bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Positive aging benefits of home and community gardening activities: Older adults report enhanced self-esteem, productive endeavours, social engagement and exercise
Authors: Scott Theresa L , Masser Barbara M , Pachana Nancy A
Published: January 2020

Objectives:

This study examined relationships between home and community gardening and older adults’ self-reported psychosocial and physical well-being, attitudes to aging relative to gardening activities and benefits of membership to a gardening group.

Methods:

A survey addressing (a) demographic characteristics, (b) gardening interests and sentiments, (c) activities, (d) benefits, (e) self-rated health and quality of life and (f) attitudes to aging was administered online and via mail-out.

Results:

Participants, 331 gardeners aged 60–95 years from Australia, reported numerous benefits from leisure gardening. According to multiple regression analysis, Restoration and Physical benefits were the strongest explanatory variables of participants’ positive aging self-perceptions. Members of gardening groups reported significantly more social and physical benefits than non-members.

Conclusion:

The current study provides support for promoting positive aging through gardening. Regardless of ‘doing’ gardening or simply ‘being’ in the garden, having contact with nature was key to attaining positive therapeutic benefits for this sample.
The diagnostic value of IgG index versus oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Simonsen Cecilia Smith , Flemmen Heidi Øyen , Lauritzen Trine , Berg-Hansen Pål , Moen Stine Marit , Celius Elisabeth Gulowsen
Published: January 2020

Background

Diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis have been developed to guide the diagnostic process. In the latest revision of the McDonald criteria, the presence of oligoclonal bands may replace the need for dissemination in time. The aim of this study is to investigate if the less time-consuming analysis of immunoglobulin G index in cerebrospinal fluid can safely predict the findings of oligoclonal bands.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of patients with multiple sclerosis at three hospitals in South-East Norway where lumbar puncture is performed routinely. We included patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis after 2005 with known oligoclonal band status and an immunoglobulin G index score.

Results

Of 1295 patients diagnosed during or after 2005, 93.8% were oligoclonal band positive at diagnosis. Of 842 multiple sclerosis patients with known immunoglobulin G index and oligoclonal band status, 93.3% were oligoclonal band positive and 76.7% had an elevated immunoglobulin G index. The positive predictive value of a high immunoglobulin G index when oligoclonal bands are positive was 99.4% (95% confidence interval 98.4–99.8%). The negative predictive value of a normal immunoglobulin G index when oligoclonal bands are negative was 26.5% (95% confidence interval 23.5–29.9%).

Conclusion

An immunoglobulin G index >0.7 has a positive predictive value >99% for oligoclonal bands. An elevated immunoglobulin G index adds diagnostic value versus oligoclonal bands and saves time in the diagnostic process.
Righteous Shoot or Racial Injustice? What Crowdsourced Data Can(not) Tell Us About Police-Caused Homicide
Authors: Holmes Malcolm D.
Published: January 2020

Social scientists have developed various theoretical perspectives to explain the disproportionate incidence of police-caused homicide involving Black citizens in the United States. A common approach focuses on structural characteristics (e.g., percent Black) of cities. Such research relies primarily on Uniform Crime Reports’ Supplemental Homicide Reports, which poses two problems for researchers. Undercounting raises concerns about the reliability of findings, and the data are not amenable to testing influential alternative hypotheses. Recently, efforts to more accurately count police-caused homicides have been undertaken, with these new crowdsourced databases increasingly being used in research. When merged with structural-level data, they may allow the estimation of multilevel statistical models that include city-level and event-level predictors of police-caused homicide. These databases also pose methodological challenges, but they hold out the promise of providing a more reliable answer to a fundamental question that has yet to be adequately addressed. Is the racial disparity in police-caused homicide primarily attributable to the objective threats posed by Black citizens or the subjective biases of police officers? This article evaluates the degree to which the new crowdsourced databases can help resolve this conundrum.
Changes in Mortality and Cerebral Palsy in Extremely Low-Birth-Weight Infants in a Tertiary Center in Hong Kong
Authors: Chee Yuet Yee , Wong Rosanna Ming Sum , Wong Mabel Siu Chun , Tso Winnie Wan Yee , Wong Wilfred Hing Sang , Lee So Lun
Published: January 2020

Introduction. We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) babies born at Queen Mary Hospital and explored if there is any time trend in survival and short-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Methods. We included ELBW infants born at Queen Mary Hospital between 2008 and 2015. The relationships between multiple risk factors with survival and neurodevelopmental outcomes were analyzed by either Cox regression or univariate logistic regression analysis. We also compared this birth-year period with our previous study from 1993 to 2002. Results. Two hundred seventeen ELBW infants were delivered during the study period. There was significantly higher overall survival rate (81.1%) in 2008 to 2015 compared with 71.4% in 1993 to 2002. One hundred forty-three out of 176 (81%) survivors were assessed at a corrected mean age of 18.1 months. A total of 4.2% had cerebral palsy. There were significantly lower rates of cerebral palsy in 2008 to 2015 (4.2%) compared with 1993 to 2002 (13.5%). Conclusions. We showed a temporal improvement in survival and short-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.
P-selectin–deficient mice to study pathophysiology of sickle cell disease
Authors: Bennewitz Margaret F. , Tutuncuoglu Egemen , Gudapati Shweta , Brzoska Tomasz , Watkins Simon C. , Monga Satdarshan P. , Pradhan-Sundd Tirthadipa , Sundd Prithu
Published: January 2020

