bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New inertial proximal gradient methods for unconstrained convex optimization problems
Authors: Duan Peichao , Zhang Yiqun , Bu Qinxiong
Published: December 2020

The proximal gradient method is a highly powerful tool for solving the composite convex optimization problem. In this paper, firstly, we propose inexact inertial acceleration methods based on the viscosity approximation and proximal scaled gradient algorithm to accelerate the convergence of the algorithm. Under reasonable parameters, we prove that our algorithms strongly converge to some solution of the problem, which is the unique solution of a variational inequality problem. Secondly, we propose an inexact alternated inertial proximal point algorithm. Under suitable conditions, the weak convergence theorem is proved. Finally, numerical results illustrate the performances of our algorithms and present a comparison with related algorithms. Our results improve and extend the corresponding results reported by many authors recently.
On the qualitative behavior of the solutions to second-order neutral delay differential equations
Authors: Santra Shyam Sundar , Alotaibi Hammad , Bazighifan Omar
Published: December 2020

Differential equations of second order appear in numerous applications such as fluid dynamics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, neural networks and the field of time symmetric electrodynamics. The aim of this work is to establish necessary and sufficient conditions for the oscillation of the solutions to a second-order neutral differential equation. First, we have taken a single delay and later the results are generalized for multiple delays. Some examples are given and open problems are presented.
Monotone iterative method for fractional p-Laplacian differential equations with four-point boundary conditions
Authors: Li Xiaoping , He Minyuan
Published: December 2020

A four-point boundary problem for a fractionalp-Laplacian differential equation is studied. The existence of two positive solutions is established by means of the monotone iterative method. An example supporting the abstract result is given.
Degenerate Lah–Bell polynomials arising from degenerate Sheffer sequences
Authors: Kim Hye Kyung
Published: December 2020

Umbral calculus is one of the important methods for obtaining the symmetric identities for the degenerate version of special numbers and polynomials. Recently, Kim–Kim (J. Math. Anal. Appl. 493(1):124521, 2021) introduced the λ-Sheffer sequence and the degenerate Sheffer sequence. They defined the λ-linear functionals and λ-differential operators, respectively, instead of the linear functionals and the differential operators of umbral calculus established by Rota. In this paper, the author gives various interesting identities related to the degenerate Lah–Bell polynomials and special polynomials and numbers by using degenerate Sheffer sequences, and at the same time derives the inversion formulas of these identities.
Targeting neuroplasticity in patients with neurodegenerative diseases using brain stimulation techniques
Authors: Yuan Ti-Fei , Li Wei-Guang , Zhang Chencheng , Wei Hongjiang , Sun Suya , Xu Nan-Jie , Liu Jun , Xu Tian-Le
Published: December 2020

Deficits in synaptic transmission and plasticity are thought to contribute to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Several brain stimulation techniques are currently available to assess or modulate human neuroplasticity, which could offer clinically useful interventions as well as quantitative diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. In this review, we discuss several brain stimulation techniques, with a special emphasis on transcranial magnetic stimulation and deep brain stimulation (DBS), and review the results of clinical studies that applied these techniques to examine or modulate impaired neuroplasticity at the local and network levels in patients with AD or PD. The impaired neuroplasticity can be detected in patients at the earlier and later stages of both neurodegenerative diseases. However, current brain stimulation techniques, with a notable exception of DBS for PD treatment, cannot serve as adequate clinical tools to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, or prognosis of individual patients with AD or PD. Targeting the impaired neuroplasticity with improved brain stimulation techniques could offer a powerful novel approach for the treatment of AD and PD.
Pathogenic variants identified by whole-exome sequencing in 43 patients with epilepsy
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Gao Jinshuang , Liu Hailiang , Tian Yuan , Zhang Xiaoli , Lei Wei , Li Ying , Guo Yaqing , Yu Haiyang , Yuan Erfeng , Liang Lisi , Cui Shihong , Zhang Xiaoan
Published: December 2020

Background

Epilepsy is a group of neurological disorders characterized by recurrent epileptic seizures. Epilepsy is affected by many factors, approximately 20–30% of cases are caused by acquired conditions, but in the remaining cases, genetic factors play an important role. Early establishment of a specific diagnosis is important to treat and manage this disease.

Methods

In this study, we have recruited 43 epileptic encephalopathy patients and the molecular genetic analysis of those children was performed by whole-exome sequencing (WES).

Results

Fourteen patients (32.6%, 14/43) had positive genetic diagnoses, including fifteen mutations in fourteen genes. The overall diagnostic yield was 32.6%. A total of 9 patients were diagnosed as pathogenic mutations, including 4 variants had been reported as pathogenic previously and 6 novel variants that had not been reported previously. Therefore, WES heralds promise as a tool for clinical diagnosis of patients with genetic disease.

