bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Speech Perception in Older Listeners with Sensorineural Hearing Loss Using Automatic Speech Recognition
Authors: Fontan Lionel , Cretin-Maitenaz Tom , Füllgrabe Christian
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study was to provide proof of concept that the speech intelligibility in quiet of unaided older hearing-impaired (OHI) listeners can be predicted by automatic speech recognition (ASR). Twenty-four OHI listeners completed three speech-identification tasks using speech materials of varying linguistic complexity and predictability (i.e., logatoms, words, and sentences). An ASR system was first trained on different speech materials and then used to recognize the same speech stimuli presented to the listeners but processed to mimic some of the perceptual consequences of age-related hearing loss experienced by each of the listeners: the elevation of hearing thresholds (by linear filtering), the loss of frequency selectivity (by spectrally smearing), and loudness recruitment (by raising the amplitude envelope to a power). Independently of the size of the lexicon used in the ASR system, strong to very strong correlations were observed between human and machine intelligibility scores. However, large root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) were observed for all conditions. The simulation of frequency selectivity loss had a negative impact on the strength of the correlation and the RMSE. Highest correlations and smallest RMSEs were found for logatoms, suggesting that the prediction system reflects mostly the functioning of the peripheral part of the auditory system. In the case of sentences, the prediction of human intelligibility was significantly improved by taking into account cognitive performance. This study demonstrates for the first time that ASR, even when trained on intact independent speech material, can be used to estimate trends in speech intelligibility of OHI listeners.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplant effects on the kidney: Endothelial view
Authors: Abramson Matthew , Shingarev Roman
Published: April 2020

Hematopoietic cell transplantation is an important therapeutic option for many hematologic cancers. Kidney injury after hematopoietic cell transplantation often results from exposure to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, antibiotics, immunosuppressants, and the patient’s own immune system derangements. In these settings, organ toxicity frequently commences within the blood vessel’s innermost layer composed of specialized endothelial cells that have many unique roles in the body, including prevention of clot formation, maintenance of normal vascular tone, fluid filtration, and so on. Injury of endothelial cells in the kidney most often manifests as thrombotic microangiopathy, characterized by hemolysis, anemia, thrombocytopenia, proteinuria, and hypertension. Its pathological features include intracapillary thrombosis, fibrin deposition, mesangiolysis, and podocyte effacement. Kidney dysfunction is common in this population, and its prevention relies on early recognition of the problem and modification of supportive treatment that has grown increasingly complex over time and has outpaced our clinical diagnostic capabilities. Assessing endothelial dysfunction in patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation with the application of novel research tools and methodologies may provide an opportunity for earlier recognition of organ toxicity and may ultimately improve patients’ outcomes.
An Experiential Pattern-Matching Teaching Method: Unpacking the Process of Becoming
Authors: Pokidko Daniil , Saade Fouad Philippe , Shir Nadav
Published: April 2020

The new venture creation process is essentially different from the process of managing an established business. Scholars suggest that many current mainstream teaching methods and tools used in entrepreneurship education (EE) are rooted in classical economic theory and do not fully address the specific nature of new venture creation. They also point at a shortage of native EE methods and tools developed specifically for the early-stage new venture creation process. We respond to this challenge through (a) a careful scrutiny of one of the most popular EE tools—the Business Model Canvas and (b) a novel and native EE Experiential Pattern-Matching method to support and complement the Business Model Canvas (and other similar EE tools). We advance our theoretical understanding of experience-based learning in EE settings by embedding the Experiential Pattern-Matching method into a Dynamic Experiential Process Framework that assists entrepreneurship educators in developing effective curricula and improving individual- and team-based learning throughout the educational process of new venture creation.
Incidence and predictors of neonatal mortality among neonates admitted in Amhara regional state referral hospitals, Ethiopia: prospective follow up study
Authors: Mengistu Banchigizie Adane , Yismaw Ayenew Engida , Azene Zelalem Nigussie , Mihret Muhabaw Shumye
Published: April 2020

Background

Globally, about 2.7 million neonates die annually and more than 99% of these deaths happened in developing countries. Although most neonatal deaths are preventable and attempts had been taken to tackle these deaths, an aggregate of 30 neonatal deaths per 1000 live births had been reported in Ethiopia. In this regard, identifying the predictors could be an important step. However, evidence on the incidence and predictors of neonatal mortality has been limited in Ethiopia, in the study area in particular. Even the available studies were limited in scope and were retrospective or cross section in nature. Thus, this study is aimed at assessing the incidence and predictors of neonatal mortality among neonates admitted in Amhara regional state referral hospitals, Ethiopia..

Method

A multi center prospective follow up study was conducted on 612 neonates admitted in Amhara region referral hospitals from July 01 to August 30, 2018. A simple random sampling technique was used to select three of all referral hospitals in the study settings and all neonates admitted in the selected hospitals were included. Data were entered into Epi info version 7.0 and exported to STATA 14.0 for analysis. Cox proportional hazard regression model was fitted to identify predictors of neonatal mortality. Crude and Adjusted hazard ratio with 95% confidence interval was computed and variables’ statistical significance was declared based on its AHR with 95% CI and p-value ≤0.05.

