bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sintonizando todos os rádios: mais vozes e menos ruídos
Authors: Amaral Carlos Cesar Domingos do
Published: November 2020

A obra é dividida em dois prefácios e 11 artigos que compõem o material permanente de um congresso de rádio promovido pela Universidade Federal da Paraíba com seu Centro de Comunicação, Turismo e Artes publicado em 2019. O objetivo é mostrar como o rádio pode possuir inúmeras visões com o passar dos anos e avanço da sociedade. Com os dois prefácios mostrando a importância do rádio, do então III Simpósio Nacional do Rádio e principalmente seu papel de contar e preservar tantas memórias é que o leitor é introduzido ao ebook.
Pandemia do novo coronavírus impõe isolamento social: novas práticas no telejornalismo regional de Bauru, Marília e Região
Authors: Kneipp Valquíria Aparecida Passos
Published: November 2020

Entrevista realizada no dia 04 de maio de 2020, com o gerente de Jornalismo da TV TEM Bauru, Marília e Região – Daniel Henrique Schafer sobre as novas práticas sociais no telejornalismo regional, em tempos do novo coronavírus. A entrevista foi realizada via internet pelo aplicativo Google Meet devido às regras de isolamento social vigentes no período da realização da mesma. Uma série de mudanças e adaptações foi adotada pelas equipes da emissora que cobre cerca de cem cidades, na região centro oeste do interior de São Paulo.
Estrangeiros locais: mobilidade rompida pela segregação sociorracial urbana
Authors: Gomes Ana Clara
Published: November 2020

A cidade depende da movimentação que os meios de transportes a oferece para garantir a circularidade dos fluxos da vida urbana. O deslocamento de pessoas é necessário para que haja um movimento de integração na cidade. Os meios de transportes, entretanto, também podem segregar, quando funcionam como dispositivo de controle social. Se a mobilidade urbana é interrompida, tem-se fronteiras aos estrangeiros locais, impossibilitados de vivenciar a cidade. Vigiados e punidos, os estrangeiros locais têm o consenso do Estado, da polícia, do discurso midiático e da classe dominante para protagonizarem uma segregação sociorracial urbana. Por serem negros e pobres, os estrangeiros locais são proibidos de desfrutarem das praias da Zona Sul do Rio de Janeiro, de sua própria cidade.
An Aggregation of Lion Hunters
Authors: Katz David Brock
Published: November 2020

The initial stages of the Second Anglo Boer War demonstrated the efficacy of the Boer tactical system, which produced some astounding results. Boer mobility, coupled with directive command, individual initiative, and logistical flexibility allowed the Boers to practice an effective form of manoeuvre warfare. The Boers neither reduced their way of war to writing nor produced manuals on their tactical or operational doctrine. Their doctrine existed as an institutional belief system evolved over centuries of conflict with the tribes of southern Africa and the British. The Boer military lacked insight at the strategic level, and early brilliant Boer successes at the tactical level were not enough to swing a strategic victory. This article aims to reveal the Boer way of war through its evolution and development at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels using the lens of the Second Anglo Boer War and the German South West African campaign 1915.
A Brief Overview of the Many Alternatives to Classical Theism, and How to Decide between Them
Authors: Lataster Raphael
Published: November 2020

In the analytic Philosophy of Religion, much ink has been spilt on the existence of some sort of supernatural reality. Such work is usually done by theists, those who find classical theism to be probably true. It is my contention that the premises invoked in the common arguments or derivations for God’s existence do not necessarily lead to the god of theism. In this article, I note that these premises could also lead to various alternative naturalistic and supernaturalistic hypotheses (some of which are actualised throughout the non-Western world). As such, the main focus here is on describing some of the many naturalistic and supernaturalistic alternatives to classical theism, especially since several of these alternatives are generating discussion in the recent literature; explaining why a number of these alternatives are considered plausible by their proponents; and proposing how we might decide which theory is true, eventually endorsing a Bayesian approach.
Purism
Authors: Primus
Published: November 2020

This article presents an ontological proof that God is impossible. I define an ‘impossibility’ as a condition which is inconceivable due to its a priori characteristics (e.g. a ‘square circle’). Accordingly, said conditions will not ever become conceivable, as they could in instances of a posteriori inconceivability (e.g. the notion that someone could touch a star without being burned). As the basis of this argument, I refer to an a priori observation (Primus, 2019) regarding our inability to imagine inconsistency (difference) within any point of space. This observation renders the notion of absolute power to be inconceivable, a priori. I briefly discuss the moral implications of religious faith in the context of Purism: a moral rationalist paradigm. I conclude that whilst belief in God can be aesthetically expressed it should not be possessed as a material purpose, due to the illogicality of the latter category of belief and/or expression. With this article I provide conceptual delineation between harmless religious belief and expression—which, I argue, should be protected from persecution, as per any other artistic expression—and religious belief and expression which is materially harmful to society. Whilst I aim to protect religious freedom of expression on one hand, I duly aim to reduce instances of material faith in God(s) on the other. Finally, I aim to bring hope in the possibility for human salvation via technology—such that they should exist indefinitely as ‘demi-gods,’ defined by conditional, relative power over their environment.
Scoliolyra elliptica gen. et sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae), a new marine genus from sandy beach in Southern China

