bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Common genetic variants associated with obesity in an African-American and Hispanic/Latino population
Authors: Chalazan Brandon , Palm Denada , Sridhar Arvind , Lee Christina , Argos Maria , Daviglus Martha , Rehman Jalees , Konda Sreenivas , Darbar Dawood
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Over 35% of all adults in the world are currently obese and risk of obesity in racial or ethnic minority groups exist in the US, but the causes of these differences are not all known. As obesity is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, an improved understanding of risk factors across racial and ethnic groups may improve outcomes.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine if susceptibility to obesity is associated with genetic variation in candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in African Americans and Hispanic/Latinos.

Materials and methods

We examined data from 534 African Americans and 557 Hispanic/Latinos participants from the UIC Cohort of Patients, Family and Friends. Participants were genotyped for the top 26 obesity-associated SNPs within FTO, MC4R, TUB, APOA2, APOA5, ADIPOQ, ARL15, CDH13, KNG1, LEPR, leptin, and SCG3 genes.

Results

The mean (SD) age of participants was 49±13 years, 55% were female, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 31±7.5 kg/m2. After adjusting for age and sex, we found that rs8050136 in FTO (odds ratio [OR] 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–1.8; P = 0.01) among African Americans and rs2272383 in TUB (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.04–1.71; P = 0.02) among Hispanic/Latinos were associated with obesity. However, none of the SNPs in multivariable analysis of either AA or H/L cohorts were significant when adjusted for multiple correction.

Conclusions

We show that candidate SNPs in the FTO and TUB genes are associated with obesity in African Americans and Hispanic/Latinos individuals respectively. While the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms by which common genetic variants cause obesity remain unclear, we have identified novel therapeutic targets across racial and ethnic groups.
Multi-population stochastic modeling of Ebola in Sierra Leone: Investigation of spatial heterogeneity
Authors: Muleia Rachid , Aerts Marc , Faes Christel
Published: May 2021

A major outbreak of the Ebola virus occurred in 2014 in Sierra Leone. We investigate the spatial heterogeneity of the outbreak among districts in Sierra Leone. The stochastic discrete-time susceptible-exposed-infectious-removed (SEIR) model is used, allowing for probabilistic movements from one compartment to another. Our model accounts for heterogeneity among districts by making use of a hierarchical approach. The transmission rates are considered time-varying. It is investigated whether or not incubation period, infectious period and transmission rates are different among districts. Estimation is done using the Bayesian formalism. The posterior estimates of the effective reproductive number were substantially different across the districts, with pronounced variability in districts with few cases of Ebola. The posterior estimates of the reproductive number at the district level varied between below 1.0 and 4.5, whereas at nationwide level it varied between below 1.0 and 2.5. The posterior estimate of the effective reproductive number reached a value below 1.0 around December. In some districts, the effective reproductive number pointed out for the persistence of the outbreak or for a likely resurgence of new cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD). The posterior estimates have shown to be highly sensitive to prior elicitation, mainly the incubation period and infectious period.
A descriptive analysis of the data availability statements accompanying medRxiv preprints and a comparison with their published counterparts
Authors: McGuinness Luke A. , Sheppard Athena L.
Published: May 2021

Objective

To determine whether medRxiv data availability statements describe open or closed data—that is, whether the data used in the study is openly available without restriction—and to examine if this changes on publication based on journal data-sharing policy. Additionally, to examine whether data availability statements are sufficient to capture code availability declarations.

Design

Observational study, following a pre-registered protocol, of preprints posted on the medRxiv repository between 25th June 2019 and 1st May 2020 and their published counterparts.

Main outcome measures

Distribution of preprinted data availability statements across nine categories, determined by a prespecified classification system. Change in the percentage of data availability statements describing open data between the preprinted and published versions of the same record, stratified by journal sharing policy. Number of code availability declarations reported in the full-text preprint which were not captured in the corresponding data availability statement.

Results

3938 medRxiv preprints with an applicable data availability statement were included in our sample, of which 911 (23.1%) were categorized as describing open data. 379 (9.6%) preprints were subsequently published, and of these published articles, only 155 contained an applicable data availability statement. Similar to the preprint stage, a minority (59 (38.1%)) of these published data availability statements described open data. Of the 151 records eligible for the comparison between preprinted and published stages, 57 (37.7%) were published in journals which mandated open data sharing. Data availability statements more frequently described open data on publication when the journal mandated data sharing (open at preprint: 33.3%, open at publication: 61.4%) compared to when the journal did not mandate data sharing (open at preprint: 20.2%, open at publication: 22.3%).

