bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enabling local adaptation to climate change: towards collective action in Flagler Beach, Florida, USA
Authors: Boda Chad Stephen , Jerneck Anne
Published: December 2019

Local communities around the world are directly exposed to impacts of climate change. It is also clear that many local governments are politically and economically constrained in their capacity to implement needed adaptations. These constraints can restrict adaptation options to incremental, or even maladaptive, practices. At the same time, necessary transformational actions may remain out of reach for local actors. Building on five years of collaborative research with the city of Flagler Beach (FL, USA), we draw on political process theories to describe how incremental adaptation activities that are possible within current constraints can serve to build local capacity for instigating reforms at higher scales of social organization. We use the concept of a collective action strategy to conceptualize how context-specific barriers to adaptation can be overcome. From our analysis, an idealized multi-step process for designing collective action strategies is presented. The study advances scholarship on limits to adaptation beyond the diagnosis of barriers to action by taking steps towards developing context-specific strategies for overcoming these barriers.
Production and characterization of Aspergillus niger GH29 family α-fucosidase and production of a novel non-reducing 1-fucosyllactose
Authors: Usvalampi Anne , Ruvalcaba Medrano Marcela , Maaheimo Hannu , Salminen Heidi , Tossavainen Olli , Frey Alexander D.
Published: December 2019

Fucosylated oligosaccharides are interesting molecules due to their bioactive properties. In particular, their application as active ingredient in milk powders is attractive for dairy industries. The objective of this study was to characterize the glycosyl hydrolase family 29 α-fucosidase produced byAspergillus nigerand test its ability to transfucosylate lactose with a view towards potential industrial applications such as the valorization of the lactose side stream produced by dairy industry. In order to reduce costs and toxicity the use of free fucose instead of environmentally questionable fucose derivatives was studied. In contrast to earlier studies, a recombinantly producedA. nigerα-fucosidase was utilized. Using pNP-fucose as substrate, the optimal pH for hydrolytic activity was determined to be 3.8. The optimal temperature for a 30-min reaction was 60 °C, and considering temperature stability, the optimal temperature for a 24-h reaction was defined as 45 °C For the same hydrolysis reaction, the kinetic values were calculated to be 0.385 mM for the KMand 2.8 mmol/(mg*h) for the Vmax. Transfucosylation of lactose occurred at high substrate concentrations when reaction time was elongated to several days. The structure of the product trisaccharide was defined as 1-fucosyllactose, where fucose is α-linked to the anomeric carbon of the β-glucose moiety of lactose. Furthermore, the enzyme was able to hydrolyze its own transfucosylation product and 2′-fucosyllactose but only poorly 3-fucosyllactose. As a conclusion, α-fucosidase fromA. nigercan transfucosylate lactose using free fucose as substrate producing a novel non-reducing 1-fucosyllactose.
Equity and Coverage in the Continuum of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Services in Nepal-Projecting the Estimates on Death Averted Using the LiST Tool
Authors: Thapa Jeevan , Budhathoki Shyam Sundar , Gurung Rejina , Paudel Prajwal , Jha Bijay , Ghimire Anup , Wrammert Johan , KC Ashish
Published: December 2019

Introduction

The third Sustainable Development Goal, focused on health, includes two targets related to the reduction in maternal, newborn and under-five childhood mortality. We found it imperative to examine the equity and coverage of reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH) interventions from 2001 to 2016 in Nepal; and the death aversion that will take place during the SDG period.

Methods

We used the datasets from the Nepal Demographic Health Surveys (NDHS) 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016. We calculated the coverage and equity for RMNCH interventions and the composite coverage index (CCI). Based on the Annualized Rate of Change (ARC) in the coverage for selected RMNCH indicators, we projected the trend for the RMNCH interventions by 2030. We used the Lives Saved Tools (LiST) tool to estimate the maternal, newborn, under-five childhood deaths and stillbirths averted. We categorised the interventions into four different patterns based on coverage and inequity gap.

Results

Between 2001 and 2016, a significant improvement is seen in the overall RMNCH intervention coverage-CCI increasing from 46 to 75%. The ARC was highest for skilled attendance at birth (11.7%) followed by care seeking for pneumonia (8.2%) between the same period. In 2016, the highest inequity existed for utilization of the skilled birth attendance services (51%), followed by antenatal care (18%). The inequity gap for basic immunization services reduced significantly from 27.4% in 2001 to 5% in 2016. If the current ARC continues, then an additional 3783 maternal deaths, 36,443 neonatal deaths, 66,883 under-five childhood deaths and 24,024 stillbirths is expected to be averted by the year 2030.

