bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colorimetric Detection of Class A Soybean Saponins by G-Quadruplex-Based Hybridization Chain Reaction
Authors: Yin Congcong , Zhao Qiaoling , Yue Aiqin , Du Weijun , Liu Dingbin , Zhao Jinzhong , Zhang Yongpo , Wang Min
Published: November 2020

Soybean saponin is one of the important secondary metabolites in seeds, which has various beneficial physiological functions to human health. GmSg-1 gene is the key enzyme gene for synthesizing class A saponins. It is of great significance to realize the visual and rapid detection of class A saponins at the genetic level. The hybridization chain reaction (HCR) was employed to the visual detection of GmSg-1 gene, which was implemented by changing the length of the target fragment to 92 bp and using the hairpin probes we designed to detect the GmSg-1a and GmSg-1b genes. The best condition of HCR reaction is hemin (1.2 μM), Triton X-100 (0.002%), ABTS (3.8 μM), and H2O2 (1.5 mM). It was found that HCR has high specificity for GmSg-1 gene and could be applied to the visual detection of different soybean cultivars containing Aa type, Ab type, and Aa/Ab type saponins, which could provide technical reference and theoretical basis for molecular breeding of soybean and development of functional soybean products.
Anatomical Shaping for Zirconia Custom Implant Abutment to Enhance Anterior Esthetic: A Clinical Technique
Authors: Alshehri Mohammed , Alghamdi Mohammed , Alayad Abdullah S.
Published: November 2020

Abutments are used in dentistry to attach dental crowns to dental implant. Currently, zirconia custom abutment is the one which is mostly used in restorations, since it offers several advantages, especially better esthetics and prevention from infection. Several innovations are done in the implant designs and procedures to achieve better esthetics. Computer-aided design & computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system is widely used innovative technology in dentistry. This technology offers custom implants that help to achieve better esthetics and good internal fit. This procedure used a novel technique of anatomical modification of the final abutment incisal edge from straight anatomical edge to irregular one with a mamelon-incisal effect to enhance esthetic, shade matching, and anatomical replication of incisal structure that resembles the natural incisor. Usually, dental technicians will perform facial and incisal cut-back and apply porcelain layers to the crown in order to reproduce the translucency and the other optical effects that most closely match that of natural dentin and enamel, especially at the incisal edge. These optical effects will make the prosthetic crown look more natural and esthetically pleasant. By this presented technique will help the dental technician to achieve highly esthetic crown with completely digital workflow without the need for porcelain layering. The procedure was also followed up to 3, 6, and 12 months after the surgery and found no complications or complaints from the patient and esthetically satisfied.
Tecnologias em saúde aplicadas na reabilitação de mulheres com câncer de mama: revisão de escopo
Authors: Gonçalves Mariele Lenhari , Tomadon Aniele , Cruz Lóris Aparecida Prado da , Gozzo Thais de Oliveira
Published: November 2020

Objetivo: Identificar as tecnologias em saúde na reabilitação física de mulheres que desenvolveram alterações no membro superior homolateral após a cirurgia para o câncer de mama. Método: Trata-se de uma Scoping literature review. Realizou-se a busca nas bases de dados LILACS, PubMed e Web of Science e o mecanismo de busca Google Scholar. Os descritores utilizados foram: Breast neoplasms, Biomedical technology e Rehabilitation. Resultados: Foram selecionados 33 estudos. Entre as tecnologias leve-duras, a mais utilizada foram os programas de exercícios físicos, tanto para a limitação da amplitude de movimentos do membro superior quanto para o linfedema, sendo estas as mais estudadas. Já as tecnologias duras mais avaliadas foram acupuntura, terapia de laser de baixo nível e plataformas de exercício on line, sendo empregadas, principalmente, para complicações como dor e linfedema. Destaque para a inter-relação entre as diferentes tecnologias, e como estas compõem a assistência prestadas às mulheres com câncer de mama durante a reabilitação física. Conclusão: A maioria dos estudos utilizaram as tecnologias leve-duras, com destaque para os programas de exercícios, e a associação de diferentes tecnologias, de intensidade variadas, empregadas com bons resultados físicos. Além de atuarem no estímulo ao autocuidado e na orientação das mulheres quanto a autogestão das complicações, promovendo a autonomia, confiança e retomada de seus papéis sociais.
A Systematic Literature Review of the Successors of “NeuroEvolution of Augmenting Topologies”
Authors: Papavasileiou Evgenia , Cornelis Jan , Jansen Bart
Published: November 2020

