bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The outcome at follow-up after inpatient eating disorder treatment: a naturalistic study
Authors: Danielsen Marit , Bjørnelv Sigrid , Weider Siri , Myklebust Tor Åge , Lundh Henrik , Rø Øyvind
Published: December 2020

Background

Patients with eating disorders may experience a severe and enduring course of illness. Treatment outcome for patients provided with inpatient treatment is reported as poor. Research to date has not provided consistent results for predictors of treatment outcome. The aims of the study were to investigate rates of remission at follow-up after inpatient treatment, symptom change from admission to follow-up, and predictors of treatment outcome.

Methods

The follow-up sample consisted of 150 female adult former patients (69.4% of all eligible female patients) with eating disorders. Mean age at admission was 21.7 (SD = 4.9) years. Diagnostic distribution: 66% (n = 99) anorexia nervosa, 21.3% (n = 32) bulimia nervosa and 12.7% (n = 19) other specified feeding or eating disorder, including binge eating. Data were collected at admission, discharge and follow-up (mean 2.7 (SD = 1.9) years). Definition of remission was based on the EDE-Q Global score, body mass index and binge/purge behavior. Paired T-tests were performed to investigate change over time. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were estimated to investigate predictors of remission.

Results

At follow-up, 35.2% of the participants were classified as in remission. Significant symptom reduction (in all patients) (p <  0.001) and significant increase in body mass index (BMI) (in underweight participants at admission) (p <  0.001) was found. Increased BMI (p <  0.05), the level of core eating disorder symptoms at admission (p <  0.01) and reduced core eating disorder symptoms (p <  0.01) during inpatient treatment were found significant predictors of outcome in the multivariate model.

Conclusions

All participants had an eating disorder requiring inpatient treatment. Approximately one-third of all participants could be classified as in remission at follow-up. However, most participants experienced significant symptom improvement during inpatient treatment and the improvements were sustained at follow-up. Increased probability of remission at follow-up was indicated by lower core ED symptoms at admission for all patients, raised BMI during admission for patients with AN, and reduced core ED symptoms during inpatient treatment for all patients. This finding contributes important information and highlights the importance of targeting these core symptoms in transdiagnostic treatment programs.
Effects of 405-, 532-, 650-, and 940-nm wavelengths of low-level laser therapies on orthodontic tooth movement in rats
Authors: Baser Keklikci Hasibe , Yagci Ahmet , Yay Arzu Hanim , Goktepe Ozge
Published: December 2020

Background

Investigating the effects of 405-nm, 532-nm, 650-nm, and 950-nm wavelengths of LLLTs (low-level laser therapies) on the orthodontic tooth movement in rats by using histological and immunohistochemical methods. Forty-five Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: control group (positive control: the left maxillary 1st molar side; negative control: the right maxillary 1st molar side), 405 nm LLLT group (Realpoo), 532 nm LLLT group (Realpoo), 650 nm LLLT group (Realpoo), and 940 nm LLLT group (Biolase). The left maxillary 1st molar teeth of all rats were applied mesially 50-g force. Starting from the 1st day, 48 h intervals, LLLT was applied in continuous wave mode and in contact with the tissue. The application area was approximately 1 cm2. The lasers were performed for 3 min on each surface (buccal, palatal, mesial), totally 9 min (total dose 54 J/cm2). The amount of the molar mesialization, the bone area between the roots, PDL (periodontal ligament) measurements, TRAP (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase), and ALP (alkaline phosphatase) immunoreactivity intensity were calculated.

Results

The amount of the molar mesialization was significantly higher in the 650 nm LLLT group (mean 0.878 ± 0.201 mm; 95% CI (confidence interval) 0.724 and 1.032) than in the groups of positive control (mean 0.467 ± 0.357 mm; 95% CI 0.192 and 0.741) and 405 nm LLLT (mean 0.644 ± 0.261 mm; 95% CI 0.443 and 0.845) (p< 0.001). There were significant differences in the PDL-mesial (p= 0.042) and PDL-distal (p= 0.007) regions between the groups. The immunoreactivity intensity for TRAP-mesial was significantly higher in the positive control group (mean 109,420.33 ± 8769.17; 95% CI 100,217.65 and 118,623.02) than in the 405 nm (mean 91,678.83 ± 7313.39; 95% CI 84,003.9 and 99,353.77) and the 650 nm LLLT (mean 87,169.17 ± 4934.65; 95% CI 81,990.56 and 92,347.77) groups (p= 0.002). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups on immunoreactivity intensity with ALP staining.