Conclusion

Requiring that authors submit a data availability statement is a good first step, but is insufficient to ensure data availability. Strict editorial policies that mandate data sharing (where appropriate) as a condition of publication appear to be effective in making research data available. We would strongly encourage all journal editors to examine whether their data availability policies are sufficiently stringent and consistently enforced.
Marine endophytic fungi associated with Halopteris scoparia (Linnaeus) Sauvageau as producers of bioactive secondary metabolites with potential dermocosmetic application
Authors: Calado Maria da Luz , Silva Joana , Alves Celso , Susano Patrícia , Santos Débora , Alves Joana , Martins Alice , Gaspar Helena , Pedrosa Rui , Campos Maria Jorge
Published: May 2021

Marine fungi and, particularly, endophytic species have been recognised as one of the most prolific sources of structurally new and diverse bioactive secondary metabolites with multiple biotechnological applications. Despite the increasing number of bioprospecting studies, very few have already evaluated the cosmeceutical potential of marine fungal compounds. Thus, this study focused on a frequent seaweed in the Portuguese coast,Halopteris scoparia, to identify the endophytic marine fungi associated with this host, and assess their ability to biosynthesise secondary metabolites with antioxidative, enzymatic inhibitory (hyaluronidase, collagenase, elastase and tyrosinase), anti-inflammatory, photoprotective, and antimicrobial (Cutibacterium acnes,Staphylococcus epidermidisandMalassezia furfur) activities. The results revealed eight fungal taxa included in the Ascomycota, and in the most representative taxonomic classes in marine ecosystems (Eurotiomycetes,SordariomycetesandDothideomycetes). These fungi were reported for the first time in Portugal and in association withH.scoparia, as far as it is known. The screening analyses showed that most of these endophytic fungi were producers of compounds with relevant biological activities, though those biosynthesised byPenicilliumsect.ExilicaulisandAspergillus chevalieriproved to be the most promising ones for being further exploited by dermocosmetic industry. The chemical analysis of the crude extract from an isolate ofA.chevalierirevealed the presence of two bioactive compounds, echinulin and neoechinulin A, which might explain the high antioxidant and UV photoprotective capacities exhibited by the extract. These noteworthy results emphasised the importance of screening the secondary metabolites produced by these marine endophytic fungal strains for other potential bioactivities, and the relevance of investing more efforts in understanding the ecology of halo/osmotolerant fungi.
Land conversion and pesticide use degrade forage areas for honey bees in America’s beekeeping epicenter
Authors: Dixon Dan J. , Zheng Haochi , Otto Clint R. V.
Published: May 2021

A diverse range of threats have been associated with managed-bee declines globally. Recent increases of two known threats, land-use change and pesticide use, have resulted from agricultural expansion and intensification notably in the top honey-producing state in the United States: North Dakota. This study investigated the dual threat from land conversion and pesticide use surrounding ~14,000 registered apiaries in North Dakota from 2001 to 2014. We estimated the annual total insecticide use (kg) on major crops within 1.6 km of apiary sites. Of the eight insecticides quantified, six showed significant increasing trends over the time period. Specifically, applications of the newly established neonicotinoids Chlothianidin, Imidacloprid and Thiamethoxam, increased annually by 1329 kg, 686 kg, 795 kg, respectively. Also, the use of Chlorpyrifos, which was well-established in the state by 2001 and is highly toxic to honey bees, increased by ~8,800 kg annually from 6,500 kg in 2001 to 115,000 kg in 2014 on corn, soybeans and wheat. We further evaluated the relative quality changes of natural/semi-natural land covers surrounding apiaries in 2006, 2010 and 2014, a period of significant increases in cropland area. In areas surrounding apiaries, we observed changes in multiple indices of forage quality that reflect the deteriorating landscape surrounding registered apiary sites due to land-use change and pesticide-use increases. Overall, our results suggest that the application of foliar-applied insecticides, including pyrethroids and one organophosphate, increased surrounding apiaries when the use of neonicotinoid seed treatments surged and the area for producing corn and soybeans expanded. Spatially, these threats were most pronounced in southeastern North Dakota, a region hosting a high density of apiary sites that has recently experienced corn and soybean expansion. Our results highlight the value of natural and semi-natural land covers as sources of pollinator forage and refugia for bees against pesticide exposure. Our study provides insights for targeting conservation efforts to improve forage quality benefiting managed pollinators.
Intention to use maternity waiting home and associated factors among pregnant women in Gamo Gofa zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Gezimu Wubishet , Bitewa Yibelu Bazezew , Tesema Mekuanint Taddele , Wonde Tewodros Eshete
Published: May 2021

Background

A maternity waiting home is a temporary residence in which pregnant women from remote areas wait for their childbirth. It is an approach targeted to advance access to emergency obstetric care services especially, in hard-to-reach areas to escalate institutional delivery to reduce complications that occur during childbirth. Apart from the availability of this service, the intention of pregnant women to utilize the existing service is very important to achieve its goals. Thus, this study aimed to assess the intention to use maternity waiting homes and associated factors among pregnant women.

Methods

Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 605 pregnant women using a multistage sampling technique from March 10 to April 10, 2019, by using a structured questionnaire through a face-to-face interview. The collected data was entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and analyzed using the SPSS version 24 statistical package. Logistic regression analysis was used to test the association. All variables at p-value < 0.25 in bivariate analysis were entered into multivariate analysis. Lastly, a significant association was declared at a P-value of < 0.05 with 95% CI.