NeuroEvolution (NE) refers to a family of methods for optimizing Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) using Evolutionary Computation (EC) algorithms. NeuroEvolution of Augmenting Topologies (NEAT) is considered one of the most influential algorithms in the field. Eighteen years after its invention, a plethora of methods have been proposed that extend NEAT in different aspects. In this article, we present a systematic literature review (SLR) to list and categorize the methods succeeding NEAT. Our review protocol identified 232 papers by merging the findings of two major electronic databases. Applying criteria that determine the paper's relevance and assess its quality, resulted in 61 methods that are presented in this article. Our review article proposes a new categorization scheme of NEAT's successors into three clusters. NEAT-based methods are categorized based on 1) whether they consider issues specific to the search space or the fitness landscape, 2) whether they combine principles from NE and another domain, or 3) the particular properties of the evolved ANNs. The clustering supports researchers 1) understanding the current state of the art that will enable them, 2) exploring new research directions or 3) benchmarking their proposed method to the state of the art, if they are interested in comparing, and 4) positioning themselves in the domain or 5) selecting a method that is most appropriate for their problem.
Ḥaḍāna Practices in Tunisia: Between Women’s Rights and the Best Interest of the Child, 1956–2019
Authors: Voorhoeve Maaike
Published: November 2020

This article examines how Tunisian judges since independence deal with childcare cases upon divorce. As a legal ethnographic study of ḥaḍāna (child custody) in contemporary Tunisia, this study aims to contribute to the existing literature on judicial practice in Muslim contexts. The article aims to reveal these judges’ understandings of child custody, of women’s and men’s roles in childcare, and of the rights and interests of children and how this understanding developed over time.
18th-Century Judeo-Arabic Documents from the Prize Papers Collection
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed A. H.
Published: November 2020

The Prize Papers Collection held at the National Archives in Kew contains more than 280 letters and documents in Judeo-Arabic (Arabic written in Hebrew script) taken from the British cartel ship Venus in 1800. Most of the letters and documents belonged to Shlomo Bū Shaʿra, an Algerian Jewish merchant who travelled between Algeria and Europe on business during the late 18th century. This article introduces the Judeo-Arabic documents from the Prize Papers Collection. It applies a linguistic analysis to a sample of 15 letters and documents, and transcribes and translates three documents written in Arabic and Judeo-Arabic scripts.
Is Urginea zambesiaca a species of Zingela (Hyacinthaceae, Urgineoideae)?

Authors: CROUCH NEIL R. , MARTÍNEZ-AZORÍN MARIO , CHAPANO CHRISTOPHER
Published: November 2020

Urginea zambesiaca Baker (1873: 223) (Hyacinthaceae, Urgineoideae) was originally described from Mozambique and has been erroneously taxonomically interpreted in recent decades (e.g. Polhill 1962, Kativu & Drummond 1994, Manning & Goldblatt 2018, Manning 2019). Among those interpretations, the recently described Zingela pooleyorum Crouch et al. (2018: 36) has been reduced to its synonymy (Manning 2019); the inappropriateness of that step requires clarification.
The Consequences of Participating in the Sharing Economy: A Transparency-Based Sharing Framework
Authors: C. Köbis Nils , Soraperra Ivan , Shalvi Shaul
Published: November 2020

The sharing economy is estimated to add hundreds of billions of dollars to the global economy and is rapidly growing. However, trust-based commercial sharing—the participation in for-profit peer-to-peer sharing-economy activity—has negative as well as positive consequences for both the interacting parties and uninvolved third parties. To share responsibly, one needs to be aware of the various consequences of sharing. We provide a comprehensive, preregistered, systematic literature review of the consequences of trust-based commercial sharing, identifying 93 empirical papers spanning regions, sectors, and scientific disciplines. Via in-depth coding of the empirical work, we provide an authoritative overview of the economic, social, and psychological consequences of trust-based commercial sharing for involved parties, including service providers, users, and third parties. Based on the aggregate insights, we identify the common denominators for the positive and negative consequences. Whereas a well-functioning infrastructure of payment, insurance, and communication enables the positive consequences, ambiguity about rules, roles, and regulations causes non-negligible negative consequences. To overcome these negative consequences and promote more responsible forms of sharing, we propose the transparency-based sharing framework. Based on the framework, we outline an agenda for future research and discuss emerging managerial implications that arise when trying to increase transparency without jeopardizing the potential of trust-based commercial sharing.
Ophthalmic adverse effects of taxanes: The Mayo Clinic experience
Authors: Fortes Blake H , Liou Harris , Dalvin Lauren A
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

To investigate ophthalmic side effects of taxanes and compare side effect frequency, requirement for cessation of taxane therapy, visual acuity outcome, and concurrent systemic effects between paclitaxel and docetaxel.

Methods:

Patients taking taxanes at a single center from 1/1/2010 to 2/29/2020 were retrospectively reviewed for clinical characteristics, treatments, and concurrent systemic adverse effects.

Results:

Of 1918 patients, 22 (1.1%) experienced an ophthalmic side effect that came to the attention of an eye care provider. Mean age at presentation of the side effect was 62 years (median 66, range 23–82). The most common side effect was meibomian gland dysfunction in 5 (23%) patients, followed by cystoid macular edema in 4 (18%) patients and canalicular obstruction in 4 (18%) patients, followed by diplopia in 2 (9%) patients, and singular cases of lash alopecia, and blepharitis, among others. Lids/lashes as well as nasolacrimal duct adverse effects occurred more frequently with docetaxel therapy than with paclitaxel therapy. Follow-up was available in 10 (45%) patients, with mean duration of 5 months (median 4, range 0–12 months). Of these patients, the ophthalmic side effects were resolved or controlled without discontinuing therapy in 8 (80%) patients. Taxane cessation was required in one patient with docetaxel-related canalicular obstruction and one patient with paclitaxel-related cystoid macular edema.