Conclusions

The results of this study show that LLLT with 650-nm wavelength increases orthodontic tooth movement more than 405-nm, 532-nm, and 940-nm LLLTs. The 940-nm and 650-nm LLLTs also increase the bone area between the roots by more than 405-nm and 532-nm wavelengths.
Arteriovenous malformation in the pancreatic head initially mimicking a hypervascular mass treated with duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection: a case report
Authors: Korai Takahiro , Kimura Yasutoshi , Imamura Masafumi , Nagayama Minoru , Kanazawa Ayumi , Miura Ryo , Murakami Takeshi , Kyuno Daisuke , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Terai Kotomi , Sugita Shintaro , Nobuoka Takayuki , Hasegawa Tadashi , Takemasa Ichiro
Published: December 2020

Background

The mainstay treatment for arteriovenous malformation in the pancreatic head (Ph-AVM) is standard pancreatectomy, especially pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), or interventional endovascular treatment. We report the first case of Ph-AVM treated with duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (DPPHR) performed to preserve the periampullary organs.

Case presentation

A 59-year-old man presenting with back pain underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography followed by angiography of the anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery. He was diagnosed with Ph-AVM and indicated for DPPHR with preservation of the periampullary organs; Ph-AVM’s benign nature seldom requires lymph node dissection. During the operation, the right colon was mobilized and the omental bursa was released to expose the periampullary structures. The pancreas was transected just above the superior mesenteric vein. The inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery and papillary arteries branching from the posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery were carefully preserved to maintain the blood flow to the lower bile duct and papilla of Vater. The remnant pancreas was reconstructed with pancreaticogastrostomy using the modified Blumgart method. Pathological examination of the resected specimen revealed an irregular course of the arteries and veins concomitant with marked dilation throughout the pancreatic head. The patient was pathologically diagnosed with Ph-AVM. He developed hematemesis caused by a rupture of the pseudoaneurysm on postoperative day 20 and underwent coil embolization. A bilio-enteric fistula and stenosis of the common bile duct were found and treated by placement of an endoscopic biliary stent. At the 8-month follow-up, the Ph-AVM had not recurred.

Conclusions

Compared to PD, DPPHR confers the clinical benefit of preserving the periampullary organs, although further studies are needed to confirm this. Therefore, the choice of this procedure should be based on the surgical morbidities and long-term outcome of the patient.
Patient experiences with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a conceptual model of symptoms and impacts on quality of life
Authors: Zaiser Erica , Sehnert Amy J. , Duenas Ashley , Saberi Sara , Brookes Ella , Reaney Matthew
Published: December 2020

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a primary myocardial disorder defined by left ventricular hypertrophy that cannot be explained by another cardiac or systemic disease. There is a general lack of knowledge about patients’ perspectives on the symptoms and day-to-day limitations they experience as a result of HCM. We therefore sought an in-depth understanding of patients’ experiences of obstructive (oHCM) and nonobstructive (nHCM) forms of the disease, including symptoms and their quality of life impacts, and to develop a conceptual model to capture them.

Methods

Development of the HCM conceptual model involved a web-based survey to capture patients’ insights, a targeted literature review (which included relevant guidelines and patient advocacy websites), one-to-one interviews with clinical experts, and one-to-one qualitative concept elicitation interviews with patients. Key symptoms and their impacts most important to patients’ experiences were identified and used to develop a conceptual model of the patient experience with HCM.

Results

The HCM symptoms reported by patient interviewees (n = 27) were largely consistent with findings from the patient web survey (n = 444), literature review, and interviews with three expert clinicians. The symptoms most commonly reported in patient interviews included tiredness (89%), shortness of breath (89%), shortness of breath with physical activity (89%), and dizziness/light-headedness (89%). Other symptoms commonly reported included chest pain (angina) (70%), chest pain (angina) with physical exertion (70%), and palpitations (fluttering or rapid heartbeat) (81%). The most commonly reported impacts of HCM symptoms on patients’ lives included limitations to physical activities (78%), emotional impacts, including feeling anxious or depressed (78%), and impacts on work (63%). Symptoms and impacts were similar for both oHCM and nHCM.

Conclusions

A conceptual model was developed, which identifies the core symptoms that patients with oHCM and nHCM reported as most frequent and most important: shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue/tiredness, dizziness/light-headedness, and chest pain, as well as the impacts those symptoms have on patients’ lives. This HCM conceptual model reflecting patients’ experiences and perspectives was used in the development of a patient-reported outcomes instrument for use in clinical trials and it may also help inform the clinical management of HCM.
Comparative analysis of immune related genes between domestic pig and germ-free minipig
Authors: Lee Ju Young , Kim Sang Eun , Lee Hoon Taek , Hwang Jeong Ho
Published: December 2020

Recently, minipig has been considered as an animal model that is appropriate for human disease model to study toxicology, pharmacology, and xenotransplantation. Nevertheless, minipigs are bred in various environment according to their use. Here, we suggest that minipigs used for research should be bred in well-controlled facility, comparing immune status of pigs raised in different breeding environment. DNA microarray was performed with ear skin and placenta of Landrace domestic pigs (DPs) and Minnesota germ-free minipigs (GPs). Their immune transcriptome was analyzed by gene ontology (GO) annotation database, based on criteria of |log2 fold change| ≥1 with P ≤ 0.05. As a result, we found that immune related genes in the ear skin of DPs were highly activated, compared to GPs. On the other hand, no significant s were found in the placenta. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed in five candidate immune genes. Their fold changes were consistent with the results from DNA microarray (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, we experimentally proved that porcine immune system was affected by different breeding environment, suggesting the importance of controlling microbes in animal room for the qualified research.
Emotional and behavioral problems of 9–18-year-old girls and its relationship to menarche age
Authors: Tayebi Naeimeh , Yektatalab Shahrzad , Akbarzadeh Marzieh
Published: December 2020

