bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of total variation regularized expectation maximization reconstruction on the image quality of 68Ga-PSMA PET: a phantom and patient study
Authors: Yang Feng-Jiao , Ai Shu-Yue , Wu Runze , Lv Yang , Xie Hui-Fang , Dong Yun , Meng Qing-Le , Wang Feng
Published: February 2021

Objectives:

To investigate the impact of total variation regularized expectation maximization (TVREM) reconstruction on the image quality of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT using phantom and patient data.

Methods:

Images of a phantom with small hot sphere inserts and 20 prostate cancer patients were acquired with a digital PET/CT using list-mode and reconstructed with ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) and TVREM with seven penalisation factors between 0.01 and 0.42 for 2 and 3 minutes-per-bed (m/b) acquisition. The contrast recovery (CR) and background variability (BV) of the phantom, image noise of the liver, and SUVmax of the lesions were measured. Qualitative image quality was scored by two radiologists using a 5-point scale (1-poor, 5-excellent).

Results:

The performance of CR, BV, and image noise, and the gain of SUVmax was higher for TVREM 2 m/b groups with the penalization of 0.07 to 0.28 compared to OSEM 3 m/b group (all p < 0.05). The image noise of OSEM 3 m/b group was equivalent to TVREM 2 and 3 m/b groups with a penalization of 0.14 and 0.07, while lesions’ SUVmax increased 15 and 20%. The highest qualitative score was attained at the penalization of 0.21 (3.30 ± 0.66) for TVREM 2 m/b groups and the penalization 0.14 (3.80 ± 0.41) for 3 m/b group that equal to or greater than OSEM 3 m/b group (2.90 ± 0.45, p = 0.2 and p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

TVREM improves lesion contrast and reduces image noise, which allows shorter acquisition with preserved image quality for PSMA PET/CT.

Advances in knowledge:

TVREM reconstruction with optimized penalization factors can generate higher quality PSMA-PET images for prostate cancer diagnosis.
Contextual Analysis for Practical Action (CAPA): a framework for understanding how context works and how to apply it for practical learning and implementing change in complex systems
Authors: Barry Sarah
Published: February 2021

Background: This concept paper presents Contextual Analysis for Practical Action or ‘CAPA’ as an action-oriented tool to understand and implement interventions in real-life service delivery contexts. Understanding how contexts work is a critical challenge for Health and Social Care Systems seeking to become more integrated. CAPA is a tool for understanding and empowering agents in local contexts. The local context is understood here as a key factor in implementation success. This concept paper offers rich theorising to underpin the translation of systems reform initiatives into meaningful local engagement and change.

Methods: Analysis of the ‘implementation conundrum’ highlights the problem, while a review of the organisational learning literature identifies ‘sensemaking in organisation’ as a powerful mechanism to address it. Based on earlier phenomenological research the dynamics of organisational sensemaking are presented.  Finally, applications for CAPA are explored and next steps outlined.

Results: CAPA makes tangible the implicit and interpretive nature of organisational life as ‘sensemaking in context’. This phenomenon is analysed as a determinant of implementation success. As such, CAPA opens a path to working with contextual complexity by framing it as a dialectic pattern of topical, ecological, dialogical, and pragmatic modes that ‘contextualise’. CAPA is a tool for researchers and practitioners to explore the complexity of local contexts and their implementation challenges, and working-with local agents for learning and change.

Conclusions: Health reform needs new approaches for understanding implementation in context. CAPA is a tool for understanding and working-with contextual factors central to the complexity of policy or knowledge translation for example. This paper outlines its rationale, principles, and functionality. Possible applications are explored for co-designed practical learning experiences. It concludes with a call to policy makers, service managers and researchers to use the approach in specific settings so it can be developed and refined.
Mendelian randomization for studying the effects of perturbing drug targets
Authors: Gill Dipender , Georgakis Marios K. , Walker Venexia M. , Schmidt A. Floriaan , Gkatzionis Apostolos , Freitag Daniel F. , Finan Chris , Hingorani Aroon D. , Howson Joanna M.M. , Burgess Stephen , Swerdlow Daniel I. , Davey Smith George , Holmes Michael V. , Dichgans Martin , Scott Robert A , Zheng Jie , Psaty Bruce M. , Davies Neil M.
Published: February 2021

Drugs whose targets have genetic evidence to support efficacy and safety are more likely to be approved after clinical development. In this paper, we provide an overview of how natural sequence variation in the genes that encode drug targets can be used in Mendelian randomization analyses to offer insight into mechanism-based efficacy and adverse effects. Large databases of summary level genetic association data are increasingly available and can be leveraged to identify and validate variants that serve as proxies for drug target perturbation. As with all empirical research, Mendelian randomization has limitations including genetic confounding, its consideration of lifelong effects, and issues related to heterogeneity across different tissues and populations. When appropriately applied, Mendelian randomization provides a useful empirical framework for using population level data to improve the success rates of the drug development pipeline.
INDIVIDUALIZATION IN INCLUSIVE EDUCATION: METHODOLOGY AND PEDAGOGICAL INSTRUMENTS
Authors:   Murmansk Arctic State University, Kuzmicheva T.V. , Afonkina Yu.A. , Morozova D.A. ,   Murmansk Arctic State University
Published: February 2021

