bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in presynaptic gene expression during homeostatic compensation at a central synapse
Authors: Harrell Evan R. , Pimentel Diogo , Miesenböck Gero
Published: November 2020

Homeostatic matching of pre- and postsynaptic function has been observed in many species and neural structures, but whether transcriptional changes contribute to this form of trans-synaptic coordination remains unknown. To identify genes whose expression is altered in presynaptic neurons as a result of perturbing postsynaptic excitability, we applied a transcriptomics-friendly, temperature-inducible Kir2.1-based activity clamp at the first synaptic relay of the Drosophila olfactory system, a central synapse known to exhibit trans-synaptic homeostatic matching. Twelve hours after adult-onset suppression of activity in postsynaptic antennal lobe projection neurons, we detected changes in the expression of many genes in the third antennal segment, which houses the somata of presynaptic olfactory receptor neurons. These changes affected genes with roles in synaptic vesicle release and synaptic remodeling, including several genes implicated in homeostatic plasticity at the neuromuscular junction. At 48 hours and beyond, the transcriptional landscape was tilted toward proteostasis, energy metabolism, and cellular stress defenses, indicating that the system had been pushed to its homeostatic limits. Our data provide insights into the nature of homeostatic compensation at a central synapse and identify many genes engaged in synaptic homeostasis. The presynaptic transcriptional response to genetically targeted postsynaptic perturbations could be exploited for the construction of novel connectivity tracing tools.

Significance Statement

Homeostatic feedback mechanisms adjust intrinsic and synaptic properties of neurons to keep their average activity levels constant. We show that, at a central synapse in the fruit fly brain, these mechanisms include changes in presynaptic gene expression that are instructed by an abrupt loss of postsynaptic excitability. The trans-synaptically regulated genes have roles in synaptic vesicle release and synapse remodeling; protein synthesis, folding, and degradation; and energy metabolism. Our analysis suggests that similar homeostatic machinery operates at peripheral and central synapses, identifies some of its components, and potentially opens new opportunities for the development of connectivity-based gene expression systems.
Deep metagenomics examines the oral microbiome during dental caries, revealing novel taxa and co-occurrences with host molecules
Authors: Baker Jonathon L. , Morton James T. , Dinis Márcia , Alvarez Ruth , Tran Nini C. , Knight Rob , Edlund Anna
Published: November 2020

Dental caries, the most common chronic infectious disease worldwide, has a complex etiology involving the interplay of microbial and host factors that are not completely understood. In this study, the oral microbiome and 38 host cytokines and chemokines were analyzed across 23 children with caries and 24 children with healthy dentition. De novo assembly of metagenomic sequencing obtained 527 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), representing 150 bacterial species. Forty-two of these species had no genomes in public repositories, thereby representing novel taxa. These new genomes greatly expanded the known pangenomes of many oral clades, including the enigmatic Saccharibacteria clades G3 and G6, which had distinct functional repertoires compared to other oral Saccharibacteria. Saccharibacteria are understood to be obligate epibionts, which are dependent on host bacteria. These data suggest that the various Saccharibacteria clades may rely on their hosts for highly distinct metabolic requirements, which would have significant evolutionary and ecological implications. Across the study group, Rothia, Neisseria, and Haemophilus spp. were associated with good dental health, whereas Prevotella spp., Streptococcus mutans, and Human herpesvirus 4 (Epstein-Barr virus [EBV]) were more prevalent in children with caries. Finally, 10 of the host immunological markers were significantly elevated in the caries group, and co-occurrence analysis provided an atlas of potential relationships between microbes and host immunological molecules. Overall, this study illustrated the oral microbiome at an unprecedented resolution and contributed several leads for further study that will increase the understanding of caries pathogenesis and guide therapeutic development.
Absorption and scattering by structured interfaces in X-rays
Authors: Goray Leonid
Published: November 2020

Promising achievements of resonance inelastic X-ray scattering and other spectroscopy studies in the range from hard X-ray to extreme ultraviolet require the development of exact tools for modeling energy characteristics of state-of-the-art optical instruments for bright coherent X-ray sources, space science, and plasma and superconductor physics. Accurate computations of the absorption and scattering intensity by structured interfaces in short wavelength ranges, i.e. realistic gratings, zone plates and mirrors, including multilayer-coated, are not widely explored by the existing methods and codes, due to some limitations connected, primarily, with solving difficult problems at very small wavelength-to-period (or to correlation length) ratios and accounting for random roughness statistics. In this work, absorption integrals and scattering factors are derived from a rigorous solution of the vector Helmholtz equations based on the boundary integral equations and the Monte Carlo method. Then, using explicit formulae (in quadratures), the author finds the absorption and scattering intensity of one- and bi-periodic gratings and mirrors, which may have random roughnesses. Examples of space and spectral power distributions for gratings and mirrors working in X-rays are compared with those derived using the usual indirect approach and well known approximations.
How to choose a fuzzy similarity measure in decision-making?
Authors: Bouchon-Meunier Bernadette , Coletti Giulianella
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The paper is dedicated to the analysis of fuzzy similarity measures in uncertainty analysis in general, and in economic decision-making in particular. The purpose of this paper is to explain how a similarity measure can be chosen to quantify a qualitative description of similarities provided by experts of a given domain, in the case where the objects to compare are described through imprecise or linguistic attribute values represented by fuzzy sets. The case of qualitative dissimilarities is also addressed and the particular case of their representation by distances is presented.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on measurement theory, following Tversky’s well-known paradigm.