Background

Adolescence is associated with rapid changes in behavioral patterns which affect the functioning of the person in adulthood. The purpose of this research was to study the emotional and behavioral problems of 9–18-year-old girls and their relationship to menarche age. This cross-sectional study was done on girls aged 9–18 years old in Shiraz city. A cluster sampling method was used to select about 2000 students in 2015. Then, a questionnaire including demographic characteristics and strengths and difficulties (SDQ) was completed for each of them. The SPSS software was used to analyze the collected data via descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.

Results

Among the 2000 tested samples, the highest mean and standard deviation (4.2 ± 2.25) were related to emotional symptoms. Most of them (960 individuals = 48%) scored abnormally. The mean and standard deviation was 15.61 ± 5.89, and the highest value was 33. The highest mean and standard deviation (16.69 ± 5.4) ranged from 17 to 18 years old in 289 subjects. There was a significant relationship between the age of menarche and emotional and behavioral problems (p= 0.001). Most individuals (638 subjects) (46%) had abnormal emotional and behavioral problems in the menarche age of 11–12 years old.

Conclusion

Emotional symptoms were the most common emotional-behavioral problems of adolescents. There was a significant relationship between the menarche age and emotional and behavioral problems. It is necessary to be familiar with the problems of adolescent girls during adolescence and the way to deal with their problems.
Internal jugular vein rupture after oncologic resections in the head and neck
Authors: Eltelety Ahmad M. , Nassar Ahmed A. , El Batawi Ahmed M. , Ibrahim Sherif G.
Published: December 2020

Background

Internal jugular vein (IJV) blowout after major oncologic resections in the head and neck is a rare fatal yet preventable complication. The condition is unregistered sufficiently in the literature.

Results

The records of patients who underwent oncologic neck surgery were retrospectively reviewed. The study included records between January 2014 and November 2019 at Kasr Al Ainy Educational Hospital. 275 patients underwent cervical ablative procedures. Ten patients developed IJV blowout. Six patients were saved. Four patients had diabetes mellitus with postoperative wound infection and dehiscence. Three patients were given primary radiotherapy; two of them developed flap necrosis. Eight patients acquired pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF). Regional flap coverage was done in three patients. Sentinel hemorrhage occurred in all patients.

Conclusions

IJV blowout is a rare potentially life-threatening complication usually preceded by sentinel hemorrhage. The condition is essentially preventable by the prompt and structured response.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the use of free diced cartilage in dorsal and tip nasal rhinoplasty
Authors: Shafik Amr Gouda , Mohamed Mohamed Naguib , Hassan Hassan Mohamed
Published: December 2020

Background

Rhinoplasty is considered one of the most challenging operations in the plastic surgery. Esthetic or functional reshaping purposes of the nose can be stressing for both surgeon and patient. Different types of graft materials have been used to perform augmentation rhinoplasty. Free diced cartilage (FDC) was recently established in dorsal nasal rhinoplasty for better handling of irregularities as well as contour deficits of dorsal nasal outcomes. The main purpose of the present study is to assess the effectiveness of the use of FDC in dorsal nasal and nasal tip rhinoplasty and evaluation of its advantages and disadvantages using the validated Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale and the Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) questionnaire to assess nasal obstruction and patient satisfaction.

Results

This prospective study was conducted between March 2018 and December 2019, 20 patients were included and planned for rhinoplasty using FDC to camouflage dorsal and nasal tip deformities. All patients (11males and 9 females) underwent open rhinoplasty through inverted v columellar incision, taken FDC from nasal septum. A statistical significant difference between pre- and post-operative NOSE scores was found (P < 0.001). Post-operative rhinoplasty outcome evaluation scores ranged from 45 to 100 with mean ± SD (83.15 ± 13.22). Excellent satisfaction was the most noted in 17 patients (85%), while 2 patients (10%) reported good satisfaction and 1 patient (5%) with acceptable satisfaction.

Conclusion

It was found that the FDC technique is an effective method for camouflage and augmentation of nasal dorsum as well as nasal tip in reconstructive and esthetic rhinosurgery for either primary or secondary rhinoplasty.
Postoperative audiovestibular assessment of obstructive sleep apnea patients
Authors: Kouzo Hesham Saad , Talaat Mohamed Aziz Mohamed , Bahgat Ahmed Yassin , Zamel Hazem Ahmed Mousa , Eldeeb Mirhan Khamis
Published: December 2020

Background

In obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, the impact of hypoxia on different body systems is of utmost importance. Brainstem is greatly sensitive to the effects of hypoxia including auditory and vestibular nuclei. Our aim in the current study is to evaluate hypoxic effect of OSAS on the audiovestibular system using auditory brainstem response, cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential, and video nystagmography and to determine whether this effect is reversible postoperatively.