В коллективной монографии представлены теоретико-эмпирические основания научного поиска эффективных педагогических инструментов индивидуализации инклюзивной образовательной среды для включения ребенка с ОВЗ в образовательную деятельность и достижения им высоких образовательных результатов. Предлагается авторский подход к проблематизации и категоризации понятия индивидуализации как условия создания подлинной инклюзии на основе принципа разнообразия вариантов развития детей и, соответственно, многообразия их образовательных потребностей. Проблема индивидуализации вводится в контекст полисубъектности, что позволяет объективировать и раскрыть в научном поле ее новые аспекты. Авторами предложен исследовательский подход, а также оригинальные диагностические инструменты, основанные на рефлексии испытуемыми своей деятельности. Их применение позволило выявить родительские ожидания и дефициты педагогов, препятствующие индивидуализации, и создающие социально-образовательные барьеры в инклюзивном образовании. Монография будет полезна научно-педагогическим работникам, магистрантам, аспирантом, а также педагогам-практикам.
Social processes in the youth environment in a risk society
Authors:   MURMANSK ARCTIC STATE UNIVERSITY, Zhigunova G.V. , Petoshina S.I. ,   MURMANSK ARCTIC STATE UNIVERSITY, Sharova E.N. ,   MURMANSK ARCTIC STATE UNIVERSITY, Sidorova M.I. ,   MURMANSK ARCTIC STATE UNIVERSITY, Tegaleva T. D. ,   MURMANSK ARCTIC STATE UNIVERSITY
Published: February 2021

В учебном пособии рассматриваются актуальные социальные процессы в молодежной среде в условиях общества риска. Пособие адресовано студентам направлений подготовки бакалавриата «Социология», «Социальная работа» и «Организация работы с молодежью», но вместе с тем оно может быть интересным для всех, кого интересуют проблемы общества риска.
Work on the Text in the Context of Distance Education
Authors: Ryabova Anna
Published: February 2021

The article discusses the process of teaching reading skills and the development of communicative competencies in the context of distance education. Distance education stimulates the development of the students’ value orientation, determines the direction of personality development training, opens up new opportunities for progress, exchange the education and training, promotion the successful intercultural communication. The interactive capacity of distance learning lies in providing an intensive process of communication with remote communication partners based on the text. Provided that communication means the exchange of information in a foreign language, then the transmission of text messages is the most meaningful form of information transfer. The idea that the perception of text messages in remote communication is an adequate form of information transfer is substantiated. The role of intellectual activity and production is increasing in the modern context of higher education globalization. The main value is the information itself and the ability to apply it. Distance learning occupies an important place in the process of specialists’ professional development. The author characterizes the reading skill both from the learning speed of implementation standpoint, and the standpoint focused on achieving and understanding the linguistic representation. The process of communicative competence creation, based on the skills of reading in the context of distance learning special features’ development is discussed.
The Role of Immigrants in Solving the Problem of the Shortage of Skilled Labor in Germany
Authors: Krutova-Soliman N.
Published: February 2021

The article is devoted to the current problem of the shortage of qualified labor in the Federal Republic of Germany and the question of whether the country's economy is acquiring potential specialists for the labor market from among immigrants. The author emphasizes that without successful integration of immigrants, it is impossible not only to acquire human capital for the country's economy, but also there is a real threat to state security in Germany. The article examines what qualities or system of qualities immigrants should acquire in order to increase the level of professional activity component of their ability to integrate into the host country's society, specifies the goals of pedagogical communication in this process and the importance of the adoption of the Skilled Workers Immigration Act (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz). The author comes to the conclusion that the professional and activity component formed by the immigrant demonstrates its full integration into the business world and multicultural society of Germany.
Communication in Sports and "NearSports": Milestones on the way to Mediatization
Authors: Byhovskaya L. , Lyulevich I. , Dzigua D. , Yudina E. , Borodkin A.
Published: February 2021

The article is devoted to the development of such direction of modern communication science as the analysis of both intra-sports interactions and "near-sports" space of communication, i.e. communication channels between sports and adjacent social segments. A special place belongs to the media, which not only reflect a sports life, but also shape its public perception, interests, and assessment. It is reflected the stages and models of interaction between sports and the media, starting with pre-revolutionary print media and ending with Internet communications, the role of media in the sport’s images formation, its position in the sociocultural space. The process of sports mediatization, accompanied by the complication of its interaction with other communicative discourses, is considered.
Speech Influence Mechanisms and Models in Polycode and Polymodal Text (Using the Example of Regional Television Sports Coverage)
Authors: Nikitina Elina
Published: February 2021