Findings

A list of axioms which may or may not be satisfied by a qualitative comparative similarity between fuzzy objects is proposed, as extensions of axioms satisfied by similarities between crisp objects. They enable to express necessary and sufficient conditions for a numerical similarity measure to represent a comparative similarity between fuzzy objects. The representation of comparative dissimilarities is also addressed by means of specific functions depending on the distance between attribute values.

Originality/value

Examples of functions satisfying certain axioms to represent comparative similarities are given. They are based on the choice of operators to compute intersection, union and difference of fuzzy sets. A simple application of this methodology to economy is given, to show how a measure of similarity can be chosen to represent intuitive similarities expressed by an economist by means of a quantitative measure easily calculable. More detailed and formal results are given in Coletti and Bouchon-Meunier (2020) for similarities and Coletti et al. (2020) for dissimilarities.
COVID-19 and older adults in Israel – common challenges and recommendations
Authors: Cohen-Mansfield Jiska
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The impact of COVID-19 has most dramatically affected the older population, and nursing homes have become infection hotspots. As a response, governments have ordered isolation of older adults in geriatric institutions owing to the high risk of critical illness and mortality. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the potential impact of current policies on nursing homes and community-based care and provide suggestions for improvement in care.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking the situation in Israel as an example, the author discussed major systemic problems pertaining to long-term care facilities and to community based care; the neglect of mental health; systemic deficiencies in end of life care; and the need to revise communications concerning COVID-19.

Findings

Within each of the identified areas, recommended changes in strategy, policy and practice can help mitigate the dramatic impact of COVID-19 on the living experience of the older population.

Originality/value

Drawing on the Israeli experience, this paper presents current shortcomings in the policy response to COVID-19 regarding nursing homes and community-based care and provides recommendations that are applicable to other contexts as well. Although some of these have been suggested or even practiced in some locations, many continue to be neglected and have not been discussed even as COVID-19 continues to infect societies around the globe.
Maintaining the fight for equality through and beyond COVID-19: a focus on the build back better report and ambidextrous leadership
Authors: Smith Simon M. , Butler Steve
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the Diversity Project’s Build Back Better report, which considers leadership practice while maintaining the fight for equality through and beyond COVID-19, through the lens of ambidextrous leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors succinctly present findings from the Build Back Better report that explores an industry response of investment and savings practitioners to managing diversity and inclusion through and beyond COVID-19. Ambidextrous leadership is applied to the discussion to offer greater theoretical discussion and practical consideration for HR leaders and their strategic approaches to the subject at hand.

Findings

The Build Back Better report offers numerous recommendations for leadership practice within these unprecedented times. An ambidextrous leadership approach can assist in supporting many of the recommendations, as they are complex and potentially paradoxical.

Originality/value

The Build Back Better report offers a practitioner’s immediate response to supporting business leaders shape their strategies as national lockdown periods ease while also ensuring the fight for equality is not lost within the COVID-19 crisis.
Influenza A virus protein PA‐X suppresses host Ankrd17‐mediated immune responses
Authors: Li Mai , Qi Wenbao , Chang Qing , Chen Ruohong , Zhen Danlin , Liao Ming , Wen Jikai , Deng Yiqun
Published: November 2020

Influenza A virus (IAV) PA‐X is a critical ribonuclease protein involved in host cell shutoff but its role in modulating the host immune response to IAV infection remains to be addressed. In this study, host cellular proteins that directly interact with PA‐X were screened to investigate the biological function of PA‐X in the pathogenesis of IAV infection. The protein ankyrin repeat domain 17 (Ankrd17), a positive regulator of inflammatory responses via the retinoic acid‐inducible gene‐I (RIG‐I)‐like receptor (RLR) signaling pathway, was identified as a specific PA‐X binding partner that preferred PA‐X to the PA protein. The N‐terminal ankyrin repeats of Ankrd17 are the key domain for the interaction with PA‐X rather than PA, which is required for the function of Ankrd17 in elevating the host immune response. Using Ankrd17 knockout and overexpression, we confirmed that PA‐X significantly affected the Ankrd17‐mediated response to infection in host cells. Our data therefore reveal a novel function for PA‐X in the regulation of innate immune pathways via the interaction between PA‐X and Ankrd17.
Soil microbial legacy drives crop diversity advantage: Linking ecological plant–soil feedback with agricultural intercropping
Authors: Wang Guangzhou , Bei Shuikuan , Li Jianpeng , Bao Xingguo , Zhang Jiudong , Schultz Peggy A. , Li Haigang , Li Long , Zhang Fusuo , Bever James D. , Zhang Junling
Published: November 2020

Although the importance of the soil microbiome in mediating plant community structures and functions has been increasingly emphasized in ecological studies, the biological processes driving crop diversity overyielding remain unexplained in agriculture. Based on the plant–soil feedback (PSF) theory and method, we quantified to what extent and how soil microbes contributed to intercropping overyielding.

