bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recovery After Adenotonsillectomy—Do Steroids Help? Outcomes From a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Greenwell Ariana G. , Isaiah Amal , Pereira Kevin D.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

The primary objective was to compare pain control following adenotonsillectomy (AT) in children with and without a single postoperative dose of oral dexamethasone in addition to standard analgesic medication. The secondary objective was to compare changes in caregiver‐reported snoring, return to normal diet and baseline function, and the number of phone calls and emergency department (ED) visits.

Study Design

Prospective randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Tertiary care university hospital.

Methods

Children aged 3 to 10 years with sleep‐disordered breathing who were scheduled to undergo AT were randomized to receive standard analgesia with or without dexamethasone (0.6 mg/kg) administered on the third postoperative day. Standard analgesia was defined as alternating weight‐based doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen. A nurse practitioner blinded to the study condition performed telephone surveys postoperatively, and the electronic medical record was reviewed.

Results

Enrollment comprised 149 children, of whom 119 were included. When compared with the control group (n = 61, 51%), children who received dexamethasone (n = 58, 49%) had a greater decrease in reported pain score on day 4 (mean ± SD, 2.5 ± 3.1 vs 1.1 ± 3.5, P <. 001). Additionally, steroid use was associated with fewer caregiver phone calls (18 [29.5%] vs 6 [10%]) and ED visits (6 [10%] vs 1 [2%]).

Conclusion

A single dose of dexamethasone administered on day 3 after adenotonsillectomy significantly improved pain control. There were fewer phone calls and ED visits in the steroid arm. These results support the use of oral steroids as an adjunct for postoperative pain control in children undergoing AT.
“All bets are off”: Flexible engagement with music-listening technologies by autistic adults
Authors: Matsuno Michael , Auzenne Deon , Chukoskie Leanne
Published: November 2020

This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to explore daily experiences with music among a convenience sample of 12 autistic adults interning at a video game development lab. Our analysis indicates that music technologies enabled autistic individuals to explore new music and to engage reflexively with personal taste and self-curation. We also show that participants used music to accompany a range of cognitive and emotional tasks. These findings are consistent with broader sociological literature on music-listening habits of typically developing adults and indicate that autistic adults use music to meet their personal needs. Our cohort also described expressly creative and proactive engagement with music, suggesting that habits with music may differ among unique sub-populations of autistic individuals.
Feelings, Thoughts, and Behaviors During Disaster
Authors: Massazza Alessandro , Brewin Chris R. , Joffe Helene
Published: November 2020

Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors during traumatic events, that is, peritraumatic reactions, are key to post-trauma psychopathology development. Qualitative research is required to investigate whether existing quantitative methods capture the range and complexity of peritraumatic reactions as described by survivors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 104 earthquake survivors. Participants reported experiencing various peritraumatic reactions ( M = 21, range = 6–43). The survivors’ accounts confirmed presence and overall phenomenological characteristics of commonly studied peritraumatic reactions such as dissociation, distress, mental defeat, and immobility. In addition, novel and understudied reactions were identified: cognitive overload, hyperfocus, and emotion regulation, as well as positive affect. Finally, a number of cross-cutting phenomena were identified such as the social nature of many reactions and survivors evaluating their reactions as difficult to put into words. These findings have implications for the conceptualization of peritraumatic reactions, for trauma-focused psychotherapeutic interventions, and for the wellbeing of disaster survivors.
PARPBP is a prognostic marker and confers anthracycline resistance to breast cancer
Authors: Chen Bo , Lai Jianguo , Dai Danian , Chen Rong , Liao Ning , Gao Guanfeng , Tang Hailin
Published: November 2020

Background:

PARPBP (PARP1 binding protein) is an important suppressor of homologous recombination during DNA repair, but the expression and function of PARPBP in breast cancer remain unclear.

Methods:

PARPBP expression was analyzed in breast cancer patient samples and public datasets for its correlation with clinical outcome. The function of PARPBP in breast cancer cell proliferation and anthracycline treatment response were studied both in vitro and in vivo.

Results:

PARPBP was upregulated significantly at both mRNA and protein levels in breast cancer tissues compared with normal breast tissues. PARPBP high expression group had poorer overall survival (OS) than the PARPBP low expression group. Knockdown of PARPBP suppressed breast cancer cell proliferation and colony formation while overexpression of PARPBP did the opposite. We found that transcription factor forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) could activate PARPBP expression by directly binding to the promoter of PARPBP. In addition, high expression of PARPBP related with anthracycline resistance in breast cancer. Depletion of PARPBP increased breast cancer cell apoptosis and DNA damage caused by epirubicin. Moreover, tumor xenograft experiments further demonstrated that PARPBP was involved in breast cancer anthracycline resistance.

Conclusion:

Taken together, our results highlight that PARPBP is a prognostic marker and confers anthracycline resistance on breast cancer.
Os Acromiale in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Cohort Study
Authors: Carpeggiani Guilherme , Hodel Sandro , Götschi Tobias , Kriechling Philipp , Bösch Marco , Meyer Dominik C. , Wieser Karl
Published: November 2020

Background:

Increased passive deltoid tension after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) potentially leads to displacement or tilting of a preexisting os acromiale.

