bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antiperiodic dynamical behaviors of discontinuous neutral‐type Cohen‐Grossberg neural networks with mixed time delays
Authors: Kong Fanchao , Zhu Quanxin
Published: December 2019

This article presents a class of neutral‐type Cohen‐Grossberg neural networks with discontinuous activations and mixed time delays. Based on the functional differential inclusions theory, inequality technique, and nonsmooth analysis theory with Lyapunovlike approach, some new sufficient criteria are given to ascertain the existence, uniqueness, and globally exponential stability of the antiperiodic solution. Finally, two topical numerical examples and the corresponding computer simulations are delineated to substantiate the correctness of our theoretical predictions. The obtained results of this article are new and complement some related earlier works.
Cytological diagnosis of primary pineal germ cell tumour with a yolk sac component in cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Kalogeraki Alexandra , Tamiolakis Dimitrios , Katzilakis Nikolaos , Pelagiadis Iordanis , Raissaki Maria , Stiakaki Eftichia
Published: December 2019

We report the clinicocytopathological and immunocytopathological findings of a 13 year old male with mixed germ cell tumor including yolk sac elements. This case was diagnosed by cytology and confirmed by immunocytochemistry in cerebrospinal fluid smears. MRI findings favored malignancy such as lymphoma and germinoma. As beta‐ΗCG was elevated in serum and cerebrospinal fluid, lymphoma was ruled out and histological confirmation of the diagnosis of germinoma was not necessary. The presence of AFP positive, βHCG positive, c‐kit positive, and PLAP positive cells, established the diagnosis.
Are the cardiovascular and kidney benefits of empagliflozin influenced by baseline glucose‐lowering therapy?
Authors: Inzucchi Silvio E. , Fitchett David , Jurišić‐Eržen Dubravka , Woo Vincent , Hantel Stefan , Janista Christina , Kaspers Stefan , George Jyothis T. , Zinman Bernard ,   on behalf of the EMPA‐REG OUTCOME® Investigators
Published: December 2019

Aims

In the EMPA‐REG OUTCOME® trial, the sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor empagliflozin when given in addition to standard care improved cardiovascular (CV) and renal outcomes, and reduced mortality. Trial participants were on a variety of glucose‐lowering therapies at baseline, some of which could potentially affect CV risk. This analysis investigated whether the use of background diabetes therapy affected the risk of CV death, hospitalizations for heart failure, and progression of chronic kidney disease, among patients treated with empagliflozin.

Materials and methods

Patients meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomized to placebo, empagliflozin 10 mg or empagliflozin 25 mg; glucose‐lowering therapy was to remain unchanged for 12 weeks and then adjusted to achieve glycaemic control according to local guidelines. Differences in risk of cardio‐renal outcomes between empagliflozin and placebo by baseline use of metformin, sulphonylurea (SU) and insulin were assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Of 7020 eligible patients, 74% were receiving metformin, 43% SU and 48% insulin at baseline (each alone or in combination); the most common regimens were metformin plus SU (20%) and metformin plus insulin (20%). Empagliflozin reduced the risk of CV death irrespective of the use of: metformin [with: hazard ratio (HR) 0.71 (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.54–0.94); without: 0.46 (0.32–0.68); Pinteraction = 0.07]; SU [with: HR 0.64 (0.44–0.92); without: 0.61 (0.46–0.81); Pinteraction = 0.85]; or insulin [with: HR 0.63 (0.46–0.85); without: 0.61 (0.44–0.85); Pinteraction = 0.92]. Reductions in three‐point major adverse CV events, hospitalizations for heart failure, and all‐cause mortality were consistent across subgroups of baseline therapies. Empagliflozin reduced the risks of incident or worsening nephropathy versus placebo irrespective of the use of SU or insulin at baseline (Pinteraction > 0.05), but there was a greater reduction in this risk for patients not using metformin [HR 0.47 (95% CI 0.37–0.59)] versus those using metformin [HR 0.68 (95% CI 0.58–0.79)] at baseline (Pinteraction = 0.01).

Conclusions

The addition of empagliflozin to antihyperglycaemic regimens of patients with type 2 diabetes and CV disease consistently reduced their risks of adverse CV outcomes and mortality irrespective of baseline use of metformin, SU or insulin. For chronic kidney disease progression, there may be a larger benefit from empagliflozin in those patients who are not using metformin.
Input–Output Linkages and Sectoral Volatility
Authors: Olabisi Michael
Published: December 2019

Why are some sectors more volatile than others? This paper uncovers evidence of an empirical regularity in the US economy: upstream sectors that are far removed from final consumers have higher levels of output volatility. The relationship between volatility and upstreamness is not driven by sector size, sector concentration, trade openness or the level of aggregation at which sectors are defined. Rather, the paper shows a stronger link between upstreamness and nominal output volatility, than with indexes of real output volatility. Aggregate exports at the national level also reflect the empirical regularity of higher volatility with upstreamness: Export volatility is higher in economies with trade portfolios dominated by upstream sectors. On average, reducing the upstreamness of exports by 1 also reduces aggregate export volatility by about 10%. The pattern of higher volatility for upstream sectors is explained with a model of demand shock transmission between sectors.
Electrophysiological evidence of the differential modulation of approach‐related processes toward attractive foods by immersive or mindful viewing conditions
Authors: Baquedano Constanza , Lopez Vladimir , Cosmelli Diego , Lutz Antoine
Published: December 2019

