by Path Integration
Authors: Zhu Haitao , Xu Yangang , Yu Yang , Xu Lixin
Published: March 2021

A path integration procedure based on Gauss–Legendre integration scheme is developed to analyze probabilistic solution of nonlinear vibration energy harvesters (VEHs) in this paper. First, traditional energy harvesters are briefly introduced, and their nondimensional governing and moment equations are given. These moment equations can be solved through the Runge–Kutta and Gaussian closure method. Then, the path integration method is extended to three-dimensional situation, solving the probability density function (PDF) of VEH. Three illustrative examples are considered to evaluate the effectiveness of this method. The effectiveness of nonlinearity of traditional monostable VEH is studied. The bistable VEH is further studied too. At the same time, equivalent linearization method (EQL) and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) are employed. The results indicate that three-dimensional path integration method can give satisfactory results for the global PDF, especially when solving bistable VEH problems. The results of this method have better consistency with the simulation results than those of EQL. In addition, different degrees of hardening and softening behaviors of PDFs occur when the magnitude of nonlinearity coefficient increases or the bistable VEH is considered.
Design and Performance Evaluation of a Spherical Robot Assisted by High-Speed Rotating Flywheels for Self-Stabilization and Obstacle Surmounting
Authors: Hu Yibo , Wei Yanding , Liu Mengnan
Published: March 2021

In order to reinforce the operation stability and obstacle capability of a spherical robot, this paper presents a spherical robot with high-speed rotating flywheel, the mechanical structure of which is mainly composed of a spherical shell, a double pendulum on both sides and two high-speed flywheels. The robot has three excitation modes: level running, self-stability operating, and obstacle surmounting. The dynamic characteristics of the pendulum, flywheel, and brake of the robot are discussed through the establishment of kinematic and dynamic model of the spherical robot and the influence of parameters like weight, flywheel speed. and flywheel position on its dynamic characteristics and robot performance is optimized and analyzed in detail. The research results indicate that the two flywheels located in the center of the sphere apart can bring maximum stability gain to the sphere. Finally, the simulation and experiment of the stability gain brought by the high-speed flywheel to the sphere verify that the operation stability of the sphere is effectively improved after using the flywheel, and the robot that stops the flywheel through a brake fixed on the pendulum has better obstacle surmounting performance.
A Comparison of the Fundamental Motor Skills of Preschool-Aged Children With and Without Visual Impairments
Authors: Brian Ali , Miedema Sally Taunton , Johnson Jerraco L. , Chica Isabel
Published: March 2021

Fundamental motor skills (FMS) are an underlying mechanism driving physical activity behavior and promoting positive developmental trajectories for health. However, little is known about FMS of preschool-aged children with visual impairments (VI). The purpose of this study was to examine the FMS of preschool-aged children (N = 25) with (n = 10) and without (n = 15) VI as measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development-3. Children without VI performed significantly higher than their peers for locomotor (M = +11.87, p = .014, η2 = .31) and ball skills (M = +13.69, p < .001, η2 = .56). Regardless of the presence of a VI, many participants struggled with developing FMS, with the greatest disparity resting within ball skills. These findings help to clarify the FMS levels of preschool-aged children with VI. Thus, there is a need for both further inquiry and intervention for all children.
Turkey targets critics of its pandemic response
Authors: McTighe Kristen
Published: March 2021

Researchers and physicians who question data or policies face lengthy investigations.
Curved scour marks trace the directions of ancient quakes
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: March 2021

"Slickenlines" etched in rocks could help refine shaking hazard for cities near the ends of faults.
The race to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphs
The Riddle of the Rosetta
Jed Z. Buchwald and Diane Greco Josefowicz
Princeton University Press, 2020. 576 pp.
Authors: Robinson Andrew
Published: March 2021

A pair of scholars recount the rivalry that defined efforts to interpret the Rosetta stone
Determining Gut Microbial Dysbiosis: a Review of Applied Indexes for Assessment of Intestinal Microbiota Imbalances
Authors: Wei Shaodong , Bahl Martin Iain , Baunwall Simon Mark Dahl , Hvas Christian Lodberg , Licht Tine Rask
Published: March 2021

