bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk for cardiovascular disease associated with metabolic syndrome and its components: a 13-year prospective study in the RIVANA cohort
Authors: Guembe María J. , Fernandez-Lazaro Cesar I. , Sayon-Orea Carmen , Toledo Estefanía , Moreno-Iribas Conchi ,   for the RIVANA Study Investigators, Cosials Joaquín Barba , Reyero Jesús Berjón , Martínez Javier Díez , Diego Paulino González , Uche Ana Ma Grijalba , Setas David Guerrero , Vila Eduardo Martínez , Martínez Manuel Serrano , Tornos Isabel Sobejano , Rueda José Javier Viñes
Published: November 2020

Background

We aimed to investigate the association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its single components with cardiovascular risk and estimated their impact on the prematurity of occurrence of cardiovascular events using rate advancement periods (RAPs).

Methods

We performed prospective analyses among 3976 participants (age range: 35–84, 55% female) in the Vascular Risk in Navarre (RIVANA) Study, a Mediterranean population-based cohort. MetS was defined based on the modified criteria of the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the International Diabetes Federation. The primary endpoint was major cardiovascular event (a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or mortality from cardiovascular causes). Secondary endpoints were incidence of non-fatal myocardial infarction and non-fatal stroke, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality. Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for potential confounders, were fitted to evaluate the association between MetS and its single components at baseline with primary and secondary endpoints.

Results

During a median follow-up of 12.8 years (interquartile range, 12.5–13.1), we identified 228 primary endpoint events. MetS was associated with higher risk of incidence of major cardiovascular event, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, but was neither associated with higher risk of myocardial infarction nor stroke. Compared with participants without MetS, the multivariable hazard ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) among participants with MetS was 1.32 (1.01–1.74) with RAP (95% CI) of 3.23 years (0.03, 6.42) for major cardiovascular event, 1.64 (1.03–2.60) with RAP of 3.73 years (0.02, 7.45) for cardiovascular mortality, and 1.45 (1.17–1.80) with RAP of 3.24 years (1.21, 5.27) for all-cause mortality. The magnitude of the associations of the single components of MetS was similar than the predicted by MetS. Additionally, for each additional trait of MetS, incidence of major cardiovascular event relatively increased by 22% (1.22, 95% CI 1.09–1.36) with RAP of 2.31 years (0.88, 3.74).

Conclusions

MetS was independently associated with CVD risk, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Components of the MetS were associated with similar magnitude of increased CVD, which suggests that MetS was not in excess of the level explained by the presence of its single components. Further research should explore the association of different combinations of the components of MetS with CVD.
The accuracy and safety of CT-guided iodine-125 seed implantation assisted by 3D non-coplanar template for retroperitoneal recurrent carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Weijuan , Jiang Ping , Wei Shuhua , Jiang Yuliang , Ji Zhe , Sun Haitao , Fan Jinghong , Li Weiyan , Shao Yuxia , Wang Junjie
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To investigate the accuracy, dosimetric parameters, and safety of 3D-printing non-coplanar template (3D-PNCT)-assisted CT guidance for radioactive iodine-125 (125I) seed implantation brachytherapy (RSI-BT) for retroperitoneal recurrent carcinomas

Methods and materials

We enrolled 15 patients with 17 retroperitoneal recurrent carcinomas after external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). All patients received CT-guided 125I RSI-BT assisted by 3D-PNCT successfully. We compared the original needle insertion position, angular, and the needle tip distance deviations of preoperative plan with that of intraoperative in brachytherapy treatment planning system (B-TPS). The dosimetric parameters of RSI-BT were evaluated on preoperative plan, intraoperative real-time plan, and postoperative plan, including D90, D100 (the dose to 90% and 100% of the target volume), V100, V150, and V200 (the volume receives 100%, 150%, and 200% of the prescribed doses). The quality assurance of RSI-BT evaluated on conformal index (CI), external index (EI), and homogeneity index (HI) of the targets were compared among preoperative plan, intraoperative real-time plan, and postoperative plan. The perioperation complications and RSI-BT-related toxicity were assessed.

Results

The median follow-up was 8.2 months (range 1–18.5 months). One patient was lost to follow-up after RSI-BT. Fourteen patients were assessed for response rate and toxicity. The mean entrance point distance deviation for all 165 needles was 4.50 ± 4.10 mm (range, 0–30). The mean angular deviation was 2.70 ± 3.00° (range, 0–20). The needle tip distance deviation was 6.90 ± 6.00 mm (range, − 30–28). D90 for preoperative plan, intraoperative plan, and postoperative plan were 140.55 ± 23.93, 124.25 ± 28.04, and 128.98 ± 22.75, respectively. There was significant difference between D90 of preoperative plan with that of intraoperative plan (p= 0.036). Four lesions reached CR, six lesions reached PR, three lesions were SD, and three lesions were PD. Four patients with moderate pain became mild, and two with mild pain relieved completely after RSI-BT. The other parameters showed no differences among preoperative plan, intraoperative plan, and postoperative plan. The perioperative complications were observed in four patients, including three patients of grade 1 and one patient of grade 2. No ≥ grade 3 side effects were observed.