Conclusion:

Ophthalmic taxane-related adverse events are rare with estimated frequency of ophthalmic side effects of about 1%. Nevertheless, it is important that ophthalmologists recognize the range of side effects for optimal management. Most ophthalmic events can be treated with targeted therapy without discontinuation of life-prolonging taxane therapy.
Pulmonary vasodilators: beyond the bounds of pulmonary arterial hypertension therapy in COVID‐19
Authors: Franco Veronica , Bradley Elisa A. , Badagliacca Roberto , Sabanayagam Aarthi , Rajpal Saurabh , Lastinger Lauren T. , Daniels Curt J. , Smith J. Shaun , Benza Raymond L.
Published: November 2020

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) disease COVID‐19 are characterized by extensive endothelial dysfunction and inflammation leading to vascular remodeling and severe microthrombi and microvascular obliterative disease. It is hypothesized that those patients with underlying lung disease, like PAH, represent a high‐risk cohort in this pandemic. However, reports of COVID‐19 in this cohort of patient have been scaring and an observational survey showed that the disease was relatively well tolerated. We postulate that specific PAH vasodilator may offer some protection and/or advantage in the case of concomitant COVID‐19. Here we review the literature describing mechanisms of action for each of the broad categories of PAH therapy, and offer potential hypothesis about why this therapy may impact outcomes in COVID‐19.
Evaluation of a unilateral neck mass in a 16-year-old female: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease with superimposed bacterial lymphadenitis
Authors: Burns Joseph , Pathania Shivany , Griesser Rebecca , Norelli Jolanta , Gilgeours Kelly , Tugetman Jessica , Palumbo Nancy
Published: November 2020

The evaluation of pediatric neck masses offers the opportunity for consideration of a diverse range of pathologies, from infectious to neoplastic. A 16-year-old female presented with 2 weeks of worsening swelling and pain of a left-sided neck mass. Findings were consistent with Epstein–Barr virus and cytomegalovirus coinfection, but considering profound lymphadenopathy of the supraclavicular, mammillary, and axillary chains, further investigations were undertaken. Hematopathologic examination demonstrated necrotizing lymphadenitis, consistent with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease. A diagnosis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease alongside chronic bacterial lymphadenitis was made on the basis of her response to clindamycin, and the chronic course of her illness and subsequent persistence of the swelling managed on an outpatient basis. The case study describes the initial diagnostic considerations and management as well as a review of the disease pathology.
Interdisciplinary development of a standardized introduction to gene drives for lay audiences
Authors: Schairer Cynthia E. , Triplett Cynthia , Buchman Anna , Akbari Omar S. , Bloss Cinnamon S.
Published: November 2020

Background

While there is wide consensus that the public should be consulted about emerging technology early in development, it is difficult to elicit public opinion about innovations unfamiliar to lay audiences. We sought public input on a program of research on genetic engineering to control mosquito vectors of disease that is led by scientists at the University of California and funded by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). In preparation for this effort, we developed a series of narrated slideshows to prompt responses to the development of gene drive mosquito control strategies among lay people. We describe the development and content of these slideshows and evaluate their ability to elicit discussions among focus group participants.

Methods

In developing these materials, we used an iterative process involving input from experts in molecular genetics and vector control. Topics were chosen for their relevance to the goals of the scientists leading the program of research. Significant time was devoted to crafting explanations that would be accessible to uninitiated members of the public but still represent the science accurately. Through qualitative analysis of focus group discussions prompted by the slideshows, we evaluated the success of these slideshows in imparting clear technical information sufficient to inform lay discussion.

Results

The collaboration resulted in a series of four narrated slideshows that were used to anchor discussions in online focus groups. Many participants described the slideshows as interesting and informative, while also raising concerns and possible risks that were not directly addressed in the material presented. Open-ended comments from participants suggest that the slideshows inspired critical questions, reflection, and conversation about genetically engineered and gene drive mosquitoes. After the final and most technically complex slideshow, however, some respondents made comments suggestive of overwhelm or confusion.

Conclusion

Our narrated slideshows prompted engaged conversations about genetically engineered mosquitoes among members of the public who were generally naïve to this technology. Narrated slideshows may serve as viable and useful tools for future public engagement on other controversial emerging medical and public health technologies.
The detrimental impacts of negative age stereotypes on the episodic memory of older adults: does social participation moderate the effects?
Authors: Chan Stephen C. Y. , Au Alma M. L. , Lai Simon M. K.
Published: November 2020

Background

Older adults’ cognitive abilities can be impaired through priming of negative age stereotypes. However, it is unclear whether the effects of negative priming can be extended to episodic memory, which is believed to be the most age-sensitive type among the long-term memory systems, in Asian populations. Social participation has recently emerged as a potential protective factor for maintaining the cognitive function of older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of negative age stereotype priming on episodic memory and the moderating role of social participation in the priming effect.