Awareness of mental events as mere representations rather than as accurate depictions of reality, also known as dereification, is one of the key features of mindfulness meditation. Dereification is juxtaposed to subjective realism, the process of being lost or totally immersed in the contents of one's mind. Excessive subjective realism is a hallmark of several psychiatric disorders. Here, we investigated whether a “mindful” (dereified) compared with an “immersed” (highly subjectively real) attitude, induced by instructions, differentially modulates approach‐avoidance tendencies when processing visual stimuli. We presented novices and experienced meditators with neutral and attractive food images under both mindful and immersed states. Then, participants performed an approach–avoidance Task (AAT) during which we obtained behavioral data, salivary volume, EEG recordings, and self‐report measures. The approach bias toward attractive food was correlated with N2 amplitude, a marker of response inhibition, and the regulation of this bias by the mindful instruction compared to the immersed instruction was associated with a modulation of the visual N1 amplitude, a marker of early selective attention. Individuals with more expertise in mindfulness meditation engaged in less late affective reappraisal during mindfulness than during immersion, as measured by lower amplitude in the late positive potential (LPP). Additionally, the ERPs sensitive to the AAT manipulation was also associated to self‐report measures of subjective realism, food bias, and mindfulness meditation expertise but not to salivation measures. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms by which mindfulness‐based interventions could be effective in a range of psychiatric conditions.
Magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological evaluation of equine oblique sesamoidean ligaments
Authors: Ellis Katie L. , Barrett Myra F. , Selberg Kurt T. , Frisbie David D.
Published: December 2019

Background

Pathology involving the oblique sesamoidean ligaments (OSLs) is commonly diagnosed during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the equine distal limb. Presence of striations within the ligament and magic angle artefact can result in an incorrect diagnosis of pathological change. No studies have been performed using histopathology, the gold standard, to corroborate their imaging diagnosis.

Objectives

(a) To determine which MRI characteristics are associated with normal vs abnormal OSLs and (b) to evaluate the ability of MRI to correctly identify abnormal vs normal oblique sesamoidean ligaments using histopathology as the gold standard.

Study design

Observational, cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Cadaver limbs (n = 77) were obtained from horses (n = 21) subjected to euthanasia at the hospital. MRI and histopathology was performed on each of the limbs. MRI scoring was performed for multiple MRI characteristics, and each limb was deemed normal or abnormal. Histopathology scoring was performed to give an overall score of normal or abnormal. Mixed model logistic regression was performed to evaluate which MRI characteristics were associated with normal vs abnormal OSLs using backwards elimination and a significance level of <0.1. Sensitivity and specificity were also calculated.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of MRI to correctly identify abnormal OSLs was 81% (95% CI 54%‐96%) and 90% (95% CI 79%‐96%) respectively. Based on logistic regression, increased cross‐sectional area at the origin (OR: 26.77, 95% CI 1.1‐4640, P = .07), increased ligament hyperintensity (OR: 9.59, 95% CI 1.23‐155; P = .04) and reduction in striations (increased hypointensity score) (OR: 7.8, 95% CI 0.72‐218, P = .07) were associated with abnormal OSL.

Main limitations

Lameness exam was not performed on any of the horses prior to euthanasia. Findings can only be applied to chronic, degenerative changes, rather than an acute injury.

Conclusions

Increased cross‐sectional area and changes in the signal intensity are associated with pathology within the OSLs. Medial to lateral size asymmetry and striation pattern variation can occur in histologically normal OSLs and should be interpreted with caution if other signs of pathology are absent.
Blockade of CCR5 in melanoma: An alternative immune checkpoint modulator
Authors: Escandon Brehm Julia , Bedogni Barbara
Published: December 2019

Melanoma is a deadly tumor, which in recent years has been successfully treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors as PD‐1/PD‐L1 and CTLA‐4 inhibitors and targeted therapy as BRAF and MEK inhibitors. However, immunotherapy poses deleterious side effects and pursuit of new therapeutic targets is warranted. As knowledge of tumor immunology advances, such targets are being recognized. C‐motif chemokine receptor‐5 (CCR5) is a receptor found on immune cells whose effects impact the immune response both to induce inflammation and to activate suppressor cells causing an anti‐inflammatory effect. CCR5 is well known as a target for HIV therapy where its blockade is efficient and safe, it is also known that its mutation CCR5delta32 is for the most part non‐pathological to its carriers. In oncology, activation of the CCR5 receptor has been observed in high‐stage disease and CCR5 blockade has been associated with an increased immune response. In this letter, we build up the rationale to utilize CCR5 as a therapeutic target for metastatic melanoma.
Risk assessment of small‐scale reef fisheries off the Abrolhos Bank: Snappers and groupers under a multidimensional evaluation
Authors: Previero Marília , Gasalla Maria A.
Published: December 2019