Results

In this study, the intention to use maternity waiting homes was 295(48.8%, 95%CI: 47%-55%)). Occupation (government employee) (AOR:2.87,95%CI: 1.54–5.36), previous childbirth history (AOR:2.1,95%CI:1.22–3.57), past experience in maternity waiting home use AOR:4.35,95%CI:2.63–7.18), direct (AOR:1.57,95%CI:1.01–2.47) and indirect (AOR: 2.18, 1.38,3.44) subject norms and direct (AOR:3.00,95%CI:2.03–4.43), and indirect (AOR = 1.84,95%CI:1.25–2.71) perceived behavioral control of respondents were significantly associated variables with intention to use maternity waiting home.

Conclusion

The magnitude of intention to use maternity waiting homes among pregnant women is low. Community disapproval, low self-efficacy, maternal employment, history of previous birth, and past experiences of MWHs utilization are predictors of intention to use MWHs, and intervention programs, such as health education, strengthening and integration of community in health system programs need to be provided.
Gut microbiome differences among Mexican Americans with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kitten Amanda K. , Ryan Laurajo , Lee Grace C. , Flores Bertha E. , Reveles Kelly R.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an urgent public health problem and disproportionately affects Mexican Americans. The gut microbiome contributes to the pathophysiology of diabetes; however, no studies have examined this association in Mexican-Americans. The objective of this study was to compare gut microbiome composition between Mexican-Americans with and without T2DM.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of volunteers from San Antonio, TX. Subjects were 18 years or older and self-identified as Mexican American. Subjects were grouped by prior T2DM diagnosis. Eligible subjects attended a clinic visit to provide demographic and medical information. Thereafter, subjects recorded their dietary intake for three days and collected a stool sample on the fourth day. Stool 16s rRNA sequences were classified into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) via the mothur bayesian classifier and referenced to the Greengenes database. Shannon diversity and bacterial taxa relative abundance were compared between groups using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Beta diversity was estimated using Bray-Curtis indices and compared between groups using PERMANOVA.

Results

Thirty-seven subjects were included, 14 (38%) with diabetes and 23 (62%) without diabetes. Groups were well-matched by body mass index and comorbid conditions. Shannon diversity was not significantly different between those with and without T2DM (3.26 vs. 3.31; p = 0.341). Beta diversity was not significantly associated with T2DM diagnosis (p = 0.201). The relative abundance of the most common bacterial phyla and families did not significantly differ between groups; however, 16 OTUs were significantly different between groups.

Conclusions

Although alpha diversity was not significantly different between diabetic and non-diabetic Mexican Americans, the abundance of certain bacterial taxa were significantly different between groups.
Predictive factors of venous recanalization in upper-extremity vein thrombosis
Authors: Ploton Gaëtan , Brebion Nicolas , Guyomarch Béatrice , Pistorius Marc-Antoine , Connault Jérôme , Hersant Jeanne , Raimbeau Alizée , Bergère Guillaume , Artifoni Mathieu , Durant Cécile , Gautier Giovanni , Dumont Romain , Kubina Jean-Manuel , Toquet Claire , Espitia Olivier
Published: May 2021

Background

Upper extremity venous thrombosis (UEVT) represents about 10% of venous thrombo-embolic disease. This is mainly explained by the increasing use of central venous line, for oncologic or nutritional care. The factors associated with venous recanalization are not known.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate prognosis factor associated with venous recanalization after UEVT.

Methods

This study included patients with UEVT diagnosed with duplex ultra-sonography (DUS) from January 2015 to December 2017 with DUS evaluations during follow-up. A multivariate Cox proportional-hazards-model analysis was performed to identify predictive factors of UEVT complete recanalization.

Results

This study included 494 UEVT, 304 proximal UEVT and 190 distal UEVT. The median age was 58 years, 39.5% were women. Clinical context was: hematological malignancy (40.7%), solid cancer (14.2%), infectious or inflammatory context (49.9%) and presence of venous catheters or pacemaker leads in 86.4%. The rate of recanalization without sequelae of UEVT was 38%. For all UEVT, in multivariate analysis, factors associated with complete vein recanalization were: thrombosis associated with central venous catheter (CVC) (HR:2.40, [1.45;3.95], p<0.001), UEVT limited to a venous segment (HR:1.94, [1.26;3.00], p = 0.003), occlusive thrombosis (HR:0.48 [0.34;0.67], p<0.0001), the presence of a PICC Line (HR:2.29, [1.48;3.52], p<0.001), a thrombosis of deep and distal topography (HR:1.70, [1.10;2.63], p = 0.02) or superficial thrombosis of the forearm (HR:2.79, [1.52;5.12], p<0.001). For deep and proximal UEVT, non-occlusive UEVT (HR:2.23, [1.49;3.33], p<0.0001), thrombosis associated with CVC (HR:1.58, [1.01;2.47], p = 0.04) and infectious or inflammatory context (HR:1.63, [1.10;2.41], p = 0.01) were factors associated with complete vein recanalization.