Conclusion

Nepal has experienced an improvement in the coverage and equity in RMNCH interventions. Reducing inequities will improve coverage for skilled birth attendants and antenatal care. The current annual rate of change in RMNCH coverage will further reduce the maternal, neonatal, under-five childhood deaths and stillbirths.
Occurrence and transformation of phenoxy acids in aquatic environment and photochemical methods of their removal: a review
Authors: Muszyński Paweł , Brodowska Marzena S. , Paszko Tadeusz
Published: December 2019

The article presents the behavior of phenoxy acids in water, the levels in aquatic ecosystems, and their transformations in the water environment. Phenoxy acids are highly soluble in water and weakly absorbed in soil. These highly mobile compounds are readily transported to surface and groundwater. Monitoring studies conducted in Europe and in other parts of the world indicate that the predominant phenoxy acids in the aquatic environment are mecoprop, 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA), dichlorprop, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and their metabolites which are chlorophenol derivatives. In water, the concentrations of phenoxy acids are effectively lowered by hydrolysis, biodegradation, and photodegradation, and a key role is played by microbial decomposition. This process is determined by the qualitative and quantitative composition of microorganisms, oxygen levels in water, and the properties and concentrations of phenoxy acids. In shallow and highly insolated waters, phenoxy acids can be decomposed mainly by photodegradation whose efficiency is determined by the form of the degraded compound. Numerous studies are underway on the use of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) to remove phenoxy acids. The efficiency of phenoxy acid degradation using AOPs varies depending on the choice of oxidizing system and the conditions optimizing the oxidation process. Most often, methods combining UV radiation with other reagents are used to oxidize phenoxy acids. It has been found that this solution is more effective compared with the oxidation process carried out using only UV.
The Influence of Body Contouring Surgery on Weight Control and Comorbidities in Patients After Bariatric Surgery
Authors: de Vries C. E. E. , Kalff M. C. , van Praag E. M. , Florisson J. M. G. , Ritt M. J. P. F. , van Veen R. N. , de Castro S. M. M.
Published: December 2019

Introduction

A considerable number of patients experience some long-term weight regain after bariatric surgery. Body contouring surgery (BCS) is thought to strengthen post-bariatric surgery patients in their weight control and maintenance of achieved improvements in comorbidities.

Objectives

To examine the impact of BCS on long-term weight control and comorbidities after bariatric surgery.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study in a prospective database. All patients who underwent primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and presented for preoperative consultation of BCS in the same hospital were included in the study. Linear and logistic mixed-effect model analyses were used to evaluate the longitudinal relationships between patients who were accepted or rejected for BCS and their weight loss outcomes or changes in comorbidities.

Results

Of the 1150 patients who underwent primary RYGB between January 2010 and December 2014, 258 patients (22.4%) presented for preoperative consultation of BCS. Of these patients, 126 patients eventually underwent BCS (48.8%). Patients who were accepted for BCS demonstrated significant better ∆body mass index (BMI) on average over time (− 1.31 kg/m2/year, 95% confidence interval (CI) −2.52 − −0.10, p = 0.034) and percent total weight loss (%TWL) was significantly different at 36 months (5.79, 95%CI 1.22 – 10.37, p = 0.013) and 48 months (6.78, 95%CI 0.93 – 12.63, p = 0.023) after body contouring consultation. Patients who were accepted or rejected did not differ significantly in the maintenance of achieved improvements in comorbidities.

Conclusion

BCS could not be associated with the maintenance of achieved improvements in comorbidities after bariatric surgery, whereas it could be associated with improved weight loss maintenance at 36 and 48 months after body contouring consultation. This association should be further explored in a large longitudinal study.
Modification of NO-cGMP Pathway Differentially Affects Diazepam- and Flunitrazepam-Induced Spatial and Recognition Memory Impairments in Rodents
Authors: Orzelska-Górka Jolanta , Bernat Piotr , Tutka Piotr , Listos Joanna , Kędzierska Ewa , Fidecka Sylwia , Talarek Sylwia
Published: December 2019

This study investigated the influence of sildenafil and methylene blue (MB), two modulators of the nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic guanosine-3′,5′-monophosphate (cGMP) pathway on amnesic effects of two benzodiazepines (BZs) (diazepam (DZ) and flunitrazepam (FNZ)), in rodents—mice and rats. In the modified elevated plus maze (mEPM) and novel object recognition (NOR) tests, MB given ip at a dose of 5 mg/kg 5 min prior to DZ administration (0.25 or 1 mg/kg, sc) enhanced/induced memory impairment caused by DZ. When MB (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg) was applied 5 min prior to FNZ administration (0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg), an effect was opposite and memory impairment induced by FNZ was reduced. When sildenafil (2.5 and 5 mg/kg, ip) was applied 5 min prior to DZ, we observed a reduction of DZ-induced memory deficiency in the mEPM test. A similar effect of sildenafil was shown in the NOR test when the drug was applied at doses of 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg prior to DZ. In the mEPM test, sildenafil at abovementioned doses had no effects on FNZ-induced memory impairment. In turns, sildenafil administered at doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg increased the effect of FNZ on memory impairment in the NOR test. In conclusion, the NO-cGMP pathway is involved differentially into BZs-induced spatial and recognition memory impairments assessed using the NOR and mEPM tests. Modulators of the NO-cGMP pathway affect animal behavior in these tests in a different way depending on what benzodiazepine is applied.
Study on Pre-Deceleration Running in Encounters with Emergency Vehicles Using Vehicle to Vehicle Communications
Authors: Nanba Hideaki , Sawada Manabu , Oguri Koji
Published: December 2019