Assessing “dysbiosis” in intestinal microbial communities is increasingly considered a routine analysis in microbiota studies, and it has added relevant information to the prediction and characterization of diseases and other adverse conditions. However, dysbiosis is not a well-defined condition.
Filling in the Gaps in Metformin Biodegradation: a New Enzyme and a Metabolic Pathway for Guanylurea
Authors: Tassoulas Lambros J. , Robinson Ashley , Martinez-Vaz Betsy , Aukema Kelly G. , Wackett Lawrence P.
Published: March 2021

Metformin is a pharmaceutical most prescribed for type 2 diabetes and is now being examined for potential benefits to COVID-19 patients. People taking the drug pass it largely unchanged, and it subsequently enters wastewater treatment plants.
Casting Light on the Adaptation Mechanisms and Evolutionary History of the Widespread Sumerlaeota
Authors: Fang Yun , Yuan Yang , Liu Jun , Wu Geng , Yang Jian , Hua Zhengshuang , Han Jibin , Zhang Xiying , Li Wenjun , Jiang Hongchen
Published: March 2021

In recent years, the tree of life has expanded substantially. Despite this, many abundant yet uncultivated microbial groups remain to be explored.
The Lst Sialyltransferase of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Can Transfer Keto-Deoxyoctanoate as the Terminal Sugar of Lipooligosaccharide: a Glyco-Achilles Heel That Provides a New Strategy for Vaccines to Prevent Gonorrhea
Authors: Jen Freda E.-C. , Ketterer Margaret R. , Semchenko Evgeny A. , Day Christopher J. , Seib Kate L. , Apicella Michael A. , Jennings Michael P.
Published: March 2021

The emergence of multidrug-resistant
N. gonorrhoeae
strains that are resistant to available antimicrobials is a current health emergency, and no vaccine is available to prevent gonococcal infection. Lipooligosaccharide (LOS) is one of the major virulence factors of
N. gonorrhoeae
.
Fungal and Bacterial Loads: Noninvasive Inflammatory Bowel Disease Biomarkers for the Clinical Setting
Authors: Sarrabayrouse G. , Elias A. , Yáñez F. , Mayorga L. , Varela E. , Bartoli C. , Casellas F. , Borruel N. , Herrera de Guise C. , Machiels K. , Vermeire S. , Manichanh C.
Published: March 2021

Next-generation sequence data analysis has allowed a better understanding of the pathophysiology of IBD, relating microbiome composition and functions to the disease. Microbiome composition profiling may provide efficient diagnosis and prognosis tools in IBD.
Characterising the impact of COVID-19 environment on mental health, gender affirming services and socioeconomic loss in a global sample of transgender and non-binary people: a structural equation modelling
Authors: Restar Arjee Javellana , Jin Harry , Jarrett Brooke , Adamson Tyler , Baral Stefan David , Howell Sean , Beckham S Wilson
Published: March 2021

Background

We characterised the impact of COVID-19 on the socioeconomic conditions, access to gender affirmation services and mental health outcomes in a sample of global transgender (trans) and non-binary populations.

Methods

Between 16 April 2020 and 3 August 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional survey with a global sample of trans and non-binary people (n=849) through an online social networking app. We conducted structural equational modelling procedures to determine direct, indirect and overall effects between poor mental health (ie, depression and anxiety) and latent variables across socioecological levels: social (ie, reduction in gender affirming services, socioeconomic loss impact) and environmental factors (ie, COVID-19 pandemic environment).

Results

Anxiety (45.82%) and depression (50.88%) in this sample were prevalent and directly linked to COVID-19 pandemic environment. Adjusted for gender identity, age, migrant status, region, education and level of socioeconomic status, our final model showed significant positive associations between relationships of (1) COVID-19 pandemic environment and socioeconomic loss impact (β=0.62, p<0.001), (2) socioeconomic loss impact and reduction in gender affirming services (β=0.24, p<0.05) and (3) reduction in gender affirming services and poor mental health (β=0.19, p<0.05). Moreover, socioeconomic loss impact and reduction in gender affirming services were found to be partial mediators in this model.