Authors: ZHANG JIAWEI , WANG ZHEN , ZHUO SUQING , GAO YAHUI , LI XUESONG , ZHANG JUN , SUN LIN , LIANG JUNRONG , LI LANG , CHEN CHANGPING
Published: November 2020

Observation of sand samples collected from an estuarine sandy beach in Southern China revealed the presence of a new biraphid diatom. It is characterized by the presence of a twisted raphe system, apically elongate areolae, and striae interrupted by longitudinal H-shaped lateral areas in a form of valve face depressions, as well as girdle composed of open, plain copulae. The structure of valve outline, the raphe sternum and striae bears some resemblance to some established genera including e.g., Lyrella, Fallacia, Scolioneis, Scoliopleura and Scoliotropis, however, these characters are uniquely combined in this novel taxon. The new species, Scoliolyra elliptica, belongs to a new biraphid genus, Scoliolyra, and it is tentatively placed within the family Scolioneidaceae.
POLLEN MORPHOLOGY OF Ombrophytum villamariensis (BALANOPHORACEAE)

Authors: PLATA ANGELO , GUZMÁN-GUZMÁN SANTIAGO
Published: November 2020

This study contributes to the morphological characterization of Ombrophytum villamariensis, a new species of Neotropical Balanophoraceae recently described for Colombia. The study revealed the presence of diagnostic characters in the pollen grain such as small size and a circular endoaperture. Unlike other species, only tricolporate pollen grains were observed.
Nomenclature and typification of Staudtia pterocarpa (Myristicaceae)

Authors: FIGUEIREDO ESTRELA , SMITH GIDEON F. , LIMA RICARDO F.
Published: November 2020

The tropical African genus Staudtia Warburg (1897a: 128) (Myristicaceae) is most often treated as consisting of two species, the widespread S. kamerunensis Warburg (1897a: 241) and the little-known S. pterocarpa Warburg (1897a: 243), the latter being endemic to the island of São Tomé (São Tomé and Príncipe, Gulf of Guinea). Staudtia pterocarpa has been known by the Portuguese common name Pau-Vermelho (vermelho meaning red), and the Santomean Portuguese names Vlêmê or Pó-Vlêmê, since at least the end of the 19th century (Negreiros 1895: 253). These common names are derived from the pressed bark that exudes a resinous red sap (Negreiros 1901: 85), this exudate being a characteristic feature of the family. The common names have also been explained as reflecting the colour of the timber. The core wood of the other species of Staudtia, S. kamerunensis, commonly known under the trade name Niove, could also take on an ochre-red colour [Phongphaew 2003: 142, as S. stipitata Warburg (1903: 384)]. At the beginning of the 20th century the timber of S. pterocarpa was considered excellent for construction and carpentry and the leaves were used medicinally (Negreiros 1901: 85). Presently the bark of S. pterocarpa is used in traditional medicine (Figueiredo et al. 2011). The species occurs in lowland forest up to ca. 1150 m above sea level and its conservation status is listed as Vulnerable (Oldfield et al. 1998, WCMC 1998).
A new species of Usnea (Parmeliaceae, lichenized Ascomycota) from Southwest China

Authors: HAN LIU-FU , XIE YU-HUAN , ZHANG HUAN-BING , LI LI-SI , GUO SHOU-YU
Published: November 2020

During the study of Usnea from China, we identified and illustrated a new species, Usnea sulphuridiscoidea S. Y. Guo & L. F. Han from the Ailaoshan Mountain of Southwest China, based on morphological characteristics and nrDNA ITS sequence data. This new species can be distinguished morphologically from other apotheciate members of Usnea by the special lateral apothecia with sulphur disc, the inflated branches with glossy surface and numerous papillae as well as many fibrils, meanwhile lacking pseudocyphellae and soralia. The nrDNA ITS sequence data supported the recognition of the new species.
Amending Strobilanthes gamblei (Acanthaceae) and an overlooked new species Strobilanthes bourdillonii from the Western Ghats, India

Authors: KRISHNAPILLAI PRADEEP ANNAVIVEETTIL , THOMAS SINJUMOL , BRITTO SUSAI JOHN , MANI BINCE
Published: November 2020

Strobilanthes lawsonii was described by Gamble based on four gatherings collected from different parts of the Western Ghats. However, the gatherings cited in the protologue represent three different species. Carine et al. identified them to be S. lawsonii, S. gamblei and S. pushpangadanii. However, the specimen identified as S. pushpangadanii and many specimens collected from various parts of Kerala and Karnataka as S. gamblei by them represent a new species, S. bourdillonii. An updated description is provided for Strobilanthes gamblei.
Discovery of four new species of Trichrysis Lichtenstein, cyanea species group (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae) from Vietnam
Authors: WIŚNIOWSKI BOGDAN , LIEN NGUYEN THI PHUONG , CUONG NGUYEN QUANG
Published: November 2020

Four species of the genus Trichrysis Lichtenstein, 1876 are described from Vietnam as new for science: T. aliciae Wiśniowski, sp. nov., T. chamchuensis Wiśniowski & Nguyen, sp. nov., T. kylan Wiśniowski & Cuong, sp. nov., and T. raymundi Wiśniowski, sp. nov. The species belong to the T. cyanea species group.
Estimating Turbulent Kinetic Energy Dissipation Rate Using Microstructure Data from the Ship-Towed Surface Salinity Profiler
Authors: Iyer Suneil , Drushka Kyla , Rainville Luc
Published: November 2020