Conclusion

CT-guided 125I RSI-BT assisted by 3D-PNCT was a safe, accurate, and feasible strategy for recurrent carcinomas located in the retroperitoneal regions.
Correction to: Three-dimensional morphometric analysisreveals time-dependent structural changesin microglia and astrocytes in the centralamygdala and hypothalamicparaventricular nucleus of heart failure rats
Authors: Althammer Ferdinand , Ferreira-Neto Hildebrando Candido , Rubaharan Myurajan , Roy Ranjan K. , Patel Atit A. , Murphy Anne , Cox Daniel N. , Stern Javier E.
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Evaluation of different airway tests to determine difficult intubation in apparently normal adult patients undergoing surgical procedures
Authors: El-Radaideh Khaled , Dheeb Ehab , Shbool Hamzeh , Garaibeh Saif , Bataineh Adel , Khraise Wail , EL-Radaideh Basil
Published: November 2020

Background

Inadequate maintenance of a patient’s airway represents a major cause of anesthesia-related morbidity and mortality. This study was designed to evaluate common preoperative clinical tests to determine the risk of difficult endotracheal intubation in apparent “normal” adult patients undergoing surgical procedures.

Methods

A prospective observational cohort study was performed on 160 consecutive adult patients undergoing surgical procedures at an academic medical center in Jordan from 20 May 2019 until 11 February 2020.

Preoperative assessment of airway risk stratification was performed by the following clinical tests: the mandible protrusion test (MPT), thyromental (TMD) and sternomental (SMD) distances, inter-incisor gap (IIG), and the modified Mallampati tests with tongue protrusion (MMT-TP) and without tongue protrusion (MMT-NTP). Grade C on the MPT, TMD ≤ 6 cm, SMD ≤ 12 cm, and MMT grades III and IV were considered to be predictors of difficult endotracheal intubations. A modified Cormack-Lehane grading (MCLG) of laryngoscopic views with backward, upward, and right-sided pressure on the thyroid and cricoid cartilages (BURP) maneuver was also documented, with grades 2B, 3, and 4 considered to be difficult airways for intubation.

Results

Fifteen patients (9.4%) were classified as MCLG 2B, 3, and 4, with age significantly associated with the MCLG grade (P = 0.028). The sensitivity and Youden’s index of MMT-TP were found to be the lowest (40% and 0.29, respectively). The MPT was the most accurate and specific test (90.63 and 95.17%, respectively), with the highest PPV (50%), Youden’s index (0.42), and area under the curve (AUC) (0.781). Bivariant analysis of MPT and thet-test of the mean TMDs and SMDs revealed significant associations between these airway tests and the difficulty of intubation (Pvalues: < 0.001, 0.02, < 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

The MPT, with its highest accuracy, specificity, positive predictive value, and good sensitivity may be used as a routine screening test for preoperative prediction of difficult endotracheal intubations.
Malaria epidemiology and stratification of incidence in the malaria elimination setting in Harari Region, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Esayas Endashaw , Tufa Asefa , Massebo Fekadu , Ahemed Abdulhamid , Ibrahim Ibssa , Dillu Dereje , Bogale Eyuel Asemahegn , Yared Solomon , Deribe Kebede
Published: November 2020

Background

Ethiopia has shown notable progress in reducing the burden of malaria over the past two decades. Because of this progress, the country has shifted efforts from control to elimination of malaria. This study was conducted to analyse the malaria epidemiology and stratification of incidence in the malaria elimination setting in eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted to analyse the epidemiology of malaria by reviewing the district health office data from 2013 to 2019 in Harari Region. In addition, three years of sub-district level malaria data were used to stratify the malaria transmission intensity. Malaria interventions (Long-lasting insecticidal nets [LLIN] and indoor residual spraying [IRS]) employed were reviewed to analyse the intervention coverage at the Regional level. Descriptive statistics were used to show the malaria transmission in terms of years, season and species of the malaria parasite. Incidence rate per 1000 population and death rate per 1 000 000 population at risk were computed using the total population of each year.

Results

In the Harari Region, malaria incidence showed a more pronounced declining trend from 2017 to 2019. Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax and mixed infections accounted for 69.2%, 30.6% and 0.2% of the cases, respectively. There was an increment in malaria intervention coverage and improved malaria diagnosis. In the year 2019 the coverage of LLIN and IRS in the Region were 93.4% and 85.1% respectively. The annual malaria incidence rate dropped from 42.9 cases per 1000 population in 2013 to 6.7 cases per 1000 population in 2019. Malaria-related deaths decreased from 4.7 deaths per 1 000 000 people annually in 2013 to zero, and there have been no deaths reported since 2015. The malaria risk appears to be heterogeneous and varies between districts. A higher number of malaria cases were recorded in Erer and Jenella districts, which constitute 62% of the cases in the Region. According to the sub-district level malaria stratification, there was shrinkage in the malaria transmission map and about 70% of the sub-districts have achieved elimination targets.