Result

Overall, 144 (18.6%) neonates died with a total person-time of 4177.803 neonate-days which is equivalent to the neonatal mortality rate of 186 per 1000 admitted neonates with 95% CI (157,219). The incidence rate of neonatal mortality was 27 per 1000 admitted neonates with 95%CI (23, 33). Maternal age ≥ 35 years (AHR = 2.60; 95%CI: 1.44, 4.72), mothers unable to read and write (AHR = 1.40; 95%CI: 1.23, 2.44), multiple pregnancy (AHR = 3.96; 95%CI: 2.10, 7.43) and positive maternal HIV status (AHR = 6.57; 95%CI: 2.53, 17.06) were predictors of neonatal mortality.

Conclusion

In this study, the neonatal mortality rate was higher than the national figure. Its most predictors were found to be modifiable. Thus, the stakeholders would better consider the aforementioned predictors to decrease this higher burden.
Feasibility of combining two individualized lung recruitment maneuvers at birth for very low gestational age infants: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kanaan Zalfa , Bloch-Queyrat Coralie , Boubaya Marouane , Lévy Vincent , Bolot Pascal , Waszak Paul
Published: April 2020

Background

Lung recruitment at birth has been advocated as an effective method of improving the respiratory transition at birth. Sustained inflations (SI) and dynamic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) were assessed in clinical and animal studies to define the optimal level. Our working hypothesis was that very low gestational age infants (VLGAI) < 32 weeks’ gestation require an individualized lung recruitment based on combining both manoeuvers.

Methods

Between 2014 and 2016, 91 and 72 inborn VLGAI, requiring a respiratory support beyond a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) = 5 cmH2O, were enrolled before and after introducing these manoeuvers based on progressive increase in SI up to 15 s, with simultaneous gradual increase in PEEP up to 15 cmH2O, according to the cardiorespiratory response. Retrospective comparisons of the incidence of mechanical ventilation (MV) < 72 h of life, short-term and before discharge morbidity were then performed.

Results

Among extremely low gestational age infants (ELGAI) < 29 weeks’ gestation, the following outcomes decreased significantly: intubation (90 to 55%) and surfactant administration (54 to 12%) in the delivery room, MV (92 to 71%) and its mean duration < 72 h of life (45 h to 13 h), administration of a 2nd dose of surfactant (35 to 12%) and postnatal corticosteroids (52 to 19%), and the rate of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (23 to 5%). Among VLGAI, all of these results were also significant. Neonatal mortality and morbidity were not different.

Conclusions

In our setting, combining two individualized lung recruitment maneuvers at birth was feasible and may be beneficial on short-term and before discharge pulmonary outcomes. A randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm these results.
Weight development between age 5 and 10 years and its associations with dietary patterns at age 5 in the ABCD cohort
Authors: Rashid Viyan , Streppel Martinette T. , Engberink Marielle F. , Weijs Peter J. M. , Nicolaou Mary , Verhoeff Arnoud P.
Published: April 2020

Background

Social inequalities in bodyweight start early in life and track into adulthood. Dietary patterns are an important determinant of weight development in children, towards both overweight and underweight. Therefore, we aimed to examine weight development between age 5 and 10 years by ethnicity, SES and thereafter by BMI category at age 5, to explore its association with dietary patterns at age 5.

Methods

Participants were 1765 children from the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development (ABCD) cohort that had valid data on BMI at age 5 and 10 and diet at age 5. Linear mixed model analysis was used to examine weight development between age 5 and 10 years and to assess if four previously identified dietary patterns at age 5 (snacking, full-fat, meat and healthy) were associated with weight development. Analyses were adjusted for relevant confounders, stratified by ethnicity and SES and thereafter stratified per BMI category at age 5.

Results

Overall, weight decreased in Dutch and high SES children and increased in non-Dutch and low/middle SES children. Across the range of bodyweight categories at age 5, we observed a conversion to normal weight, which was stronger in Dutch and high SES children but less pronounced in non-Dutch and low/middle SES children. Overall, the observed associations between weight development and dietary patterns were mixed with some unexpected findings: a healthy dietary pattern was positively associated with weight development in most groups, regardless of ethnicity and SES (e.g. Dutch B 0.084, 95% CI 0.038;0.130 and high SES B 0.096, 95% CI 0.047;0.143) whereas the full-fat pattern was negatively associated with weight development (e.g. Dutch B -0.069, 95% CI -0.114;-0.024 and high SES B -0.072, 95% CI -0.119;-0.026).

Conclusions

We observed differential weight development per ethnic and SES group. Our results indicate that each ethnic and SES group follows its own path of weight development. Associations between dietary patterns and weight development showed some unexpected findings; follow-up research is needed to understand the association between dietary patterns and weight development.
Review of automatic continuous distraction osteogenesis devices for mandibular reconstruction applications
Authors: Hatefi Shahrokh , Hatefi Katayoun , Le Roux Francis , Alizargar Javad , Behdadipour Zeinolabedin , Yihun Yimesker , Abou-El-Hossein Khaled
Published: April 2020