This article analyzes speech influence mechanisms and models in polycode and polymodal text. As an example, we took a sports coverages aired on regional television, since it is a polycode and polymodal composing. The publication presents speech influence mechanisms and models proposed by various researchers. Taking into consideration various points of view it can be assumed that speech influence in television sports coverage occurs through the information sharing on two levels proposed by A.A. Leontiev. This process is carried out either by introducing new knowledge about reality into the field of values of the recipient, on the basis of which he will change his behavior or his attitude to this reality, or by changing the field of values of the recipient without introducing new elements.
The Linguistic Landscape From the Perspective of Communication Research
Authors: Goncharova Lyubov
Published: February 2021

The article presents the scientific project "Linguistic Landscape as a State Policy Mechanism: Sociocultural and Communicative Aspects". It also highlights a scientific conference devoted to studying this topic. Work being carried out within the project’s framework is described; scholars’ vision of would-be research directions in the field of linguistic landscape is given as well.
Guia prático escola resiliente aos sismos. Projeto PERSISTAH (Projetos de Escolas Resilientes aos SISmos no Território do Algarve e de Huelva)
Authors: Amaral Ferreira Mónica
Published: February 2021

Este Guia pretende ser um recurso para aumentar a resiliência da comunidade educativa, mostrando que é possível viver com os sismos e que se tomarmos medidas preventivas os riscos de perdas e ferimentos reduzem bastante. Como uma emergência pode acontecer em qualquer lugar e a qualquer momento, é importante que a comunidade educativa, esteja informada e familiarizada com o que torna um espaço vulnerável em caso de sismo, e se prepa-rem para proteger as crianças sob seus cuidados antes que a terra trema.
An Experimental Comparison of Two Exchange Economies: Long-Lived Asset vs. Short-Lived Asset
Authors: Carbone Enrica , Hey John , Neugebauer Tibor
Published: February 2021

The Lucas tree model [Lucas RE Jr (1978) Asset prices in an exchange economy. Econometrica 46(6):1429–1445.] lies at the heart of modern macrofinance. At its core, it provides an analysis of the equilibrium price of a long-lived asset in an exchange economy where consumption is the objective and the sole purpose of the asset is to smooth consumption through time. Experimental tests of the model use a particular instantiation of the Lucas model. Here we adopt a different instantiation to the first two, extending their analyses from a two-period oscillating world to a three-period cyclical world; this is partly to test the robustness of their results. We also go one step further and compare this solution (to a consumption-smoothing problem), in which consumption claims are traded via the long-lived asset, with the alternative solution provided by a market, in which agents can directly trade (short-lived) consumption claims between periods. We find that the latter exchange economy is more efficient in encouraging consumption smoothing than the economy with the long-lived asset. We find evidence of uncompetitive trading in both markets.

This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, decision analysis.
Affine Storage and Insurance Risk Models
Authors: Boxma Onno , Mandjes Michel
Published: February 2021

The aim of this paper is to analyze a general class of storage processes, in which the rate at which the storage level increases or decreases is assumed to be an affine function of the current storage level, and, in addition, both upward and downward jumps are allowed. To do so, we first focus on a related insurance risk model, for which we determine the ruin probability at an exponentially distributed epoch jointly with the corresponding undershoot and overshoot, given that the capital level at time 0 is exponentially distributed as well. The obtained results for this insurance risk model can be translated in terms of two types of storage models, in one of those two cases by exploiting a duality relation. Many well-studied models are shown to be special cases of our insurance risk and storage models. We conclude by showing how the exponentiality assumptions can be greatly relaxed.
What Situation Is This? Shared Frames and Collective Performance
Authors: Gibbons Robert , LiCalzi Marco , Warglien Massimo
Published: February 2021

We study agents who distill the complex world around them using cognitive frames. We assume that agents share the same frame and analyze how the frame affects their collective performance. In one-shot and repeated interactions, the frame causes agents to be either better or worse off than if they could perceive the environment in full detail: it creates a fog of cooperation or a fog of conflict. In repeated interactions, the frame is as important as agents’ patience in determining the outcome: for a fixed discount factor, when all agents choose what they perceive as their best play, there remain significant performance differences induced by different frames. A low-performing team conducting a site visit to observe a high-performing team will be mystified, sometimes observing different actions than they expected or being given unexpected reasons for the actions they expected. Finally, we distinguish between incremental versus radical changes in frames, and we develop a model of category formation to analyze challenges faced by a leader who seeks to improve the agents’ collective performance.
O Sacerdócio Feminino na Antiga Mesopotâmia
Authors: Dupla Simone Aparecida
Published: February 2021

