bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust long-term object tracking with adaptive scale and rotation estimation
Authors: Lu Huimin , Xiong Dan , Xiao Junhao , Zheng Zhiqiang
Published: March 2020

In this article, a robust long-term object tracking algorithm is proposed. It can tackle the challenges of scale and rotation changes during the long-term object tracking for security robots. Firstly, a robust scale and rotation estimation method is proposed to deal with scale changes and rotation motion of the object. It is based on the Fourier–Mellin transform and the kernelized correlation filter. The object’s scale and rotation can be estimated in the continuous space, and the kernelized correlation filter is used to improve the estimation accuracy and robustness. Then a weighted object searching method based on the histogram and the variance is introduced to handle the problem that trackers may fail in the long-term object tracking (due to semi-occlusion or full occlusion). When the tracked object is lost, the object can be relocated in the whole image using the searching method, so the tracker can be recovered from failures. Moreover, two other kernelized correlation filters are learned to estimate the object’s translation and the confidence of tracking results, respectively. The estimated confidence is more accurate and robust using the dedicatedly designed kernelized correlation filter, which is employed to activate the weighted object searching module, and helps to determine whether the searching windows contain objects. We compare the proposed algorithm with state-of-the-art tracking algorithms on the online object tracking benchmark. The experimental results validate the effectiveness and superiority of our tracking algorithm.
Towards more credible shams for physical interventions: A Delphi survey
Authors: Braithwaite Felicity A , Walters Julie L , Moseley G Lorimer , Williams Marie T , McEvoy Maureen P
Published: March 2020

Background/Aims:

In clinical trials of physical interventions, participant blinding is often poorly addressed and therapist blinding routinely omitted. This situation presents a substantial barrier to moving the field forward. Improving the success of blinding will be a vital step towards determining the true mechanisms of physical interventions. We used a Delphi approach to identify important elements of shams for physical interventions to maximise the likelihood of participant and therapist blinding in clinical trials.

Methods:

Two expert groups were recruited: (1) experts in research methodology and (2) experts in deceptive and/or hypnotic techniques including magic. Magicians were included because they were considered a potentially rich source of innovation for developing credible shams due to their unique skills in altering perceptions and beliefs. Three rounds of survey were conducted, commencing with an open-ended question. Responses were converted to single ‘items’, which participants rated in the following two rounds using a 9-point Likert scale, categorised as ‘Not important’ (0–3), ‘Depends’ (4–6) and ‘Essential’ (7–9). Consensus was pre-defined as ≥80% agreement within a 3-point category.

Results:

Thirty-eight experts agreed to participate (research methodology: n = 22; deceptive and/or hypnotic techniques: n = 16), and 30 experts responded to at least one round (research methodology: n = 19; deceptive and/or hypnotic techniques: n = 11). Of 79 items, five reached consensus in the ‘Essential’ category in both groups, which related to beliefs of participants ( n = 3 items), interactions with researchers ( n = 1 item) and standardisation of clinical assessments ( n = 1 item). Thirteen additional items reached consensus in the ‘Essential’ category in one group. Experts in research methodology had one additional item reach consensus, related to authentic delivery of study information. The remaining 12 additional items that reached consensus in the deceptive and/or hypnotic techniques group related mainly to therapist attitude and behaviour and the clinical interaction.

Conclusion:

Experts agreed that, for shams to be believable, consideration of cognitive influences is essential. Contrary to the focus of previous shams for physical interventions, replicating the tactile sensation of the active treatment was not considered an essential part of sham development. Therefore, when designing sham-controlled clinical trials, researchers should carefully consider the cognitive credibility of the entire intervention experience, and not just the indistinguishability of the sham intervention itself. The findings provide new guidance to researchers on important contributors to blinding in physical intervention trials.
Analysis of Sinus Balloon Catheter Dilation Providers Based on Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data
Authors: Munteanu Teona , Ference Elisabeth H. , Danielian Arman , Talati Vidit M. , Kern Robert C. , Eloy Jean Anderson , Smith Stephanie Shintani
Published: March 2020

Background

The use of balloon catheter dilation (BCD) to treat chronic rhinosinusitis has increased dramatically since its conception, necessitating further characterization of BCD providers and trends in its usage. Medicare data on BCD providers have made it possible to study recent demographic patterns. There has also been an increase in mid-level providers’ scope of otolaryngologic practice that is not well defined.

Objective

To better understand BCD adoption by studying volume of BCD procedures as well as training, geography, and practice socioeconomic characteristics of BCD providers for Medicare beneficiaries.

Methods

We reviewed Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data Public Use Files for 2014 and 2015 for providers with claims for BCD of the sinuses. We extracted provider zip code, state, gender, and number of services per BCD code. We obtained median household income by zip code and geographic region based on US Census Bureau data. Providers were classified using an Internet search to determine practice setting and type of specialty training/certification.