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is an emerging method for bone tissue reconstruction. In oral and maxillofacial reconstruction applications, DO is playing an important role as a technique without the need of bone graft. In addition, in a DO treatment procedure, a superior outcome could be achieved compared to conventional reconstruction techniques. Recently, a few automatic continuous distraction osteogenesis (ACDO) devices have been designed and developed to be used in human reconstruction applications. Experiments and animal studies have validated the functionality of the developed ACDO devices. It has shown that by using such ACDO devices in a DO procedure, compared to conventional manual DO methods, superior outcomes could be obtained. However, the application of such ACDO devices is still limited. More research and investigation need to be undertaken to study all requirements of ACDO devices to be used in successful human mandibular DO treatment. It is important to determine all requirements and standards that need to be considered and applied in the design and development of ACDO devices. The purpose of this review paper is to highlight the designed and developed ACDO procedures thus far in terms of their working principles, working parameters, and technical aspects for providing a better perspective of the development progress of ACDO devices for oral and maxillofacial reconstruction applications. In this paper, design principles, device specifications, and working parameters of ACDO devices are compared and discussed. Subsequently, current limitations and gaps have been addressed, and future works for enabling an ultimate automatic DO procedure have been suggested.
Methods for accounting for neighbourhood self-selection in physical activity and dietary behaviour research: a systematic review
Authors: Lamb Karen E. , Thornton Lukar E. , King Tania L. , Ball Kylie , White Simon R. , Bentley Rebecca , Coffee Neil T. , Daniel Mark
Published: April 2020

Background

Self-selection into residential neighbourhoods is a widely acknowledged, but under-studied problem in research investigating neighbourhood influences on physical activity and diet. Failure to handle neighbourhood self-selection can lead to biased estimates of the association between the neighbourhood environment and behaviour. This means that effects could be over- or under-estimated, both of which have implications for public health policies related to neighbourhood (re)design. Therefore, it is important that methods to deal with neighbourhood self-selection are identified and reviewed. The aim of this review was to assess how neighbourhood self-selection is conceived and accounted for in the literature.

Methods

Articles from a systematic search undertaken in 2017 were included if they examined associations between neighbourhood environment exposures and adult physical activity or dietary behaviour. Exposures could include any objective measurement of the built (e.g., supermarkets), natural (e.g., parks) or social (e.g., crime) environment. Articles had to explicitly state that a given method was used to account for neighbourhood self-selection. The systematic review was registered with the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (number CRD42018083593) and was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement.

Results

Of 31 eligible articles, almost all considered physical activity (30/31); few examined diet (2/31). Methods used to address neighbourhood self-selection varied. Most studies (23/31) accounted for items relating to participants’ neighbourhood preferences or reasons for moving to the neighbourhood using multi-variable adjustment in regression models (20/23) or propensity scores (3/23). Of 11 longitudinal studies, three controlled for neighbourhood self-selection as an unmeasured confounder using fixed effects regression.

Conclusions

Most studies accounted for neighbourhood self-selection by adjusting for measured attributes of neighbourhood preference. However, commonly the impact of adjustment could not be assessed. Future studies using adjustment should provide estimates of associations with and without adjustment for self-selection; consider temporality in the measurement of self-selection variables relative to the timing of the environmental exposure and outcome behaviours; and consider the theoretical plausibility of presumed pathways in cross-sectional research where causal direction is impossible to establish.
Safety and efficacy of treating symptomatic, partial-thickness rotator cuff tears with fresh, uncultured, unmodified, autologous adipose-derived regenerative cells (UA-ADRCs) isolated at the point of care: a prospective, randomized, controlled first-in-human pilot study
Authors: Hurd Jason L. , Facile Tiffany R. , Weiss Jennifer , Hayes Matthew , Hayes Meredith , Furia John P. , Maffulli Nicola , Winnier Glenn E. , Alt Christopher , Schmitz Christoph , Alt Eckhard U. , Lundeen Mark
Published: April 2020

Background

This study tested the hypothesis that treatment of symptomatic, partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (sPTRCT) with fresh, uncultured, unmodified, autologous adipose-derived regenerative cells (UA-ADRCs) isolated from lipoaspirate at the point of care is safe and more effective than corticosteroid injection.

Methods

Subjects aged between 30 and 75 years with sPTRCT who did not respond to physical therapy treatments for at least 6 weeks were randomly assigned to receive a single injection of an average 11.4 × 106UA-ADRCs (in 5 mL liquid; mean cell viability: 88%) (n= 11; modified intention-to-treat (mITT) population) or a single injection of 80 mg of methylprednisolone (40 mg/mL; 2 mL) plus 3 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine (n= 5; mITT population), respectively. Safety and efficacy were assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), RAND Short Form-36 Health Survey, and pain visual analogue scale (VAS) at baseline (BL) as well as 3 weeks (W3), W6, W9, W12, W24, W32, W40, and W52 post treatment. Fat-saturated T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder was performed at BL as well as at W24 and W52 post treatment.

Results

No severe adverse events related to the injection of UA-ADRCs were observed in the 12 months post treatment. The risks connected with treatment of sPTRCT with UA-ADRCs were not greater than those connected with treatment of sPTRCT with corticosteroid injection. However, one subject in the corticosteroid group developed a full rotator cuff tear during the course of this pilot study. Despite the small number of subjects in this pilot study, those in the UA-ADRCs group showed statistically significantly higher mean ASES total scores at W24 and W52 post treatment than those in the corticosteroid group (p< 0.05).