As part of the second Salinity Processes in the Upper Ocean Regional Study (SPURS-2), the ship-towed Surface Salinity Profiler (SSP) was used to measure near-surface turbulence and stratification on horizontal spatial scales of tens of kilometers over time scales of hours, resolving structures outside the observational capabilities of autonomous or Lagrangian platforms. Observations of microstructure variability of temperature were made at approximately 37 cm depth from the SSP. The platform can be used to measure turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate when the upper ocean is sufficiently stratified by calculating temperature gradient spectra from the microstructure data and fitting to low-wavenumber theoretical Batchelor spectra. Observations of dissipation rate made across a range of wind speeds under 12 m s−1 were consistent with the results of previous studies of near-surface turbulence and with existing turbulence scalings. Microstructure sensors mounted on the SSP can be used to investigate the spatial structure of near-surface turbulence. This provides a new means to study the connections between near-surface turbulence and the larger-scale distributions of heat and salt in the near-surface layer of the ocean.
The Process of Team Building Among Content Experts and Methodologists: An Example From an Emergency Medical Services Research Investigation Kick-Off Meeting
Authors: Guetterman Timothy C. , Abir Mahshid , Nallamothu Brahmajee K. , Fouche Sydney , Nham Wilson , Nelson Christopher , Mendel Peter , Forbush Bill , Shields Theresa A. , Setodji Claude M. , Hsu Antony P. , Domeier Robert M. , Kronick Steven , Neumar Robert W. , Fetters Michael D.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Community-engaged research engages the community in a collaborative manner to improve the local setting and has been increasingly applied to health services research. These complex studies require collaboration and team building among clinical experts, methodologists, and community stakeholders, yet few examples of this process have been published.

Aim:

Through a study of community emergency medical services, our aim was to understand team building among content experts and methodologists to advance the framework for adaptive community-engaged research.

Methods:

We collected process field notes and transcripts from the project kick-off meetings and analyzed the data using an immersion/crystallization process, which is an exploratory qualitative analysis characterized by continual review of the data collected. All 25 members of the study’s research team, who are both local to Michigan and reside out-of-state, were invited to attend.

Results:

We describe the process of the kick-off event for this community-engaged study and report major themes: collaborating throughout each stage of the kick-off meeting, building trusting relationships by challenging each other’s perspectives and sharing expertise, and gaining shared experiences of learning and understanding of study content and goals.

Conclusion:

Team-building in community engaged health research requires thoughtful effort, and planned kick-off meeting can be a useful strategy to build a shared vision among content experts and methodologists.
Factors influencing the outcome of vedolizumab treatment: Real‐life data with objective outcome measurements
Authors: Mader Orla , Juillerat Pascal , Biedermann Luc , Michetti Pierre , Hruz Petr , Pittet Valerie , Rogler Gerhard , Zahnd‐Straumann Nadine , Seibold Frank
Published: November 2020

Background

Vedolizumab (VDZ), a humanised monoclonal antibody against a4ß7‐integrin, has shown efficacy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is of importance to assess the mid‐to long‐term efficacy of VDZ using real‐life data.

Objective

Our study aimed to determine the efficacy of VDZ in patients with IBD with and without prior exposure to anti‐tumour necrosis factor (TNF) treatments in a real‐life setting. Furthermore, we investigated confounding factors influencing the remission to VDZ.

Methods

Patients participating in the Swiss IBD Cohort Study were included in this study. Remission was defined as calprotectin less than 200 mg/kg stool and/or mucosal healing determined by endoscopy. End points were determined between Months 4 and 8 (T1) and between Months 12 and 16 (T2) after VDZ induction.

Results

Remission was reported in 50.5% (110/218) of patients in T1 (48.7% Crohn's disease [CD] and 52.5% ulcerative colitis [UC]) and 46.8% (102/218) in T2 (47% CD and 46.5% UC). In UC patients, a significantly higher remission rate was achieved in T2 among anti‐TNF‐naive patients (57.7%) compared to anti‐TNF‐experienced patients (34.7%; p = 0.02; odds ratio = 0.39, 95% confidence interval: 0.17–0.87). In patients with CD, no difference could be seen in either evaluation interval. Multivariable analysis showed that disease duration significantly influenced remission rates among UC patients. A late response to VDZ therapy with an achievement of remission in T2 was seen in a fifth of all patients (CD: 21.7%, UC: 20.8%). VDZ treatment was stopped in a third of all patients (31.8%) due to nonresponse, adverse events or aggravation of extra‐intestinal manifestations.