In the Abrolhos Bank (Southwest Atlantic), multidimensional indicators were used in sustainability assessments of data‐poor reef fisheries. Potential impacts, risks and stocks vulnerabilities were evaluated based on biological, environmental, social and economic aspects by combining both adapted productivity and susceptibility analysis (PSA) and scale intensity consequence analysis (SICA). Data were obtained from local surveys with stakeholders and experts and from literature. A value chain map revealed final consumers at many locations and middleman presence. Vulnerability to overexploitation ranged from low (Cephalopholis fulva (L.), Lutjanus synagris (L.) and Ocyurus chrysurus (Bloch)) to moderate (Lutjanus jocu (Bloch & Schneider), Epinephelus morio (Val.) and Mycteroperca bonaci Poey). While moderate consequences of the catches were observed to C. fulva, major consequences were identified to the other five stocks. The main threat to coral reef habitats was found to be mining wastes. Poor governance may constrain fisheries sustainability in the region, while the empowerment of fishers in both governance and post‐harvest processes should enhance it.
Synchronous biological feedbacks in parrotfishes associated with pantropical coral bleaching
Authors: Taylor Brett M. , Benkwitt Cassandra E. , Choat Howard , Clements Kendall D. , Graham Nicholas A. J. , Meekan Mark G.
Published: December 2019

Biological feedbacks generated through patterns of disturbance are vital for sustaining ecosystem states. Recent ocean warming and thermal anomalies have caused pantropical episodes of coral bleaching, which has led to widespread coral mortality and a range of subsequent effects on coral reef communities. Although the response of many reef‐associated fishes to major disturbance events on coral reefs is negative (e.g., reduced abundance and condition), parrotfishes show strong feedbacks after disturbance to living reef structure manifesting as increases in abundance. However, the mechanisms underlying this response are poorly understood. Using biochronological reconstructions of annual otolith (ear stone) growth from two ocean basins, we tested whether parrotfish growth was enhanced following bleaching‐related coral mortality, thus providing an organismal mechanism for demographic changes in populations. Both major feeding guilds of parrotfishes (scrapers and excavators) exhibited enhanced growth of individuals after bleaching that was decoupled from expected thermal performance, a pattern that was not evident in other reef fish taxa from the same environment. These results provide evidence for a more nuanced ecological feedback system—one where disturbance plays a key role in mediating parrotfish–benthos interactions. By influencing the biology of assemblages, disturbance can thereby stimulate change in parrotfish grazing intensity and ultimately reef geomorphology over time. This feedback cycle operated historically at within‐reef scales; however, our results demonstrate that the scale, magnitude, and severity of recent thermal events are entraining the biological responses of disparate communities to respond in synchrony. This may fundamentally alter feedbacks in the relationships between parrotfishes and reef systems.
Interfacial reactions between Ti and Y2O3/Ca4Ti3O10 composites
Authors: Lu Ming‐Wei , Lin Kun‐Lin , Lin Chien‐Cheng
Published: December 2019

In titanium casting, the interfacial reactions between selected Y2O3/Ca4Ti3O10 composites in contact with titanium at 1600°C for 30 minutes in an argon environment were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and analytical transmission electron microscopy. Before contact with titanium, reaction phases of the Y2O3/Ca4Ti3O10 composites formed through hot pressing at 1500°C or annealing at 1600°C. These phases were identified as Ca4Ti3O10, Y2O3, and minor amounts of CaO. The amount of Ca4Ti3O10 in the composites gradually decreased as the amount of Y2O3 increased. When the Y2O3/Ca4Ti3O10 composites were in contact with titanium, a reaction layer of α‐Ti and Y2O3 was formed near the interface of the composite side. Large amounts of calcium and oxygen were expelled toward the composite side from Ca4Ti3O10 near the interface to form CaO, which precipitated in the Ca4Ti3O10 and Y2O3 phases. Furthermore, no reaction phases were detected in titanium. Ca4Ti3O10 and Y2O3 can function as diffusion barrier layers to effectively suppress the diffusion of oxygen into titanium.
Unplanned readmission of patients with heart transplantation in 1 year: A retrospective study
Authors: Kim Moon‐Jeong , Kim Kisook
Published: December 2019

Aim

To investigate readmission rate and its association with patient characteristics to identify key risk factors associated with unplanned readmission in 1 year after heart transplantation.

Background

Unplanned readmission after heart transplantation due to complications affects patients’ quality of life and long‐term survival rate.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Individual, disease‐related and therapeutic characteristics were included from electronic medical records. Participants were 484 adult patients who underwent heart transplantation between 1992 ‐ 2016 at a tertiary hospital in Korea.

Results

A total of 204 patients underwent unplanned readmission. The most frequent causes were infection or rejection. Multivariate analysis revealed hypertension and pre‐operative estimated glomerular filtration rate to be risk factors for unplanned readmission.

Conclusion

Early screening educational programs and interventions based on recommended risk factors are needed to reduce the unplanned readmission rate of heart transplantation patients.