Este texto visa abordar os papéis exercidos pelas sacerdotisas na Antiga Mesopotâmia, para isso descreveremos brevemente as atividades das principais oficiantes do templo, cuja posição social elevada permitiu que os registros de suas atividades ficassem gravados em textos literários, fórmulas religiosas, correspondências, código de leis, transações econômicas e administrativas.
The potency of actinomycetes extracts isolated from Pramuka Island, Jakarta, Indonesia as antimicrobial agents
Authors: Setiawati Setiawati , Nuryastuti Titik , Sholikhah Eti Nurwening , Lisdiyanti Puspita , Pratiwi Sylvia Utami Tunjung , SULISTIYANI TRI RATNA , RATNAKOMALA SHANTI , Jumina Jumina , Mustofa Mustofa
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Setiawati S, Nuryastuti T, Sholikhak EN, Lisdiyanti P, Pratiwi SUT, Sulistiyanti TR, Ratnakomala S, Jumina, Mustofa. 2021. The potency of actinomycetes extracts isolated from Pramuka Island, Jakarta, Indonesia as antimicrobial agents. Biodiversitas 22: 1104-1111. Actinomycetes are one of the Gram-positive bacteria which are widely distributed and produce many secondary metabolites including those known as antibiotics, antifungals, anticancer, and antimalarials agents. The secondary metabolites of actinomycetes are abundant, which include many active compounds that have been identified because of the large diversity in the actinomycetes phylum. This study aimed to identify and screen collected by Indonesian Culture Collection (InaCC) from Bojong Gede and Pramuka Island, Jakarta, Indonesia as antibacterial and antifungal agents. Primary screening was done on 16 actinomycetes isolates by well-agar diffusion method. Antimicrobial activity was tested by using micro broth dilution methods to determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Molecular identification into level genera and species was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Out of 16 actinomycetes isolates used, 4 isolates have activity against Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Bacillus subtilis BTCC B-612, and Escherichia coli BTCC B-614, specifically InaCC A758, InaCC A759, InaCC A760 and InaCC A765 isolates. InaCC A758 have highest antimicrobial activity against mentioned microbial with MIC value at 50 μg/mL, 6.25 μg/mL, 31.25 μg/mL and 3.125 μg/mL, respectively. Three genera were found from the samples: i.e. Streptomyces (80%), Microbispora (13%) and Nocardia (6%). Based on 16S rRNA gene identification, the active isolates of actinomycetes InaCC A758, InaCC A759, InaCC A760 and InaCC A765 were similar to Streptomyces badius, Streptomyces olivaceus, Streptomyces sanyensis, and Nocardia otitidiscaviarum, respectively. The secondary metabolites of actinomycetes extracts from Pramuka Island can be potentially developed as antifungal and antibacterial agents.
Co-designing behavioural public policy: lessons from the field about how to ‘nudge plus’
Authors: Richardson Liz , John Peter
Published: February 2021

Background:

Behavioural public policies, known as nudges, suffer from lack of citizen consent and involvement, which has led to an argument for more reflective nudges, known as ‘nudge plus’.

Aims and objectives:

How can more citizen reflection be introduced in a way that is not itself top-down and paternalist in spite of good intentions? How might these ‘nudge pluses’ develop on the ground?

Methods:

This paper reports a mixed-methods case study.

Findings:

In the case study, there was an intervention that started off as a top-down nudge, using a randomised controlled trial. The nudge then evolved into a bottom-up initiative with citizen input aided by a design lab approach.

Discussion and conclusion:

One way to address tensions between top-down and bottom-up approaches is to let in the messiness and loss of direct control implied in a design lab, whereby nudge pluses might evolve naturally and without expert direction. The success of the eventual initiative points the way to more design-based nudge plus interventions. Nudge pluses may emerge naturally as a result of the evolutionary co-design process. There is potential for replication, with cross-fertilisation between different traditions by introducing behaviour change policies with a design-based approach.
250. Cambio climático antropogénico y decrecimiento
Authors: Zaar Miriam Hermi
Published: February 2021

El Cambio climático antropogénico ha sido objeto de análisis y debates desde los años 1970. Se ha elaborado un gran número de informes que evidencian sus impactos sobre los ecosistemas y el modo de vida de los seres vivos. Este artículo tiene como objetivo rescatar los principales estudios sobre el cambio climático realizados en los últimos años, señalar los exiguos avances que se han obtenido en las conferencias mundiales y plantear acciones políticas y económicas que impulsen un razonamiento crítico hacia el actual modelo de crecimiento ilimitado. Todo ello con el propósito apremiante de desarrollar vías que conduzcan a un consumo responsable y a un decrecimiento, coherentes con los límites de la biosfera terrestre.
Optical properties of volcanic aerosols from eruptions of Nishinoshima Island observed in Southern Taiwan
Authors: Nee Jan-Bai , Chang Yuan-Pin , Wang Chia C.
Published: February 2021

In July–August 2020, the volcano on Nishinoshima Island erupted with a moderate scale. The emitted aerosols arrived in Taiwan in early August and caused hazy air conditions in a few cities. In the city of Kaohsiung (KS) in southern Taiwan, the volcanic aerosols were observed with a combination of the aerosol robotic network (AERONET), several ground monitoring stations, and a lidar system. Increasing aerosol loadings were observed, beginning on 5 August 2020, based on a ground PM10/PM2.5 and the aerosol optical depth (AOD) of AERONET. Lidar measurements showed strong aerosol layers at heights of 0–2 km comparable to AERONET AOD. Optical properties including AOD, Angström exponent (AE), lidar backscattering coefficient, and depolarization ratio are measured with the source investigated using the back and forward trajectory studies.
Bifunctional Luneburg–fish-eye lens based on the manipulation of spoof surface plasmons
Authors: Zhao Jin , Wang Yi-Dong , Yin Li-Zheng , Han Feng-Yuan , Huang Tie-Jun , Liu Pu-Kun
Published: February 2021