Conclusions

In the Harari Region, malaria morbidity and mortality have been significantly declined. Thus, if this achievement is sustained and scaling-up of the existing malaria prevention and control strategies by focusing on those populations living in the higher malaria transmission districts and sub-districts, planning of malaria elimination from the study area might be feasible.
A scalable, satellite-transmitted data product for monitoring high-activity events in mobile aquatic animals
Authors: Skubel Rachel A. , Wilson Kenady , Papastamatiou Yannis P. , Verkamp Hannah J. , Sulikowski James A. , Benetti Daniel , Hammerschlag Neil
Published: November 2020

A growing number of studies are using accelerometers to examine activity level patterns in aquatic animals. However, given the amount of data generated from accelerometers, most of these studies use loggers that archive acceleration data, thus requiring physical recovery of the loggers or acoustic transmission from within a receiver array to obtain the data. These limitations have restricted the duration of tracking (ranging from hours to days) and/or type of species studied (e.g., relatively sessile species or those returning to predictable areas). To address these logistical challenges, we present and test a satellite-transmitted metric for the remote monitoring of changes in activity, measured via a pop-off satellite archival tag (PSAT) with an integrated accelerometer. Along with depth, temperature, and irradiance for geolocation, the PSAT transmits activity data as a time-series (ATS) with a user-programmable resolution. ATS is a count of high-activity events, relative to overall activity/mobility during a summary period. An algorithm is used to identify the high-activity events from accelerometer data and reports the data as a count per time-series interval. Summary statistics describing the data used to identify high-activity events accompany the activity time-series. In this study, we first tested the ATS activity metric through simulating PSAT output from accelerometer data logger archives, comparing ATS to vectorial dynamic body acceleration. Next, we deployed PSATs with ATS under captive conditions with cobia (Rachycentron canadum). Lastly, we deployed seven pop-off satellite archival tags (PSATs) able to collect and transmit ATS in the wild on adult sandbar sharks (Carcharhinus plumbeus). In the captive trials, we identified both resting and non-resting behavior for species and used logistic regression to compare ATS values with observed activity levels. In captive cobia, ATS was a significant predictor of observed activity levels. For 30-day wild deployments on sandbar sharks, satellites received 57.4–73.2% of the transmitted activity data. Of these ATS datapoints, between 21.9 and 41.2% of records had a concurrent set of temperature, depth, and light measurements. These results suggest that ATS is a practical metric for remotely monitoring and transmitting relative high-activity data in large-bodied aquatic species with variable activity levels, under changing environmental conditions, and across broad spatiotemporal scales.
An observational study of the reactogenicity and immunogenicity of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in women of childbearing age in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Javati Sarah , Masiria Geraldine , Elizah Arthur , Matlam John-Paul , Ford Rebecca , Richmond Peter C. , Lehmann Deborah , Pomat William S. , van den Biggelaar Anita H. J.
Published: November 2020

Background

Maternal immunization with pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) may protect young infants in high-risk settings against the high risk of pneumococcal infections in early life. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and immunogenicity of 13-valent PCV (PCV13) in healthy women of childbearing age in PNG.

Methods

As part of this observational study, 50 non-pregnant women of childbearing age (18-45 yrs. old) living in the highlands of PNG were vaccinated with a single dose of PCV13. Local and systemic reactogenicity were assessed 24–48 h after vaccination. Venous blood samples were collected before and 1 month after vaccination to measure PCV13 serotype-specific IgG antibody concentrations.

Results

No severe adverse effects were reported during the 1-month follow-up period. IgG antibody concentrations significantly increased after vaccination for all PCV13 serotypes. One month after vaccination IgG antibody levels ≥2.5 μg/mL were reached in at least 75% of women for all PCV13 serotypes, except serotype 3, and ≥ 5 μg/mL in at least 75% of women for 7 serotypes (serotypes 6B, 9 V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F and 23F).

Conclusion

PCV13 is safe and immunogenic in women of childbearing age living in a high-risk setting in PNG. This supports the implementation of studies to investigate the safety and immunogenicity of maternal PCV vaccination in high-risk settings as a strategy to protect infants in these settings against the high risk of pneumococcal infections in early life.

Trial registration

NCT04183322. Registered 3 December 2019 - Retrospectively registered
A robust composite wide area control of a DFIG wind energy system for damping inter-area oscillations
Authors: Tummala Ayyarao S. L. V.
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a novel composite wide area control of a DFIG wind energy system which combines the Robust Exact Differentiator (RED) and Discontinuous Integral (DI) control to damp out inter-area oscillations. RED generates the real-time differentiation of a relative speed signal in a noisy environment while DI control, an extension to a twisting algorithm and PID control, develops a continuous control signal and hence reduces chattering. The proposed control is robust to disturbances and can enhance the overall stability of the system. The proposed composite sliding mode control is evaluated using a modified benchmark two-area power system model with wind energy integration. Simulation results under various operating scenarios show the efficacy of the proposed approach.
10-Year Comparative Follow-up of Familial versus Multifactorial Chylomicronemia Syndromes
Authors: Belhassen Manon , Van Ganse Eric , Nolin Maeva , Bérard Marjorie , Bada Hanane , Bruckert Eric , Krempf Michel , Rebours Vinciane , Valero René , Moulin Philippe
Published: November 2020

Context

The relative incidence of acute pancreatitis, ischemic cardiovascular disease, and diabetes in hyperchylomicronemic patients exhibiting familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) or multifactorial chylomicronemia syndrome (MCS) is unknown.

