bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overall and abdominal obesity and prostate cancer risk in a West African population: An analysis of the Ghana Prostate Study
Authors: Hurwitz Lauren M. , Yeboah Edward D. , Biritwum Richard B. , Tettey Yao , Adjei Andrew A. , Mensah James E. , Tay Evelyn , Okyne Vicky , Truelove Ann , Kelly Scott P. , Zhou Cindy Ke , Butler Eboneé N. , Hoover Robert N. , Hsing Ann W. , Cook Michael B.
Published: April 2020

Obesity has been associated with an increased risk of advanced prostate cancer. However, most studies have been conducted among North American and European populations. Prostate cancer mortality appears elevated in West Africa, yet risk factors for prostate cancer in this region are unknown. We thus examined the relationship between obesity and prostate cancer using a case‐control study conducted in Accra, Ghana in 2004 to 2012. Cases and controls were drawn from a population‐based sample of 1037 men screened for prostate cancer, yielding 73 cases and 964 controls. An additional 493 incident cases were recruited from the Korle‐Bu Teaching Hospital. Anthropometric measurements were taken at enrollment. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist‐hip ratio (WHR) and prostate cancer, adjusting for potential confounders. The mean BMI was 25.1 kg/m2 for cases and 24.3 kg/m2 for controls. After adjustment, men with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 had an increased risk of prostate cancer relative to men with BMI < 25 kg/m2 (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.11‐3.13). Elevated WC (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.24‐2.51) and WHR (OR 1.46, 95% CI 0.99‐2.16) were also associated with prostate cancer. Associations were not modified by smoking status and were evident for low‐ and high‐grade disease. These findings indicate that overall and abdominal obesity are positively associated with prostate cancer among men in Ghana, implicating obesity as a potentially modifiable risk factor for prostate cancer in this region.
Captive house sparrows (Passer domesticus) show little evidence of seasonality of neophobia responses
Authors: Fischer Clare P. , Gormally Brenna M. G. , Romero L. Michael
Published: April 2020

Neophobia is a behavior characterized by a reluctance to approach novel objects. We measured neophobia in captive wild house sparrows (Passer domesticus) by comparing the time it took for hungry birds to approach their normal food dish compared to one that had been modified with a novel object. We tested the behavior of animals captured at different times of year to test for seasonal variation in neophobia. One group of birds tested in July approached their food dishes much more quickly than all other birds (a matter of seconds rather than minutes whether or not there was a novel object), a response that was not repeated in a subsequent July. When this possible outlier group was removed from the analysis, approach times to novel objects were not affected by season. However, animals captured and tested in October had a stronger motivation to feed (i.e., they approached unmodified food dishes faster) than birds captured at other times of the year. If we define “neophobia” as an increase in latency to approach a novel versus an unmodified food dish, then there is little evidence for underlying seasonal variation in risk assessment, although a general motivation to feed does show a seasonal pattern.
Calibration of Raman wavenumber in large Raman images using a mercury‐argon lamp
Authors: Jakubek Ryan S. , Fries Marc D.
Published: April 2020

Raman imaging is an emerging tool for the analysis of meteorites, as it is capable of describing mineralogy, carbon composition/speciation, and crystal orientation all within a petrographic context. Adequately examining the heterogeneous composition of a meteorite often requires long image collection times on the timescale of days. However, the wavenumber calibration of the Raman spectrometer drifts over long timescales resulting in low wavenumber precision for the Raman spectra comprising a large Raman image. This decrease in wavenumber precision can compromise the analysis of geological markers that can provide important information on a meteorite sample. We examine, in detail, the change in bandwidth and wavenumber of the Raman bands and Hg–Ar emission lines in our Raman images as a function of time and laboratory temperature. To overcome the drift in calibration, we utilize a commercial WITec Raman instrument with a built‐in Hg–Ar calibration lamp to individually calibrate each spectrum in the Raman image. We show that using the Hg–Ar calibration, we can improve the wavenumber precision for the spectra in our Raman images from ~±0.15 to ~±0.05 cm−1 for Raman spectra collected over multiple days. This is important as it improves measurements of mineral chemistry, latent strain, and other features that are dependent upon accurate peak position determination. We also examine the spectral signal‐to‐noise ratio needed to minimize the wavenumber error when fitting bands to Gaussian/Lorentzian profiles. We then use our results to suggest a general method for calibrating the wavenumber of Raman spectra in large Raman images.
Advanced methods for safe visualization on automotive displays
Authors: Axmann Benjamin , Langner Frank , Blankenbach Karlheinz , Vogelmann Matthaeus , von Gaisberg Adrian , Strobel Lukas , Bauer Jan
Published: April 2020

