bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homocysteine levels and cardiovascular risk factors in children and adolescents: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: de Oliveira Leite Luana , Costa Dias Pitangueira Jacqueline , Ferreira Damascena Nadjane , Ribas de Farias Costa Priscila
Published: September 2020

Context

Studies have indicated that homocysteine levels are nontraditional markers for cardiovascular disease. The onset of atherosclerotic disease begins in childhood and adolescence; thus, prevention of its risk factors should occur early.

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to summarize the association between high homocysteine levels and traditional cardiovascular risk factors in children and adolescents.

Data Sources

This systematic review and meta-analysis were developed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the protocol was submitted to PROSPERO. Only observational studies in children and adolescents with homocysteine levels as an exposure variable and cardiovascular risk factors as outcome variables were included and searched in the following electronic bibliographic databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences, Ovid and Scopus.

Data Extraction

Two authors independently extracted data from eligible studies. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

Data Analysis

Seven studies were included in the systematic review; they were published from 1999 to 2017, predominantly were of a cross-sectional design, and mainly evaluated adolescents. In the meta-analysis (n = 6), cross-sectional studies (n = 3) identified that high homocysteine levels were positive and weakly correlated with overweight in children and adolescents (odds ratio, 1.08; 95%CI, 1.04–1.11).

Conclusion

High homocysteine levels were weakly associated with overweight in children and adolescents in the reviewed cross-sectional studies. However, for the other traditional cardiovascular risk factors, the findings, although important, were inconclusive. Additional robust longitudinal studies are recommended to be conducted to better identify these associations.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42018086252.
Omadacycline for the Treatment of Mycobacterium abscessus Disease: A Case Series
Authors: Pearson Jeffrey C , Dionne Brandon , Richterman Aaron , Vidal Samuel J , Weiss Zoe , Velásquez Gustavo E , Marty Francisco M , Sax Paul E , Yawetz Sigal
Published: September 2020

Background

Omadacycline is an aminomethylcycline antimicrobial approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2018 for community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections. It has in vitro activity against nontuberculous mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium abscessus complex, but clinical data for this indication are lacking.

Methods

Omadacycline use was reviewed at an 804-bed academic medical center. Patients were included if they received omadacycline for culture-proven M abscessus disease in 2019.

Results

Four patients received omadacycline for the treatment of culture-positive M abscessus disease in 2019. Two patients had cutaneous disease, 1 had pulmonary disease, and 1 had osteomyelitis and bacteremia. The patients received omadacycline for a median duration of 166 days (range, 104–227) along with a combination of other antimicrobial agents. Omadacycline-containing regimens were associated with a clinical cure in 3 of 4 patients, with 1 patient improving on ongoing treatment. Omadacycline’s tolerability was acceptable for patients with M abscessus disease, with 1 patient discontinuing therapy in month 6 due to nausea.

Conclusions

Omadacycline is a novel oral option for the treatment of M abscessus disease, for which safe and effective options are needed. Although this case series is promising, further data are required to determine omadacycline’s definitive role in the treatment of M abscessus disease.
Research on the performance of heavy-haul rail breakage detection using track circuit
Authors: Xing Yi , Li Wei , Liu Zhi ming
Published: September 2020

Rail breakage is one of the major safety risks in railway transportation. Because of the large axle weight, high density and large capacity of the heavy-haul railway, the damage to rail caused by heavy-haul train wheels will be more serious than that caused by ordinary passenger and cargo trains, resulting in a higher frequency of rail breakage. Taking the Daqin Railway Line as the research object, this paper analyses and discusses rail breakages occurring in interstation tracks and in-station tracks by establishing the ZPW-2000A track circuit calculation model considering the land leakage resistance between the rail line tracks; introduces the defining standards and measurement index of the broken rail coefficient to quantitatively analyse the influence of various influencing factors on the rail breakage inspection performance under the most unfavourable working conditions; and compares the model simulation data, the laboratory model data and the field test results to verify its effectiveness, so as to provide a reference and theoretical basis for the subsequent improvement and solution of the heavy-haul railway rail breakage problem.
Risk Factors for Bowel Injury in Hysterectomy for Benign Indications
Authors: Zhu Cici R. , Mallick Ranjeeta , Singh Sukhbir S. , Auer Rebecca , Solnik Jonathon , Choudhry Abdul Jamil , Chen Innie
Published: September 2020

OBJECTIVE:

To estimate the incidence and risk factors for bowel injury in women undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications.

METHODS:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among women undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications from 2012 to 2016 at institutes participating in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, including both inpatient and outpatient settings. Bowel injury was identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes as patients who underwent bowel repair at the time of hysterectomy or postoperatively within 30 days. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to control for patient clinical factors and perioperative factors.