Impact

Nurses who care for heart‐transplanted patients should initially assess risk factors during the postoperative and recovery periods to reduce risk of readmission following surgery. These findings may contribute to early assessment criteria and development of discharge nursing education materials.
Soil protist diversity in the Swiss western Alps is better predicted by topo‐climatic than by edaphic variables
Authors: Seppey Christophe V. W. , Broennimann Olivier , Buri Aline , Yashiro Erika , Pinto‐Figueroa Eric , Singer David , Blandenier Quentin , Mitchell Edward A. D. , Niculita‐Hirzel Hélène , Guisan Antoine , Lara Enrique
Published: December 2019

Aim

Trends in spatial patterns of diversity in macroscopic organisms can be well predicted from correlative models, using topo‐climatic variables for plants and animals allowing inference over large scales. By contrast, diversity in soil microorganisms is generally considered as mostly driven by edaphic variables and, therefore, difficult to extrapolate on a large spatial scale based on predictive models. Here, we compared the power of topo‐climatic versus edaphic variables for predicting the diversity of various soil protist groups at the regional scale.

Location

Swiss western Alps.

Taxa

Full protist community and nine clades belonging respectively to three functional groups: parasites (Apicomplexa, Peronosporomycetes and Phytomyxea), phagotrophs (Sarcomonadea, Tubulinea and Spirotrichea) and phototrophs (Chlorophyta, Trebouxiophyceae and Diatomeae).

Methods

We extracted soil DNA from 178 sites along a wide range of elevations with a random‐stratified sampling design. We defined protist Operational Taxonomic Units assemblages by metabarcoding of the V4 region of the rRNA small subunit gene. We assessed and modelled the diversity (Shannon index) patterns of all above‐mentioned taxonomic groups based on topo‐climatic (topography, slope southness, slope steepness and average summer temperature) and edaphic (soil temperature, relative humidity, pH, electroconductivity, phosphorus percentage, carbon/nitrogen, loss on ignition and shale percentage) variables in Generalized Additive Models (GAM).

Results

The respective significance of topo‐climatic and edaphic variables varied among taxonomic and—to a certain extent—functional groups: while many variables explained significantly the diversity of the three phototrophs this was less the case for the three parasites. Topo‐climatic variables had a better predictive power than edaphic variables, yet predictive power varied among taxonomic groups.

Main conclusions

Topo‐climatic variables (particularly slope steepness and summer temperature if we consider their significance in the GAMs) were, on average, better predictors of protist diversity at the landscape scale than edaphic variables. However, the predictive power of these variables on diversity differed considerably among taxonomic groups; such relationships may be due to direct and/or indirect (e.g. biotic) influences (like with parasitic taxa, where low predictive power is most likely explained by the absence of information on the hosts’ distribution). Future prospects include using such spatial models to predict hotspots of diversity and disease outbreaks.
Melanoma of the nail apparatus: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of current challenges and prognosis
Authors: Lieberherr S. , Cazzaniga S. , Haneke E. , Hunger R.E. , Seyed Jafari S.M.
Published: December 2019

Nail apparatus melanoma (NAM) is a rare dermatologic malignancy. Its prognosis is poor because it is often diagnosed late. However, progression and survival of NAM patients have only been studied among small populations. Early biopsy could help to identify suspicious lesions at a less invasive stage. While surgery is generally seen as the treatment of choice, the extent of excision margins and the use of sentinel biopsy remain debated. This systematic review aims to summarize the treatment procedures and observed prognosis in the literature during the last two decades and present pooled survival and progression rates of NAM by using meta‐analysis. A systematic review on studies assessing pathology, treatment and prognosis of NAM was carried out up to end of 2018. After evaluation of eligible studies, the main emerging topics were outlined and pooled survival outcomes estimated. A total of 30 articles out of 624 identified records were included for systematic review. Finally, meta‐analysis of pooled mortality rates including 18 studies was 4.6 × 100 patient‐years (95% CI: 2.7, 6.8) equivalent to 5‐year cumulative survival of 77.0%. Additionally, the pooled progression rate based on 17 studies was 6.3 × 100 patient‐years (95% CI: 4.1, 8.9) with estimated 5‐year cumulative progression‐free survival of 68.5%. While the optimal extent of surgical treatment remains debated, prompt biopsy could help to identify early lesions. This is the first study to present pooled survival and progression rates by meta‐analysis.
Daylight photodynamic therapy for prevention of new actinic keratosis and keratinocyte carcinomas in organ transplants. A cryotherapy‐controlled randomized clinical trial
Authors: Bernad I. , Aguado L. , Núñez‐Córdoba J.M. , Redondo P.
Published: December 2019

Background

Organ transplant recipients (OTR) have a higher risk of actinic keratosis (AK) and keratinocyte carcinomas (KC). There are no clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of daylight photodynamic therapy (DPDT) to prevent new AK and KC in OTR.

Objectives

To determine whether repeated treatments of field cancerization with DPDT are effective in preventing new AK and KC in OTR.

