bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid seed incompatibility in Capsella is connected to chromatin condensation defects in the endosperm
Authors: Dziasek Katarzyna , Simon Lauriane , Lafon-Placette Clément , Laenen Benjamin , Wärdig Cecilia , Santos-González Juan , Slotte Tanja , Köhler Claudia
Published: February 2021

Hybridization of closely related plant species is frequently connected to endosperm arrest and seed failure, for reasons that remain to be identified. In this study, we investigated the molecular events accompanying seed failure in hybrids of the closely related species pairCapsella rubellaandC.grandiflora. Mapping of QTL for the underlying cause of hybrid incompatibility inCapsellaidentified three QTL that were close to pericentromeric regions. We investigated whether there are specific changes in heterochromatin associated with interspecific hybridizations and found a strong reduction of chromatin condensation in the endosperm, connected with a strong loss of CHG and CHH methylation and random loss of a single chromosome. Consistent with reduced DNA methylation in the hybrid endosperm, we found a disproportionate deregulation of genes located close to pericentromeric regions, suggesting that reduced DNA methylation allows access of transcription factors to targets located in heterochromatic regions. Since the identified QTL were also associated with pericentromeric regions, we propose that relaxation of heterochromatin in response to interspecies hybridization exposes and activates loci leading to hybrid seed failure.
Novel transdisciplinary methodology for cross-sectional analysis of snakebite epidemiology at national scale
Authors: Alcoba Gabriel , Ochoa Carlos , Babo Martins Sara , Ruiz de Castañeda Rafael , Bolon Isabelle , Wanda Franck , Comte Eric , Subedi Manish , Shah Bhupendra , Ghimire Anup , Gignoux Etienne , Luquero Francisco , Nkwescheu Armand Seraphin , Sharma Sanjib Kumar , Chappuis François , Ray Nicolas
Published: February 2021

Background

Worldwide, it is estimated that snakes bite 4.5–5.4 million people annually, 2.7 million of which are envenomed, and 81,000–138,000 die. The World Health Organization reported these estimates and recognized the scarcity of large-scale, community-based, epidemiological data. In this context, we developed the “Snake-Byte” project that aims at (i) quantifying and mapping the impact of snakebite on human and animal health, and on livelihoods, (ii) developing predictive models for medical, ecological and economic indicators, and (iii) analyzing geographic accessibility to healthcare. This paper exclusively describes the methodology we developed to collect large-scale primary data on snakebite in humans and animals in two hyper-endemic countries, Cameroon and Nepal.

Methodology/Principal findings

We compared available methods on snakebite epidemiology and on multi-cluster survey development. Then, in line with those findings, we developed an original study methodology based on a multi-cluster random survey, enhanced by geospatial, One Health, and health economics components. Using a minimum hypothesized snakebite national incidence of 100/100,000/year and optimizing design effect, confidence level, and non-response margin, we calculated a sample of 61,000 people per country. This represented 11,700 households in Cameroon and 13,800 in Nepal. The random selection with probability proportional to size generated 250 clusters from all Cameroonian regions and all Nepalese Terai districts. Our household selection methodology combined spatial randomization and selection via high-resolution satellite images. After ethical approval in Switerland (CCER), Nepal (BPKIHS), and Cameroon (CNERSH), and informed written consent, our e-questionnaires included geolocated baseline demographic and socio-economic characteristics, snakebite clinical features and outcomes, healthcare expenditure, animal ownership, animal outcomes, snake identification, and service accessibility.

Conclusions/Significance

This novel transdisciplinary survey methodology was subsequently used to collect countrywide snakebite envenoming data in Nepal and Cameroon. District-level incidence data should help health authorities to channel antivenom and healthcare allocation. This methodology, or parts thereof, could be easily adapted to other countries and to other Neglected Tropical Diseases.
Genetic variation for fusarium crown rot tolerance in durum wheat
Authors: Kadkol Gururaj Pralhad , Meza Jess , Simpfendorfer Steven , Harden Steve , Cullis Brian
Published: February 2021

Tolerance to the cereal disease Fusarium crown rot (FCR) was investigated in a set of 34 durum wheat genotypes, with Suntop, (bread wheat) and EGA Bellaroi (durum) as tolerant and intolerant controls, in a series of replicated field trials over four years with inoculated (FCR-i) and non-inoculated (FCR-n) plots of the genotypes. The genotypes included conventional durum lines and lines derived from crossing durum with 2–49, a bread wheat genotype with the highest level of partial resistance to FCR. A split plot trial design was chosen to optimize the efficiency for the prediction of FCR tolerance for each genotype. A multi-environment trial (MET) analysis was undertaken which indicated that there was good repeatability of FCR tolerance across years. Based on an FCR tolerance index, Suntop was the most tolerant genotype and EGA Bellaroi was very intolerant, but some durum wheats had FCR tolerance indices which were comparable to Suntop. These included some conventional durum genotypes, V101030, TD1702, V11TD013*3X-63 and DBA Bindaroi, as well as genotypes from crosses with 2–49 (V114916 and V114942). The correlation between FCR tolerance and FCR-n yield predictions was moderately negative indicating it could be somewhat difficult to develop FCR-tolerant genotypes that are high yielding under low disease pressure. However, FCR tolerance showed a positive correlation with FCR-i yield predictions in seasons of high disease expression indicating it could be possible to screen for FCR tolerance using only FCR-i treatments. These results are the first demonstration of genetic diversity in durum germplasm for FCR tolerance and they provide a basis for breeding for this trait.
Gender differences in trends of bladder cancer mortality-to-incidence ratios according to health expenditure in 55 countries
Authors: Huang Cheng-Yu , Wang Shao-Chuan , Chan Lung , Hsieh Tzuo-Yi , Sung Wen-Wei , Chen Sung-Lang
Published: February 2021