Camera Monitor Systems (CMSs), for example, for backup cameras or mirror replacements, become increasingly important and already cover safety aspects such as guaranteed latency and no frame freeze. Today's approaches deal only with supervision of the digital interface, LCD backlight, and power supply. This paper introduces methods for advanced safety monitoring of panel electronics and optical display output that aim to enable future CMS based automotive use cases. Our methods are based on correlation of physical measurements with predicted values derived from a corresponding display model. This model was made via calibration measurements and many test patterns. Correlation of the monitoring results with predicted values corresponds to the probability that the RGB data are shown as intended. This implies that an overlying system, an Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) Prepared Video Safety System (APVSS), ensures that only safety verified RGB data are provided to the panel electronics. In case of failures, our methods enable a safe system state, for example, by deactivating the panel. An additional challenge is to allow graceful degradations, a safe but slightly degraded image may provide a better customer experience compared with no information. We successfully verified our approach by a fully functional prototype and extensive evaluation towards “light‐to‐light” (camera to display output) supervision.
Enhancement of soil carbon and nitrogen stocks by abiotic and microbial pathways in three rubber‐based agroforestry systems in Southwest China
Authors: Li Xin‐Ai , Ge Ti‐Da , Chen Zhe , Wang Si‐Min , Ou Xiao‐Kun , Wu Ying , Chen Hui , Wu Jian‐Ping
Published: April 2020

Agroforestry systems are considered promising alternatives to rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) monocultures, but information is limited on the effects of rubber‐based agroforestry systems on soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) storage. The current study, which was conducted in Xishuangbanna, China, compared four intercropping treatments, including rubber monoculture and the follow three agroforestry treatments: intercropping withCamellia sinensis,Coffea liberica, orTheobroma cacao. Soil physicochemical properties and copy numbers ofcbbLandnosZgenes (which indicate the abundance of bacteria that function in C and N cycling) were analyzed. The results showed thatCoffea libericaintercropping facilitated SOC and TN contents and enhanced SOC and TN stocks by 36.5 and 33.2% relative to rubber monoculture at 0–10 cm soil layer, respectively. Structural equation modeling showed that the effects of intercropping oncbbLandnosZcopy numbers were mainly explained by soil pH and bulk density (r2= .37 and .35, respectively), that the abundance ofcbbLand SOC content directly affected SOC storage (r2= .46), and that the abundance ofnosZand TN content directly affected TN storage (r2= .22). Our results indicate that the use ofC.libericaas intercrops should contribute to retard soil degradation and to implement sustainable land management in rubber monocultures. Combining the abiotic and microbial pathways, we suggest that the enhancement of C and N sequestration withC.libericaunder rubber monoculture can be probably attributed to the increased input of litter and roots and to the stimulation of the microorganisms that regulate C and N cycles.
Picosecond‐Domain Fractional Laser Treatment Over Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: In Vivo and Clinical Studies
Authors: Kim Jung E. , Hong Jeong Y. , Lee Ho J. , Lee Sung Y. , Kim Hyun J.
Published: April 2020

Background and Objectives

Combined sequential treatments with multiple modalities such as lasers and soft‐tissue fillers are commonly required for the treatment of atrophic acne scars. Recently, fractional treatment with picosecond‐domain lasers has proven to be effective for skin rejuvenation and scar treatment. However, little is known about the effects of picosecond‐domain fractional laser treatment over hyaluronic acid fillers (HAFs). We aimed to evaluate the in vivo tissue responses to 1064 nm picosecond‐domain fractional neodymium:yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet (Nd:YAG) laser treatments using microlens array (MLA) applied over pre‐injected HAF in rats. In addition, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of this combined same‐day treatment for atrophic acne scars in patients.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to 1064 nm picosecond‐domain fractional Nd:YAG laser treatment immediately after HAF dermal injection. Skin specimens were histologically evaluated on days 0, 7, and 21. In a clinical study, 36 patients with acne scars were treated concurrently with 1064 nm MLA‐type picosecond lasers and HAFs. The patients were scheduled to receive two consecutive treatments at 4‐week intervals, with a follow‐up visit at 12 weeks after the final treatment. Acne scar photographs were graded using the Goodman and Baron's qualitative and quantitative scales at baseline and 12 weeks post‐procedure.

Results

Picosecond‐domain fractional laser treatment immediately after the dermal injection of HAF into rats did not cause any histological changes in the filler or surrounding skin. In a clinical study, treated subjects (n = 36) achieved significant improvement in acne scars and patient satisfaction. No serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

Combined picosecond laser and HAF treatment were proven to be safe and effective based on in vivo and clinical study results. Facial rejuvenation and scar treatment using a picosecond‐domain fractional laser may be performed immediately after HAF injection. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Similar or contrastive? Impact of product–background color combination on consumers' product evaluations
Authors: Huang Jing , Wang Zhengrong , Liu Hongliang , Yu Liqin
Published: April 2020

Based on arousal theory, this study explores the impact of product–background color combination on consumers' product evaluations through four empirical analysis. As predicted, the interaction of product–background color combinations and product types has a significant influence on consumers' product evaluations. For functional products, the product–background similar color combination can cause consumers' higher product evaluations. However, for sensory‐social products, the product–background contrastive color combination can cause consumers' higher product evaluations. Moreover, the arousal level mediates the interaction effect of product–background color combinations and product types on consumers' evaluations. This research also demonstrates that only when the product color matches product type, the interaction of product–background color combinations and product types can improve consumers' product evaluations through increasing (decreasing) the arousal level, however, the interaction effect is no longer significant when the matching degree of product color and product type is low. We contribute to the visual marketing research by providing new insights and useful implications for using color clues to present products in marketing practice.
Ooh, that's sour: An investigation of the role of sour taste and color saturation in consumer temptation avoidance
Authors: Pomirleanu Nadia , Gustafson Brandon M. , Bi Sheng
Published: April 2020