Manipulation of spoof surface plasmons (SSPs) has recently intrigued enormous interest due to the capability of guiding waves with subwavelength footsteps. However, most of the previous studies, manifested for a single functionality, are not suitable for multifunctional integrated devices. Herein, a bifunctional Luneburg–fish-eye lens is proposed based on a 2D metal pillar array. First, by tuning the dimension of the metal pillars in the array, its ability to precisely manipulate the SSPs along one direction is confirmed, achieving subwavelength focusing and imaging with a resolution up to

0.14

λ

. Then, separately controlling the propagation of the SSPs along the orthotropic directions is further implemented, and the bifunctional Luneburg–fish-eye lens is realized. It is experimentally characterized as a Luneburg lens along the

x

axis, whereas in the

y

axis, it presents the properties of a Maxwell fish-eye lens. This bifunctional lens can reduce the system complexity and exert flexibility in multifunctional applications, while the proposed metal pillar-based design method broadens the application range of the gradient refractive-index lens in microwave, terahertz, and even optical ranges.
Topological rainbow based on graded topological photonic crystals
Authors: Zhang Hongyu , Qian Long , Wang Chenyang , Ji Chang-Yin , Liu Yaotian , Chen Jiali , Lu Cuicui
Published: February 2021

Topological photonic crystal provides a robust platform for nanophotonic devices. However, few reports have been found to realize multiple frequency routing based on topological photonic states, which have restricted further applications in the field of nanophotonic devices. Here, for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, we propose an efficient method to realize a topological rainbow based on graded dielectric topological photonic crystals, which are constructed by changing the degree of lattice contraction and expansion. The topological edge states of different frequencies are separated and trapped at different positions. The all-dielectric planar nanostructures of graded topological photonic crystals are low-loss, robust, and easy for integration. This Letter plays a key role in the use of robust nanophotonic wavelength routers, optical storage, and optical buffers.
Efficient erbium-doped thin-film lithium niobate waveguide amplifiers
Authors: Chen Zhaoxi , Xu Qing , Zhang Ke , Wong Wing-Han , Zhang De-Long , Pun Edwin Yue-Bun , Wang Cheng
Published: February 2021

Lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) is an emerging photonic platform with great promise for use in future optical communications, nonlinear optics, and microwave photonics. An important integrated photonic building block, active waveguide amplifiers, however, are still missing in the LNOI platform. Here, we report an efficient and compact waveguide amplifier based on erbium-doped LNOI waveguides, achieved using a sequence of erbium-doped crystal growth, ion slicing, and lithography-based waveguide fabrication. Using a compact 5 mm long waveguide, we demonstrate an on-chip net gain of

>

5

d
B

for 1530 nm signal light with a relatively low pump power of 21 mW at 980 nm. The efficient LNOI waveguide amplifiers could become an important fundamental element in future lithium niobate photonic integrated circuits.
The impact of global and local Polynesian genetic ancestry on complex traits in Native Hawaiians
Authors: Sun Hanxiao , Lin Meng , Russell Emily M. , Minster Ryan L. , Chan Tsz Fung , Dinh Bryan L. , Naseri Take , Reupena Muagututi‘a Sefuiva , Lum-Jones Annette ,   the Samoan Obesity, Lifestyle, and Genetic Adaptations (OLaGA) Study Group, Cheng Iona , Wilkens Lynne R. , Le Marchand Loïc , Haiman Christopher A. , Chiang Charleston W. K.
Published: February 2021

Epidemiological studies of obesity, Type-2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular diseases and several common cancers have revealed an increased risk in Native Hawaiians compared to European- or Asian-Americans living in the Hawaiian islands. However, there remains a gap in our understanding of the genetic factors that affect the health of Native Hawaiians. To fill this gap, we studied the genetic risk factors at both the chromosomal and sub-chromosomal scales using genome-wide SNP array data on ~4,000 Native Hawaiians from the Multiethnic Cohort. We estimated the genomic proportion of Native Hawaiian ancestry (“global ancestry,” which we presumed to be Polynesian in origin), as well as this ancestral component along each chromosome (“local ancestry”) and tested their respective association with binary and quantitative cardiometabolic traits. After attempting to adjust for non-genetic covariates evaluated through questionnaires, we found that per 10% increase in global Polynesian genetic ancestry, there is a respective 8.6%, and 11.0% increase in the odds of being diabetic (P= 1.65×10−4) and having heart failure (P= 2.18×10−4), as well as a 0.059 s.d. increase in BMI (P= 1.04×10−10). When testing the association of local Polynesian ancestry with risk of disease or biomarkers, we identified a chr6 region associated with T2D. This association was driven by an uniquely prevalent variant in Polynesian ancestry individuals. However, we could not replicate this finding in an independent Polynesian cohort from Samoa due to the small sample size of the replication cohort. In conclusion, we showed that Polynesian ancestry, which likely capture both genetic and lifestyle risk factors, is associated with an increased risk of obesity, Type-2 diabetes, and heart failure, and that larger cohorts of Polynesian ancestry individuals will be needed to replicate the putative association on chr6 with T2D.
Contact-dependent traits in Pseudomonas syringae B728a
Authors: Hernandez Monica N. , Lindow Steven E.
Published: February 2021

