bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health information seeking behaviour: a concept analysis
Authors: Zimmerman Margaret S. , Shaw George
Published: February 2020

Background

In 2007, Lambert and Loiselle conducted an extensive concept analysis of the term health information seeking behaviour (HISB) to examine the concept's level of maturity and critically analyse its characteristics. Since their groundbreaking work, HISB has evolved with the proliferation of ICTs. The Internet is now a common and often preferred medium for the pursuit of health information.

Objectives

The previous analysis spanned 42 years of literature; this article describes an analysis of the last 10 years of literature on HISB and how online seeking has caused the concept to evolve in the literature.

Methods

This study used the concept analysis methodology employed by Lambert and Loiselle in the original analysis. It also included a systematic search conducted in five databases to identify studies from 2007 to 2017, using similar inclusion criteria from the original study.

Results

Of the more than 500 articles retrieved, 85 journal articles met the inclusion criteria. Consistent with the original work, articles that included outcomes were identified as either behavioural or cognitive.

Conclusion

Most of the attention of the works studied focused on individuals and their information source preferences. This HISB analysis can be incorporated with studies to understand how various communities seek information in online versus non‐online contexts.
The size distribution of ‘cities’ delineated with a network theory‐based method and mobile phone GPS data
Authors: Fujishima Shota , Fujiwara Naoya , Akiyama Yuki , Shibasaki Ryosuke , Sakuramachi Ritsu
Published: February 2020

We delineate “cities” independent of administrative boundaries in Japan by using a network theory‐based method and GPS‐based human mobility data. We divide the country into approximately 1 × 1 km2 cells and detect the partition of cells that is optimal from the perspective of information theory. The resulting groups of cells are specified as cities. We find that the combination of two lognormal distributions better fits the city‐size distribution than a distribution with a Pareto upper tail. Moreover, we show that a jump diffusion process is the stochastic process of the city population underlying such a distribution.
Socrates and the Ethic of Resistance: Comments on Buss
Authors: Barney Rachel
Published: February 2020

I respond to Sarah Buss first by considering Socrates as an exemplar of courageous resistance to injustice, then by adding two caveats: exemplary resistance seems to flow from very diverse psychological profiles, and cowardice may not always be best understood as expressing fearful self‐attachment.
Auxiliary usage of botulinum toxin A in plastic surgery in China
Authors: Yu Yijia , Sun Jiaqi , Shen Zeren , Lin Xiaohu , Xu Jinghong
Published: February 2020

Background

Currently, botulinum toxin A (BTA) is mainly used in the treatment of muscle spasms and in cosmetic procedures, and its cosmetic indications are expanding rapidly. There have been sporadic reports focused on the preoperative usage of BTA complementing plastic surgery. We briefly summarize the current experience of BTA complementing plastic surgery in China based on clinical experience.

Methods

We reported a brief review of the preoperative use of BTA as an accessory to plastic surgery (blepharoplasty, chin augmentation, mandibular angle ostectomy, rhinoplasty, hyaluronic acid fillers injection for wrinkle reduction) based on previous studies and our experience.

Results

Preoperative treatment with BTA in plastic surgery helps surgeons operate and results in better cosmetic results.

Conclusions

Preoperative BTA treatment can reduce the occurrence of surgical complications as well as improve the surgical results in some plastic surgeries. The procedure is suitable for clinical application and worth promoting.
The compression specificity of plant tissue
Authors: Myhan Ryszard , Markowski Marek
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the compression characteristics of nonhomogeneous plant materials with a complex morphological structure (beetroots, celery roots, and potato tubers), to compare the analyzed samples with the compression characteristics of reference materials (homogeneous isotropic structural materials: steel coil spring and vulcanized rubber), and to determine the influence of the compression rate on stress in compressed samples. Structural materials and plant materials clearly differed in compression characteristics. Excluding the short initial compression phase, the compression curves for the steel coil spring and vulcanized rubber were straight parallel lines, and the higher the crosshead speed, the higher the lines' location in the diagram. In tests conducted on plant materials, the rate of changes in compression force increased throughout the experiment with an increase in crosshead speed. The greatest variations in compression force resulting from differences in crosshead speed were observed in potato samples. The apparent retardation times determined in the developed rheological model ranged from 0.079 s for the steel coil spring to 6.863 s for potatoes.
Serum hepatitis B virus RNA predicts response to peginterferon treatment in HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B
Authors: van Campenhout Margo J. H. , van Bömmel Florian , Pfefferkorn Maria , Fischer Janett , Deichsel Danilo , Boonstra André , van Vuuren Anneke J. , Berg Thomas , Hansen Bettina E. , Janssen Harry L. A.
Published: February 2020