Results

In 2014 and 2015, 428 providers performed 42 494 BCDs billed to Medicare beneficiaries. Among BCD providers, 5.1% were female, 98.1% had Doctor of Medicine/Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine credentials, and 1.9% had nurse practitioner/physician assistant credentials. Over the 2-year period, the median number of BCDs was 63 for physicians and 37 for mid-level providers. Fellowship-trained rhinologists performed a median of 38 BCDs over 2 years. The most common subspecialty certification/training was in facial plastics and reconstructive surgery. The majority of providers (63.8%) performed 1 to 99 BCDs over the 2 years. In the South, there were 21.9 BCD procedures performed per 100 000 people compared to 7.3 in the Northeast, 9.3 in the Midwest, and 8.5 in the West.

Conclusion

There is a large range in total BCD procedures performed by individual providers, and this varies by certain provider characteristics. Mid-level providers have emerged as a significant population performing BCD.
Young GI Societies in Europe: 2019 update
Authors: Heinrich Henriette , Rodríguez‐Lago Iago , Nakov Radislav , Skuja Vita , Acedo Pilar , Nitsche Ulrich , Mikolasevic Ivana , van Herwaarden Yasmijn , Kocollari Adea , Harutyunyan Kristine , Dolak Werner , Loly Jean‐Philippe , Defeu Wiliam Soub , Sleeckx Sofie , Van Hootegem Anneleen , Nakov Radislav , Bokun Tomislav , Kral Jan , Burisch Johan , Eek Aileen , Liukkonen Ville , Hedjoudje Abdellah , Beyer Georg , Voulgaris Theodoros , Farkas Klaudia , O'Reilly Susanne , Ianiro Gianluca , Manfredi Guido , Skuja Vita , Sjomina Olga , Kupcinskas Juozas , Khannoussi Wafaa , Nikolovska Anche Volkanovska , Breder Sigurd , Molnes Sveinung , Salaga Maciej , Ferreira Rosa , Ilie Madalina , Lalosevic Milica Stojkovic , Ďuriček, Martin , Tepes Katja , Murcia Óscar , Moris María , Stenfors Iréne , Schreiner Philipp , van Herwaarden Yasmijn , Wielenga Mattheus , Altan Ege , Nikiforova Yana , Widlak Monika ,   Friends of the UEG Young Talent Group
Published: March 2020

Background

One of the aims of the Young Talent Group (YTG) is to make United European Gastroenterology (UEG) more attractive to young fellows interested in gastroenterology (GI), and to actively involve them in UEG activities and the activities of their respective national societies. In 2017, we conducted a survey among the Friends of the UEG YTG with the aim of identifying the state of organization and needs of Young GI Sections (YGISs) throughout Europe, highlighting areas for further development and improvement.

Aims

The aim of the current web‐based survey was to assess the progress of YGISs over 1 year, and persisting hurdles in forming and running a YGIS.

Results

Overall, 38 of 42 Friends answered the survey (91%). The number of YGISs has increased significantly from 12 in 2017 to 25 in 2019. Young gastroenterologists remained supported, but not influenced, by national societies. Results of the survey suggest that a lack of dedicated and motivated fellows has replaced a lack of funding as the most prevalent hurdle in forming these types of sections.

Conclusion

Our survey shows that the development of YGISs has improved markedly within the last 2 years. However, several limitations, like underrepresentation in subcommittees of national societies, remain and need to be addressed in order to involve young gastroenterologists in their respective national societies and within UEG, to pave the way for future research, education and excellent quality of care, and reduce health inequalities across Europe.
“They Understand What You’re Going Through”: Experientially Similar Others, Anticipatory Stress, and Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Grace Matthew K.
Published: March 2020

Past research demonstrates that experientially similar others—people who have confronted the same stressor or who occupy the same social role—are uniquely equipped to provide empathic understanding and tailored coping strategies to individuals navigating comparable, taxing circumstances. Using the case of premedical education, fixed-effects regression analyses of egocentric network data (N = 286) indicate that premeds whose support networks include a greater proportion of premedical peers over time experience fewer depressive symptoms. However, among premeds who report greater anticipatory stress about failing to achieve medical school admission, the presence of additional peers in support networks strengthens the detrimental effects of anticipatory stress. Qualitative data (n = 39) shed light on this empirical puzzle. Although peers offer a broad spectrum of support functions, they can also accentuate stressors or serve as a basis for negative social comparison. These findings introduce new considerations for theorizing the role of similar other support in the stress process.
Predictive value of admission D-dimer for contrast-induced acute kidney injury and poor outcomes after primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Lin Kai-Yang , Chen Han-Chuan , Jiang Hui , Wang Sun-Ying , Chen Hong-Mei , Wu Zhi-Yong , Jiang Feng , Guo Yan-Song , Zhu Peng-Li
Published: March 2020

Background

DD was found to be associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and renal insufficiency. However, it is uncertain whether DD is an independent risk factor of CI-AKI in patients undergoing pPCI.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 550 consecutive patients with STEMI undergoing pPCI between January 2012 and December 2016. The predictive value of admission DD for CI-AKI was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and multivariable logistic regression analysis. CI-AKI was defined as an absolute serum creatinine increase ≥0.3 mg/dl or a relative increase in serum creatinine ≥50% within 48 h of contrast medium exposure.