Results

In OSAS patients, the mean absolute and interpeak latencies of ABR were significantly prolonged compared to controls and remained so postoperatively. No statistically significant difference between pre- and postoperative values was found. The differences in the mean latencies of P1 and N1 of the cVEMP responses between the two groups were insignificant. However, there was a significant difference in P1N1 amplitude. On the other hand, the difference in the mean amplitude of the P1N1 wave in the study group postoperatively was not significant. The VNG results included bilateral canal paresis in four, unilateral in two, and spontaneous nystagmus in two patients. Also, two patients showed pursuit abnormality and two had saccadic abnormality which did not improve postoperatively.

Conclusions

Patients with moderate to severe OSAS experience both auditory and vestibular deficits which do not reverse 3 months after corrective surgery.
Social, cultural and community engagement and mental health: cross-disciplinary, co-produced research agenda
Authors: Fancourt Daisy , Bhui Kamaldeep , Chatterjee Helen , Crawford Paul , Crossick Geoffrey , DeNora Tia , South Jane
Published: December 2020

Background

There is increasing cross-disciplinary research on the relationship between individuals’ social, cultural and community engagement (SCCE) and mental health. SCCE includes engagement in the arts, culture and heritage, libraries and literature, sports and nature activities, volunteering, and community groups. Research has demonstrated the effects of these activities both on the prevention and management of mental illness. However, it remains unclear whether current research is focusing on the research questions that are of most immediate urgency and relevance to policy and practice.

Aims

The current project was funded as part of the UK Research and Innovation cross-disciplinary mental health network programme to develop and co-produce a new cross-disciplinary research agenda on SCCE and mental health.

Method

Established processes and principles for developing health research agendas were followed, with a six-phase design including engagement with over 1000 key stakeholders, consultations, integration of findings and collective prioritisation of key questions.

Results

We identified four core themes: the mode of engagement, process of engagement, impact of engagement and infrastructure required to facilitate engagement. There were many points of agreement across all stakeholder groups on the priority questions within these themes, but also some specific questions of relevance to different sectors.

Conclusions

This agenda is particularly timely given the extreme pressure on mental health services predicted to follow the current COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to identify how resources from other sectors can be mobilised, and what research questions are going to be most important to fund to support SCCE for mental health.
C–H Activation Catalyzed by Earth-Abundant Metals
Authors: Ilies Laurean
Published: December 2020

This account describes our quest for controlling the reactivity of organoiron species, and developing an iron catalyst that can efficiently activate a C–H bond of a substrate possessing a directing group, followed by reaction with nucleophiles (magnesium, zinc, boron, or aluminum reagents), electrophiles (alkyl halides, alkanol derivatives, allyl ethers, alkenes, alkynes, chloroamines), or with another C–H substrate (heteroarenes or electron-deficient arenes). Our forays into C–H activation using cobalt, manganese, and chromium catalysis are also briefly discussed.
Gendered Laws and Women in the Workforce
Authors: Hyland Marie , Djankov Simeon , Goldberg Pinelopi Koujianou
Published: December 2020

This paper offers for the first time a global picture of gender discrimination by the law as it affects women's economic opportunity and charts the evolution of legal inequalities over five decades. Using the World Bank's newly constructed Women, Business and the Law database, we document large and persistent gender inequalities, especially with regard to pay and treatment of parenthood. We find positive correlations between more equal laws pertaining to women in the workforce and more equal labor market outcomes, such as higher female labor force participation and a smaller wage gap between men and women. (JEL D63, J16, J31, J71, J78, K31, K38)
Organizational Communication and Invisibility Strategies and Reducing/Targeting Social Media Visibility
Authors: Da Silva Diego Wander Santos , Baldissera Rudimar
Published: December 2020

This article begins with discussions about organizational communication, especially in the context of social media. Research in this field tends to emphasize “visibility” as the only desire of organizations in online environments. However, “strategies of invisibility” are also paths adopted by organizations in situations of risk or in the face of the apparent advance of guidelines that contradict the way they expect to be recognized. Our aim is to understand the strategies of organizations in situations requiring invisibility and reducing/targeting visibility on social media. The discussions refer to symbolic interactionism, which is the epistemic foundation of this research. On an empirical level, we conducted in-depth interviews with 17 professionals working in digital communication agencies. The results form a map of strategies for invisibility and reducing/targeting visibility, which indicates the professionalization and several consequences of these processes and resources. Our understanding is that such strategies need discussion in the light of notions of public interest, conformity, and ethics, as the prospect of concealment may represent the non-visibility of issues relevant to society that are losing emphasis, given the refinement of these processes and resources.
‘We can catch each other’
Authors: Allingham Sue
Published: December 2020