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA in serum is a novel biomarker that reflects cccDNA activity. We investigated whether HBV RNA can predict serological response to peginterferon (PEG‐IFN) treatment. Serum HBV RNA levels were retrospectively measured at weeks 0, 12, 24 and 52 of therapy and after treatment discontinuation (week 78) in 266 HBeAg‐positive chronic HBV patients who had participated in a global randomized controlled trial (HBV99‐01 study). Patients received 52 weeks PEG‐IFN monotherapy (n = 136) or PEG‐IFN and lamivudine (n = 130). The primary end point was HBeAg loss 24 weeks after PEG‐IFN discontinuation. At baseline, the mean serum level of HBV RNA was 6.8 (SD 1.2) log c/mL. HBV RNA levels declined to 4.7 (1.7) log c/mL after one year of PEG‐IFN therapy alone and to 3.3 (1.2)log c/mL after combination therapy. From week 12 onward, HBV RNA level was significantly lower in patients who achieved HBeAg loss at the end of follow‐up as compared to those who did not, regardless of treatment allocation (week 12:4.4 vs 5.1 log c/mL, P = .01; week 24:3.7 vs 4.9 log c/mL, P < .001). The performance of a multivariable model based on HBV RNA level was comparable at week 12 (AUC 0.68) and 24 (AUC 0.72) of therapy. HBV RNA level above 5.5 log c/mL at week 12 showed negative predictive values of 93/67/90/64% for HBV genotypes A/B/C/D for the prediction of HBeAg loss. In conclusion, HBV RNA in serum declines profoundly during PEG‐IFN treatment. Early on‐treatment HBV RNA level may be used to predict nonresponse.
Urine cortisol‐creatinine and protein‐creatinine ratios in urine samples from healthy dogs collected at home and in hospital
Authors: Citron Lindsey E. , Weinstein Nicole M. , Littman Meryl P. , Foster Jonathan D.
Published: February 2020

Background

Recently, urine protein:creatinine ratios (UPC) were shown to be lower in urine samples from dogs collected at home (AH) as compared to those collected in hospital (IH). Stress‐inducing procedures and travel to the hospital have been hypothesized to cause prerenal proteinuria.

Objectives

Evaluate patient stress using urine cortisol:creatinine ratios (UCCr) and correlate UCCr to UPC in urine samples obtained AH and IH.

Animals

Thirty‐six healthy, client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Prospective, non‐masked study. Two voided urine samples were obtained (AH and IH). Complete urinalysis as well as UPC and UCCr were performed. Clients graded their dogs' stress level AH, in transport, and IH.

Results

The UCCr was significantly higher in IH samples than in AH samples (P < .0001), but UPC was not significantly different between AH and IH urine samples (P= .14). In all samples and in both collection settings, UCCr was not significantly correlated with UPC. Travel time and time IH were not correlated with change in UCCr or UPC. In 8 dogs with borderline or overt proteinuria, no significant difference was found in UPC between settings, but UCCr was significantly higher in IH samples.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The UPC was not higher when measured in urine samples collected IH compared to AH. Dogs had higher UCCr IH, but UCCr was not associated with UPC. Stress, as estimated by UCCr, did not affect proteinuria. Further evidence is needed to support the claim that stress may result in proteinuria in healthy dogs.
Root‐associated fungi and carbon storage in Arctic ecosystems
Authors: Robinson Clare H. , Wookey Philip A. , Parker Thomas C.
Published: February 2020

This article is a Commentary on Hewitt et al. (2020), 226: 126–141.
Trends in extreme rainfall and hydrogeometeorological disasters in the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo: a review
Authors: Marengo Jose A. , Alves Lincoln M. , Ambrizzi Tercio , Young Andrea , Barreto Naurinete J. C. , Ramos Andrea M.
Published: February 2020

Our paper reviews recent progress in the study and understanding of observed trends in extreme rainfall events in the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo (MASP). These are discussed in relation to hydrometeorological hazards that trigger natural disasters, such as flash floods, landslides, and droughts, that affect the population and local economies. A review of the most updated literature on rainfall and extremes in the MASP shows a significant increase in the total volume of rainy‐season rainfall during the last seven decades. While there were practically no days with heavy rain (more than 50 mm) in the 1950s, these days have been occurring two to five times a year in the last 10 years. This, together with the inappropriate occupation of risky areas, such as slopes and banks of watercourses, leads to inundation, flooding, and landslides. Changes in extremes can be partly due to natural climate variability but can also be related to global warming and/or urbanization. There is ample evidence of an increasing risk of rainfall‐related hazards in the MASP. This is particularly so for landslides in vulnerable areas. Exposure will continue to lead to risk increases. This calls for significant improvement in climate and disaster risk reduction and management efforts in the MASP region.
Computational Biomechanical Analysis of Postoperative Calcaneal Fractures with Different Placement of the Sustentaculum Screw
Authors: Qiang Min‐fei , Singh Ritesh Kumar , Chen Yan‐xi , Zhang Kun , Jia Xiao‐yang , Chen Song , Wang Shu‐guang , Wang Xiong , Shi Zhao‐man
Published: February 2020

Objective

To evaluate the computational biomechanical analysis of intra‐articular calcaneal fractures with different fixation status of the sustentaculum plate screw, when the finite element modeling of calcaneal fractures were fixed by the lateral locking plate.

Methods

The normal right foot of a male (age: 36 years; height: 174 cm; body weight: 65 kg) was scanned by the CT scanner. As the computational biomechanical study, the three‐dimensional finite element model of the simplified Sanders type‐II calcaneal fracture was built. Fixation with the lateral calcaneal locking plate and screws was simulated using a finite element software package according to clinical operation. According to the different placement of the sustentaculum plate screw, the models were categorized as the accurate fixation group, marginal fixation group, and non‐fixation group. The loading of 650 N with the vertical axial compression was applied to simulate the standing phase with single foot. The Von Mises stress distribution, maximal displacement, and contact area of the subtalar joint were analyzed among three groups.