Results

Overall, the incidence of CI-AKI was 13.1%. The ROC analysis showed that the cutoff point of DD was 0.69 μg/ml for predicting CI-AKI with a sensitivity of 77.8% and a specificity of 57.3%. The predictive value of DD was similar to the Mehran score for CI-AKI (AUCDD = 0.729 vs AUCMehran = 0.722; p = 0.8298). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that DD > 0.69 μg/ml was an independent predictor of CI-AKI (odds ratio [OR] = 3.37,95% CI:1.80–6.33, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, DD > 0.69 μg/ml was associated with an increased risk of long-term mortality during a mean follow-up period of 16 months (hazard ratio = 3.41, 95%CI:1.4–8.03, p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Admission DD > 0.69 μg/ml was a significant and independent predictor of CI-AKI and long-term mortality in patients undergoing pPCI.
The status of job burnout and its influence on the working ability of copper-nickel miners in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Sun Xuemei , Zhang Li , Zhang Chen , Liu Jiwen , Ge Hua
Published: March 2020

Background

Job burnout is increasingly common among occupational groups, and it is evolving into a new occupationally harmful phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of job burnout and its influence on the working ability of copper-nickel miners in Xinjiang, China, and to provide a theoretical basis for alleviating job burnout and improving the working ability of copper and nickel miners.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was carried out in June 2017 to September 2018 in Hami City, Xinjiang Autonomous Uygur Region, China. According to the main production process stratification of copper-nickel ore (mining unit, beneficiation unit, smelting unit), a self-administered questionnaire survey on the general situation of miners was conducted on the basis of the Chinese Maslach Burnout Inventory and Work Ability Index Questionnaire among 1400 miners registered in the human resources department of copper and nickel mines by stratified cluster sampling.

Results

There were 1014 miners with different degrees of burnout, accounting for 80.86% of the total: 432 people reported mild burnout (34.45%), 516 reported moderate burnout (41.15%), and 66 reported high burnout (5.26%). There were significant differences in the degree of burnout according to sex, age, education level, monthly income, and work unit (p < 0.05). The level of male burnout was higher than that of females. Miners aged 35–40 years, with a high-school education, a monthly income of less than 2500 yuan, and who belonged to the smelting unit had the highest job burnout.There were significant differences in working ability among miners with different burnout level (p < 0.01). Partial correlation analysis showed that work ability was negatively correlated with emotional exhaustion, reduced sense of achievement, and total burnout score (p < 0.001). Multinomial logistic regression analyses showed that the education level, professional title,work units and job burnout level had a pronounced impact on the working ability of miners (p < 0.001); The reduced level of education, primary title, smelting unit, and the increase in job burnout are risk factors for the reduction of working ability.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that job burnout is common among copper and nickel miners. Furthermore, working ability decreases with an increase in job burnout, and reducing job burnout can improve the working ability of copper and nickel miners.
Acute pesticide poisoning amongst adolescent girls and women in northern Tanzania
Authors: Lekei Elikana , Ngowi Aiwerasia V. , Kapeleka Jones , London Leslie
Published: March 2020

Background

Acute pesticide poisoning (APP) is reported to affect community health worldwide but its burden in Tanzania is unknown particularly in women. This study examines APP involving adult females and adolescent girls 10 to 19 years in 3 regions of Tanzania which are famous for coffee and vegetable production.

Methods

Over the period of 12 months, health facility-based surveillance for cases of APP was implemented in 10 Tanzanian healthcare facilities in 2006.

Results

The study identified 108 APP cases of whom 31 (28.7%) occurred amongst adolescent girls. Suicide was the leading poisoning circumstances (60.2%) and the most vulnerable women were 20–29 years old who comprised 38.4% of all cases with suicide as circumstance.

Organophosphates (OPs), zinc phosphide, paraquat and endosulfan were common amongst known reported poisoning agents. The annual APP incidence, mortality and Case Fatality Rate for women were 5.1/100,000, 0.2/100,000 and 3.7/100, respectively.

Conclusion

APP amongst women in Tanzania is common and this call for diverse preventive interventions to reduce poisoning incidents.
Establishment of a type 1 diabetes structured education programme suitable for Chinese patients: type 1 diabetes education in lifestyle and self adjustment (TELSA)
Authors: Xie Yuting , Liu Fang , Huang Fansu , Lan Chunna , Guo Jia , He Jing , Li Lezhi , Li Xia , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: March 2020

Background

Various guidelines recommend that all adults diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) should be offered an evidence based, structured education programme (SEP) to optimize self-management care. China has a 13,000 annual increase in newly diagnosed T1D cases, of which 65% are adults. However, there is yet no validated SEP targeted to T1D patients in China. The purpose of this study is to establish a structured T1D self-management education programme—‘Type 1 Diabetes Education in Lifestyle and Self Adjustment’ (TELSA) that is adapted to medical and cultural practices in China.