Conclusion

In a real‐life national cohort setting, VDZ induced remission in more than half of IBD patients. Previous treatment with anti‐TNF agents was associated with a significant lower efficacy of VDZ in UC but not in CD patients.
Preferences for Written and Spoken Expressions of Thanks Among American Professionals
Authors: Cardon Peter W. , Christie Cole J. , Wong Janna
Published: November 2020

Expressing thanks in the workplace involves thoughtfulness and skill. Based on a gratitude journaling exercise over the course of a month by 58 American professionals (Study 1) and a survey of over 1,200 American professionals (Study 2), this research demonstrates the many written and spoken ways in which professionals value receiving thanks in low-effort, high-effort, minor-accomplishment, and major-accomplishment situations. The research suggests gratitude expressions can be interpreted through media synchronicity theory and social comparison theory. A variety of training and teaching approaches are offered.
An Ultrathin, Triple-Band Metamaterial Absorber with Wide-Incident-Angle Stability for Conformal Applications at X and Ku Frequency Band
Authors: Deng Guangsheng , Lv Kun , Sun Hanxiao , Yang Jun , Yin Zhiping , Li Ying , Chi Baihong , Li Xiangxiang
Published: November 2020

An ultrathin and flexible metamaterial absorber (MA) with triple absorption peaks is presented in this paper. The proposed absorber has been designed in such a way that three absorption peaks are located at 8.5, 13.5, and 17 GHz (X and Ku bands) with absorption of 99.9%, 99.5%, and 99.9%, respectively. The proposed structure is only 0.4 mm thick, which is approximately 1/88, 1/55, and 1/44 for the respective free space wavelengths of absorption frequency in various bands. The MA is also insensitive due to its symmetric geometry. In addition, the proposed structure exhibits minimum 86% absorption (TE incidence) within 60° angle of incidence. For TM incidence, the proposed absorber exhibits more than 99% absorptivity up to 60° incidence. Surface current and electric field distributions were investigated to analyze the mechanism governing absorption. Parameter analyses were performed for absorption optimization. Moreover, the performance of the MA was experimentally demonstrated in free space on a sample under test with 20 × 30 unit cells fabricated on a flexible dielectric. Under normal incidence, the fabricated MA exhibits near perfect absorption at each absorption peak for all polarization angles, and the experimental results were found to be consistent with simulation results. Due to its advantages of high-efficiency absorption over a broad range of incidence angles, the proposed absorber can be used in energy harvesting and electromagnetic shielding.
Bivalent genes that undergo transcriptional switching identify networks of key regulators of embryonic stem cell differentiation
Authors: Jeon Ah-Jung , Tucker-Kellogg Greg
Published: November 2020

Background

Bivalent promoters marked with both H3K27me3 and H3K4me3 histone modifications are characteristic of poised promoters in embryonic stem (ES) cells. The model of poised promoters postulates that bivalent chromatin in ES cells is resolved to monovalency upon differntiation. With the availability of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data, subsequent switches in transcriptional state at bivalent promoters can be studied more closely.

Results

We develop an approach for capturing genes undergoing transcriptional switching by detecting ‘bimodal’ gene expression patterns from scRNA-seq data. We integrate the identification of bimodal genes in ES cell differentiation with analysis of chromatin state, and identify clear cell-state dependent patterns of bimodal, bivalent genes. We show that binarization of bimodal genes can be used to identify differentially expressed genes from fractional ON/OFF proportions. In time series data from differentiating cells, we build a pseudotime approximation and use a hidden Markov model to infer gene activity switching pseudotimes, which we use to infer a regulatory network. We identify pathways of switching during differentiation, novel details of those pathway, and transcription factor coordination with downstream targets.

Conclusions

Genes with expression levels too low to be informative in conventional scRNA analysis can be used to infer transcriptional switching networks that connect transcriptional activity to chromatin state. Since chromatin bivalency is a hallmark of gene promoters poised for activity, this approach provides an alternative that complements conventional scRNA-seq analysis while focusing on genes near the ON/OFF boundary of activity. This offers a novel and productive means of inferring regulatory networks from scRNA-seq data.
Altering the inhibitory kinetics and molecular conformation of maltase by Tangzhiqing (TZQ), a natural α-glucosidase inhibitor
Authors: Li Yanfen , Zhang Xiaomao , Wang Ruihua , Han Lu , Huang Wei , Shi Hong , Wang Baohe , Li Ziqiang , Zou Shaolan
Published: November 2020

Background

Tangzhiqing (TZQ), as a potential α-glycosidase inhibitor, possesses postprandial hypoglycaemic effects on maltose in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which TZQ attenuates postprandial glucose by interrupting the activity of maltase, including inhibitory kinetics and circular dichroism studies.

Methods

In this study, we determined the inhibitory effect of TZQ on maltase by kinetic analysis to determine the IC50value and enzyme velocity studies and line weaver-burk plot generation to determine inhibition type. Acarbose was chosen as a standard control drug. After the interaction with TZQ and maltase, secondary structure analysis was conducted with a circular dichroism method.

Results

TZQ showed notable inhibition activity on maltase in a reversible and competitive manner with an IC50value of 1.67 ± 0.09 μg/ml, which was weaker than that of acarbose (IC50 = 0.29 ± 0.01 μg/ml). The circular dichroism spectrum demonstrated that the binding of TZQ to maltase changed the conformation of maltase and varied with the concentration of TZQ in terms of the disappearance of β-sheets and an increase in the α-helix content of the enzyme, similar to acarbose.