Soils were collected as inocula and sequenced from a unique 10‐year field experiment, consisting of monoculture, intercropping and rotation planted with wheat (Triticum aestivum), maize (Zea mays) or faba bean (Vicia faba). A PSF greenhouse study was conducted to test microbial effects on three crops' growth in monoculture or intercropping.

In wheat & faba bean (W&F) and maize & faba bean (M&F) systems, soil microbes drove intercropping overyielding compared to monoculture, with 28%–51% of the overyielding contributed by microbial legacies. The overyielding effects resulted from negative PSFs in both systems, as crops, in particular faba bean grew better in soils conditioned by other crops than itself. Moreover, faba bean grew better in soils from intercropping or rotation than from the average of monocultures, indicating a strong positive legacy effect of multispecies cropping systems. However, with positive PSF and negative legacy benefit effect of intercropping/rotation, we did not observe significant overyielding in the W&M system.

With more bacterial and fungal dissimilarities by metabarcoding in heterospecific than its own soil, the better it improved faba bean growth. More detailed analysis showed faba bean monoculture soil accumulated more putative pathogens with higher Fusarium relative abundance and more Fusarium oxysporum gene copies by qPCR, while in heterospecific soils, there were less pathogenic effects when cereals were engaged. Further analysis in maize/faba bean intercropping also showed an increase of rhizobia relative abundance.

Synthesis and applications. Our results demonstrate a soil microbiome‐mediated advantage in intercropping through suppression of the negative PSF of pathogens and increasing beneficial microbes. As microbial mediation of overyielding is context‐dependent, we conclude that the dynamics of both beneficial and pathogenic microbes should be considered in designing cropping systems for sustainable agriculture, particularly including combinations of legumes and cereals.
Best practices for differentiated products demand estimation with PyBLP
Authors: Conlon Christopher , Gortmaker Jeff
Published: November 2020

Differentiated products demand systems are a workhorse for understanding the price effects of mergers, the value of new goods, and the contribution of products to seller networks. Berry, Levinsohn, and Pakes (1995) provide a flexible random coefficients logit model which accounts for the endogeneity of prices. This article reviews and combines several recent advances related to the estimation of BLP‐type problems and implements an extensible generic interface via the PyBLP package. Monte Carlo experiments and replications suggest different conclusions than the prior literature: multiple local optima appear to be rare in well‐identified problems; good performance is possible even in small samples, particularly when “optimal instruments” are employed along with supply‐side restrictions.If Python is installed on your computer, PyBLP can be installed with the following command:pip install pyblp.Up‐to‐date documentation for the package is available athttps://pyblp.readthedocs.io.
Birth by caesarean section and educational achievement in adolescents
Authors: Slykerman Rebecca F. , Li Eileen , Shackleton Nichola , Milne Barry J.
Published: November 2020

Background

Birth by caesarean section has been shown to alter the composition of the early infant gut microbiota and postulated to influence cognitive outcomes via the gut‐brain axis.

Aims

To determine whether birth by caesarean section is associated with secondary school educational achievement.

Methods

Whole‐population administrative data were used from anonymised individual level linkage of birth records to educational and health information from the New Zealand Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI). Participants were 111 843 children born between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 1998 for whom mode of delivery information was available from International Classification of Diseases 9th edition codes in maternal records. The National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is the main secondary school qualification undertaken by New Zealand students. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the association between mode of delivery and educational achievement. A family fixed effect analysis compared educational achievement outcomes in sibling pairs where one sibling was delivered by caesarean section and one delivered vaginally.

Results

After adjustment for potential confounders, there was no significant association between mode of delivery and achievement of university entrance (odds ratio = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.94‐1.02). NCEA percentile scores were lower in caesarean born infants (Estimate = −0.37, 95% CI: −0.69 to −0.06)). However, in the fixed effect sibling analysis caesarean section was no longer significantly associated with NCEA percentile scores.