The association between bladder cancer mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs) and healthcare disparities has gender differences. However, no evidence supports gender as an issue in the association between changes in the MIR and health expenditures on bladder cancer. Changes in the MIR were defined as the difference in data from the years 2012 and 2018, which was named δMIR. Current health expenditures (CHE) and the human development index (HDI) were obtained from the World Health Organization and the Human Development Report Office. The association between variables was analyzed by Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. In total, 55 countries were analyzed according to data quality and the exclusion of missing data. Globally, the MIR changed according to the HDI level in both genders. Among the 55 countries studied, a high HDI and CHE were significantly associated with a favorable age-standardized rate-based MIR (ASR-based MIR) in both genders and the subgroups according to gender (for both genders, MIR vs. HDI: ρ = -0.720, p < 0.001; MIR vs. CHE per capita: ρ = -0.760, p < 0.001; MIR vs. CHE as a percentage of gross domestic product (CHE/GDP): ρ = -0.663, p < 0.001). Importantly, in females only, the CHE/GDP but neither the HDI score nor the CHE per capita was significantly associated with a favorable ASR-based δMIR (ASR-based δMIR vs. CHE/GDP: ρ = 0.414, p = 0.002). In the gender subgroups, the association between the HDI and the CHE was statistically significant for females and less significant for males. In conclusion, favorable bladder ASR-based MIRs were associated with a high CHE; however, improvement of the ASR-based δMIR data was more correlated with the CHE in females. Further investigation of the gender differences via a cohort survey with detailed information of clinical-pathological characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcomes might clarify these issues and improve therapeutic and/or screening strategies for bladder cancer.
Matrix metalloproteinase 9 a potential major player connecting atherosclerosis and osteoporosis in high fat diet fed rats
Authors: Sabry Maha , Mostafa Seham , Rashed Laila , Abdelgwad Marwa , Kamar Samaa , Estaphan Suzanne
Published: February 2021

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent one of the major sequelae of obesity. On the other hand, the relationship between bone diseases and obesity remains unclear. An increasing number of biological and epidemiological studies suggest the presence of a link between atherosclerosis and osteoporosis, however, the precise molecular pathways underlying this close association remain poorly understood. The present work thus aimed to study Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), as a proposed link between atherosclerosis and osteoporosis in high fat diet fed rats.

Methods and findings

40 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control, untreated atherosclerosis group, atherosclerotic rats treated with carvedilol (10mg/kg/d) and atherosclerotic rats treated with alendronate sodium (10mg/kg/d). After 8 weeks, blood samples were collected for estimation of Lipid profile (Total cholesterol, HDL, TGs), inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α, CRP and NO) and Bone turnover markers (BTMs) (Alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and pyridinoline). Rats were then euthanized and the aortas and tibias were dissected for histological examination and estimation of MMP-9, N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) and NF-kB expression. Induction of atherosclerosis via high fat diet and chronic stress induced a significant increase in BTMs, inflammatory markers and resulted in a state of dyslipidaemia. MMP-9 has also shown to be significantly increased in the untreated atherosclerosis rats and showed a significant correlation with all measured parameters. Interestingly, Carvedilol and bisphosphonate had almost equal effects restoring the measured parameters back to normal, partially or completely.

Conclusion

MMP-9 is a pivotal molecule that impact the atherogenic environment of the vessel wall. A strong cross talk exists between MMP-9, cytokine production and macrophage function. It also plays an important regulatory role in osteoclastogenesis. So, it may be a key molecule in charge for coupling CVD and bone diseases in high fat diet fed rats. Therefore, we suggest MMP-9 as a worthy molecule to be targeted pharmacologically in order to control both conditions simultaneously. Further studies are needed to support, to invest and to translate this hypothesis into clinical studies and guidelines.
Functioning in adult patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy: Exploring the role of environmental factors using focus groups
Authors: Armadans-Tremolosa I. , Guilera G. , Las Heras M. , Castrechini A. , Selva-O’Callaghan A.
Published: February 2021

Objective

Health-related quality of life is impaired in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. This study aimed to identify the main areas of the health-related quality of life environment domain that are affected in patients with myositis.

Methods

A qualitative study was performed using focus groups and applying the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Participants were recruited from a cohort of 323 adult inflammatory myopathy patients consulting at a reference center for idiopathic inflammatory myopathy in Spain, selected by the maximum variation strategy, and placed in focus groups with 5 to 7 patients per group. The number of focus groups required was determined by data saturation.

Results

Twenty-five patients distributed in 4 focus groups were interviewed. The verbatim provided 54 categories directly related with environmental factors. Those associated with products or substances for personal consumption (e110), health professionals (e355), health services, systems and policies (e580), products and technology for personal use in daily living (e115), and immediate family (e310) were the ones most frequently reported.