Methods

TELSA programme was developed based on the ADDIE model, following three steps: i) Semi-structured interviews were administered to 10 healthcare professionals (HCPs) and 13 T1D patients. Different topic guides, focusing on 4 dimensions including goals, contents, format of delivery, and quality assurance, were designed for either HCPs or patients. The interviews were recorded and analysed with thematic analysis. ii) Extracted themes were modified according to Delphi consultation. iii) Preliminary courses were conducted as pilot study to evaluate the effects of TELSA and optimization of the curriculum was finalized accordingly.

Results

A total of 18 themes in 4 dimensions of the programme design were identified in the final version: i) goals: ‘behaviour modification’ and ‘outcome improvement’; ii) contents: ‘living with T1D’, ‘self-monitoring of blood glucose’, ‘knowing insulin’, ‘insulin dose adjustment’, ‘carbohydrates and carbohydrate counting’, ‘hypoglycaemia’, ‘complications of diabetes’, ‘managing psychological issues’, ‘physical activity’, and ‘question-and-answer’; iii) format: ‘multidisciplinary team combined with peer support’, ‘face-to-face education followed by remote learning’, and ‘2-day programme held on weekends’; and iv) quality assurance: ‘after-class quiz’, ‘patients’ feedback’, and ‘long-term evaluation on effectiveness’.

Conclusions

A type 1 diabetes structured education programme in China was set up and shown to be applicable under local medical, social, and cultural environment.

Trial registration

NCT03610984. Date of registration: August 2, 2018.
Triglyceride glucose index for predicting cardiovascular outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Ma Xiaoteng , Dong Lisha , Shao Qiaoyu , Cheng Yujing , Lv Sai , Sun Yan , Shen Hua , Wang Zhijian , Zhou Yujie , Liu Xiaoli
Published: March 2020

Background

The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, a simple surrogate estimate of insulin resistance, has been demonstrated to predict cardiovascular (CV) disease morbidity and mortality in the general population and many patient cohorts. However, to our knowledge, the prognostic usefulness of the TyG index after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has not been determined. This study aimed to evaluate the association of the TyG index with adverse CV outcomes in patients with T2DM and ACS who underwent PCI.

Methods

The TyG index was calculated using the formula ln[fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality, non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or unplanned repeat revascularization. The association between the TyG index and adverse CV outcomes was assessed by Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

Results

In total, 776 patients with T2DM and ACS who underwent PCI (mean age, 61 ± 10 years; men, 72.2%) were included in the final analysis. Over a median follow-up of 30 months, 188 patients (24.2%) had at least 1 primary endpoint event. The follow-up incidence of the primary endpoint rose with increasing TyG index tertiles. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis adjusted for multiple confounders revealed a hazard ratio for the primary endpoint of 2.17 (95% CI 1.45–3.24; P for trend = 0.001) when the highest and lowest TyG index tertiles were compared.

Conclusions

The TyG index was significantly and positively associated with adverse CV outcomes, suggesting that the TyG index may be a valuable predictor of adverse CV outcomes after PCI in patients with T2DM and ACS.
Quality of life in allergic rhinitis - children’s and their parents’ perspective in polish urban and rural population
Authors: Sikorska-Szaflik Hanna , Sozańska Barbara
Published: March 2020

Background

Allergic rhinitis is a common chronic condition in the paediatric population. No reports regarding the quality of life in children with allergic rhinitis in the Polish population have been found in the available literature. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis reported by children and their parents living in a city and in rural areas, and to evaluate the possible relationships between the quality of life and the severity of symptoms.

Methods

Two hundred and eight children with allergic rhinitis participated in the study (89 girls, aged 6–17, mean age 11.7 ± 3). Children were asked to evaluate their rhinitis symptoms by using two scales: theTotal 4 Symptom Scoreand theVisual Analogue Scale.The quality of life assessment included the KINDL-R questionnaire.

Results

Both for the T4SS and the VAS scale the severity of symptoms in children with seasonal rhinitis was significantly higher than in children allergic to perennial allergens. The quality of life total scores on the KINDL questionnaire was 45.6 ± 8.5 for the children and 73.7 ± 10.7 for the parents. In all the domains, except for physical health, the child’s quality of life was rated significantly higher by parents than by children. The biggest discrepancy occurred in the domains: social contacts and family.

Conclusions

Allergic rhinitis can disrupt the quality of life. Parents tend to overestimate their children’s quality of life comparing to the children’s own assessment. The quality of life in children with allergic rhinitis correlated with the severity of the clinical symptoms of the disease. Evaluation of the quality of life in children is an essential issue in clinical investigation of patients with allergic rhinitis. It is of great importance to ask children themselves about their quality of life than rely only on parental opinion.
Changes in and the mediating role of physical activity in relation to active school transport, fitness and adiposity among Spanish youth: the UP&DOWN longitudinal study
Authors: Camiletti-Moirón Daniel , Timperio Anna , Veitch Jenny , Fernández-Santos Jorge Del Rosario , Abbott Gavin , Delgado-Alfonso Álvaro , Cabanas-Sanchez Veronica , Veiga Oscar L. , Salmon Jo , Castro-Piñero José
Published: March 2020

Background

Longitudinal changes in child and adolescent active school transport (AST), and the mediating role of different intensities of daily physical activity (PA) levels in relation to AST and physical fitness and adiposity indicators is unclear. This study aimed to: 1) describe longitudinal changes in AST, light PA (LPA), moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA), physical fitness and adiposity indicators over three time-points; and 2) investigate the mediating role of LPA and MVPA levels on associations between AST and physical fitness and adiposity indicators over three time-points among children and adolescents.