Conclusion

The study results supported the importance of bolstering access to gender affirming services and strengthening socioeconomic opportunities and programmatic support to buffer the impact of COVID-19 pandemic environment on poor mental health among trans and non-binary communities globally.
Prevalence and predictors of gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Dodoma region, Tanzania: an analytical cross-sectional study
Authors: Mdoe Mwajuma Bakari , Kibusi Stephen Matthew , Munyogwa Mariam John , Ernest Alex Ibolinga
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is rapidly increasing worldwide. Globally, 18.4 million pregnancies are complicated by GDM. Despite its known effect, GDM screening is not part of routine antenatal services in Tanzania. There is paucity of data on the magnitude and risk factors for GDM. Therefore, this study sought to determine prevalence and predictors of GDM among pregnant women in Dodoma region, Tanzania from March to August 2018.

Research design and methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out in Dodoma region, Tanzania between April and August of 2018. A total of 582 pregnant women were recruited from four local health facilities, where purposive sampling procedure was used to select the region, districts and health facilities. Simple random sampling was used to select study participants. Screening and diagnosis of GDM were performed using the 2013 WHO criteria. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using SPSS V.23 to determine prevalence and independent predictors of GDM.

Results

Among 582 participants, 160 (27.5%) participants were diagnosed with GDM. GDM was more prevalent in urban areas than rural areas, among overweight participants, among participants with a history of a large for gestational age baby, among participants with a history of caesarean section, and among participants with college or university education. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that maternal age above 35 years (adjusted OR (AOR) 3.115 (95% CI: 1.165 to 8.359)), pre-eclampsia (AOR 3.684 (95% CI: 1.202 to 5.293)), low physical activity level (AOR 4.758 (95% CI: 2.232 to 10.143)), lack of awareness of GDM (AOR 6.371 (95% CI: 1.944 to 13.919)), alcohol use (AOR 4.477 (95% CI: 1.642 to 12.202)) and family history of diabetes (AOR 2.344 (95% CI: 1.239 to 4.434)) were significantly associated with GDM.

Conclusions

Prevalence of GDM is relatively high in Dodoma region. Most pregnant women are unaware of the condition such that it leads to a high-risk lifestyle. Besides, GDM significantly contributes to the number of high-risk pregnancies that go undetected and suboptimally managed. The antenatal care centres offer an optimum platform for screening, preventing and treating GDM by prioritising high-risk women.
Prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors among nurses and para-health professionals working at primary healthcare level of Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Faruque Mithila , Barua Lingkan , Banik Palash Chandra , Sultana Sharmin , Biswas Animesh , Alim Abdul , Gupta Pradip Kumar Sen , Ali Liaquat
Published: March 2021

Objective

To determine the prevalence of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors among nurses and para-health professionals (PHPs) working at primary healthcare centres in Bangladesh. In addition to this, we also investigated the association of these risk factors with the categories of health professions.

Design

Cross-sectional study and the sampling technique was a census.

Setting

The study site was a medical university of Bangladesh where the study population was recruited by NCD Control Programme of Directorate General of Health Services to participate in a 3-day training session from November 2017 to May 2018.

Participants

A total of 1942 government-employed senior staff nurses (SSNs) and PHPs working at Upazila Health Complexes.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The data were collected using a modified STEPwise approach to NCD risk factors surveillance questionnaire of the World Health Organisation (V.3.2). The prevalence of NCD risk factors was presented descriptively and the χ² test was used to determine the association between NCD risk factors distribution and categories of health professions.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 37.6 years (SD 9.5) and most of them (87.6%) had a diploma in their respective fields. Physical inactivity (86.9%), inadequate fruits and/vegetable intake (56.3%) and added salt intake (35.6%) were the most prevalent behavioural risk factors. The prevalence of central obesity, overweight, raised blood glucose and raised BP were 83.5%, 42.6%, 19.2% and 12.8% respectively. Overall, the NCD risk factors prevalence was higher among PHPs compared with SSNs. A highly significant association (p<0.001) was found between risk factors and the categories of health professions for tobacco use, alcohol intake, added salt intake and physical inactivity.

Conclusion

High NCD risk factors prevalence and its significant association with SSNs and PHPs demand an appropriate risk-reduction strategy to minimise the possibility of chronic illness among them.
Investigating inequities in cardiovascular care and outcomes for Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: protocol for a hospital-based retrospective cohort data linkage project
Authors: Kearns Therese , Diaz Abbey , Whop Lisa J , Moore Suzanne P , Condon John R , Andrews Ross M , Katzenellenbogen Judith M , Matthews Veronica , Wang William , Johnston Trisha , Taylor Catherine , Potts Boyd , Kathage Alex , Suleman Abdulla , Stanley Lucy , Mitchell Louise , Garvey Gail , Williamson Daniel
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents a significant burden of disease for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, a population that continues to experience a lower life expectancy than other Australians. The aim of the Better Cardiac Care Data Linkage project is to describe patient care pathways and to identify disparities in care and health outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Queensland residents diagnosed with CVD in the state of Queensland.