Key Points

P-selectin–deficient SCD mice are protected from lung vaso-occlusion. P-selectin–deficient SCD mice will be useful in assessing the benefits of anti–P-selectin therapy in diverse complications of SCD.
Insights into high-pressure acclimation: comparative transcriptome analysis of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus at different hydrostatic pressure exposures
Authors: Liang Linying , Chen Jiawei , Li Yanan , Zhang Haibin
Published: January 2020

Background

Global climate change is predicted to force the bathymetric migrations of shallow-water marine invertebrates. Hydrostatic pressure is proposed to be one of the major environmental factors limiting the vertical distribution of extant marine invertebrates. However, the high-pressure acclimation mechanisms are not yet fully understood.

Results

In this study, the shallow-water sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus was incubated at 15 and 25 MPa at 15 °C for 24 h, and subjected to comparative transcriptome analysis. Nine samples were sequenced and assembled into 553,507 unigenes with a N50 length of 1204 bp. Three groups of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified according to their gene expression patterns, including 38 linearly related DEGs whose expression patterns were linearly correlated with hydrostatic pressure, 244 pressure-sensitive DEGs which were up-regulated at both 15 and 25 MPa, and 257 high-pressure-induced DEGs which were up-regulated at 25 MPa but not up-regulated at 15 MPa.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that the genes and biological processes involving high-pressure acclimation are similar to those related to deep-sea adaptation. In addition to representative biological processes involving deep-sea adaptation (such as antioxidation, immune response, genetic information processing, and DNA repair), two biological processes, namely, ubiquitination and endocytosis, which can collaborate with each other and regulate the elimination of misfolded proteins, also responded to high-pressure exposure in our study. The up-regulation of these two processes suggested that high hydrostatic pressure would lead to the increase of misfolded protein synthesis, and this may result in the death of shallow-water sea cucumber under high-pressure exposure.
Volume of tidal gas movement in the nonventilated lung during one-lung ventilation and its relevant factors
Authors: Wei Jionglin , Gao Lei , Sun Fafa , Zhang Mengting , Gu Weidong
Published: January 2020

Background

The passive ventilation of nonventilated lung results in tidal gas movement (TGM) and thus affects lung collapse. The present study aimed to measure the volume of TGM and to analyse the relevant factors of the TGM index (TGM/body surface area).

Methods

One hundred eight patients scheduled for elective thoracoscopic surgeries were enrolled. Lung isolation was achieved with a double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT). The paediatric spirometry sensor was connected to the double-lumen connector of the nonventilated lung to measure the volume of TGM during one-lung ventilation (OLV) in the lateral position. The TGM index was calculated. The multiple linear regression was analysed using the TGM index as the dependent variables. Independent variables were also recorded: 1) age, sex, body mass index (BMI); 2) forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, minute ventilation volume (MVV); 3) dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn) and peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) during dual lung ventilation; 4) the side of OLV; and 5) whether lung puncture for localization of the pulmonary nodule was performed on the day of surgery. The oxygen concentration in the nonventilated lung was measured at 5 min after OLV, and its correlation with the TGM index was analysed.

Results

The volume of TGM in the nonventilated lung during OLV was 78 [37] mL. The TGM index was 45 [20] mL/m2and was negatively correlated with the oxygen concentration in the nonventilated lung at 5 min after OLV. The multiple linear regression model for the TGM index was deduced as follows: TGM index (mL/m2) = C + 12.770 × a − 3.987 × b-1.237 × c-2.664 × d, where C is a constant 95.621 mL/m2, a is 1 for males and 0 for females, b is 1 for right OLV and 0 for left OLV, c is BMI (kg/m2), and d is PIP (cmH2O).

Conclusions

The TGM index is negatively correlated with the oxygen concentration of the nonventilated lung at 5 min after OLV. Sex, side of OLV, BMI and PIP are independently correlated with the TGM index.

Trial registration

This study was registered at ChiCTR (www.chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR1900024220) on July 1, 2019.
Using research networks to generate trustworthy qualitative public health research findings from multiple contexts
Authors: Nyirenda Lot , Kumar Meghan Bruce , Theobald Sally , Sarker Malabika , Simwinga Musonda , Kumwenda Moses , Johnson Cheryl , Hatzold Karin , Corbett Elizabeth L. , Sibanda Euphemia , Taegtmeyer Miriam
Published: January 2020

Background

Qualitative research networks (QRNs) bring together researchers from diverse contexts working on multi-country studies. The networks may themselves form a consortium or may contribute to a wider research agenda within a consortium with colleagues from other disciplines. The purpose of a QRN is to ensure robust methods and processes that enable comparisons across contexts. Under the Self-Testing Africa (STAR) initiative and the REACHOUT project on community health systems, QRNs were established, bringing together researchers across countries to coordinate multi-country qualitative research and to ensure robust methods and processes allowing comparisons across contexts. QRNs face both practical challenges in facilitating this iterative exchange process across sites and conceptual challenges interpreting findings between contexts. This paper distils key lessons and reflections from both QRN experiences on how to conduct trustworthy qualitative research across different contexts with examples from Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kenya, Indonesia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Methods

The process of generating evidence for this paper followed a thematic analysis method: themes initially identified were refined during several rounds of discussions in an iterative process until final themes were agreed upon in a joint learning process.