Methods

This longitudinal study comprised 1646 Spanish children and adolescents (48.8% girls, mean age 12.5 years ±2.5) at baseline, recruited from schools in Cádiz and Madrid. Mode of commuting to school was self-reported at baseline (T0, 2011–12), 1-year (T1) and 2-year follow-up (T2). PA was assessed using accelerometers. Handgrip strength, standing long jump and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) assessed physical fitness. Height, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness were measured. Multilevel linear regression analyses assessed changes in AST, PA levels, physical fitness and adiposity indicators over three time-points (T0-T1-T2). Additionally, longitudinal path analysis (n = 453; mean age [years] 12.6 ± 2.4) was used to test the mediating effects of LPA and MVPA levels on the association between AST and physical fitness and adiposity indicators.

Results

Multilevel analyses observed decreases in LPA between T0-T1 (β = − 11.27; p < 0.001) and T0-T2 (β = − 16.27; p < 0.001) and decreases in MVPA between T0-T2 (β = − 4.51; p = 0.011). Moreover, changes over time showed increases in handgrip between T0-T1 (β = 0.78; p = 0.028) and T0-T2 (β = 0.81; p = 0.046).

Path analyses showed that AST was directly positively associated with MVPA at T1 (all, β ≈ 0.33; p < 0.001). MVPA at T1 mediated associations between AST and CRF at T2 (β = 0.20; p = 0.040), but not the other outcomes. LPA did not mediate any associations.

Conclusions

Results from longitudinal path analysis suggest that participation in more AST may help attenuate declines in MVPA that typically occur with age and improve CRF. Therefore, we encourage health authorities to promote AST, as a way to increase MVPA levels and CRF among youth.
Serious games for serious crises: reflections from an infectious disease outbreak matrix game
Authors: Smith Julia , Sears Nathan , Taylor Ben , Johnson Madeline
Published: March 2020

Background

While there is widespread recognition of global health failures when it comes to infectious disease outbreaks, there is little discussion on how policy-makers and global health organizations can learn to better prepare and respond. Serious games provide an underutilized tool to promote learning and innovation around global health crises. In order to explore the potential of Serious Games as a policy learning tool, Global Affairs Canada, in collaboration with the Department of National Defense and academic partners, developed and implemented a matrix game aimed at prompting critical reflection and gender-based analysis on infectious disease outbreak preparedness and response. This commentary, written by the core development team, reflects on the process and outcomes of the gaming exercise, which we believe will be of interest to others hoping to promote innovative thinking and learning around global health policy and crisis response, as well as the application of serious games more broadly.

Main body

Participants reported, through discussions and a post-game survey, that they felt the game was reflective of real-world decision-making and priority-setting challenges during a crisis. They reflected on the challenges that emerge around global health co-operation and outbreak preparedness, particularly noting the importance of learning to work with private actors. While participants only sporadically applied gender-based analysis or considered the social determinants of health during the game, post-game discussions led to reflection on the ways in which equity concerns are put aside during a crisis scenario and on why this happens, offering critical learning opportunities.

Conclusion

Matrix games provide opportunities for policy-makers and health professionals to experience the challenges of global health co-operation, test ideas and explore how biases, such as those around gender, influence policy-making and implementation. Due to their flexibility, adaptability and accessibility, serious games offer a potentially powerful learning tool for global health policy-makers and practitioners.
Smoothing and extraction of traits in the growth analysis of noninvasive phenotypic data
Authors: Brien Chris , Jewell Nathaniel , Watts-Williams Stephanie J. , Garnett Trevor , Berger Bettina
Published: March 2020

Background

Non-destructive high-throughput plant phenotyping is becoming increasingly used and various methods for growth analysis have been proposed. Traditional longitudinal or repeated measures analyses that model growth using statistical models are common. However, often the variation in the data is inappropriately modelled, in part because the required models are complicated and difficult to fit. We provide a novel, computationally efficient technique that is based on smoothing and extraction of traits (SET), which we compare with the alternative traditional longitudinal analysis methods.

Results

The SET-based and longitudinal analyses were applied to a tomato experiment to investigate the effects on plant growth of zinc (Zn) addition and growing plants in soil inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Conclusions from the SET-based and longitudinal analyses are similar, although the former analysis results in more significant differences. They showed that added Zn had little effect on plants grown in inoculated soils, but that growth depended on the amount of added Zn for plants grown in uninoculated soils. The longitudinal analysis of the unsmoothed data fitted a mixed model that involved both fixed and random regression modelling with splines, as well as allowing for unequal variances and autocorrelation between time points.