Conclusion

Early establishment of a specific diagnosis, on the one hand, is necessary for providing an accurate prognosis and recurrence risk as well as optimizing management and treatment options. On the other hand, to unveil the genetic architecture of epilepsy, it is of vital importance to investigate the phenotypic and genetic complexity of epilepsy.
Urban specialization reduces habitat connectivity by a highly mobile wading bird
Authors: Teitelbaum Claire S. , Hepinstall-Cymerman Jeffrey , Kidd-Weaver Anjelika , Hernandez Sonia M. , Altizer Sonia , Hall Richard J.
Published: December 2020

Background

Mobile animals transport nutrients and propagules across habitats, and are crucial for the functioning of food webs and for ecosystem services. Human activities such as urbanization can alter animal movement behavior, including site fidelity and resource use. Because many urban areas are adjacent to natural sites, mobile animals might connect natural and urban habitats. More generally, understanding animal movement patterns in urban areas can help predict how urban expansion will affect the roles of highly mobile animals in ecological processes.

Methods

Here, we examined movements by a seasonally nomadic wading bird, the American white ibis (Eudocimus albus), in South Florida, USA. White ibis are colonial wading birds that forage on aquatic prey; in recent years, some ibis have shifted their behavior to forage in urban parks, where they are fed by people. We used a spatial network approach to investigate how individual movement patterns influence connectivity between urban and non-urban sites. We built a network of habitat connectivity using GPS tracking data from ibis during their non-breeding season and compared this network to simulated networks that assumed individuals moved indiscriminately with respect to habitat type.

Results

We found that the observed network was less connected than the simulated networks, that urban-urban and natural-natural connections were strong, and that individuals using urban sites had the least-variable habitat use. Importantly, the few ibis that used both urban and natural habitats contributed the most to connectivity.

Conclusions

Habitat specialization in urban-acclimated wildlife could reduce the exchange of propagules and nutrients between urban and natural areas, which has consequences both for beneficial effects of connectivity such as gene flow and for detrimental effects such as the spread of contaminants or pathogens.
Impaired lipid metabolism in astrocytes underlies degeneration of cortical projection neurons in hereditary spastic paraplegia
Authors: Mou Yongchao , Dong Yi , Chen Zhenyu , Denton Kyle R. , Duff Michael O. , Blackstone Craig , Zhang Su-Chun , Li Xue-Jun
Published: December 2020

Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are caused by a length-dependent axonopathy of long corticospinal neurons, but how axons of these cortical projection neurons (PNs) degenerate remains elusive. We generated isogenic human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) lines for twoATL1missense mutations associated with SPG3A, the most common early-onset autosomal dominant HSP. In hPSC-derived cortical PNs,ATL1mutations resulted in reduced axonal outgrowth, impaired axonal transport, and accumulated axonal swellings, recapitulating disease-specific phenotypes. Importantly,ATL1mutations dysregulated proteolipid gene expression, reduced lipid droplet size in astrocytes, and unexpectedly disrupted cholesterol transfer from glia to neurons, leading to cholesterol deficiency in SPG3A cortical PNs. Applying cholesterol or conditioned medium from control astrocytes, a major source of cholesterol in the brain, rescued aberrant axonal transport and swellings in SPG3A cortical PNs. Furthermore, treatment with the NR1H2 agonist GW3965 corrected lipid droplet defects in SPG3A astrocytes and promoted cholesterol efflux from astrocytes, leading to restoration of cholesterol levels and rescue of axonal degeneration in SPG3A cortical PNs. These results reveal a non-cell autonomous mechanism underlying axonal degeneration of cortical PNs mediated by impaired cholesterol homeostasis in glia.
MAPT subhaplotypes in corticobasal degeneration: assessing associations with disease risk, severity of tau pathology, and clinical features
Authors: Valentino Rebecca R. , Koga Shunsuke , Walton Ronald L. , Soto-Beasley Alexandra I. , Kouri Naomi , DeTure Michael A. , Murray Melissa E. , Johnson Patrick W. , Petersen Ronald C. , Boeve Bradley F. , Uitti Ryan J. , Wszolek Zbigniew K. , Dickson Dennis W. , Ross Owen A. , Heckman Michael G.
Published: December 2020

The microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) H1 haplotype is the strongest genetic risk factor for corticobasal degeneration (CBD). However, the specific H1 subhaplotype association is not well defined, and it is not clear whether any MAPT haplotypes influence severity of tau pathology or clinical presentation in CBD. Therefore, in the current study we examined 230 neuropathologically confirmed CBD cases and 1312 controls in order to assess associations of MAPT haplotypes with risk of CBD, severity of tau pathology (measured as semi-quantitative scores for coiled bodies, neurofibrillary tangles, astrocytic plaques, and neuropil threads), age of CBD onset, and disease duration. After correcting for multiple testing (P < 0.0026 considered as significant), we confirmed the strong association between the MAPT H2 haplotype and decreased risk of CBD (Odds ratio = 0.26, P = 2 × 10−12), and also observed a novel association between the H1d subhaplotype and an increased CBD risk (Odds ratio = 1.76, P = 0.002). Additionally, although not statistically significant after correcting for multiple testing, the H1c haplotype was associated with a higher risk of CBD (Odds ratio = 1.49, P = 0.009). No MAPT haplotypes were significantly associated with any tau pathology measures, age of CBD onset, or disease duration. Though replication will be important and there is potential that population stratification could have influenced our findings, these results suggest that several MAPT H1 subhaplotypes are primarily responsible for the strong association between MAPT H1 and risk of CBD, but that H1 subhaplotypes are unlikely to play a major role in driving tau pathology or clinical features. Our findings also indicate that similarities in MAPT haplotype risk-factor profile exist between CBD and the related tauopathy progressive supranuclear palsy, with H2, H1d, and H1c displaying associations with both diseases.
Formation of zinc oxalate from zinc white in various oil binding media: the influence of atmospheric carbon dioxide by reaction with 13CO2
Authors: Simonsen Kim Pilkjær , Poulsen Josephine Niemann , Vanmeert Frederik , Ryhl-Svendsen Morten , Bendix Jesper , Sanyova Jana , Janssens Koen , Mederos-Henry Francisco
Published: December 2020

The formation of metal oxalates in paintings has recently gained a great deal of interest within the field of heritage science as several types of oxalate compounds have been identified in oil paintings. The present work investigates the formation of metal oxalates in linseed oil in the presence of the artists’ pigments zinc white, calcite, lead white, zinc yellow, chrome yellow, cadmium yellow, cobalt violet, and verdigris. The oil paint films were artificially photo-aged by exposure to UVA light at low and high relative humidity, and afterwards analysed by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The results showed that, compared to the other pigments investigated, zinc white is especially prone to metal oxalate formation and that high humidity is a crucial factor in this process. Consequently, the reactivity and photo-aging of ZnO in various oil binding media was investigated further under simulated solar radiation and at high relative humidity levels. ATR-FTIR showed that zinc oxalate is formed in all oil binding media while X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD) revealed it was mainly present in an amorphous state. To examine whether atmospheric CO2(g) has any influence on the formation of zinc oxalate, experiments with isotopically enriched 13CO2(g) were performed. Based on ATR-FTIR measurements, neither Zn13C2O4 nor Zn13CO3 were formed which suggests that the carbon source for the oxalate formation is most likely the paint itself (and its oil component) and not the surrounding atmosphere.
Short and sweet: foreleg abnormalities in Havanese and the role of the FGF4 retrogene
Authors: Bellamy Kim K. L. , Lingaas Frode
Published: December 2020

Background

Cases of foreleg deformities, characterized by varying degrees of shortened and bowed forelegs, have been reported in the Havanese breed. Because the health and welfare implications are severe in some of the affected dogs, further efforts should be made to investigate the genetic background of the trait.

A FGF4-retrogene on CFA18 is known to cause chondrodystrophy in dogs. In most breeds, either the wild type allele or the mutant allele is fixed. However, the large degree of genetic diversity reported in Havanese, could entail that both the wild type and the mutant allele segregate in this breed. We hypothesize that the shortened and bowed forelegs seen in some Havanese could be a consequence of FGF4RG-associated chondrodystrophy.

Here we study the population prevalence of the wild type and mutant allele, as well as effect on phenotype. We also investigate how the prevalence of the allele associated with chondrodystrophy have changed over time. We hypothesize that recent selection, may have led to a gradual decline in the population frequency of the lower-risk, wild type allele.

Results

We studied the FGF4-retrogene on CFA18 in 355 Havanese and found variation in the presence/absence of the retrogene. The prevalence of the non-chondrodystrophic wild type is low, with allele frequencies of 0.025 and 0.975 for the wild type and mutant allele, respectively (linked marker).

We found that carriers of the beneficial wild type allele were significantly taller at the shoulder than mutant allele homozygotes, with average heights of 31.3 cm and 26.4 cm, respectively.

We further found that wild type carriers were born on average 4.7 years earlier than mutant allele homozygotes and that there has been a gradual decline in the population frequency of the wild type allele during the past two decades.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that FGF4RG-associated chondrodystrophy may contribute to the shortened forelegs found in some Havanese and that both the wild type and mutant allele segregate in the breed. The population frequency of the wild type allele is low and appear to be decreasing. Efforts should be made to preserve the healthier wild type in the population, increase the prevalence of a more moderate phenotype and possibly reduce the risk of foreleg pathology.
Evidence-based management of acute rhinosinusitis with herbal products
Authors: Bachert Claus
Published: December 2020

Background

The overuse of antibiotics for unjustified indications such as the management of acute uncomplicated rhinosinusitis has contributed to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria and prompted the need for alternative treatments. This review assesses the quality of evidence for the management of acute rhinosinusitis with herbal products, with the goal of positioning them among other treatments and identifying future research directions. The MEDLINE database was searched for randomized controlled trials with Sinupret®, Pelargonium sidoides extract, Cyclamen europaeum (CE), cineole, and GeloMyrtol®. Searches with N-acetylcysteine and mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS) were performed to compare the strength of evidence of herbal products to these conventional products, which are indicated for acute rhinosinusitis.