Discussion

This pilot study suggests that the use of UA-ADRCs in subjects with sPTRCT is safe and leads to improved shoulder function without adverse effects. To verify the results of this initial safety and feasibility pilot study in a larger patient population, a randomized controlled trial on 246 patients suffering from sPTRCT is currently ongoing.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.govID NCT02918136. Registered September 28, 2016,https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02918136.

Level of evidence

Level I; prospective, randomized, controlled trial.
Activity-dependent redistribution of CaMKII in the postsynaptic compartment of hippocampal neurons
Authors: Tao-Cheng Jung-Hwa
Published: April 2020

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), an abundant protein in neurons, is involved in synaptic plasticity and learning. CaMKII associates with multiple proteins located at or near the postsynaptic density (PSD), and CaMKII is known to translocate from cytoplasm to PSD under excitatory conditions. The present study examined the laminar distribution of CaMKII at the PSD by immunogold labeling in dissociated hippocampal cultures under low calcium (EGTA or APV), control, and stimulated (depolarization with high K+ or NMDA) conditions. The patterns of CaMKII distribution are classified with particular reference to the two layers of the PSD: (1) the PSD core, a layer within ~ 30–40 nm to the postsynaptic membrane, and (2) the PSD pallium, a deeper layer beyond the PSD core, ~ 100–120 nm from the postsynaptic membrane. Under low calcium conditions, a subpopulation (40%) of synapses stood out with no CaMKII labeling at the PSD, indicating that localization of CaMKII at the PSD is sensitive to calcium levels. Under control conditions, the majority (~ 60–70%) of synapses had label for CaMKII dispersed evenly in the spine, including the PSD and the nearby cytoplasm. Upon stimulation, the majority (60–75%) of synapses had label for CaMKII concentrated at the PSD, delineating the PSD pallium from the cytoplasm. Median distance of label for CaMKII to postsynaptic membrane was higher in low calcium samples (68–77 nm), than in control (59–63 nm) and stimulated samples (49–53 nm). Thus, upon stimulation, not only more CaMKII translocated to the PSD, but they also were closer to the postsynaptic membrane. Additionally, there were two relatively infrequent labeling patterns that may represent intermediate stages of CaMKII distribution between basal and stimulated conditions: (1) one type showed label preferentially localized near the PSD core where CaMKII may be binding to NR2B, an NMDA receptor concentrated at the PSD core, and (2) the second type showed label preferentially in the PSD pallium, where CaMKII may be binding to Shank, a PSD scaffold protein located in the PSD pallium. Both of these distribution patterns may portray the initial stages of CaMKII translocation upon synaptic activation. In addition to binding to PSD proteins, the concentrated CaMKII labeling at the PSD under heightened excitatory conditions could also be formed by self-clustering of CaMKII molecules recruited to the PSD. Most importantly, these accumulated CaMKII molecules do not extend beyond the border of the PSD pallium, and are likely held in the pallium by binding to Shank under these conditions.
Correction to: Hsa_circ_0058124 promotes papillary thyroid cancer tumorigenesis and invasiveness through the NOTCH3/GATAD2A axis
Authors: Yao Yao , Chen Xinyuan , Yang Hong , Chen Wei , Qian Yichun , Yan Zhongyi , Liao Tian , Yao Weiping , Wu Wenlan , Yu Tonghua , Chen Yun , Zhang Yuan
Published: April 2020

In the original publication of this manuscript [1], the Fig. 6a invasion si-hsa_circ_0058124_2# group (row 2 right and row 3 right) and Fig. 9c TPC-1 clone formation assay control group (row 1 left) were misplaced and need to be revised. The updated figures are shown below.
Identification of Aedes mosquitoes by MALDI-TOF MS biotyping using protein signatures from larval and pupal exuviae
Authors: Nebbak Amira , Almeras Lionel
Published: April 2020

Background

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) biotyping is an innovative strategy, applied successfully for the identification of numerous arthropod families including mosquitoes. The effective mosquito identification using this emerging tool was demonstrated possible at different steps of their life-cycle, including eggs, immature and adult stages. Unfortunately, for species identification by MS, the euthanasia of the mosquito specimen is required.

Methods

To avoid mosquito euthanasia, the present study assessed whether aedine mosquitoes could be identified by MALDI-TOF MS biotyping, using their respective exuviae. In this way, exuviae from the fourth-instar and pupal stages of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti were submitted to MALDI-TOF MS analysis.

Results

Reproducible and specific MS spectra according to aedine species and stage of exuviae were observed which were objectified by cluster analyses, composite correlation index (CCI) tool and principal components analysis (PCA). The query of our reference MS spectra database (DB) upgraded with MS spectra of exuviae from fourth-instar larvae and pupae of both Aedes species revealed that 100% of the samples were correctly classified at the species and stage levels. Among them, 93.8% (135/144) of the MS profiles reached the threshold log score value (LSV > 1.8) for reliable identification.