Purpose:

To analyze patients with an os acromiale who underwent RTSA and compare their outcomes and complications with a matched control group without an os acromiale.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

In this study, 45 shoulders in 42 patients with an os acromiale (cases) were matched to 133 patients without os acromiale (controls) who underwent RTSA between 2005 and 2016. The mean follow-up was 52 ± 32 months. Matching criteria included sex, type of surgery, duration of follow-up, and age. The Constant score (CS), Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), and radiological outcomes were assessed postoperatively at 1-year, 2-year, and final follow-up visits.

Results:

The mean CS, SSV, and range of motion improved from preoperative levels to the final follow-up in both groups ( P < .01). Patients with an os acromiale had a relative CS of 70 ± 23 versus 76 ± 21 points ( P = .15) and an SSV of 70 ± 30 versus 73 ± 24 ( P = .52) compared with controls at the final follow-up visit. Patients with an os acromiale had significantly decreased active flexion of 104° ± 33° versus 114° ± 33° ( P = .03) at 1 year and active abduction of 103° ± 37° versus 121° ± 38° at 2 years postoperatively ( P = .02). A postoperatively painful os acromiale was found in 12 cases (27%) and spontaneously resolved in 8 cases after a mean of 33 months (range, 12-47 months; P = .04).

Conclusion:

RTSA reliably restores patient satisfaction despite the presence of an os acromiale, with a slightly impaired range of motion. Postoperative local tenderness at the os acromiale can be expected in 1 out of 4 patients, but this resolves spontaneously over time in the majority of patients.
Seroprevalence, spatial dispersion and factors associated with flavivirus and chikungunya infection in a risk area: a population-based seroprevalence study in Brazil
Authors: Barreto Francisca Kalline de Almeida , Alencar Carlos Henrique , Araújo Fernanda Montenegro de Carvalho , Oliveira Rhaquel de Morais Alves Barbosa , Cavalcante John Washington , Lemos Daniele Rocha Queiroz , Farias Luís Arthur Brasil Gadelha , Boriz Isac Lucca Frota , Medeiros Leticia Queiroz , Melo Marcelo Nunes Pereira , Miyajima Fábio , Siqueira André Machado , Freitas André Ricardo Ribas , Cavalcanti Luciano Pamplona de Góes
Published: November 2020

Background

The State of Ceará, in Northeastern Brazil, suffers from a triple burden of arboviruses (dengue, Zika and chikungunya). We measured the seroprevalence of chikungunya, dengue and Zika and its associated factors in the population of Juazeiro do Norte, Southern Ceará State, Brazil.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of analytical and spatial analysis was performed to estimate the seroprevalence of dengue, Zika and chikungunya, in the year 2018. Participants were tested for IgM and IgG against these three viruses. Those with IgM and/or IgG positive tests results were considered positive. Poisson regression was used to analyze the factors associated with positive cases, in the same way that the spatial analysis of positive cases was performed to verify whether the cases were grouped.

Results

Of the 404 participants, 25.0% (103/404) were positive for CHIKV, 92.0% (373/404) for flavivirus (dengue or Zika) and of these, 37.9% (153/404) samples were classified as probable dengue infection. Of those who reported having had an arbovirus in the past, positive CHIKV cases had 58.7% arthralgia (PR = 4.31; 95% CI: 2.06–9.03; p = 0.000) mainly in the hands, ankles and feet. Age over 60 years had a positive association with cases of flavivirus (PR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.09–1.54; p = 0.000). Fever, muscle pain, joint pain and skin rash were the most reported symptoms (46.1, 41.0, 38.3 and 28.41%, respectively). The positive cases of chikungunya and dengue or Zika were grouped in space and the city center was most affected area.

Conclusions

Four years after the introduction of CHIKV, where DENV has been in circulation for over 30 years, 1/4 of the population has already been exposed, showing the extent of the epidemic. The measured prevalence was much higher than that reported by local epidemiological surveillance.
Association between adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein with left ventricular remodelling and diastolic function in type 2 diabetes: a prospective echocardiography study
Authors: Wu Mei-Zhen , Lee Chi-Ho , Chen Yan , Yu Shuk-Yin , Yu Yu-Juan , Ren Qing-Wen , Fong Ho-Yi Carol , Wong Pui-Fai , Tse Hung-Fat , Lam Siu-Ling Karen , Yiu Kai-Hang
Published: November 2020

Background

The relationship between adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (AFABP) and cardiac remodelling has been reported in cross-sectional studies, although with conflicting results. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction, as well as elevated circulating AFABP levels. Here we investigated prospectively the association between AFABP with the longitudinal changes of cardiac remodelling and diastolic dysfunction in T2DM.

Methods

Circulating AFABP levels were measured in 176 T2DM patients without cardiovascular diseases (CVD) at baseline. All participants received detailed transthoracic echocardiography both at baseline and after 1 year. Multivariable linear and Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations of circulating AFABP levels with changes in echocardiography parameters and incident major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), respectively.