Methods

A total of 105 community-dwelling older adults residing in Hong Kong were randomly allocated to two experimental conditions. Participants were primed either with negative age stereotype words (n = 53) or neutral words (n = 52) using an implicit priming task. Episodic memory performance was assessed using the Hong Kong List Learning Task (HKLLT), which includes total learning, two delayed recalls and a recognition task. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to assess group differences in the priming task and memory performance, while a series of moderation analyses were performed to examine the moderating effects of social participation.

Results

The group that received negative age stereotype priming performed significantly worse than the group that received neutral words in their episodic memory test. Additional analyses showed that socially active individuals might be less prone to the effects of negative age stereotypes for the recognition task only.

Conclusions

Older adults who are more socially active might be more immune to the effects of negative age stereotype priming on episodic memory. These results provide initial support for the hypothesis that social participation might act as an effective strategy to ward against negative age stereotype priming.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04202120 (first posted December 17, 2019), (Retrospectively registered).
Trends in antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Hanoi, Vietnam, 2017–2019
Authors: Adamson Paul C. , Van Le Hung , Le Hai Ha Long , Le Giang Minh , Nguyen Trung Vu , Klausner Jeffrey D.
Published: November 2020

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an emerging global health threat. Surveillance of AMR in N. gonorrhoeae in the Western Pacific Region is important, as resistant strains have typically emerged from this region. There are sparse data regarding antibiotic susceptibility of N. gonorrhoeae from Vietnam. This study aimed to provide updated data on antibiotic susceptibilities in N. gonorrhoeae isolates from Hanoi, Vietnam.

Methods

From 2017 to 2019, 409 N. gonorrhoeae clinical isolates were collected at the National Hospital for Venereology and Dermatology in Hanoi, Vietnam. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion method according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) protocol. The zone diameters of inhibition were recorded and interpreted according to standard CLSI criteria, except for azithromycin, due to the absence of CLSI interpretation. Categorical variables were analyzed by Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. Linear regression was used to evaluate zones of inhibition by year.

Results

Among the 409 isolates, no isolates were susceptible to penicillin, 98.3% were resistant to ciprofloxacin, and all isolates were susceptible to spectinomycin. There were 122/407 (30.0%) isolates resistant to azithromycin and there was an association between resistance and year (p <  0.01), ranging from 15.3% of isolates in 2017 to 46.7% of the isolates in 2018. Resistance to cefixime was found in 13/406 (3.2%) of isolates and there was no association by year (p = 0.30). Resistance to ceftriaxone occurred in 3/408 (0.7%) of isolates. Linear regression indicated the zone of inhibition diameters decreased by 0.83 mm each year for ceftriaxone (95% CI: − 1.3, − 0.4; p <  0.01) and decreased by 0.83 mm each year (95% CI: − 1.33, − 0.33; p <  0.01) for azithromycin; the association was not significant for cefixime (p = 0.07).

Conclusions

We found decreasing susceptibility of N. gonorrhoeae to ceftriaxone and azithromycin, as well as a high prevalence of resistance to azithromycin, among isolates in Hanoi, Vietnam from 2017 to 2019. The trends of decreasing susceptibility to first-line treatments are concerning and highlight the urgency of addressing antimicrobial resistance in N. gonorrhoeae. Expanded surveillance efforts within the Western Pacific Region are critical to monitoring trends and informing treatment guidelines.
Novel compound heterozygous TARS2 variants in a Chinese family with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy: a case report
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Peng Bingwei , Hou Chi , Li Jinliang , Zeng Yiru , Wu Wenxiao , Liao Yinting , Tian Yang , Chen Wen-Xiong
Published: November 2020

Background

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy caused by bi-allelic deleterious variants in TARS2 is rare. To date, only two pedigrees were reported in the literature and the connection between the gene and disease needs further study.

Case presentation

We report one infant who presented with limb hypertonia, epilepsy, developmental delay, and increased serum lactate from a non-consanguineous Chinese family. Whole-genome sequencing was performed to help to underlie the cause. We identified compound heterozygous variants c.470C > G, p.Thr157Arg and c.2143G > A, p.Glu715Lys in TARS2 and the variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The patient was diagnosed with combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency 21 according to the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database based on the clinical data and the deleterious effect of the two variants in TARS2 predicted by in silico tools.

Conclusions

We presented one case diagnosed with combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency 21 based on clinical characteristics and genetic analysis. This is the first case in China and the fourth case in the world based on our document retrieval. This study facilitates the understanding of combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency disease and demonstrates that the next-generation sequencing has a high potential to study inherited disease with high phenotypic heterogeneity and genetic heterogeneity including mitochondrial diseases such as combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency.
Psychometric properties of satisfaction with the childbirth education class questionnaire for Iranian population
Authors: Hassanzadeh Robab , Asghari Jafarabadi Mohammad , Abbas-Alizadeh Fatemeh , Meedya Shahla , Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi Sakineh , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: November 2020

Background

Childbirth preparation classes can reduce pregnant women’s anxiety and fear for their childbirth. However, to evaluate women’s feedback and their satisfaction with these classes, there is a need for a standard instrument that is suitable for Iranian context. This study is aimed to translate and conduct a psychometric analysis of the Satisfaction with the Childbirth Education Class Questionnaire (SCECQ) for Iranian population.