Conclusions

The extension of reference MS spectra DB to exuviae from fourth-instar and pupal stages made now possible the identification of mosquitoes throughout their life-cycle at aquatic and aerial stages. The exuviae presenting the advantage to avoid specimen euthanasia, allowing to perform complementary analysis on alive mosquitoes.
Dafachronic acid and temperature regulate canonical dauer pathways during Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infectious larvae activation
Authors: Ayoade Katherine Omueti , Carranza Faith R. , Cho Woong Hee , Wang Zhu , Kliewer Steven A. , Mangelsdorf David J. , Stoltzfus Jonathan D. C.
Published: April 2020

Background

While immune responses to the murine hookwormNippostrongylus brasiliensishave been investigated, signaling pathways regulating development of infectious larvae (iL3) are not well understood. We hypothesized thatN. brasiliensiswould use pathways similar to those controlling dauer development in the free-living nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans, which is formally known as the “dauer hypothesis.”

Methods

To investigate whether dafachronic acid activates theN. brasiliensisDAF-12 homolog, we utilized anin vitroreporter assay. We then utilized RNA-Seq and subsequent bioinformatic analyses to identifyN. brasiliensisdauer pathway homologs and examine regulation of these genes during iL3 activation.

Results

In this study, we demonstrated that dafachronic acid activates theN. brasiliensisDAF-12 homolog. We then identifiedN. brasiliensishomologs for members in each of the four canonical dauer pathways and examined their regulation during iL3 activation by either temperature or dafachronic acid. Similar toC. elegans, we found that transcripts encoding antagonistic insulin-like peptides were significantly downregulated during iL3 activation, and that a transcript encoding a phylogenetic homolog of DAF-9 increased during iL3 activation, suggesting that both increased insulin-like and DAF-12 nuclear hormone receptor signaling accompanies iL3 activation. In contrast toC. elegans, we observed a significant decrease in transcripts encoding the dauer transforming growth factor beta ligand DAF-7 during iL3 activation, suggesting a different role for this pathway in parasitic nematode development.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that canonical dauer pathways indeed regulate iL3 activation in the hookwormN. brasiliensisand that DAF-12 may be a therapeutic target in hookworm infections.
The fiscal value of human lives lost from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in China
Authors: Kirigia Joses M. , Muthuri Rose Nabi Deborah Karimi
Published: April 2020

Objective

According to the WHO coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation report 35, as of 24th February 2020, there was a total of 77,262 confirmed COVID-19 cases in China. That included 2595 deaths. The specific objective of this study was to estimate the fiscal value of human lives lost due to COVID-19 in China as of 24th February 2020.

Results

The deaths from COVID-19 had a discounted (at 3%) total fiscal value of Int$ 924,346,795 in China. Out of which, 63.2% was borne by people aged 25–49 years, 27.8% by people aged 50–64 years, and 9.0% by people aged 65 years and above. The average fiscal value per death was Int$ 356,203. Re-estimation of the economic model alternately with 5% and 10 discount rates led to a reduction in the expected total fiscal value by 21.3% and 50.4%, respectively. Furthermore, the re-estimation of the economic model using the world’s highest average life expectancy of 87.1 years (which is that of Japanese females), instead of the national life expectancy of 76.4 years, increased the total fiscal value by Int$ 229,456,430 (24.8%).
Asymptotic behavior of reciprocal sum of two products of Fibonacci numbers
Authors: Lee Ho-Hyeong , Park Jong-Do
Published: April 2020

Let $\{f_{k} \} _{k=1}^{\infty}${fk}k=1∞ be a Fibonacci sequence with $f_{1}=f_{2}=1$f1=f2=1. In this paper, we find a simple form $g_{n}$gn such that $$\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \Biggl\{ \Biggl(\sum^{\infty}_{k=n}{a_{k}} \Biggr)^{-1}-g_{n} \Biggr\} =0, $$limn→∞{(∑k=n∞ak)−1−gn}=0, where $a_{k}=\frac{1}{f_{k}^{2}}$ak=1fk2, $\frac{1}{f_{k}f_{k+m}}$1fkfk+m, or $\frac{1}{f_{3k}^{2}}$1f3k2. For example, we show that $$\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \Biggl\{ \Biggl(\sum^{\infty}_{k=n}{ \frac {1}{f_{3k}^{2}}} \Biggr)^{-1}- \biggl(f_{3n}^{2}-f_{3n-3}^{2}+ \frac {4}{9}(-1)^{n} \biggr) \Biggr\} =0. $$limn→∞{(∑k=n∞1f3k2)−1−(f3n2−f3n−32+49(−1)n)}=0.
Antimicrobial resistance profile and prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL), AmpC beta-lactamases and colistin resistance (mcr) genes in Escherichia coli from swine between 1999 and 2018
Authors: Aguirre Laia , Vidal Anna , Seminati Chiara , Tello Montse , Redondo Noelia , Darwich Laila , Martín Marga
Published: April 2020