Results

The median duration between baseline and follow-up echocardiography assessments was 28 months. Higher sex-specific AFABP quartiles at baseline were associated with increase in LV mass and worsening of average E/e′ (all P < 0.01). Multivariable linear regression demonstrated that AFABP in the highest quartile was independently associated with both increase in LV mass (β = 0.89, P < 0.01) and worsening of average E/e′ (β = 0.57, P < 0.05). Moreover, multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that elevated baseline circulating AFABP level independently predicted incident MACE (HR 2.65, 95% CI 1.16–6.05, P < 0.05) after adjustments for age, sex, body mass index, glycated haemoglobin, hypertension, dyslipidemia and presence of chronic kidney disease.

Conclusion

Circulating AFABP level at baseline predicted the development of LV hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction and MACE in T2DM patients without CVD.
Correction to: Mild endoplasmic reticulum stress ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment via regulation of microglial polarization
Authors: Wang Yi-wei , Zhou Qin , Zhang Xiang , Qian Qing-qing , Xu Jia-wen , Ni Peng-fei , Qian Yan-ning
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Definitive hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells from human embryonic stem cells through serum/feeder-free organoid-induced differentiation
Authors: Demirci Selami , Haro-Mora Juan J. , Leonard Alexis , Drysdale Claire , Malide Daniela , Keyvanfar Keyvan , Essawi Khaled , Vizcardo Raul , Tamaoki Naritaka , Restifo Nicholas P. , Tisdale John F. , Uchida Naoya
Published: November 2020

Background

Ex vivo production of hematopoietic stem/precursor cells (HSPCs) represents a promising versatile approach for blood disorders.

Methods

To derive definitive HSPCs from human embryonic stem cells (ESCs), we differentiated mesodermally specified embryoid bodies (EBs) on gelatin-coated plates in serum/feeder-free conditions.

Results

Seven-day EB maturation followed by an 8-day differentiation period on OP9 cells provided the highest number of definitive (CD34+ CD235a−, 69%, p < 0.01) and lowest number of primitive (CD34− CD235a+, 1.55%, p < 0.01) precursor cells along with the highest colony-forming units (149.8 ± 11.6, p < 0.01) in feeder-free conditions. Maximal HSPC fraction (CD34+ CD38− CD45RA− CD49f+ CD90+) was 7.6–8.9% after 10 days of hematopoietic differentiation with 14.5% adult β-globin expression following RBC differentiation. Myeloid and erythroid colonies were restricted strictly to the CD34+ CD43+ fraction (370.5 ± 65.7, p < 0.001), while the CD34− CD43+ fraction produced only a small number of colonies (21.6 ± 11.9). In addition, we differentiated the CD34+ CD43+ cells towards T-lymphocytes using the OP9/DLL1 co-culture system demonstrating double-positive T cells (CD4+ CD8+) with CD3+ expression displaying a broad T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. Confocal imaging of organoid-like structures revealed a close association of CD31+ cells with CD34+ and CD43+ cells, suggesting a potential emergence of HSPCs through endothelial to hematopoietic transition. Furthermore, fluorescently labeled organoids exhibited the emergence of spherical non-attached cells from rare progenitors at the border of the organoid center.

Conclusions

In summary, definitive HSPCs can be derived from ESCs through a dynamic cellular process from an organoid-like structure, where erythroid progeny are capable of producing adult hemoglobin and lymphoid progeny shows a diverse TCR repertoire.
Stakeholder views on the potential impact of a sugar-sweetened beverages tax on the budgets, dietary intake, and health of lower and higher socioeconomic groups in the Netherlands
Authors:   on behalf of the PEN Consortium, Djojosoeparto Sanne K. , Eykelenboom Michelle , Poelman Maartje P. , van Stralen Maartje M. , Renders Carry M. , Olthof Margreet R. , Steenhuis Ingrid H. M. , Kamphuis Carlijn B. M.
Published: November 2020

Background

Socioeconomic inequalities in overweight and obesity exist in many European countries. A sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) tax may contribute to a reduction of these inequalities. However, in the Netherlands, the government decided to not (yet) introduce an SSB tax, although the government has acknowledged its potential to be pro-equity. Understanding how various stakeholder groups perceive the potential effects of an SSB tax on different socioeconomic groups may provide useful insights into equity-related considerations in the debate whether or not to implement an SSB tax. This study aims to gain insight into the perceptions of stakeholder groups in the Netherlands on (1) the effects of an SSB tax on the budgets of lower and higher socioeconomic groups and (2) the impact of an SSB tax on socioeconomic inequalities in dietary intake and health.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2019 with 27 participants from various stakeholder groups in the Netherlands (i.e. health and consumer organizations, health professional associations, trade associations, academia, advisory bodies, ministries and parliamentary parties). Data were analyzed using a thematic content approach.

Results

Participants from all stakeholder groups indicated that an SSB tax would have a larger impact on the budgets of lower socioeconomic groups. Participants from nearly all stakeholder groups (except trade associations) mentioned that an SSB tax could have greater health benefits among lower socioeconomic groups as these often have a higher SSB consumption and are more likely to be overweight or obese. Some participants mentioned that an SSB tax may have no or adverse health effects among lower socioeconomic groups (e.g. compensation of lower SSB consumption with other unhealthy behaviours). Some participants emphasised that an SSB tax should only be introduced when accompanied by other interventions (e.g. offering healthy alternatives), to make it easier for lower socioeconomic groups to lower their SSB consumption in response to an SSB tax, and to prevent adverse health effects.