Methods

This is a population-based retrospective cohort study using linked regional, state and national health and administrative data collections to describe disparities in CVD healthcare in primary and secondary prevention settings and during hospitalisation. The CVD cohort will be identified from the Queensland Hospital Admitted Patient Data Collection for admissions that occurred between 1 July 2010 and 31 June 2016 and will include relevant International Classification of Disease codes for ischaemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, stroke, acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. Person-level data will be linked by Data Linkage Queensland and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) in accordance with ethical and public health approvals to describe the patient journey prior to, during and post the hospital admission.

Analysis

This project will focus largely on descriptive epidemiological measures and multivariate analysis of clinical care standards and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people compared with other Queenslanders, including identification of risk factors for suboptimal care and change over time. Variation in care pathways and patient outcomes will be compared by Indigenous status, sex, age group, remoteness of residence, year of index hospitalisation and socioeconomic status. Cox models for time-to-event data and mixed models or generalised estimating equations for longitudinal data will be used to measure change over time where temporal effects exist.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted by Human Research Ethics Committees of the Prince Charles Hospital (HREC/15/QPCH/289) and the AIHW (EO2016-1-233). The Northern Territory Department of Health and Menzies School of Health Research have also provided reciprocal ethical approval of the project (HREC 2019–3490). The deidentified results will be summarised in a report and shared with investigators, advisory groups, Queensland Health and key stakeholders. Findings will be disseminated through workshops, conferences and will be published in peer-reviewed journals.
Understanding physician behaviour in the 6–8 weeks hip check in primary care: a qualitative study using the COM-B
Authors: Chater Angel , Milton Sarah , Green Judith , Gilworth Gill , Roposch Andreas
Published: March 2021

Objectives

A compulsory hip check is performed on an infant at 6–8 weeks in primary care for the detection of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Missed diagnoses and infants incorrectly labelled with DDH remain an important problem. The nature of physician behaviour as a likely source of this problem has not been explored. The aims of this study were to make a behavioural diagnosis of general practitioners (GPs) who perform these hip checks, and identify potential behavioural change techniques that could make the hip checks more effective.

Design

Qualitative study with in-depth semistructured interviews of 6–8 weeks checks. We used the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour model in making a behavioural diagnosis and elicited factors that can be linked to improving the assessment.

Setting

Primary care.

Participants

17 GPs (15 female) who had between 5 and 34 years of work experience were interviewed.

Results

Capability related to knowledge of evidence-based criteria and skill to identify DDH were important behavioural factors. Both physical (clinic time and space) and social (practice norms), opportunity were essential for optimal behaviour. Furthermore, motivation related to the importance of the 6–8 weeks check and confidence to perform the check and refer appropriately were identified in the behavioural diagnosis.

Conclusion

Aspects of capability, opportunity and motivation affect GPs’ diagnosis and referral behaviours in relation to DDH. The findings from this work extend current knowledge and will inform the development of an intervention aimed at improving the diagnosis of DDH.
Optimal target blood pressure in critically ill adult patients with vasodilatory shock: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fukui Satoshi , Higashio Koki , Murao Shuhei , Endo Akira , Akira Takasu , Yamakawa Kazuma
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The optimal target of mean arterial pressure (MAP) for better outcomes in patients with vasodilatory shock remains a matter of debate. Although catecholamines are generally used to maintain target blood pressure in hypotensive patients with vasodilatory shock, the adverse effects of catecholamines must also be considered. We will perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the certainty of evidence determining the optimal target of MAP control for patients with vasodilatory shock in critically ill settings.