Methods

The questionnaire was translated from English into Persian through the forward-backward translation method. The cluster sampling method was employed to select 205 pregnant women with gestational age of 35–37 weeks from all health complexes of Tabriz, Iran. The face, content, and construct validity of the research instrument were assessed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were measured to evaluate the overall reliability of the questionnaire.

Results

The impact scores of all items were above 1.5. The content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR) of the questionnaire were 0.88 and 0.94, respectively. The convergent construct validity of the whole questionnaire and those of its three subscales were confirmed through the exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The factor loadings of no items were below 0.3, and the X2/df ratio was smaller than 5. The overall model validity was confirmed by having the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) smaller than 0.08. Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were 0.93 and 0.96, respectively, indicating the acceptable reliability of the questionnaire.

Conclusion

The Persian version of this questionnaire, entitled SCECQ is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring Iranian women’s satisfaction with childbirth education classes.
Retrospective analysis of LNM risk factors and the effect of chemotherapy in early colorectal cancer: A Chinese multicenter study
Authors: Zeng Chunyan , Xiong Dandan , Cheng Fei , Luo Qingtian , Wang Qiang , Huang Jun , Lan Guilian , Zhong Huan , Chen Youxiang
Published: November 2020

Background

Estimating the risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM) is crucial for determining subsequent treatments following curative resection of early colorectal cancer (ECC). This multicenter study analyzed the risk factors of LNM and the effectiveness of postoperative chemotherapy in patients with ECC.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 473 patients with ECC who underwent general surgery in five hospitals between January 2007 and October 2018. The correlations between LNM and sex, age, tumor size, tumor location, endoscopic morphology, pathology, depth of invasion and tumor budding (TB) were directly estimated based on postoperative pathological analysis. We also observed the overall survival (OS) and recurrence in ECC patients with and without LNM after matching according to baseline measures.

Results

In total, 473 ECC patients were observed, 288 patients were enrolled, and 17 patients had LNM (5.90%). The univariate analysis revealed that tumor size, pathology, and lymphovascular invasion were associated with LNM in ECC (P = 0.026, 0.000, and 0.000, respectively), and the multivariate logistic regression confirmed that tumor size, pathology, and lymphovascular invasion were risk factors for LNM (P = 0.021, 0.023, and 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in OS and recurrence between the ECC patients with and without LNM after matching based on baseline measures (P = 0.158 and 0.346, respectively), and no significant difference was observed between chemotherapy and no chemotherapy in ECC patients without LNM after surgery (P = 0.729 and 0.052).

Conclusion

Tumor size, pathology, and lymphovascular invasion are risk factors for predicting LNM in ECC patients. Adjuvant chemotherapy could improve OS and recurrence in patients with LNM but not always in ECC patients without LNM.
Nutrition- and feeding practice-related risk factors for rapid weight gain during the first year of life: a population-based birth cohort study
Authors: Lindholm Annelie , Bergman Stefan , Alm Bernt , Bremander Ann , Dahlgren Jovanna , Roswall Josefine , Staland-Nyman Carin , Almquist-Tangen Gerd
Published: November 2020

Background

Rapid weight gain (RWG) during infancy increases the risk of excess weight later in life. Nutrition- and feeding practices associated with RWG need to be further examined. The present study aimed to examine nutrition- and feeding practice-related risk factors for RWG during the first year of life.

Methods

A population-based longitudinal birth cohort study of 1780 infants, classified as having RWG or non-RWG during 0–3-4, 0–6 and 6–12 months. RWG was defined as a change > 0.67 in weight standard deviation scores. Associations between nutrition- and feeding practice-related factors and RWG were examined with logistic regression models.

Results

Of the participating infants, 47% had RWG during 0–3-4 months, 46% during 0–6 months and 8% during 6–12 months. In the fully adjusted models, bottle-feeding at birth and at 3–4 months and nighttime meals containing formula milk were positively associated with RWG during 0–3-4 months (p < 0.05 for all). Breastfeeding at 3–4 months and nighttime meals containing breast milk were negatively associated with RWG during this period (p < 0.001). Bottle-feeding at birth, 3–4 and 6 months and nighttime meals containing formula milk at 3–4 months were positively associated with RWG during 0–6 months (p < 0.01 for all). Breastfeeding at 3–4 and 6 months was negatively associated with RWG (p < 0.01). During 6–12 months, only bottle-feeding at 3–4 months was positively associated with RWG (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

RWG was more common during the first 6 months of life and bottle-feeding and formula milk given at night were risk factors for RWG during this period.
Fission yeast condensin contributes to interphase chromatin organization and prevents transcription-coupled DNA damage
Authors: Kakui Yasutaka , Barrington Christopher , Barry David J. , Gerguri Tereza , Fu Xiao , Bates Paul A. , Khatri Bhavin S. , Uhlmann Frank
Published: November 2020

Background

Structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) complexes are central organizers of chromatin architecture throughout the cell cycle. The SMC family member condensin is best known for establishing long-range chromatin interactions in mitosis. These compact chromatin and create mechanically stable chromosomes. How condensin contributes to chromatin organization in interphase is less well understood.