Results

Four guiding principles emerged from our analysis: a) explicit communication strategies that sustain dialogue and build trust and collective reflexivity; b) translation of contextually embedded concepts; c) setting parameters for contextualizing, and d) supporting empirical and conceptual generalisability. Under each guiding principle, we describe how credibility, dependability, confirmability and transferability can be enhanced and share good practices to be considered by other researchers.

Conclusions

Qualitative research is often context-specific with tools designed to explore local experiences and understandings. Without efforts to synthesise and systematically share findings, common understandings, experiences and lessons are missed. The logistical and conceptual challenges of qualitative research across multiple partners and contexts must be actively managed, including a shared commitment to continuous ‘joint learning’ by partners. Clarity and agreement on concepts and common methods and timelines at an early stage is critical to ensure alignment and focus in intercountry qualitative research and analysis processes. Building good relationships and trust among network participants enhance the quality of qualitative research findings.
Hepatocellular carcinoma with hilar bile duct tumor thrombus versus hilar Cholangiocarcinoma on enhanced computed tomography: a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Zhou Xiaoqi , Wang Jifei , Tang Mimi , Huang Mengqi , Xu Ling , Peng Zhenpeng , Li Zi-Ping , Feng Shi-Ting
Published: January 2020

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with hilar bile duct tumor thrombus (HBDTT) often mimic hilar cholangiocarcinoma (hilar CC). The purpose of this study is to analyze the Computed Tomography (CT) characteristics of HCC with HBDTT and to identify imaging features to aid its differentiation from hilar CC on enhanced CT.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 58 cases with pathologically proved HCC with HBDTT between 2011 and 2018. Seventy-seven cases of pathologically proven hilar CCs were selected during the same period. The clinical features and CT findings of the two groups were reviewed and compared.

Results

HCC with HBDTTs are more commonly found in men (87.9% vs 63.6%,p = 0.001) with lower age of onset (49.84 vs 58.61 years;p < 0.001) in comparison to hilar CCs. Positive correlation were identified between HCC with HBDTTs and chronic HBV infection (72.4% vs 11.7%;p <  0.001), increased serum AFP (67.2% vs 1.3%;p <  0.001), CA19–9 level (58.6% vs 85.7%;p <  0.001) and CEA level (3.4% vs 29.9%;p = 0.001), parenchymal lesion with intraductal lesion (100% vs 18.2%;p <  0.001), washout during the portal venous phase (84.5% vs 6.5%;p <  0.001), thickened bile duct wall (8.6% vs 93.5%;p <  0.001), intrahepatic vascular embolus (44.8% vs 7.8%;p <  0.001), splenomegaly (34.5% vs 2.6%,p <  0.001). A scoring system consisting of the five parameters obtained from characteristics mentioned above was trialed. The sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing HCC with HBDTT were 96.39, 100 and 92.5% respectively when the total score was 2 or more.

Conclusions

HCC with HBDTTs are often distinguishable from hilar CCs based on washout during portal venous phase without thickened bile duct wall. HBV infection and serum AFP level facilitate the differentiation.
Perioperative intraretinal fluid observed using optical coherence tomography in the epiretinal membrane
Authors: Lee Jae Jung , Jo Yeon Ji , Kwon Han Jo , Lee Seung Min , Park Sung Who , Byon Ik Soo , Lee Ji Eun
Published: January 2020

Background

Postoperative intraretinal fluid (IRF) is reportedly associated with visual outcomes after epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery. However, preoperative IRF is common, and persistent IRF would have different impact on visual function from postoperative newly developed IRF. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the incidence rate and clinical implications of perioperative IRF in ERM.

Methods

Medical records of patients who underwent vitrectomy for idiopathic ERM between January 2014 and January 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. The incidence of IRF was analyzed using optical coherence tomography preoperatively and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. On the basis of the presence or absence and the time of detection of IRF, patients were divided into three groups, namely preoperative IRF group, New IRF group, and IRF(−) group. Correlations of various parameters including age, sex, baseline visual acuity (VA), central subfield macular thickness, lens status, and surgical factors with IRF, along with the effect of IRF on VA, were evaluated.

Results

This study included 155 eyes from 155 patients. Thirty-six (23.2%) and 49 (31.6%) eyes demonstrated preoperative and newly developed IRF, respectively. Seventy eyes (45.2%), which did not exhibit IRF during the study period, were assigned to the IRF(−) group. At baseline, the IRF(−) group showed a better VA than the other two groups. Postoperatively, VA improved significantly in all three groups. There was no difference in VA between the IRF(−) and new IRF groups at 6 months; however, the preoperative IRF group had significantly lower VA than the other two groups.