Methods and analysis

This study protocol was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry. We will include only RCTs that evaluated the two different comparators for target MAP to be maintained for clinical outcomes of all-cause mortality: organ dysfunction and adverse events in critically ill adult patients with vasodilatory shock. We will search the electronic bibliographic databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in November 2020. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts, perform full article reviews and extract study data. We will report study characteristics and assess methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias 2 tool. If pooling is appropriate, we will calculate relative risks with 95% CIs for all outcome measures. Clinical and methodological subgroup and sensitivity analyses will be performed to explore heterogeneity. Overall certainty of evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will not involve primary data collection, and formal ethics approval will therefore not be required. We aim to publish this systematic review in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

UMIN000042624.
Effect of cabazitaxel on macrophages improves CD47-targeted immunotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Cao Xu , Li Bolei , Chen Jing , Dang Jessica , Chen Siqi , Gunes E Gulsen , Xu Bo , Tian Lei , Muend Sabina , Raoof Mustafa , Querfeld Christiane , Yu Jianhua , Rosen Steven T. , Wang Yingyu , Feng Mingye
Published: March 2021

Background

Limited therapeutic options are available for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), emphasizing an urgent need for more effective treatment approaches. The development of strategies by targeting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) to stimulate their ability of Programmed Cell Removal (PrCR) provides a promising new immunotherapy for TNBC treatment.

Methods

CD47 is a critical self-protective “don’t eat me” signal on multiple human cancers against macrophage immunosurveillance. Using human and mouse TNBC preclinical models, we evaluated the efficacy of PrCR-based immunotherapy by blocking CD47. We performed high-throughput screens on FDA-approved anti-cancer small molecule compounds for agents potentiating PrCR and enhancing the efficacy of CD47-targeted therapy for TNBC treatment.

Results

We showed that CD47 was widely expressed on TNBC cells and TAMs represented the most abundant immune cell population in TNBC tumors. Blockade of CD47 enabled PrCR of TNBC cells, but the efficacy was not satisfactory. Our high-throughput screens identified cabazitaxel in enhancing PrCR-based immunotherapy. A combination of CD47 blockade and cabazitaxel treatment yielded a highly effective treatment strategy, promoting PrCR of TNBC cells and inhibiting tumor development and metastasis in preclinical models. We demonstrated that cabazitaxel potentiated PrCR by activating macrophages, independent of its cytotoxicity toward cancer cells. When treated with cabazitaxel, the molecular and phenotypic signatures of macrophages were polarized toward M1 state, and the NF-kB signaling pathway became activated.

Conclusion

The combination of CD47 blockade and macrophage activation by cabazitaxel synergizes to vastly enhance the elimination of TNBC cells. Our results show that targeting macrophages is a promising and effective strategy for TNBC treatment.
Role of depressive symptoms in cardiometabolic diseases and subsequent transitions to all-cause mortality: an application of multistate models in a prospective cohort study
Authors: Qiao Yanan , Liu Siyuan , Li Guochen , Lu Yanqiang , Wu Ying , Ding Yi , Ke Chaofu
Published: March 2021

Background and purpose

The role of depression in the development and outcome of cardiometabolic diseases remains to be clarified. We aimed to examine the extent to which depressive symptoms affect the transitions from healthy to diabetes, stroke, heart disease and subsequent all-cause mortality in a middle-aged and elderly European population.

Methods

A total of 78 212 individuals aged ≥50 years from the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe were included. Participants with any baseline cardiometabolic diseases including diabetes, stroke and heart disease were excluded. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Euro-Depression scale at baseline. Participants were followed up to determine the occurrence of cardiometabolic diseases and all-cause mortality. We used multistate models to estimate the transition-specific HRs and 95% CIs after adjustment of confounders.

Results

During 500 711 person-years of follow-up, 4742 participants developed diabetes, 2173 had stroke, 5487 developed heart disease and 7182 died. Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with transitions from healthy to diabetes (HR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.20), stroke (HR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.18 to 1.44), heart disease (HR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.18 to 1.34) and all-cause mortality (HR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.34 to 1.49). After cardiometabolic diseases, depressive symptoms were associated with the increased risk of all-cause mortality in patients with diabetes (HR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.25 to 1.89), patients who had stroke (HR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.61) and patients with heart disease (HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.44).