Production of the biosurfactant syringafactin by the plant pathogenPseudomonas syringaeB728a is a surface contact-dependent trait. Expression ofsyfA, as measured using agfpreporter gene fusion was low in planktonic cells in liquid cultures but over 4-fold higher in cells immobilized on surfaces as varied as glass, plastic, paper, parafilm, agar, membrane filters, and leaves. Induction ofsyfAas measured by GFP fluorescence was rapid, occurring within two hours after immobilization of cells on surfaces. Comparison of the global transcriptome by RNA sequencing of planktonic cells in a nutrient medium with that of cells immobilized for 2 hours on filters placed on this solidified medium revealed that, in addition tosyfA, 3156 other genes were differentially expressed. Genes repressed in immobilized cells included those involved in quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) metabolism and transport, compatible solute production, carbohydrate metabolism and transport, organic acid metabolism and transport, phytotoxin synthesis and transport, amino acid metabolism and transport, and secondary metabolism. Genes induced in immobilized cells includedsyfAplus those involved in translation, siderophore synthesis and transport, nucleotide metabolism and transport, flagellar synthesis and motility, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) synthesis and transport, energy generation, transcription, chemosensing and chemotaxis, replication and DNA repair, iron-sulfur proteins, peptidoglycan/cell wall polymers, terpenoid backbone synthesis, iron metabolism and transport, and cell division. That many genes are rapidly differentially expressed upon transfer of cells from a planktonic to an immobilized state suggests that cells experience the two environments differently. It seems possible that surface contact initiates anticipatory changes inP.syringaegene expression, which enables rapid and appropriate physiological responses to the different environmental conditions such as might occur in a biofilm. Such responses could help cells survive transitions from aquatic habitats fostering planktonic traits to attachment on surfaces, conditions that alternatively occur on leaves.
Yoga an effective strategy for self-management of stress-related problems and wellbeing during COVID19 lockdown: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sahni Pooja Swami , Singh Kamlesh , Sharma Nitesh , Garg Rahul
Published: February 2021

This cross-sectional research aims to study the effect of yoga practice on the illness perception, and wellbeing of healthy adults during 4–10 weeks of lockdown due to COVID19 outbreak. A total of 668 adults (64.7% males, M = 28.12 years, SD = 9.09 years) participated in the online survey. The participants were grouped as; yoga practitioners, other spiritual practitioners, and non-practitioners based on their responses to daily practices that they follow. Yoga practitioners were further examined based on the duration of practice as; long-term, mid-term and beginners. Multivariate analysis indicates that yoga practitioners had significantly lower depression, anxiety, & stress (DASS), and higher general wellbeing (SWGB) as well as higher peace of mind (POMS) than the other two groups. The results further revealed that the yoga practitioners significantly differed in the perception of personal control, illness concern and emotional impact of COVID19. However, there was no significant difference found for the measure of resilience (BRS) in this study. Yoga practitioners also significantly differed in the cognitive reappraisal strategy for regulating their emotions than the other two groups. Interestingly, it was found that beginners -those who had started practicing yoga only during the lockdown period reported no significant difference for general wellbeing and peace of mind when compared to the mid- term practitioner. Evidence supports that yoga was found as an effective self- management strategy to cope with stress, anxiety and depression, and maintain wellbeing during COVID19 lockdown.
YouTube as a source of information on space maintainers for parents and patients
Authors: Çapan Belen Şirinoğlu
Published: February 2021

Objective

In recent years the social media offers a handy platform for patients who want to receive medical information. The aim of this study is to assess the content of YouTube as an information source on space maintainers and to evaluate the efficiency of videos by parents and patients.

Methods and findings

YouTube was searched for information using two keywords ‘space maintainer’ and ‘space maintainers in pediatric dentistry’. Two dentists reviewed the first 200 videos for each search term. After exclusions, 52 videos were included for analysis. Demographics of videos, including the type of source, date of upload, length, viewers’ interaction and viewing rate were evaluated. The overall usefulness of videos was scored according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Guideline based on 9-point scales. The mean usefulness score of evaluated videos was 4,4 ± 1,5 (range 1–8). There was a significant correlation between usefulness and video length (p<0,05). But there was no significant correlation between usefulness and other demographics. Most videos were uploaded by healthcare professionals (51.9%). Videos uploaded by individual users were less useful compared with videos uploaded by healthcare professionals or organizations. Most of the videos (88,5%) used representative images for visualizing.