There is a problem of coordination in encounters with an emergency vehicle when an automated driving vehicle travels on public roads. Effectiveness of the pre-deceleration running based on the earlier recognition of emergency vehicle using vehicle to vehicle communication is studied from the viewpoint of safety and ride comfort. Experimental data of the driver’s maneuver and vehicle’s status are collected and analyzed using the driving simulator. Recognition by vehicle to vehicle communication (V2V for short) leads to pre-deceleration and improves deceleration and jerk as compared to siren sound and red light of emergency vehicles.
Training Primary Care Physicians in Dermoscopy for Skin Cancer Detection: a Scoping Review
Authors: Fee Jonathan A. , McGrady Finbar P. , Rosendahl Cliff , Hart Nigel D.
Published: December 2019

In many countries, patients with concerning skin lesions will first consult a primary care physician (PCP). Dermoscopy has an evidence base supporting its use in primary care for skin cancer detection, but need for training has been cited as a key barrier to its use. How PCPs train to use dermoscopy is unclear. A scoping literature review was carried out to examine what is known from the published literature about PCP training in dermoscopy. The methodological steps taken in this review followed those described by Arksey and O’Malley, as revised by Levac et al. Four electronic databases were searched for evidence published up to June 2018. Sixteen articles were identified for analysis, all published since 2000. Ten training programs were identified all of which addressed dermoscopy of pigmented skin lesions, among other topics. Ten articles reported on a range of outcomes measured after training and showed generally positive results in terms of improved diagnostic performance, although no meta-analysis was conducted. However, it was unclear whether trained PCPs continued to use dermoscopy after training. Observational questionnaire data revealed that many PCPs use dermoscopy in practice without any formal training. The literature generally supports the use of dermoscopy by PCPs, but it is unclear whether current training leads to long-term change in PCPs’ use of dermoscopy in clinical practice. Understanding this problem, as well as exploring PCPs’ training needs, is essential to develop training programs that will facilitate the uptake and use of dermoscopy in primary care.
Effect of various parameters during degradation of toxic p-anisidine by Fenton’s oxidation
Authors: Chaturvedi Naveen Kumar , Katoch Surjit Singh
Published: December 2019

p-Anisidine being a component of wastewater generated through dye and pharmaceutical industries is highly toxic and carcinogenic in nature. Therefore, its presence in wastewater requires prior treatment before its disposal from the point of safety of human and aquatic life. Fenton’s oxidation is a type of advanced oxidation processes which is efficient, ecofriendly and reliable, and this was not studied for the removal of p-anisidine from wastewater. In this study, the effect of influent pH, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration and ferrous ion (Fe2+) concentration on the removal of p-anisidine by Fenton’s reagent was carried out on a laboratory scale. All samples were examined for initial and final concentrations of p-anisidine using UV–Vis spectrophotometry, and also initial and final COD was analyzed. p-Anisidine shows maximum absorbance at 296 nm. At pH 2.5 and [H2O2]/[Fe2+] of 70:1 for the initial p-anisidine concentration of 0.5 mM and for 24 h reaction time, the maximum removal of p-anisidine was found to be 88.95% and maximum COD removal was 76.43%.
Survival and probability of transmission of plant pathogenic fungi through the digestive tract of honey bee workers
Authors: Parish Jorgiane B. , Scott Eileen S. , Correll Raymond , Hogendoorn Katja
Published: December 2019

Honey bees,Apis mellifera, have been implicated as vectors of plant pathogens. However, the survival of spores of plant pathogenic fungi through the digestive tract of workers has not been investigated. As workers defecate outside the hive, transport of hives could give rise to biosecurity concerns if fungal spores remain viable following passage through the digestive tract. To determine the likelihood that honey bees serve as vectors, this study investigated the viability of spores ofBotrytis cinereaandColletotrichum acutatumafter passing through the digestive tract of summer and autumn worker bees. For both fungi, the mean viability of spores in faeces suspensions was less than one percent of the initial dose fed to the bees. Although survival was low, the large number of workers per hive implies a high probability of transmission of viable spores through honey bee faeces. Hence, in the case of economically important fungal diseases, transported hives could be a source of inoculum and quarantine restrictions should be considered.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the 10-Item Conjoint Community Resiliency Assessment Measurement in a Community-Based Sample in Southwest China
Authors: Cui Ke , Han Ziqiang
Published: December 2019

Community resilience has received growing attention in disaster risk management policies and practices, especially in China. However, few applicable instruments are available as a baseline for profiling and estimating a community’s resiliency in the face of disasters. The purpose of this study is to cross-culturally adapt and validate the original version of the 10-Item Conjoint Community Resiliency Assessment Measurement (CCRAM-10) in China. Our study further investigates if and to what extent community members translate their participation in disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities into perceived community resilience. A Chinese version of CCRAM-10 was generated and applied to 369 participants from a rural and an urban community in southwest China affected by the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake. Internal consistency reliability and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to test the assessment instrument’s applicability. The Communities Advancing Resilience Toolkit Assessment Survey was used to establish the convergent validity for the Chinese version of CCRAM-10. Multiple linear regression models were used to explore the correlations between respondents’ participation in activities and their perception of community resilience, while controlling for basic socio-demographic variables. Analysis results demonstrated good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.85) and satisfactory convergent validity for the Chinese version of the CCRAM-10. Construct validity was also confirmed (χ2/df = 2.161; CFI = 0.977; GFI = 0.971; NFI = 0.958; RMSEA = 0.056; SRMR = 0.030). The regression analysis results indicated that respondents’ participation in DRR activities was positively correlated with their perception of community resilience. This study contributes to the wider collection of disaster studies by providing a tested tool for assessing community resilience in the context of China. Community workers and practice researchers may be interested in applying CCRAM-10 to evaluate the effect of specific DRR programmatic activities for improving community resilience.
Opportunities for Artificial Intelligence in Advancing Precision Medicine
Authors: Filipp Fabian V.
Published: December 2019