The idea of ‘fixing’ issues that children may have, is never as simple as doing extra tuition, or having ‘intervention’ groups. It's about knowing and understanding, and it involves everyone in the school community pulling together, says Sue Allingham.
LETTERS
Authors: Roberts Clare
Published: December 2020

eye, MA Education Ltd, St Jude's Church, Dulwich Road, London, SE24 0PB or email: karen.faux@markallengroup.com
In praise of creativity
Authors: Watson Nicola
Published: December 2020

The new EAD Early Learning Goals invite practitioners to refocus on optimising children's creativity through oral, aural, cultural and aesthetic expression – thereby enhancing their holistic well-being.
Come the revolution
Authors: Dove Claire , Leitch Neil , Kruger Danny , O'Sullivan June
Published: December 2020

How can the early years sector change and what will that change look like? This question provoked a lively discussion at this years' annual Margaret Horn debate, chaired by June O'Sullivan.
OPTIMIZATION OF CANOLA AGRONOMIC YIELD SUBMITTED TO DIFFERENT DOSES OF POTASSIUM IN FLOWERING
Authors: Rosa Willian Bosquette , Duarte Júnior José Barbosa , Tomm Gilberto Omar , Costa Antonio Carlos Torres da , Queiroz Samara Brandão
Published: December 2020

Providing nutrients in quantities and at the right time is of paramount importance to obtain high yields in canola culture. The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic performance of the Hyola 433 hybrid, submitted to potassium fertilization during flowering, during the 2016/2017 harvest. A randomized block design with four repetitions was used, in a 2x5 factorial scheme, with two canola phenological stages (F1 and F2) and five potassium doses in coverage (0, 15, 30, 60 and 120 kg ha-1). The following phenometric variables were evaluated: emergence at the beginning of flowering (EIF), flowering duration (DFL), maturation duration (DFL) and cycle; as well as agronomic variables: number of silicas per plant (NSP), number of grains per silicas (NGS), plant height (ESP), mass of a thousand grains (MMG), productivity (PRO) and oil content. There was no interaction between application times and potassium doses for MMG, PRO and oil content. The dose of 60 kg ha-1 increased the DFL and the cycle. The maximum number of 309 silicas per plant was obtained with the dose of 120 kg ha-1 of K2O. The increase of potassium concentrations reduced calcium concentration in plant tissue. In general, potassium fertilization during flowering increases the expression of variables related to canola phenology and agronomic performance.
Speculative listening: melting sea ice and new methods of listening with the planet
Authors: Barry Kaya , Duffy Michelle , Lobo Michele
Published: December 2020

In this paper we speculate on ways of listening with the planet as a way of producing multisensory knowledges of climate change. ‘Listening’ is a visceral experience that helps us consider the intricate, deeply entangled relations between human and non-human worlds through multisensory attentions. We draw on Oliveros’ notion of ‘deep listening’ and methodological experimentation to explore and speculate about the effects of climate change in the polar regions. Such speculative practices are informed by audio recordings of the movement of iceberg and glaciers, sea ice measurements and satellite imagery of the Antarctic and Arctic. By experimenting with the mergers of scientific data and creative practices we suggest that practices of listening make experiences of multiscalar climate change in distant places visceral and immersive.
Coaxial spectroscopic imaging ellipsometry for volumetric thickness measurement
Authors: Lee Seung Woo , Choi Garam , Lee Sin Yong , Cho Yeongchan , Pahk Heui Jae
Published: December 2020

We propose spectroscopic imaging ellipsometry that can measure spectral ellipsometric signals in the entire field of view simultaneously without areal scanning or operation of polarization devices. The proposed imaging ellipsometry is configured in a coaxial optical structure so that the high magnification objective lens is applicable and the spatial resolution is highly increased. Without the operation of polarization components and to efficiently obtain the spectral data in the object plane, the ellipsometric parameters are encoded into the high frequency in the spectral domain and are measured by an imaging Michelson interferometer. The volumetric thickness measurement by the proposed method was verified by comparing the thickness results of the

SiO
2

/

Si

sample that has four different thicknesses with commercial ellipsometer results.
The impact of different negative training data on regulatory sequence predictions
Authors: Krützfeldt Louisa-Marie , Schubach Max , Kircher Martin
Published: December 2020