RESULTS:

Bowel injury occurred in 610 of 155,557 (0.39%) included women. After bivariate analysis, factors associated with bowel injury included age, race, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, increased operative time, surgical approach, type of hysterectomy, lysis of adhesions, and operative indication. After adjusting for potential confounders, bowel injury was found associated with older age, surgical indication of endometriosis, and abdominal surgical approach. Compared with the surgical indication of endometriosis (n=63/10,625), the surgical indications of menstrual disorder (odds ratio [OR] 0.33, 95% CI 0.23–0.47; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.33, 95% CI 0.23–0.48; n=67/34,168), uterine leiomyomas (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.61–1.05; aOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.33–0.59; n=243/51,232), and genital prolapse (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.20–0.45; aOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.25–0.67; n=36/20,384) were each associated with lower odds of bowel injury. Compared with the vaginal approach to hysterectomy (n=27/27,434), the abdominal approach was found to have significantly increased odds of bowel injury (OR 10.80, 95% CI 7.31–15.95; aOR 10.49 95% CI 6.42–17.12; n=401/38,106); the laparoscopic approach had smaller but significantly increased odds (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.37–3.08; aOR 2.03 95% CI 1.24–3.34; n=182/90,017) as well.

CONCLUSION:

Increased risk of bowel injury is associated with endometriosis and the abdominal surgical approach to hysterectomy. These findings have implications for the surgical care of women with benign uterine disease.
A 50-Year Commitment to American Indian and Alaska Native Women
Authors: Waxman Alan G. , Haffner William H.J. , Howe Jean , Wilder Kathleen , Ogburn Tony , Murphy Neil , Espey Eve , Tucker J. Martin , Bruegl Amanda , Locke Elaine , Malloy Yvonne
Published: September 2020

Since 1970, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Committee on American Indian and Alaska Native Women's Health has partnered with the Indian Health Service and health care facilities serving Native American women to improve quality of care in both rural and urban settings. Needs assessments have included formal surveys, expert panels, consensus conferences, and onsite program reviews. Improved care has been achieved through continuing professional education, recruitment of volunteer obstetrician–gynecologists, advocacy, and close collaboration at the local and national levels. The inclusive and multifaceted approach of this program should provide an effective model for collaborations between specialty societies and health care professionals providing primary care services that can reduce health disparities in underserved populations.
COMBINED PNEUMATIC AND ENZYMATIC VITREOLYSIS FOR SEVERE CASES OF VITREOMACULAR TRACTION
Authors: Yu Gina , Seto Brendan K. , Yamada Keiko , Zeng Ke , Arroyo Jorge G.
Published: September 2020

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy of combined pneumatic and enzymatic vitreolysis for treatment of severe cases of vitreomacular traction (VMT).

Methods:

We analyzed a retrospective, consecutive series of five patients diagnosed with severe VMT refractory to pneumatic vitreolysis who then received an additional ocriplasmin injection while their gas bubble from pneumatic vitreolysis was still present between February 2015 and February 2019. Vitreomacular traction release was confirmed using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

Results:

Four of the five patients treated with combined pneumatic and enzymatic vitreolysis achieved VMT release by Day 28, and all cases eventually achieved complete VMT release. In addition to having VMT refractory to pneumatic vitreolysis, patient characteristics included broad adhesion diameter (>1,500 µm, n = 1), presence of epiretinal membrane (n = 2), age >65 years (n = 4), and pseudophakia (n = 1). The visual acuity improved by three or more lines at 6 months in both of the patients with initial vision worse than 20/50 on an Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart but not in those whose vision was already fairly good (i.e., visual acuity >20/60). None of the patients experienced the following complications after receiving this combined treatment: retinal tears or detachments, vitreous floaters, and ellipsoid zone changes.

Conclusion:

Sequential, combined pneumatic and enzymatic vitreolysis resulted in VMT release in all 5 cases (4 cases by 28 days) and may be a potentially useful alternative to surgical intervention for refractory VMT cases.
TOXOPLASMOSIS RETINOCHOROIDITIS MASQUERADING AS ENDOGENOUS ENDOPHTHALMITIS IN A CASE OF CONGENITAL LONG QT SYNDROME
Authors: Adam Christopher R. , Abrams Gary W.
Published: September 2020

Purpose:

To describe the diagnostic and treatment challenges of a case of presumed acquired macula-involving toxoplasmosis retinochoroiditis.

Methods:

Case report of a woman with congenital long QT syndrome presenting with retinochoroiditis after undergoing a cardiac procedure. Laboratory analysis, ocular fluid biopsy, and multimodal imaging were obtained.

Results:

Ophthalmic examination was significant for decreased vision and a macula-involving chorioretinal lesion concerning for endogenous endophthalmitis. Multimodal imaging showed a focal, full-thickness necrotizing process associated with vitritis, retinal edema, and choroidal thickening. Analysis of peripheral blood revealed elevated serum toxoplasma Immunoglobulin G titers. Blood cultures and a transesophageal echocardiogram were negative for endocarditis. Aqueous and vitreous specimens were negative for an infectious polymerase chain reaction panel, including toxoplasmosis and negative bacterial and fungal cultures. A diagnosis of presumed acquired toxoplasmosis retinochoroiditis was made and treated with a combination of oral and intravitreal antiparasitic medications resulting in healing of the retinochoroiditis.