Objective

The objective was to study the occurrence of these events in FCS and MCS patients compared with the general population.

Methods

Twenty-nine FCS and 124 MCS patients, with genetic diagnosis, in 4 lipid clinics were matched with 413 controls. Individual hospital data linked to the national claims database were collected between 2006 and 2016. The occurrence of complications was retrospectively assessed before follow-up and during a median follow-up time of 9.8 years, for 1500 patient years of follow-up.

Results

Patients with FCS were younger than those with MCS (34.3 ± 13.6 vs 45.2 ± 12.6 years, P < 0.01). During the study period, 58.6% of the FCS patients versus 19.4% of the MCS patients had at least 1 episode of acute hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis (AHP) (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.6; P < 0.01). Conversely, the ischemic risk was lower in FCS than in MCS (HR = 0.3; P = 0.05). The risk of venous thrombosis was similar in both groups. The incidence of diabetes was high in both groups compared with matched controls (odds ratio [OR] = 22.8; P < 0.01 in FCS and OR = 30.3; P < 0.01 in MCS).

Conclusion

The incidence of AHP was much higher in FCS than in MCS patients, whereas the incidence of ischemic cardiovascular events was found to be increased in MCS versus FCS patients and a representative matched control group. Differences in both triglyceride-rich lipoproteins metabolism and comorbidities in MCS versus FCS drive the occurrence of different patterns of complications.
Preliminary observations regarding the expectations, acceptability and satisfaction of whole-body MRI in self-referring asymptomatic subjects
Authors: Busacchio Derna , Mazzocco Ketti , Gandini Sara , Pricolo Paola , Masiero Marianna , Summers Paul Eugene , Pravettoni Grabriella , Petralia Giuseppe
Published: November 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the satisfaction of asymptomatic subjects who self-referring Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (WB-MRI) for early cancer diagnosis.

Methods:

Subjects completed a pre-examination questionnaire, while waiting for their WB-MRI examination, recording demographics, expected discomfort, perceived knowledge and usefulness of the procedure and health risk perceptions, as well as a post-examination questionnaire, measuring discomfort experienced, acceptability and satisfaction with WB-MRI. We examined which factors influenced discomfort and satisfaction associated with WB-MRI.

Results:

65 asymptomatic subjects (median age 51; 29 females) completed the questionnaire. Before WB-MRI, 29% of subjects expected discomfort of some form with claustrophobia (27.7%) and exam duration (24.6%) being the most common concerns. Experienced discomfort due to shortness of breath was significantly lower than expected. This difference was significantly associated with the personal risk perception to get a disease (p = 0.01) and educational level (p = 0.002). More specifically, higher level of perceived personal risk of getting a disease and lower level of education were associated with higher expected than experienced discomfort. Similarly, experiencing less claustrophobia than expected was significantly associated with gender (p = 0.005) and more pronounced among females. A majority (83%) of subjects expressed high levels of satisfaction with WB-MRI for early cancer diagnosis and judged it more acceptable than other diagnostic exams.

Conclusions:

Asymptomatic subjects self-referring to WB-MRI for early cancer diagnosis showed high levels of satisfaction and acceptability with the examination. Nevertheless, a relevant proportion of participants reported some form of discomfort. Interestingly, participants with higher perceived personal risk to get a disease, lower education and females showed to expect higher discomfort than experienced.

Advances in knowledge:

Scope exists for measures to assess expected feelings and develop personalized interventions to reduce the stress anticipated by individuals deciding to undergo WB-MRI for early cancer diagnosis.
Spectral absorptance of a metal-semiconductor-metal thin-multilayer structured thermophotovoltaic cell
Authors: Isobe Kazuma , Okino Ryota , Hanamura Katsunori
Published: November 2020

Spectral absorptance of a metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) thin-multilayer structured thermo-photovoltaic cell was experimentally investigated. A MSM consists of a thin GaSb-semiconductor sandwiched between a top fishnet-type electrode and a flat backside electrode made of gold. A thin GaSb layer was grown on a substrate made of InAs using molecular beam epitaxy, and then all of the InAs substrate was removed using wet etching. The GaSb film was bonded on a surface of gold, which was sputtered on a Si substrate, using a van der Waals bonding method. The top fishnet-type electrode was made using electron beam lithography and a lift-off process. In the case of a 115 nm thick GaSb layer and a square fishnet aperture of a 300 nm × 310 nm size, the spectral absorptance of MSM reached a local peak (95%) at a wavelength of 1.66 µm, which is similar to spectra predicted by numerical simulation. Moreover, the equivalent resonance cavity model and LC circuit model functioned well to indicate the wavelength of several distinct peaks of absorptance.
Highly sensitive tetra-slotted gold-coated spiral plasmonic biosensor with a large detection range
Authors: Rahman Zillur , Hassan Walid , Rahman Thouhidur , Sakib Nazmus , Mahmud Saad
Published: November 2020