This paper draws on the theory of embodied cognition to argue that sensory imagery and consumer recall of past experiences of sour tastes inspire sour taste perceptions that trigger facial muscle activation, which in turn leads to temptation avoidance. Across four experiments, we show that physical action need not be performed to elicit temptation avoidance. Moreover, our findings show that the effects of visual gustatory imagery are more pronounced when presented against a visual red background low on color saturation. Interestingly, they are not significant in the presence of a high color saturation background. We also discuss the implications of these findings for sensory marketing, alternative consumer strategies to avoid temptation, and visual brand management in the consumer experience economy.
Effects of Dapagliflozin on Epicardial Fat Thickness in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity
Authors: Iacobellis Gianluca , Gra‐Menendez Silvia
Published: April 2020

Objective

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness is a marker of visceral fat and an emerging therapeutic target. Dapagliflozin, a selective sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, improves glucose control and induces moderate weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Dapagliflozin has recently been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk. Nevertheless, whether dapagliflozin could reduce EAT thickness is unknown.

Methods

This hypothesis was tested in a 24‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial in 100 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2 and a hemoglobin A1c level ≤ 8% on metformin monotherapy. Individuals were randomly assigned to 2 groups to receive additional dapagliflozin up to 10 mg once daily or to remain on metformin up to 1,000 mg twice daily. Ultrasound‐measured EAT thickness was measured at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks.

Results

In the dapagliflozin group, EAT decreased by 20% from baseline to 24 weeks, by 15% after 12 weeks, and by 7% between 12 and 24 weeks, respectively (P < 0.01 for all), whereas in the metformin group, there was a significant but smaller EAT reduction. There was no statistically significant correlation between EAT and body weight changes.

Conclusions

Dapagliflozin causes a rapid and significant EAT reduction that could be independent of weight loss.
Systematic Review of Crizanlizumab: A New Parenteral Option to Reduce Vaso‐occlusive Pain Crises in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Han Jin , Saraf Santosh L. , Gordeuk Victor R.
Published: April 2020

Hydroxyurea, indicated for managing sickle cell anemia (SCA), and L‐glutamine, indicated for treating sickle cell disease (SCD), were the only pharmacotherapeutic options in this patient population before the approval of crizanlizumab by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November 2019 to reduce vaso‐occlusive crisis (VOC) frequency. This article reviews the evidence pertaining to crizanlizumab in SCD by searching records in Medline, Embase, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts. Crizanlizumab, a P‐selectin inhibitor, mitigates the microvascular vaso‐occlusion in SCD. In the multicenter randomized double‐blind SUSTAIN trial, a higher dose of crizanlizumab decreased the incidence of VOCs by 45% and prolonged the median time to the first and second VOC. A post hoc subgroup analysis demonstrated that the proportion of patients who had no VOC incidence during the study period was greater in the crizanlizumab group, and this benefit was consistent regardless of concomitant hydroxyurea use, prior categorized history of VOC frequency, or SCD genotype. Crizanlizumab had a safety profile comparable with placebo. Multiple ongoing clinical trials are trying to establish its roles in pediatric patients with SCD and its effects on alleviating other SCD‐related complications. As the first parenteral option for SCD, providers need to formulate administration logistics to improve patients’ access to crizanlizumab. Current available data suggest crizanlizumab is a promising agent to reduce VOC in patients with SCD.
Use of virtual reality for epidural placement in an adolescent with ischemic priapism
Authors: Bebic Zvonimir , Thomas James Joseph
Published: April 2020

In children with chronic pain conditions, the acute pain and anxiety induced by routine procedures such as dressing changes, phlebotomy, and lumbar punctures may be amplified compared to that experienced by healthy children. However, sedatives and opiates may be contraindicated if respiratory depression is a concern. In this case report, we describe a 17‐year‐old male with ischemic priapism secondary to sickle cell disease in whom we used virtual reality immersion as a distraction method during epidural catheter placement. No sedation or analgesia was needed, and the patient reported no pain or distress.
15‐Year trends in respiratory care of extremely preterm infants: Contributing factors and consequences on health and growth during hospitalization
Authors: Habas Flora , Durand Sabine , Milési Christophe , Mesnage Renaud , Combes Clémentine , Gavotto Arthur , Picaud Jean‐Charles , Cambonie Gilles
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To review 15‐year trends in respiratory care of extremely preterm infants managed in a tertiary perinatal center; to identify the factors contributing to their evolution; and to determine whether these changes had an impact on infant mortality, severe morbidity, and growth.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of infants born at 23 to 26 weeks’ gestation between 2003 and 2017. Changes in respiratory care were assessed in three 5‐year periods. Logistic regression was used to examine the factors associated with prolonged duration (ie, greater than the median) of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), noninvasive ventilation (NIV), and overall respiratory support (ORS), and those associated with adequate weight and head circumference growth.