Results

The pressure distribution of the subtalar joint facet was inhomogeneous. The stress concentration of the calcaneus was located at the medial zone of the posterior subtalar joint facet. The peak Von Mises stress distribution in three groups was similar at the subtalar joint facet of 4.9 MPa, 5.1 MPa, and 5.4 MPa. In the accurate fixation group, the contact area on the posterior articular facet was 277.1 mm2; the maximal displacement was 0.18 mm. The contact area of the marginal fixation group was 265.3 mm2 on the posterior facet, where the maximal displacement was 0.23 mm. In the non‐fixation group, the contact area was 253.8 mm2; the maximal displacement was 0.25 mm. There was a slight change in the contact area of the subtalar joint and no prominent displacement of the calcaneus could be detected among the three groups.

Conclusions

The biomechanical results, including the peak stress distribution, contact area, and maximal displacement of subtalar joint, were similar whether the screw is placed exactly within the sustentaculum tali or not, when the calcaneal fractures were fixed by the lateral locking plate. The sustentaculum plate screw had less effect on the biomechanical performance of the calcaneus.
Low risk of clinically important central nervous system dysraphism in a cohort study of 69 patients with isolated aplasia cutis congenita of the head
Authors: Kuemmet Travis J. , Miller James J. , Michalik Daniel , Lew Sean M. , Maheshwari Mohit , Humphrey Stephen R.
Published: February 2020

Background

Aplasia cutis congenita of the head may be associated with underlying fusion defects in the skin, soft tissues, muscle, or bone. The risk of central nervous system dysraphism in patients with aplasia cutis congenita is not known; however, knowledge of underlying structural defects can inform management considerations.

Methods

This retrospective review investigated the risk of cranial central nervous system dysraphism in children presenting with aplasia cutis congenita of the head, who presented between 1/1/2000 and 6/15/2016. Inclusion criteria were subjects with aplasia cutis congenita of the head who received CT or MR imaging of the head.

Results

We identified a total of 69 subjects with aplasia cutis congenita affecting the head and who received imaging. The most common location of the aplasia cutis congenita lesion was the vertex scalp (49.3%). The hair collar sign was present in 27.5% of patients. Twelve of 69 patients (17.4%) demonstrated abnormalities of the bone, vasculature, or brain on head imaging. Only one patient had a diagnosis of encephalocele that required neurosurgical intervention. There was a statistical association between the hair collar sign and the presence of abnormal imaging findings (P = .029), with a negative predictive value of 89.4%.

Conclusions

The incidence of central nervous system dysraphism in patients with aplasia cutis congenita of the head appears to be low, and it may not be necessary to image the head of each child presenting with this skin lesion. The hair collar sign may be a marker of underlying defects.
The role of cyanide‐resistant respiration in Solanum tuberosum L. against high light stress
Authors: Hua D. , Ma M. , Ge G. , Suleman M. , Li H.
Published: February 2020

Cyanide‐resistant respiration in potato mitochondria is an important pathway for energy dissipation. It can be activated by high light; however, it is unclear what roles cyanide‐resistant respiration plays in the response to high light stress in potato.

We designed a CRISPR vector for the functional gene StAOX of the potato cyanide‐resistant respiratory pathway. Agrobacterium tumefaciens GV3101 was transformed into potato. Hydrogen peroxide level, MDA content, antioxidant activity and cyanide‐resistant respiratory capacity of potato leaves under high light stress were determined. Photosynthetic efficiency and chlorophyll content were determined. In addition, the operation of the malate–oxaloacetate shuttle route and transcription level of photorespiration‐related enzymes were also examined.

The results showed that two base substitutions occurred at the sequencing target site on leaves of the transformed potato. Accumulation of ROS and increased membrane lipid peroxidation were detected in the transformed potato leaves and lower photosynthetic efficiency was observed. The transcription level of the malate–oxaloacetate shuttle route and photorespiration‐related enzymes also significantly increased.

These results indicate that the cyanide‐resistant respiration is an important physiological pathway in potato in response to high light stress. It also suggests that plant cyanide‐resistant respiration is closely related to photosynthesis. This implies the unexplored importance of plant cyanide‐resistant respiration in plant photosynthesis, energy conversion and carbon skeleton formation.
Necessity of the target discrimination in the P300‐based complex trial protocol test for concealed information
Authors: Davydova Elena , Rosenfeld J. Peter , Labkovsky Elena
Published: February 2020