An extremely highly sensitive photonic crystal fiber (PCF) based SPR or surface plasmon resonance biosensor is manifested in this article, in a cumulated form of circularly slotted spiral lattice structure (SLS). The numerical performance analysis of the sensor is critically interpreted using the finite element method (FEM), including a perfectly matched layer (PML) and scattering boundary conditions. Very well known chemically stable material gold is used as the plasmonic material and implanted inside the circular slots to lessen the fabrication challenge and oxidation problem. The prospective model shows the maximum value of sensitivity is 41,000 nm/RIU, employing the method of wavelength interrogation and a maximum value of sensitivity of 4242 RIU−1, using the method of amplitude interrogation. The proposed sensor has the capability of detecting analytes in a massive range of the refractive index 1.32 to 1.50 RIU (for wavelength 0.5 µm to 1.55 µm) with a highest sensor resolution of 2.44 × 10−6 RIU. It is highly capable of identifying biomolecules like benzene, carbon tetrachloride, ethyl alcohol, acetone, water, silicon oil, and glucose solution in water, fused silica, cornea, lens, liver cell, and intestinal mucosa of human, polylactic acid, vegetable oil, and glycerol, etc. The sensor exhibits high linearity by showing R2 value 0.97 with a maximum FOM of 683 RIU−1. For large detection range, immense sensitivity, high FOM, and low fabrication complexity, the illustrated sensor can be a supreme candidate in the realm of SPR biosensor.
Plasma and urine metabolomic analyses in aortic valve stenosis reveal shared and biofluid-specific changes in metabolite levels
Authors: Al Hageh Cynthia , Rahy Ryan , Khazen Georges , Brial Francois , Khnayzer Rony S. , Gauguier Dominique , Zalloua Pierre A.
Published: November 2020

Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) is a prevalent condition among the elderly population that eventually requires aortic valve replacement. The lack of reliable biomarkers for AVS poses a challenge for its early diagnosis and the application of preventive measures. Untargeted gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) metabolomics was applied in 46 AVS cases and 46 controls to identify plasma and urine metabolites underlying AVS risk. Multivariate data analyses were performed on pre-processed data (e.g. spectral peak alignment), in order to detect changes in metabolite levels in AVS patients and to evaluate their performance in group separation and sensitivity of AVS prediction, followed by regression analyses to test for their association with AVS. Through untargeted analysis of 190 urine and 130 plasma features that could be detected and quantified in the GC-MS spectra, we identified contrasting levels of 22 urine and 21 plasma features between AVS patients and control subjects. Following metabolite assignment, we observed significant changes in the concentration of known metabolites in urine (n = 14) and plasma (n = 15) that distinguish the metabolomic profiles of AVS patients from healthy controls. Associations with AVS were replicated in both plasma and urine for about half of these metabolites. Among these, 2-Oxovaleric acid, elaidic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, estrone, myo-inositol showed contrasting trends of regulation in the two biofluids. Only trans-Aconitic acid and 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol showed consistent patterns of regulation in both plasma and urine. These results illustrate the power of metabolomics in identifying potential disease-associated biomarkers and provide a foundation for further studies towards early diagnostic applications in severe heart conditions that may prevent surgery in the elderly.
Asthma and its relationship to mitochondrial copy number: Results from the Asthma Translational Genomics Collaborative (ATGC) of the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program
Authors: Cocco Maxwell P. , White Evan , Xiao Shujie , Hu Donglei , Mak Angel , Sleiman Patrick , Yang Mao , Bobbitt Kevin R. , Gui Hongsheng , Levin Albert M. , Hochstadt Samantha , Whitehouse Kyle , Rynkowski Dean , Barczak Andrea J. , Abecasis Gonçalo , Blackwell Thomas W. , Kang Hyun Min , Nickerson Deborah A. , Germer Soren , Ding Jun , Lanfear David E. , Gilliland Frank , Gauderman W. James , Kumar Rajesh , Erle David J. , Martinez Fernando , Hakonarson Hakon , Burchard Esteban G. , Williams L. Keoki
Published: November 2020

Background

Mitochondria support critical cellular functions, such as energy production through oxidative phosphorylation, regulation of reactive oxygen species, apoptosis, and calcium homeostasis.

Objective

Given the heightened level of cellular activity in patients with asthma, we sought to determine whether mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number measured in peripheral blood differed between individuals with and without asthma.

Methods

Whole genome sequence data was generated as part of the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Program on participants from the Study of Asthma Phenotypes and Pharmacogenomic Interactions by Race-ethnicity (SAPPHIRE) and the Study of African Americans, Asthma, Genes, & Environment II (SAGE II). We restricted our analysis to individuals who self-identified as African American (3,651 asthma cases and 1,344 controls). Mitochondrial copy number was estimated using the sequencing read depth ratio for the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes. Respiratory complex expression was assessed using RNA-sequencing.