Conclusions

Participants believed an SSB tax could contribute to a reduction in socioeconomic inequalities in dietary intake and health. However, additional interventions facilitating the reduction of SSB consumption in lower socioeconomic groups were recommended.
Concerns about the misleading conclusions regarding estimation of the net energy value of soybean meal relative to corn using the caloric efficiency approach in pigs
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Li Zhongchao , Liu Ling
Published: November 2020

Apart from energy balance trials such as calorimetry, growth trials could also be used to estimate the energy values of feed ingredients with caloric efficiency as an indicator. Recent work used such methods reported greater net energy (NE) value of soybean meal (SBM) relative to corn in nursery pigs. We theoretically compared the NE values of SBM and corn according to the definition of NE and properties of the major chemical compositions in each ingredient. Meanwhile, we thoroughly examined the diet formulations and related analysis used in this work and compared this study with some peer works. We found that this study may suffer from problems with experimental design, reference citation, and data interpretation. In summary, the conclusion from the recent work that the SBM NE value may be greater than the corn NE value is likely to be erroneous.
Numerical forecast of the upper atmosphere and ionosphere using GAIA
Authors: Tao Chihiro , Jin Hidekatsu , Miyoshi Yasunobu , Shinagawa Hiroyuki , Fujiwara Hitoshi , Nishioka Michi , Ishii Mamoru
Published: November 2020

Upper atmospheric conditions are crucial for the safe operation of spacecraft orbiting near Earth and for communication and positioning systems using radio signals. To understand and predict the upper atmospheric conditions, which include complex variations affected by both low altitude and upper surrounding environments, we have developed a quasi-real-time and forecast simulations using a physical global model, the Ground-to-topside model of Atmosphere and Ionosphere for Aeronomy (GAIA). The GAIA simulation system provides a global distribution of ionospheric total electron content (TEC) with background atmospheric and electric distributions including a few-days prediction. The prediction accuracy for the detection of significant ionospheric storms decreases with increasing lead time, i.e., the duration of the model simulation which is not constrained by realistic input parameters. Similar characteristic variations associated with sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) are reproduced with the full or limited input of meteorological data at least the prior 3 days. This is a first step toward the usage of GAIA for space weather forecasting.
Correction to: Transdiagnostic group cognitive behaviour therapy for anxiety in bipolar disorder—a pilot feasibility and acceptability study
Authors: Perich Tania , Mitchell Philip B. , Meade Tanya
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Aerobic and resistance exercise improves Reynolds risk score in overweight or obese breast cancer survivors
Authors: Lee Kyuwan , Sami Nathalie , Tripathy Debu , Demark-Wahnefried Wendy , Norris Mary K. , Courneya Kerry S. , Dieli-Conwright Christina M.
Published: November 2020

Background

Breast cancer survivors have double the risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease than age-matched women without a cancer history. Reynolds risk score (RRS) is a validated algorithm for the assessment of cardiovascular disease risk. This secondary analysis sought to examine the effects of a 16-week aerobic and resistance exercise intervention on RRS in overweight or obese breast cancer survivors.

Methods and results

One hundred overweight or obese (BMI > 25 kg/m2) breast cancer survivors were randomized to exercise or usual care. The exercise group underwent aerobic and resistance exercise sessions for 16 weeks. RRS was calculated using a validated equation. Group differences in mean change for RRS were evaluated using repeated-measures analyses of variance. Post-intervention, RRS was significantly reduced (7.9 ± 0.9% to 1.0 ± 0.5%; p < 0.001) in the exercise group compared to a significant increase (9.0 ± 0.8% to 11.6 ± 1.2%; p = 0.002%) in the usual care group (p < 0.01). RRS was significantly reduced in exercise vs usual care (between group difference, − 10.6; 95% CI, − 16.3 to − 7.4; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

A 16-week aerobic and resistance exercise intervention is an effective approach to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in breast cancer survivors. Exercise during cancer survivorship should be considered to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease risk in overweight women breast cancer survivors.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01140282. Registered 9 June 2010
Effect of respiratory therapy on pulmonary functions in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review
Authors: El Banna Eman H. , El Hadidy Eman I. , Ali Walaa M.
Published: November 2020

Background

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are at risk for respiratory dysfunction. Early initiation of pulmonary rehabilitation in addition to conventional physical therapy may result in improvement and maintenance of chest mobility and respiratory function. However, empirical support for respiratory therapy is limited. The aim of the review was to assess the evidence of the effectiveness of respiratory therapy on pulmonary functions in children with CP.

Methods

Four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and Google Scholar) were searched till December 2019 using predefined terms by two independent reviewers. Randomized controlled trials published in English were included if they met the following criteria: population—children with different types of CP of both sex, aged up to 18 years; intervention—respiratory therapy; outcomes—pulmonary functions. Eight studies with 235 participants only met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Predefined data were tabulated using American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine by two reviewers and verified by a third reviewer. Methodological quality was assessed using rating system of quality assessment and PEDro scale; also, levels of evidence adopted from modified Sacket’s scale were used for each outcome.

Results

The quality of studies ranged from excellent (one study) to good (five studies) and fair (two studies). The results showed level 1 (six studies) and level 2 (two studies) on modified Sacket’s scale for level of evidence. Lack of allocation concealment and blinding was the major risk of bias in the included studies.