Main body

Evidence was strongest for Sinupret, followed by Pelargonium sidoides extract. Their use in acute rhinosinusitis is supported by randomized placebo-controlled trials demonstrating both clinical efficacy and safety. Comparative data with conventional treatments such as topical glucocorticosteroids were found only for Sinupret and suggested comparable efficacy in a small study.

For other herbal products, the overall level of evidence was low. The search retrieved two small-scale placebo-controlled randomized studies with CE nasal spray. The two trials were not powered to draw conclusions about the safety and efficacy of CE nasal spray and reported a lack of efficacy with CE on symptom reduction. Only one randomized placebo-controlled trial was identified for GeloMyrtol and cineole. These suggested an improvement in acute rhinosinusitis symptoms with both products, but the results warrant replication in larger trials.

Studies directly comparing herbal products are scarce; one randomized trial has compared cineole with Sinupret, but the results need confirmation in further studies.

Studies with N-acetylcysteine are limited to small-scale clinical trials, while MFNS is supported by a strength of evidence comparable to Sinupret in this indication.

Conclusion

State-of-the-art studies demonstrating the efficacy and safety of herbal products for the management of acute rhinosinusitis are available. Given that the evidence for Sinupret is the strongest and comparable to that of a widely available topical corticosteroid, MFNS, Sinupret may be considered for the management of acute uncomplicated rhinosinusitis.
Removal of a missing intrauterine contraceptive device after location through an ultrasound: a case report within a rural setting and review of literature
Authors: Argaw Mesele Damte , Abawollo Hailemariam Segni , Desta Binyam Fekadu , Tsegaye Zergu Taffesse , Belete Dejene Mengistu , Abebe Melkamu Getu
Published: December 2020

Background

In the last decade, (2000–2019), the modern contraceptive prevalence among married women of reproductive age (14–49 years), has increased by only 2.1%. The slow progress was due to limited access to services and myths surrounding methods held by both users and providers. This case report was identified, diagnosed and managed by a midwife working in rural health center in low resource setting. However, literature is scare on the management of missing Intra-Uterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) thread removal services of confirmed diagnosis using Vscan or limited ultrasound services in rural health centers. The aim of reporting this case report was developed to enhance easy access to intra-uterine contraceptive method removals, which may address myths associated with difficulties of undergoing the services in rural set-up.

A 26 year-old married woman, Gravida 1 and Para 1, attended Mekoy Health Center for IUCD removal service after 7 years of protection and internally referred to limited obstetric ultrasound service room due to non- visualization of IUCD thread with Vaginal Speculum examination. An ultrasonography scan however, showed a centrally located copper-T 380A IUCD in the endometrial cavity. As a result, after dilatation of the cervix, a successful removal of the Copper-T 308A was conducted. The client received followed up care for 2 hours post-procedure and was then discharged.

Conclusions

This case highlights the importance of availing diagnostic and removal services in rural set ups to mitigate myths in the community. The availability of limited obstetric ultrasound scanning services can improve the diagnoses and management of conditions in clients. The reported case shows that although, the basic infrastructure was limited, ultrasound scanning and Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) trained midwives can ensure the provision of safe IUCD removal services in rural areas.
Determinants of unintended pregnancies among currently married women in Uganda
Authors: Wasswa Ronald , Kabagenyi Allen , Atuhaire Leonard
Published: December 2020

Background

Unintended pregnancies are no longer bound to teenagers or school-going children, married women in Uganda, as well do experience such pregnancies though little has been investigated on them. This study examines the determinants of unintended pregnancies among currently married women in Uganda.

Methods

In this study, we used data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) which comprised of 10,958 married women aged 15–49 years who have ever been pregnant. The analysis was done using descriptive analysis, logistic regression, and the generalized structural equation model.

Results

The study showed that 37% of pregnancies among married women were unintended. Young women, living in poor households, staying in rural areas, women in the Eastern and Northern region, Muslim women, lack of knowledge on ovulation period, discontinuation of contraceptives, non-use of and intention for contraceptives, high age at sexual debut, high age at first birth, and high parity were directly associated with a higher risk of unintended pregnancies. Relatedly, discontinuation of contraceptives regardless of the place of residence, region, woman’s age, education, household wealth, access to family planning messages were associated with higher odds of unintended pregnancies. Older women and those in rural areas who had more children were also at a higher risk of similar pregnancies. However, having more children while using contraceptives, being educated, living in a wealthier household, and having access to family planning messages significantly lowered the risk of unintended pregnancies.