Conclusions

We find that caesarean section is not related to educational outcomes, suggesting that even if the infant gut microbiota is altered in caesarean section, it does not appear to have a measurable impact on adolescent academic achievement.
The Effects of Youth Job Seeker Allowance in South Korea
Authors: Cho Sung‐Eun , Lee Young‐Min
Published: November 2020

The severity of youth unemployment in South Korea has prompted the government to implement various preventive measures such as employment services and vocational training. Local governments implemented a Youth Job Seeker Allowance in 2016 as a new form of support, which was adopted by the central government in 2017. This study examines the impact of the Youth Job Seeker Allowance in South Korea on employment. It finds that the allowance had a positive effect on employment; recipients of the allowance have a higher probability of being employed. However, recipients took longer to obtain employment than non‐recipients, corroborating previous studies that unemployment benefits lengthen the duration of unemployment. But, recipients of the allowance have more time to look for quality work. Therefore, although the Youth Job Seeker Allowance has the effect of demotivating recipients from looking for employment, its limited duration of three months obliges them to engage in job search activities. The study has implications for the introduction of Youth Job Seeker Allowance systems to support job search activities.
Climate influences the response of community functional traits to local conditions in bromeliad invertebrate communities
Authors: Guzman Laura Melissa , Trzcinski M. Kurtis , Barberis Ignacio M. , Céréghino Régis , Srivastava Diane S. , Gilbert Benjamin , Pillar Valério D. , de Omena Paula M. , MacDonald A. Andrew M. , Corbara Bruno , Leroy Céline , Ospina Bautista Fabiola , Romero Gustavo Q. , Kratina Pavel , Debastiani Vanderlei J. , Gonįalves Ana Z. , Marino Nicholas A. C. , Farjalla Vinicius F. , Richardson Barbara A. , Richardson Michael J. , Dézerald Olivier , Piccoli Gustavo C. O. , Jocqué Merlijn , Montero Guillermo
Published: November 2020

Functional traits determine an organism's performance in a given environment and as such determine which organisms will be found where. Species respond to local conditions, but also to larger scale gradients, such as climate. Trait ecology links these responses of species to community composition and species distributions. Yet, we often do not know which environmental gradients are most important in determining community trait composition at either local or biogeographical scales, or their interaction. Here we quantify the relative contribution of local and climatic conditions to the structure and composition of functional traits found within bromeliad invertebrate communities. We conclude that climate explains more variation in invertebrate trait composition within bromeliads than does local conditions. Importantly, climate mediated the response of traits to local conditions; for example, invertebrates with benthic life‐history traits increased with bromeliad water volume only under certain precipitation regimes. Our ability to detect this and other patterns hinged on the compilation of multiple fine‐grained datasets, allowing us to contrast the effect of climate versus local conditions. We suggest that, in addition to sampling communities at local scales, we need to aggregate studies that span large ranges in climate variation in order to fully understand trait filtering at local, regional and global scales.
A tumour of vascular origin in a horse
Authors: Wise J. C. , Crosby D. E. , Walton A. N. , Neef A. , Shearer P. L. , Woodward D. J. , Hilbert B. J.
Published: November 2020

Tumours of vascular origin are uncommon in horses. This report describes the surgical treatment of a large subcutaneous tumour in a Quarter Horse colt. The histopathological appearance of the mass was most consistent with a haemangioma. While these neoplasms of vascular origin are often difficult to characterise, it has been suggested that there is a continuum of types with some cases falling between the categories. Further classification of vascular tumours requires special stains and immunohistochemical techniques.
Fatigue damage cumulation in materials under random loading based on an energy model
Authors: Kurek Marta , Łagoda Tadeusz
Published: November 2020

The main aim of this paper is to present a new model of fatigue damage accumulation, which is another development of Palmgren–Miner hypothesis, as well as a modification of the Serensen–Kogayev hypothesis. The authors' proposal is based on a new way of taking into account the characteristics of the material load history. The study used a new criterion based on the critical plane defined by the pure strain energy density parameter. The proposed model of damage accumulation is verified on the basis of experimental data obtained from aluminium alloy 2017A‐T4 tests under random proportional bending with torsion.
Zinc deficiency predicts overt hepatic encephalopathy and mortality in liver cirrhosis patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Miwa Takao , Hanai Tatsunori , Toshihide Maeda , Ogiso Yui , Imai Kenji , Suetsugu Atsushi , Takai Koji , Shiraki Makoto , Katsumura Naoki , Shimizu Masahito
Published: November 2020

Aim

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is associated with poor outcomes and the development of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). Zinc plays a key role in the detoxification of ammonia, a risk factor of hepatic encephalopathy. This study aimed to investigate whether zinc deficiency predicts OHE occurrence and mortality in LC patients with MHE.

Method

This retrospective study included 100 LC patients with MHE. MHE was diagnosed using a computer‐aided neuropsychiatric test. Predictors associated with the development of OHE were analyzed using the Fine–Gray competing risk regression model. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was carried out to evaluate the risk factors of mortality. Survival rates were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and log‐rank test.

Results

Of the 100 LC patients with MHE, 41% had zinc deficiency (<60 μg/dl). Zinc deficiency was observed more frequently in the patients with reduced liver function reserve. During the median follow‐up period of 9.9 months, 16% of the patients with MHE developed OHE. The patients with zinc deficiency had a higher risk of OHE than those without zinc deficiency (p = 0.03). Zinc deficiency was also associated with poor survival (p = 0.004). Multivariate analyses showed that zinc predicts the development of OHE (subdistribution hazard ratio [HR], 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92–0.99; p = 0.008) and mortality (HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93–0.99; p = 0.02), independently of liver function reserves.