Purpose of Review

We critically evaluate the future potential of machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and artificial intelligence (AI) in precision medicine. The goal of this work is to show progress in ML in digital health, to exemplify future needs and trends, and to identify any essential prerequisites of AI and ML for precision health.

Recent Findings

High-throughput technologies are delivering growing volumes of biomedical data, such as large-scale genome-wide sequencing assays; libraries of medical images; or drug perturbation screens of healthy, developing, and diseased tissue. Multi-omics data in biomedicine is deep and complex, offering an opportunity for data-driven insights and automated disease classification. Learning from these data will open our understanding and definition of healthy baselines and disease signatures. State-of-the-art applications of deep neural networks include digital image recognition, single-cell clustering, and virtual drug screens, demonstrating breadths and power of ML in biomedicine.

Significantly, AI and systems biology have embraced big data challenges and may enable novel biotechnology-derived therapies to facilitate the implementation of precision medicine approaches.
Application of Genomics to Clinical Practice in Haematological Malignancy
Authors: Veenstra Coen , Bruce David , Timbs Adele , Hamblin Angela
Published: December 2019

Purpose of Review

The usual abundance of fresh cells and high-quality DNA derived from bone marrow aspirate and peripheral blood mean haematological malignancies are at the forefront of the application of genomics to malignancy. This review evaluates where genomics is routinely used in clinical care and where opportunities for further application exist.

Recent Findings

The 2016 revision of the WHO classification of tumours of haematopoietic and lymphoid tissues increased the number of disease entities defined by, or whose diagnosis was strongly supported by, a specific genetic change. Increasingly combinations of mutations rather than individual lesions are being used to genomically classify heterogeneous disorders to inform prognosis and direct treatment. Furthermore, the role of different genetic aberrations as markers of measurable residual disease is being evaluated in clinical trials to allow intensification/de-intensification of treatment as appropriate and early detection of relapse.

Implementation of broader sequencing technologies such as whole exome/genome sequencing coupled with continuing developments in genomic technology to improve turn-around-times are likely to further reinforce the centrality of genomics in the management of haematological malignancies.
Nonlinear waves and nearshore currents over variable bathymetry in curve-shaped coastal areas
Authors: Gallerano Francesco , Cannata Giovanni , Palleschi Federica
Published: December 2019

Irregular coastlines and variable bathymetry produce nonlinear effects on wave propagation which play a significant role on the formation of nearshore currents. To protect the coastline from the erosional action of nearshore currents, it is usual to adopt coastal defence works such as submerged breakwaters. If properly designed, they give rise to circulation patterns capable to induce sedimentation of suspended material at the nearshore region. To numerically simulate the hydrodynamic effects of submerged breakwaters in irregular coastal areas, we use a numerical model which is based on an integral contravariant formulation of the three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations in a time-dependent coordinate system. These equations are numerically solved by a non-hydrostatic shock-capturing numerical scheme which is able to simulate the wave propagation from deep water to the shoreline, including the surf zone and swash zone.
Canonical and log canonical thresholds of multiple projective spaces
Authors: Pukhlikov Aleksandr V.
Published: December 2019

We show that the global (log) canonical threshold of d-sheeted covers of the M-dimensional projective space of index 1, where $$d\geqslant 4$$

d
⩾
4

, is equal to 1 for almost all families (except for a finite set). The varieties are assumed to have at most quadratic singularities, the rank of which is bounded from below, and to satisfy the regularity conditions. This implies birational rigidity of new large classes of Fano–Mori fibre spaces over a base, the dimension of which is bounded from above by a constant that depends (quadratically) on the dimension of the fibre only.
Towards Big data Governance in Cybersecurity
Authors: Yang Longzhi , Li Jie , Elisa Noe , Prickett Tom , Chao Fei
Published: December 2019

Big data refers to large complex structured or unstructured data sets. Big data technologies enable organisations to generate, collect, manage, analyse, and visualise big data sets, and provide insights to inform diagnosis, prediction, or other decision-making tasks. One of the critical concerns in handling big data is the adoption of appropriate big data governance frameworks to (1) curate big data in a required manner to support quality data access for effective machine learning and (2) ensure the framework regulates the storage and processing of the data from providers and users in a trustworthy way within the related regulatory frameworks (both legally and ethically). This paper proposes a framework of big data governance that guides organisations to make better data-informed business decisions within the related regularity framework, with close attention paid to data security, privacy, and accessibility. In order to demonstrate this process, the work also presents an example implementation of the framework based on the case study of big data governance in cybersecurity. This framework has the potential to guide the management of big data in different organisations for information sharing and cooperative decision-making.
Measures of Neural Similarity
Authors: Bobadilla-Suarez S. , Ahlheim C. , Mehrotra A. , Panos A. , Love B. C.
Published: December 2019