The frequent usage of antibiotics in livestock has led to the spread of resistant bacteria within animals and their products, with a global warning in public health and veterinarians to monitor such resistances. This study aimed to determine antibiotic resistance patterns and genes in pig farms from Spain during the last twenty years. Susceptibility to six antibiotics commonly used in pig production was tested by qualitative (disk diffusion) and quantitative (minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC) methods in 200 strains of Escherichia coli which had been isolated between 1999 and 2018 from clinical cases of diarrhoea in neonatal and post-weaned piglets. Results showed resistance around 100% for amoxicillin and tetracycline since 1999, and a progressive increase in ceftiofur resistance throughout the studied period. For colistin, it was detected a resistance peak (17.5% of the strains) in the 2011–2014 period. Concerning gentamicin, 11 of 30 strains with intermediate susceptibility by the disk diffusion method were resistant by MIC. Besides, the most frequent antimicrobial resistance genes were the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) blaCTX-M (13.5% of strains, being CTX-M-14, CTX-M-1 and CTX-M-32 the most prevalent genomes, followed by CTX-M-27, CTX-M-9 and CTX-M-3), AmpC-type beta-lactamase (AmpC) blaCMY-2 (3%) and colistin resistance genes mcr-4 (13%), mcr-1 (7%) and in less proportion mcr-5 (3%). Interestingly, these mcr genes were already detected in strains isolated in 2000, more than a decade before their first description. However, poor concordance between the genotypic mcr profile and the phenotypical testing by MIC was found in this study. These results indicate that although being a current concern, resistance genes and therefore antimicrobial resistant phenotypes were already present in pig farms at the beginning of the century.
Healthcare resource utilization and costs associated with inflammatory bowel disease among patients with chronic inflammatory diseases: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hudesman David P. , Chakravarty Soumya D. , Emond Bruno , Ellis Lorie A. , Lefebvre Patrick , Sadik Kay , Scher Jose U.
Published: April 2020

Background

Chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs; ankylosing spondylitis [AS], psoriatic arthritis [PsA], psoriasis [PsO], or rheumatoid arthritis [RA]) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) are associated with substantial economic burden. The relative increased costs among patients with CIDs and concomitant IBD compared to those without IBD is an important consideration when deciding on the clinical management of patient symptoms. Given the increasing use of novel agents for the treatment of CIDs, including those that may increase the risk of IBD in patients with CIDs, the objective of the study was to describe the incidence of IBD and to quantify healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and costs associated with IBD among patients with CIDs.

Methods

The IBM MarketScan® Research Databases (1/2010–7/2017) were used to identify adult patients with ≥2 claims with a diagnosis of either AS/PsA/PsO/RA (index date was a random claim for AS/PsA/PsO/RA). The one-year incidence rate of IBD was calculated following the index date. HRU and healthcare costs were compared between patients developing and not developing IBD in the year following the index date, adjusting for baseline characteristics.

Results

A total of 537,450 patients with CIDs (mean age = 54.0 years; 63.1% female) were included in the study. The 1-year incidence rate of IBD was 0.52% (range = 0.39% in patients with PsO but without PsA to 1.73% in patients with AS). Patients who developed IBD (N = 2778) had significantly higher rates of inpatient, outpatient, and emergency room visits (incidence rate ratios [IRR] = 2.91, 1.35, 1.81; all P < 0.0001), compared to patients without IBD (N = 534,672). Patients who developed IBD had $18,500 (P < 0.0001) higher total costs per year, including $15,121 (P < 0.0001) higher medical costs and $3380 higher pharmacy costs (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Higher HRU and costs were observed in patients with concomitant CID and IBD compared to patients with CID alone. Consideration should be given to treatment decisions that adequately manage CID and IBD to ensure optimal clinical and economic outcomes.
Genetic predisposition for increased red blood cell distribution width is an early risk factor for cardiovascular and renal comorbidities
Authors: Cheng Xi , Mell Blair , Alimadadi Ahmad , Galla Sarah , McCarthy Cameron G. , Chakraborty Saroj , Basrur Venkatesha , Joe Bina
Published: April 2020

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a measurement of the variation in size and volume of red blood cells (RBCs). Increased RDW, indicating a high heterogeneity of RBCs, is prominently associated with a variety of illnesses, especially cardiovascular diseases. However, the significance of this association to the onset and progression of cardiovascular and renal diseases is unknown. We hypothesized that a genetic predisposition for increased RDW is an early risk factor for cardiovascular and renal comorbidities. Since there is no known animal model of increased RDW, we examined a CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited rat model (RfflTD) which presented with features of hematologic abnormalities as well as severe cardiac and renal comorbidities. A mass-spectrometry based quantitative proteomic analysis indicated anemia of these rats presented with significant downregulation of hemoglobin and haptoglobin. Decreased hemoglobin and increased RDW were further observed in RfflTD through complete blood count. Next, a systematic temporal assessment detected an early increased RDW in RfflTD, which was prior to the development of other comorbidities. The primary mutation of RfflTD is a 50bp deletion in a non-coding region, whereby, our study has serendipitously identified this locus as a novel quantitative trait locus (QTL) for RDW. To our knowledge, our study is the first to experimentally pinpoint a QTL for RDW and provides a novel genetic rat model mimicking the clinical association of increased RDW with poor cardio-renal outcomes.
Comparison of radiographs and CT features between posterior Pilon fracture and posterior malleolus fracture: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Jinwu , Wang Xingyu , Xie Linzhen , Zheng Wenhao , Chen Hua , Cai Leyi
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

This study explored the morphological differences between posterior Pilon fracture and posterior malleolus fracture from radiographs and CT to provide detail for diagnosis and treatment of them.