Methods

A randomized, intra‐subject controlled, evaluator‐blind, split‐face and/or scalp trial, from April 2016 to October 2018. Participants were OTR older than 18 years, 1‐year posttransplant, with at least 5 AK on each hemi‐face/hemi‐scalp. One side received six field treatments with DPDT: two sessions 15 days apart at baseline, two at 3 months and two at 9 months after baseline. Control side received lesion‐directed treatment with cryotherapy (double freeze–thaw) at baseline, 3 and 9 months. Total number of lesions (AK and KC) at 21 months, number of new AK and KC at 3, 9, 15 and 21 months and treatment preferences were analysed.

Results

Of 24 men included, 23 were analysed at 3 months; and 21, at 9, 15 and 21 months. Mean (SD) age was 69.8 years (9.2). The total number of lesions at 21 months was 4.7 (4.3) for DPDT and 5.8 (5.0) for control side; P = 0.09. DPDT showed significantly lower means [SD] of new lesions compared to control side at 3 months (4.2 [3.4] vs. 6.8 [4.8]; P < 0.001), 9 months (3.0 [3.3] vs. 4.3 [3.4]; P = 0.04) and 15 months (3.0 [4.6] vs. 4.8 [5.0]; P = 0.02), and non‐significant at 21 months (3.7 [3.5] vs. 5.0 [4.5]; P = 0.06). Most participants preferred DPDT.

Conclusion

DPDT showed potential effectiveness in preventing new AK and KC in OTR by consecutive treatments of field cancerization. The preference for DPDT could facilitate adherence to the long‐term treatment necessary in these patients.
Prospective comparison of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance enterography and contrast enhanced computed tomography enterography for the detection of ileocolonic Crohn's disease
Authors: Yu Hao , Wang Yanchun , Wang Zi , Li Jianjun , Lu Jingyu , Hu Daoyu
Published: December 2019

Background and Aims

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic and relapsing course with various status of different segments, and there were no investigations comparing the lesion detection between magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) in term of the severity of CD. We aim to assess the performances of diffusion‐weighted MR enterography (DW‐MRE) and contrast enhanced CT enterography (CTE) for detecting different grade lesions in ileocolonic CD.

Methods

Forty‐one consecutive patients finally diagnosed with ileocolonic CD were included. All the patients prospectively underwent DW‐MRE, contrast enhanced CTE, and ileocolonoscopy within 2 weeks. DW‐MRE and CTE images were interpreted for the presence or absence of active CD segments by two experienced radiologists independently. Ileocolonic segments (terminal ileum, right colon, transverse colon, left colon, and rectum) were graded as inactive (0–2), mild (3–6), or moderate–severe (≥ 7) by the simplified endoscopic score for CD (SES‐CD). Diagnostic efficiencies of DW‐MRE and CTE for mild and/or moderate–severe CD segments were calculated and compared, using ileocolonoscopy as reference standard.

Results

According to SES‐CD, 190 ileocolonic segments from 41 CD patients were scored as 91 inactive, 68 mild, and 31 moderate–severe CD lesions. The sensitivity of DW‐MRE for detecting active from inactive segments was higher than that of CTE, and the specificities of them had no significant differences. As for the subgroup analysis, DW‐MRE was more sensitive for mild CD lesions than CTE (76.5% vs 60.3%; P = 0.019), while the sensitivities for moderate–severe CD were similar between these two modalities (96.8% for DW‐MRE and 93.5% for CTE; P = 1.00).

Conclusions

Both DW‐MRE and CTE had comparably excellent performances for moderate–severe CD detection; DW‐MRE demonstrated better sensitivity in mild lesions compared with CTE and could be more suitable for the diagnosis of mild CD.
Consensus on eradication of Helicobacter pylori and prevention and control of gastric cancer in China (2019, Shanghai)
Authors: Du Yiqi , Zhu Huiyun , Liu Jiong , Li Jingnan , Chang Xin , Zhou Liya , Chen Minhu , Lu Nonghua , Li Zhaoshen
Published: December 2019

Background and Aim

China is a country with high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, which in turn is closely related to the occurrence of gastric cancer. Therefore, the risks of H. pylori infection and gastric cancer are highly overlapping, and the prevention and treatment of H. pylori infection are necessary to prevent gastric cancer.

Methods

Based on evidence‐based medicine and the Delphi method, the National Clinical Medical Research Center for Digestive Disease along with the National Early Gastrointestinal Cancer Prevention and Treatment Center Alliance organized dozens of experts in the fields of digestive diseases, H. pylori research, gastric cancer surgery, epidemiology, health economics, and health management to discuss the relationship between H. pylori eradication and prevention and the treatment of gastric cancer.

Results

A preliminary consensus on the relationship between H. pylori infection and gastric cancer, H. pylori eradication and gastric cancer prevention, and H. pylori screening and eradication strategy was reached. The consensus further clarified the relationship between H. pylori and gastric cancer and how to formulate future prevention and control strategies for gastric cancer.