Conclusion

The results of this study led to identification of several environmental factors that affect the health-related quality of life of patients with myositis. Remedial interventions should be designed to address some of these factors.
Quantifying the gender gap in the HIV care cascade in southern Mozambique: We are missing the men
Authors: Lopez-Varela Elisa , Augusto Orvalho , Fuente-Soro Laura , Sacoor Charfudin , Nhacolo Ariel , Casavant Isabelle , Karajeanes Esmeralda , Vaz Paula , Naniche Denise
Published: February 2021

Background

HIV-infected men have higher rates of delayed diagnosis, reduced antiretroviral treatment (ART) retention and mortality than women. We aimed to assess, by gender, the first two UNAIDS 90 targets in rural southern Mozambique.

Methods

This analysis was embedded in a larger prospective cohort enrolling individuals with new HIV diagnosis between May 2014-June 2015 from clinic and home-based testing (HBT). We assessed gender differences between steps of the HIV-cascade. Adjusted HIV-community prevalence was estimated using multiple imputation (MI).

Results

Among 11,773 adults randomized in HBT (7084 female and 4689 male), the response rate before HIV testing was 48.7% among eligible men and 62.0% among women (p<0.001). MI did not significantly modify all-age HIV-prevalence for men but did decrease prevalence estimates in women from 36.4%to 33.0%. Estimated proportion of HIV-infected individuals aware of their status was 75.9% for men and 88.9% for women. In individuals <25 years, we observed up to 22.2% disparity in awareness of serostatus between genders. Among individuals eligible for ART, similar proportions of men and women initiated treatment (81.2% and 85.9%, respectively). Fourfold more men than womenwere in WHO stage III/IV AIDS at first clinical visit. Once on ART, men had a twofold higher 18-month loss to follow-up rate than women.

Conclusion

The contribution of missing HIV-serostatus data differentially impacted indicators of HIV prevalence and of achievement of UNAIDS targets by age and gender and men were missing long before the second 90. Increased efforts to characterize missing men and their needs will and their needs will allow us to urgently address the barriers to men accessing care and ensure men are not left behind in the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets achievement.
Fast semantic segmentation method for machine vision inspection based on a fewer-parameters atrous convolution neural network
Authors: Huang Jian , Guixiong Liu , He Binyuan
Published: February 2021

Owing to the recent development in deep learning, machine vision has been widely used in intelligent manufacturing equipment in multiple fields, including precision-manufacturing production lines and online product-quality inspection. This study aims at online Machine Vision Inspection, focusing on the method of online semantic segmentation under complex backgrounds. First, the fewer-parameters optimization of the atrous convolution architecture is studied. Atrous spatial pyramid pooling (ASPP) and residual network (ResNet) are selected as the basic architectures of ηseg and ηmain, respectively, which indicate that the improved proportion of the participating input image feature is beneficial for improving the accuracy of feature extraction during the change of the number and dimension of feature maps. Second, this study proposes five modified ResNet residual building blocks, with the main path having a 3 × 3 convolution layer, 2 × 2 skip path, and pooling layer with ls = 2, which can improve the use of image features. Finally, the simulation experiments show that our modified structure can significantly decrease segmentation time Tseg from 719 to 296 ms (decreased by 58.8%), with only a slight decrease in the intersection-over-union from 86.7% to 86.6%. The applicability of the proposed machine vision method was verified through the segmentation recognition of the China Yuan (CNY) for the 2019 version. Compared with the conventional method, the proposed model of semantic segmentation visual detection effectively reduces the detection time while ensuring the detection accuracy and has a significant effect of fewer-parameters optimization. This slows for the possibility of neural network detection on mobile terminals.
Charged metabolite biomarkers of food intake assessed via plasma metabolomics in a population-based observational study in Japan
Authors: Shibutami Eriko , Ishii Ryota , Harada Sei , Kurihara Ayako , Kuwabara Kazuyo , Kato Suzuka , Iida Miho , Akiyama Miki , Sugiyama Daisuke , Hirayama Akiyoshi , Sato Asako , Amano Kaori , Sugimoto Masahiro , Soga Tomoyoshi , Tomita Masaru , Takebayashi Toru
Published: February 2021

Food intake biomarkers can be critical tools that can be used to objectively assess dietary exposure for both epidemiological and clinical nutrition studies. While an accurate estimation of food intake is essential to unravel associations between the intake and specific health conditions, random and systematic errors affect self-reported assessments. This study aimed to clarify how habitual food intake influences the circulating plasma metabolome in a free-living Japanese regional population and to identify potential food intake biomarkers. To achieve this aim, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis as part of a large cohort study. From a baseline survey of the Tsuruoka Metabolome Cohort Study, 7,012 eligible male and female participants aged 40–69 years were chosen for this study. All data on patients’ health status and dietary intake were assessed via a food frequency questionnaire, and plasma samples were obtained during an annual physical examination. Ninety-four charged plasma metabolites were measured using capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry, by a non-targeted approach. Statistical analysis was performed using partial-least-square regression. A total of 21 plasma metabolites were likely to be associated with long-term food intake of nine food groups. In particular, the influential compounds in each food group were hydroxyproline for meat, trimethylamine-N-oxide for fish, choline for eggs, galactarate for dairy, cystine and betaine for soy products, threonate and galactarate for carotenoid-rich vegetables, proline betaine for fruits, quinate and trigonelline for coffee, and pipecolate for alcohol, and these were considered as prominent food intake markers in Japanese eating habits. A set of circulating plasma metabolites was identified as potential food intake biomarkers in the Japanese community-dwelling population. These results will open the way for the application of new reliable dietary assessment tools not by self-reported measurements but through objective quantification of biofluids
What predicts legislative success of early care and education policies?: Applications of machine learning and Natural Language Processing in a cross-state early childhood policy analysis
Authors: Park Soojin Oh , Hassairi Nail
Published: February 2021