Results

Of the 396 actively treated neonates, 268 (68%) survived to discharge. Between the first and third periods, IMV duration decreased from 22 (6‐37) to 4 (1‐14.0) days (P < .001), that of NIV increased from 24 (14‐34) to 56 (44‐66) days (P < .001), and that of ORS from 50 (34‐68) to 63 (52‐77) days (P < .001). Study period (2003‐2007 vs 2013‐2017) was the main factor associated with prolonged IMV (P < .001). Use of high‐flow nasal cannula was the main factor associated with prolonged NIV (P = .02) and ORS (P = .02). NIV duration was associated with adequate postnatal weight (P = .003) and head circumference (P = .03) growth. Severe morbidities in survivors, including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and survival at hospital discharge were comparable across the study periods.

Conclusions

Respiratory management was characterized by a marked reduction in IMV. NIV withdrawal protocols are necessary to limit ORS duration while respecting postnatal growth requirements.
Individual participant data meta‐analysis to examine interactions between treatment effect and participant‐level covariates: Statistical recommendations for conduct and planning
Authors: Riley Richard D. , Debray Thomas P.A. , Fisher David , Hattle Miriam , Marlin Nadine , Hoogland Jeroen , Gueyffier Francois , Staessen Jan A. , Wang Jiguang , Moons Karel G.M. , Reitsma Johannes B. , Ensor Joie
Published: April 2020

Precision medicine research often searches for treatment‐covariate interactions, which refers to when a treatment effect (eg, measured as a mean difference, odds ratio, hazard ratio) changes across values of a participant‐level covariate (eg, age, gender, biomarker). Single trials do not usually have sufficient power to detect genuine treatment‐covariate interactions, which motivate the sharing of individual participant data (IPD) from multiple trials for meta‐analysis. Here, we provide statistical recommendations for conducting and planning an IPD meta‐analysis of randomized trials to examine treatment‐covariate interactions. For conduct, two‐stage and one‐stage statistical models are described, and we recommend: (i) interactions should be estimated directly, and not by calculating differences in meta‐analysis results for subgroups; (ii) interaction estimates should be based solely on within‐study information; (iii) continuous covariates and outcomes should be analyzed on their continuous scale; (iv) nonlinear relationships should be examined for continuous covariates, using a multivariate meta‐analysis of the trend (eg, using restricted cubic spline functions); and (v) translation of interactions into clinical practice is nontrivial, requiring individualized treatment effect prediction. For planning, we describe first why the decision to initiate an IPD meta‐analysis project should not be based on between‐study heterogeneity in the overall treatment effect; and second, how to calculate the power of a potential IPD meta‐analysis project in advance of IPD collection, conditional on characteristics (eg, number of participants, standard deviation of covariates) of the trials (potentially) promising their IPD. Real IPD meta‐analysis projects are used for illustration throughout.
Multifunctional MoS2 Transistors with Electrolyte Gel Gating
Authors: Wu Binmin , Wang Xudong , Tang Hongwei , Jiang Wei , Chen Yan , Wang Zhen , Cui Zhuangzhuang , Lin Tie , Shen Hong , Hu Weida , Meng Xiangjian , Bao Wenzhong , Wang Jianlu , Chu Junhao
Published: April 2020

MoS2, one of the most valued 2D materials beyond graphene, shows potential for future applications in postsilicon digital electronics and optoelectronics. However, achieving hole transport in MoS2, which is dominated by electron transport, is always a challenge. Here, MoS2 transistors gated by electrolyte gel exhibit the characteristics of hole and electron transport, a high on/off ratio over 105, and a low subthreshold swing below 50 mV per decade. Due to the electrolyte gel, the density of electrons and holes in the MoS2 channel reaches ≈9 × 1013 and 8.85 × 1013 cm−2, respectively. The electrolyte gel‐assisted MoS2 phototransistor exhibits adjustable positive and negative photoconductive effects. Additionally, the MoS2 p–n homojunction diode affected by electrolyte gel shows high performance and a rectification ratio over 107. These results demonstrate that modifying the conductance of MoS2 through electrolyte gel has great potential in highly integrated electronics and optoelectronic photodetectors.
The UroLift system: a progress report
Authors: McNicholas Tom
Published: April 2020

Prostatic urethral lift offers men with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia a treatment option with some advantages over established interventions.
Evaluating the Use of Drones Equipped with Thermal Sensors as an Effective Method for Estimating Wildlife
Authors: Beaver Jared T. , Baldwin Robert W. , Messinger Max , Newbolt Chad H. , Ditchkoff Stephen S. , Silman Miles R.
Published: April 2020