One fundamental question is what makes two brain states similar. For example, what makes the activity in visual cortex elicited from viewing a robin similar to a sparrow? One common assumption in fMRI analysis is that neural similarity is described by Pearson correlation. However, there are a host of other possibilities, including Minkowski and Mahalanobis measures, with each differing in its mathematical, theoretical, and neural computational assumptions. Moreover, the operable measures may vary across brain regions and tasks. Here, we evaluated which of several competing similarity measures best captured neural similarity. Our technique uses a decoding approach to assess the information present in a brain region, and the similarity measures that best correspond to the classifier’s confusion matrix are preferred. Across two published fMRI datasets, we found the preferred neural similarity measures were common across brain regions but differed across tasks. Moreover, Pearson correlation was consistently surpassed by alternatives.
How Big Data and High-Performance Computing Drive Brain Science
Authors: Chen Shanyu , He Zhipeng , Han Xinyin , He Xiaoyu , Li Ruilin , Zhu Haidong , Zhao Dan , Dai Chuangchuang , Zhang Yu , Lu Zhonghua , Chi Xuebin , Niu Beifang
Published: December 2019

Brain science accelerates the study of intelligence and behavior, contributes fundamental insights into human cognition, and offers prospective treatments for brain disease. Faced with the challenges posed by imaging technologies and deep learning computational models, big data and high-performance computing (HPC) play essential roles in studying brain function, brain diseases, and large-scale brain models or connectomes. We review the driving forces behind big data and HPC methods applied to brain science, including deep learning, powerful data analysis capabilities, and computational performance solutions, each of which can be used to improve diagnostic accuracy and research output. This work reinforces predictions that big data and HPC will continue to improve brain science by making ultrahigh-performance analysis possible, by improving data standardization and sharing, and by providing new neuromorphic insights.
Surgical outcomes in HIV positive patients following major surgery at two tertiary institutions in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Runodada Peter Munyaradzi , Chihaka Onesai Blessing , Muguti Godfery I.
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

Background:

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) traditionally has been associated with poorer outcomes among the critically ill. Recent evidence suggests that the outcomes of surgical patients have improved with increased use of antiretroviral regimens. We set out to find if this is true for major surgical procedures in Zimbabwe.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study was done on 215 patients who underwent major surgical procedures at the two main tertiary hospitals in Harare between June 2015 and April 2016. Dependent variables considered were surgical outcomes and length of hospital stay (LOS). Independent parameters which were studied included patient's demographics, HIV status, clinical features, diagnosis, investigations, and procedures carried out. The data was analysed using STATA statistical package version (STATA 13).

Results:

The mean age was 47.1years (SD = 18.1) and 43% were males. The HIV prevalence was 28%. Of the HIV positive patients, 16% had CD4 count <200 cells/mm3, 42% with CD4 counts between 200 and 400 cells/mm3 and 42% with CD4 counts >500 cells/mm. In HIV positive patients the common major operations performed were total abdominal hysterectomies (19%), amputations (16%) and perforated viscus (8%). The length of hospital stay in HIV positive patients was 14.4 days (SD = 10.8) compared to 10.9 days (SD = 6.7) in HIV negative patients. Surgical site infections and pneumonia were the most common postoperative complications seen. There was no difference in LOS in HIV positive patients on HAART (LOS = 15.2 days) and those not on HAART (LOS = 14.2 days) and the post operative complications were comparable between the two groups. Mortality was 3%.

Conclusion:

Surgical site infections (25%) and pneumonia (32%) are the most common short term postoperative complications in HIV positive patients. Low CD4 count was associated with higher rates of surgical site infections (64%) and pneumonia (72%) in HIV positive patients. There was high prevalence (28%) of HIV positivity in patients undergoing major operations at the two tertiary hospitals compared to HIV prevalence in the general adult population in Zimbabwe.

Highlights:
Impact of surgery and its complications in ulcerative colitis patients in clinical practice: A systematic literature review of real-world evidence in Europe
Authors: Fradet C. , Kern J. , Atanasov P. , Wirth D. , Borsi A.
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

Background:

Surgery plays an important role in the management of ulcerative colitis. Despite its curative intent, complications of the procedure are common and can have significant consequences to patients and care providers. We reviewed outcomes and rates of colectomy and its complications in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients in clinical practice.

Materials and methods:

MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched for observational studies (January 2006–May 2017) reporting outcomes of surgery in moderate to severe UC in European countries. Studies were included if they reported colectomy rates, complications rate, predictors of colectomy and change in diagnosis in ulcerative colitis at the time of surgery.