Following the pioneering efforts of a federal Head Start program, U.S. state policymakers have rapidly expanded access to Early Care and Education (ECE) programs with strong bipartisan support. Within the past decade the enrollment of 4 year-olds has roughly doubled in state-funded preschool. Despite these public investments, the content and priorities of early childhood legislation–enacted and failed–have rarely been examined. This study integrates perspectives from public policy, political science, developmental science, and machine learning in examining state ECE bills in identifying key factors associated with legislative success. Drawing from the Early Care and Education Bill Tracking Database, we employed Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), a statistical topic identification model, to examine 2,396 ECE bills across the 50 U.S. states during the 2015-2018. First, a six-topic solution demonstrated the strongest fit theoretically and empirically suggesting two meta policy priorities: ‘ECE finance’ and ‘ECE services’. ‘ECE finance’ comprised three dimensions: (1) Revenues, (2) Expenditures, and (3) Fiscal Governance. ‘ECE services’ also included three dimensions: (1) PreK, (2) Child Care, and (3) Health and Human Services (HHS). Further, we found that bills covering a higher proportion of HHS, Fiscal Governance, or Expenditures were more likely to pass into law relative to bills focusing largely on PreK, Child Care, and Revenues. Additionally, legislative effectiveness of the bill’s primary sponsor was a strong predictor of legislative success, and further moderated the relation between bill content and passage. Highly effective legislators who had previously passed five or more bills had an extremely high probability of introducing a legislation that successfully passed regardless of topic. Legislation with expenditures as policy priorities benefitted the most from having an effective legislator. We conclude with a discussion of the empirical findings within the broader context of early childhood policy literature and suggest implications for future research and policy.
Cardiovascular sequalae in uncomplicated COVID-19 survivors
Authors: Zhou Mi , Wong Chun-Ka , Un Ka-Chun , Lau Yuk-Ming , Lee Jeffrey Chun-Yin , Tam Frankie Chor-Cheung , Lau Yee-Man , Lai Wing-Hon , Tam Anthony Raymond , Lam Yat-Yin , Pang Polly , Tong Teresa , Tang Milky , Tse Hung-Fat , Ho Deborah , Ng Ming-Yen , Chan Esther W. , Wong Ian C. K. , Lau Chu-Pak , Hung Ivan Fan-Ngai , Siu Chung-Wah
Published: February 2021

Background

A high proportion of COVID-19 patients were reported to have cardiac involvements. Data pertaining to cardiac sequalae is of urgent importance to define subsequent cardiac surveillance.

Methods

We performed a systematic cardiac screening for 97 consecutive COVID-19 survivors including electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, serum troponin and NT-proBNP assay 1–4 weeks after hospital discharge. Treadmill exercise test and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) were performed according to initial screening results.

Results

The mean age was 46.5 ± 18.6 years; 53.6% were men. All were classified with non-severe disease without overt cardiac manifestations and did not require intensive care. Median hospitalization stay was 17 days and median duration from discharge to screening was 11 days. Cardiac abnormalities were detected in 42.3% including sinus bradycardia (29.9%), newly detected T-wave abnormality (8.2%), elevated troponin level (6.2%), newly detected atrial fibrillation (1.0%), and newly detected left ventricular systolic dysfunction with elevated NT-proBNP level (1.0%). Significant sinus bradycardia with heart rate below 50 bpm was detected in 7.2% COVID-19 survivors, which appeared to be self-limiting and recovered over time. For COVID-19 survivors with persistent elevation of troponin level after discharge or newly detected T wave abnormality, echocardiography and CMR did not reveal any evidence of infarct, myocarditis, or left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Conclusion

Cardiac abnormality is common amongst COVID-survivors with mild disease, which is mostly self-limiting. Nonetheless, cardiac surveillance in form of ECG and/or serum biomarkers may be advisable to detect more severe cardiac involvement including atrial fibrillation and left ventricular dysfunction.
Incidence and predictors of COPD mortality in Uganda: A 2-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Alupo Patricia , Wosu Adaeze C. , Mahofa Abdallah , Mugenyi Levicatus , Semakula Daniel , Katagira Winceslaus , Kirenga Bruce
Published: February 2021

Background

Data is lacking on outcomes among COPD patients in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of the study was to assess the incidence and predictors of mortality among COPD patients enrolled in the Uganda Registry for Asthma and COPD.

Research question

What is the Incidence and predictors of mortality among COPD patients in Uganda?

Study design and methods

Individuals with a diagnosis of COPD at six hospitals in Uganda were enrolled into the registry, and followed every six months. Mortality was ascertained through post-mortem reports and verbal autopsies. Mortality rates (MR), mortality rate ratios (MRR), and hazard ratios (HR) were computed to assess associations between socio-demographic, behavioural, and clinical characteristics at enrolment into the registry and mortality up to two years after.

Results

We enrolled 296 COPD patients. Median age was 60 years, and 51·3% were male. The overall mortality rate was 95·90 deaths/1000 person-years. COPD severity by post-bronchodilator FEV1 was the strongest risk factor for mortality. Compared to stage 1, adjusted hazard ratios were as follows for stage 4: 9·86 (95%CI: 1·70–57·14, p = 0·011), stage 3: 6·16 (95%CI: 1·25–30·32, p = 0·025), and stage 2: 1·76 (95%CI: 0·33–9·48, p = 0·51). Underweight patients had a higher incidence of mortality compared to normal weight patients (MRR: 3·47 (95%CI: 1·45–8·31, p = 0·0026).