Conclusions

YouTube videos about space maintainers are useful for parents only to understand and visualize their function. However, it does not provide sufficient information about adverse effects and types of them. Dentists should warn their patients that videos on the internet may contain incorrect and limited information.
Efficacy and safety of diazoxide for treating hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Feng Lifang , Yao Hui , Yang Luhong , Qin Yuan
Published: February 2021

Diazoxide is the first-line drug for treating hyperinsulinism and the only pharmacological agent approved for hyperinsulinism by the Federal Drug Administration. This systemic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of diazoxide for treating hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (HH). The meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of diazoxide in treating HH was performed by searching relevant studies in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. The findings were summarized, and the pooled effect size and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. A total of 6 cohort studies, involving 1142 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Among the cohort studies, the pooled estimate of the response rate of diazoxide therapy was 71% (95% CI 50%–93%, Pheterogeneity< 0.001, I2 = 98.3%, Peffect< 0.001). The common side effects were hypertrichosis (45%), fluid retention (20%), gastrointestinal reaction (13%), edema (11%), and neutropenia (9%). Other adverse events included pulmonary hypertension (2%) and thrombocytopenia (2%). This meta-analysis suggested that diazoxide was potentially useful in HH management; however, it had some side effects, which needed careful monitoring. Furthermore, well-designed large-scale studies, such as randomized controlled trials, might be necessary in the future to obtain more evidence.
OCT-angiography: Regional reduced macula microcirculation in ocular hypertensive and pre-perimetric glaucoma patients
Authors: Hohberger Bettina , Lucio Marianna , Schlick Sarah , Wollborn Antonia , Hosari Sami , Mardin Christian
Published: February 2021

Purpose

OCT-angiography (OCT-A) offers a non-invasive method to visualize retinochoroidal microvasculature. As glaucoma disease affects retinal ganglion cells in the macula, macular microcirculation is of interest. The purpose of the study was to investigate regional macular vascular characteristics in patients with ocular hypertension (OHT), pre-perimetric primary open-angle glaucoma (pre-POAG) and controls by OCT-A in three microvascular layers.

Material and methods

180 subjects were recruited from the Erlangen Glaucoma Registry, the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Erlangen and residents: 38 OHT, 20 pre-POAG, 122 controls. All subjects received an ophthalmological examination including measurements of retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL), retinal ganglion cell layer (RGC), inner nuclear layer (INL), and Bruch’s Membrane Opening-Minimum Rim Width (BMO-MRW). Macular vascular characteristics (vessel density, VD, foveal avascular zone, FAZ) were measured by OCT-A (Spectralis OCT II) in superficial vascular plexus (SVP), intermediate capillary plexus (ICP), and deep capillary plexus (DCP).

Results

With age correction of VD data, type 3 tests on fixed effects showed a significant interaction between diagnosis and sectorial VD in SVP (p = 0.0004), ICP (p = 0.0073), and DCP (p = 0.0003). Moreover, a significance in sectorial VD was observed within each layer (p<0.0001) and for the covariate age (p<0.0001). FAZ differed significantly between patients’ groups only in ICP (p = 0.03), not in SVP and DCP. For VD the AUC values of SVP, ICP, and DCP were highest among diagnostic modalities (AUC: 0.88, 95%-CI: 0.75–1.0, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Regional reduced macula VD was observed in all three retinal vascular layers of eyes with OHT and pre-POAG compared to controls, indicating localized microvascular changes as early marker in glaucoma pathogenesis.
Alien plant species on roadsides of the northwestern Patagonian steppe (Argentina)
Authors: Chichizola Giselle Ailin , Gonzalez Sofía Laura , Rovere Adriana Edit
Published: February 2021

The introduction of alien species represents one of the greatest threats to biodiversity worldwide. Highway construction increases the dispersal and invasion of exotic plant species. This study examined the assembly process of the plant communities to determine whether the roadsides of the Patagonian steppe represent a reservoir and dispersal source of invasive exotic species. We analyzed the composition of exotic and native species and functional groups present in the established vegetation and seed banks of roadsides and reference areas nearby. The type of dispersal of exotic and native species at the roadsides was also evaluated. Total cover and that of exotic and native species was lower at the roadsides than in the reference areas; however, at the roadsides the cover and seed abundance of exotic species was higher than that of native species. In the roadsides vegetation, native shrubs such as Acaena splendens predominated, along with exotic perennial herbs and grasses which were mainly represented by Rumex acetosella. In the seed bank the predominant species were exotic perennial herbs, also represented by R. acetosella, annual exotic species such as Epilobium brachycarpum and Verbascum thapsus, and annual native species such as Heliotropium paronychioides. No exotic shrubs were found either at the roadsides or in the reference areas. The species at the roadsides did not present a dominant type of dispersal. The abundance of exotic species at the roadsides, both in the aboveground vegetation and the seed bank, may be due to the stressful environment and the characteristics of the species themselves, such as the ability to form seed banks. This work revealed that the roadsides of the Patagonian steppe constitute reservoirs of invasive exotic species, highlighting the importance of identifying them and controlling their spread, with a view to generating ecosystem management programs.
Clinical presentation and outcomes of the first patients with COVID-19 in Argentina: Results of 207079 cases from a national database
Authors: Schönfeld Daniel , Arias Sergio , Bossio Juan Carlos , Fernández Hugo , Gozal David , Pérez-Chada Daniel
Published: February 2021

Background

There is limited evidence on the clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Latin America. We present findings from a nationwide study in Argentina.