Conclusion

In this study, factors associated with UEVT recanalization were UEVT limited to a venous segment, thrombosis associated with CVC, a thrombosis of deep and distal thrombosis topography and superficial thrombosis of the forearm. Occlusive thrombosis was associated with the absence of UEVT recanalization.
Serum cytokine patterns are modulated in infants fed formula with probiotics or milk fat globule membranes: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Xiaonan , Peng Yongmei , Li Zailing , Christensen Britt , Heckmann Anne B. , Lagerqvist Carina , Stenlund Hans , Lönnerdal Bo , Hernell Olle , West Christina E.
Published: May 2021

Background

Proteins and lipids of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and probiotics are immunomodulatory. We hypothesized that Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei strain F19 (F19) would augment vaccine antibody and T helper 1 type immune responses whereas MFGM would produce an immune response closer to that of breastfed (BF) infants.

Objective

To compare the effects of supplementing formula with F19 or bovine MFGM on serum cytokine and vaccine responses of formula-fed (FF) and BF infants.

Design

FF infants were randomized to formula with F19 (n = 195) or MFGM (n = 192), or standard formula (SF) (n = 194) from age 21±7 days until 4 months. A BF group served as reference (n = 208). We analyzed seven cytokines (n = 398) in serum at age 4 months using magnetic bead-based multiplex technology. Using ELISA, we analyzed anti-diphtheria IgG (n = 258) and anti-poliovirus IgG (n = 309) concentrations in serum before and after the second and third immunization, respectively.

Results

Compared with SF, the F19 group had greater IL-2 and lower IFN-γ concentrations (p<0.05, average effect size 0.14 and 0.39). Compared with BF, the F19 group had greater IL-2, IL-4 and IL-17A concentrations (p<0.05, average effect size 0.42, 0.34 and 0.26, respectively). The MFGM group had lower IL-2 and IL-17A concentrations compared with SF (p<0.05, average effect size 0.34 and 0.31). Cytokine concentrations were comparable among the MFGM and BF groups. Vaccine responses were comparable among the formula groups.

Conclusions

Contrary to previous studies F19 increased IL-2 and lowered IFN-γ production, suggesting that the response to probiotics differs across populations. The cytokine profile of the MFGM group approached that of BF infants, and may be associated with the previous finding that infectious outcomes for the MFGM group in this cohort were closer to those of BF infants, as opposed to the SF group. These immunomodulatory effects support future clinical evaluation of infant formula with F19 or MFGM.
Crinet: A computational tool to infer genome-wide competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) interactions
Authors: Kesimoglu Ziynet Nesibe , Bozdag Serdar
Published: May 2021

To understand driving biological factors for complex diseases like cancer, regulatory circuity of genes needs to be discovered. Recently, a new gene regulation mechanism called competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) interactions has been discovered. Certain genes targeted by common microRNAs (miRNAs) “compete” for these miRNAs, thereby regulate each other by making others free from miRNA regulation. Several computational tools have been published to infer ceRNA networks. In most existing tools, however, expression abundance sufficiency, collective regulation, and groupwise effect of ceRNAs are not considered. In this study, we developed a computational tool named Crinet to infer genome-wide ceRNA networks addressing critical drawbacks. Crinet considers all mRNAs, lncRNAs, and pseudogenes as potential ceRNAs and incorporates a network deconvolution method to exclude the spurious ceRNA pairs. We tested Crinet on breast cancer data in TCGA. Crinet inferred reproducible ceRNA interactions and groups, which were significantly enriched in the cancer-related genes and processes. We validated the selected miRNA-target interactions with the protein expression-based benchmarks and also evaluated the inferred ceRNA interactions predicting gene expression change in knockdown assays. The hub genes in the inferred ceRNA network included known suppressor/oncogene lncRNAs in breast cancer showing the importance of non-coding RNA’s inclusion for ceRNA inference. Crinet-inferred ceRNA groups that were consistently involved in the immune system related processes could be important assets in the light of the studies confirming the relation between immunotherapy and cancer. The source code of Crinet is in R and available at https://github.com/bozdaglab/crinet.
Surgical treatment for cryptoglandular and Crohn’s perianal fistulas: Protocol of an umbrella review
Authors: Mei Zubing , Feng Qin , Du Peixin , Li Bin , Fang Chenyang , Gu Jinghua , Li Yue , Zhou Haikun , Shao Zhuo , Ge Maojun , He Yazhou , Yang Xuejun , Wang Qingming
Published: May 2021

Introduction

A high prevalence of cryptoglandular and Crohn’s perianal fistulas has been reported worldwide, and several surgical options are available for the management of anal fistula, with varying clinical efficacy. However, currently, the available evidence for the effectiveness of these surgical approaches are lacking and of concern in terms of the credibility and strength. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the credibility of the published systematic reviews and meta-analyses that assess the efficacy and safety of the surgical options for cryptoglandular and Crohn’s perianal fistulas through an umbrella review.