Results

Here, we use efficient conditional depletion of fission yeast condensin to determine its contribution to interphase chromatin organization. We deplete condensin in G2-arrested cells to preempt confounding effects from cell cycle progression without condensin. Genome-wide chromatin interaction mapping, using Hi-C, reveals condensin-mediated chromatin interactions in interphase that are qualitatively similar to those observed in mitosis, but quantitatively far less prevalent. Despite their low abundance, chromatin mobility tracking shows that condensin markedly confines interphase chromatin movements. Without condensin, chromatin behaves as an unconstrained Rouse polymer with excluded volume, while condensin constrains its mobility. Unexpectedly, we find that condensin is required during interphase to prevent ongoing transcription from eliciting a DNA damage response.

Conclusions

In addition to establishing mitotic chromosome architecture, condensin-mediated long-range chromatin interactions contribute to shaping chromatin organization in interphase. The resulting structure confines chromatin mobility and protects the genome from transcription-induced DNA damage. This adds to the important roles of condensin in maintaining chromosome stability.
Investigating transcriptome-wide sex dimorphism by multi-level analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data in ten mouse cell types
Authors: Lu Tianyuan , Mar Jessica C.
Published: November 2020

Background

It is a long established fact that sex is an important factor that influences the transcriptional regulatory processes of an organism. However, understanding sex-based differences in gene expression has been limited because existing studies typically sequence and analyze bulk tissue from female or male individuals. Such analyses average cell-specific gene expression levels where cell-to-cell variation can easily be concealed. We therefore sought to utilize data generated by the rapidly developing single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology to explore sex dimorphism and its functional consequences at the single cell level.

Methods

Our study included scRNA-seq data of ten well-defined cell types from the brain and heart of female and male young adult mice in the publicly available tissue atlas dataset, Tabula Muris. We combined standard differential expression analysis with the identification of differential distributions in single cell transcriptomes to test for sex-based gene expression differences in each cell type. The marker genes that had sex-specific inter-cellular changes in gene expression formed the basis for further characterization of the cellular functions that were differentially regulated between the female and male cells. We also inferred activities of transcription factor-driven gene regulatory networks by leveraging knowledge of multidimensional protein-to-genome and protein-to-protein interactions and analyzed pathways that were potential modulators of sex differentiation and dimorphism.

Results

For each cell type in this study, we identified marker genes with significantly different mean expression levels or inter-cellular distribution characteristics between female and male cells. These marker genes were enriched in pathways that were closely related to the biological functions of each cell type. We also identified sub-cell types that possibly carry out distinct biological functions that displayed discrepancies between female and male cells. Additionally, we found that while genes under differential transcriptional regulation exhibited strong cell type specificity, six core transcription factor families responsible for most sex-dimorphic transcriptional regulation activities were conserved across the cell types, including ASCL2, EGR, GABPA, KLF/SP, RXRα, and ZF.

Conclusions

We explored novel gene expression-based biomarkers, functional cell group compositions, and transcriptional regulatory networks associated with sex dimorphism with a novel computational pipeline. Our findings indicated that sex dimorphism might be widespread across the transcriptomes of cell types, cell type-specific, and impactful for regulating cellular activities.
Comparing the performance of time series models with or without meteorological factors in predicting incident pulmonary tuberculosis in eastern China
Authors: Li Zhong-Qi , Pan Hong-Qiu , Liu Qiao , Song Huan , Wang Jian-Ming
Published: November 2020

Background

Many studies have compared the performance of time series models in predicting pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), but few have considered the role of meteorological factors in their prediction models. This study aims to explore whether incorporating meteorological factors can improve the performance of time series models in predicting PTB.

Methods

We collected the monthly reported number of PTB cases and records of six meteorological factors in three cities of China from 2005 to 2018. Based on this data, we constructed three time series models, including an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model, the ARIMA with exogenous variables (ARIMAX) model, and a recurrent neural network (RNN) model. The ARIMAX and RNN models incorporated meteorological factors, while the ARIMA model did not. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and root mean square error (RMSE) were used to evaluate the performance of the models in predicting PTB cases in 2018.