Results:

114 publications reporting either colectomy rates, postoperative complications or predictors of colectomy were identified. The overall rate of surgery from treatment initiation was reported in 20 articles and varied from 6% to 56% (follow-up time from 0.5 to 9 years). Early complications (≤30 days post-operatively) occurred in 0%–53% of patients undergoing surgery and late complications (>30 days post-operatively) occurred in 3.20%–58%. The common complications reported after colectomy (proctocolectomy or ileal pouch-anal anastomosis) were bowel obstruction, infectious complications and pouch-related complications (pouchitis, pouch failure). Three factors were found to be significant predictors of colectomy: a severe disease at baseline, being resistant to steroids and being frequently hospitalised.

Conclusion:

Colectomy rates vary widely among ulcerative colitis patients depending on type of patients (moderate, severe, refractory) and to patient's previous medical therapies. Surgery is still associated with a range of short and long term complications which might represent a source of burden in terms of cost and quality of life.

Highlights:
Cervical Cancer Screening: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Bedell Sarah L. , Goldstein Lena S. , Goldstein Amelia R. , Goldstein Andrew T.
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the developing world. New technologies have been developed to allow for more rapid, cost-effective, and sensitive cervical cancer screening and treatment.

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe methods for detection and treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical dysplasia (CD), and cervical cancer. New technologies and updated screening strategies will be emphasized.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using PubMed to identify publications relevant to the subject.

Main Outcome Measure

Sensitivity and cost-effectiveness of new cervical cancer screening methods were the main outcome measures.

Results

HPV and cervical cancer have a significant global impact. Research and innovations related to detection and treatment are key in reducing their burden worldwide.

Conclusion

Screening a woman for HPV and CD can dramatically decrease her risk of dying from cervical cancer. New, rapid, low-cost, HPV testing can allow for high-volume screening for the approximately 1.5 billion women who have never been screened. HPV screening can then be combined with high resolution digital colposcopy to detect CD. In the near future, these colposcopic images will be interpreted by artificial intelligence software. Detected lesions can then be treated easily and effectively with thermocoagulation. This see-and-treat model is a sensitive, efficient, and low-cost vision for the future.
Erwartungen pädagogischer Fachkräfte in Tagespflege und Krippe im Hinblick auf Förderlichkeit und Eintrittsalter außerhäuslicher Betreuung
Authors: Burghardt Lars , Linberg Anja
Published: December 2019

Zusammenfassung. Die frühkindliche außerfamiliäre Betreuung in den ersten drei Lebensjahren gewinnt stetig an Bedeutung und Akzeptanz. Neben Betreuung und Erziehung wird besonders die Bildung in Krippe oder Tagespflege betont und damit auch spezifische Erwartungen an diese Formen der Betreuung gestellt. Der vorliegende Beitrag untersucht Erwartungen frühpädagogischer Fachkräfte an die Förderlichkeit außerfamiliärer Betreuung entlang von zwei Punkten: Ist außerhäusliche Betreuung förderlich bzw. risikoreich und ab welchem Alter wird diese als förderlich wahrgenommen. Dazu werden die Erwartungen von pädagogischen Fachkräften in Krippen und Tagespflege in den Blick genommen. Darüber hinaus wird die Abhängigkeit dieser Erwartungen von persönlichen Merkmalen der Fachkräfte analysiert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass beide Gruppen pädagogischer Fachkräfte eher positive Fördererwartungen haben und nur selten negativen Aussagen zustimmen. Tagespflegepersonen scheinen dabei hinsichtlich der Förderlichkeit noch positiver eingestellt zu sein und empfinden auch einen früheren Betreuungsbeginn als förderlicher. Diese Erwartungen sind dabei nur zum Teil von persönlichen Merkmalen der Fachkräfte, wie ihrem Alter, abhängig.
Short Form of the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-L9) in the US,	Germany, and Russia
Authors: Lin Muyu , Bieda Angela , Margraf Jürgen
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Validation of a 9-item version of the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-L9) and testing its cross-national measurement invariance and latent mean differences in representative samples from the United States of America (US), Germany, and Russia. The psychometric properties of the SOC-L9 were tested with representative samples aged 18–100 years from the US ( N = 2,972), Germany ( N = 2,005), and Russia ( N = 2,726). Both a model with a general factor and method effect of items with negative wording and a unidimensional model were tested for structure validity. Measurement equivalence and latent mean comparisons were conducted across the samples. The SOC-L9 showed good reliability and validity in all countries. Rather than the unidimensional model, the model with additional method effect showed excellent fit across countries. Cross-national measurement invariance testing found partial strong measurement invariance across the three samples. The latent means of the SOC-L9 in the US sample were higher than those in German and Russian samples. The SOC-L9 has proved to be economic, valid, reliable, and cross-nationally applicable in the US, Germany, and Russia. Meaningful differences across countries were found, suggesting the importance of taking cultural background into account in SOC-related research.
Design of task-specific optical systems using broadband diffractive neural networks
Authors: Luo Yi , Mengu Deniz , Yardimci Nezih T. , Rivenson Yair , Veli Muhammed , Jarrahi Mona , Ozcan Aydogan
Published: December 2019