Conclusions

A SET-based analysis can be used in any situation in which a traditional longitudinal analysis might be applied, especially when there are many observed time points. Two reasons for deploying the SET-based method are (i) biologically relevant growth parameters are required that parsimoniously describe growth, usually focussing on a small number of intervals, and/or (ii) a computationally efficient method is required for which a valid analysis is easier to achieve, while still capturing the essential features of the exhibited growth dynamics. Also discussed are the statistical models that need to be considered for traditional longitudinal analyses and it is demonstrated that the oft-omitted unequal variances and autocorrelation may be required for a valid longitudinal analysis. With respect to the separate issue of the subjective choice of mathematical growth functions or splines to characterize growth, it is recommended that, for both SET-based and longitudinal analyses, an evidence-based procedure is adopted.
Efficient bioproduction of 5-aminolevulinic acid, a promising biostimulant and nutrient, from renewable bioresources by engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Chen Jiuzhou , Wang Yu , Guo Xuan , Rao Deming , Zhou Wenjuan , Zheng Ping , Sun Jibin , Ma Yanhe
Published: March 2020

Background

5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is a promising biostimulant, feed nutrient, and photodynamic drug with wide applications in modern agriculture and therapy. Considering the complexity and low yield of chemical synthesis methods, bioproduction of 5-ALA has drawn intensive attention recently. However, the present bioproduction processes use refined glucose as the main carbon source and the production level still needs further enhancement.

Results

To lay a solid technological foundation for large-scale commercialized bioproduction of 5-ALA, an industrial workhorse Corynebacterium glutamicum was metabolically engineered for high-level 5-ALA biosynthesis from cheap renewable bioresources. After evaluation of 5-ALA synthetases from different sources, the 5-ALA biosynthetic pathway and anaplerotic pathway were rebalanced by regulating intracellular activities of 5-ALA synthetase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase. The engineered biocatalyst produced 5.5 g/L 5-ALA in shake flasks and 16.3 g/L in 5-L bioreactors with a one-step fermentation process from glucose. To lower the cost of feedstock, cheap raw materials were used to replace glucose. Enzymatically hydrolyzed cassava bagasse was proven to be a perfect alternative to refined sugars since the final 5-ALA titer further increased to 18.5 g/L. Use of corn starch hydrolysate resulted in a similar 5-ALA production level (16.0 g/L) with glucose, whereas use of beet molasses caused seriously inhibition. The results obtained here represent a new record of 5-ALA bioproduction. It is estimated that replacing glucose with cassava bagasse will reduce the carbon source cost by 90.1%.

Conclusions

The high-level biosynthesis of 5-ALA from cheap bioresources will brighten the prospects for industrialization of this sustainable and environment-friendly process. The strategy for balancing metabolic flux developed in this study can also be used for improving the bioproduction of other value-added chemicals.
Primary neuroendocrine tumors of the breast: two case reports and review of the literature
Authors: Hejjane Loubna , Oualla Karima , Bouchbika Zineb , Bourhafour Mouna , Lhlou Mimi Anas , Boubacar Efared , Benider Abdellatif , Benbrahim Zineb , Aarifi Samia , Mellas Nawef
Published: March 2020

Background

Neuroendocrine carcinomas mainly affect the bronchopulmonary and the gastrointestinal systems. Breast localizations are very rare. They represent less than 0.1% of all breast cancers. A definitive diagnosis relies on histological and immunohistochemical examinations.

Case presentation

Case 1

We report a case of primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast in a 71-year-old Arabic woman who presented with a 3 cm palpable and mobile tumor of the right breast. Clinical and radiological assessment excluded any other primary tumor. Radical mastectomy and axillary lymph node resection were performed. A histopathological examination disclosed the diagnosis of primary breast neuroendocrine tumors, with negative surgical margins and lymph nodes (18 N-/18 N). The tumor cells were positive for neuroendocrine markers, a weak Ki-67 proliferation index and negative Her2/neu. Our patient received adjuvant hormonal treatment with anti-aromatase for 21 months. She is on regular follow-up, and she remains free of disease to date.

Case 2

A 48-year-old Arabic woman consulted for a right breast nodule. She underwent lumpectomy with right axillary lymphadenectomy. The diagnosis was breast neuroendocrine tumor. Systemic treatment was proposed, but she was lost to follow-up. She consulted 1 year later for a mass in the same breast. A histological and immunohistochemical examination of a mammary biopsy was consistent with a recurrence of the previous neuroendocrine tumor. A radiological assessment showed a large mass in her right breast, ipsilateral axillary lymphadenopathies, and hepatic and pulmonary metastases. She received first-line metastatic chemotherapy, with good clinical and radiological improvement. She refused the mastectomy and was given hormone therapy. One year later, the tumor expanded clinically and radiologically, and she underwent second-line metastatic chemotherapy, with good clinical progress and radiological stability, and she then underwent maintenance hormonal therapy.