Regulatory regions, like promoters and enhancers, cover an estimated 5–15% of the human genome. Changes to these sequences are thought to underlie much of human phenotypic variation and a substantial proportion of genetic causes of disease. However, our understanding of their functional encoding in DNA is still very limited. Applying machine or deep learning methods can shed light on this encoding and gapped k-mer support vector machines (gkm-SVMs) or convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are commonly trained on putative regulatory sequences. Here, we investigate the impact of negative sequence selection on model performance. By training gkm-SVM and CNN models on open chromatin data and corresponding negative training dataset, both learners and two approaches for negative training data are compared. Negative sets use either genomic background sequences or sequence shuffles of the positive sequences. Model performance was evaluated on three different tasks: predicting elements active in a cell-type, predicting cell-type specific elements, and predicting elements' relative activity as measured from independent experimental data. Our results indicate strong effects of the negative training data, with genomic backgrounds showing overall best results. Specifically, models trained on highly shuffled sequences perform worse on the complex tasks of tissue-specific activity and quantitative activity prediction, and seem to learn features of artificial sequences rather than regulatory activity. Further, we observe that insufficient matching of genomic background sequences results in model biases. While CNNs achieved and exceeded the performance of gkm-SVMs for larger training datasets, gkm-SVMs gave robust and best results for typical training dataset sizes without the need of hyperparameter optimization.
Plant-growth-promoting Bacillus and Paenibacillus species improve the nutritional status of Triticum aestivum L.
Authors: Hussain Azhar , Ahmad Maqshoof , Nafees Muhammad , Iqbal Zafar , Luqman Muhammad , Jamil Moazzam , Maqsood Ambreen , Mora-Poblete Freddy , Ahmar Sunny , Chen Jen-Tsung , Alyemeni Mohammed Nasser , Ahmad Parvaiz
Published: December 2020

Wheat is one of the best-domesticated cereal crops and one of the vital sources of nutrition for humans. An investigation was undertaken to reveal the potential of novel bio-inoculants enriching micronutrients in shoot and grains of wheat crop to eliminate the hazards of malnutrition. Sole as well as consortia inoculation of bio-inoculants significantly enhanced mineral nutrients including zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) concentrations in shoot and grains of wheat. Various treatments of bio-inoculants increase Zn and Fe content up to 1–15% and 3–13%, respectively. Sole inoculation of Bacillus aryabhattai (S10) impressively improves the nutritious of wheat. However, the maximum increase in minerals contents of wheat was recorded by consortia inoculation of Paenibacillus polymyxa ZM27, Bacillus subtilis ZM63 and Bacillus aryabhattai S10. This treatment also showed a maximum bacterial population (18 × 104 cfu mL-1) in the rhizosphere. The consortium application of these strains showed up to a 17% increase in yield. It is evident from the results that the consortium application was more effective than sole and co-inoculation. A healthy positive correlation was found between growth, yield, and the accessibility of micronutrients to wheat crops at the harvesting stage. The present investigations revealed the significance of novel bacterial strains in improving the nutritional status of wheat crops. These strains could be used as bio-inoculants for the biofortification of wheat to combat hidden hunger in developing countries.
Understanding growth and age of red tree corals (Primnoa pacifica) in the North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Choy Emma , Watanabe Kelly , Williams Branwen , Stone Robert , Etnoyer Peter , Druffel Ellen , Lorenson Thomas , Knaak Mary
Published: December 2020

Massive, long-lived deep-sea red tree corals (Primnoa pacifica) form a solid, layered axis comprised of calcite and gorgonin skeleton. They are abundant on the outer continental shelf and upper slope of the Northeast Pacific, providing habitat for fish and invertebrates. Yet, their large size and arborescent morphology makes them susceptible to disturbance from fishing activities. A better understanding of their growth patterns will facilitate in-situ estimates of population age structure and biomass. Here, we evaluated relationships between ages, growth rates, gross morphological characteristics, and banding patterns in 11 colonies collected from depths of ~141–335 m off the Alaskan coast. These corals ranged in age from 12 to 80 years old. They grew faster radially (0.33–0.74 mm year-1) and axially (2.41–6.39 cm year-1) than in previously measured older colonies, suggesting that growth in P. pacifica declines slowly with age, and that basal diameter and axial height eventually plateau. However, since coral morphology correlated with age in younger colonies (< century), we developed an in-situ age estimation technique for corals from the Northeast Pacific Ocean providing a non-invasive method for evaluating coral age without removing colonies from the population. Furthermore, we determined that annual bands provided the most accurate means for determining coral age in live-collected corals, relative to radiometric dating. Taken together, this work provides insight into P. pacifica growth patterns to inform coastal managers about the demographics of this ecologically important species. With this new ability to estimate the age of red tree corals in-situ, we can readily determine the age-class structure and consequently, the maturity status of thickets, using non-invasive video survey techniques when coupled with mensuration systems such as lasers or stereo-cameras. Enhanced surveys could identify which populations are most vulnerable to disturbance from human activities, and which should be highlighted for protection.
Association between brain morphometry and aerobic fitness level and sex in healthy emerging adults
Authors: Wade Natasha E. , Wallace Alexander L. , Sullivan Ryan M. , Swartz Ann M. , Lisdahl Krista M.
Published: December 2020

Objective

Aerobic fitness may be beneficial for neuroanatomical structure. However, few have investigated this in emerging adults while also accounting for potential sex differences. Here we examine aerobic fitness level, sex, and their interaction in relation to cortical thickness, surface area, and volume.