Conclusion

IRF associated with ERM was frequently observed preoperatively and postoperatively, but it did not prevent postoperative vision improvement. Preoperative IRF was related to lower postoperative vision improvement.
A systematic review of factors influencing NHS health check uptake: invitation methods, patient characteristics, and the impact of interventions
Authors: Bunten Amanda , Porter Lucy , Gold Natalie , Bogle Vanessa
Published: January 2020

Background

The NHS Health Check (NHSHC) is a risk assessment for those aged 40–74 without a pre-existing condition in England, with the aim of preventing stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and dementia. Uptake has been lower than anticipated. Ensuring that a high percentage of eligible patients receive a NHSHC is key to optimising the clinical and cost effectiveness of the programme. The aim of this systematic review is to highlight interventions and invitation methods that increase the uptake of NHSHCs, and to identify whether the effectiveness of these interact with broader patient and contextual factors.

Method

A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA checklist. Papers were eligible if they explored the impact of at least one of (i) interventions, (ii) invitation methods or (iii) broader factors on NHSHC uptake. Ten databases were searched in January 2016 and seven were searched in March 2018. Nine-hundred-and-forty-five papers were identified, 238 were screened and 64 full texts were assessed for eligibility. Nine studies were included in the review.

Results

The nine studies were all from peer reviewed journals. They included two randomised controlled trials, one observational cohort and six cross-sectional studies. Different invitation methods may be more effective for different groups of patients based on their ethnicity and gender. One intervention to enhance invitation letters effectively increased uptake but another did not. In addition, individual patient characteristics (such as age, gender, ethnicity and risk level) were found to influence uptake. This review also finds that uptake varies significantly by GP practice, which could be due either to unidentified practice-level factors or deprivation.

Conclusions

Further research is needed to assess the effectiveness of different invitation methods for different population groups. Research should examine how existing invitation methods can be enhanced to drive uptake whilst reducing health inequalities.

Trial registration

This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO on 22.02.2016. Registration number CRD42016035626.
Schistosomiasis vaccine development: update on human clinical trials
Authors: Molehin Adebayo J.
Published: January 2020

Schistosomiasis causes significant levels of morbidity and mortality in many geographical regions of the world. The disease is caused by infections with parasitic blood flukes known as schistosomes. The control of schistosomiasis over the last several decades has been centered on the mass drug administration (MDA) of praziquantel (PZQ), which is the only drug currently available for treatment. Despite the concerted efforts of MDA programs, the prevalence and transmission of schistosomiasis has remained largely unchecked due to the fact that PZQ is ineffective against juvenile schistosomes, does not prevent re-infection and the emergence of PZQ-resistant parasites. In addition, other measures such as the water, sanitation and hygiene programs and snail intermediate hosts control have had little to no impact. These drawbacks indicate that the current control strategies are severely inadequate at interrupting transmission and therefore, implementation of other control strategies are required. Ideally, an efficient vaccine is what is needed for long term protection thereby eliminating the current efforts of repeated mass drug administration. However, the general consensus in the field is that the integration of a viable vaccine with MDA and other control measures offer the best chance of achieving the goal of schistosomiasis elimination. This review focuses on the present status of schistosomiasis vaccine candidates in different phases of human clinical trials and provide some insight into future vaccine discovery and design.
Estimating spatio-temporal distributions of mosquito breeding pools in irrigated agricultural schemes: a case study at the Bwanje Valley Irrigation Scheme
Authors: Frake April N. , Namaona Willy , Walker Edward D. , Messina Joseph P.
Published: January 2020

Background

The association between irrigation and the proliferation of adult mosquitoes including malaria vectors is well known; however, irrigation schemes are treated as homogenous spatio-temporal units, with little consideration for how larval breeding varies across space and time. The objective of this study was to estimate the spatio-temporal distribution of pools of water facilitating breeding at the Bwanje Valley Irrigation Scheme (BVIS) in Malawi, Africa as a function of environmental and anthropogenic characteristics.

Methods

Irrigation structure and land cover were quantified during the dry and rainy seasons of 2016 and 2017, respectively. These data were combined with soil type, irrigation scheduling, drainage, and maintenance to model suitability for mosquito breeding across the landscape under three scenarios: rainy season, dry season with limited water resources, and a dry season with abundant water resources.

Results

Results demonstrate seasonal, asymmetrical breeding potential and areas of maximum breeding potential as a function of environmental characteristics and anthropogenic influence in each scenario. The highest percentage of suitable area for breeding occurs during the rainy season; however, findings show that it is not merely the amount of water in an irrigated landscape, but the management of water resources that determines the aggregation of water bodies. In each scenario, timing and direction of irrigation along with inefficient drainage render the westernmost portion of BVIS the area of highest breeding opportunity, which expands and contracts seasonally in response to water resource availability and management decisions.

Conclusions

Changes in the geography of breeding potential across irrigated spaces can have profound effects on the distribution of malaria risk for those living in close proximity to irrigated agricultural schemes. The methods presented are generalizable across geographies for estimating spatio-temporal distributions of breeding risk for mosquitoes in irrigated schemes, presenting an opportunity for greater geographically targeted strategies for management.
Treatment of patellar dislocation with arthroscopic medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using gracilis tendon autograft and modified double-patellar tunnel technique: minimum 5-year patient-reported outcomes
Authors: Gao Guanying , Liu Ping , Xu Yan
Published: January 2020

Background

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze the clinical outcomes of patients with recurrent patellar dislocation who underwent arthroscopic medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction using gracilis tendon autograft and a modified double-patellar tunnel method. We hypothesized that our modified method would provide good clinical outcomes.