Conclusion

Increased access to family planning messages, empowering women as well as having improved household incomes are key preventive measures of unintended pregnancies. There is a need to provide quality contraceptive counseling through outreaches so that women are informed about the different contraceptive methods and the possible side effects. Having a variety of contraceptive methods to choose from and making them accessible and affordable will also encourage women to make informed choices and reduce contraceptive discontinuation. All these coupled together will help women have their desired family sizes, increase the uptake of contraceptives and significantly reduce unintended pregnancies.
Prevalence, associated factors, and disclosure of intimate partner violence among mothers in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Stake Stephen , Ahmed Saifuddin , Tol Wietse , Ahmed Salahuddin , Begum Nazma , Khanam Rasheda , Harrison Meagan , Baqui Abdullah H.
Published: December 2020

Background

The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence and associated factors of physical and sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) among married women of reproductive age in a rural population in northeast Bangladesh. In addition, we examined women’s sharing and disclosure of violence experience with others.

Methods

This cross-sectional study uses data from a household survey of 3966 women conducted in 2014 in the Sylhet District of Bangladesh. Interviews were completed in respondent’s homes by trained local female interviewers.

Results

Twenty-nine percent (28.8%, 95% CI 27.4–30.3%) of the women reported ever experiencing physical or sexual IPV by their spouse; 13.2% (95% CI 12.1–14.3%) reported physical or sexual IPV in the past year. Of the 13.2%, 10.1% (95% CI 9.2–11.1%) reported experiencing physical IPV and 4.6% (95% CI 4.0–5.3%) reported sexual IPV. In a combined model, the adjusted odds of having experienced physical or sexual IPV in the past year were higher for women who were raised in households with history of IPV (AOR = 4.35, 95% CI 3.26–5.80); women with no formal education (AOR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.30–2.37); women whose husbands had no formal education (AOR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.22–2.17); Muslim (AOR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.03–2.57); women younger than age 30 (AOR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.11–2.12); and women who were members of an NGO or microcredit financial organization (AOR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.04–1.82). Wealth, parity, number of household members, and pregnancy status (pregnant, postpartum, neither pregnant nor postpartum) were not associated with physical or sexual IPV after adjusting for other factors. Data on disclosure was available for women who reported experiencing physical violence in the last year; only 31.8% of victims told someone about the violence they had experienced and 1% reported to police, clerics, health workers, or a counselor altogether.

Conclusions

In rural northeast Bangladesh, a high proportion of women of reproductive age experience physical or sexual IPV. Women do not often speak of these experiences, especially to anyone outside of family. Interventions aimed at preventing future IPV and addressing current IPV should focus on women who witnessed IPV in childhood, as well as younger women and less educated couples.

Trial registration

This study was registered as a Clinical Trial (Identifier: NCT01702402). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01702402
Prevalence and predictors of alcohol use among adult males in Ethiopia: multilevel analysis of Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016
Authors: Tessema Zemenu Tadesse , Zeleke Tadele Amare
Published: December 2020

Background

Alcohol is a psychoactive substance that is widely consumed in the world. Alcohol use is one of the world’s leading risk factors for disease and disability. It affects individuals’ physical, mental, economic, and social issues. To our knowledge, there is limited study on alcohol consumption and associated factors. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of alcohol use in Ethiopia by using the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey.

Methods

This study was based on the most recent Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016. A total of 12,594 men at the age of 15 to 59 were included in this study. Considering the hierarchical nature of EDHS data, a multilevel logistic regression model was applied. The ICC, MOR, and the LR test were done to assess the presence of a significant clustering effect. Besides, deviance was used for model comparison since the models were nested models. Variables with a p value ≤ 0.2 in the bivariable analysis were considered for the multivariable analysis. In the multilevel logistic regression, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported to declare the strength and significance of the association between the dependent variable and independent variables.

Results

The prevalence of alcohol drinking in this study was 46.64% with a 95% CI of 45.00 to 47.00%. Age groups 30–44 (AOR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.08, 1.56) and 45–59 (AOR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.10, 1.74), Orthodox religion follower (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.24, 0.55), media exposure (AOR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.41, 2.20), khat chewing (AOR = 3.08, 95% CI 2.54, 3.74), smoking (AOR = 2.18, 95% CI 1.71, 2.79), having no occupation (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.22, 0.51), and region were the predictors of alcohol use in Ethiopia.

Conclusions

Nearly half of the Ethiopian population reported alcohol use at least once in their lifetime. Old age, Orthodox religion followers, media exposure, khat chewing, smoking, and having no occupation were predictors of alcohol use in Ethiopia. Therefore, health education about the risk of alcohol used is highly recommended. In addition, khat chewing and smoking control mechanisms should be designed and given special attention. Advertising alcohol through media is better to be controlled. Job opportunities should also be created for those who have no occupation to mitigate alcohol use in Ethiopia.
Plasma lipidome abnormalities in people with HIV initiating antiretroviral therapy
Authors:   the AIDS Clinical Trials Group A5248/A5249s Team, Bowman Emily R. , Kulkarni Manjusha , Gabriel Janelle , Mo Xiaokui , Klamer Brett , Belury Martha , Lake Jordan E. , Zidar David , Sieg Scott F. , Mehta Nehal N. , Playford Martin P. , Kuritzkes Daniel R. , Andrade Adriana , Schmidt Elizabeth Koss , Taylor Christopher , Overton Edgar T. , Willig Amanda L. , Lederman Michael M. , Funderburg Nicholas T.
Published: December 2020

Background

Dyslipidemia often accompanies human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART). Lipid abnormalities likely contribute to increased cardiometabolic disease among people with HIV (PWH). Here, we expand our previous findings on changes in the lipidome following ART initiation, and associations among lipid species, including ceramides (CER), diacylglycerols (DAG), and triacylglycerols (TAG), with immune activation.