Conclusion

Due to the rarity of primary breast neuroendocrine tumors, no standard therapy exists and the prognosis remains difficult to determine. Studies, including larger series, are needed in order to understand the biological behavior of these tumors.
Infinitely many solutions for a class of sublinear fractional Schrödinger equations with indefinite potentials
Authors: Guan Wen , Wang Da-Bin , Hao Xinan
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we consider the following sublinear fractional Schrödinger equation: $$ (-\Delta)^{s}u + V(x)u= K(x) \vert u \vert ^{p-1}u,\quad x\in \mathbb{R}^{N}, $$(−Δ)su+V(x)u=K(x)|u|p−1u,x∈RN, where $s, p\in(0,1)$s,p∈(0,1), $N>2s$N>2s, $(-\Delta)^{s}$(−Δ)s is a fractional Laplacian operator, and K, V both change sign in $\mathbb{R}^{N}$RN. We prove that the problem has infinitely many solutions under appropriate assumptions on K, V. The tool used in this paper is the symmetric mountain pass theorem.
A 3SI3R model for the propagation of two rumors with mutual promotion
Authors: Wang Zhiying , Liang Jing , Nie Huifang , Zhao Hongli
Published: March 2020

There are often many kinds of rumors spreading in new media after emergencies; however, the existing studies have focused on the rumors with competition, and little attention has been paid to those with mutual promotion. Therefore the mutual promotion between two rumors and the state transition rules between different groups are first analyzed. Then a 3SI3R model, extending the classical 2SI2R model, and mean-field equations of the proposed model are given. Further, the stability and influence of the mutual promotion on the final size of two rumors in the proposed model are derived. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to investigate the influence of factors, that is, the mutual promotion, occurrence time differences, and the forgetting rate, on the propagation of two rumors. The results show that the enhancement of the mutual promotion can accelerate propagation of two rumors and enlarge their final size; the increase of forgetting rate helps to decrease the final size of two rumors; the decrease in occurrence time differences can result in a small increase in the final size of the later rumor, and the overall situation of two rumors becomes more difficult to control.
Microecological Koch’s postulates reveal that intestinal microbiota dysbiosis contributes to shrimp white feces syndrome
Authors: Huang Zhijian , Zeng Shenzheng , Xiong Jinbo , Hou Dongwei , Zhou Renjun , Xing Chengguang , Wei Dongdong , Deng Xisha , Yu Lingfei , Wang Hao , Deng Zhixuan , Weng Shaoping , Kriengkrai Satapornvanit , Ning Daliang , Zhou Jizhong , He Jianguo
Published: March 2020

Background

Recently, increasing evidence supports that some complex diseases are not attributed to a given pathogen, but dysbiosis in the host intestinal microbiota (IM). The full intestinal ecosystem alterations, rather than a single pathogen, are associated with white feces syndrome (WFS), a globally severe non-infectious shrimp disease, while no experimental evidence to explore the causality. Herein, we conducted comprehensive metagenomic and metabolomic analysis, and intestinal microbiota transplantation (IMT) to investigate the causal relationship between IM dysbiosis and WFS.

Results

Compared to the Control shrimp, we found dramatically decreased microbial richness and diversity in WFS shrimp. Ten genera, such as Vibrio, Candidatus Bacilloplasma, Photobacterium, and Aeromonas, were overrepresented in WFS, whereas 11 genera, including Shewanella, Chitinibacter, and Rhodobacter were enriched in control. The divergent changes in these populations might contribute the observation that a decline of pathways conferring lipoic acid metabolism and mineral absorption in WFS. Meanwhile, some sorts of metabolites, especially lipids and organic acids, were found to be related to the IM alteration in WFS. Integrated with multiomics and IMT, we demonstrated that significant alterations in the community composition, functional potentials, and metabolites of IM were closely linked to shrimp WFS. The distinguished metabolites which were attributed to the IM dysbiosis were validated by feed-supplementary challenge. Both homogenous selection and heterogeneous selection process were less pronounced in WFS microbial community assembly. Notably, IMT shrimp from WFS donors eventually developed WFS clinical signs, while the dysbiotic IM can be recharacterized in recipient shrimp.

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings offer solid evidence of the causality between IM dysbiosis and shrimp WFS, which exemplify the ‘microecological Koch’s postulates’ (an intestinal microbiota dysbiosis, a disease) in disease etiology, and inspire our cogitation on etiology from an ecological perspective.
Relation between serum amylin level and epilepsy
Authors: Benlier Necla , Ozer Gokhan , Orhan Nuri
Published: March 2020

Background

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by convulsions. Identification of biological pathways underlying epilepsy and novel genes may shed light on the pathogenesis of epilepsy as well as new targets for treatment.

Objectives

Amylin is cosecreted with insulin from the pancreatic β-cells in a pulsatile manner as a response to nutrient stimuli. In vitro studies have shown the neurotoxicity potential of amylin. We aimed to investigate serum amylin levels between epilepsy patients and a healthy control group.

Subjects and methods

For this study, 45 patients with epilepsy and 60 healthy controls were enrolled. Routine blood analysis and electroencephalography scan were performed for all participants. Five cc venous blood sample was collected from each participant. Sera were isolated and stored at − 80 °C until the time of amylin analysis with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Gender distribution of the two groups was as follows: 44.4% males and 55.6% females among epileptic patients and 53.3% males and 46.7% females for control subjects.