Conclusions

This consensus could provide guidance on early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of H. pylori to reduce the occurrence of gastric cancer in China.
New insights into gibberellin signaling in regulating flowering in Arabidopsis
Authors: Bao Shengjie , Hua Changmei , Shen Lisha , Yu Hao
Published: December 2019

In angiosperms, floral transition is a key developmental transition from the vegetative to reproductive growth, and requires precise regulation to maximize the reproductive success. A complex regulatory network governs this transition through integrating flowering pathways in response to multiple exogenous and endogenous cues. Phytohormones are essential for proper plant developmental regulation and have been extensively studied for their involvement in the floral transition. Among various phytohormones, gibberellin (GA) plays a major role in affecting flowering in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The GA pathway interact with other flowering genetic pathways and phytohormone signaling pathways through either DELLA proteins or mediating GA homeostasis. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of DELLA‐mediated GA pathway in flowering time control in Arabidopsis, and discuss its possible link with other phytohormone pathways during the floral transition.
The mycolic acid reductase Rv2509 has distinct structural motifs and is essential for growth in slow‐growing mycobacteria
Authors: Javid Asma , Cooper Charlotte , Singh Albel , Schindler Steffen , Hänisch Milena , Marshall Robert L. , Kalscheuer Rainer , Bavro Vassiliy N. , Bhatt Apoorva
Published: December 2019

The final step in mycolic acid biosynthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is catalysed by mycolyl reductase encoded by the Rv2509 gene. Sequence analysis and homology modelling indicate that Rv2509 belongs to the short‐chain fatty acid dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) family, but with some distinct features that warrant its classification as belonging to a novel family of short‐chain dehydrogenases. In particular, the predicted structure revealed a unique α‐helical C‐terminal region which we demonstrated to be essential for Rv2509 function, though this region did not seem to play any role in protein stabilisation or oligomerisation. We also show that unlike the M. smegmatis homologue which was not essential for growth, Rv2509 was an essential gene in slow‐growing mycobacteria. A knockdown strain of the BCG2529 gene, the Rv2509 homologue in Mycobacterium bovis BCG, was unable to grow following the conditional depletion of BCG2529. This conditional depletion also led to a reduction of mature mycolic acid production and accumulation of intermediates derived from 3‐oxo‐mycolate precursors. Our studies demonstrate novel features of the mycolyl reductase Rv2509 and outline its role in mycobacterial growth, highlighting its potential as a new target for therapies.
Regular dental attendance and periodontal health knowledge: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Varela‐Centelles Pablo , Diz‐Iglesias Pedro , Estany‐Gestal Ana , Blanco‐Hortas Andrés , Bugarín‐González Rosendo , Seoane‐Romero Juan M.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To explore dental clinics’ performance on periodontal education by comparing knowledge about periodontal health of regular and inconsistent dental attenders.

Subjects and Methods

A population‐based study with a cross‐sectional design was performed in Galicia (Northwestern Spain). Participants were randomly selected from 16 different areas and a questionnaire applied face‐to‐face. The survey included items on socio‐demographic features, habits and routines, periodontal status and periodontal health knowledge. Participants were grouped according to the median of overall knowledge, and a logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship between good periodontal knowledge and frequency of dental visits.

Results

A total of 8,206 individuals were invited to enter the study, and 3,553 of them accepted the invitation (43.3%). Most participants (59.3%; n = 1,945) fit within the regular dental attenders’ group. Younger women holding a university degree and visiting their dentist regularly elicited higher knowledge about periodontal health. Regular use of dental services increased the chances of being in the higher knowledge group (OR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.40–2.00).

Conclusions

Reported regular dental attendance is related to periodontal health knowledge. Specific interventions for promoting tailored patient education on periodontal topics during routine dental visits may have a positive effect on laypersons’ knowledge about periodontal health.
Ultrasonographic confirmation of endotracheal intubation in extremely low birthweigh infants – secondary publication
Authors: Takeuchi Syusuke , Arai Junichi , Nagafuji Motomichi , Hinata Ayako , Kamakura Tae , Hoshino Yusuke , Yukitake Yoshiya
Published: December 2019

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of ultrasonography (US) for confirmation of endotracheal tube (ETT) placement during resuscitation in extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of ELBW infants in whom ETT position was verified using US between June 2016 and September 2017. We investigated the backgrounds of the patients and US investigators, and the time required for the detection of exhaled carbon dioxide using the colorimetric method and US.

Results

Eleven ELBW infants were evaluated using US by four neonatologists. The median duration required to determine the ETT position by the colorimetric method and US were 11 s and 3 s, respectively. In six ELBW infants, we were able to verify the ETT position more rapidly using US than using the colorimetric method, and were able to perform prompt resuscitation. Unnecessary reintubations were avoided in three ELBW infants.