Drones equipped with thermal sensors have shown ability to overcome some of the limitations often associated with traditional human‐occupied aerial surveys (e.g., low detection, high operational cost, human safety risk). However, their accuracy and reliability as a valid population technique have not been adequately tested. We tested the effectiveness of using a miniaturized thermal sensor equipped to a drone (thermal drone) for surveying white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations using a captive deer population with a highly constrained (hereafter, known) abundance (151–163 deer, midpoint 157 [87–94 deer/km2, midpoint 90 deer/km2]) at Auburn University's deer research facility, Alabama, USA, 16–17 March 2017. We flew 3 flights beginning 30 minutes prior to sunrise and sunset (1 morning and 2 evening) consisting of 15 nonoverlapping parallel transects (18.8 km) using a small fixed‐wing aircraft equipped with a nonradiometric thermal infrared imager. Deer were identified by 2 separate observers by their contrast against background thermal radiation and body shape. Our average thermal drone density estimate (69.8 deer/km2, 95% CI = 52.2–87.6), was 78% of the mean known value of 90.2 deer/km2, exceeding most sighting probabilities observed with thermal surveys conducted using human‐occupied aircraft. Thermal contrast between animals and background was improved during evening flights and our drone‐based density estimate (82.7 deer/km2) was 92% of the mean known value. This indicates that time of flight, in conjunction with local vegetation types, determines thermal contrast and influences ability to distinguish deer. The method provides the ability to perform accurate and reliable population surveys in a safe and cost‐effective manner compared with traditional aerial surveys and is only expected to continue to improve as sensor technology and machine learning analytics continue to advance. Furthermore, the precise replicability of autonomous flights at future dates results in methodology with superior spatial precision that increases statistical power to detect population trends across surveys. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
The technique of high‐pressure powder pressing with polyester film covering for XRF of geochemical samples
Authors: Li Xiaoli , Yu Zhaoshui , Xu Jinli , Pan Yanshan , Bo Wei , Liu Bin , Zhang Pengpeng , Bai Jinfeng , Zhang Qin
Published: April 2020

The method of determination of major (Si, Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, Na, K, Mn, P, Ti) and trace elements (As, Ba, Br, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, F, Ga, Nb, Sr, La, Ni, Pb, Rb, S, U, Th, V, Y, Zn, Zr) in geochemical samples by wavelength dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer with a new sample preparation technique‐high pressure pressed pellet and covered with a 3.6 μm polyester film is proposed. The pellet was pressed at 2,000 kN, which was particularly meaningful for the sample with high silicon content and ideal pellet was formed without binder. Coating with a polyester film prevented the variation of chlorine content after multiple analyses of the same pellet, which was caused by the vacuum and long‐time irradiation. And 62 rock, soil and sediment reference materials were applied to create calibration curves. The accuracy of the method was evaluated with another eight certified reference materials that were not used in the regression curve. In most cases, the relative error between the certified value and the calculated value was <10% for major elements and <25% for trace elements, except for those approaching the limit of detection. The limit of detection obtained using this pellet preparation technology is suitable for geochemical analyses.
The Pangenome: A Data-Driven Discovery in Biology
Authors: Medini Duccio , Donati Claudio , Rappuoli Rino , Tettelin Hervé
Published: April 2020

An early example of Big data in biology: how a mathematical model, developed to address a practical question in vaccinology, transformed established concepts, opening biology to the “unbounded.”
The Prokaryotic Species Concept and Challenges
Authors: Bobay Louis-Marie
Published: April 2020

Species constitute the fundamental units of taxonomy and an ideal species definition would embody groups of genetically cohesive organisms reflecting their shared history, traits, and ecology. In contrast to animals and plants, where genetic cohesion can essentially be characterized by sexual compatibility and population structure, building a biologically relevant species definition remains a challenging endeavor in prokaryotes. Indeed, the structure, ecology, and dynamics of microbial populations are still largely enigmatic, and many aspects of prokaryotic genomics deviate from sexual organisms. In this chapter, I present the main concepts and operational definitions commonly used to designate microbial species. I further emphasize how these different concepts accommodate the idiosyncrasies of prokaryotic genomics, in particular, the existence of a core- and a pangenome. Although prokaryote genomics is undoubtedly different from animals and plants, there is growing evidence that gene flow—similar to sexual reproduction—plays a significant role in shaping the genomic cohesiveness of microbial populations, suggesting that, to some extent, a species definition based on the Biological Species Concept is applicable to prokaryotes. Building a satisfying species definition remains to be accomplished, but the integration of genomic data, ecology, and bioinformatics tools has expanded our comprehension of prokaryotic populations and their dynamics.
Bacterial Microevolution and the Pangenome
Authors: Lassalle Florent , Didelot Xavier
Published: April 2020

The comparison of multiple genome sequences sampled from a bacterial population reveals considerable diversity in both the core and the accessory parts of the pangenome. This diversity can be analysed in terms of microevolutionary events that took place since the genomes shared a common ancestor, especially deletion, duplication, and recombination. We review the basic modelling ingredients used implicitly or explicitly when performing such a pangenome analysis. In particular, we describe a basic neutral phylogenetic framework of bacterial pangenome microevolution, which is not incompatible with evaluating the role of natural selection. We survey the different ways in which pangenome data is summarised in order to be included in microevolutionary models, as well as the main methodological approaches that have been proposed to reconstruct pangenome microevolutionary history.
Meta-Pangenome: At the Crossroad of Pangenomics and Metagenomics
Authors: Ma Bing , France Michael , Ravel Jacques
Published: April 2020