Conclusions

This work provides useful information for the inhibitory effect of TZQ on maltase. TZQ has the potential to be an α-glycosidase inhibitor for the prevention and treatment of prediabetes or mild diabetes mellitus.
Effect of nocturnal EPAP titration to abolish tidal expiratory flow limitation in COPD patients with chronic hypercapnia: a randomized, cross-over pilot study
Authors: Zannin Emanuela , Milesi Ilaria , Porta Roberto , Cacciatore Simona , Barbano Luca , Trentin R. , Fanfulla Francesco , Vitacca Michele , Dellacà Raffaele L.
Published: November 2020

Background

Tidal expiratory flow limitation (EFLT) promotes intrinsic PEEP (PEEPi) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Applying non-invasive ventilation (NIV) with an expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) matching PEEPi improves gas exchange, reduces work of breathing and ineffective efforts. We aimed to evaluate the effects of a novel NIV mode that continuously adjusts EPAP to the minimum level that abolishes EFLT.

Methods

This prospective, cross-over, open-label study randomized patients to one night of fixed-EPAP and one night of EFLT-abolishing-EPAP. The primary outcome was transcutaneous carbon dioxide pressure (PtcCO2). Secondary outcomes were: peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), frequency of ineffective efforts, breathing patterns and oscillatory mechanics.

Results

We screened 36 patients and included 12 in the analysis (age 72 ± 8 years, FEV1 38 ± 14%Pred). The median EPAP did not differ between the EFLT-abolishing-EPAP and the fixed-EPAP night (median (IQR) = 7.0 (6.0, 8.8) cmH2O during night vs 7.5 (6.5, 10.5) cmH2O, p = 0.365). We found no differences in mean PtcCO2 (44.9 (41.6, 57.2) mmHg vs 54.5 (51.1, 59.0), p = 0.365), the percentage of night time with PtcCO2 > 45 mm Hg was lower (62(8,100)% vs 98(94,100)%, p = 0.031) and ineffective efforts were fewer (126(93,205) vs 261(205,351) events/hour, p = 0.003) during the EFLT-abolishing-EPAP than during the fixed-EPAP night. We found no differences in oxygen saturation and lung mechanics between nights.

Conclusion

An adaptive ventilation mode targeted to abolish EFLT has the potential to reduce hypercapnia and ineffective efforts in stable COPD patients receiving nocturnal NIV.

Trial registration: ClicalTrials.gov, NCT04497090. Registered 29 July 2020—Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04497090.
Formulation of traditional Chinese medicine and its application on intestinal flora of constipated rats
Authors: Li Sihan , He Youcheng , Zhang Haiou , Zheng Rong , Xu Ruoying , Liu Qihong , Tang Shuihua , Ke Xiao , Huang Minghan
Published: November 2020

In this study, the self-extracted constipation treatment of traditional Chinese medicine extracts was applied to constipated rats. To explore the mechanism and role of the Chinese medicine for the treatment of constipation, the 16S rRNA sequencing and qRT-PCR technology were used to analyze the intestinal flora. We found that the relative abundance ofFirmicuteswith constipation was significantly higher accounted for 86.7%, while the gut microbiota was significantly changed after taking a certain dose of Chinese medicine, greatly increased the relative abundance ofLactobacillusaccounted for 23.1%, enhanced the symbiotic relationships ofLactobacilluswith other intestinal flora.The total copies of intestinal bacteria in the constipated rats decreased after taking the traditional Chinese medicine. Finally, this study results provides a theoretical basis for the treatment and understand the mechanism and effect of traditional Chinese medicine on rate constipation.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Immune landscape of periodontitis unveils alterations of infiltrating immunocytes and molecular networks-aggregating into an interactive web-tool for periodontitis related immune analysis and visualization
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqi , Wang Qingxuan , Yan Xinyu , Shan Yue , Xing Lu , Li Minqi , Long Hu , Lai Wenli
Published: November 2020

Background

Immunity reaction plays an essential role in periodontitis progress and we aim to investigate the underlying regulatory network of immune reactions in periodontitis.

Methods

CIBERSORT was used to estimate immunocyte fractions in different clinical statuses. Logistic regression was used to assess the immunocyte weight in periodontitis. Immune-related periodontitis subtypes were identified by the Nonnegative Matrix Factorization algorithm. Gene-set enrichment analysis and Gene-set variation analysis were conducted to analyze pathway activities. Immunocytes related gene modules were identified by Weighted gene co-expression network analysis.

Results

Altered immunocytes in healthy versus periodontitis, aggressive versus chronic, male versus female and age were identified. Immunocytes enriched in periodontitis were calculated, and their correlation was also explored. Two distinct immune-related periodontitis subtypes were identified and one is characterized by B cell reactions and the other is IL-6 cytokine reactions. 463 statistically significant correlations between 22 immunocytes and pathways were revealed. Immunocytes and clinical phenotypes matched their gene modules, and their functions were annotated. Last, an easy-to-use and user-friendly interactive web-tool were developed for periodontitis related immune analysis and visualization (https://118.24.100.193:3838/tool-PIA/).

Conclusions

This study systematically investigated periodontitis immune atlas and caught a glimpse of the underlying mechanism of periodontitis from gene-pathway-immunocyte networks, which can not only inspire researchers but also help them in periodontitis related immune researches.
Prevalence of perinatal depression among Japanese men: a meta-analysis
Authors: Tokumitsu Keita , Sugawara Norio , Maruo Kazushi , Suzuki Toshihito , Yasui-Furukori Norio , Shimoda Kazutaka
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Perinatal depression is a widely discussed mental illness that occurs not only in women, but also in men. A previous international meta-analysis of the prevalence of paternal perinatal depression suggested that cross-cultural variables or socioeconomic environment may influence paternal depression. However, it is not clear that these data are general enough to apply to Japanese men, and there are few review articles about perinatal depression among this demographic. The purpose of our study is to provide a reliable estimate of the prevalence of perinatal depression among Japanese men.