Results

Both the cross-correlation analysis and Spearman rank correlation test showed that PTB cases reported in the study areas were related to meteorological factors. The predictive performance of both the ARIMA and RNN models was improved after incorporating meteorological factors. The MAPEs of the ARIMA, ARIMAX, and RNN models were 12.54%, 11.96%, and 12.36% in Xuzhou, 15.57%, 11.16%, and 14.09% in Nantong, and 9.70%, 9.66%, and 12.50% in Wuxi, respectively. The RMSEs of the three models were 36.194, 33.956, and 34.785 in Xuzhou, 34.073, 25.884, and 31.828 in Nantong, and 19.545, 19.026, and 26.019 in Wuxi, respectively.

Conclusions

Our study revealed a possible link between PTB and meteorological factors. Taking meteorological factors into consideration increased the accuracy of time series models in predicting PTB, and the ARIMAX model was superior to the ARIMA and RNN models in study settings.
Scanning acoustic microscopy for material evaluation
Authors: Yu Hyunung
Published: November 2020

Scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) or Acoustic Micro Imaging (AMI) is a powerful, non-destructive technique that can detect hidden defects in elastic and biological samples as well as non-transparent hard materials. By monitoring the internal features of a sample in three-dimensional integration, this technique can efficiently find physical defects such as cracks, voids, and delamination with high sensitivity. In recent years, advanced techniques such as ultrasound impedance microscopy, ultrasound speed microscopy, and scanning acoustic gigahertz microscopy have been developed for applications in industries and in the medical field to provide additional information on the internal stress, viscoelastic, and anisotropic, or nonlinear properties. X-ray, magnetic resonance, and infrared techniques are the other competitive and widely used methods. However, they have their own advantages and limitations owing to their inherent properties such as different light sources and sensors.

This paper provides an overview of the principle of SAM and presents a few results to demonstrate the applications of modern acoustic imaging technology. A variety of inspection modes, such as vertical, horizontal, and diagonal cross-sections have been presented by employing the focus pathway and image reconstruction algorithm. Images have been reconstructed from the reflected echoes resulting from the change in the acoustic impedance at the interface of the material layers or defects. The results described in this paper indicate that the novel acoustic technology can expand the scope of SAM as a versatile diagnostic tool requiring less time and having a high efficiency.
Screening of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels among elderly Egyptians admitted to the orthogeriatric unit by fracture hip
Authors: Rabiee Ahmed , AboElsoud Mohamed , Seif El Nasr Sayed M. , Abouzeid Sameh
Published: November 2020

Background

Vitamin D deficiency increases muscle weakness and pain leading to reduced power and function, increased bone turnover and increased risk of falls and hip fractures in elderly. We postulated that vitamin D deficiency in sunny Egypt should be lower than western countries so we screen for prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among all elderly patient admitted to orthogeriatric unit by fracture hip.

Results

Our study showed that vitamin D deficiency is common in elderly Egyptian patients admitted to orthogeriatric unit with hip fractures.

Of the study group (n 290 patients) vitamin D levels were sufficient (30 ng/dl or more) in 24 patients (8.3%) and insufficient (between 20 ng and 30 ng) in 125 patients (43.1%) and deficient (less than 20) in 141 patients (48.7%). Among the study group, female patients had lower levels of vitamin D (18.8 ± 6.9) compared to males (20.5 ± 6.7) P value 0.034.

Although our study failed to link different levels of vitamin D with activity of daily life: P value was (0.116) in bathing, (0.058) in dressing, (0.115) in toileting and (054) in transfer.

A little difference was found in feeding (0.036) and previous fall (0.011) and cognitive impairment; MiniCOG < 3 P value 0.017. Both previous falls and cognitive decline are in turn linked to increased fracture risk

Conclusion

Hypovitaminosis D is common among older patients with hip fractures even in sunny Egypt remaining slightly lower than its prevalence in western countries. Although no direct significant correlations with activity of daily life, vitamin D deficiency was associated with higher risks of previous falls and cognitive impairment both in turn increases the risk of fractures.
Predictors of Vertebral Deformity in Long-Term Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: The PETALE Study
Authors: Fiscaletti Melissa , Samoilenko Mariia , Dubois Josée , Miron Marie-Claude , Lefebvre Geneviève , Krajinovic Maja , Laverdière Caroline , Sinnett Daniel , Alos Nathalie
Published: November 2020

Background

The prevalence of vertebral deformities in long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is unknown. Our objectives were to identify the prevalence of vertebral deformities and their risk factors among long-term childhood ALL survivors.

Methods/Results

We recruited 245 (49% male) long-term childhood ALL survivors from the Preventing Late Adverse Effects of Leukemia Cohort (French-Canadian ALL survivors treated between the years 1987 and 2010 with the Dana Farber Cancer Institute clinical trials protocols, who did not experience disease relapse and/or receive hematopoietic stem cell transplant). Median age at recruitment was 21.7 years (range, 8.5-41) and median time since diagnosis was 15.1 years (range, 5.4-28.2). All participants underwent spine radiograph and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans. The prevalence of vertebral deformity was 23% with 88% classified as grade 1 according to the Genant method. The majority of vertebral deformities were clinically silent. Regression analysis confirmed male sex (risk ratio [RR] = 1.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-3.24; P = 0.011), higher glucocorticoid cumulative dose (RR = 1.05; 95% CI, 1.00-1.10; P = 0.032), and back pain (RR = 2.44; 95% CI, 1.56-3.84; P < 0.001) as predictors of prevalent vertebral deformity. Sex differences in vertebral deformity predictors emerged.