With the recent technological advancement in cultivation-independent high-throughput sequencing, metagenomes have tremendously improved our ability to characterize the genomic contents of the whole microbial communities. In this chapter, we argue the notion of pangenome can be applied beyond the available genome sequences by leveraging metagenome-assembled genomes, to form a comprehensive representation of the genetic content of a taxonomic group in a particular environment. We present the concept of the meta-pangenome, a representation of the totality of genes belonging to a species identified in multiple metagenomic samplings of a particular habitat. As an essential component in genome-centric pangenome analyses, we emphasize the importance to perform stringent quality assessment and validation to ensure the high quality of metagenomic deconvoluted genomes. This expansion from the traditional pangenome concept to the meta-pangenome overcomes many of the biases associated with whole-genome sequencing, and addresses the in vivo ecological context to further develop a systems-level understanding of microbial ecosystems.
Digitale Interventionen in Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung: Welche Form der Evidenz haben wir und welche wird benötigt?
Authors: Fischer Florian
Published: April 2020

Digitale Technologien sind in nahezu alle Lebensbereiche diffundiert und somit zu einem ständigen Begleiter unseres Alltags geworden. Digitalen Interventionen werden auch Potenziale in der Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung zugeschrieben. Bislang mangelt es aber an fundierten Belegen zur Wirksamkeit entsprechender Maßnahmen. In diesem Beitrag sollen die Herausforderungen der Evidenzbasierung von digitalen Interventionen in der Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung aufgezeigt werden. Die Ergebnisse werden in Form eines narrativen Übersichtsbeitrags zusammengefasst.

Bislang wurden Methoden der evidenzbasierten Medizin bei der Bewertung des Nutzens und Schadens im Bereich von Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung nicht oder nur bedingt eingesetzt. Gründe dafür liegen in der Komplexität entsprechender Maßnahmen. Diese Komplexität wird bei digitalen Interventionen nochmals erhöht. Dennoch wird dringend angeraten, einen stärkeren Fokus auf die Evidenzbasierung zu legen, um aussagekräftige und nachvollziehbare Bewertungsverfahren hinsichtlich der Wirksamkeit digitaler Interventionen in Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung zu ermöglichen.

Die Digitalisierung führt zu neuen Anforderungen an Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung. Es bedarf einer kritischen Perspektive auf die tatsächlichen Wirkpotenziale digitaler Interventionen sowie deren gesellschaftliche Implikationen. Der Aufbau einer soliden Wissensbasis ist notwendig, um Akzeptanz gegenüber den Technologien zu fördern und eine nachhaltige Etablierung zu erreichen.
Rewiring of glucose metabolism defines trained immunity induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein
Authors: Keating Samuel T. , Groh Laszlo , Thiem Kathrin , Bekkering Siroon , Li Yang , Matzaraki Vasiliki , van der Heijden Charlotte D. C. C. , van Puffelen Jelmer H. , Lachmandas Ekta , Jansen Trees , Oosting Marije , de Bree L. Charlotte J. , Koeken Valerie A. C. M. , Moorlag Simone J. C. F. M. , Mourits Vera P. , van Diepen Janna , Strienstra Rinke , Novakovic Boris , Stunnenberg Hendrik G. , van Crevel Reinout , Joosten Leo A. B. , Netea Mihai G. , Riksen Niels P.
Published: April 2020

Stimulation of monocytes with microbial and non-microbial products, including oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), induces a protracted pro-inflammatory, atherogenic phenotype sustained by metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming via a process called trained immunity. We investigated the intracellular metabolic mechanisms driving oxLDL-induced trained immunity in human primary monocytes and observed concomitant upregulation of glycolytic activity and oxygen consumption. In two separate cohorts of healthy volunteers, we assessed the impact of genetic variation in glycolytic genes on the training capacity of monocytes and found that variants mapped to glycolytic enzymes PFKFB3 and PFKP influenced trained immunity by oxLDL. Subsequent functional validation with inhibitors of glycolytic metabolism revealed dose-dependent inhibition of trained immunity in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo administration of the glucose metabolism modulator metformin abrogated the ability for human monocytes to mount a trained response to oxLDL. These findings underscore the importance of cellular metabolism for oxLDL-induced trained immunity and highlight potential immunomodulatory strategies for clinical management of atherosclerosis.

Key messages

Brief stimulation of monocytes to oxLDL induces a prolonged inflammatory phenotype.

This is due to upregulation of glycolytic metabolism.

Genetic variation in glycolytic genes modulates oxLDL-induced trained immunity.

Pharmacological inhibition of glycolysis prevents trained immunity.
“Blessed by the algorithm”: Theistic conceptions of artificial intelligence in online discourse
Authors: Singler Beth
Published: April 2020

“My first long haul flight that didn’t fill up and an empty row for me. I have been blessed by the algorithm ”.