Results

Average mitochondrial copy number was significantly higher among individuals with asthma when compared with controls (SAPPHIRE: 218.60 vs. 200.47, P<0.001; SAGE II: 235.99 vs. 223.07, P<0.001). Asthma status was significantly associated with mitochondrial copy number after accounting for potential explanatory variables, such as participant age, sex, leukocyte counts, and mitochondrial haplogroup. Despite the consistent relationship between asthma status and mitochondrial copy number, the latter was not associated with time-to-exacerbation or patient-reported asthma control. Mitochondrial respiratory complex gene expression was disproportionately lower in individuals with asthma when compared with individuals without asthma and other protein-encoding genes.

Conclusions

We observed a robust association between asthma and higher mitochondrial copy number. Asthma having an effect on mitochondria function was also supported by lower respiratory complex gene expression in this group.
Multiple spawning run contingents and population consequences in migratory striped bass Morone saxatilis
Authors: Secor David H. , O’Brien Michael H. P. , Gahagan Benjamin I. , Fox Dewayne A. , Higgs Amanda L. , Best Jessica E.
Published: November 2020

Multiple spawning run contingents within the same population can experience varying demographic fates that stabilize populations through the portfolio effect. Multiple spawning run contingents (aka run timing groups) are reported here for the first time for striped bass, an economically important coastal species, which is well known for plastic estuarine and shelf migration behaviors. Adult Hudson River Estuary striped bass (n = 66) were tagged and tracked with acoustic transmitters from two known spawning reaches separated by 90 km. Biotelemetry recaptures for two years demonstrated that each river reach was associated with separate contingents. Time series of individual spawning phenologies were examined via nonparametric dynamic time warping and revealed two dominant time series centroids, each associated with a separate spawning reach. The lower spawning reach contingent occurred earlier than the higher reach contingent in 2017 but not in 2018. The majority (89%) of returning adults in 2018 showed the same contingent behaviors exhibited in 2017. Spawning contingents may have been cued differently by temperatures, where warming lagged 1-week at the higher reach in comparison to the lower reach. The two contingents exhibited similar Atlantic shelf migration patterns with strong summer fidelity to Massachusetts Bay and winter migrations to the southern US Mid-Atlantic Bight. Still, in 2017, differing times of departure into nearby shelf waters likely caused the early lower reach contingent to experience substantially higher mortality than the later upper reach contingent. Anecdotal evidence suggests that higher fishing effort is exerted on the early-departing individuals as they first enter shelf fisheries. Thus, as in salmon, multiple spawning units can lead to differential demographic outcomes, potentially stabilizing overall population dynamics.
Understanding and supporting law enforcement professionals working with distressing material: Findings from a qualitative study
Authors: Denk-Florea Cristina-Bianca , Gancz Benjamin , Gomoiu Amalia , Ingram Martin , Moreton Reuben , Pollick Frank
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to extend previous research on the experiences and factors that impact law enforcement personnel when working with distressing materials such as child sexual abuse content. A sample of 22 law enforcement personnel working within one law enforcement organisation in England, United Kingdom participated in anonymous semi-structured interviews. Results were explored thematically and organised in the following headings: “Responses to the material”, “Impact of working with distressing evidence”, “Personal coping strategies” and “Risks and mitigating factors”. Law enforcement professionals experienced heightened affective responses to personally relevant material, depictions of violence, victims’ displays of emotions, norm violations and to various mediums. These responses dampened over time due to desensitisation. The stress experienced from exposure to the material sometimes led to psychological symptoms associated with Secondary Traumatic Stress. Job satisfaction, self-care activities, the coping strategies used when viewing evidence, detachment from work outside working hours, social support and reducing exposure to the material were found to mediate law enforcement professionals’ resilience. Exposure to distressing material and the risks associated with this exposure were also influenced by specific organisational procedures implemented as a function of the funding available and workload. Recommendations for individual and organisational practices to foster resilience emerged from this research. These recommendations are relevant to all organisations where employees are required to view distressing content.
When Chemical Bonding is Perceived Simple and Interesting: The Design and Development of a Learning Object
Authors: Muljana Pauline S. , Selco Jodye , Feldman Richard , Gaston Thomas , Choi Bo
Published: November 2020

The concept of chemical bonding is abstract and perceived as difficult. While it is a fundamental concept required to comprehend other chemistry topics, the learning outcomes are not always attained. Addressing this issue, our challenge was to create a learning intervention regarding a common, fundamental chemistry concept for students in a variety of undergraduate chemistry courses. We envisioned a learning product that invites students’ interest yet is challenging. This design case discusses the process, the literature that informs our design decisions, and strategies incorporated into the design of a learning object entitled Making Molecules: Dot Structures and Ionic Compounds to mitigate the learning issue. Discussion on the context of the project, design and development strategies, evaluation, and project reflection is presented as well.
PPQ-trajectory
Authors: Wang Shuang , Ferhatosmanoglu Hakan
Published: November 2020