Methods

Patients who underwent arthroscopic MPFL reconstruction with autograft gracilis tendon and modified double-patellar tunnels technique for recurrent patellar dislocation and were followed up for a minimum of 5 years were identified, and the clinical and follow-up data were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperatively, joint hypermobility was assessed with the Beighton score. The Insall–Salvati ratio, TT–TG distance, and Q angle were measured on radiographic images. Patient-reported outcomes including the Kujala, Lysholm, and Tegner scores were collected preoperatively and postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was assessed at the end of 5 years. Complications and recurrent dislocation occurring after surgery were recorded.

Results

A total of 79 patients (94 knees) were enrolled; of these, 13 (16.5%) were lost to follow-up. The data of 66 patients (80 knees) were available for final analysis. Mean age at surgery was 21.3 ± 7.8 years. Mean follow-up time was 66.1 ± 5.5 months (range, 60–78 months). Postoperative patient-reported outcome was not associated with Beighton score, Insall–Salvati ratio, or TT–TG distance. Q angle was negatively correlated to Kujala scores and Lysholm scores. Severity of trochlear dysplasia was not associated with postoperative patient-reported outcome. The mean Kujala score increased from 69.4 ± 7.9 to 96.1 ± 1.9, the mean Tegner score increased from 3.1 ± 1.3 to 5.9 ± 1.3, and the mean Lysholm score increased from 73.5 ± 14.6 to 95.3 ± 3.4. Two patients experienced recurrent patellar dislocation during follow-up.

Conclusions

MPFL reconstruction using autologous gracilis tendon under arthroscopy appears to be a reliable and safe method for treating recurrent patellar dislocation.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
Comparison of liver MRI R2(FerriScan®) VS liver MRI T2* as a measure of body iron load in a cohort of beta thalassaemia major patients
Authors: Padeniya Padmapani , Siriwardana Shirom , Ediriweera Dileepa , Samarasinghe Nayana , Silva Sasanka , Silva Ishari , Ahamed Nizri , Niriella Madunil , Premawardhena Anuja
Published: January 2020

To compare the similarity of the non-patented T2* and the high cost patented R2 (Ferriscan®) MRI techniques in the measurement of liver iron concentration (LIC) in heavily transfused patients with thalassaemia major in a real- life Sri Lankan hospital setup. We compared LIC measured by MRI, obtained 2 weeks apart, using both T2* and R2 techniques in 15 patients with beta thalassaemia major. They all had a history of > 100 units of blood transfusions life long and also a history of sub optimal chelation. MRI R2 and MRI T2* scan values showed a negative correlation (co-rrelation coefficient = − 0.63, p = 0.01) This correlation was strong in lower LICs and progressively decreased with upper LIC values. Thus a significant discrepancy was observed between median values of two MRI technologies (p = 0.0005) with T2* tending to underestimate iron overload especially in those with very high LIC identified by R2. The lack of concordance of T2* and R2 especially in those with very high reading on R2 suggest the potential errors in interpretations that can occur in “non-expert centres”; which are likely to lead to errors in clinical judgement on the intensity of chelation therapy needed.
A curated benchmark of enhancer-gene interactions for evaluating enhancer-target gene prediction methods
Authors: Moore Jill E. , Pratt Henry E. , Purcaro Michael J. , Weng Zhiping
Published: January 2020

Background

Many genome-wide collections of candidate cis-regulatory elements (cCREs) have been defined using genomic and epigenomic data, but it remains a major challenge to connect these elements to their target genes.

Results

To facilitate the development of computational methods for predicting target genes, we develop a Benchmark of candidate Enhancer-Gene Interactions (BENGI) by integrating the recently developed Registry of cCREs with experimentally derived genomic interactions. We use BENGI to test several published computational methods for linking enhancers with genes, including signal correlation and the TargetFinder and PEP supervised learning methods. We find that while TargetFinder is the best-performing method, it is only modestly better than a baseline distance method for most benchmark datasets when trained and tested with the same cell type and that TargetFinder often does not outperform the distance method when applied across cell types.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that current computational methods need to be improved and that BENGI presents a useful framework for method development and testing.
Contrasting bacterial and archaeal distributions reflecting different geochemical processes in a sediment core from the Pearl River Estuary
Authors: Wang Wenxiu , Tao Jianchang , Liu Haodong , Li Penghui , Chen Songze , Wang Peng , Zhang Chuanlun
Published: January 2020