Methods and analysis

A systematic search in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library will be performed from inception to December 2020 without any language restriction. We will include systematic reviews and meta-analyses that investigate the efficacy and safety of surgical approaches in the management of cryptoglandular and Crohn’s perianal fistulas. Two reviewers will independently screen search results through reading the titles or abstracts. Relevant information will be extracted from each eligible systematic review or meta-analysis. Based on random effects model summary estimates along with their p values, 95% prediction intervals, between-study heterogeneity, small-study effects and excess significance, we will classify the evidence from convincing (class I) to weak (class IV). Findings will be summarized using quantitative synthesis combined with a narrative approach. Cryptoglandular and Crohn’s perianal fistulas will be summarized separately. Two authors will independently perform the literature search, data extraction, and quality assessment of each included systematic review and meta-analysis. Any unresolved conflicts or doubts will be resolved by discussion or by consulting a senior author. The risk of bias of the systematic reviews will be assessed using a 16-item Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR2) checklist. The strength of evidence for the included systematic reviews will be classified as "high", "moderate", "low", or "critically low" quality.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required as we will collect data from the published systematic reviews and meta-analyses without using individual patient data. The results of this umbrella review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and will be presented at an anorectal disease conference.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020200754.
Attentional shift within and between faces: Evidence from children with and without a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Valenza Eloisa , Calignano Giulia
Published: May 2021

Evidence of attentional atypicalities for faces in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are far from being confirmed. Using eye-tracking technology we compared space-based and object-based attention in children with, and without, a diagnosis of ASD. By capitalizing on Egly’s paradigm, we presented two objects (2 faces and their phase-scrambled equivalent) and cued a location in one of the two objects. Then, a target appeared at the same location as the cue (Valid condition), or at a different location within the same object (Same Object condition), or at a different location in another object (Different Object condition). The attentional benefit/cost in terms of time for target detection in each of the three conditions was computed. The findings revealed that target detection was always faster in the valid condition than in the invalid condition, regardless of the type of stimulus and the group of children. Thus, no difference emerged between the two groups in terms of space-based attention. Conversely the two groups differed in object-based attention. Children without a diagnosis of ASD showed attentional shift cost with phase-scrambled stimuli, but not with faces. Instead, children with a diagnosis of ASD deployed similar attentional strategies to focus on faces and their phase-scrambled version.
Etiology of acute meningitis and encephalitis from hospital-based surveillance in South Kazakhstan oblast, February 2017—January 2018
Authors: Bumburidi Yekaterina , Utepbergenova Gulmira , Yerezhepov Bakhtygali , Berdiyarova Nursulu , Kulzhanova Kaldikul , Head Jennifer , Moffett Daphne , Singer Daniel , Angra Pawan , Whistler Toni , Sejvar James
Published: May 2021

Encephalitis and meningitis (EM) are severe infections of the central nervous system associated with high morbidity and mortality. The etiology of EM in Kazakhstan is not clearly defined, so from February 1, 2017 to January 31, 2018 we conducted hospital-based syndromic surveillance for EM at the Shymkent City Hospital, in the South Kazakhstan region. All consenting inpatients meeting a standard case definition were enrolled. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected for bacterial culture, and CSF samples were additionally tested by PCR for four bacterial species and three viruses using a cascading algorithm. We enrolled 556 patients. Of these, 494 were of viral etiology (including 4 probable rabies cases), 37 were of bacterial etiology, 19 were of unknown etiology and 6 were not tested. The most commonly identified pathogens included enterovirus (73%, n = 406 cases), herpes simplex virus (12.8%, n = 71), andNeisseria meningitidis(3.8%, n = 21). The incidence rates (IRs) for enteroviral and meningococcal EM were found to be 14.5 and 0.7 per 100,000 persons, respectively. The IR for bacterial EM using both PCR and culture results was 3–5 times higher compared to culture-only results. Antibacterial medicines were used to treat 97.2% (480/494) of virus-associated EM. Incorporation of PCR into routine laboratory diagnostics of EM improves diagnosis, pathogen identification, ensures IRs are not underestimated, and can help avoid unnecessary antibacterial treatment.
Joint resource optimization in spectrum sharing decode and forward relaying networks
Authors: Qin Dong
Published: May 2021

This paper proposes an adaptive power allocation and subcarrier pairing algorithm for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing based decode and forward cognitive radio networks, where primary and secondary users achieve spectrum sharing in the same frequency band. The secondary network tries to maximize its sum rate while ensuring that the interference introduced to the primary network is below an acceptable level. Although similar problems have been investigated in traditional cooperative communication networks, it’s still an open issue in cognitive radio networks due to interference thresholds. The power consumed by the secondary network is not only limited by its own power peak, but also by the interference threshold of the primary user. Our proposed algorithm not only allocates power and pairs subcarriers reasonably, but also specifies the conditions under which the relaying link is superior to the direct transmission. Simulation results show that the sum rate of the proposed algorithm exceeds other methods and obtains a significant performance gain.
The effect of remuneration schedule on data completion and retention in the pregnancy eating attributes study (PEAS)
Authors: Terry Ndeah , Lipsky Leah M. , Siega-Riz Anna Maria , Liu Aiyi , Nansel Tonja R.
Published: May 2021