The phrase ‘blessed by the algorithm’ expresses the feeling of having been fortunate in what appears on your feed on various social media platforms, or in the success or virality of your content as a creator, or in what gig economy jobs you are offered. However, we can also place it within wider public discourse employing theistic conceptions of AI. Building on anthropological fieldwork into the ‘entanglements of AI and Religion’ (Singler 2017a), this article will explore how ‘blessed by the algorithm’ tweets are indicative of the impact of theistic AI narratives: modes of thinking about AI in an implicitly religious way. This thinking also represents continuities that push back against the secularisation thesis and other grand narratives of disenchantment that claim secularity occurs because of technological and intellectual progress. This article will also explore new religious movements, where theistic conceptions of AI entangle technological aspirations with religious ones.
MAT heterozygosity and the second sterility barrier in the reproductive isolation of Saccharomyces species
Authors: Sipiczki Matthias , Antunovics Zsuzsa , Szabo Adrienne
Published: April 2020

The genetic analysis of large numbers ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae×S. uvarum(“cevarum”) andS. kudriavzevii×S. uvarum(“kudvarum”) hybrids in our previous studies revealed that these species are isolated by a postzygotic double-sterility barrier. We proposed a model in which the first barrier is due to the abruption of the meiotic process by the failure of the chromosomes of the subgenomes to pair (and recombine) in meiosis and the second barrier is assumed to be the result of the suppression of mating by allospecificMATheterozygosity. While the former is analogous to the major mechanism of postzygotic reproductive isolation in plants and animals, the latter seems to beSaccharomycesspecific. To bolster the assumed involvement ofMATin the second sterility barrier, we produced synthetic alloploid two-species cevarum and kudvarum hybrids with homo- and heterothallic backgrounds as well as three-speciesS. cerevisiae×S. kudvarum×S. uvarum(“cekudvarum”) hybrids by mass-mating and examined theirMATloci using species- and cassette-specific primer pairs. We found that the allospecificMATheterozygosity repressedMATswitching and mating in the hybrids and in the viable but sterile spores produced by the cevarum hybrids that had increased (allotetraploid) genomes. The loss of heterozygosity by meiotic malsegregation ofMAT-carrying chromosomes in the latter hybrids broke down the sterility barrier. The resulting spores nullisomic for theS. uvarumchromosome produced vegetative cells capable ofMATswitching and conjugation, opening the way for GARMe (Genome Autoreduction in Meiosis), the process that leads to chimeric genomes.
Polynomial values of products of terms from an arithmetic progression
Authors: Hajdu L. , Papp Á.
Published: April 2020

Products of terms of arithmetic progressions yielding a perfect power have been long investigated by many mathematicians. In the particular case of consecutive integers, various finiteness results are known for the polynomial values of such products. In the present paper we consider generalizations of these result in various directions.
Safety and efficacy of surgical treatment for brainstem hemangioblastoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yin Xiangdong , Li Chunwei , Li Liang , Duan Hongzhou
Published: April 2020

Brainstem hemangioblastomas are benign, highly vascular tumors located in the mesencephalon, pons, and medulla oblongata. Although surgical resection is currently considered the main therapeutic option for symptomatic lesions, evidence supporting the application of microsurgery has not been systematically assessed. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical treatment for brainstem hemangioblastomas. A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases was performed to identify all English language publications reporting the outcomes of surgical treatment for brainstem hemangioblastomas. Studies from January 1990 to July 2019 with ≥ 10 cases were included. We analyzed the surgical outcomes, including gross total resection, mortality, neurological morbidity, and functional outcome according to the McCormick Scale or Karnofsky Performance Scale. Thirteen studies with 473 cases were included. The pooled proportion of gross total resection was 98% (95% confidence interval (CI), 94–100%). Overall mortality and neurological morbidity were 4 (95% CI, 2–6%) and 13% (95% CI, 7–20%), respectively. Favorable functional outcomes at the last follow-up were achieved in 85% (95% CI, 78–92%) of all patients. Improved or stable functional outcomes at long-term follow-up were achieved in 94% (95% CI, 89–97%) of patients. This meta-analysis revealed that surgical treatment for brainstem hemangioblastomas is technically feasible and effective with lasting patient benefits and cure.
Prospective Associations Between Home Practice and Depressive Symptoms in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Recurrent Depression: A 15 Months Follow-Up Study
Authors: ter Avest Marleen J. , Greven Corina U. , Huijbers Marloes J. , Wilderjans Tom F. , Speckens Anne E. M. , Spinhoven Philip
Published: April 2020

Background

Home practice is considered a key element in increasing treatment effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for depression. However, long-term longitudinal research into the associations between home practice and depression outcomes is scarce. The current study examined the prospective associations between the extent of formal home practice and subsequent depression severity during 15 months of follow-up.

Methods

Data from two randomized-controlled trials on MBCT for recurrent depression were used (n = 200). Depressive symptoms were assessed at 3-month intervals: 0 (baseline), 3 (posttreatment), 6, 9, 12, and 15 months. Formal home practice frequency was calculated for each 3-month period. Autoregressive latent trajectory (ALT) modelling was applied.

Results

Participants practiced formal exercises on 57% (SD = 0.22, range 0–1) of the days during MBCT, equivalent to an average of 4 days per week, which showed a rapid decline after MBCT. The level of depressive symptoms did not change over the full study period. A small positive association was found between formal home practice frequency during each three-month period on subsequent depressive symptoms, but sensitivity analyses did not confirm this. More robust, a small negative association was found between levels of depressive symptoms at each measurement point and formal home practice frequency during the subsequent three-month periods.