Deep learning has been transformative in many fields, motivating the emergence of various optical computing architectures. Diffractive optical network is a recently introduced optical computing framework that merges wave optics with deep-learning methods to design optical neural networks. Diffraction-based all-optical object recognition systems, designed through this framework and fabricated by 3D printing, have been reported to recognize hand-written digits and fashion products, demonstrating all-optical inference and generalization to sub-classes of data. These previous diffractive approaches employed monochromatic coherent light as the illumination source. Here, we report a broadband diffractive optical neural network design that simultaneously processes a continuum of wavelengths generated by a temporally incoherent broadband source to all-optically perform a specific task learned using deep learning. We experimentally validated the success of this broadband diffractive neural network architecture by designing, fabricating and testing seven different multi-layer, diffractive optical systems that transform the optical wavefront generated by a broadband THz pulse to realize (1) a series of tuneable, single-passband and dual-passband spectral filters and (2) spatially controlled wavelength de-multiplexing. Merging the native or engineered dispersion of various material systems with a deep-learning-based design strategy, broadband diffractive neural networks help us engineer the light–matter interaction in 3D, diverging from intuitive and analytical design methods to create task-specific optical components that can all-optically perform deterministic tasks or statistical inference for optical machine learning.
Meta-analytic method reveal a significant association of theBDNF Val66Met variant with smoking persistence
based on a large samples
Authors: Zhao Hailong , Xiong Shuicai , Li Zhiwei , Wu Xuebiao , Li Lijuan
Published: December 2019

Although numerous genetic studies have reported the link between
Val66Met in BDNF gene with smoking, the findings
remain controversial, mainly due to small-to-moderate sample sizes. The main aim of
current investigation is to explore whether the variant of Val66Met has any genetic
functions in the progress of smoking persistence. The Val-based dominant genetic
model considering Val/* (namely, Val/Val + Val/Met) and Met/Met as two genotypes
with comparison of the frequency of each genotype in current smokers and never
smokers. There were seven genetic association articles including eight independent
datasets with 10,160 participants were chosen in current meta-analytic
investigation. In light of the potent effects of ethnicity on homogeneity across
studies, we carried out separated meta-analyses according to the ancestry origin by
using the wide-used tool of Comprehensive Meta-analysis software (V 2.0). Our
meta-analyses results indicated that the Val66Met polymorphism was significantly
linked with smoking persistence based on either all the chosen samples (N = 10,160; Random and fixed models: pooled OR = 1.23;
95% CI = 1.03–1.46; P value = 0.012) or Asian
samples (N = 2,095; Fixed model: pooled
OR = 1.25; 95% CI = 1.01–1.54; P value = 0.044;
Random model: pooled OR = 1.25; 95% CI = 1.001–1.56; P value = 0.049). No significant clue of bias in publications or
heterogeneity across studies was detected. Thus, we conclude that the Val66Met
(rs6265) variant conveys genetic susceptibility to maintaining smoking, and smokers
who carry Val/* genotypes have a higher possibility of maintaining smoking than
those having Met/Met genotype.
PRMT1 suppresses ATF4-mediated endoplasmic reticulum response in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Jeong Myong-Ho , Jeong Hyeon-Ju , Ahn Byeong-Yun , Pyun Jung-Hoon , Kwon Ilmin , Cho Hana , Kang Jong-Sun
Published: December 2019

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling plays a critical role in the control of cell survival or death. Persistent ER stress activates proapoptotic pathway involving the ATF4/CHOP axis. Although accumulating evidences support its important contribution to cardiovascular diseases, but its mechanism is not well characterized. Here, we demonstrate a critical role for PRMT1 in the control of ER stress in cardiomyocytes. The inhibition of PRMT1 augments tunicamycin (TN)-triggered ER stress response in cardiomyocytes while PRMT1 overexpression attenuates it. Consistently, PRMT1 null hearts show exacerbated ER stress and cell death in response to TN treatment. Interestingly, ATF4 depletion attenuates the ER stress response induced by PRMT1 inhibition. The methylation-deficient mutant of ATF4 with the switch of arginine 239 to lysine exacerbates ER stress accompanied by enhanced levels of proapoptotic cleaved Caspase3 and phosphorylated-γH2AX in response to TN. The mechanistic study shows that PRMT1 modulates the protein stability of ATF4 through methylation. Taken together, our data suggest that ATF4 methylation on arginine 239 by PRMT1 is a novel regulatory mechanism for protection of cardiomyocytes from ER stress-induced cell death.
A point mutation resulting in a 13 bp deletion in the coding sequence of Cldf leads to a GA-deficient dwarf phenotype in watermelon
Authors: Wei Chunhua , Zhu Chunyu , Yang Liping , Zhao Wei , Ma Rongxue , Li Hao , Zhang Yong , Ma Jianxiang , Yang Jianqiang , Zhang Xian
Published: December 2019