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms increase the risk of diabetes, stroke and heart disease, and affect the risk of mortality after the onset of these cardiometabolic conditions. Screening and treatment of depressive symptoms may have profound implications for the prevention and prognosis of cardiometabolic diseases.
Introduction of four native legumes of the Canadian Prairies in monoculture and in mixtures with meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius)
Authors: Quilichini Shanna M. , Schellenberg Michael P. , Biligetu Bill
Published: March 2021

Many questions remain concerning the viability and productivity of seeding native legumes in the Canadian Prairies for forage production. Field research was conducted with four native legume species (Astragalus flexuosus, Dalea purpurea, Hedysarum boreale, and Vicia americana) to evaluate performance in Swift Current and Saskatoon, SK. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four replicates to evaluate legume–grass mixtures and monoculture performance, botanical composition, and effect of harvest dates (July and August) from 2016 to 2018. The native legume–grass mixtures performed differently at the sites, with greater foliar cover at Saskatoon but a greater proportion of legumes in mixtures at Swift Current. The mixtures had similar forage nutritive value as monoculture Bromus riparius, with legumes contributing 10% or less of the forage dry matter yield (DMY) at both sites. Astragalus flexuosus showed the greatest foliar cover and produced the greatest DMY in monoculture at both sites. Based on this study, native legumes would need to make up a larger proportion of forage dry matter yield to change the nutritional value of mixtures. In a subsequent seeding rate evaluation, the four legume species were planted at three seeding rates [300, 200, and 100 pure live seeds (PLS) per metre] and tested for DMY one year following establishment near Swift Current. Increasing seeding rates up to 300 PLS·m−1 corresponded with an increase in seedling density and foliar cover, but DMY was not affected. Additional research with A. flexuosus is needed to demonstrate its value as a forage.
Transformations of Closed Invariant Curves and Closed-Invariant-Curve-Like Chaotic Attractors in Piecewise Smooth Systems
Authors: Zhusubaliyev Zhanybai T. , Avrutin Viktor , Bastian Frank
Published: March 2021

The paper describes some aspects of sudden transformations of closed invariant curves in a 2D piecewise smooth map. In particular, using detailed numerically calculated phase portraits, we discuss transitions from smooth to piecewise smooth closed invariant curves. We show that such transitions may occur not only when a closed invariant curve collides with a border but also via a homoclinic bifurcation. Furthermore, we describe an unusual transformation from a closed invariant curve to a large amplitude chaotic attractor and demonstrate that this transition occurs in two steps, involving a small amplitude closed-invariant-curve-like chaotic attractor.
Chaotic Dynamics in Generalized Rabinovich System
Authors: Zhang Fuchen , Zhou Ping , Chen Xiusu , Chen Rui , Mu Chunlai
Published: March 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the global behavior of the generalized Rabinovich system describing the process of interaction between waves in plasma. For this generalized system, we obtain the positive invariant set (ultimate bound) and globally exponential attractive set using the approach where we transform the initial problem of finding the corresponding set to the conditional extremum problem and solve this problem. Furthermore, the rate of the trajectories going from the exterior of the attractive set to the interior of the attractive set is also obtained. Numerical localization of attractor is presented. Meanwhile, the volumes of the ultimate bound set and the global exponential attractive set are obtained, respectively. The main innovation of this article lays in considering the generalized form of the Rabinovich system with [Formula: see text] and obtaining the results on the ultimate bound set and globally exponential attractive set for this general case.
Effect of a Mode of Update on Universality Class for Coupled Logistic Maps: Directed Ising to Ising Class
Authors: Deshmukh Ankosh D. , Shambharkar Nitesh D. , Gade Prashant M.
Published: March 2021

Ising model at zero temperature leads to a ferromagnetic state asymptotically. There are two such possible states linked by symmetry, and Glauber–Ising dynamics are employed to reach them. In some stochastic or deterministic dynamical systems, the same absorbing state with [Formula: see text] symmetry is reached. This transition often belongs to the directed Ising (DI) class where dynamic exponents and persistence exponent are different. In asymmetrically coupled sequentially updated logistic maps, the transition belongs to the DI class. We study changes in the nature of transition with an update scheme. Even with the synchronous update, the transition still belongs to the DI class. We also study a synchronous probabilistic update scheme in which each site is updated with the probability [Formula: see text]. The order parameter decays with an exponent [Formula: see text] in this scheme. Nevertheless, the dynamic exponent [Formula: see text] is less than [Formula: see text] even for small values of [Formula: see text] indicating a very slow crossover to the Ising class. However, with a random asynchronous update, we recover [Formula: see text]. In the presence of feedback, synchronous update leads to a transition in the DI universality class which changes to Ising class for synchronous probabilistic update.