Microbial community structure and metabolic activities have profound impacts on biogeochemical processes in marine sediments. Functional bacteria such as nitrate- and sulfate-reducing bacteria respond to redox gradients by coupling specific reactions amenable to relevant energy metabolisms. However, similar functional patterns have not been observed for sedimentary archaea (except for anaerobic methanotrophs and methanogens). We coupled taxonomic composition with comprehensive geochemical species to investigate the participation of distinct bacteria and archaea in sedimentary geochemical cycles in a sediment core (300 cm) from Pearl River Estuary (PRE). Geochemical properties (NO3−, dissolved Mn and Fe, SO42+, NH4+; dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), δ13CDIC, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total organic carbon (TOC), δ13CTOC, and fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM)) exhibited strong depth variability of different trends. Bacterial 16S rRNA- and dsrB gene abundance decreased sharply with depth while archaeal and bathyarchaeotal 16S rRNA gene copies were relatively constant. This resulted in an increase in relative abundance of archaea from surface (11.6%) to bottom (42.8%). Network analysis showed that bacterial groups of Desulfobacterales, Syntrophobacterales and Gammaproteobacteria were significantly (P < 0.0001) associated with SO42− and dissolved Mn while archaeal groups of Bathyarchaeota, Group C3 and Marine Benthic Group D (MBGD) showed close positive correlations (P < 0.0001) with NH4+, δ13CTOC values and humic-like FDOM. Our study suggested that these bacterial groups dominated in redox processes relevant to sulfate or metal oxides, while the archaeal groups are more like to degrade recalcitrant organic compounds in anaerobic sediments.
Vasopressin and its analogues in shock states: a review
Authors: Demiselle Julien , Fage Nicolas , Radermacher Peter , Asfar Pierre
Published: January 2020

Activation of arginine–vasopressin is one of the hormonal responses to face vasodilation-related hypotension. Released from the post-pituitary gland, vasopressin induces vasoconstriction through the activation of V1a receptors located on vascular smooth muscle cells. Due to its non-selective receptor affinity arginine–vasopressin also activates V2 (located on renal tubular cells of collecting ducts) and V1b (located in the anterior pituitary and in the pancreas) receptors, thereby potentially promoting undesired side effects such as anti-diuresis, procoagulant properties due to release of the von Willebrand’s factor and platelet activation. Finally, it also cross-activates oxytocin receptors. During septic shock, vasopressin plasma levels were reported to be lower than expected, and a hypersensitivity to its vasopressor effect is reported in such situation. Terlipressin and selepressin are synthetic vasopressin analogues with a higher affinity for the V1 receptor, and, hence, potentially less side effects. In this narrative review, we present the current knowledge of the rationale, benefits and risks of vasopressin use in the setting of septic shock and vasoplegic shock following cardiac surgery. Clearly, vasopressin administration allows reducing norepinephrine requirements, but so far, no improvement of survival was reported and side effects are frequent, particularly ischaemic events. Finally, we will discuss the current indications for vasopressin and its agonists in the setting of septic shock, and the remaining unresolved questions.
Retraction Note: Existence and uniqueness of solutions for the Schrödinger integrable boundary value problem
Authors: Wang Jianjie , Mai Ali , Wang Hong
Published: January 2020

The Editors-in-Chief have retracted this article [1] because it shows evidence of peer review manipulation. In addition, it overlaps significantly with an article by Sun et al. [2] that was simultaneously under consideration with another journal. The authors have not responded to any correspondence from the publisher regarding this retraction.
Rectal operative bed: ?tumor? post-management changes … positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) can answer
Authors: Abdelmohsen Mohsen Ahmed , Omar Walid Mohamed , Shaaban Ahmed
Published: January 2020

Background

Rectal cancer is a common malignancy that continues to have a highly variable outcome. Local pelvic recurrence following surgery is usually leading to incurable disease. Surgical resection with stage-appropriate combined-modality therapy is the mainstay in the treatment of rectal cancer. A difficulty has been reported in distinguishing the benign post-management findings from tumor recurrence. By adding the metabolic changes to the post-operative morphologic changes, combined positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) may offer clinically useful addition in operative bed evaluation.

Results

The study included 30 patients, 17 males (56.6%) and 13 females (43.3%). Suspicious operative bed findings included pre-sacral soft tissue density noted in 20 patients (66%), anastomotic site mural thickening in five patients (16.6%), and post-operative loco-regional nodes in five patients (16.6%). Moreover, pre-sacral soft tissue focal avid uptake was noted in 17 patients (17/20, 85%), and no uptake noted in three patients (3/20, 15%). Anastomotic site mural thickening was seen in five patients with positive uptake noted in three patients (3/5, 60%), and no uptake seen in two patients (2/5, 40%). Loco-regional nodes were seen in five patients with positive uptake in five patients. The most accurate SUV max cut-off value among studied cases was 3.5. Confirmation of PET/CT results was done by histopathological assessment in ten patients (33.3%) and by follow up after 6 months in 20 patients (66.6%) with recurrence noted in 15 patients (75%) and normal post-operative findings noted in five patients (25%).

Conclusion

PET/CT study is an effective tool for evaluation of suspicious colorectal oncologic operative bed findings noted in the routine CT studies. PET/CT fusion images affect the clinical management by guiding further procedures (surgery and radiation therapy).
In silico QSAR and molecular docking simulation of some novel aryl sulfonamide derivatives as inhibitors of H5N1 influenza A virus subtype
Authors: Abdullahi Mustapha , Shallangwa Gideon Adamu , Uzairu Adamu
Published: January 2020

Background

This research provides a comprehensive analysis of QSAR modeling performed on 25 aryl sulfonamide derivatives to predict their effective concentration (EC50) against H5N1 influenza A virus by using some numerical information derived from structural and chemical features (descriptors) of the compounds to generate a statistically significant model. Subsequently, the molecular docking simulations were done so as to determine the binding modes of some potent ligands in the dataset with the M2 proton channel protein of the H5N1 influenza A virus as the target.