Method

We searched two databases, PubMed and ICHUSHI, to identify studies with data on the prevalence of prenatal or postpartum depression among Japanese men. Data were extracted from reports published from January 1994 to June 2018. The period prevalence of paternal perinatal depression among Japanese men was investigated. A subgroup analysis of gender differences in perinatal depression was also performed.

Results

We reviewed 1,379 abstracts, retrieved 33 articles and ultimately included 15 studies. The period prevalence of paternal prenatal depression in men was 8.5% (95% CI 3.3–20.3%). Moreover, the period prevalence of postpartum depression in men was 9.7% (95% CI 7.4–12.8%) within the first month, 8.6% (95% CI 5.5–13.3%) in postpartum months 1–3, 13.2% (95% CI 11.6–15.0%) in postpartum months 3–6 and 8.2% (95% CI 1.3–38.0%) in postpartum months 6–12. We also found that the prevalence of prenatal depression was significantly lower in men than in women. However, the prevalence of postpartum depression was not significantly different between men and women.

Conclusions

The prevalence of perinatal depression among Japanese men peaked at 3–6 months after birth, and its overall prevalence was approximately 10%. These results were similar to those of an international meta-analysis on perinatal depression. Notably, we found that the prevalence of postpartum depression was as high in men as it was in women. Therefore, it is suggested that healthcare workers should be more watchful for paternal perinatal depression in the postpartum period than in the prenatal period.
Promotion of the influenza vaccination to hospital staff during pre-employment health check: a prospective, randomised, controlled trial
Authors: Currat Michael , Lazor-Blanchet Catherine , Zanetti Giorgio
Published: November 2020

Background

Vaccination is the most effective prevention of seasonal influenza. Despite its recommendation and active promotion, vaccination coverage remains low among healthcare staff. The goal of the study was to test if a pre-employment health check is a good opportunity to promote future vaccination against influenza among healthcare workers newly hired by a university hospital.

Methods

All new hospital employees active at the bedside who underwent a pre-employment health check between the end of 2016’s influenza epidemic and the start of the next influenza vaccination campaign were randomly allocated to a control group or an intervention group. The intervention consisted of a semi-structured dialog and the release of an information leaflet about influenza and influenza vaccination during the check-up, and the shipment of a postcard reminder 2 weeks before the next vaccination campaign. Vaccination rates during the campaign were compared among the two groups.

Results

Three hundred fifty-seven employees were included. Vaccination rates were similar in both groups: 79/172 (46%) in the control and 92/185 (50%) in the intervention group. A significantly higher rate of vaccination was noted among physicians (70/117, 60%) than among other employees (101/240, 42%,p = 0.001). In a pre-defined exploratory analysis among physicians, the vaccination rate was higher in the intervention group (36/51, 71%) than in the control group (34/65, 52%,p = 0.046).

Conclusions

Promotion of the influenza vaccine during pre-employment health check did not improve the vaccination rate of newly hired hospital healthcare workers overall during the next influenza vaccination campaign. Results suggest a favourable impact on the vaccination rate of physicians. Thus, there may be an interest in using communication strategies tailored to the different categories of healthcare workers to promote the influenza vaccine during pre-employment health check.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials,NCT02758145. Registered 26 April 2016.
Metabolic syndrome amongst adults in Jordan: prevalence, trend, and its association with socio-demographic characteristics
Authors: Ajlouni Kamel , Khader Yousef , Alyousfi Mohamad , Al Nsour Mohannad , Batieha Anwar , Jaddou Hashem
Published: November 2020

Background

Multiple epidemiological studies were conducted amongst a variety of ethnic groups and showed discrepancies in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MeS) and its individual components. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MeS in Jordan using both the Adult Treatment Panel Guidelines (ATP III) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. The study also aimed to assess the changes in the prevalence of MeS over time and determine its association with sociodemographic variables.

Methods

Data from the 2017 Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Survey were used for this study. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were taken for biochemical measurements. Furthermore, anthropometric characteristics were measured by the same team of trained field researchers. A sample of 4,056 individuals aged between 18 and 90 years was included in this study. The findings from the 2017 survey were compared with the findings of a 2009 survey that adopted the same methods and procedures.

Results

According to the IDF criteria, the crude prevalence of Metabolic syndrome was 48.2% (52.9% among men and 46.2% among women; p < 0.001). Using the ATP III criteria, the prevalence was 44.1% (51.4% among men and 41% among women, p < 0.001). The age-standardized prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome was 44% (95% CI 42.7, 45.4) and 39.9% (95% CI 39.6, 41.2), according to both the IDF definition and ATP III criteria, respectively. The Kappa measure of agreement showed excellent agreement between the two definitions (k = 81.9%, p < 0.001). Of all participants, 41.7% met both the IDF and ATP III diagnostic criteria, 6.6% met the IDF criteria only, and 2.5% met the ATP III criteria only. The age-standardized prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome was significantly higher in 2017 (45.7% in men and 44.5% in women) than that in 2009 survey (34.6% in men and 39.8% in women). Gender, age, occupation, region, and marital status were significantly associated with metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Jordan is considerably high and it is increasing. Healthy lifestyle programs encouraging appropriate dietary habits and physical activity are strongly recommended in Jordan.
Associations between adherence to MIND diet and metabolic syndrome and general and abdominal obesity: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mohammadpour Saba , Ghorbaninejad Parivash , Janbozorgi Nasim , Shab-Bidar Sakineh
Published: November 2020

Background

There is a lack of studies examining the association between Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association of adherence to the MIND diet with MetS and general and abdominal obesity.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed on 836 Iranian adults, 18–75 years old. A 167-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary intakes of participants. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and lipid profile of each participant were recorded. The guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) was used to define MetS.