Conclusion

Ultrasonography allowed the swift confirmation of the tracheal intubations. The colorimetric method yielded false negative results; in such cases, unnecessary reintubation could have been avoided if US was used. We assessed the mechanism of false negative results and performed appropriate resuscitation.
Investigating mechanisms of social support effectiveness: The case of locomotion motivation
Authors: Zee Katherine S. , Kumashiro Madoka
Published: December 2019

Although social support can entail costs, individuals with a higher locomotion orientation, who are motivated to move and take action, benefit from support. Two dyadic studies tested whether perceived movement toward important goals would mediate the effect of recipients' locomotion motivation on positive outcomes in support contexts. In Study 1, couples completed a 10‐day diary and then recalled support interactions with their partner after the diary period. In Study 2, couples engaged in laboratory support interactions for important goals. Perceived goal movement mediated the effect of higher (vs. lower) locomotion on self‐reported ratings and coder ratings of support outcomes. Higher locomotion recipients may benefit in support contexts because they perceive they can move smoothly toward their goals.
Catherine of Siena: a Dominican political thinker in fourteenth‐century Italy*
Authors: Davies Eloise
Published: December 2019

Catherine of Siena (1347‐1380) is well known as a saint and mystic with a colourful biography. Recent scholarship has begun to recognise Catherine's substantial political contributions. She wrote letters to notable political figures including Bernabò Visconti and Pope Gregory XI, and also brought her influence to bear in person, visiting numerous Tuscan cities as well as Avignon and Rome. There has been little investigation, however, into the relationship between Catherine's writings and major political discourses of the period. This article offers evidence that Catherine should be viewed within the bonum commune tradition of high medieval political thought. Like other Dominican political thinkers of the period, Catherine was particularly interested in the concept of caritas, which she used to justify her involvement in political disputes such as the War of the Eight Saints (1375–8) between the papacy and Florence, and the disputed papal elections of 1378. Recognising that the content of Catherine's writings was political as well as spiritual provides an important counterpoint to accounts of late fourteenth‐century Italian political thought which give excessive prominence to 'secularising' humanists. This study also challenges lingering assumptions that the political thought of the early Renaissance must be studied through a narrow (and male) canon.
A bloody carnival? Charles V’s soldiers and the sack of Rome in 1527
Authors: Sherer Idan
Published: December 2019

The sack of Rome in 1527 was one of the most violent and shocking events in early modern European history, especially when considering the spread of Lutheranism in the Holy Roman Empire and the general dubious status of Rome in Europe. Most studies usually and naturally focus on the extraordinary effects of the sack while offering a superficial and simplistic exploration of the experience and motivations of the sacking soldiers. In this article I would like to suggest that the sack offered the deprived soldiers a temporary opportunity to violently undermine the prevalent social order. A “time out of time”, and much like the medieval and early modern carnival, the sack provided the soldiers with an opportunity to act under a set of norms and ideals that would have seemed peculiar and even socially and culturally offensive under normal circumstances.
Chromametric assessment of drug skin tolerance: A comparative study between Africans and Caucasians skins
Authors: Sounouvou Hope T. , Lechanteur Anna , Quetin‐Leclercq Joëlle , Piel Géraldine , Donneau Anne‐Françoise , Gbaguidi Fernand , Evrard Brigitte
Published: December 2019

Background/Aims

During dermatological forms development, one of the simplest non‐invasive techniques used to evaluate cutaneous tolerance of formulations is to monitor the color changes using a tristimulus chromameter. Most published tolerance studies involving chromametric measurements are performed on Caucasian subjects. However, in the context of drug formulation for African‐type populations, it is not always relevant to transpose tolerance results obtained on Caucasians populations to African‐type ones due to histological ethnic differences of the skin. The goal of this work was to assess whether tristimulus chromameter can be used to highlight color variations following the application of dermatological topics on black skin in order to validate skin tolerance studies made on African‐type subjects.

Materials and Methods

After application of two commercial creams with opposite side effects (skin irritation and skin blanching) in both Africans and Caucasians populations, color variations were evaluated using a tristimulus chromameter in L*a*b* color system and compared between both populations. L* indicating color brightness, a* represents green and red directions and b* represents blue and yellow directions.

Results

While skin irritation resulted in a significant increase of a* parameter in both studied populations, the skin blanching resulted in a decrease of a* associated with an increase of L*.

Conclusion

We established that tristimulus chromameter can be used to achieve in vivo skin tolerance study of dermatologic formulations in Africans despite their dark skin even though it appeared less sensitive. This study can speed up the development of dermatological forms dedicated to Africans and/or Caucasians subjects.
Incidence of Febrile Neutropenia in Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Recipients on levofloxacin prophylaxis
Authors: Signorelli Jessie , Zimmer Andrea , Liewer Susanne , Shostrom Valerie K. , Freifeld Alison
Published: December 2019

Background

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients are not uniformly considered as “high risk” enough to receive fluoroquinolone (FQ) prophylaxis. The risks versus benefits of FQ prophylaxis in autologous HSCT require further investigation.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients > 19 years old who received an autologous HSCT at Nebraska Medicine analyzed two time periods (period 1: no prophylaxis [2013‐2015] versus period 2: levofloxacin prophylaxis [2015‐2016]) to characterize the clinical impact of levofloxacin prophylaxis on autologous HSCT recipients.