Conclusions

We report a significant prevalence of vertebral deformities in this young cohort. Male sex, cumulative glucocorticoid dose, and back pain were identified as predictors of prevalent vertebral deformity. Back pain emerging as a strong predictor of vertebral deformity underscores the importance of ongoing bone health surveillance in survivors with persistent vertebral deformities treated with these earlier protocols.
Tissue-Specific Effects of Leptin on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Pereira Sandra , Cline Daemon L , Glavas Maria M , Covey Scott D , Kieffer Timothy J
Published: November 2020

The discovery of leptin was intrinsically associated with its ability to regulate body weight. However, the effects of leptin are more far-reaching and include profound glucose-lowering and anti-lipogenic effects, independent of leptin’s regulation of body weight. Regulation of glucose metabolism by leptin is mediated both centrally and via peripheral tissues and is influenced by the activation status of insulin signaling pathways. Ectopic fat accumulation is diminished by both central and peripheral leptin, an effect that is beneficial in obesity-associated disorders. The magnitude of leptin action depends upon the tissue, sex, and context being examined. Peripheral tissues that are of particular relevance include the endocrine pancreas, liver, skeletal muscle, adipose tissues, immune cells, and the cardiovascular system. As a result of its potent metabolic activity, leptin is used to control hyperglycemia in patients with lipodystrophy and is being explored as an adjunct to insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes. To fully understand the role of leptin in physiology and to maximize its therapeutic potential, the mechanisms of leptin action in these tissues needs to be further explored.
Checklists
Authors: Zambrana Rocío
Published: November 2020

In July 2019, almost two weeks of protest led to the ousting of Puerto Rico's Governor Ricardo “Ricky” Rosselló. The diversity and creativity of the protests were nationally and internationally celebrated. Asambleas de pueblo, people's assemblies, continued political participation beyond the protests. This article attends to a feature of the protests that has yet to be explored. Throughout the protests, checklists appeared on signs, on walls in Old San Juan, and on Facebook and Twitter. These index a modality of power explicit in the protests and in reserve in the asambleas. The checklists, I suggest, record the power of removal that established the protests as successful irrespective of the institutional impact that Rosselló's resignation purportedly had on the indebted colony. The checklists inscribe the ongoing task of interruption, to the point of removal, that seeks to render coloniality inoperative in the everyday.
From the Ottoman Empire to Post-1923
Authors: Yonucu Deniz , Suciyan Talin
Published: November 2020

The author of The Armenians in Modern Turkey, historian Talin Suciyan, puts the Armenian genocide survivors at the center of her research to provide a new perspective on the history of the Turkish Republic. Suciyan analyzes the experiences and lives of its Armenian population several decades after the genocide. In this interview, Deniz Yonucu speaks with Suciyan on her research and innovative anthrohistorical approach to understanding the paths that led to the annihilation of Armenians, the effects of the genocide in modern Turkey, and the importance of focusing attention on the experiences of survivors after catastrophic experiences of genocides. The survivor as described in this interview is neither a wretched of the earth, who is forced to live a tortured life, nor a subaltern whose voice cannot acquire speech. The survivor instead is an existence whose past, present and future is constantly denied, and therefore robbed from her.
Photooxidation Products from a Marine Cadinane Sesquiterpenoid
Authors: Kurnianda Viqqi , Fujimura Hiroyuki , Kanna Yoko , Tanaka Junichi
Published: November 2020

To show that artifacts can readily form during research on marine natural products, a common marine sesquiterpenoid 1 was treated with sunlight in the presence of a pigment. Another set of solutions were prepared and kept in shade under the bench for two weeks as negative controls. As a result, four oxygenated derivatives 2–5 were obtained. A unique structure of a highly oxidized molecule 5 was solved by X-ray crystallography.
Retrospectives: Regulating Banks versus Managing Liquidity: Jeremy Bentham and Henry Thornton in 1802
Authors: Berdell John , Mondschean Thomas
Published: November 2020

At nearly the same moment, Jeremy Bentham and Henry Thornton adopted diametrically opposed approaches to stabilizing the financial system. Henry Thornton eloquently defended the Bank of England’s actions as the lender of last resort and saw its discretionary management of liquidity as the key stabilizer of the credit system. In contrast, Jeremy Bentham advocated the imposition of strict bank regulations and examinations, without which, he predicted, Britain would soon experience a systemic crisis—which he called “universal bankruptcy.” There are strong parallels but also dramatic differences with our recent attempts to reduce systemic risk within financial systems. The Basel III bank regulatory framework effectively intertwines Bentham’s and Thornton’s diametrically opposed approaches to stabilizing banks. Yet Bentham’s and Thornton’s concerns regarding the stability of the wider financial system remain alive today due to financial innovation and the politics of responding to financial crises.