Results

In building the QSAR model, the genetic algorithm task was employed in the variable selection of the descriptors which are used to form the multi-linear regression equation. The model with descriptors, RDF100m, nO, and RDF45p, showed satisfactory internal and external validation parameters (R2train = 0.72963, R2adjusted = 0.67169, Q2cv = 0.598, $$ {R}_{\mathrm{pred}}^2= $$Rpred2= 0.67295, R2test = 0.6860) which passed the model criteria of acceptability. Docking simulation results of the more potent compounds (ligands 2, 3, and 8) revealed the formation of hydrophobic and hydrogen bonds with the binding pockets of M2 protein of influenza A virus.

Conclusion

The results in this study can help to advance the research in designing (in silico design) and synthesis of more potent aryl sulfonamides derivatives against H5N1 influenza virus.
Role of sagittal anorectoplasty in treating constipation in patients with recto-perineal fistula
Authors: Bayoumi Moustafa Mohamed Mahmoud , Allam Ayman Mostafa , AbouZeid Amr Abdelhamid
Published: January 2020

Background

Recto-perineal fistula is a common anorectal anomaly, affecting both males and females. The anus is abnormally anteriorly located and is usually stenotic. Management of recto-perineal fistula is a dialectic problem. The most common presenting complaint is constipation; also, long-term follow-up of these patients revealed high incidence of postoperative constipation.

Results

The study included 30 patients (19 female and 11 male). Their age at time of repair ranged from 3 to 78 months. We compared the pre- and postoperative constipation rate after limited posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) using Krickenbeck score. Overall, the rate of constipation has dropped from 77 (23/30) to 30% (9/30) after surgery. Fourteen patients out of 23 patients with preoperative constipation were cured. Another patient with preoperative constipation improved regarding the grade of constipation. The remaining 8 patients with preoperative constipation did not show improvement after operation. These results were statistically significant (McNemar test). Out of the 9 patients who were still constipated after surgery, 7 had associated fecal soiling that showed good response with bowel management of constipation.

Conclusion

Limited posterior sagittal anorectoplasty can have a role in treating constipation among cases of recto-perineal fistula.
Antimullerian Hormone and Impending Menopause in Late Reproductive Age: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation
Authors: Finkelstein Joel S , Lee Hang , Karlamangla Arun , Neer Robert M , Sluss Patrick M , Burnett-Bowie Sherri-Ann M , Darakananda Karin , Donahoe Patricia K , Harlow Sioban D , Prizand Sarah H , Joffe Hadine , Kumar Ajay , Martin Deborah E , McConnell Daniel , Merrilat Steffenie , Morrison Anthony , Pastore Lisa M , Randolph John F , Greendale Gail A , Santoro Nanette
Published: January 2020

Background

A test that helps predict the time to the final menstrual period (FMP) has been sought for many years.

Objective

To assess the ability of antimullerian hormone (AMH) measurements to predictions the time to FMP.

Design

Prospective longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation.

Participants and Measurements

AMH and FSH were measured in 1537 pre- or early perimenopausal women, mean age 47.5 ± 2.6 years at baseline, then serially until 12 months of amenorrhea occurred. AMH was measured using a 2-site ELISA with a detection limit of 1.85 pg/mL.

Main Outcome Measure

Areas under the receiver operating curves (AUC) for AMH-based and FSH-based predictions of time to FMP, stratified by age. Probabilities that women would undergo their FMP in the next 12, 24, or 36 months across a range of AMH values were assessed.

Results

AUCs for predicting that the FMP will occur within the next 24 months were significantly greater for AMH-based than FSH-based models. The probability that a woman with an AMH <10 pg/mL would undergo her FMP within the next 12 months ranged from 51% at h<48 years of age to 79% at ≥51 years. The probability that a woman with an AMH >100 pg/mL would not undergo her FMP within the next 12 months ranged from 97% in women <48 years old to 90% in women ≥51 years old.

Conclusions

AMH measurement helps estimate when a woman will undergo her FMP, and, in general, does so better than FSH.
Lack of AKAP3 disrupts integrity of the subcellular structure and proteome of mouse sperm and causes male sterility
Authors: Xu Kaibiao , Yang Lele , Zhang Lan , Qi Huayu
Published: January 2020

The development and maintenance of the correct morphology of sperm is important for their functions. Cellular morphogenesis of sperm occurs during the post-meiotic developmental stage; however, little is known about what coordinates this process. In the present study, we investigated the role of A-kinase anchoring protein 3 (AKAP3) during mouse spermiogenesis, using both mouse genetics and proteomics. It was found that AKAP3 is essential for the formation of the specific subcellular structure of the sperm flagellum, motility of sperm and male fertility. Additionally, lack of AKAP3 caused global changes of the sperm proteome and mislocalization of sperm proteins, including accumulation of RNA metabolism and translation factors and displacement of PKA subunits in mature sperm, which may underlie misregulated PKA activity and immotility in sperm. Interestingly, sperm lacking a complete fibrous sheath from both Akap3 and Akap4 null mice accumulated F-actin filaments and morphological defects during post-testicular maturation in the epididymis. These results suggest that the subcellular structures of sperm could be formed via independent pathways, and elucidate the roles of AKAP3 during the coordinated synthesis and organization of the sperm proteome and sperm morphology.
A design principle for floral organ number and arrangement in flowers with bilateral symmetry
Authors: Nakagawa Aiko , Kitazawa Miho S. , Fujimoto Koichi
Published: January 2020