Conclusions

Meta-analysis revealed significant difference in the improvement of vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, and forced expiratory volume at 1 s in favor of the study groups. However, there is a need for high-quality studies to draw a clear conclusion.
Acceleration of Gastric Emptying by Insulin-Induced Hypoglycemia is Dependent on the Degree of Hypoglycemia
Authors: Murthy Tejaswini Arunachala , Grivell Jacqueline , Hatzinikolas Seva , Chapple Lee-anne S , Chapman Marianne J , Stevens Julie E , Malbert Charles-Henri , Rayner Christopher K , Horowitz Michael , Jones Karen L , Marathe Chinmay S
Published: November 2020

Context

Hypoglycemia is a major barrier to optimal glycemic control in insulin-treated diabetes. Recent guidelines from the American Diabetes Association have subcategorized “non-severe” hypoglycemia into level 1 (<3.9 mmol/L) and 2 (<3 mmol/L) hypoglycemia. Gastric emptying of carbohydrate is a major determinant of postprandial glycemia but its role in hypoglycemia counter-regulation remains underappreciated. “Marked” hypoglycemia (~2.6 mmol/L) accelerates gastric emptying and increases carbohydrate absorption in health and type 1 diabetes, but the impact of “mild” hypoglycemia (3.0-3.9 mmol/L) is unknown.

Objective

To determine the effects of 2 levels of hypoglycemia, 2.6 mmol/L (“marked”) and 3.6 mmol/L (“mild”), on gastric emptying in health.

Design, Setting, and Subjects

Fourteen healthy male participants (mean age: 32.9 ± 8.3 years; body mass index: 24.5 ± 3.4 kg/m2) from the general community underwent measurement of gastric emptying of a radiolabeled solid meal (100 g beef) by scintigraphy over 120 minutes on 3 separate occasions, while blood glucose was maintained at either ~2.6 mmol/L, ~3.6 mmol/L, or ~6 mmol/L in random order from 15 minutes before until 60 minutes after meal ingestion using glucose-insulin clamp. Blood glucose was then maintained at 6 mmol/L from 60 to 120 minutes on all days.

Results

Gastric emptying was accelerated during both mild (P = 0.011) and marked (P = 0.001) hypoglycemia when compared to euglycemia, and was more rapid during marked compared with mild hypoglycemia (P = 0.008). Hypoglycemia-induced gastric emptying acceleration during mild (r = 0.57, P = 0.030) and marked (r = 0.76, P = 0.0014) hypoglycemia was related to gastric emptying during euglycemia.

Conclusion

In health, acceleration of gastric emptying by insulin-induced hypoglycemia is dependent on the degree of hypoglycemia and baseline rate of emptying.
The novel zebrafish model pretzel demonstrates a central role for SH3PXD2B in defective collagen remodelling and fibrosis in Frank-Ter Haar syndrome
Authors: de Vos Ivo J. H. M. , Wong Arnette Shi Wei , Taslim Jason , Ong Sheena Li Ming , Syder Nicole C. , Goggi Julian L. , Carney Thomas J. , van Steensel Maurice A. M.
Published: November 2020

Frank-Ter Haar syndrome (FTHS, MIM #249420) is a rare skeletal dysplasia within the Defective Collagen Remodelling Spectrum (DECORS), which is characterised by craniofacial abnormalities, skeletal malformations and fibrotic soft tissues changes including dermal fibrosis and joint contractures. FTHS is caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous loss-of-function mutation or deletion of SH3PXD2B (Src homology 3 and Phox homology domain-containing protein 2B; MIM #613293). SH3PXD2B encodes an adaptor protein with the same name, which is required for full functionality of podosomes, specialised membrane structures involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling. The pathogenesis of DECORS is still incompletely understood and, as a result, therapeutic options are limited. We previously generated an mmp14a/b knockout zebrafish and demonstrated that it primarily mimics the DECORS-related bone abnormalities. Here, we present a novel sh3pxd2b mutant zebrafish, pretzel, which primarily reflects the DECORS-related dermal fibrosis and contractures. In addition to relatively mild skeletal abnormalities, pretzel mutants develop dermal and musculoskeletal fibrosis, contraction of which seems to underlie grotesque deformations that include kyphoscoliosis, abdominal constriction and lateral folding. The discrepancy in phenotypes between mmp14a/b and sh3pxd2b mutants suggests that in fish, as opposed to humans, there are differences in spatiotemporal dependence of ECM remodelling on either sh3pxd2b or mmp14a/b. The pretzel model presented here can be used to further delineate the underlying mechanism of the fibrosis observed in DECORS, as well as screening and subsequent development of novel drugs targeting DECORS-related fibrosis.
βIII spectrin controls the planarity of Purkinje cell dendrites by modulating perpendicular axon-dendrite interactions
Authors: Fujishima Kazuto , Kurisu Junko , Yamada Midori , Kengaku Mineko
Published: November 2020