Methods

Concentrations and fatty acid composition of plasma lipids (~ 1300 species) were measured by differential mobility spectroscopy in samples from 35 treatment-naïve PWH pre- and post-initiation of ART (raltegravir (RAL)/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC)); lipidomes were compared to those found in demographically similar HIV-uninfected individuals (n = 13).

Results

Compared to people without HIV, 37.1% of all lipid species measured were altered in PWH at baseline, and 31.8% of lipid species were altered following 48 weeks of ART. Concentrations of lipid classes were also altered in PWH; diacylglycerols (DAGs) and triacylglycerols (TAGs) were increased at baseline, and DAGs remained increased after 48 weeks of ART. Lipids previously linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes were enriched in PWH pre- and post ART, and were related to immune activation and insulin resistance scores. Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-containing lipids were lower in PWH compared to levels in controls, and were inversely related to levels of inflammatory biomarkers.

Conclusions

HIV infection and ART initiation both induce cardiometabolic changes to the composition of the plasma lipidome. These alterations are associated with inflammatory biomarkers, and may directly contribute to elevated CVD risk and diabetes.

Trial registration

This study is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00660972). Registered April 16, 2008.
Growth performance of planted population of Pinus roxburghii in central Nepal
Authors: Tiwari Achyut , Thapa Nita , Aryal Sugam , Rana Prabina , Adhikari Shankar
Published: December 2020

Background

Climate change has altered the various ecosystem processes including forest ecosystem in Himalayan region. Although the high mountain natural forests including treelines in the Himalayan region are mainly reported to be temperature sensitive, the temperature-related water stress in an important growth-limiting factor for middle elevation mountains. And there are very few evidences on growth performance of planted forest in changing climate in the Himalayan region. A dendrochronological study was carried out to verify and record the impact of warming temperature tree growth by using the tree cores of Pinus roxburghii from Batase village of Dhulikhel in Central Nepal with sub-tropical climatic zone. For this total, 29 tree cores from 25 trees of P. roxburghii were measured and analyzed.

Result

A 44-year long tree ring width chronology was constructed from the cores. The result showed that the radial growth of P. roxburghii was positively correlated with pre-monsoon (April) rainfall, although the correlation was not significant and negatively correlated with summer rainfall. The strongest negative correlation was found between radial growth and rainfall of June followed by the rainfall of January. Also, the radial growth showed significant positive correlation with that previous year August mean temperature and maximum temperature, and significant negative correlation between radial growth and maximum temperature (Tmax) of May and of spring season (March-May), indicating moisture as the key factor for radial growth. Despite the overall positive trend in the basal area increment (BAI), we have found the abrupt decline between 1995 and 2005 AD.

Conclusion

The results indicated that chir pine planted population was moisture sensitive, and the negative impact of higher temperature during early growth season (March-May) was clearly seen on the radial growth. We emphasize that the forest would experience further moisture stress if the trend of warming temperatures continues. The unusual decreasing BAI trend might be associated with forest management processes including resin collection and other disturbances. Our results showed that the planted pine forest stand is sub-healthy due to major human intervention at times. Further exploration of growth climate response from different climatic zones and management regimes is important to improve our understanding on the growth performance of mid-hill pine forests in Nepal.
SPLEnic salvage and complications after splenic artery EmbolizatioN for blunt abdomINal trauma: the SPLEEN-IN study
Authors: Clements Warren , Joseph Tim , Koukounaras Jim , Goh Gerard S. , Moriarty Heather K. , Mathew Joseph , Phan Tuan D.
Published: December 2020

Background

As an adjunct to non-operative management, splenic artery embolization (SAE) has been increasingly utilized throughout the world and is now the standard of care for hemodynamically stable patients. This study aimed to retrospectively assess the rate of splenic salvage and complications after SAE for blunt trauma at a level 1 trauma center using the 2018 update to the AAST criteria, and further sub-stratify the role of angiography in AAST grade III injuries with significant hemoperitoneum.

All patients between 1 January 2009 and 1 January 2019 who underwent blunt trauma and proceeded to embolization were included. Data was collected concerning initial injury grade, location of embolization, type of embolic material used, complications, and need for subsequent splenectomy. Technical success was defined as successful angiographic occlusion of the target artery at the conclusion of embolization. Clinical success was defined as splenic salvage at discharge. Vascular lesions were characterized including those with active bleeding, pseudoaneurysm, and arterio-venous fistula.