Research question

What is disease severity measures and risk factors are associated with admission to an intensive care unit and mortality?

Study design and methods

Data were extracted from the COVID-19 database of the Integrated Argentina Health Information System, encompassing the period of March 3rd to October 2nd, 2020, using a standardized case report form that included information on contact history, clinical signs and symptoms, and clinical diagnosis. Information was collected at the initial site of care and follow-up conducted through calls by the regional healthcare authorities. A confirmed case of COVID-19 was defined as having a positive result through sequencing or real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay of nasal and pharyngeal swab specimens.

Results

RT-PCR testing was positive in 738,776 cases. Complete datasets were available for analysis in 207,079 cases. Mean age was 42.9±18.8 years, 50.0% were males. Frequent co-existing conditions included hypertension (19.2%), diabetes (9.7%), asthma (6.1%) and obesity (5.2%). Most common symptoms included fever (58.5%), cough (58.0%), headache (45.4%), and sore throat (42.1%). Death or ICU admission were independently associated with older age, male, coma, dyspnea or tachypnea, and seizures, with underlying co-morbidities such as immunodeficiency, chronic renal failure, and liver disease showing the strongest effects.

Interpretation

Most cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in Argentina were mild and had a favorable outcome, but fatality rates were relatively elevated. Risk factors for adverse outcome included older age, male sex, coma and seizures, and the concurrent presence of several morbidities. These data may be useful for healthcare providers and healthcare policy makers of low-middle income and Latin American countries to guide decisions toward optimized care during the pandemic.
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on physical and mental health of Asians: A study of seven middle-income countries in Asia
Authors: Wang Cuiyan , Tee Michael , Roy Ashley Edward , Fardin Mohammad A. , Srichokchatchawan Wandee , Habib Hina A. , Tran Bach X. , Hussain Shahzad , Hoang Men T. , Le Xuan T. , Ma Wenfang , Pham Hai Q. , Shirazi Mahmoud , Taneepanichskul Nutta , Tan Yilin , Tee Cherica , Xu Linkang , Xu Ziqi , Vu Giang T. , Zhou Danqing , Koh Bernard J. , McIntyre Roger S. , Ho Cyrus , Ho Roger C. , Kuruchittham Vipat
Published: February 2021

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted the economy, livelihood, and physical and mental well-being of people worldwide. This study aimed to compare the mental health status during the pandemic in the general population of seven middle income countries (MICs) in Asia (China, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam). All the countries used the Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to measure mental health. There were 4479 Asians completed the questionnaire with demographic characteristics, physical symptoms and health service utilization, contact history, knowledge and concern, precautionary measure, and rated their mental health with the IES-R and DASS-21. Descriptive statistics, One-Way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear regression were used to identify protective and risk factors associated with mental health parameters. There were significant differences in IES-R and DASS-21 scores between 7 MICs (p<0.05). Thailand had all the highest scores of IES-R, DASS-21 stress, anxiety, and depression scores whereas Vietnam had all the lowest scores. The risk factors for adverse mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic include age <30 years, high education background, single and separated status, discrimination by other countries and contact with people with COVID-19 (p<0.05). The protective factors for mental health include male gender, staying with children or more than 6 people in the same household, employment, confidence in doctors, high perceived likelihood of survival, and spending less time on health information (p<0.05). This comparative study among 7 MICs enhanced the understanding of metal health in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Obesity and mortality after the first ischemic stroke: Is obesity paradox real?
Authors: Chaudhary Durgesh , Khan Ayesha , Gupta Mudit , Hu Yirui , Li Jiang , Abedi Vida , Zand Ramin
Published: February 2021

Background and purpose

Obesity is an established risk factor for ischemic stroke but the association of increased body mass index (BMI) with survival after ischemic stroke remains controversial. Many studies have shown that increased BMI has a “protective” effect on survival after stroke while other studies have debunked the “obesity paradox”. This study aimed at examining the relationship between BMI and all-cause mortality at one year in first-time ischemic stroke patients using a large dataset extracted from different resources including electronic health records.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of consecutive ischemic stroke patients captured in our Geisinger NeuroScience Ischemic Stroke (GNSIS) database. Survival in first-time ischemic stroke patients in different BMI categories was analyzed using Kaplan Meier survival curves. The predictors of mortality at one-year were assessed using a stratified Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Among 6,703 first-time ischemic stroke patients, overweight and obese patients were found to have statistically decreased hazard ratio (HR) compared to the non-overweight patients (overweight patients- HR = 0.61 [95% CI, 0.52–0.72]; obese patients- HR = 0.56 [95% CI, 0.48–0.67]). Predictors with a significant increase in the hazard ratio for one-year mortality were age at the ischemic stroke event, history of neoplasm, atrial fibrillation/flutter, diabetes, myocardial infarction and heart failure.

Conclusion

Our study results support the obesity paradox in ischemic stroke patients as shown by a significantly decreased hazard ratio for one-year mortality among overweight and obese patients in comparison to non-overweight patients.