Methods:

Radiographs and CT imaging data of 174 patients with distal posterior tibial fractures who were treated from January 2013 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on the operation and imaging examination, the fractures were classified into posterior Pilon fractures and posterior malleolus fractures. Radiographic parameters including the width, height, depth, α angle, β angle, γ angle, fragment area ratio 1 (FAR1), δ angle and fragment area ratio 2 (FAR2) of ankle mortise were measured.

Results:

There were 96 posterior Pilon fractures (Type I: 30, Type II: 22 and Type III: 44) and 78 posterior malleolus fractures (Type I: 40 and Type II: 38). The ankle depth, α angle, γ angle, FAR1 and FAR2 of posterior Pilon fractures were larger than these of posterior malleolus fractures (p < 0.05). In addition, FAR1 and FAR2 of Type II and Type III posterior Pilon fractures were significantly larger than these of Type I (p < 0.05). FAR1 and FAR2 of Type I posterior malleolus fractures were significantly smaller than these of Type II (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Radiographs combined with CT analysis is an effective method to accurately distinguish morphological features between posterior Pilon fracture and posterior malleolus fracture.

Advances in knowledge:

Radiographs combined with CT distinguished the fracture of posterior malleolus and posterior Pilon rapidly and accurately, instead of operation.
clustifyr: an R package for automated single-cell RNA sequencing cluster classification
Authors: Fu Rui , Gillen Austin E. , Sheridan Ryan M. , Tian Chengzhe , Daya Michelle , Hao Yue , Hesselberth Jay R. , Riemondy Kent A.
Published: April 2020

Assignment of cell types from single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data remains a time-consuming and error-prone process. Current packages for identity assignment use limited types of reference data and often have rigid data structure requirements. We developed the clustifyr R package to leverage several external data types, including gene expression profiles to assign likely cell types using data from scRNA-seq, bulk RNA-seq, microarray expression data, or signature gene lists. We benchmark various parameters of a correlation-based approach and implement gene list enrichment methods. clustifyr is a lightweight and effective cell-type assignment tool developed for compatibility with various scRNA-seq analysis workflows. clustifyr is publicly available at https://github.com/rnabioco/clustifyr
The consequence of COVID-19 on the global supply of medical products: Why Indian generics matter for the world?
Authors: Guerin Philippe J , Singh-Phulgenda Sauman , Strub-Wourgaft Nathalie
Published: April 2020

While the world is facing the urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic, policymakers must plan for the direct response to the outbreak while minimising its collateral impact. Maintaining the supply chain of pharmaceutical products is not only paramount to cover the immediate medical response but will be fundamental to reducing disruption of the healthcare delivery system, which requires constant medicines, diagnostic tools and vaccines for smooth functioning. In this equation, the role of the Indian pharmaceutical industry will not only be critical to meet the domestic need of over 1.3 billion inhabitants but will equally be important for the rest of the world, including wealthy economies. Preventing a significant disruption of the Indian pharmaceutical supply chain during the outbreak and preparing it for large scale production for COVID-19 therapeutic or preventive medical products will not only help India but will assist the global response to this outbreak.
A protocol for a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines for recurrent miscarriage
Authors: Hennessy Marita , Dennehy Rebecca , Meaney Sarah , Devane Declan , O'Donoghue Keelin
Published: April 2020

Recurrent miscarriage (RM) was recently re-defined by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) as the loss of two or more consecutive pregnancies. Before this, and indeed still in some countries, RM was defined as three or more consecutive pregnancy losses. While the incidence of RM depends on the definition employed and population studied, it is generally accepted to affect 1-6% of women of reproductive age. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for RM have been published by some professional organisations. While there are CPGs on miscarriage in Ireland, there are none concerning RM specifically. The aim of this systematic review is to identify, appraise and describe published CPGs for the management, investigation and/or follow-up of RM within high-income countries. Electronic databases (MEDLINE (Ovid®; 1946), Embase® (Elsevier; 1980), CINAHL Complete (EBSCOhost; 1994), Web of Science™ (Thomson Reuters), Scopus (Elsevier; 2004), and Open Grey (INIST-CNRS; 2011)), selected guideline repositories, and the websites of professional societies will be searched to identify CPGs, published within the last 20 years, for potential inclusion. Two reviewers will review abstracts and full texts independently against the eligibility criteria. Characteristics and recommendations of included CPGs will be extracted by one reviewer and double-checked by another. Two reviewers will use the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation version 2 (AGREE II) instrument independently to assess the quality of the included CPGs. Narrative synthesis will be conducted to appraise and compare CPGs and their recommendations or guidance therein. The identification, appraisal and description of published CPGs in other high-income countries will be a valuable first step in informing efforts to promote the optimisation and standardisation of RM care.
Do students from affirmative actions have lower academic performance?
Authors: Miranda Claudio de Souza , Lima João Paulo Resende de , De Andrade Felippe Paoulucci
Published: April 2020