We present PPQ-trajectory, a spatio-temporal quantization based solution for querying large dynamic trajectory data. PPQ-trajectory includes a partition-wise predictive quantizer (PPQ) that generates an error-bounded codebook with autocorrelation and spatial proximity-based partitions. The codebook is indexed to run approximate and exact spatio-temporal queries over compressed trajectories. PPQ-trajectory includes a coordinate quadtree coding for the codebook with support for exact queries. An incremental temporal partition-based index is utilised to avoid full reconstruction of trajectories during queries. An extensive set of experimental results for spatio-temporal queries on real trajectory datasets is presented. PPQ-trajectory shows significant improvements over the alternatives with respect to several performance measures, including the accuracy of results when the summary is used directly to provide approximate query results, the spatial deviation with which spatio-temporal path queries can be answered when the summary is used as an index, and the time taken to construct the summary. Superior results on the quality of the summary and the compression ratio are also demonstrated.
The Impact of Socio-economic and Demographic Determinants on Self-perceived Health
Authors: Jindrová Pavla , Labudová Viera
Published: November 2020

This article presents an overview of the self-reported health status of the population of the European Union Member States (EU-28) in the year 2018 based on Eurostat data. The self-reported health status of the inhabitants of the Slovak Republic has been analyzed in more detail with regard to the availability of individual data of the survey results from the European Statistics of Income and Living Condition (EU-SILC). The aim of the article is to analyse the relationship between social and demographic characteristics and the self-perceived health of the population in the EU-28 countries and their comparison as well as a comparison with the results found in the Slovak Republic. The characteristics gender, age, educational level, income, employment, and place of residence have been considered as the determinants of the self-reported health status. The obtained results of self-reported health status by selected demographics and social indicators in the European Union Member States have been compared in visual form using tables and graphs. For assessment of impact selected socio-economic and demographic characteristics on the self-perceived health by inhabitants in the Slovak Republic has been used the logistic regression model based on data extracted from the EU SILC 2016 cross-sectional component provided by the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic. The obtained results can provide valuable information for health protection policy in EU countries and especially in the Slovak Republic. It could also be used to compare self-reported health status in the EU countries and the health status established based on the official health data published by European institutions.
I Can’t Breathe
Authors: Riley Emmitt Y. , Peterson Clarissa
Published: November 2020

Since 2014, public opinion data suggests that whites have become more supportive of the Black Lives Movement. The recent murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor have prompted a national debate about the need to address systemic racism in policing within the United States. Recent studies have shown how racial resentment has spilled over into a wide range of political issues that are not associated with race; however, no current research examines how racial resentment might shape whites’ views toward Black Lives Matter. Employing the racial reaction theory and the 2016 American Election Study Survey, we hypothesize and confirm that whites with high levels of racial resentment, conservative ideology, and those who indicated support for Donald Trump hold negative attitudes toward the Black Lives Matter movement. Our results also show that Asians and Hispanics hold negative attitudes toward the Black Lives Matter movement, but that whites have the highest racial resentment levels. The results raise doubts about whether the recent shift in white public opinion is sustainable. Given that racial resentment is a predictor of support for Black Lives Matter, scholars and activists should approach white support for Black Lives Matter with caution because it is likely that increased racial resentment may lead to sustained white opposition to the movement.
Meredefinisikan Penyiaran
Authors: Muqsith Munadhil Abdul
Published: November 2020

Dunia penyiaran ke depan akan terus berubah seiring berkembangnya teknologi komunikasi dan informasi. Sifat-sifat teknologi telekomunikasi konvensional yang bersifat massif sekarang sudah mampu digabungkan dengan teknologi komputer yang bersifat interaktif. Sistem analog yang telah bertahan sekian puluh tahun akan segera tergantikan oleh sistem digital, dan implementasinya segera memunculkan fenomena baru: konvergensi. Sederhananya, konvergensi adalah bergabungnya media telekomunikasi tradisional dengan internet sekaligus. Bersamaan dengan berlangsungnya konvergensi dibidang telematika, akan terjadi peralihan sistem penyiaran analog ke sistem penyiaran digital. Televisi digital (DTV / Digital Television) menggunakan modulasi digital dan kompresi untuk menyebarluaskan video, audio, dan signal data ke pesawat televisi. Begitu juga halnya dengan Radio Streaming, yang dampak penyebarannya akan lebih luas lagi dan batasan frekuensinya pun tidak terbatas.
Implikasi Paham Komunisme dalam Kehidupan Bernegara
Authors: Putra Gilang Rizki Aji
Published: November 2020