The two most common types of ERP‐based protocols to detect concealed information are the 3‐stimulus protocol (3SP) and Complex Trial Protocol (CTP). Both protocols traditionally include presentation of a target (a stimulus with assigned significance requiring a unique behavioral response). The intention of the target presentation is forcing subjects to pay attention to all stimuli, especially to guilty knowledge stimuli, called probes. It was unclear though, how the presence of a targets influences probe recognition, and thus, the concealed information test (CIT) effect—the difference in P300 response to the probe and Irrelevant (crime‐unrelated) stimuli. The question of target necessity was first raised in relation to the 3SP, and it was found that although omitting target stimuli reduced P300 amplitudes for all probe and irrelevant stimuli, the CIT effect was not reduced. The current study investigated how the presence or absence of the target/nontarget discrimination in the CTP affects the CIT effect, by comparing two CTP groups both with (T) and without (NT) the target/nontarget discrimination. The results demonstrated that this discrimination significantly increases the P300 effect. We found a greater P300 CIT effect in the T group than in the NT group, suggesting that for field use, it is better to retain the target discrimination in the CTP. CIT effects were also seen with P300 latency, but not reaction time.
Green Hope: Perspectives on Cannabis from People who Use Opioids
Authors: Boeri Miriam , Pereira Elise , Minkova Alina , Marcato Kevin , Martinez Elianne , Woodall Denise
Published: February 2020

While states are implementing policies to legalize cannabis for medical or recreational purposes, it remains a Schedule 1 controlled substance with no medical uses according to U.S. federal law. The perception of cannabis depends on social and cultural norms that impact political institutions involved in implementing policy. Because of negative social constructions, such as the “gateway hypothesis,” legalization of cannabis has been slow and contentious. Recent studies suggest that cannabis can help combat the opioid epidemic. This article fills a gap in our understanding of how cannabis is viewed by people who are actively misusing opioids and not in treatment. Using ethnographic methods to recruit participants living in a state that legalized cannabis and a state where cannabis was illegal, survey and interview data were analyzed informed by a social constructionist lens. Findings from their “insider perspective” suggest that for some people struggling with problematic opioid use, cannabis can be beneficial.
Multiscale computational models can guide experimentation and targeted measurements for crop improvement
Authors: Benes Bedrich , Guan Kaiyu , Lang Meagan , Long Stephen P. , Lynch Jonathan P. , Marshall‐Colón Amy , Peng Bin , Schnable James , Sweetlove Lee J. , Turk Matthew J.
Published: February 2020

Computational models of plants have identified gaps in our understanding of biological systems, and have revealed ways to optimize cellular processes or organ‐level architecture to increase productivity. Thus, computational models are learning tools that help direct experimentation and measurements. Models are simplifications of complex systems, and often simulate specific processes at single scales (e.g. temporal, spatial, organizational, etc.). Consequently, single‐scale models are unable to capture the critical cross‐scale interactions that result in emergent properties of the system. In this perspective article, we contend that to accurately predict how a plant will respond in an untested environment, it is necessary to integrate mathematical models across biological scales. Computationally mimicking the flow of biological information from the genome to the phenome is an important step in discovering new experimental strategies to improve crops. A key challenge is to connect models across biological, temporal and computational (e.g. CPU versus GPU) scales, and then to visualize and interpret integrated model outputs. We address this challenge by describing the efforts of the international Cropsin silicoconsortium.
A brief contraction has complex effects on summation of twitch pairs in human adductor pollicis
Authors: Smith Ian C. , Adam Helen , Herzog Walter
Published: February 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

How do contraction‐induced reductions in twitch duration, without changes in twitch force, affect summation of twitch pairs into higher force contractions in skeletal muscle?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Abbreviating twitch duration with a brief contraction resulted in enhanced summation of fully fused twitch pairs, but impaired summation in partially fused twitch pairs even after accounting for the differences in relaxation of the first twitch. An inherent mechanism which enhances relaxation without sacrificing force generation in forceful contractions would benefit cyclic muscle activities, such as locomotion.

During electrically evoked contractions of skeletal muscle, the interplay between twitch duration and the time between electrical stimuli (inter‐pulse interval, IPI) determines how effectively twitch forces summate into high force contractions. A brief muscle contraction can impair summation by abbreviating twitch duration, though it is not clear if these impairments occur at all physiologically relevant IPI. This study was designed to test how a brief contraction affects summation of nominally isometric twitch pairs with IPIs lasting 10–5000 ms. Left adductor pollicis muscles of human participants (n = 9) were electrically activated using stimulus pairs applied both before (Pre) and after (Post) a 10 Hz, 1.0 s contraction. Force–time records were mathematically separated into Pulse 1 (single twitch) and Pulse 2 (summated twitch) components. The ratio of Pulse 2 peak force to Pulse 1 peak force was used as our measure of summation effectiveness. Consistent with the observed decline of Pulse 1 duration at Post relative to Pre (4.7 ± 0.6%; P < 0.001; duration was defined as the time from stimulation to the time required for active force to decline by 50%), summation effectiveness was higher at Pre than at Post at IPIs of 100–333 ms. Summation effectiveness was not different between Pre and Post at IPIs of 50–83 ms or 500–5000 ms. Intriguingly, summation effectiveness was higher at Post than at Pre at IPIs of 10–25 ms. In summary, a brief contraction has complex effects on the relationship between inter‐pulse interval and summation effectiveness. Future experiments are needed to reveal the mechanisms behind this novel observation.
La autopercepción del apoyo social del paciente con enfermedad crónica, mediado por tecnología
Authors: Hernández Bustos Adriana , Rojas Martinez Maria Victoria , Cuevas Rodriguez Gloria Naidu
Published: February 2020