The dwarf architecture is an important and valuable agronomic trait in watermelon breeding and has the potential to increase fruit yield and reduce labor cost in crop cultivation. However, the molecular basis for dwarfism in watermelon remains largely unknown. In this study, a recessive dwarf allele (designated asCldf(Citrullus lanatus dwarfism)) was fine mapped in a 32.88 kb region on chromosome 09 using F2segregation populations derived from reciprocal crossing of a normal line M08 and a dwarf line N21. Gene annotation of the corresponding region revealed that theCla015407gene encoding a gibberellin 3β-hydroxylase functions as the best possible candidate gene forCldf. Sequence analysis showed that the fourth polymorphism site (a G to A point mutation) at the 3′ AG splice receptor site of the intron leads to a 13 bp deletion in the coding sequence ofCldfin dwarf line N21 and thus results in a truncated protein lacking the conserved domain for binding 2-oxoglutarate. In addition, the dwarf phenotype ofCldfcould be rescued by exogenous GA3application. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the small multigene familyGA3ox(GA3 oxidase) in cucurbit species may originate from three ancient lineages in Cucurbitaceae. All these data support the conclusion thatCldfis a GA-deficient mutant, which together with the cosegregated marker can be used for breeding new dwarf cultivars.
Functional identification of lncRNAs in sweet cherry (Prunus avium) pollen tubes via transcriptome analysis using single-molecule long-read sequencing
Authors: Li Yang , Wu Chuanbao , Liu Chunsheng , Yu Jie , Duan Xuwei , Fan Wenqi , Wang Jing , Zhang Xiaoming , Yan Guohua , Li Tianzhong , Zhang Kaichun
Published: December 2019

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium) is a popular fruit with high nutritional value and excellent flavor. Although pollen plays an important role in the double fertilization and subsequent fruit production of this species, little is known about its pollen tube transcriptome. In this study, we identified 16,409 transcripts using single-molecule sequencing. After filtering 292 transposable elements, we conducted further analyses including mRNA classification, gene function prediction, alternative splicing (AS) analysis, and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) identification to gain insight into the pollen transcriptome. The filtered transcripts could be matched with 3,438 coding region sequences from the sweet cherry genome. GO and KEGG analyses revealed complex biological processes during pollen tube elongation. A total of 2043 AS events were predicted, 7 of which were identified in different organs, such as the leaf, pistil and pollen tube. Using BLASTnt and the Coding-Potential Assessment Tool (CPAT), we distinguished a total of 284 lncRNAs, among which 154 qualified as natural antisense transcripts (NATs). As the NATs could be the reverse complements of coding mRNA sequences, they might bind to coding sequences. Antisense transfection assays showed that the NATs could regulate the expression levels of their complementary sequences and even affect the growth conditions of pollen tubes. In summary, this research characterizes the transcripts of P. avium pollen and lays the foundation for elucidating the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying sexual reproduction in the male gametes of this species.
RhMYB108, an R2R3-MYB transcription factor, is involved in ethylene- and JA-induced petal senescence in rose plants
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Zhao Qingcui , Zeng Daxing , Xu Jiehua , Zhou Hougao , Wang Fenglan , Ma Nan , Li Yonghong
Published: December 2019

Rose (Rosa hybrida) plants are major ornamental species worldwide, and their commercial value greatly depends on their open flowers, as both the quality of fully open petals and long vase life are important. Petal senescence can be started and accelerated by various hormone signals, and ethylene is considered an accelerator of petal senescence in rose. To date, however, the underlying mechanism of signaling crosstalk between ethylene and other hormones such as JA in petal senescence remains largely unknown. Here, we isolated RhMYB108, an R2R3-MYB transcription factor, which is highly expressed in senescing petals as well as in petals treated with exogenous ethylene and JA. Applications of exogenous ethylene and JA markedly accelerated petal senescence, while the process was delayed in response to applications of 1-MCP, an ethylene action inhibitor. In addition, silencing of RhMYB108 alter the expression of SAGs such as RhNAC029, RhNAC053, RhNAC092, RhSAG12, and RhSAG113, and finally block ethylene- and JA-induced petal senescence. Furthermore, RhMYB108 was identified to target the promoters of RhNAC053, RhNAC092, and RhSAG113. Our results reveal a model in which RhMYB108 functions as a receptor of ethylene and JA signals to modulate the onset of petal senescence by targeting and enhancing senescence-associated gene expression.
Molecular and structural insights into an asymmetric proteolytic complex (ClpP1P2) from Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Nagpal Jyotsna , Paxman Jason J. , Zammit Jessica E. , Thomas Adam A. , Truscott Kaye N. , Heras Begoña , Dougan David A.
Published: December 2019

The ClpP protease is found in all kingdoms of life, from bacteria to humans. In general, this protease forms a homo-oligomeric complex composed of 14 identical subunits, which associates with its cognate ATPase in a symmetrical manner. Here we show that, in contrast to this general architecture, the Clp protease from Mycobacterium smegmatis (Msm) forms an asymmetric hetero-oligomeric complex ClpP1P2, which only associates with its cognate ATPase through the ClpP2 ring. Our structural and functional characterisation of this complex demonstrates that asymmetric docking of the ATPase component is controlled by both the composition of the ClpP1 hydrophobic pocket (Hp) and the presence of a unique C-terminal extension in ClpP1 that guards this Hp. Our structural analysis of MsmClpP1 also revealed openings in the side-walls of the inactive tetradecamer, which may represent sites for product egress.