Method

Sixty-three young adults between the ages of 16–26 were balanced for sex and demonstrated a wide range of aerobic fitness levels. Exclusion criteria included left-handedness, past-year independent Axis-I disorders, major medical/neurologic disorders, prenatal medical issues, prenatal alcohol/illicit drug exposure, or excessive substance use. Participants completed an MRI scan and a graded exercise test to volitional fatigue (VO2 max). Data analyses were run in Freesurfer and data was corrected for multiple comparisons with Monte Carlo simulations at .05.

Results

Males demonstrated higher VO2 values. Higher VO2 values were statistically independently related to thinner lateral occipital, superior parietal, cuneus, precuneus, and inferior parietal regions, smaller lateral occipital volume, and larger inferior parietal surface area. Compared to females, males had larger volume in rostral anterior cingulate, lateral occipital, and superior frontal regions, and greater surface area in fusiform, inferior parietal, rostral and caudal anterior cingulate, and superior parietal regions. VO2*Sex interactions revealed higher-fit females had higher inferior parietal, paracentral, and supramarginal surface area, while lower-fit males showed larger surface area in these same regions.

Conclusions

Individuals with higher aerobic fitness performance had thinner cortices, lower volume, and larger surface area in sensorimotor regions than lower fit individuals, perhaps suggesting earlier neuromaturation in higher fit individuals. Larger surface area was associated with higher-fit females and lower-fit males. Thus both sex and aerobic fitness are important in shaping brain health in emerging adults.
MRI-based anatomical characterisation of lower-limb muscles in older women
Authors: Montefiori Erica , Kalkman Barbara M. , Henson William H. , Paggiosi Margaret A. , McCloskey Eugene V. , Mazzà Claudia
Published: December 2020

The ability of muscles to produce force depends, among others, on their anatomical features and it is altered by ageing-associated weakening. However, a clear characterisation of these features, highly relevant for older individuals, is still lacking. This study hence aimed at characterising muscle volume, length, and physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) and their variability, between body sides and between individuals, in a group of post-menopausal women. Lower-limb magnetic resonance images were acquired from eleven participants (69 (7) y. o., 66.9 (7.7) kg, 159 (3) cm). Twenty-three muscles were manually segmented from the images and muscle volume, length and PCSA were calculated from this dataset. Personalised maximal isometric force was then calculated using the latter information. The percentage difference between the muscles of the two lower limbs was up to 89% and 22% for volume and length, respectively, and up to 84% for PCSA, with no recognisable pattern associated with limb dominance. Between-subject coefficients of variation reached 36% and 13% for muscle volume and length, respectively. Generally, muscle parameters were similar to previous literature, but volumes were smaller than those from in-vivo young adults and slightly higher than ex-vivo ones. Maximal isometric force was found to be on average smaller than those obtained from estimates based on linear scaling of ex-vivo-based literature values. In conclusion, this study quantified for the first time anatomical asymmetry of lower-limb muscles in older women, suggesting that symmetry should not be assumed in this population. Furthermore, we showed that a scaling approach, widely used in musculoskeletal modelling, leads to an overestimation of the maximal isometric force for most muscles. This heavily questions the validity of this approach for older populations. As a solution, the unique dataset of muscle segmentation made available with this paper could support the development of alternative population-based scaling approaches, together with that of automatic tools for muscle segmentation.
A systematic scoping review to identify the design and assess the performance of devices for antenatal continuous fetal monitoring
Authors: Tamber Kajal K. , Hayes Dexter J. L. , Carey Stephen J. , Wijekoon Jayawan H. B. , Heazell Alexander E. P.
Published: December 2020

Background

Antepartum fetal monitoring aims to assess fetal development and wellbeing throughout pregnancy. Current methods utilised in clinical practice are intermittent and only provide a ‘snapshot’ of fetal wellbeing, thus key signs of fetal demise could be missed. Continuous fetal monitoring (CFM) offers the potential to alleviate these issues by providing an objective and longitudinal overview of fetal status. Various CFM devices exist within literature; this review planned to provide a systematic overview of these devices, and specifically aimed to map the devices’ design, performance and factors which affect this, whilst determining any gaps in development.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, EMCARE, BNI, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Pubmed databases. Following the deletion of duplicates, the articles’ titles and abstracts were screened and suitable papers underwent a full-text assessment prior to inclusion in the review by two independent assessors.

Results

The literature searches generated 4,885 hits from which 43 studies were included in the review. Twenty-four different devices were identified utilising four suitable CFM technologies: fetal electrocardiography, fetal phonocardiography, accelerometry and fetal vectorcardiography. The devices adopted various designs and signal processing methods. There was no common means of device performance assessment between different devices, which limited comparison. The device performance of fetal electrocardiography was reduced between 28 to 36 weeks’ gestation and during high levels of maternal movement, and increased during night-time rest. Other factors, including maternal body mass index, fetal position, recording location, uterine activity, amniotic fluid index, number of fetuses and smoking status, as well as factors which affected alternative technologies had equivocal effects and require further investigation.