Introdución: El apoyo social ha sido un componente fundamental para el cuidado de la persona con enfermedad crónica; por lo tanto, conocer la percepción que se tiene de este y cómo la tecnología es un medio para fortalecerlo es relevante en la formulación de los planteamientos de cuidado que se implementan en las instituciones de salud. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto de la intervención Alguien apoya al que cuida en las percepciones de apoyo social que tienen los enfermos crónicos de un servicio de consulta externa en una institución pública de Girardot (Cundinamarca, Colombia). Método: Estudio de tipo cuantitativo-preexperimental, con una muestra de 116 personas con enfermedad crónica. Se realizó una caracterización sociodemográfica, de condiciones para el cuidado y nivel de apropiación de las tecnologías de los pacientes usando la ficha Caracterización de la Persona con Enfermedad Crónica o GCPC-UN-P. Como estrategia se desarrollaron tres talleres aplicando la intervención Alguien apoya al que cuida al grupo experimental y se midió la percepción de apoyo social antes de la intervención y después de esta, utilizando el Cuestionario MOS de Soporte Social Percibido Resultados: El efecto de la intervención fue estadísticamente significativo (p < 0,05) y cada uno de los factores que la componen: apoyo emocional, informacional, apoyo instrumental e interacción positiva afectiva. Conclusiones: Las intervenciones con el uso de recursos audiovisuales son efectivas como apoyo para los pacientes; y aquí la televisión y la radio son los medios en los cuales se encuentra mayor apropiación en esta población.
Developing an Optimized Low-Cost Transtibial Energy Storage and Release Prosthetic Foot Using Three-Dimensional Printing
Authors: Kamel Hisham , Harraz Omar , Azab Khaled , Attia Tamer
Published: February 2020

This paper presents the results of an investigative study on the development of an affordable and functional prosthetic foot for below knee amputees. A prototype was successfully manufactured using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. This continuously evolving technology enables the rapid production of prosthetics that are individually customized for each patient. Our prototype was developed after conducting a topology optimization study that interestingly converged to the shape of the biological human foot. Afterward, a design was envisioned where a simple energy storage and release (ESAR) mechanism was implemented to replace the Achilles tendon, which minimizes the metabolic energy cost of walking. Our mechanism can successfully manage 70% of the energy compared to a normal person during each walking step. A finite element (FE) model of the prosthetic was developed and validated using experimental tests. Then, this FE model was used to confirm the safe operation of the prosthetic through simulating different loading scenarios according to the ISO standard. A prototype was successfully tested by a healthy person using an adapter that was designed and 3D printed for this purpose. Our study clearly showed that customizable prosthetics could be produced at a fraction 1/60 of the cost of the commercially sold ones.
Probing Flow-Induced Biomolecular Interactions With Micro-Extensional Rheology: Tau Protein Aggregation
Authors: Hosseini H. , Rangchian A. , Prins M. L. , Giza C. C. , Ruberti J. W. , Kavehpour H. P.
Published: February 2020

Biomolecules in solutions subjected to extensional strain can form aggregates, which may be important for our understanding of pathologies involving insoluble protein structures where mechanical forces are thought to be causative (e.g., tau fibers in chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)). To examine the behavior of biomolecules in solution under mechanical strains requires applying rheological methods, often to very small sample volumes. There were two primary objectives in this investigation: (1) To probe flow-induced aggregation of proteins in microliter-sized samples and (2) To test the hypothesis that tau protein aggregates under extensional flow. Tau protein (isoform:3R 0 N; 36.7 kDa) was divided into 10 μl droplets and subjected to extensional strain in a modified tensiometer. Sixteen independent tests were performed where one test on a single droplet comprised three extensional events. To assess the rheological performance of the fluid/tau mixture, the diameter of the filament that formed during extension was tracked as function of time and analyzed for signs of aggregation (i.e., increased relaxation time). The results were compared to two molecules of similar and greater size (Polyethylene Oxide: PEO35, 35 kDa and PEO100, 100 kDa). Analysis showed that the tau protein solution and PEO35 are likely to have formed aggregates, albeit at relatively high extensional strain rates (∼10 kHz). The investigation demonstrates an extensional rheological method capable of determining the properties of protein solutions in μl volumes and that tau protein can aggregate when exposed to a single extensional strain with potentially significant biological implications.
Vocal sequences in narwhals (Monodon monoceros)
Authors: Walmsley Sam F. , Rendell Luke , Hussey Nigel E. , Marcoux Marianne
Published: February 2020