Conclusion:

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of acquired toxoplasmosis retinochoroiditis in an immunocompetent patient with congenital long QT syndrome masquerading as endogenous endophthalmitis. The association of congenital long QT syndrome and a recent cardiac procedure with a risk for endogenous endophthalmitis complicated the diagnosis, clinical course, and treatment options. Our case emphasizes the importance of a thorough patient history, comprehensive clinical examination, and supportive multimodal imaging that were used to characterize the infectious process and guide empirical treatment. In addition, laboratory analysis, comanagement with other specialists, and evaluating the response to antitoxoplasma therapy were all instrumental in the eventual diagnosis and treatment of ocular toxoplasmosis in this atypical case.
Ab Interno Canaloplasty in Open-angle Glaucoma Patients Combined With In Vivo Trypan Blue Aqueous Venography
Authors: Docherty Gavin , Waldner Derek , Schlenker Matt , Crichton Andrew , Ford Bryce , Ahmed Iqbal I.K. , Gooi Patrick
Published: September 2020

Purpose:

To demonstrate canalogram patterns observed when trypan blue tracer is combined with oculoviscoelastic device during ab interno canaloplasty, and discuss surgical results and potential implications for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Methods:

This is a retrospective small case series study.

Results:

The authors performed this procedure on 5 patients with informed consent with 4 to 18 months of follow-up. All procedures have been complication free. The average preoperative intraocular pressure was 16.4 mm Hg with an average number of topical glaucoma medications being equal to 3.6. Postoperatively, the average intraocular pressure for the group was reduced to 13 mm Hg with a concurrent drop in the average number of topical medications used equaling 1.8.

Conclusions:

Currently, there are limited practical options to evaluate the patency of the aqueous outflow system in our patients. The primary purpose of this paper is to describe canalogram patterns observed during ab interno canaloplasty with trypan blue. This technique may allow us to further our understanding of the aqueous outflow system and its role in the underlying pathophysiology of glaucoma. Further research is required to evaluate the prognostic and diagnostic significance of this technique.
The Effect of Tube Ligature on the Safety and Efficacy of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Surgery
Authors: Al Owaifeer Adi M. , Alobaida Ibrahim , Alrefaie Shaimaa , Malik Rizwan , Aljadaan Ibrahim
Published: September 2020

Precis:

In this matched case-control study, ligature of the Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) was associated with a reduction in the rate of postoperative complications without affecting the surgical success rate or the visual outcome following the procedure.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of AGV surgery with and without tube ligation.

Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective, matched case-control study. A review was performed of patients who underwent AGV surgery with tube ligation between June 2015 and December 2017 (ligated AGV group). Cases were matched with controls who underwent AGV surgery without tube ligation (nonligated AGV group). Data were compared on postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of glaucoma medications, surgical success rates, complications, and vision.

Results:

There were 49 eyes in the ligated AGV group, and 98 eyes in the nonligated AGV group. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups except for the number of glaucoma medications (3.72±0.55 in the ligated AGV group vs. 3.92±0.92 in the nonligated AGV group; P<0.01). At 18 months, IOP was 16.7±6.3 mm Hg in the ligated AGV group and 17.3±8.0 mm Hg in the nonligated AGV group (P=0.76). In addition, the mean number of glaucoma medications was 2.38±1.10 in the ligated AGV group and 1.68±1.51 in the nonligated AGV group (P=0.56). The overall success rate at 12 months was similar between groups (P=0.84). The overall rate of complications was statistically lower in the ligated AGV group (28.6%) compared with the nonligated AGV group (73.5%) (P<0.01). The mean change in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution acuity was similar between groups (P=0.50).

Conclusion:

Tube ligation in AGV surgery may be an effective measure that reduces the rate of postoperative complications without affecting the success rate or visual outcomes of the surgery.
Rare DICER1 and Absent FOXL2 Mutations Characterize Ovarian Juvenile Granulosa Cell Tumors
Authors: Baillard Pauline , Genestie Catherine , Croce Sabrina , Descotes Françoise , Rouleau Etienne , Treilleux Isabelle , Gouy Sebastien , Morice Philippe , Ray-Coquard Isabelle , McCluggage W. Glenn , Devouassoux-Shisheboran Mojgan
Published: September 2020