Results

Two hundred thirty-two patients were included in the study. Treatments were performed at a median of 0 days (range 0–28 days) and the median AAST grade was IV (range III-V). Technical success was achieved in all patients. There were 13 complications (5.6%) consisting of re-bleed (9, 3.9%), infarction (3, 1.3%), and access site haematoma (1, 0.43%). Clinical success was achieved in 97% of patients with 7 patients requiring splenectomy after SAE (3.0%) at a median time of 4 days (range 0–17 days). Angiography in patients with grade III injuries identified 18 occult vascular injuries not identified at initial CT (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The SPLEEN-IN study shows that treatment of intermediate-high grade blunt force traumatic splenic injuries using SAE resulted in a low rate of complication and splenic salvage in 97% of patients, providing a safe and effective treatment in stable patients. In addition, angiography of grade III injuries identified occult vascular lesions and may warrant treatment of select patients in this cohort.

Level of evidence

Level 3.
First report of cryptococcuria in a bitch from India: a case report
Authors: Singh Abhishek Dharm , Banerjee Abhiroop , Batabyal Kunal
Published: December 2020

Background

Cryptococcuria has not been reported in dogs although few cases have been described in humans and cats. Cryptococcuria is often seen as a manifestation of systemic or disseminated cryptococcosis. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial as systemic infections are usually fatal. To the best of author’s knowledge, this is the first reported case of cryptococcuria in a bitch from India.

Case presentation

An 8-month-old bitch was presented with anorexia, urinary incontinence and dysuria for the last 10 days. Urinalysis showed the presence of yeast cells, andCryptococcus neoformanswas confirmed by both fungal culture and gene sequencing. Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed resistance against ketoconazole, fluconazole and amphotericin B, while sensitivity towards itraconazole, voriconazole and terbinafine. Unfortunately, the bitch expired before the antifungal results were made available. Histopathological changes were observed in lungs which revealed several budding and encapsulatedC. neoformanscells.

Conclusion

This report highlights the importance to conduct routine urine cultures for yeast infections along with antifungal susceptibility testing to identify and initiate proper antifungal therapy to improve clinical outcome.
Risk factors affect success rate of debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) in periprosthetic joint infection
Authors: Xu Yihong , Wang Liping , Xu Weidong
Published: December 2020

Background

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the most devastating complication of joint replacement that seriously affects the quality of life and causes a heavy burden to the families and society. Due to shorter hospital stays, lower costs, improved joint function and less morbidity, a process of debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) is recommended as the preferred treatment for acute periprosthetic joint infection. However, the factors that impact the success rate of DAIR remain controversial. This article evaluates the influential factors of DAIR and provides insights for orthopaedics surgeons to make optimal decisions to improve the success rate of DAIR.

Conclusion

The poor general condition of patients, high preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) level, repeated joint surgeries, and Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) infections may be associated with lower DAIR success rate. To the contrary, early surgery, radical debridement, exchange of removable components, washing with iodine and vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) may improve the success rate of DAIR. A sinus tract may not be absolutely contraindicated, but surgeons should treat it with caution. As there is no consensus on many issues, more high-quality research is required.
In vitro antimitotic and cytotoxic potential of plant extracts: a comparative study of Mucuna pruriens, Asteracantha longifolia and Sphaeranthus indicus
Authors: Gupta Praveen Suresh , Patel Shivani
Published: December 2020

Background

Plants have been used in alternative and traditional medicines for the cure of different types of diseases since ancient time. Secondary metabolites from natural sources play a crucial role in the treatment of various ailments. The present study carried out to investigate the phytochemical, antimitotic and cytotoxic activity of methanolic (95%) extracts ofMucuna pruriensseeds,Asteracantha longifoliaseeds andSphaeranthus indicusstems.

Result

Phytochemical analysis was performed using qualitative test to confirm the presence of phytochemical such as flavonoids, terpenoids, amino acids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, steroids, tannins, phenols and carbohydrates. The antimitotic activity was screened by usingAllium ceparoot meristematic cells. Methotrexate (0.1 mg/mL) was used as a standard. The data was analyzed by using software GraphPad Prism, Version 6.0 (GraphPad Software Inc., San Diego, CA) with one-way ANOVA. A statistical difference ofp< 0.05 was considered significant in all cases.pvalueof M. pruriensseeds,A. longifoliaseeds andS. indicusstems calculatedp= 0.0001 for all plant extracts. Cytotoxic potential of all three plant extracts have been studied on breast cancer cell line MCF7 and lung cancer cell line A549.M. pruriensshowed mild cytotoxicity with IC50values 36.74 μg/mL on MCF7 and 39.42 μg/mL on A549 cell line.A. longifoliashowed better activity on MCF7 with IC50of 12.32 μg/mL and theS. indicusshowed the least activity on MCF7 with IC50of 185.56 μg/mL. TheA. longifoliashowed better activity on A549 with IC50of 16.53 μg/mL.