Sequences are indicative of signal complexity in vocal communication. While vocal sequences are well-described in birds and terrestrial mammals, the extent to which marine mammals use them is less well understood. This study documents the first known examples of sequence use in the narwhal (Monodon monoceros), a gregarious Arctic cetacean. Eight female narwhals were fitted with animal-borne recording devices, resulting in one of the largest datasets of narwhal acoustic behaviour to date. A combination of visual and quantitative classification procedures was used to test whether subjectively defined vocalization patterns were organized into sequences. Next, acoustic characteristics were analyzed to assess whether sequences could disclose group or individual identity. Finally, generalized linear models were used to investigate the behavioural context under which sequences were produced. Two types of sequences, consisting of “paired” patterns and “burst pulse series,” were identified. Sequences of burst pulse series were typically produced in periods of high vocal activity, whereas the opposite was true for sequences of paired patterns, suggesting different functions for each. These findings extend the set of odontocetes which are known to use vocal sequences. Inquiry into vocal sequences in other understudied marine mammals may provide further insights into the evolution of vocal communication.
Pervasive head-to-tail insertions of DNA templates mask desired CRISPR-Cas9–mediated genome editing events
Authors: Skryabin Boris V. , Kummerfeld Delf-Magnus , Gubar Leonid , Seeger Birte , Kaiser Helena , Stegemann Anja , Roth Johannes , Meuth Sven G. , Pavenstädt Hermann , Sherwood Joanna , Pap Thomas , Wedlich-Söldner Roland , Sunderkötter Cord , Schwartz Yuri B. , Brosius Juergen , Rozhdestvensky Timofey S.
Published: February 2020

Knock-in genome targeting risks: Comprehensive locus analysis is essential for precision chromosome-editing identification.
Recovering signals of ghost archaic introgression in African populations
Authors: Durvasula Arun , Sankararaman Sriram
Published: February 2020

Multiple West African populations inherited genes from a population that diverged before modern humans and Neanderthals split.
Iron isotope evidence for very rapid accretion and differentiation of the proto-Earth
Authors: Schiller Martin , Bizzarro Martin , Siebert Julien
Published: February 2020

The iron isotope composition of Earth’s mantle requires planetary growth within 5 Ma of solar system formation.
Engineered probiotics for local tumor delivery of checkpoint blockade nanobodies
Authors: Gurbatri Candice R. , Lia Ioana , Vincent Rosa , Coker Courtney , Castro Samuel , Treuting Piper M. , Hinchliffe Taylor E. , Arpaia Nicholas , Danino Tal
Published: February 2020

An engineered probiotic system locally delivers checkpoint blockade nanobodies to tumors for sustained therapeutic release.
Mannose receptor (CD206) activation in tumor-associated macrophages enhances adaptive and innate antitumor immune responses
Authors: Jaynes Jesse M. , Sable Rushikesh , Ronzetti Michael , Bautista Wendy , Knotts Zachary , Abisoye-Ogunniyan Abisola , Li Dandan , Calvo Raul , Dashnyam Myagmarjav , Singh Anju , Guerin Theresa , White Jason , Ravichandran Sarangan , Kumar Parimal , Talsania Keyur , Chen Vicky , Ghebremedhin Anghesom , Karanam Balasubramanyam , Bin Salam Ahmad , Amin Ruksana , Odzorig Taivan , Aiken Taylor , Nguyen Victoria , Bian Yansong , Zarif Jelani C. , de Groot Amber E. , Mehta Monika , Fan Lixin , Hu Xin , Simeonov Anton , Pate Nathan , Abu-Asab Mones , Ferrer Marc , Southall Noel , Ock Chan-Young , Zhao Yongmei , Lopez Henry , Kozlov Serguei , de Val Natalia , Yates Clayton C. , Baljinnyam Bolormaa , Marugan Juan , Rudloff Udo
Published: February 2020

Innate defense regulator RP-182 targets CD206
high
M2-like macrophages in malignant and noncancerous diseases.
Elevated plasma β-hydroxybutyrate predicts adverse outcomes and disease progression in patients with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Song Jiang-Ping , Chen Liang , Chen Xiao , Ren Jie , Zhang Ning-Ning , Tirasawasdichai Tiara , Hu Zhen-Liang , Hua Wei , Hu Yi-Ran , Tang Hui-Ru , Chen Huei-Sheng Vincent , Hu Sheng-Shou
Published: February 2020

Elevated plasma β-hydroxybutyrate predicts adverse outcomes and disease progression in patients with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
Cultivable, Host-Specific
Bacteroidetes
Symbionts Exhibit Diverse Polysaccharolytic Strategies
Authors: Vera-Ponce de León Arturo , Jahnes Benjamin C. , Duan Jun , Camuy-Vélez Lennel A. , Sabree Zakee L.
Published: February 2020

Gut microbes are increasingly being recognized as critical contributors to nutrient accessibility in animals. The globally distributed omnivorous American cockroach (
Periplaneta americana
) harbors many bacterial phyla (e.g.,
Bacteroidetes
) that are abundant in vertebrates.
P. americana
thrives on a highly diverse plant-enriched diet, making this insect a rich potential source of uncharacterized polysaccharolytic bacteria. We have cultivated, completely sequenced, and functionally characterized several novel
Bacteroidetes
species that are endemic to the
P. americana
gut, and many of these isolates can degrade simple and complex polysaccharides. Cultivation and genomic characterization of these
Bacteroidetes
isolates further enable deeper insight into how these taxa participate in polysaccharide metabolism and, more broadly, how they affect animal health and development.
Implementing essential interventions for cardiovascular disease risk management in primary healthcare: lessons from Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Authors: Collins Dylan , Laatikainen Tiina , Farrington Jill
Published: February 2020