FOXL2 somatic mutation occurs in a high percentage of ovarian adult granulosa cell tumors and DICER1 mutations in a high proportion of Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors. These mutations have only been studied in a limited number of juvenile granulosa cell tumors (JGCTs), and their occurrence and frequency in these neoplasms is controversial. We aimed to determine the frequency of FOXL2 and DICER1 mutations in a large cohort of 50 JGCTs, and to evaluate the prognostic impact of these mutations. A FOXL2 hotspot mutation was found in 2/50 JGCTs. Review of these 2 cases reclassified them as adult granulosa cell tumors. Thus, FOXL2 mutation was absent from our large cohort of JGCTs. DICER1 mutations in the RNase IIIb domain were found in 4 cases. After review of the mutated cases, 1 was reclassified as a gynandroblastoma with a prominent JGCT component. Thus, DICER1 mutations were detected in 3/47 (6%) of pathologically confirmed JGCTs. Our results show that FOXL2 mutations are not present in JGCT, whereas a small percentage of these neoplasms exhibit DICER1 mutations.
Perception Gaps of Disclosure of Patient Safety Incidents Between Nurses and the General Public in Korea
Authors: Choi Eun Young , Pyo Jeehee , Lee Won , Jang Seung Gyeong , Park Young-Kwon , Ock Minsu , Lee Haeyoung
Published: September 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to explore nurses’ perceptions regarding disclosure of patient safety incidents.

Methods

An anonymous online survey was conducted, and results were compared with those of the general public using the same questionnaire in a previous study.

Results

Among 689 nurses, 96.8% of nurses felt major errors should be disclosed to patients or their caregivers, but only 67.5% felt disclosure of medical errors should be mandatory. In addition, 58.5% of nurses were concerned that disclose will increase the incidence of medical lawsuits. More than two-thirds of nurses felt such discloses will reduce feelings of guilt associated with a patient safety incident. Only 51.1% of nurses, but 93.3% of the public, felt near misses should be disclosed to patients.

Conclusions

Nurses generally had a positive attitude toward disclosure of patient safety incidents, but they preferred it less than the general public. To reduce this gap, legal and nonlegal measures will need to be implemented. Furthermore, it is necessary to continue monitoring the gap by regularly assessing perceptions of disclosure of patient safety incidents among health care professionals and the general public.
The importance of advanced cytometry in defining new immune cell types and functions relevant for the immunopathogenesis of HIV infection
Authors: Agrati Chiara , De Biasi Sara , Fidanza Lucia , Gibellini Lara , Nasi Milena , Pinti Marcello , Cossarizza Andrea
Published: September 2020

In the last years, novel, exciting immunological findings of interest for HIV research and treatment were identified thanks to different cytometric approaches. The analysis of the phenotypes and functionality of cells belonging to the immune system could clarify their role in the immunopathogenesis of HIV infection, and to elaborate key concepts, relevant in the treatment of this disease. Important discoveries have been made concerning cells that are important for protective immunity like lymphocytes that display polyfunctionality, resident memory T cells, innate lymphoid cells, to mention a few. The complex phenotype of myeloid-derived suppressor cells has been investigated, and relevant changes have been reported during chronic and primary HIV infection, in correlation with changes in CD4+ T-cell number, T-cell activation, and with advanced disease stage. The search for markers of HIV persistence present in latently infected cells, namely those molecules that are important for a functional or sterilizing cure, evidenced the role of follicular helper T cells, and opened a discussion on the meaning and use of different surface molecules not only in identifying such cells, but also in designing new strategies. Finally, advanced technologies based upon the simultaneous detection of HIV-RNA and proteins at the single cell level, as well as those based upon spectral cytometry or mass cytometry are now finding new actors and depicting a new scenario in the immunopathogenesis of the infection, that will allow to better design innovative therapies based upon novel drugs and vaccines.
Plasma resuscitation with adjunctive peritoneal resuscitation reduces ischemia-induced intestinal barrier breakdown following hemorrhagic shock
Authors: Schucht Jessica E. , Matheson Paul J. , Harbrecht Brian G. , Bond Logan , Ashkettle Graham R. , Smith Jason W.
Published: September 2020

INTRODUCTION

Hemorrhagic shock (HS) and resuscitation (RES) cause ischemia-induced intestinal permeability due to intestinal barrier breakdown, damage to the endothelium, and tight junction (TJ) complex disruption between enterocytes. The effect of hemostatic RES with blood products on this phenomenon is unknown. Previously, we showed that fresh frozen plasma (FFP) RES, with or without directed peritoneal resuscitation (DPR) improved blood flow and alleviated organ injury and enterocyte damage following HS/RES. We hypothesized that FFP might decrease TJ injury and attenuate ischemia-induced intestinal permeability following HS/RES.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to groups (n = 8): sham; crystalloid resuscitation (CR) (HS of 40% mean arterial pressure for 60 minutes) and CR (shed blood plus two volumes of CR); CR and DPR (intraperitoneal 2.5% peritoneal dialysis fluid); FFP (shed blood plus one volume of FFP); and FFP and DPR (intraperitoneal dialysis fluid plus two volumes of FFP). Fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran (molecular weight, 4 kDa; FD4) was instilled into the gastrointestinal tract before hemorrhage; FD4 was measured by UV spectrometry at various time points. Plasma syndecan-1 and ileum tissue TJ proteins were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunofluorescence was used to visualize claudin-4 concentrations at 4 hours following HS/RES.