The mechanism underlying the geometrical patterning of axon and dendrite wiring remains elusive, despite its crucial importance in the formation of functional neural circuits. The cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) arborizes a typical planar dendrite, which forms an orthogonal network with granule cell (GC) axons. By using electrospun nanofiber substrates, we reproduce the perpendicular contacts between PC dendrites and GC axons in culture. In the model system, PC dendrites show a preference to grow perpendicularly to aligned GC axons, which presumably contribute to the planar dendrite arborization in vivo. We show that βIII spectrin, a causal protein for spinocerebellar ataxia type 5, is required for the biased growth of dendrites. βIII spectrin deficiency causes actin mislocalization and excessive microtubule invasion in dendritic protrusions, resulting in abnormally oriented branch formation. Furthermore, disease-associated mutations affect the ability of βIII spectrin to control dendrite orientation. These data indicate that βIII spectrin organizes the mouse dendritic cytoskeleton and thereby regulates the oriented growth of dendrites with respect to the afferent axons.
Task-dependent vocal adjustments to optimize biosonar-based information acquisition
Authors: Lewanzik Daniel , Goerlitz Holger R.
Published: November 2020

Animals need to acquire adequate and sufficient information to guide movements, yet information acquisition and processing is costly. Animals thus face a trade-off between gathering too little and too much information and, accordingly, actively adapt sensory input through motor control. Echolocating animals provide the unique opportunity to study the dynamics of adaptive sensing in naturally behaving animals, since every change in the outgoing echolocation signal directly affects information acquisition and the perception of the dynamic acoustic scene. Here we investigated the flexibility with which bats dynamically adapt information acquisition depending on a task. We recorded the echolocation signals of wild-caught Western barbastelle bats (Barbastella barbastellus) while flying through an opening, drinking on the wing, landing on a wall, and capturing prey. We show that the echolocation signal sequences during target approach differed in a task-dependent manner; bats started target approach earlier and increased information update rate more when the task became increasingly difficult, and bats also adjusted dynamics of call duration shortening and peak frequency shifts accordingly. These task-specific differences existed from the onset of object approach, implying that bats plan their sensory-motor program for object approach exclusively based on information received from search call echoes. We provide insights into how echolocating animals deal with the constraints they face when sequentially sampling the world through sound by adjusting acoustic information flow from slow to extremely fast in a highly dynamic manner. Our results further highlight the paramount importance of high behavioural flexibility for acquiring information.
Determination of amorphous matter in industrial minerals with X-ray diffraction using Rietveld refinement.
Authors: Christidis George , Paipoutlidi Katerina , Marantos Ioannis , Perdikatsis Vasileios
Published: November 2020

A great variety of fine grained industrial rocks, which are valued by the industry contain variable amounts of amorphous or poorly crystalline matter, which is not easily detectable by the conventional mineralogical analysis methods based on X-ray diffraction (XRD). The quantification of amorphous matter in industrial rocks is a major task because it provides a thorough characterization of the raw materials and assists to interpret their reactivity. Among the most reliable methods used for quantification of amorphous matter, are those which are based on Rietveld refinement. In this study we prepared 1:1 mixtures of synthetic or natural calcite and quartz with 5-80% glass flour and added corundum (α-Al2O3) internal standard and applied the Autoquan2.80 © software based on the BGMN computer code to quantify the amorphous matter content. The mixtures with synthetic minerals yielded results with minimum absolute error due to the similar particle size of the minerals, the internal standard and the glass. By contrast, the mixtures with natural minerals displayed greater relative error due to the particle size difference between the minerals on the one hand and the internal standard and the glass on the other, due to the microabsorption effect. Moreover, preferred orientation was important in the case of natural calcite, due to perfect  cleavage plane. Mixtures containing up to 25% amorphous matter did not display the characteristic hump at 20-30 °2θ, suggesting that the lack of the hump is not a safe criterion for the recognition of amorphous matter.
Archetypical Bases of Russian Patriotic Animated Content
Authors: Karlamova E.
Published: November 2020

The archetypal foundations of the image of the Russian animation hero are analyzed at the article. The epic and fairy-tale features of the character are designated, the features inherent in the image are formulated, dating back to both Western mass culture and domestic Soviet animated content.
Misleading Policy Messages Derived from the Period TFR: Should We Stop Using It?
Authors: Sobotka Tomáš , Lutz Wolfgang
Published: November 2020

Discussions about fertility in developed countries refer almost exclusively to the period Total Fertility Rate (TFR). We argue that the use of this indicator frequently leads to incorrect interpretations of period fertility levels and trends, resulting in distorted policy conclusions and, potentially, in misguided policies. We illustrate this with four policy-relevant examples, drawn from contemporary Europe. These illustrations show that the TFR (a) inflates the presumed gap between fertility intentions and realised fertility, (b) erroneously suggests a significant fertility increase in many countries of Europe after the year 2000, (c) often exaggerates the level of immigrants’ fertility and (d) frequently suggests that family-related policies which led to shorter birth spacing in fact brought an upward swing in fertility level. There seems to be no policy-relevant question for which the period TFR would be the indicator of choice to be preferred over other existing measures.
Saúde de mulheres de dois grupos de atividade física: estudo de acompanhamento durante a COVID-19
Authors: Gonçalves Letícia , Silva Renata Rosa , Ferreira Giovana , Loch Mathias Roberto
Published: November 2020