Maximizing data completion and study retention is essential in population research. This study examined the effect of remuneration schedule and data collection modality on data completion and retention in the Pregnancy Eating Attributes Study cohort. Participants (n = 458) completed online surveys and attended six in-person study visits. Initially, remuneration was a prespecified amount per visit, then was changed mid-study to be prorated based on the number of forms completed. Additionally, survey data collection modality was changed to in-person at the sixth study visit. In this secondary data analysis, there was no effect of remuneration schedule on withdrawal rates or time-to-withdrawal. Survey completion was significantly lower under prorated remuneration at the first visit but did not significantly differ at subsequent visits. The lump sum group had significantly greater odds of completely the first and second trimester dietary record (OR = 4.1, OR = 2.6, respectively) then the prorated group but were almost half as likely to complete the dietary record at the 6-month postpartum visit (OR = 0.5). Survey completion at sixth visit was significantly higher for in-person versus online completion (68.6% vs. 93.1%). Findings suggest that remuneration schedule and data collection modality can impact completion of self- reported assessments.
Urinary and salivary endocrine measurements to complement Tanner staging in studies of pubertal development
Authors: Goldberg Mandy , Ciesielski Jones Anna J. , McGrath John A. , Barker-Cummings Christie , Cousins Deborah S. , Kipling Lauren M. , Meadows Juliana W. , Kesner James S. , Marcus Michele , Monteilh Carolyn , Sandler Dale P.
Published: May 2021

Background

Many studies investigating pubertal development use Tanner staging to assess maturation. Endocrine markers in urine and saliva may provide an objective, sensitive, and non-invasive method for assessing development.

Objective

Our objective was to examine whether changes in endocrine levels can indicate the onset of pubertal development prior to changes in self-rated Tanner stage.

Methods

Thirty-five girls and 42 boys aged 7 to 15 years were enrolled in the Growth and Puberty (GAP) study, a longitudinal pilot study conducted from 2007–2009 involving children of women enrolled in the Agricultural Health Study (AHS) in Iowa. We collected saliva and urine samples and assessed pubertal development by self-rated Tanner staging (pubic hair, breast development (girls), genital development (boys)) at three visits over six months. We measured dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in saliva and creatinine-adjusted luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estrone 3-glucuronide (E13G) and pregnanediol 3-glucuronide (Pd3G) concentrations in first morning urine. We evaluated the relationships over time between Tanner stage and each biomarker using repeated measures analysis.

Results

Among girls still reporting Tanner breast stage 1 at the final visit, FSH levels increased over the 6-month follow-up period and were no longer lower than higher stage girls at the end of follow-up. We observed a similar pattern for testosterone in boys. By visit 3, boys still reporting Tanner genital stage 1 or pubic hair stage 1 had attained DHEA levels that were comparable to those among boys reporting Tanner stages 2 or 3.

Conclusions

Increasing concentrations of FSH in girls and DHEA and testosterone in boys over a 6-month period revealed the start of the pubertal process prior to changes in self-rated Tanner stage. Repeated, non-invasive endocrine measures may complement the more subjective assessment of physical markers in studies determining pubertal onset.
On closed-form tight bounds and approximations for the median of a gamma distribution
Authors: Lyon Richard F.
Published: May 2021

The median of a gamma distribution, as a function of its shape parameter k, has no known representation in terms of elementary functions. In this work we use numerical simulations and asymptotic analyses to bound the median, finding bounds of the form 2−1/k(A + Bk), including an upper bound that is tight for low k and a lower bound that is tight for high k. These bounds have closed-form expressions for the constant parameters A and B, and are valid over the entire range of k > 0, staying between 48 and 55 percentile. Furthermore, an interpolation between these bounds yields closed-form expressions that more tightly bound the median, with absolute and relative margins to both upper and lower bounds approaching zero at both low and high values of k. These bound results are not supported with analytical proofs, and hence should be regarded as conjectures. Simple approximation expressions between the bounds are also found, including one in closed form that is exact at k = 1 and stays between 49.97 and 50.03 percentile.
Prevalence and incidence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yovera-Aldana Marlon , Velásquez-Rimachi Victor , Huerta-Rosario Andrely , More-Yupanqui M. D. , Osores-Flores Mariela , Espinoza Ricardo , Gil-Olivares Fradis , Quispe-Nolazco César , Quea-Vélez Flor , Morán-Mariños Christian , Pinedo-Torres Isabel , Alva-Diaz Carlos , Pacheco-Barrios Kevin
Published: May 2021

Aims

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to estimate the prevalence and incidence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

Materials and methods

We searched MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, EMBASE and LILACS databases of published observational studies in LAC up to December 2020. Meta-analyses of proportions were performed using random-effects models using Stata Program 15.1. Heterogeneity was evaluated through sensitivity, subgroup, and meta-regression analyses. Evidence certainty was performed with the GRADE approach.

Results

Twenty-nine studies from eight countries were included. The estimated prevalence of DPN was 46.5% (95%CI: 38.0–55.0) with a significant heterogeneity (I2 = 98.2%; p<0.01). Only two studies reported incidence, and the pooled effect size was 13.7% (95%CI: 10.6–17.2). We found an increasing trend of cumulative DPN prevalence over time. The main sources of heterogeneity associated with higher prevalence were diagnosis criteria, higher A1c (%), and inadequate sample size. We judge the included evidence as very low certainty.