RESULTS

Following HS, FFP attenuated FD4 leak across the intestine at all time points compared with CR and DPR alone. This response was significantly improved with the adjunctive DPR at 3 and 4 hours post-RES (p < 0.05). Resuscitation with FFP-DPR increased intestinal tissue concentrations of TJ proteins and decreased plasma syndecan-1. Immunofluorescence demonstrated decreased mobilization of claudin-4 in both FFP and FFP-DPR groups.

CONCLUSION

Fresh frozen plasma–based RES improves intestinal TJ and endothelial integrity. The addition of DPR can further stabilize TJs and attenuate intestinal permeability. Combination therapy with DPR and FFP to mitigate intestinal barrier breakdown following shock could be a novel method of reducing ischemia-induced intestinal permeability and systemic inflammation after trauma.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic/Epidemiologic, Level III.
Optimization of nitrogen and carbon removal with simultaneous partial nitrification, anammox and denitrification in membrane bioreactor
Authors: Zhang Kai , Wang Zhaozhao , Sun Mengxia , Liang Dongbo , Hou Liangang , Zhang Jing , Wang Xiujie , Li Jun
Published: September 2020

In this study, a membrane bioreactor (MBR) was used to achieve both nitrogen and carbon removal by a simultaneous partial nitrification, anammox and denitrification (SNAD) process. During the entire experiment, the intermittent aeration (non-aerobic time : aeration time, min min
−1
) cycle was controlled by a time-controlled switch, and the aeration rate was controlled by a gas flowmeter, and the optimal operating parameters as determined by response surface methodology (RSM) were a C/N value of 1.16, a DO value of 0.84 mg l
−1
and an aerobic time (
T
ae
) of 15.75 min. Under these conditions, the SNAD process achieved efficient and stable nitrogen and carbon removal; the total inorganic nitrogen removal efficiency and chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency were 92.31% and 95.67%, respectively. With the formation of granular sludge, the membrane fouling rate decreased significantly from 35.0 Pa h
−1
at SNAD start-up to 19.9 Pa h
−1
during stable operation. Fluorescence
in situ
hybrid analyses confirmed the structural characteristics and the relative ratio of aerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, anaerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and denitrifying bacteria in the SNAD system.
Enantioselective synthesis of a costic acid analogue with acaricidal activity against the bee parasite
Varroa destructor
Authors: Georgiladaki S. , Isaakidis D. , Spyros A. , Tsikalas G. K. , Katerinopoulos H. E.
Published: September 2020

One major disease of the pupae and the adult bee is the so-called
Varroosis
that is owing to the bee parasite
Varroa destructor
. It is an ectoparasite of bees, causing significant losses in the bee population needed for honey production as well as for pollination in agriculture. Costic acid is a sesquiterpene-carboxylic acid present in the plant
Dittrichia viscosa
. Recent studies by our group have shown that costic acid acts as acaricide against
V. destructor
. Oxalic acid is also an acaricide commonly used against varroa mites. In spite of its structural simplicity—it is the simplest bicarboxlic acid—it is equipotent to costic acid which consists of a
trans
-decalin system with three chiral centres. The basic goal of this project was to design and synthesize a hybrid entity, incorporating aspects of both oxalic acid and costic acid that would be more active than the parent compounds. This approach introduces a useful strategy for the preparation of congeners of bioactive compounds and proposes a structural framework for a new series of acaricidal agents.
Spirobifluorene-based polymers of intrinsic microporosity for the adsorption of methylene blue from wastewater: effect of surfactants
Authors: Al-Hetlani Entesar , Amin Mohamed O. , Bezzu C. Grazia , Carta Mariolino
Published: September 2020

Owing to their high surface area and superior adsorption properties, spirobifluorene polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs), namely PIM-SBF-Me (methyl) and PIM-SBF-tBu (
tert
-butyl), were used for the first time, to our knowledge, for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye from wastewater. Spirobifluorene PIMs are known to have large surface area (can be up to 1100 m
2
g
−1
) and have been previously used mainly for gas storage applications. Dispersion of the polymers in aqueous solution was challenging owing to their extreme hydrophobic nature leading to poor adsorption efficiency of MB. For this reason, cationic (cetyl-pyridinium chloride), anionic (sodium dodecyl sulfate; SDS) and non-ionic (Brij-35) surfactants were used and tested with the aim of enhancing the dispersion of the hydrophobic polymers in water and hence improving the adsorption efficiencies of the polymers. The effect of surfactant type and concentration were investigated. All surfactants offered a homogeneous dispersion of the polymers in the aqueous dye solution; however, the highest adsorption efficiency was obtained using an anionic surfactant (SDS) and this seems owing to the predominance of electrostatic interaction between its molecules and the positively charges dye molecules. Furthermore, the effect of polymer dosage and initial dye concentration on MB adsorption were also considered. The kinetic data for both polymers were well described by a pseudo-second-order model, while the Langmuir model better simulated the adsorption process of MB dye on PIM-SBF-Me and the Freundlich model was more suitable for PIM-SBF-tBu. Moreover, the maximum adsorption capacities recorded were 84.0 and 101.0 mg g
−1
for PIM-SBF-Me and PIM-SBF-tBu, respectively. Reusability of both polymers was tested by performing three adsorption cycles and the results substantiate that both polymers can be effectively re-used with insignificant loss of their adsorption efficiency (%AE). These preliminary results suggested that incorporation of a surfactant to enhance the dispersion of hydrophobic polymers and adsorption of organic contaminants from wastewater is a simple and cost-effective approach that can be adapted for many other environmental applications.
Atmospheric composition of exoplanets based on the thermal escape of gases and implications for habitability
Authors: Konatham Samuel , Martin-Torres Javier , Zorzano Maria-Paz
Published: September 2020