Conclusion

Zinc deficiency is likely to be a predictor of both OHE development and mortality in LC patients with MHE.
Incidence rates, risk factors, and outcomes of aspiration pneumonia after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tang Dong , Yuan Fuxiang , Ma Xiaoying , Qu Haixia , Li Yuan , Zhang Weiwei , Ma Huan , Liu Haiping , Yang Yan , Xu Lin , Gao Yuqiang , Zhan Shuhui
Published: November 2020

Background and Aim

The risk and prognosis of aspiration pneumonia (AP) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are inconsistent among studies. We aim to estimate the incidence, risk factors, and outcome of AP in patients after gastric ESD.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Knowledge were searched for relevant articles from inception until April 2020. Data involving the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes were extracted. Pooled incidence, odds ratios (ORs), or standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results

Forty records involving 48 674 subjects were finally included. The pooled incidence of AP after gastric ESD was 1.9% (95% CI, 1.2–2.7) via the double arcsine transformation method and 1.6% (1.1–2.5%) via the logit transformation method. Risk factors analyses revealed that old age (OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.99–3.18), comorbid pulmonary disease (2.49; 1.66–3.74), comorbid cerebrovascular disease (2.68; 1.05–6.85), remnant stomach (4.91; 1.83–13.14), sedation with propofol (2.51; 1.48–4.28), and long procedural duration (count data: 5.20, 1.25–21.7; measurement data: 1.01, 1.01–1.02) were related to the occurrence of AP. Patients with AP had a longer hospital stay (SMD, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.25–0.87) than those without AP.

Conclusions

About 1.9% (1.2–2.7%) of the patients who receive gastric ESD may develop AP, resulting in prolonged hospital stay. More attention should be paid in patients who are older; have comorbidities such as pulmonary diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, or gastric remnant; or require a long procedural duration or deep sedation with propofol.
Empathy in Japanese paramedicine students: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Beovich Bronwyn , Williams Brett
Published: November 2020

Empathy is an important characteristic for healthcare students and professionals that may improve the quality of healthcare interactions. Empathy has predominantly been studied within medicine, but also among various allied health personnel. Within paramedicine, empathy has previously been examined internationally, but not within Japan. This study used a descriptive, cross‐sectional methodology which aimed to examine self‐reported empathy in Japanese paramedic students using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy, and compare results with similar international cohorts. Empathy levels in the Japanese cohort were higher among females compared to males. In addition, there was a decrease in empathy with each subsequent year of the paramedic program, and a general decrease as age increased. This contrasts with comparable Australian cohorts which demonstrate no significant change in empathy levels during the undergraduate program. Empathy levels measured in the Japanese paramedic cohort were generally lower than for Australian cohorts. The reasons for the differences are unclear at present and thus further research in this area is required to fully determine and describe the contributing factors.
The reference to Georges Bernanos in Marilynne Robinson's Gilead
Authors: Pirnajmuddin Hossein , Bayat Sanaz
Published: November 2020

The allusion in the opening of Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead (2007) to Georges Bernanos’s The Diary of a Country Priest (1936) might merely indicate the similarities between the two novels: the diary format, the meditative mood, sermon‐like qualities, and the two dying priests’ susurrus during their last days. This article offers insight into the further implications of this reference, how it relates to Robinson’s revisionary thought and her understanding of the notion of “grace.” The allusion to the French novel, we argue, contributes to the way the novel in English probes into interrelated themes of cultural memory, mediocrity, and science/materialism/rationalism vis‐à‐vis faith as well as the reconsideration of the history of abolitionists. Furthermore, the reference helps define the social and cultural position of Robinson as a national prophetic writer.
Identification of three new HLA‐DQB1 alleles: HLA‐DQB1*03:02:33, ‐DQB1*04:79 and ‐DQB1*05:249
Authors: Ananeva Anastasiia , Osipova Nailia , Shaihutdinova Alina , Andryushkina Anna , Shagimardanova Elena
Published: November 2020

Three new DQB1*03:02:33, DQB1*04:79 and DQB1*05:249 alleles detected in Russian individuals by next‐generation sequencing.
Characterization of three new HLA‐A*11 alleles in Russian individuals by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Ananeva Anastasiia , Leksina Yana , Sergeeva Iuliia , Gaifullina Raushania , Shagimardanova Elena
Published: November 2020

Three new HLA‐A*11:12:02, A*11:01:104 and A*11:355:02 alleles detected in Russian individuals.
Two novel HLA‐C alleles, HLA‐C*15:228 and ‐C*04:434, detected in inhabitants from the island of Crete
Authors: Batsali Aristea , Latsoudis Helen , Vatsiou Sophia , Stylianakis Emmanouil , Papadaki Helen A.
Published: November 2020

Characterization of the novel HLA‐C*15:228 and HLA‐C*04:434 alleles in two Greek individuals of Cretan origin.
Two novel HLA‐A alleles, HLA‐A*03:399 and ‐A*24:17:01:02, detected in inhabitants from the island of Crete
Authors: Fragiadaki Irene , Latsoudis Helen , Zamanakou Maria , Kanterakis Alexandros , Papadaki Helen A.
Published: November 2020