Globally, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, including in the WHO European region. Within this region, the Member States with the greatest cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden are also some of the lowest resourced. As the need for technical support for the implementation of essential CVD/NCD interventions in primary healthcare (PHC) in these regions grew urgent, the WHO Regional Office for Europe has been directly supporting national governments in the development, assessment, scale-up and quality improvement of large scale PHC interventions for CVD. Herein, we synthesise the key learnings from providing technical support to national governments under the auspices of the WHO across the European region and share these learnings as a resource for public health professionals to consider when increasing coverage of quality essential health services. Based on our experience providing technical support to a diversity of Member States in the European Region (eg, Tajikistan, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Uzbekistan), we have identified six key lessons: prioritising NCDs for public health intervention, identifying and mapping existing resources, engaging key stakeholders, tailoring interventions to the local health system, generating local evidence and ensuring quality improvement while mainstreaming. Common challenges across all phases of implementation include multiple and inconsistent international toolkits and guidance, lack of national capacity for evidence-based healthcare, limited access to essential medicines and technologies, inconsistent national guidelines and limited experience in evaluation methodology, clinical epidemiology and guideline implementation. We map the lessons to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and highlight key learnings and challenges specific to the region. Member States in the region are at various stages of implementation; however, several are currently conducting pragmatic clinical trials to generate local evidence for health policy. As this work expands, greater engagement with peer-to-peer sharing of contextual wisdom, sharing of resources, publishing methodology and results and development of region-specific resources is planned.
Is change in mental distress among adolescents predicted by sedentary behaviour or screen time? Results from the longitudinal population study The Tromsø Study: Fit Futures
Authors: Opdal Ida Marie , Morseth Bente , Handegård Bjørn-Helge , Lillevoll Kjersti R , Nilsen Wendy , Nielsen Christopher , Furberg Anne-Sofie , Rosenbaum Simon , Rognmo Kamilla
Published: February 2020

Objective

There is growing interest in the relationship between sedentary behaviour and mental distress among adolescents, but the majority of studies to date have relied on self-reported measures with poor validity. Consequently, current knowledge may be affected by various biases. The aim of this study was to investigate the cross-sectional and longitudinal association between (1) objectively measured sedentary time and (2) self-reported screen time with mental distress among adolescents participating in The Tromsø Study: Fit Futures, in order to see if the association is dependent on mode of measurement of sedentary behaviour.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Sample drawn from upper secondary school students (mean age 16.3 years at baseline) from two municipalities in Northern Norway participating in The Tromsø Study: Fit Futures 1 and 2.

Participants

686 adolescents (54.5% female), with complete self-reported and accelerometer data after multiple imputation.

Primary outcome measures

Mental distress assessed via the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-10 (HSCL-10).

Results

Minutes in sedentary behaviour measured by accelerometer showed no significant relationship with mental distress in neither crude, partly adjusted nor multiple adjusted hierarchic linear regression analyses. Self-reported screen time was positively associated with mental distress in all analyses (multiple adjusted, B=0.038, p=0.008, 95% CI 0.010 to 0.066). However, the effect was small.

Conclusions

Self-reported screen time was associated with slightly elevated mental distress 2 years later, whereas objectively measured minutes in sedentary behaviour was not, indicating a discrepancy in the results depending on measurement methods.
Longitudinal Youth in Transition Study (LYiTS): protocol for a multicentre prospective cohort study of youth transitioning out of child and adolescent mental health services at age 18
Authors: Cleverley Kristin , Bennett Kathryn J , Brennenstuhl Sarah , Cheung Amy , Henderson Joanna , Korczak Daphne J , Kurdyak Paul , Levinson Andrea , Pignatiello Antonio , Stinson Jennifer , Voineskos Aristotle N , Szatmari Peter
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Transition between health services is widely recognised as a problematic hurdle. Yet, the factors necessary for successful transition out of child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) as youth reach the service boundary at age 18 are poorly understood. Further, fragmentation and variability among the services provided by mental health organisations serve to exacerbate mental illness and create unnecessary challenges for youth and their families. The primary aim of the Longitudinal Youth in Transition Study (LYiTS) is to describe and model changes in psychiatric symptoms, functioning and health service utilisation at the transition out of CAMHS at age 18 and to identify key elements of the transition process that are amendable to interventions aimed at ensuring continuity of care.

Methods and analysis

A prospective longitudinal cohort study will be conducted to examine the association between psychiatric symptoms, functioning and mental health and health service use of youth aged 16–18 as they transition out of child mental health services at age 18. We will recruit a sample of (n=350) participants from child and adolescent psychiatric programmes at two hospital and two community mental health sites and conduct assessments annually for 3 years using standardised measures of psychiatric symptoms, functioning and health service utilisation.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been obtained at all four recruitment sites. We will disseminate the results through conferences, open access publications and webinars.
Brought in dead cases to a tertiary referral paediatric emergency department in India: a prospective qualitative study
Authors: Praveen Kumar , Nallasamy Karthi , Jayashree Muralidharan , Kumar Praveen
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Brought in dead (BID) presentation is profoundly related to prehospital variables including disease-related determinants and social and system-related factors. Identifying these factors would help us recognise various gaps in health services.

Setting

Tertiary paediatric emergency department (ED) in north India.