Conclusions

A variety of CFM devices have been developed, however no specific approach or design appears to be advantageous due to high levels of inter-device and intra-device variability.
Trends in cardiorespiratory fitness among apparently healthy adults from the Ball State Adult Fitness Longitudinal Lifestyle STudy (BALL ST) cohort from 1970–2019
Authors: Harber Matthew P. , Metz McKenzie , Peterman James E. , Whaley Mitchell H. , Fleenor Bradley S. , Kaminsky Leonard A.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a strong independent predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD mortality. However, little is known in regards to how CRF has trended in apparently healthy adults over the past several decades.

Purpose

To analyze trends in CRF and CVD risk factors over the last 50 years in a population of apparently healthy adult men and women.

Methods

Participants were 4,214 apparently healthy adults (2,390 men and 1,824 women) from theBall StateAdult FitnessLongitudinalLifestyleSTudy (BALL ST) that performed maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing between 1970–2019 for the assessment of CRF defined as VO2max(ml/kg/min). Participants were self-referred either to a community-based exercise program, fitness testing, or were research subjects in exercise related studies and were placed into groups by decade based on testing date.

Results

CRF showed a general trend to decline (P<0.05) from the 1970s to the 2000s with an increase (P<0.05) from the 2000s to the 2010s for both men and women. This pattern persisted for age and sex-adjusted CRF level, determined by Fitness Registry and the Importance of Exercise: A National Data Base (FRIEND). For both women and men, CRF across the decades was associated (P<0.05) with the prevalence of physical inactivity, smoking, obesity, dyslipidemia and hypertension, and with diabetes in men only.

Conclusion

CRF declined from 1970 through the 2000s in a cohort of apparently healthy men and women which was associated with worsening CVD risk profiles. However, the decline in CRF was attenuated over the past decade which may have a positive impact on future CVD in the population. Promoting physical activity to increase CRF should be a primary aspect of CVD prevention programs.
Age-related hearing loss in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Kim Subin , Park Jung Mee , Han Jae Sang , Seo Jae Hyun , Han Kyung-Do , Joo Young Hoon , Park Kyoung Ho
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL), also known as presbycusis, is a chronic disorder characterized by impairment of the transduction of acoustic signals. This study analysed the prevalence and demographic characteristics of ARHL in the Korean population.

Methods

We used the data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2009 to 2012 and analysed the association between age and hearing impairment. A total of 16,799 adults were selected for the current study. Physical examinations, blood tests, otoscopic examinations, and hearing tests were performed. The demographic variables included age, gender, obesity, economic status, education level, noise exposure history, and underlying diseases.

Results

Among 16,799 participants, the prevalence of unilateral hearing loss was 8% (1,349 people), and bilateral hearing loss was 5.9% (989 people). Men were 53.4% more likely to have hearing loss than women. Age and underlying diseases, like hypertension, diabetes, and abdominal obesity, were significantly associated with hearing loss (P < 0.0001). Further, mental health factors, such as cognitive function, depression, and suicidal ideation, were related to hearing loss. The prevalence of hearing loss increased with advancing years, especially in the high frequency of 6 kHz, with a sharply increase in patients aged 65 and over.

Conclusion

The analysis of auditory performance in the Korean population confirmed the association of high-frequency hearing loss with advancing age. A threshold of 6 kHz should be included to correctly diagnose hearing impairment in elderly patients. Patients with ARHL should be provided with suitable aural rehabilitation that includes active high-frequency control.
Modeling the trophic impacts of invasive zooplankton in a highly invaded river
Authors: Dexter Eric , Katz Stephen L. , Bollens Stephen M. , Rollwagen-Bollens Gretchen , Hampton Stephanie E.
Published: December 2020

The lower Columbia River (Washington and Oregon, USA) has been heavily invaded by a large number of planktonic organisms including the invasive copepodPseudodiaptomus forbesiand the planktonic juveniles of the invasive clam,Corbicula fluminea. In order to assess the ecological impacts of these highly abundant invaders, we developed a multivariate auto-regressive (MAR) model of food web dynamics based upon a 12-year time-series of plankton community and environmental data from the Columbia River. Our model results indicate that plankton communities in the lower Columbia River are strongly impacted by the copepodP.forbesiat multiple trophic levels. We observed different ecological effects across different life stages ofP.forbesi, with nauplii negatively impacting ciliates and autotrophs, and copepodite stages negatively impactingDaphniaand cyclopoid copepods. Although juvenileC.flumineawere highly abundant in the summer and autumn of each year, our best fit MAR model did not show significantC.flumineaimpacts. Our results illustrate the strong ecological impact that some zooplankton invaders may cause within rivers and estuarine systems, and highlight the need for further research on the feeding ecology of the planktonic life-stage ofC.fluminea. Overall, our study demonstrates the manner in which long-term, high resolution data sets can be used to better understand the ecological impacts of invasive species among complex and highly dynamic communities.