Abstract:Communist ideology that can be used as a comparison to see the weaknesses and weaknesses of other ideologies. A tired communist is a communist in the sense of a non-communist idea or thought in the sense that a radical communist puts forward the ideology of power by putting forward the revolutionary procedure for power. Communists are also an inseparable part of the hustle and bustle of world life. in the power of ideology as an attachment which is always perpetuated and a practice that cannot be abandoned or even bargained with. Idiology is the key to various kinds of movements that lead to being overwhelmed. A little bit of this paper tries to describe the understanding of communism in the historical frame and the ideology of power that can enrich intellectual treasures in the world of science.Keywords: Communism, Idiology, and Karl MarxAbstrak:Idiologi komunis yang dapat dijadikan sebagai perbandingan pada melihat kekurangan serta kelemahan idiologi yanglainnya. Komunisyang capek merupakan komunis pada  artian sebuah paham atau pemikiran bukan komunis pada artian komunis radikal yg mengedepankan idiologi kekuasaan dengan mengedepankan tatacara revolusi buatsebuah kekuasaan. Komunis pun bagian yang tak terpisahkan berasal hirukpikuk kehidupan dunia. dalam kekuasaan penguasaan idiologi sebagai pelekat yang selalu dilanggengkan dan  amaliah yang takboleh ditinggal bahkan ditawar-tawar. Idiologimenjadi kunci aneka macam gerakan yang berujung dikekusaan. Sekelumittulisan ini berusaha mendeskripsikan pemahaman perihal komunisme dalam bingkai sejarah serta idiologi kekuasaan yang dapat memperkaya khazanah intelektual dalam dunia ilmu pengetahuan.Kata Kunci: Komunisme, Idiologi, dan Karl Marx
Follow-up Blood Cultures in Children With Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia
Authors: Cardenas-Comfort Caitlin , Kaplan Sheldon L. , Vallejo Jesus G. , McNeil J. Chase
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND:

Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen seen in pediatric bloodstream infections. Currently, no evidence-based recommendations are used to guide decisions on the number of follow-up blood cultures (FUBCs) needed to demonstrate infection clearance. Unnecessary cultures increase the risk of false-positives, add to health care costs, and create additional trauma to children and their families. In this study, we examined risk factors for persistent S aureus bacteremia (SAB) and intermittent positive blood cultures (positive cultures obtained after a documented negative FUBC result) to determine the number of FUBCs needed to demonstrate infection clearance in children.

METHODS:

Patients ≤18 years who were hospitalized with SAB at Texas Children’s Hospital in 2018 were reviewed. We assessed the impact of an infectious disease diagnosis (central line–associated bloodstream infection, osteomyelitis, soft tissue infection, endocarditis, etc) and medical comorbidities on bacteremia duration. Patients with intermittent positive blood cultures were studied to determine the characteristics of this group and overall frequency of reversion to positive cultures.

RESULTS:

A total of 122 subjects met the inclusion criteria. The median duration of bacteremia was 1 day (interquartile range: 1–2 days). Only 19 patients (16%) had bacteremia lasting ≥3 days, all of whom had a diagnosis of central line–associated bloodstream infection, osteomyelitis, or endocarditis. Intermittent positive cultures occurred in 5% of patients, with positive cultures after 2 negative FUBC results seen in <1% of patients. Intermittent positive cultures were strongly associated with osteomyelitis and endocarditis.

CONCLUSIONS:

On the basis of our sample of children with SAB, additional blood cultures to document sterility are not necessary after 2 FUBC results are negative in well-appearing patients.
Exploratory-Data and Statistical Analyses of AB070597, an Amino Acid/Peptide Complex, on Blood-Serum Creatinine Concentration and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate: A Non-Randomized Pilot Trial of Five Humans with Declining Renal Function
Authors: ARCHER JAMES
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT

Background:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops from persistent, irremediable loss of renal function (RF). Animal studies show that dietary supplement, AB070597, an amino acid/ peptide complex, can stabilize, and in some instances, reverse CKD. Previous human CKD studies demonstrate that dietary treatment with specific keto acids and amino acids can lower blood-serum creatinine concentration (SCr) and increase glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This pilot trial was performed to determine whether a future randomized controlled human clinical trial of AB070597’s effect on CKD was justified.

Methods: 

The trial was structured as a consecutive case series to evaluate whether oral treatment with AB070597 could slow CKD progression, as gaged by SCr, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Eligibility requirements: Non-diabetic white males under current medical care in the United States, diagnosed with CKD, or with histories of increasing SCr and declining eGFR, resulting from CKD or natural consequence of aging.  Exclusion criteria: Concurrent or suspected comorbidities unrelated to CKD. Participants ingested 6-g bi-daily doses of AB070597 for periods up to 24 months. SCr was measured and eGFR calculated at approximate tri-monthly intervals.  

Results:

Results were presented as individual-participant and group SCr and eGFR vectors, and initial-data-analysis diagrams.

Treatment reversed SCr slopes from positive to negative, and eGFR slopes from negative to positive. When individual participant’s median monthly eGFR rate-of-change (positive) was compared with the median monthly eGFR rate-of-change (negative) in a sample of 2870 humans with CKD, differences were significant in favor of the AB070597 treatment group in 4 of 5 participants: (P = 0.0625, 95% CI: 0.368-8.368), (P = 0.0313, 95% CI: 0.368-1.038), (P = 0.0039, 95% CI: 0.368-0.698), (P = 0.0010, 95% CI: 0.118-2.868),

(P  <0.0001, 95% CI: 0.368-10.370).

Conclusion:

Oral AB070597 treatment produced an apparently favorable change in CKD trajectory in 4 humans and in 1 with naturally age-related declining RF. The magnitude and direction of change hint that treatment may have had a beneficial effect on CKD progression and age-related RF. In and of themselves, this pilot trial’s results seem to favor CKD treatment with AB070597, but because there was no randomization, no control group, and a small sample size , it is not possible to extend results beyond its bounds. They do, however, support the rationale for a future randomized controlled trial