We aim to analyze the academic performance of the subsidized students with affirmative actions and the non-subsidized students. To do so we analyzed data from admission to the course of Business Economics and Controllership of University of São Paulo. We have analyzed approval rates and grades from 5.040 observations of first year students. The analysis of the grades of students and due approvals of the first year of the course, point out that in most courses there is no differentiation between students with and without bonus. This is perceived in few disciplines, mainly in the quantitative methods courses.
Contemporary marketing practices approaches in the professional services industry in Brazil
Authors: Hoeckesfeld Lenoir , Sarquis Aléssio Bessa , Urdan André Torres , Cohen Eric David
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study is to investigate the Contemporary Marketing Practices (CMP) of professional services firms from the State of Santa Catarina in Brazil, according to the models proposed by Coviello, Brodie & Munro (1997) and Coviello, Milley & Marcolin (2001). The research methodology has a quantitative and descriptive approach and uses a survey; the sample encompasses 146 companies from the accounting, engineering, consulting, advertising, information technology and hospital industries. Our findings also reveal the existence of seven main business segment typologies: “Advanced Relational”; “Interactive Relational/Network”; “Relational Database/Digital”; “Moderately Relational”; “Conservative I”; “Conservative II” and “Refractory”.
Contribuições sociológicas de Jürgen Habermas para os estudos organizacionais
Authors: Inocencio Ewerton Roberto , Favoreto Ricardo Lebbos
Published: April 2020

Objetiva-se neste artigo identificar as contribuições habermasianas para os estudos organizacionais na área de Administração no cenário nacional atual. Emprega-se, para tanto, uma abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa. O levantamento bibliográfico procedeu-se nos principais periódicos nacionais da área. A etapa quantitativa identifica os periódicos mais receptivos a publicações, os autores mais produtivos e a evolução histórica do volume de publicações. A etapa qualitativa identifica os temas acolhedores dos aportes habermasianos, as obras e os conceitos habermasianos presentes nas publicações. Destacam-se os temas “Educação” e “Teoria das Organizações” e a obra “Teoria do Agir Comunicativo”.
ANALYZING EXISTING APPLIED MODELS OF THE IONOSPHERE FOR CALCULATING RADIO WAVE PROPAGATION AND POSSIBILITY OF THEIR USE FOR RADAR SYSTEMS. I. CLASSIFICATION OF APPLIED MODELS AND THE MAIN REQUIREMENTS IMPOSED ON THEM FOR RADAR AIDS
Authors: Aksenov Oleg , Kozlov Stanislav , Lyakhov Andrey , Trekin Vyacheslav , Perunov Yuriy , Yakubovsky Sergey
Published: April 2020

We review modern HF–X band radars covering over-the-horizon problems. The ionosphere significantly affects wave propagation in all the bands. We describe available correction techniques, which use additional evidence on the ionosphere, as well as models of different degrees of complexity. The fact that the field of view cannot be covered by ground-based instruments as well as the growing requirements to the precision and stability of the radars result in the impossibility of ionospheric correction with up-to-date models, hence the latter require further elaboration. We give a virtually full classification of the models. The article summarizes the requirements to the models for the radars depending on their function.
The Role of Supplier Quality in e-Procurement Negotiation
Authors: Delina Radoslav , Michňová Mária , Húska Peter , Spišák Ján
Published: April 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the significance and the role of supplier rating as a formalised supplier quality measure to achieve better- negotiated prices and to identify price premium resulting from improved rating.Methodology/Approach: Data from real B2B environment of electronic reverse auction SW solution ProeBiz were obtained and processed. Data from the reverse rating approach were used where the default rating value is 1 and improvements of rating lead to decreasing the rating value. Except standard descriptive statistics, non-parametric correlation and Kruskal-Wallis tests, the knowledge discovery techniques by decision trees CHAID algorithm were used.Findings: From our empirical research results, there is the evidence of a significant positive relation of supplier quality or rating improvements on a negotiated price for suppliers. Improving rating from the default value (1.00) to (0.98-0.95) can lead to better- negotiated prices for suppliers in English auction expressed as price premium in the value of 4%.Research Limitation/implication: Research has several limitations, esp. in the size of the sample and sectorial view as the research is based on data from construction, electro-mechanics and logistics sector.Originality/Value of paper: The paper is original and not published in other publications.
The Effectiveness of Innovative Infrastructure: The Case of Kazakhstan
Authors: Bayadilova Bakyt , Nassyrkhanov Arsen , Tlessova Elvira , Parimbekova Lyazzat , Tolymgozhinova Maigul , Kuangaliyeva Tursynzada
Published: April 2020

Purpose: The development of an innovative economy is constrained by the problems of science funding, modernization of scientific institutions and innovative training of specialists. This article focuses on the problem of evaluating the effectiveness of the innovation infrastructure of the Republic of Kazakhstan using a systematized set of performance indicators.Methodology/Approach: Approaches to assessing innovation infrastructure have been analysed. Based on the analysis, correlation and regression assessment model has been developed.Findings: A forecast has been made for innovative infrastructure development based on the obtained performance indicators. This forecast is of high practical significance, as it allows predicting the outcomes of innovation.Research Limitation/implication: In the light of globalization, it is extremely urgent to develop an innovative economy along with regional innovation systems. If combined, these systems can accelerate the innovation processes in the regions, ensure competitiveness and expedite the socio-economic development. The formation of an innovative economy should be in line with the productive forces and production relations.Originality/Value of the paper: Through categorization, this study establishes a set of underlying indicators, which are used to measure the performance of the innovation infrastructure. A model of correlation and regression analysis is built, which allows evaluating the effectiveness of the innovation infrastructure of Kazakhstan.