Conclusion

Among COPD patients in Uganda, two-year mortality is high, and disease severity at baseline was the strongest risk factor for mortality. Our findings suggest the need for early, accurate, diagnosis and management of COPD, to potentially improve survival.
Candidate drugs for preventive treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Shimizu Kampei , Imamura Hirotoshi , Tani Shoichi , Adachi Hidemitsu , Sakai Chiaki , Ishii Akira , Kataoka Hiroharu , Miyamoto Susumu , Aoki Tomohiro , Sakai Nobuyuki
Published: February 2021

Background and purpose

Establishment of drug therapy to prevent rupture of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (IAs) is needed. Previous human and animal studies have gradually clarified candidate drugs for preventive treatment of IA rupture. However, because most of these candidates belong to classes of drugs frequently co-administered to prevent cardiovascular diseases, epidemiological studies evaluating these drugs simultaneously should be performed. Furthermore, because drugs included in the same class may have different effects in terms of disease prevention, drug-by-drug assessments are important for planning intervention trials.

Materials and methods

We performed a cross-sectional study enrolling patients diagnosed with IAs between July 2011 and June 2019 at our institution. Patients were divided into ruptured or unruptured groups. The drugs investigated were selected according to evidence suggested by either human or animal studies. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association of drug treatment with rupture status. We also performed drug-by-drug assessments of the association, including dose-response relationships, with rupture status.

Results

In total, 310 patients with ruptured and 887 patients with unruptured IAs were included. Multivariate analysis revealed an inverse association of statins (odds ratio (OR), 0.54; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38–0.77), calcium channel blockers (OR, 0.41; 95% CI 0.30–0.58), and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) (OR, 0.67; 95% CI 0.48–0.93) with ruptured IAs. Moreover, inverse dose-response relationships with rupture status were observed for pitavastatin and rosuvastatin among statins, benidipine, cilnidipine, and amlodipine among calcium channel blockers, and valsartan, azilsartan, candesartan, and olmesartan among ARBs. Only non-aspirin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were positively associated with ruptured IAs (OR, 3.24; 95% CI 1.71–6.13).

Conclusions

The present analysis suggests that several types of statins, calcium channel blockers, and ARBs are candidate drugs for preventive treatment of unruptured IAs.
Effects of occupational balance on subjective health, quality of life, and health-related variables in community-dwelling older adults: A structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Park Sangmi , Lee Hae Jong , Jeon Byoung-Jin , Yoo Eun-Young , Kim Jong-Bae , Park Ji-Hyuk
Published: February 2021

Occupational balance is an important variable associated with health and quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the influence of occupational balance on health, quality of life, and other health-related variables using structural equation modeling. We analyzed data from 208 adults over 55 years old. Mean age of the participants was 70.21 years (SD 7.22). The research model for analysis was based on the results of previous studies addressing occupational balance and related variables such as stress, leisure satisfaction, life satisfaction, subjective health, quality of life, and participation. General fit indices of the final model were acceptable (x2/df = 1.708,p< .001, RMSEA = .058, TLI = .923, CFI = .929, and SRMR = .067). Although the size of effect was small to medium (.157–.249), occupational balance was identified as an independent variable directly or indirectly affecting subjective health, quality of life, and health-related variables in the final model. Our results showed that it is possible to improve subjective health and quality of life by promoting better occupational balance. Further studies developing an intervention program based on occupational balance are required to confirm the feasibility of the intervention and its effect on older adults’ health and quality of life in real-life circumstances.
Lactic acid-containing products for bacterial vaginosis and their impact on the vaginal microbiota: A systematic review
Authors: Plummer Erica L. , Bradshaw Catriona S. , Doyle Michelle , Fairley Christopher K. , Murray Gerald L. , Bateson Deborah , Masson Lindi , Slifirski Josephine , Tachedjian Gilda , Vodstrcil Lenka A.
Published: February 2021

Objective

The vaginal microbiota in bacterial vaginosis (BV) typically has low abundance of lactic acid producing lactobacilli. Lactic acid has properties that may make it effective for treating BV and/or restoring an optimal lactobacillus-dominated vaginal microbiota. We conducted a systematic review to describe the effect of intravaginal lactic acid-containing products on BV cure, and their impact on vaginal microbiota composition (PROSPERO registration: CRD42018115982).

Methods

PubMed, Embase and OVID were searched from inception to November 2019 to identify eligible studies. Included studies evaluated an intravaginal lactic acid-containing product and reported BV cure using established diagnostic methods, and/or vaginal microbiota composition using molecular methods. Studies were independently screened and assessed, and the proportion of women cured post-treatment was calculated. Study results were described in a qualitative manner.

Results

We identified 1,883 articles and assessed 57 full-texts for eligibility. Seven different lactic acid-containing products were evaluated and differed with respect to excipients, lactic acid concentration and pH. Most studies had medium or high risk of bias. Three trials compared the efficacy of a lactic acid-containing product to metronidazole for BV cure. One study found lactic acid to be equivalent to metronidazole and two studies found lactic acid to be significantly inferior to metronidazole. Two studies included a control group receiving a placebo or no treatment. One reported lactic acid to be superior than no treatment and the other reported lactic acid to be equivalent to placebo. Lactic acid-containing products did not significantly impact the vaginal microbiota composition.