O objetivo foi monitorar indicadores de saúde mental e a prática de exercícios de respiração e alongamento no contexto doméstico durante dois meses da pandemia COVID-19 entre mulheres participantes de dois grupos de atividade física de Unidades Básicas de Saúde. A amostra foi composta por 17 mulheres, que participaram de quatro contatos telefônicos. As variáveis foram a autopercepção de saúde, da ansiedade, da qualidade do sono e da concentração, além de dificuldades econômicas (falta do básico em casa no período) e a prática de exercícios de respiração e alongamento no domicílio, bem como as dificuldades para a realização destas. O teste de Friedman foi utilizado para verificar diferenças nas variáveis nos quatro momentos. Diferenças significativas na autopercepção da qualidade do sono (com piores resultados em T4) e na prática de exercícios (piores resultados em T1) foram observadas. Em três dos quatro momentos do monitoramento, pelo menos uma mulher referiu que havia faltado o básico para a sobrevivência. Onze mulheres citaram barreira(s) em pelo menos um dos momentos do estudo para a realização dos exercícios, sendo a mais citada: não saber realizar o exercício ou se sentir insegura realizando sozinha. Conclui-se que, considerando a necessidade de adequação dos serviços de saúde em função da pandemia, ações de monitoramento, combinadas com estratégias de escuta e aconselhamento, podem ser uma boa alternativa para o acompanhamento da saúde dos participantes dos grupos de atividade física.
Noteworthy record of Neotamias solivagus in Nuevo León, México
Authors: Mercado-Morales David
Published: November 2020

Se conocen seis especies de chichimocos Neotamias spp. en México y para la Sierra Madre Oriental únicamente a Neotamias solivagus por ejemplares de dos localidades en las montañas del sureste del estado de Coahuila. Ningún registro de este sciúrido se ha publicado desde 1956. No se tiene registro de chichimocos del estado de Nuevo León. El 4 de Julio de 2020, en una caminata fotográfica de vida silvestre en la montaña Cerro El Escorpión, municipio de Santa Catarina, Nuevo León, se fotografió un pequeño roedor con bandas en la espalda típicas de un chichimoco en las ramas de un árbol caído. Una semana después, para mejor identificación de este roedor, se colocó una cámara trampa por dos semanas en el sitio. El roedor fotografiado con la cámara trampa presenta el mismo patrón de coloración al fotografiado durante la caminata, líneas dorsales blancas y negras intercaladas. Debido a su coloración típica como un chichimoco y a su distribución potencial es identificado como Neotamias solivagus; se registró también la presencia de la ardilla arbórea Sciurus alleni. Se identificaron a las especies arbóreas de la zona. Esta evidencia es el primer registro de un chichimoco en el estado de Nuevo León, dentro del Parque Nacional Cumbres de Monterrey en un bosque mixto de coníferas, así como el registro de menor altitud para la especie. Se documenta la coexistencia de N. solivagus con la ardilla arbórea S. alleni y se comenta la categoría de conservación de este chichimoco.
Journal Scan
Authors: Welyczko Nikki
Published: November 2020

Nikki Welyczko, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, provides a brief overview of recently published nursing and health articles
Nurse and patient perspectives on participating in research: experience of an inflammatory bowel disease fatigue study
Authors: Radford Shellie Jean , Smith Lizzie
Published: November 2020

The challenges, priorities and benefits of running and volunteering in clinical research studies, according to a specialist nurse and patient volunteer in a Nottingham-based study on fatigue in Crohn's disease
Remote clinics in gastroenterology: a literature review of telephone and video consultations in adult and paediatric services
Authors: Brooks Michelle , Cund Audrey
Published: November 2020

Background

Remote clinics, where patients attend appointments over telephone or video calls, are increasingly replacing traditional in-person consultations. In the UK, gastroenterology clinics have generally occurred in hospital outpatient departments, and uptake of remote clinics had been slow, before accelerating in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aims

This literature review aimed to assess the use, advantages and disadvantages of remote clinics in adult and paediatric gastroenterology.

Methods

A literature search was carried out for articles in English published since 2000.

Findings

Four articles were identified, two on adult and two on paediatric gastroenterology services. Benefits highlighted included high patient satisfaction with and preference for remote clinics, owing to reduced travel time and cost. Services reported reduced nonattendance rates compared with in-person clinics. Authors and patients cautioned that remote clinics should not entirely replace face-to-face contact, which has advantages for visual assessment and building clinician–patient relationships.