The detection of habitable exoplanets is an exciting scientific and technical challenge. Owing to the current and most likely long-lasting impossibility of performing
in situ
exploration of exoplanets, their study and hypotheses regarding their capability to host life will be based on the restricted low-resolution spatial and spectral information of their atmospheres. On the other hand, with the advent of the upcoming exoplanet survey missions and technological improvements, there is a need for preliminary discrimination that can prioritize potential candidates within the fast-growing list of exoplanets. Here we estimate, for the first time and using the kinetic theory of gases, a list of the possible atmospheric species that can be retained in the atmospheres of the known exoplanets. We conclude that, based on our current knowledge of the detected exoplanets, 45 of them are good candidates for habitability studies. These exoplanets could have Earth-like atmospheres and should be able to maintain stable liquid water. Our results suggest that the current definition of a habitable zone around a star should be revisited and that the capacity of the planet to host an Earth-like atmosphere to support the stability of liquid water should be added.
The propagation of admixture-derived adaptive radiation potential
Authors: Kagawa Kotaro , Seehausen Ole
Published: September 2020

Adaptive radiations (ARs) frequently show remarkable repeatability where single lineages undergo multiple independent episodes of AR in distant places and long-separate time points. Genetic variation generated through hybridization between distantly related lineages can promote AR. This mechanism, however, requires rare coincidence in space and time between a hybridization event and opening of ecological opportunity, because hybridization generates large genetic variation only locally and it will persist only for a short period. Hence, hybridization seems unlikely to explain recurrent AR in the same lineage. Contrary to these expectations, our evolutionary computer simulations demonstrate that admixture variation can geographically spread and persist for long periods if the hybrid population becomes separated into isolated sub-lineages. Subsequent secondary hybridization of some of these can reestablish genetic polymorphisms from the ancestral hybridization in places far from the birthplace of the hybrid clade and long after the ancestral hybridization event. Consequently, simulations revealed conditions where exceptional genetic variation, once generated through a rare hybridization event, can facilitate multiple ARs exploiting ecological opportunities available at distant points in time and space.
A comparison of dominance rank metrics reveals multiple competitive landscapes in an animal society
Authors: Levy Emily J. , Zipple Matthew N. , McLean Emily , Campos Fernando A. , Dasari Mauna , Fogel Arielle S. , Franz Mathias , Gesquiere Laurence R. , Gordon Jacob B. , Grieneisen Laura , Habig Bobby , Jansen David J. , Learn Niki H. , Weibel Chelsea J. , Altmann Jeanne , Alberts Susan C. , Archie Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2020

Across group-living animals, linear dominance hierarchies lead to disparities in access to resources, health outcomes and reproductive performance. Studies of how dominance rank predicts these traits typically employ one of several dominance rank metrics without examining the assumptions each metric makes about its underlying competitive processes. Here, we compare the ability of two dominance rank metrics—simple ordinal rank and proportional or ‘standardized’ rank—to predict 20 traits in a wild baboon population in Amboseli, Kenya. We propose that simple ordinal rank best predicts traits when competition is density-dependent, whereas proportional rank best predicts traits when competition is density-independent. We found that for 75% of traits (15/20), one rank metric performed better than the other. Strikingly, all male traits were best predicted by simple ordinal rank, whereas female traits were evenly split between proportional and simple ordinal rank. Hence, male and female traits are shaped by different competitive processes: males are largely driven by density-dependent resource access (e.g. access to oestrous females), whereas females are shaped by both density-independent (e.g. distributed food resources) and density-dependent resource access. This method of comparing how different rank metrics predict traits can be used to distinguish between different competitive processes operating in animal societies.
Organism-specific depletion of highly abundant RNA species from bacterial total RNA
Authors: Engelhardt Florian , Tomasch Jürgen , Häussler Susanne
Published: September 2020

High-throughput sequencing has become a standard tool for transcriptome analysis. The depletion of overrepresented RNA species from sequencing libraries plays a key role in establishing potent and cost-efficient RNA-seq routines. Commercially available kits are known to obtain good results for the reduction of ribosomal RNA (rRNA). However, we found that the transfer-messenger RNA (tmRNA) was frequently highly abundant in rRNA-depleted samples of