Conclusion

There is a lack of high-quality evidence to support the use of lactic acid-containing products for BV cure or vaginal microbiota modulation. However, adequately powered and rigorous randomised trials with accompanying vaginal microbiota data are needed to evaluate the efficacy of lactic acid as a BV treatment strategy.
Suppressive effects of vitamin C-treated induced-regulatory T cells on heart allograft rejection under vitamin C-deficient or –sufficient conditions
Authors: Hwang Ju Hee , Piao Honglin , Jang Joon Young , Lee Sun-Kyung , Han Dongkyu , Lee Gwang-Min , Go Cheolhyeon , Kim Yejin , Oh Kwon Ik , Kang Jae Seung , Yan Ji-Jing , Yang Jaeseok
Published: February 2021

Foxp3 stability of vitamin C-treated induced-regulatory T cells (V-iTregs) is superior to that of conventional iTregs (C-iTregs). However, the role of V-iTregs in allograft rejection under vitamin C-deficient conditions, such as those seen in humans, remains unclear. We aimed to elucidate the role of vitamin C treatment on generation and maintenance of iTregs from gulo knockout (Gulo-KO) mice as well as wild type (WT) mice, and in vitro and in vivo suppressive effects of V-iTregs on heart allograft rejection in either Gulo-KO or WT recipient mice. Conversion efficiency of iTregs was similar between C- and V-iTregs in both WT and Gulo-KO mice. V-iTregs from WT or Gulo-KO mice showed better in vitro Foxp3 stability than C-iTregs, although there was no difference between WT V-iTregs and Gulo-KO V-iTregs. Furthermore, V-iTregs from WT or Gulo-KO mice suppressed in vitro T cell proliferation better than C-iTregs. Heterotrophic heart transplantation from BALB/c mice to WT or vitamin C-deficient Gulo-KO C57BL/6J mice was performed following adoptive transfer of C- or V-iTregs. V-iTregs as well as C-iTregs prolonged heart allograft survival in WT and Gulo-KO mice. However, there was no difference between the C- and V-iTreg groups. Supplementation of low- or high-dose vitamin C did not induce significant changes in heart allograft survival in Gulo-KO recipients that had received V-iTregs. In conclusion, V-iTregs do not exert better suppressive effects on heart allograft survival than C-iTregs in either WT or vitamin C-deficient recipients.
„A Kormány elkötelezett a magas hozzá-adott értékű termelés bővítésében” Interjú Dr. Palkovics László miniszterrel
Authors: Trautmann László , Vertetics Ádám
Published: February 2021

Az MKT Fejlődésgazdaságtani Szakosztálya és a Köz-Gazdaság szerkesztősége interjút készített Palkovics László miniszterrel az új technológiai fejlődési pályáról és ennek hatásáról a hazai felsőoktatásra és szakképzésre.
1884: Presidential Nominations
Authors: Lynch John Roy
Published: February 2021

This chapter recounts how John Roy Lynch returned to his home at Natchez, Mississippi, when the forty-seventh Congress expired on March 4, 1883. Eighteen eighty-four was the year of the presidential election. Early in the year it was made clear that there was to be a bitter fight for the Republican presidential nomination. President Chester A. Arthur was a candidate to succeed himself, but James G. Blaine, it was conceded, would be the leading candidate before the national convention. Blaine was weaker in his own section—New England—than in any other part of the country except the South. The South, however, had somewhat relented in its opposition to him. The delegation from Lynch's own state, Mississippi, was with one exception solid in its support of President Arthur. The one exception was Hon. H. C. Powers, one of the delegates from the first district who was suspected, but not known, to be a Blaine man when he was elected.
Gerakan Ecoda’wah Tuan Guru Hasanain Djuaini: Konservasi, Nilai Keagamaan dan Promosi Kesadaran Lingkungan
Authors: Husnial Pardi Habib
Published: February 2021

This article try to describe the role of Tuan guru Hasanain Djuani in environmental conservation project. As leader of  Pesantren Nurul Haramain, he does not merely focus on transfering religious knowledge theoritically in Pesantren, but he also engages with sosio-ecological issues practically. Since 2003, he begun his foresty project in environmental conservation and economic empowerment by involving his santries and local societies at desa Lembuak, Narmada, West Lombok. This research  uses a qualitative approach. Data collection originates from objects in the field, interviews with actors (tuan guru, santri, and  local  community), then is linked to solving a problem, both from a theoretical and practical point of view. This research found several things; first,  conservation project had succesfully reforested 36 hectare land. Second, Hasanain’s  environmental conservation projet motivated by religious values. Third, Tuan guru Hasanain use social media (facebook) as a tool to campaign his ecoda’wah agendas to the soceity.Tulisan ini mengeksplorasi proyek konservasi lingkungan tuan Guru Hasanain. Sebagai pemimpin pesantren ia tidak hanya fokus pada transfer ilmu keislaman secara teoritis di pesantre. pemberdayaan masyarakat berbasis pondok pesantren. Namun dia terlibat dalam isu krisis lingkungan. Sejak 2003, di telah memulai program penghijaun dan pemberdayaan bersama santri dan masyarakat sekitar di desa Lembuak, Naramada Lombok Barat. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus. Pengumpulan data menggunakan wawancara mendalam dan observasi secara langsung dan tidak lansung (kepada Tuan guru, Santri dan masyarakat). Kajian ini diawali dengan argumentasi bahwa tuan guru telah mengalami evolusi peran, yakni tidak hanya dikenal sebagai tokoh agama tradisional, akan tetapi juga merupakan aktivis sosial  dalam proyek konservasi lingkungan. Penelitian ini menemukan beberapa hal: pertama, proyek konservasi yang dipimpin Hasanain sukses menghijaukan 36 hektare lahan tandus. Kedua, konservasi lingkungan yang dilakukan Hasanain didorong dan motivasi olehnilai-nilai agama. Ketiga, tuan gru Hasanain memanfaatkan media sosial facebook sebagai instrumen ec-da’wah, dan tentu saja langkah itu cukup berpengaruh bagi pembentukan kesadaran masyarakat.
Perlindungan Sosial Bagi Perempuan Korban Pernikahan Dini di Gorontalo
Authors: Yuhelson Yuhelson , Lina Sinaulan Ramlani , Rahmat Abdul
Published: February 2021