Results

Mean age of study participants was 47.7 ± 10.7 years. The prevalence of MetS was 36.1% and mean body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) was 27.7 ± 4.69 kg/m2 and 92.0 ± 12.4 cm respectively. Those who were in the third tertile of the MIND diet score compared to the first tertile had 12% lower odds of having the MetS (ORs: 0.88; 95% CI 0.62–1.24) but the association was not significant (P = 0.77). There was a significant inverse association between the MIND diet score and odds of reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (ORs: 0.59; 95% CI 0.41–0.85; P = 0.008) and general obesity (ORs: 1.190.80–1.78; 95% CI 0.80–1.78; P = 0.02) in crude model and after controlling for confounders.

Conclusions

We found that the MIND diet score is inversely associated with odds of reduced HDL and general obesity in Iranian adults.
Primary hepatic gastrinoma being diagnosed preoperatively: a case report and literature review
Authors: Hanzawa Shunya , Sadamori Hiroshi , Kagoura Masaaki , Monden Kazuteru , Hioki Masayoshi , Hyodo Tsuyoshi , Omonishi Kunihiro , Takakura Norihisa
Published: November 2020

Background

A majority of gastrinomas causing Zollinger–Ellison syndrome are located in the duodenum or pancreas. Primary hepatic gastrinomas are rare and difficult to diagnose. We report a rare case of primary hepatic gastrinoma, which could be diagnosed preoperatively.

Case presentation

A 29-year-old man with a 55-mm tumor in segments 5 and 6 (S 5/6) of the liver was admitted to our hospital. After thorough investigations, he was treated for a suspected inflammatory pseudotumor and advised to undergo routine follow-up. Two years later, he revisited our hospital with a complaint of abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed multiple duodenal ulcers. His serum gastrin level was 2350 pg/mL (normal: 37–172 pg/mL), suggesting Zollinger–Ellison syndrome. Abdominal computed tomography showed a 78-mm hypervascular tumor with cystic degeneration in the S 5/6 region of the liver, with a potential to increase over time. The tumor showed hypointensity on T2-weighted and hyperintensity on diffusion-weighted abdominal contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) only detected a hepatic tumor. No tumors in the gastrinoma triangle were detected by endoscopic ultrasonography. Hence, selective arterial calcium injection (SACI) test was performed to determine the location of the gastrinoma. The serum gastrin concentration increased from 4620 pg/mL to 23,600 pg/mL at 20 s after calcium gluconate injection into the proper hepatic artery. Conversely, no effect on serum gastrin level was observed after the injection into any other arteries. Extended right hepatic lobectomy and cholecystectomy were performed after percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization. A histopathological examination of the liver tumor revealed a gastrinoma. The patient’s serum gastrin concentration on postoperative day 1 decreased to 65 pg/mL.

Conclusion

We report a surgical case of primary hepatic gastrinoma correctly diagnosed preoperatively. The patient underwent extended right hepatic lobectomy, resulting in a histological definitive diagnosis of primary hepatic gastrinoma.
Relevance of Leptospira in boar and for the development of alternative antimicrobial concepts in boar semen preservation
Authors: Scheinpflug Kathi , Schiller Sabine , Jäkel Helen , Schulze Martin , Waberski Dagmar , Mühldorfer Kristin
Published: November 2020

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of importance to public health and in livestock productions. It causes significant economic losses in pig breeding farms worldwide. However, actual transmission cycles and disease epidemiology in the pig population remain largely unknown. Despite the fact that the potential risk of venereal transmission of pathogenic Leptospira serovars in pigs has been a topic of discussion since the 1970s, reliable data are still lacking compared to other livestock species. Consequently, antibiotics are added to semen extenders to reduce bacterial contamination including pathogens like Leptospira. In view of the global threat of antimicrobial resistances, the routine use of antibiotics in porcine semen extenders is now under debate. Information about the prevalence of Leptospira infections in boar used for artificial insemination is needed for the development of novel antimicrobial concepts in pig insemination.

This short report provides a summary of the state of knowledge, together with negative results from real-time PCR analyses for the detection of pathogenic Leptospira DNA in boar semen. Molecular analyses were performed on 96 raw and extended samples obtained from normospermic ejaculates of 58 boar housed in six different studs in Germany. In the absence of reliable data, it is important to raise the awareness for a subject that can represent a challenge for pig productions in keeping reproductive health and food safety at high levels. The present molecular results indicate that Leptospira might not be a common threat in boar semen. Conclusive evidence would require results from a systematic serological surveillance of boar, combined with seasonal molecular analyses of semen to identify potential carriers, and assess actual seroprevalences, associated Leptospira serovars and transmission events.
Reproductive Hormones and Anthropometry: A Follow-Up of PCOS and Controls From Perimenopause to Older Than 80 Years
Authors: Forslund Maria , Schmidt Johanna , Brännström Mats , Landin-Wilhelmsen Kerstin , Dahlgren Eva
Published: November 2020

Context

There is a lack of knowledge about hormonal and anthropometric changes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) after the menopause.