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

, consuming up to 25 % of the obtained reads. The tmRNA fraction was particularly high in samples taken from stationary cultures. This suggests that overrepresentation of this RNA species reduces the mRNA fraction when cells are grown under challenging conditions. Here, we present an RNase-H-based depletion protocol that targets the tmRNA in addition to ribosomal RNAs. We were able to increase the mRNA fraction to 93–99% and therefore outperform not only the commercially Ribo-off kit (Vazyme) operating by the same principle but also the formerly widely used Ribo-Zero kit (Illumina). Maximizing the read share of scientifically interesting RNA species enhances the discriminatory potential of next-generation RNA-seq experiments and, therefore, can contribute to a better understanding of the transcriptomic landscape of bacterial pathogens and their used mechanisms in host infection.
The transcriptional and splicing changes caused by hybridization can be globally recovered by genome doubling during allopolyploidization
Authors: Qin Jinxia , Mo Ruirui , Li Hongxia , Ni Zhongfu , Sun Qixin , Liu Zhenshan
Published: September 2020

Allopolyploidization, which involves hybridization and genome doubling, is a key driving force in higher plant evolution. The transcriptome reprogramming that accompanies allopolyploidization can cause extensive phenotypic variations, and thus confers allopolyploids higher evolutionary potential than their diploid progenitors. Despite many studies, little is known about the interplay between hybridization and genome doubling in transcriptome reprogramming during allopolyploidization. Here, we performed genome-wide analyses of gene expression and splicing changes during allopolyploidization in wheat and brassica lineages. Our results indicated that both hybridization and genome doubling can induce genome-wide transcriptional and splicing changes. Notably, the gene transcriptional and splicing changes caused by hybridization can be largely recovered to parental levels by genome doubling in allopolyploids. Since transcriptome reprogramming is an important contributor to heterosis, our results revealed that only part of the heterosis in hybrids can be fixed in allopolyploids through genome doubling. Therefore, our findings update the current understanding of the permanent fixation of heterosis in hybrids through genome doubling. In addition, our results indicated that a large proportion of the transcriptome reprogramming in interspecific hybrids was not caused by the merging of two parental genomes, providing novel insights into the mechanism of heterosis.
Playing with peers: Exploring peer support mechanisms of a type 2 diabetes-specific board game
Authors: Lindgreen Pil , Stenov Vibeke , Willaing Ingrid , Basballe Henning Grubb , Joensen Lene Eide
Published: September 2020

Aim

To explore specific mechanisms of a board game aiming to facilitate peer support among people with type 2 diabetes.

Design

Qualitative observational study including game tests in group-based diabetes education programs and focus groups exploring experiences among people with type 2 diabetes playing the game.

Methods

The game was tested with 77 people with type 2 diabetes in March-July 2019. Data from audio recordings of game tests and focus groups were analysed using interpretive description.

Results

Six mechanisms facilitated peer support among people with type 2 diabetes: 1) entering a safe space of normality created by emotional in-game mirroring; 2) mutual in-game acknowledgment of out-of-game efforts; 3) forming relationships through in-game humor; 4) health care professionals using game rules to support group dialogues of interest to people with type 2 diabetes; 5) being inspired by in-game exchange of tips and tricks; and 6) co-players guiding each other during the game. Peer support was inhibited by the mechanism of game rules obstructing group dialogues.

Conclusion

The board game effectively facilitated peer support through playfulness and humor and helped players form relationships. Additionally, the game established a framework for players to share and listen to each other’s diabetes-specific experiences, promoting a sense of normality and cohesiveness. This process depended on facilitating educators’ flexibility to balance the rules of the game with its aim of creating peer support.

Impact

The study provides detailed knowledge on specific board game mechanisms facilitating peer support among people with type 2 diabetes participating in diabetes education programs.

The game was an effective tool to facilitate emotional and practical peer support by encouraging players to share and acknowledge each other’s diabetes experiences.

Peer support is promoted through the game by creating a sense of normality and belonging among people with type 2 diabetes.
Copy number variant detection with low-coverage whole-genome sequencing is a viable alternative to the traditional array-CGH
Authors: Kucharík Marcel , Budiš Jaroslav , Hýblová Michaela , Minárik Gabriel , Szemes Tomáš
Published: September 2020