This study explores the dynamic of early-age marriage and implementing social protection concepts for households’ women victims in Gorontalo. This research uses qualitative method with explorative-inductive approaches. We were collected data by interviews, observation, and documentation. Resulting studies that early-age marriage cases in Gorontalo effected by low education, patriarchy system, domestic violence, divorced, and multi-dimensional poverty. For that, this study recommended that social control be worked fine, where the role of parent’, education, and community—create a social safety net for getting better—this role of parents and educational institutions in implementing the protection concept as a social policy reformulation material.Studi ini mengeksplorasi dinamika pernikahan dini dan skema perlindungan sosial yang tepat bagi perempuan korban kekerasan dalam ruamh tangga di Gorontalo. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan eksploratif-induktif. Data dikumpulkan dengan wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Hasil studi menunjukkan bahwa kasus pernikahan dini di Gorontalo disebabkan oleh rendahnya tingkat pendidikan, budaya patriarkhi, kekerasan dalam rumah tangga, perceraian, dan kemiskinan multidimensi. Untuk itu, studi ini merekomendasikan agar kontrol sosial dapat berfungsi dengan baik—peran orang tua, sekolah, dan komunitas—agar social safety net berjalan dengan baik. Peran ini tercermin dalam konsep perlindungan sebagai bahan untuk reformulasi kebijakan sosial.
Konstruksi Realitas Media Online atas Pemberitaan “Raja Jokowi”: Sebuah Analisis Framing
Authors: Anshori Muhammad
Published: February 2021

This paper explores the meaning of reality constructions coverage two online media, Tribunnews.com and Detik.com, about "Raja Jokowi" in the general election 2019. The study uses a qualitative method with Entman analysis framing to express means of the media coverage—data collected by taking primary and secondary sources. Primer data took from two online media news that is restricted to November 11-20, 2018. Furthermore, I collected second sources from journals, research reports, online news portals, and books. All online media have been limited by news numbers; Tribunnews.com is five news, and Detik.com is five news. Resulting studies that two online media have been featured a neutral information about "Raja Jokowi" poster. It can be proved with choosing diction word that does not contain controversial. This condition is essential as a social stabilization strut in other to does not occurs a vertical conflict in the political momentum. Meanwhile, the campaign team of Jokowi, know as Tim Kampanye Nasional (TKN), has wisely explored in the media for all of the black campaigns; it will all be taken care by the authorities. The political elite’s consciousness to dampen the masses and fanatical society towards one of the spouses of presidential candidates is a maturity in democracy.Artikel ini mengeksplorasi makna konstruksi realitas pemberitaan dua media online, Tribunnews.com dan Detik.com, tentang “Raja Jokowi” pada momentum pemilihan presiden tahun 2019. Untuk mengungkapkan makna tersebut, studi ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan analisis framing Entman. Data dikumpulkan dengan pengambilan sumber data primer dan sekunder. Data primer diperoleh dari berita online dua media dengan batasan waktu 11-20 Nopember 2018. Masing-masing media online di batasi jumlah beritanya; Tribunnews.com berjumlah 5 berita dan Detik.com berjumlah 5 berita. Sementara itu, sumber sekunder dikumpulkan melalui sumber dari jurnal, laporan penelitian, portal berita online, dan buku. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kedua media online tersebut memberitakan tentang poster “Raja Jokowi” bersifat netral. Hal ini dapat dibuktikan dengan pilihan diksi kata yang tidak mengandung kontroversi. Kondisi ini penting sebagai penyangga stabilitas sosial agar tidak terjadi konflik vertikal di tengah politik nasional yang memanas. Sementara itu, kampanye yang mengarah kepada Tim Sukses pemenangan Jokowi, disebut juga Tim Kampanye Nasional (TKN), dapat dihandel secara bijak. Pernyataan Ketua Tim Sukses Jokowi, Erick Tohir, secara bijak menyampaikan dalam media, segala sesuatu yang mengarah kepada kampanye hitam (black campign), semua akan diurus oleh pihak berwenang. Kesadaran elit politik untuk meredam masa dan masyarakat yang fanatik terhadap salah satu pasangan Calon Presiden adalah bentuk kedewasaan dalam berdemokrasi.
Equivalence between distributional and viscosity solutions for the double-phase equation
Authors: Fang Yuzhou , Zhang Chao
Published: February 2021

We investigate the different notions of solutions to the double-phase equation

-

div
⁡

(

|

D
⁢
u

|

p
-
2

⁢
D
⁢
u

+

a
⁢

(
x
)