Conclusions

The hypothesis that more frequent home practice would lead to reductions in depressive symptoms was not confirmed in the current study. Rather, it seems that patients with higher levels of depression may subsequently practice less frequently at home. The interplay between home practice and outcome might not be as straightforward as expected. However, these results are preliminary and should be replicated first before recommendations for clinical practice can be formulated.
Case report: Analysis of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations in a hereditary ovarian cancer family
Authors: Liao Ying , Tu Chunhua , Song Xiaoxia , Cai Liping
Published: April 2020

Objective

Breast cancer susceptibility gene 1/2 (BRCA1/2) is the most important susceptibility gene associated with hereditary ovarian cancer (HOC). We aimed to screen BRAC1 and BRAC2 gene mutations in a member of a hereditary ovarian cancer family in China, and to analyze the structure and function of the mutant protein.

Methods

A typical HOC family was selected. Blood samples and pathological tissue samples were taken from the female members of the family. Blood samples from two patients with sporadic ovaries of the same pathological type were taken as a control group. After RNA extraction, PCR amplification was applied and the PCR products were directly sequenced and aligned, prediction and analysis of protein structure and molecular conformation that may be caused by BRCA1/2 mutation.

Results

The whole gene analysis of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in ovarian cancer patients in the family showed that there were 8 mutations in BRCA1 whole gene sequencing, including 3 nonsense mutations (2314C>T, 2543T>C, 4540T>C); two mutations have been recorded, which are associated with cervical cancer (2844C>T) and endometriosis (3345A>G); three newly discovered mutations (3780A>G, 5069A>G, 3326A>T). Among them, 3780A>G and 5069A>G caused amino acid changes, while 3326A>T mutation caused Arg mutation to stop codon. A total of 7 mutations were detected in BRCA2 whole-genome sequencing, including 5 non-significant mutations (3623A>G, 4034T>C, 4790A>G, 6740G>C, 7469A>G); one no-record mutation (1716T>A), and 1 recorded mutation (1342A>C), which was associated with breast cancer and ovarian cancer. BRCA1 (3326A>T) and BRCA2 (1342A>C) mutations were co-existing in patients (II1, II3, and II5) identified as serous adenocarcinoma grade II. Two cases of ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma with no history of family tumors were normalized for BRCA1/2 gene sequencing. In the gene detection of III generation female, four females with BRCA2 (1342A>C) mutation were found, and one of them also carried the BRCA1 (3326A>T) mutation, who can be considered a high-risk group of HOC in this family. Online protein structure predictions revealed that BRCA1 (3326A>T) mutations mutated AGA at this site to TGA resulting in a translated Arg (arginine) mutation as a stop codon, while BRCA2 (1342A>C) mutated AAT at this site to CAT resulting in a translated Asn mutation to His.

Conclusion

The BRCA1 (3326A>T) and BRCA2 (1342A>C) were detected in the HOC family, which may be the susceptibility gene of the family’s HOC. The BRCA1/2 gene screening may be possible to obtain high-risk populations in this family.
The wealth decumulation behavior of the retired elderly in Italy: the importance of bequest motives and precautionary saving
Authors: Ventura Luigi , Horioka Charles Yuji
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we analyze the wealth accumulation and saving behavior of the retired elderly in Italy using micro data from the “Survey of Italian Households’ Income and Wealth,” a panel survey of households conducted every 2 years by the Bank of Italy. We find that, on average, the retired elderly in Italy are decumulating their wealth (dissaving) but that their wealth decumulation rates are much slower than expected. Moreover, we also find that more than 40% of the retired elderly in Italy are continuing to accumulate wealth and that more than 80% are doing positive amounts of saving. Thus, the Wealth Decumulation Puzzle (the tendency of the retired elderly to decumulate their wealth more slowly than expected) appears to apply in the case of Italy, as it does in most other countries, before as well as after the Global Financial Crisis. Moreover, our regression analysis of the determinants of the wealth accumulation and saving behavior of the retired elderly in Italy suggests that the lower than expected wealth decumulation rates and dissaving of the retired elderly in Italy is due largely to intergenerational transfers (bequests and inter vivos transfers) and saving for precautionary purposes, especially the former.
Anything but the truth
Authors: Bjelde Joseph
Published: April 2020

Fundamental epistemic values are values that best explain some epistemic evaluations. But there are, I argue, no epistemic evaluations which are best explained by positing truth as an epistemic value. So truth is not a fundamental epistemic value.
A Philosophy of Security Architecture Design
Authors: Køien Geir M.
Published: April 2020

Digital systems are almost always vulnerable, yet we increasingly depend on these systems. There will be many threats towards these system. In a fully networked system, the vulnerabilities will literally be exposed to the whole world. The exposed vulnerabilities may be transformed into attacks. To counter this state of “vulnerability”, the standard remedy is to conduct security requirements analysis and security threat modeling. Threats are assessed, and various countermeasures are devised. The totality of these measures may be described as a security architecture. The goal of a security architecture will largely be to make the system robust and resilient in the face of an adversary. However, we shall argue that this is not enough. Security architecture designs should go one step further, and actually improve the defenses when faced with hostile actions. That is, the security architectures must become antifragile.