The bilateral symmetry of flowers is a striking morphological achievement during floral evolution, providing high adaptation potential for pollinators. The symmetry can appear when floral organ primordia developmentally initiate. Primordia initiation at the ventral and dorsal sides of the floral bud is differentially regulated by several factors, including external organs of the flower and CYCLOIDEA (CYC) gene homologues, which are expressed asymmetrically on the dorso-ventral axis. It remains unclear how these factors control the diversity in the number and bilateral arrangement of floral organs. Here, we propose a mathematical model demonstrating that the relative strength of the dorsal-to-ventral inhibitions and the size of the floral stem cell region (meristem) determines the number and positions of the sepal and petal primordia. The simulations reproduced the diversity of monocots and eudicots, including snapdragon Antirrhinum majus and its cyc mutant, with respect to organ number, arrangement and initiation patterns, which were dependent on the inhibition strength. These theoretical results suggest that diversity in floral symmetry is primarily regulated by the dorso-ventral inhibitory field and meristem size during developmental evolution.
Mediating Roles of Customer Experience on E-Loyalty
Authors: Amulya Uppala
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the measure of customer allegiance towards e-commerce websites. This paper also examines the satisfaction level of the customers and e-trust towards e-commerce websites through a mediating role of customer experience. A conceptual model with a theoretical basis in the e-loyalty is developed to illuminate the antecedents of customer experience. In this article, an epigrammatic approach is adopted to explore the accuracies of the observations by empirical evidence. The results are expected to reveal the substantiality of customer experience and customer gratification towards e-loyalty.
Análisis de la transparencia organizacional y el poder económico a partir la teoría de juegos
Authors: Camelo Rincón Milton Samuel
Published: January 2020

Este artículo tiene como objetivo proponer una estructura teórica que vincule los conceptos de transparencia organizacional y poder económico, de forma que sirva como base para nuevos estudios empíricos. Metodológicamente, la propuesta parte de una revisión de literatura, donde se hace evidente una extensa agenda de investigación sobre los temas en cuestión, pero también la ausencia de un referente teórico que los relacione explícitamente. Con base en lo anterior, se desarrolla un análisis hipotético utilizando como herramienta la teoría de juegos, en donde se suponen distintos escenarios en función de la información disponible y la estructura de pagos de los agentes. El ejercicio muestra que un excesivo grado de poder económico puede propiciar decisiones que son contrarias a la transparencia organizacional, afectando la toma de decisiones de los grupos de interés y el desarrollo social. Adicionalmente, se infiere que cuanto más fuerte sean las medidas sancionatorias por parte del Estado y la Sociedad, mayor posibilidad de transparencia, destacando la necesidad de generar mecanismos institucionales que propicien la cooperación dentro de las organizaciones.
Estudio Prospectivo de la Tecnología en la Educación Superior en Colombia al 2050
Authors: Moreno Cely Germán Andrés , Gutiérrez Rodríguez Ramón Eduardo
Published: January 2020

Esta investigación tiene como eje teórico y conceptual la tecnología y la educación superior en Colombia, plantea como pregunta de investigación ¿Cuáles serán los principales retos y desafíos que tendrá la educación superior en Colombia al año 2050 por los avances tecnológicos? El enfoque metodológico que se utiliza para el desarrollo de esta investigación es de corte mixto cualitativo y cuantitativo, el tipo de investigación es descriptiva y mediante el método del análisis de una encuesta a expertos Delphi, y un taller con expertos. Ellos plantean la necesidadde nuevos modelos de gestión de las universidades hacia una mayor profesionalización de las carreras universitarias, en donde se incluyan estas nuevas tecnologías. Se puede resaltar que las tecnologías de la información ycomunicación evidentemente pueden llegar a afectar en su conjunto la educación superior, pero también pueden potenciar y facilitar los procesos de enseñanza y aprendizaje para que sea más incluyente
The Conditional Capital Asset Pricing Model Revisited: Evidence from High-Frequency Betas
Authors: Hollstein Fabian , Prokopczuk Marcel , Wese Simen Chardin
Published: January 2020

When using high-frequency data, the conditional capital asset pricing model (CAPM) can explain asset-pricing anomalies. Using conditional betas based on daily data, the model works reasonably well for a recent sample period. However, it fails to explain the size anomaly as well as three out of six of the anomaly component excess returns. Using high-frequency betas, the conditional CAPM is able to explain the size, value, and momentum anomalies. We further show that high-frequency betas provide more accurate predictions of future betas than those based on daily data. This result holds for both the time-series and the cross-sectional dimensions.

This paper was accepted by Karl Diether, finance.