Conclusion

The overall prevalence of DPN is high in LAC with significant heterogeneity between and within countries that could be explained by population type and methodological aspects. Significant gaps (e.g., under-representation of most countries, lack of incidence studies, and heterogenous case definition) were identified. Standardized and population-based studies of DPN in LAC are needed.
Cost-effectiveness of varicella and herpes zoster vaccination in Sweden: An economic evaluation using a dynamic transmission model
Authors: Wolff Ellen , Widgren Katarina , Scalia Tomba Gianpaolo , Roth Adam , Lep Tiia , Andersson Sören
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Comprehensive cost-effectiveness analyses of introducing varicella and/or herpes zoster vaccination in the Swedish national vaccination programme.

Design

Cost-effectiveness analyses based on epidemiological results from a specifically developed transmission model.

Setting

National vaccination programme in Sweden, over an 85- or 20-year time horizon depending on the vaccination strategy.

Participants

Hypothetical cohorts of people aged 12 months and 65-years at baseline.

Interventions

Four alternative vaccination strategies; 1, not to vaccinate; 2, varicella vaccination with one dose of the live attenuated vaccine at age 12 months and a second dose at age 18 months; 3, herpes zoster vaccination with one dose of the live attenuated vaccine at 65 years of age; and 4, both vaccine against varicella and herpes zoster with the before-mentioned strategies.

Main outcome measures

Accumulated cost and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) for each strategy, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER).

Results

It would be cost-effective to vaccinate against varicella (dominant), but not to vaccinate against herpes zoster (ICER of EUR 200,000), assuming a cost-effectiveness threshold of EUR 50,000 per QALY. The incremental analysis between varicella vaccination only and the combined programme results in a cost per gained QALY of almost EUR 1.6 million.

Conclusions

The results from this study are central components for policy-relevant decision-making, and suggest that it was cost-effective to introduce varicella vaccination in Sweden, whereas herpes zoster vaccination with the live attenuated vaccine for the elderly was not cost-effective–the health effects of the latter vaccination cannot be considered reasonable in relation to its costs. Future observational and surveillance studies are needed to make reasonable predictions on how boosting affects the herpes zoster incidence in the population, and thus the cost-effectiveness of a vaccination programme against varicella. Also, the link between herpes zoster and sequelae need to be studied in more detail to include it suitably in health economic evaluations.
PEPN-GRN: A Petri net-based approach for the inference of gene regulatory networks from noisy gene expression data
Authors: Vatsa Deepika , Agarwal Sumeet
Published: May 2021

The inference of gene regulatory networks (GRNs) from expression data is a challenging problem in systems biology. The stochasticity or fluctuations in the biochemical processes that regulate the transcription process poses as one of the major challenges. In this paper, we propose a novel GRN inference approach, named the Probabilistic Extended Petri Net for Gene Regulatory Network (PEPN-GRN), for the inference of gene regulatory networks from noisy expression data. The proposed inference approach makes use of transition of discrete gene expression levels across adjacent time points as different evidence types that relate to the production or decay of genes. The paper examines three variants of the PEPN-GRN method, which mainly differ by the way the scores of network edges are computed using evidence types. The proposed method is evaluated on the benchmark DREAM4 in silico data sets and a real time series data set of E. coli from the DREAM5 challenge. The PEPN-GRN_v3 variant (the third variant of the PEPN-GRN approach) sought to learn the weights of evidence types in accordance with their contribution to the activation and inhibition gene regulation process. The learned weights help understand the time-shifted and inverted time-shifted relationship between regulator and target gene. Thus, PEPN-GRN_v3, along with the inference of network edges, also provides a functional understanding of the gene regulation process.
Construction of a high-density genetic map and QTL analysis for yield, yield components and agronomic traits in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Barmukh Rutwik , Soren Khela Ram , Madugula Praveen , Gangwar Priyanka , Shanmugavadivel P. S. , Bharadwaj Chellapilla , Konda Aravind K. , Chaturvedi Sushil K. , Bhandari Aditi , Rajain Kritika , Singh Narendra Pratap , Roorkiwal Manish , Varshney Rajeev K.
Published: May 2021

Unravelling the genetic architecture underlying yield components and agronomic traits is important for enhancing crop productivity. Here, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population, developed from ICC 4958 and DCP 92–3 cross, was used for constructing linkage map and QTL mapping analysis. The RIL population was genotyped using a high-throughput Axiom®CicerSNParray, which enabled the development of a high-density genetic map consisting of 3,818 SNP markers and spanning a distance of 1064.14 cM. Analysis of phenotyping data for yield, yield components and agronomic traits measured across three years together with genetic mapping data led to the identification of 10 major-effect QTLs and six minor-effect QTLs explaining up to 59.70% phenotypic variance. The major-effect QTLs identified for 100-seed weight, and plant height possessed key genes, such as C3HC4 RING finger protein, pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein, sugar transporter, leucine zipper protein and NADH dehydrogenase, amongst others. The gene ontology studies highlighted the role of these genes in regulating seed weight and plant height in crop plants. The identified genomic regions for yield, yield components, and agronomic traits, and the closely linked markers will help advance genetics research and breeding programs in chickpea.
A systematic review of spatial habitat associations and modeling of marine fish distribution: A guide to predictors, methods, and knowledge gaps
Authors: Pickens Bradley A. , Carroll Rachel , Schirripa Michael J. , Forrestal Francesca , Friedland Kevin D. , Taylor J. Christopher
Published: May 2021