Results

A total of 224 autologous HSCT were screened with 214 included. Febrile neutropenia (FN) developed in 101/113 (89%) versus 60/101 (59%) patients in the no prophylaxis (NPx) versus prophylaxis (Px) group (P < .01). Time to onset of FN was a median 6 versus 7 days (P = .01), and total bloodstream infections (BSI) were 33/113 (29%) versus 7/101 (7%) (P < .01) in NPx and Px groups, respectively. Gram‐negative BSI were absent in the Px group. Viridans group streptococci were the most common Gram‐positive BSI overall, with FQ‐resistance more common in Px recipients. Rates of Clostridium difficile infections, length of hospital stay, or death at 100 days post‐HSCT did not differ between the groups.

Conclusion

Fluoroquinolone prophylaxis introduced into autologous HSCT care at our institution in 2015 resulted in prevention of Gram‐negative BSI, decreased rates of FN, microbiologically documented infections, and a delay in time to onset of FN compared with the prior NPx. FQ prophylaxis in autologous HSCT recipients should be evaluated per individual institution.
Classification of Online Grooming on Chat Logs Using Two Term Weighting Schemes
Authors: Sulaiman Nur Rafeeqkha , Md. Siraj Maheyzah
Published: December 2019

Due to the growth of Internet, it has not only become the medium for getting information, it has also become a platform for communicating. Social Network Service (SNS) is one of the main platform where Internet users can communicate by distributing, sharing of information and knowledge. Chatting has become a popular communication medium for Internet users whereby users can communicate directly and privately with each other. However, due to the privacy of chat rooms or chatting mediums, the content of chat logs is not monitored and not filtered. Thus, easing cyber predators preying on their preys. Cyber groomers are one of cyber predators who prey on children or minors to satisfy their sexual desire. Workforce expertise that involve in intelligence gathering always deals with difficulty as the complexity of crime increases, human errors and time constraints. Hence, it is difficult to prevent undesired content, such as grooming conversation, in chat logs. An investigation on two term weighting schemes on two datasets are used to improve the content-based classification techniques. This study aims to improve the content-based classification accuracy on chat logs by comparing two term weighting schemes in classifying grooming contents. Two term weighting schemes namely Term Frequency – Inverse Document Frequency – Inverse Class Space Density Frequency (TF.IDF.ICSdF) and Fuzzy Rough Feature Selection (FRFS) are used as feature selection process in filtering chat logs. The performance of these techniques were examined via datasets, and the accuracy of their result was measured by Support Vector Machine (SVM). TF.IDF.ICSdF and FRFS are judged based on accuracy, precision, recall and F score measurement.
Integrating Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in a Collaborative User Interface
Authors: Nor'a Muhammad Nur Affendy , Ismail Ajune Wanis
Published: December 2019

Application that adopts collaborative system allows multiple users to interact with other users in the same virtual space either in Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR). This paper aims to integrate the VR and AR space in a Collaborative User Interface that enables the user to cooperate with other users in a different type of interfaces in a single shared space manner. The gesture interaction technique is proposed as the interaction tool in both of the virtual spaces as it can provide a more natural gesture interaction when interacting with the virtual object. The integration of VR and AR space provide a cross-discipline shared data interchange through the network protocol of client-server architecture.
Designing User Interaction using Gesture and Speech for Mixed Reality Interface
Authors: Aladin Mohamad Yahya Fekri , Ismail Ajune Wanis
Published: December 2019

Mixed Reality (MR) is the next evolution of humans interacting with computer as MR can combine the physical environment and digital environment and making them coexist with each other [1]. Interaction is still a valid research area in MR, and this paper focuses on interaction rather than other research areas such as tracking, calibration, and display [2] because the current interaction technique still not intuitive enough to let the user interact with the computer. This paper explores the user interaction using gesture and speech interaction for 3D object manipulation in mixed reality environment. The paper explains the design stage that involves interaction using gesture and speech inputs to enhance user experience in MR workspace. After acquiring gesture input and speech commands, MR prototype is proposed to integrate the interaction technique using gesture and speech.  The paper concludes with results and discussion.
Regulatory Architecture of Data Processing for Connected and Automated Driving in Europe
Authors: Shevchenko Olga
Published: December 2019

The beginning of the 2020s ought to reflect a steady conclusion of the vast majority of the European Union’s projects with regards to the new era of connectivity and mobility within the European Union dimension. We expect Intelligent Connected Vehicles (ICVs) to step into free circulation within the internal market. Since the operation of the ICVs depends on the number of data processing operations, data processing operations should be precisely determined and framed beforehand. ICVs data operations consist of extraordinarily large volumes and velocity of a data flow which previously existed in traditional relational database systems and could not have been processed within the desired timeframe. Even though the currently adopted database systems are ready to face the new level of data processing, a huge data stream is also faced with complex obstacles and new risks which have never been experienced beforehand.While seeking to ensure safe and secure introduction of a new level of data processing for connectivity and automation at the European Union market, the author precisely examines all potential risks and possibilities of integration into a uniform legal regulation to ensure secured ICVs data processing at all levels. The regulatory framework should document adequate security requirements and defences against ICVs attacks e.g. interference and remote-control interception.