Objective

This work aimed to study reproductive hormones and anthropometry in women with PCOS older than 80 years.

Design and Setting

This prospective cohort study was conducted at a university hospital.

Patients

A well-defined cohort of women with PCOS, previously examined in 1987 and 2008 (21 years) was reexamined in 2019 (11 years). Of the original cohort (n = 37), 22 women were still alive and 21 (age range, 72-91 years) participated. Comparisons were made with age-matched controls (n = 55) from the original control cohort (body mass index [BMI] similar to PCOS women). The results were compared with results from 1987 and 2008.

Interventions

Hormonal measurements and a physical examination were performed.

Main Outcome Measures

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index (FAI), hirsutism score, BMI, and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were measured.

Results

At mean age 81 years, FSH levels were lower in women with PCOS (50 vs 70 IU/L) who were still more hirsute than controls (33% vs 4%). No differences were found in FAI, testosterone, SHBG or LH levels, BMI, or WHR. From perimenopausal age until the present age, levels of testosterone and FAI continued to decline in women with PCOS. SHBG levels continued to increase with age. FSH had not changed over time during the last 11 years.

Conclusions

Women with PCOS at age 72 to 91 had lower FSH levels, remained clinically hyperandrogenic, and had similar FAI and body composition as controls.
The Gut Microbiome in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Association with Metabolic Traits
Authors: Lüll Kreete , Arffman Riikka K , Sola-Leyva Alberto , Molina Nerea M , Aasmets Oliver , Herzig Karl-Heinz , Plaza-Díaz Julio , Franks Stephen , Morin-Papunen Laure , Tapanainen Juha S , Salumets Andres , Altmäe Signe , Piltonen Terhi T , Org Elin
Published: November 2020

Context

Despite the gut microbiome being widely studied in metabolic diseases, its role in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been scarcely investigated.

Objective

Compare the gut microbiome in late fertile age women with and without PCOS and investigate whether changes in the gut microbiome correlate with PCOS-related metabolic parameters.

Design

Prospective, case–control study using the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966.

Setting

General community.

Participants

A total of 102 PCOS women and 201 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched non-PCOS control women. Clinical and biochemical characteristics of the participants were assessed at ages 31 and 46 and analyzed in the context of gut microbiome data at the age of 46.

Intervention

(s): None

Main outcome measure(s)

Bacterial diversity, relative abundance, and correlations with PCOS-related metabolic measures.

Results

Bacterial diversity indices did not differ significantly between PCOS and controls (Shannon diversity P = .979, unweighted UniFrac P = .175). Four genera whose balance helps to differentiate between PCOS and non-PCOS were identified. In the whole cohort, the abundance of 2 genera from Clostridiales, Ruminococcaceae UCG-002, and Clostridiales Family XIII AD3011 group, were correlated with several PCOS-related markers. Prediabetic PCOS women had significantly lower alpha diversity (Shannon diversity P = .018) and markedly increased abundance of genus Dorea (false discovery rate = 0.03) compared with women with normal glucose tolerance.

Conclusion

PCOS and non-PCOS women at late fertile age with similar BMI do not significantly differ in their gut microbial profiles. However, there are significant microbial changes in PCOS individuals depending on their metabolic health.
Low lung function in the developing world is analogous to stunting: a review of the evidence
Authors: Mishra Navya , Salvi Sundeep , Lyngdoh Tanica , Agrawal Anurag
Published: November 2020

Background: Low vital capacity, one of the consequences of restricted lung growth, is a strong predictor of cardiovascular mortality. Vital capacity is lower in the developing world than the developed world, even after adjusting for height, weight and gender. This difference is typically dismissed as ethnic variation, adjusted for by redefining normal. Whether this is a consequence of stunted lung growth, rather than just genetically smaller lungs, has not been investigated in detail. Therefore, we sought to compare factors implicated in both stunting and lung development, particularly in the developing world.

Methods: We conducted a manual screen of articles identified through Google Scholar and assessed risk of bias. No language restrictions were applied, so long as there was an associated English abstract. We queried VizHub (Global Burden of Disease Visualization Tool) and Google Dataset search engines for disease burden and genome wide association studies.  The scope of the article and the heterogeneity of the outcome measures reported required a narrative review of available evidence. To the extent possible, the review follows PRISMA reporting guidelines.

Results: Early life influences operate in synergism with genetic, environmental and nutritional factors to influence lung growth and development in children.  Low lung function and stunting have common anthropometric, environmental and nutritional correlates originating during early development. Similar anthropometric correlates shared chronic inflammatory pathways, indicated that the two conditions were analogous.

Conclusion: The analogy between poor lung function and stunting is conspicuous in the developing world, with malnutrition at the center of non -achievement of growth potential, susceptibility to infectious diseases and intrauterine programming for metabolic syndrome. This counter the idea of redefining the normal for lung function measurements, since observed inter-ethnic variations are likely a mix of natural genetic differences as well as differences in nurture such that reduced lung function reflects early life adversities.