As species distribution models, and similar techniques, have emerged in marine ecology, a vast array of predictor variables have been created and diverse methodologies have been applied. Marine fish are vital food resources worldwide, yet identifying the most suitable methodology and predictors to characterize spatial habitat associations, and the subsequent distributions, often remains ambiguous. Our objectives were to identify knowledge gaps in fish guilds, identify research themes, and to determine how data sources, statistics, and predictor variables differ among fish guilds. Data were obtained from an international literature search of peer-reviewed articles (2007–2018;n =225) and research themes were determined based on abstracts. We tested for differences in data sources and modeling techniques using multinomial regressions and used a linear discriminant analysis to distinguish differences in predictors among fish guilds. Our results show predictive studies increased over time, but studies of forage fish, sharks, coral reef fish, and other fish guilds remain sparse. Research themes emphasized habitat suitability and distribution shifts, but also addressed abundance, occurrence, stock assessment, and biomass. Methodologies differed by fish guilds based on data limitations and research theme. The most frequent predictors overall were depth and temperature, but most fish guilds were distinguished by their own set of predictors that focused on their specific life history and ecology. A one-size-fits-all approach is not suitable for predicting marine fish distributions. However, given the paucity of studies for some fish guilds, researchers would benefit from utilizing predictors and methods derived from more commonly studied fish when similar habitat requirements are expected. Overall, the findings provide a guide for determining predictor variables to test and identifies novel opportunities to apply non-spatial knowledge and mechanisms to models.
The use of laser lead extraction sheath in the presence of supra-cardiac occlusion of the central veins for cardiac implantable electronic device lead upgrade or revision
Authors: Al-Maisary Sameer , Romano Gabriele , Karck Matthias , De Simone Raffaele , Kremer Jamila
Published: May 2021

Background

The implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) has increased in the last decades with improvement in the quality of life of patients with cardiac rhythm disorders. The presence of bilateral subclavian, innominate or superior vena cava obstruction is a major limitation to device revision and/or upgrade.

Methods and material

This is retrospective study of patients who underwent laser-assisted lead extraction (LLE) (GlideLight laser sheath, Spectranetics Corporation, Colorado Springs, USA) with lead revision or upgrade using the laser sheath as a guide rail. Patients with known occlusion, severe stenosis or functional obstruction of the venous access vessels with indwelling leads were included in this study.

Results

106 patients underwent percutaneous LLE with lead revision and/or upgrade. Preoperative known complete occlusion or severe stenosis of access veins was present in 23 patients (21.5%). More patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) underwent LLE (64.1%) than patients with CRT-Ds (24.5%) and pacemaker patients (11.3%). In total 172 leads were extracted: 79 (45.9%) single-coil defibrillator leads, 35 (20.3%) dual-coil defibrillator leads, 31 (18.0%) right atrial leads, 24 (13.9%) right ventricular leads and three (1.7%) malfunctional coronary sinus left ventricular pacing leads. The mean age of leads was 99.2±65.6 months. The implantation of new leads after crossing the venous stenosis/obstruction was successful in 98 (92.4%) cases. Postoperative complications were pocket hematoma in two cases and wound infection in one case. No peri-operative and no immediate postoperative death was recorded. One intraoperative superior vena cava tear was treated by immediate thoracotomy and surgical repair.

Conclusion

In a single-center study on LLE in the presence of supra-cardiac occlusion of the central veins for CIED lead upgrade and revision we could demonstrate a low procedural complication rate with no procedural deaths. Most of the leads could be completely extracted to revise or upgrade the system. Our study showed a low complication rate, with acceptable mortality rates.
Postigo, Encarnación (ed.). 2018. Optimización de las competencias del traductor e intérprete: nuevas tecnologías-procesos cognitivos-estrategias. N.º de páginas: 163. Editorial: Frank & Timme. ISBN: 978-3-7329-0392-4
Authors: María de la Presentación Aguilera Crespillo
Published: May 2021

La editorial Frank & Time presenta el volumen Optimización de las Competencias del Traductor e Intérprete: nuevas tecnologías, procesos cognitivos estrategias, integrado por varios capítulos que son el resultado del trabajo en el seno de un proyecto de innovación educativa de investigadores en el marco de convenios de movilidad del programa europeo Erasmus + de las Universidades de Málaga, Pablo de Olavide (Sevilla), Gante y Portsmouth. Dicho volumen está disponible en acceso abierto en el sitio de la editorial.