Conclusion

A. longifoliahas significant amount of nearly all phytochemicals as compared to other two plant extracts. It is found that all three plant extracts showed antimitotic activity havingpvalue less than 0.05. The cytotoxicity assay revealed that all plant extracts displayed inhibition of MCF7 and A549 cells lines.A. longifoliashowed better activity against MCF7 whileM. prurienspossessed mild cytotoxic effect against both MCF7 and A549 cell lines.
Diffraction-angle filtering of gradient for acoustic full-waveform inversion
Authors: Oh Ju-Won , Cheng Jiubing , Min Dong-Joo
Published: December 2020

Seismic full-waveform inversion (FWI) estimates subsurface velocity structures by reducing data misfit between observed and modeled data. Simultaneous matching of transmitted and reflected waves in seismic FWI causes different updates of different wavenumber components of a given model depending on the diffraction angle between incident and diffracted rays. Motivated by the inverse-scattering imaging condition and elastic FWI, we have applied a diffraction-angle filtering technique in acoustic FWI, which enables us to separate transmission and reflection energy in the partial derivative wavefields. Diffraction-angle filtering is applied to the virtual source, which is the model parameter perturbation acting as a source for the partial derivative wavefields. Diffraction-angle filtering consists of two diffraction-angle filters (DAFs), DAF-I and DAF-II. The former is derived from the particle acceleration of the incident wavefields and suppresses energies at either small or large diffraction angles by changing the sign of the weighting factor. DAF-I is exactly identical to the conventional inverse scattering approach. The DAF-II is derived from the artificial shear strain of the incident P-wave and additionally suppresses energies at intermediate diffraction angles. With this mechanism, we can design various types of diffraction-angle filtering to control the updates of wavenumber components of the misfit gradient with respect to the P-wave velocity. Using the synthetic Marmousi-II data and real ocean-bottom seismic data from the North Sea, we determined that diffraction-angle filtering enables us to control low-, intermediate-, and high-wavenumber components of the gradient direction.
Joint and constrained inversion of magnetic and gravity data: A case history from the McArthur River area, Canada
Authors: Darijani Mehrdad , Farquharson Colin G. , Lelièvre Peter G.
Published: December 2020

Magnetic and gravity data are used in the early stages of exploration for uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin of Canada, just as for many other mineral exploration scenarios. Uranium mineralization in the Athabasca Basin is located where faults in the basement intersect the unconformity between the basement and the overlying sandstones. The gravity and magnetic data are dominated by signatures from the basement and an overburden of glacial sediments. The gravity and magnetic data are effective at mapping the basement geology. Any subtle gravity signal from the mineralization related to the formation of the uranium deposits is masked by the signal from the variable-thickness overburden. Three-dimensional joint inversion of gravity and magnetic data, first without and then with constraints, is evaluated as a means of better determining the structure of the three main lithologies (overburden, sandstones, and basement) in the Athabasca Basin. A significant amount of physical property information is available for the main rock units (and overburden), which makes the use of the compositional approach to joint inversion appropriate. For the joint inversion, the fuzzy c-means clustering method is used. Results from representative synthetic examples indicate that the joint inversions can construct the overburden and basement structures better than the independent inversions of gravity and magnetic data. Furthermore, constrained joint inversion allows delineation of all three major layers in the area. The same inversion strategies then are applied to real airborne gravity and magnetic data from the McArthur River area in the eastern Athabasca Basin. The results we obtain demonstrate the capabilities of joint inversion for real-life situations.
A one-step Bayesian inversion framework for 3D reservoir characterization based on a Gaussian mixture model — A Norwegian Sea demonstration
Authors: Fjeldstad Torstein , Avseth Per , Omre Henning
Published: December 2020

We have developed a one-step approach for Bayesian prediction and uncertainty quantification of lithology/fluid classes, petrophysical properties, and elastic attributes conditional on prestack 3D seismic amplitude-variation-with-offset data. A 3D Markov random field prior model is assumed for the lithology/fluid classes to ensure spatially coupled lithology/fluid class predictions in the lateral and vertical directions. Conditional on the lithology/fluid classes, we consider Gauss-linear petrophysical and rock-physics models including depth trends. Then, the marginal prior models for the petrophysical properties and elastic attributes are multivariate Gaussian mixture models. The likelihood model is assumed to be Gauss-linear to allow for analytic computation. A recursive algorithm that translates the Gibbs formulation of the Markov random field into a set of vertical Markov chains is proposed. This algorithm provides a proposal density in a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm such that efficient simulation from the posterior model of interest in three dimensions is feasible. The model is demonstrated on real data from a Norwegian Sea gas reservoir. We evaluate the model at the location of a blind well, and we compare results from the proposed model with results from a set of 1D models in which each vertical trace is inverted independently. At the blind well location, we obtain at most a 60% reduction in the root-mean-square error for the proposed 3D model compared to the model without lateral spatial coupling.