⁢

|

D
⁢
u

|

q
-
2

⁢
D
⁢
u

)

=
0

,

-{\operatorname{div}(\lvert Du\rvert^{p-2}Du+a(x)\lvert Du\rvert^{q-2}Du)}=0,

which is characterized by the fact that both ellipticity and growth switch between two different types of polynomial according to the position.
We introduce the

𝒜

H
⁢

(
⋅
)

{\mathcal{A}_{H(\,{\cdot}\,)}}

-harmonic functions of nonlinear potential theory and then show that

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H
⁢

(
⋅
)

{\mathcal{A}_{H(\,{\cdot}\,)}}

-harmonic functions coincide with the distributional and viscosity solutions, respectively.
This implies that the distributional and viscosity solutions are exactly the same.
Exactitud diagnóstica de la técnica Schistosoma ICT IgG-IgM frente a otras técnicas de detección de esquistosomiasis urinaria en Nigeria
Authors: Houmsou Robert Soumay , Wama Binga Emmanuel , Agere Hemen , Uniga John Ador , Jerry Timothy Jerry , Azuaga Paul , Amuta Elizabeth Une , Kela Santaya Larit
Published: February 2021

Objetivos

La esquistosomiasis es una enfermedad parasitaria causada por gusanos del género esquistosomazonas que afecta a humanos en zonas rurales donde el parásito es endémico. En este estudio se evalúa el rendimiento diagnóstico del test rápido Schistosoma ICT IgG-IgM para la detección de la esquitosomiasis urinaria en Nigeria.

Métodos

Se analizaron un total de 374 muestras de orina. Para el análisis de las muestras se emplearon tiras reactivas, filtración de orina y el test de Schistosoma ICT IgG-IgM. Se emplearon 2 mL de suero para el análisis serológico con el test Schistosoma ICT IgG-IgM. A continuación, se enviaron 3 mL de cada muestra sérica a LDBIO Diagnostics (Francia) para un segundo análisis con el test Schistosoma ICT IgG-IgM y confirmación mediante IgG SCHISTO Western blot (WB). El rendimiento de la prueba evaluada se determinó calculando la sensibilidad (Se), especifidad (Sp), valor predictivo positivo (VPP), valor predictivo negativo (VPN) y la razón de verosimilitud positiva (LR+). La exactitud de cada prueba se determinó calculando el Índice de Youden (IY) y la exactitud diagnóstica (ED). El nivel de significación estadística se determinó en un valor p≤0,05. El test Schistosoma ICT IgG-IgM detectó la infección en el 63,9% de las muestras.

Resultados

El test mostró una sensibilidad del 94,9%, una especifidad del 63,9%, un valor predictivo positivo del 72,4%, un valor predictivo negativo del 92,6% y una razón de verosimilitud de 2,62. La técnica Schistosoma ICT IgG-IgM mostró un buen índice kappa de Cohen (κ=0,68), un buen Índice de Youden (IY=0,58), así como una buena exactitud diagnóstica (ED=0,78).

Conclusiones

Schistosoma ICT IgG-IgM ha demostrado ser la mejor técnica para la detección de la esquistosomiasis urinaria en Nigeria.
Knetex – Development of a textile-integrated sensor system for feedback-supported rehabilitation after surgery of the anterior cruciate ligament
Authors: Demmer Julia , Kitzig A. , Schlage N. , Stockmanns G. , Naroska E.
Published: February 2021

Patients often report an effect after surgery of the anterior cruciate ligament which is called "giving way". This manifest itself by a drop of the knee or a felt instability. This phenomenon is difficult to measure and validate because it usually does not occur regularly and is not reproducible under laboratory conditions. The Knetex project takes up this point by trying to actively support the rehabilitation process with a bandage that can be worn in everyday life and is constructed as a smart textile using sensors and actuators. For this purpose, on the one hand it is attempted to actively record the phenomenon of the "giving way" by measuring knee angles etc. and by active user feedback. At the same time, the patient is specifically advised by means of actuators to correct incorrect posture or movement in order to make the rehabilitation process more effective and prevent further damage. Two 9-axis IMUs (inertial measurement units) form the basis of the system. These are used together with a textile strain sensor to calculate the knee angles. This paper gives an overview of the planned system, the initial experiments to measure the knee angles and the first results of the actuator study.
Systematic microscopic analysis of retrieved stents from a patient with pancreatic necrosis
Authors: Khaimov Valeria , Frost Fabian , Lerch Markus M. , Senz Volkmar , Grabow Niels , Schmitz Klaus-Peter
Published: February 2021

Pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) are a common complication associated with pancreatic injury. Drainage of a PFC is usually indicated if a patient becomes symptomatic with complications such as bacterial superinfection, septicaemia, fistulas, biliary obstruction or gastric outlet obstruction. Endoscopic ultrasound guided drainage is a well-established minimally invasive procedure to insert stents into a fluid collection, most prominently plastic double pigtail stents (DPSs) and lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS). Both, DPSs and LAMSs have advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered before treatment. However, the main factors leading to failure of currently available stent systems are the relatively short patency period and bacterial superinfection. In this study, we subjected two broadly used pancreatic stents, a DPS and a LAMS Hot AXIOS stent, which were retrieved from the same patient, to a systematic morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy in order to identify factors related to stent topography and geometry and potentially involved in stent failure. Results of this work will provide essential information for future innovations regarding the stent design for drainage of PFCs.