Conclusions

Remote clinics are effective for gastroenterology services. Further research is recommended to capture the qualitative experience of the patients, families and nurses involved in these remote clinics.
Genetic variation and identification of single nucleotide polymorphism of insulin-like growth factor- 1 gene in Tilapia guineensis
Authors: Ukenye Esther , MEGBOWON IWALEWA , OGUNTADE OLALEKAN , OKETOKI TOPE , AMUSA OLUWAFEMI , USMAN ADEOLA , SOKENU BALKEES , ADELEKE RAKIYA , JOSEPH BAWA , OMATAH CHRISTIAN
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Ukenye E, Megbowon I, Oguntade O, Oketoki T, Amusa O, Usman A, Sokenu B, Adeleke R, Joseph B, Omatah C. 2020. Genetic variation and identification of single nucleotide polymorphism of insulin-like growth factor- 1 gene in Tilapia guineensis Biodiversitas 21: 5317-5321. Tilapia guineensis is an important cichlid species of West African coastal waters with good nutritional, economic, and aquaculture relevance. The knowledge of the genetic basis of variation in growth traits in Tilapia fish is of great importance to support genetic improvement in the context of aquaculture. In this study, regions of the Tilapia guineensis IGF-1 gene were sequenced, aligned and compared across populations to identify single nucleotide polymorphism and genetic diversity among four populations of T. guineensis in South-west Nigerian coastal waters. A total of thirty-four SNPs were identified across the studied populations and were detected in the forward reaction with twenty-two transversions and twelve transitions. Badagry population showed the highest genetic diversity with the highest molecular diversity indices; number of polymorphic sites, pairwise differences, number of segregating sites and nucleotide diversity while the least diverse population was Pepe. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that genetic variation was mostly within populations. This finding provides more information regarding variation in insulin growth factor I of T. guineensis and will encourage association study for production traits that will inform useful selection marker for breeding program.
Aberrations of plane-symmetrical mirror systems with freeform surfaces. Part II: closed-form aberration formulas
Authors: Caron Jérôme , Bäumer Stefan
Published: November 2020

The aberrations of reflective optical systems with planar symmetry are investigated in the most general case, with freeform surfaces and possibly different locations of the tangential and sagittal object and image. In this second and last paper, closed-form expressions are derived for the aberrations created by an individual mirror. We study two-mirror off-axis telescopes and establish a new family of designs that we show is simultaneously free of constant coma, linear astigmatism, and quadratic distortions (including smile and keystone). Analytical expressions for the intrinsic aberrations of an astigmatic beam are also derived.
Developing political-ecological theory: The need for many-task computing
Authors: Haas Timothy
Published: November 2020

Models of political-ecological systems can inform policies for managing ecosystems that contain endangered species. To increase the credibility of these models, massive computation is needed to statistically estimate the model’s parameters, compute confidence intervals for these parameters, determine the model’s prediction error rate, and assess its sensitivity to parameter misspecification. To meet this statistical and computational challenge, this article delivers statistical algorithms and a method for constructing ecosystem management plans that are coded as distributed computing applications. These applications can run on cluster computers, the cloud, or a collection of in-house workstations. This downloadable code is used to address the challenge of conserving the East African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). This demonstration means that the new standard of credibility that any political-ecological model needs to meet is the one given herein.
Improved accuracy of breast volume calculation from 3D surface imaging data using statistical shape models
Authors: Göpper Michael W. , Neubauer Jakob , Kalash Ziad , Stark G. Björn , Simunovic Filip
Published: November 2020

Background

Three-dimensional (3D) scanning is an established method of breast volume estimation. However, this method can never be entirely precise, since the thoracic wall cannot be imaged by the surface scanner. Current methods rely on interpolation of the posterior breast border from the surrounding thoracic wall. Here, we present a novel method to calculate the posterior border and increase the accuracy of the measurement.

Methods

Using principal component analysis, computed tomography images were used to build a statistical shape model (SSM) of the thoracic wall. The model was fitted to 3D images and the missing thoracic wall curvature interpolated (indirect volumetry). The calculations were evaluated by ordinary least squares regression between the preoperative and postoperative volume differences and the resection weights in breast reduction surgery (N = 36). Also, an SSM of the breast was developed, allowing direct volumetry. Magnetic-resonance images (MRI) and 3D scans were acquired from 5 patients in order to validate the direct 3D volumetry.

Results

Volumetry based on a SSM exhibited a higher determination coefficient (R2 = 0,737) than the interpolation method (R2 = 0,404). The methods were not equivalent (p = 0.75), suggesting that the methods significantly differ. There was no influence of BMI on the correlation in either method. The MRI volumetry had a strong correlation with the 3D volumetry (R2 = 0,978).

Conclusion

The SSM-based method of posterior breast border calculation is reliable and superior to the currently used method of interpolation. It should serve as a basis of software applications aiming at calculation of breast volume from 3D surface scanning data.
Exploring the dynamics of migration, armed conflict, urbanization, and anthropogenic change in Colombia
Authors: Camargo Guibor , Sampayo Andrés Miguel , Peña Galindo Andrés , Escobedo Francisco J. , Carriazo Fernando , Feged-Rivadeneira Alejandro
Published: November 2020

Anthropogenic change has been associated with population growth, land use change, and changing economies. However, internal migration patterns and armed conflicts are also key drivers of anthropogenic and demographic processes. To better understand the processes associated with this change, we explore the spatial relationship between forced migration due to armed conflict and changing socioeconomic factors in Colombia, a country which has a recent history of 7 million internal migrants. In addition, we use remote sensing, Google Earth Engine, as well as spatial statistical analyses of demographic data in order to measure anthropogenic change between 1984 and 2013—a socio-politically important period in Colombia’s armed conflict. We also analyze spatiotemporal relationships between socioeconomic and anthropogenic changes, which are caused by forced migration. We found that forced migration is significantly and positively related to an increasing rural-urban type of migration which results from armed conflict. Results also show that it is negatively related to interregional displacement. Indeed, anthropogenic change pertaining to different regions have had different correlations with forced migration, and across different time periods. Findings are used to discuss how socioeconomic and political phenomena such as armed conflict can have complex effects on the dynamics of anthropogenic and ecological change as well as movement of humans in countries like Colombia.