Characterization of two novel HLA‐A alleles in two Greek individuals of Cretan origin.
The Prevalence and Nature of Terrorist Attacks in Nigeria during the Presidency of Goodluck Jonathan
Authors: Awa Peculiar M.
Published: November 2020

During the administration of Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, there was a marked increase in the country's violence and frequency of terrorist attacks. The purpose of this study is to provide a descriptive analysis of terrorist incidents during the Jonathan administration. Using the START dataset, the study analyzed data over 84 months to examine the effect of Jonathan's presidency on terrorism in Nigeria. The study found a wide variation in the number of terrorist attacks between 2009 and 2015. The full presidency phase experienced a markedly more significant number of terrorist attacks than the post-presidency, acting presidency, and pre-presidency phases. On average, the full presidency and post-presidency phases experienced significantly greater rates of terrorist attacks per month than the acting presidency and pre-presidency phases. The casualty rates were consistent with this variation except that post-presidency appeared the bloodiest of all four phases. The study also revealed that Boko Haram was responsible for most terrorist attacks and casualties during the administration. Implications for these findings and recommendations for further research are discussed.
Shared decision-making allows subordinates to lead when dominants monopolize resources
Authors: Papageorgiou Danai , Farine Damien R.
Published: November 2020

Subordinates lead when dominants monopolize.
Engineered spin-orbit interactions in LaAlO
3
/SrTiO
3
-based 1D serpentine electron waveguides
Authors: Briggeman Megan , Li Jianan , Huang Mengchen , Lee Hyungwoo , Lee Jung-Woo , Eom Kitae , Eom Chang-Beom , Irvin Patrick , Levy Jeremy
Published: November 2020

Serpentine paths introduce spin-orbit interactions in electron waveguides.
IGF2R-initiated proton rechanneling dictates an anti-inflammatory property in macrophages
Authors: Wang Xuefeng , Lin Liangyu , Lan Bin , Wang Yu , Du Liming , Chen Xiaodong , Li Qing , Liu Keli , Hu Mingyuan , Xue Yueqing , Roberts Arthur I. , Shao Changshun , Melino Gerry , Shi Yufang , Wang Ying
Published: November 2020

Specific activation of IGF2R inhibits inflammatory diseases via induction of anti-inflammatory macrophages.
Direct observation of nanoparticle-surfactant assembly and jamming at the water-oil interface
Authors: Chai Yu , Hasnain Jaffar , Bahl Kushaan , Wong Matthew , Li Dong , Geissler Phillip , Kim Paul Y. , Jiang Yufeng , Gu Peiyang , Li Siqi , Lei Dangyuan , Helms Brett A. , Russell Thomas P. , Ashby Paul D.
Published: November 2020

Direct observation of nanoparticle adsorption to the water-oil interface captures early attachment and jamming.
A matricellular protein fibulin-4 is essential for the activation of lysyl oxidase
Authors: Noda Kazuo , Kitagawa Kaori , Miki Takao , Horiguchi Masahito , Akama Tomoya O. , Taniguchi Takako , Taniguchi Hisaaki , Takahashi Kazuaki , Ogra Yasumitsu , Mecham Robert P. , Terajima Masahiko , Yamauchi Mitsuo , Nakamura Tomoyuki
Published: November 2020

A secreted protein activates a major extracellular matrix cross-linking enzyme by promoting copper ion transfer in the Golgi.
Control of the noncollinear interlayer exchange coupling
Authors: Nunn Zachary R. , Abert Claas , Suess Dieter , Girt Erol
Published: November 2020

Metallic spacer layers enable precise control of the angle between the magnetic moments of two ferromagnetic layers.
Revealing ocean-scale biochemical structure with a deep-diving vertical profiling autonomous vehicle
Authors: Breier John A. , Jakuba Michael V. , Saito Mak A. , Dick Gregory J. , Grim Sharon L. , Chan Eric W. , McIlvin Matthew R. , Moran Dawn M. , Alanis Brianna A. , Allen Andrew E. , Dupont Chris L. , Johnson Rod
Published: November 2020

Autonomous sample return and high-resolution depth control enable global-scale biochemical mapping of marine genomics and proteomics.
Evaluating 10 Commercially Available SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Serological Tests by Use of the STARD (Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies) Method
Authors: Dortet Laurent , Ronat Jean-Baptiste , Vauloup-Fellous Christelle , Langendorf Céline , Mendels David-Alexis , Emeraud Cécile , Oueslati Saoussen , Girlich Delphine , Chauvin Anthony , Afdjei Ali , Bernabeu Sandrine , Le Pape Samuel , Kallala Rim , Rochard Alice , Verstuyft Celine , Fortineau Nicolas , Roque-Afonso Anne-Marie , Naas Thierry
Published: November 2020

Numerous severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) rapid serological tests have been developed, but their accuracy has usually been assessed using very few samples, and rigorous comparisons between these tests are scarce. In this study, we evaluated and compared 10 commercially available SARS-CoV-2 rapid serological tests using the STARD (Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies) methodology.
Documentation during neonatal resuscitation: a systematic review
Authors: Avila-Alvarez Alejandro , Davis Peter Graham , Kamlin Camille Omar Farouk , Thio Marta
Published: November 2020

Objective

Accurate documentation in healthcare is necessary for ethical, legal, research and quality improvement purposes. In this review, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of methods of documentation of delivery room resuscitations.