Body mass index was 23.09 ± 3.99 kg/m2 for epileptic patients and 26.29 ± 4.83 kg/m2 for controls, with a statistically significantly higher body mass index in control subjects (p ˂ 0.001). With regard to serum amylin levels, a statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups (p ˂ 0.001). The median serum amylin concentration was 226.62 ng/ml (69.49–6961.19 (min–max)) for epileptic patients and 103.66 ng/ml (37.42–607.11 (min–max)) for controls (p ˂ 0.001).

Conclusion

In the present study, a significant difference was observed between patient and control groups in serum amylin concentrations, which were considerably higher in epileptic patients.
An Efficient Method for Generating Murine Hypothalamic Neurospheres for the Study of Regional Neural Progenitor Biology
Authors: Nesan Dinushan , Thornton Hayley F , Sewell Laronna C , Kurrasch Deborah M
Published: March 2020

The hypothalamus is a key homeostatic brain region and the primary effector of neuroendocrine signaling. Recent studies show that early embryonic developmental disruption of this region can lead to neuroendocrine conditions later in life, suggesting that hypothalamic progenitors might be sensitive to exogenous challenges. To study the behavior of hypothalamic neural progenitors, we developed a novel dissection methodology to isolate murine hypothalamic neural stem and progenitor cells at the early timepoint of embryonic day 12.5, which coincides with peak hypothalamic neurogenesis. Additionally, we established and optimized a culturing protocol to maintain multipotent hypothalamic neurospheres that are capable of sustained proliferation or differentiation into neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes. We characterized media requirements, appropriate cell seeding density, and the role of growth factors and sonic hedgehog (Shh) supplementation. Finally, we validated the use of fluorescence activated cell sorting of either Sox2GFPKI or Nkx2.1GFPKI transgenic mice as an alternate cellular isolation approach to enable enriched selection of hypothalamic progenitors for growth into neurospheres. Combined, we present a new technique that yields reliable culturing of hypothalamic neural stem and progenitor cells that can be used to study hypothalamic development in a controlled environment.
Novel CYP19A1 Mutations Extend the Genotype-Phenotype Correlation and Reveal the Impact on Ovarian Function
Authors: Praveen Valiyaparambil Pavithran , Ladjouze Asmahane , Sauter Kay-Sara , Pulickal Annie , Katharopoulos Efstathios , Trippel Mafalda , Perren Aurel , Pandey Amit V , Flück Christa E
Published: March 2020

Context

The steroidogenic enzyme aromatase (CYP19A1) is required for estrogen biosynthesis from androgen precursors in the ovary and extragonadal tissues. The role of aromatase, and thus estrogens, is best illustrated by genetic variations of the CYP19A1 gene leading to aromatase deficiency or excess.

Objective

The objective of this work is to characterize novel CYP19A1 variants.

Design, setting, and patients

Variants causing aromatase deficiency were suspected in four 46,XX children of African and Indian origin by careful clinical phenotyping. Sequencing of the CYP19A1 gene identified novel variants. Minigene experiments, aromatase activity assay, and computational, and histological analysis were used to characterize the variants.

Main outcome measure and results

CYP19A1 variants were found in all patients: a deletion in intron 9 leading to p.P423_H503del, a delins variant at p.P154, and point variants p.V161D, p.R264C, p.R375C. Except for R264C, all variants showed a loss of function. Protein structure and dynamics studies were in line with functional assays. The 2 female patients with delins variants manifested with ambiguous genitalia at birth. Histologic investigation revealed normal ovarian tissue on one side and a streak gonad on the other. Two female patients presented with abnormal pubertal development and polycystic ovaries.

Conclusion

In girls, aromatase deficiency usually manifests at birth, but diagnosis may also be made because of abnormal pubertal development or ovarian torsion due to (poly)cystic ovaries. The ovary harboring CYP19A1 variants may present as streak gonad or appears normal at birth, but is then at very high risk to produce cysts with aging and is therefore prone to ovarian torsion.
Loving Judaism through Christianity
Authors: Magid Shaul
Published: March 2020

This contribution to the Common Knowledge symposium on xenophilia examines the life choices of two Jews who loved Christianity. Elijah Zvi Soloveitchik, born into an ultra-Orthodox, nineteenth-century rabbinic dynasty in Lithuania, spent much of his life writing a Hebrew commentary on the Gospels in order to document and argue for the symmetry or symbiosis that he perceived between Judaism and Christianity. Oswald Rufeisen, from a twentieth-century secular Zionist background in Poland, converted to Catholicism during World War II, became a monk, and attempted to immigrate to Israel as a Jew in 1958. Rufeisen, while permitted to move to Israel to join a Carmelite monastery in Haifa, was denied the right to immediate citizenship of Israel which the Law of Return guarantees to all bona fide Jews. And this particular Soloveitchik has largely been forgotten, given the limits of Jewish interest in the New Testament and of Christian attention to rabbinic literature. This article explores the complex and vexing questions that the careers of these two men raise about the elusive distinctions between Judaism and Christianity, on the one hand, and, on the other, between the Jewish religion and Jewish national identity.