Copy number variations (CNVs) are a type of structural variants involving alterations in the number of copies of specific regions of DNA, which can either be deleted or duplicated. CNVs contribute substantially to normal population variability; however, abnormal CNVs cause numerous genetic disorders. Nowadays, several methods for CNV detection are used, from the conventional cytogenetic analysis through microarray-based methods (aCGH) to next-generation sequencing (NGS). We present GenomeScreen – NGS-based CNV detection method for lowcoverage whole-genome sequencing. We determined the theoretical limits of its accuracy and confirmed it with extensive in-silico study and real patient samples with known genotypes. Theoretically, at least 6M uniquely mapped reads are required to detect CNV with a length of 100 kilobases (kb) or more with high confidence (Z-score > 7). In practice, the in-silico analysis showed the requirement of at least 8M to obtain >99% accuracy (for 100 kb deviations). We compared GenomeScreen with one of the currently used aCGH methods in diagnostic laboratories, which has a 200 kb mean resolution. GenomeScreen and aCGH both detected 59 deviations, GenomeScreen furthermore detected 134 other (usually) smaller variations. The performance of the proposed GenemoScreen tool is comparable or superior to the aCGH regarding accuracy, turnaround time, and cost-effectiveness, presenting a reasonable benefit particularly in a prenatal diagnosis setting.
Age-structured SIR model and resource growth dynamics: A preliminary COVID-19 study
Authors: Babajanyan S. G. , Cheong Kang Hao
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we discuss three different response strategies to a disease outbreak and their economic implications in an age-structured population. We have utilized the classical age structured SIR-model, thus assuming that recovered people will not be infected again. Available resource dynamics is governed by the well-known logistic growth model, in which the reproduction coefficient depends on the disease outbreak spreading dynamics. We further investigate the feedback interaction of the disease spread dynamics and resource growth dynamics with the premise that the quality of treatment depends on the current economic situation. The very inclusion of mortality rates and economic considerations in the same model may be incongruous under certain positions, but in this model, we take a ‘realpolitik’ approach by exploring all of these factors together as it is done in reality.
Optimal Control and Cost-effectiveness Analysis of an HPV-Chlamydia Trachomatis co-infection model
Authors: Omame A. , Nnanna C. U. , Inyama S. C.
Published: September 2020

In this work, a co-infection model for human papillomavirus (HPV) and Chlamydia trachomatis with cost-effectiveness optimal control analysis is developed and analyzed. The disease-free equilibrium of the co-infection model is shown not to be globally asymptotically stable, when the associated reproduction number is less unity. It is proven that the model undergoes the phenomenon of backward bifurcation when the associated reproduction number is less than unity. It is also shown that HPV re-infection (εp ≠ 0) induced the phenomenon of backward bifurcation. Numerical simulations of the optimal control model showed that: (i) focusing on HPV intervention strategy alone (HPV prevention and screening), in the absence of Chlamydia trachomatis control, leads to a positive population level impact on the total number of individuals singly infected with Chlamydia trachomatis, (ii) Concentrating on Chlamydia trachomatis intervention controls alone (Chlamydia trachomatis prevention and treatment), in the absence of HPV intervention strategies, a positive population level impact is observed on the total number of individuals singly infected with HPV. Moreover, the strategy that combines and implements HPV and Chlamydia trachomatis prevention controls is the most cost-effective of all the control strategies in combating the co-infections of HPV and Chlamydia trachomatis.
Describing the inputs, activities and outputs of “10,000 Lives”, a coordinated regional smoking cessation initiative in Central Queensland, Australia
Authors: Khan Arifuzzaman , Green Kalie , Khandaker Gulam , Lawler Sheleigh , Gartner Coral
Published: September 2020

Objective

This study utilised a program logic model to describe the inputs, activities and outputs of the “10,000 Lives” smoking cessation initiative in Central Queensland, Australia

Design

A program logic model provided the framework for the process evaluation of “10,000 Lives”. The data were collected through document review, observation and key informant interviews, and subsequently analysed after coding and re-coding into classified themes, inputs, activities and outputs.

Setting

The prevalence of smoking is higher in the Central Queensland region of Australia compared to the national and state averages. In 2017, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Services set a target to reduce the percentage of adults who smoke from 16.7% to 9.5% in the Central Queensland region by 2030 as part of their strategic vision (‘Destination 2030’). Achieving this target is equivalent to 20,000 fewer smokers in Central Queensland, which should result in 10,000 fewer premature deaths due to smoking-related diseases. To translate this strategic goal into an actionable smoking-cessation initiative, the “10,000 Lives” health promotion program was officially launched on 1 November 2017.

Result

The activities of the initiative coordinated by a senior project officer included building clinical and community taskforces, organising summits and workshops, and regular communications to stakeholders. Public communication strategies (e.g., Facebook, radio, community exhibitions of “10,000 Lives”, and health-related events) were utilised to promote available smoking cessation support to the Central Queensland community.

Conclusion

The “10,000 Lives” initiative provides an example of a coordinated health promotion program to increase smoking cessation in a regional area through harnessing existing resources and strategic partnerships (e.g., Quitline). Documenting and describing the process evaluation of the “10,000 Lives” model is important so that it can be replicated in other regional areas with a high prevalence of smoking.

Strengths and limitations of this study

The study considered a standard evaluation framework (logic model) to describe the program.

Multiple sources of data were collected and included to describe the process of the program

The plan for impact evaluation of the program is discussed in the article.

Some outputs may have been omitted due to lack of systematic documentation of all activities within the project field notes.