Methods

A systematic literature search in MEDLINE was conducted to identify original studies that reported the quality of documentation records during newborn resuscitation in the delivery room. Data extracted from the studies included population characteristics, methodology, documentation protocols, use of gold standard and main results (initial assessment of heart rate and peripheral oxygen saturation, respiratory support and supplementary oxygen).

Results

In total, 197 records were screened after initial database search, of which seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were finally included in this review. Four studies were chart reviews and three studies compared conventional documentation methods with video recording. Only one study tested an intervention to improve documentation. Documentation was often inaccurate and important resuscitation events and interventions were poorly recorded. Lack of uniformity among studies preclude pooled analysis, but it seems that complex or advanced procedures were more accurately reported than basic interventions.

Conclusions

There is little literature regarding accuracy of documentation during neonatal resuscitation, but current quality of documentation seems to be unsatisfactory. There is a need for consensus guidelines and innovative solutions in newborn resuscitation documentation.
Estimating the global economic benefits of physically active populations over 30 years (2020–2050)
Authors: Hafner Marco , Yerushalmi Erez , Stepanek Martin , Phillips William , Pollard Jack , Deshpande Advait , Whitmore Michael , Millard Francois , Subel Shaun , van Stolk Christian
Published: November 2020

Objectives

We assess the potential benefits of increased physical activity for the global economy for 23 countries and the rest of the world from 2020 to 2050. The main factors taken into account in the economic assessment are excess mortality and lower productivity.

Methods

This study links three methodologies. First, we estimate the association between physical inactivity and workplace productivity using multivariable regression models with proprietary data on 120 143 individuals in the UK and six Asian countries (Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore and Sri Lanka). Second, we analyse the association between physical activity and mortality risk through a meta-regression analysis with data from 74 prior studies with global coverage. Finally, the estimated effects are combined in a computable general equilibrium macroeconomic model to project the economic benefits of physical activity over time.

Results

Doing at least 150 min of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, as per lower limit of the range recommended by the 2020 WHO guidelines, would lead to an increase in global gross domestic product (GDP) of 0.15%–0.24% per year by 2050, worth up to US$314–446 billion per year and US$6.0–8.6 trillion cumulatively over the 30-year projection horizon (in 2019 prices). The results vary by country due to differences in baseline levels of physical activity and GDP per capita.

Conclusions

Increasing physical activity in the population would lead to reduction in working-age mortality and morbidity and an increase in productivity, particularly through lower presenteeism, leading to substantial economic gains for the global economy.
Joint associations of accelerometer-measured physical activity and sedentary time with all-cause mortality: a harmonised meta-analysis in more than 44 000 middle-aged and older individuals
Authors: Ekelund Ulf , Tarp Jakob , Fagerland Morten W , Johannessen Jostein Steene , Hansen Bjørge H , Jefferis Barbara J , Whincup Peter H , Diaz Keith M , Hooker Steven , Howard Virginia J , Chernofsky Ariel , Larson Martin G , Spartano Nicole , Vasan Ramachandran S , Dohrn Ing-Mari , Hagströmer Maria , Edwardson Charlotte , Yates Thomas , Shiroma Eric J , Dempsey Paddy , Wijndaele Katrien , Anderssen Sigmund A , Lee I-Min
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To examine the joint associations of accelerometer-measured physical activity and sedentary time with all-cause mortality.

Methods

We conducted a harmonised meta-analysis including nine prospective cohort studies from four countries. 44 370 men and women were followed for 4.0 to 14.5 years during which 3451 participants died (7.8% mortality rate). Associations between different combinations of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time were analysed at study level using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and summarised using random effects meta-analysis.

Results

Across cohorts, the average time spent sedentary ranged from 8.5 hours/day to 10.5 hours/day and 8 min/day to 35 min/day for MVPA. Compared with the referent group (highest physical activity/lowest sedentary time), the risk of death increased with lower levels of MVPA and greater amounts of sedentary time. Among those in the highest third of MVPA, the risk of death was not statistically different from the referent for those in the middle (16%; 95% CI 0.87% to 1.54%) and highest (40%; 95% CI 0.87% to 2.26%) thirds of sedentary time. Those in the lowest third of MVPA had a greater risk of death in all combinations with sedentary time; 65% (95% CI 1.25% to 2.19%), 65% (95% CI 1.24% to 2.21%) and 263% (95% CI 1.93% to 3.57%), respectively.