Patients

Children aged 12 years or younger presented in cardiac arrest between April 2016 and March 2017 were prospectively enrolled irrespective of outcome of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Data were collected from multiple sources including referral documents, direct interview from parents and field observations at the referring facility.

Results

Of 100 BID cases enrolled, 55 were neonates. Low birth weight (n=43, 78%) and malnutrition (n=31, 69%) were respectively common in neonates and postneonatal children. The most frequent symptom was breathing difficulty (n=80). Common diagnoses included respiratory distress syndrome (n=21, 38%), birth asphyxia (n=19, 35%) and sepsis (n=11, 20%) in neonates, and pneumonia (n=11, 25%), congenital heart disease (n=6, 13%) and acute gastroenteritis (n=5, 11%) in postneonatal children. Eighty-nine cases were referred from another healthcare facility, majority after first healthcare contact (n=77, 87%). Progressive severity of illness (n=61, 71%) and lack of expertise for acute care (n=35, 39%) were the common reasons for referral. Ambulance (n=77) was the most common mode of transport; median (IQR) distance and duration of travel were 80 (25–111.5) km and 120 (60–180) min, respectively. Respiratory support during transport included supplemental nasal oxygen (n=41, 46%) and bag and tube ventilation (n=30, 34%). Clinical deterioration was recognised in 62 children during transport, only five received CPR en route. Ninety-five children underwent CPR at the referral centre, two had return of spontaneous circulation.

Conclusion

Social and system-related factors contribute to children presenting to ED in BID state. Streamlining the referral process and linking transport to hospital care could reduce decompensated referrals and thereby decrease child mortality.
Phenotypic characteristics and asthma severity in an East African cohort of adults and adolescents with asthma: findings from the African severe asthma project
Authors: Kirenga Bruce , Chakaya Jeremiah , Yimer Getnet , Nyale George , Haile Tewodros , Muttamba Winters , Mugenyi Levicatus , Katagira Winceslaus , Worodria William , Aanyu-Tukamuhebwa Hellen , Lugogo Njira , Joloba Moses , Bekele Amsalu , Makumbi Fred , Green Cindy , de Jong Corina , Kamya Moses , van der Molen Thys
Published: February 2020

Rationale

The relationship between clinical and biomarker characteristics of asthma and its severity in Africa is not well known.

Methods

Using the Expert Panel Report 3, we assessed for asthma severity and its relationship with key phenotypic characteristics in Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia. The characteristics included adult onset asthma, family history of asthma, exposures (smoking and biomass), comorbidities (HIV, hypertension, obesity, tuberculosis (TB), rhinosinusitis, gastro-oesophageal disease (GERD) and biomarkers (fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), skin prick test (SPT) and blood eosinophils). We compared these characteristics on the basis of severity and fitted a multivariable logistic regression model to assess the independent association of these characteristics with asthma severity.

Results

A total of 1671 patients were enrolled, 70.7% women, with median age of 40 years. The prevalence of intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent and severe persistent asthma was 2.9%, 19.9%, 42.6% and 34.6%, respectively. Only 14% were on inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Patients with severe persistent asthma had a higher rate of adult onset asthma, smoking, HIV, history of TB, FeNO and absolute eosinophil count but lower rates of GERD, rhinosinusitis and SPT positivity. In the multivariate model, Ethiopian site and a history of GERD remained associated with asthma severity.

Discussion

The majority of patients in this cohort presented with moderate to severe persistent asthma and the use of ICS was very low. Improving access to ICS and other inhaled therapies could greatly reduce asthma morbidity in Africa.
Myotonometry for the evaluation of Achilles tendon mechanical properties: a reliability and construct validity study
Authors: Schneebeli Alessandro , Falla Deborah , Clijsen Ron , Barbero Marco
Published: February 2020

Objective

This study evaluates the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the MyotonPRO and its construct validity for the assessment of Achilles tendon stiffness.

Design

Reliability and construct validity study.

Methods

Forty healthy participants were assessed using the MyotonPRO by two raters on two different occasions. Tendon was evaluated in three different positions (relaxed, 0° plantarflexion and standing) and during different isometric contractions (range 0–3 kg). Reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC and 95% CI) standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change. Construct validity was evaluated between the different positions and the different contraction intensities using Friedman test.

Results

Intra-rater reliability was very high ICC2,k0.87–0.98. The reliability of the 0.5 kg contraction was moderate with an ICC2,kof 0.59. Inter-rater reliability ranged from high to very high with an ICC2,kof 0.76–0.86. The reliability of the 0.5 kg, 1 kg contraction and the standing position was moderate with an ICC2,kof 0.55, 0.54 and 0.56 respectively. Inter-session reliability ranged from high to very high with an ICC2,kof 0.70–0.89. The reliability of the 0.5 kg contraction was moderate with an ICC2,kof 0.54. Construct validity was demonstrated between different contraction levels and different positions.

Conclusion

MyotonPRO is a reliable tool for the evaluation of Achilles tendon stiffness during different contraction levels and in different positions. Construct validity was supported by changes of tendon stiffness during the explored conditions. MyotonPRO can be implemented, as a ready to use device, in the evaluation of tendon tissue mechanical properties.