Conclusion

Higher sedentary time is associated with higher mortality in less active individuals when measured by accelerometry. About 30–40 min of MVPA per day attenuate the association between sedentary time and risk of death, which is lower than previous estimates from self-reported data.
Unusual presentations of cutaneous larva migrans in British military personnel
Authors: Inglis David Michael , Bailey M S
Published: November 2020

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is one of numerous skin diseases that occur in British military personnel on deployments to the tropics and sub-tropics. It is typically managed by military primary healthcare services, but diagnostic uncertainty or unavailability of anti-helminthic medication may prompt referral to UK Role 4 healthcare services. Cases of CLM seen at the UK Role 4 Military Infectious Diseases & Tropical Medicine Service from 2005 to 2020 were identified and their case notes were reviewed to identify learning and discussion points. There were 12 cases identified, of which five came from Brunei and three were from Belize. Causes for referral were due to diagnostic uncertainty (58%) and the unavailability of anti-helminthic medication (42%). Several cases had CLM in an unusual distribution due to specific military activities performed in endemic areas. Telemedicine was very useful in making some of the diagnoses in theatre and avoiding the need for medical evacuation. Military personnel may have unusual presentations of CLM due their unique military activities. In areas that are endemic for CLM, clinicians should maintain high clinical suspicion for CLM, carry appropriate anti-helminthic medications and consider screening cases of CLM and their colleagues for other infections with similar aetiology (eg, human hookworm infection and strongyloidiasis).
Standardised protocol for a prospective cross-sectional multicentre clinic-based evaluation of two dual point-of-care tests for the screening of HIV and syphilis in men who have sex with men, sex workers and pregnant women
Authors:   The ProSPeRo Network
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Dual point-of-care tests (POCTs) for detecting antibodies to HIV and syphilis have been developed for use with venous whole blood, serum/plasma or finger-prick capillary whole blood. Several tests are commercially available showing encouraging performance compared with ‘gold-standard’ reference tests in laboratory-based studies. However, data on their performance in the field are limited. This prospective cross-sectional study will conduct a clinic-based evaluation to assess the performance characteristics and acceptability to end-users of two dual HIV/syphilis POCTs for the screening of HIV and syphilis among men who have sex with men (MSM), sex workers (SWs) and pregnant women (PW). This master protocol outlines the overall research approach that will be used in seven countries.

Method and analysis

MSM, SWs and PW presenting at clinic evaluation sites in high, low and middle-income countries will be enrolled. The (WHO preapproved) POCTs to be evaluated are SD Bioline HIV/Syphilis Duo (Abbott) and Dual Path Platform HIV-Syphilis Assay (Chembio). Finger-prick blood will be collected to perform POCTs and compared with laboratory results (venepuncture blood). Procedures will be carried out by trained healthcare staff and tests performed according to the manufacturers’ directions. Sample size was calculated based on local prevalence of HIV and syphilis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for each POCT will be calculated. The study is ongoing with recruitment expected to be completed in all countries by mid to late 2021.

Ethics and dissemination

This core protocol was independently peer reviewed and approved by the Research Project Review Panel (RP2) of the WHO Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research and by the WHO Ethics Review Committee (ERC). The protocol has been adapted to individual countries and approved by RP2, ERC and institutional review boards at each site. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and relevant conferences.
Novel facial characteristics in congenital rubella syndrome: a study of 115 cases in a cardiac hospital of Bangladesh
Authors: Begum Nurun Nahar Fatema
Published: November 2020

Objective

To establish novel facial characteristics unique to congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) as prediagnostic criteria to supplement disease diagnosis in patients with or without a history of maternal rubella infection.

Design

An analysis of 115 CRS case series (2018–2020) based on the presence of any of the triad features.

Setting

Outpatient department of a tertiary care referral cardiac hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Participants

In total, 115 participants (53.1% men) were enrolled. Participants underwent echocardiography if they presented with suspected cardiac symptoms along with deafness, cataract or microcephaly.

Main outcome measures

Age, sex and socioeconomic status of the participants; history of maternal vaccination and infection; facial characteristics unique to CRS (triangular face, prominent nose, wide forehead and a whorl on either side of the anterior hairline) named ‘rubella facies’ and frequency of systemic involvements in CRS.

Results

The median patient age was 2 years. The income of 50.4% of the participating families was <US$1500. Further, 32 mothers (27.8%) were infected with rubella during the first trimester of pregnancy, 15 (13.0%) during the second trimester and 3 (2.6%) during the third trimester. The remainder (65.2%) recalled no history of infection during pregnancy. Rubella facies presented as a triangular-shaped face in 95 (82.6%) cases, a broad forehead in 88 (76.5%) and a prominent nose in 75 (65.2%). A rubella whorl was present on the right or left side of the anterior hairline in 80% and 18.2% of cases, respectively. IgG and IgM antibodies were present in 91.3% and 8.6% of children, respectively. Cataract, deafness, microcephaly, and congenital heart disease were detected in 53.0%, 75.6%, 68.6% and 98.2% of cases, respectively.

Conclusions

Rubella facies, a set of unique facial characteristics, can support early CRS diagnosis and treatment and may supplement the existing CRS triad.