bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing incidence of oral cancer in Hong Kong—Who, where…and why?
Authors: Choi Siu‐Wai , Thomson Peter
Published: May 2019

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a lethal and deforming disease of rising incidence and global significance; 600 000 new cases are seen each year, including 40 000 in China. Despite advances in management, 50% of patients die within 5 years of diagnosis. Cancer is the leading cause of death in Hong Kong, with the Hong Kong Cancer Registry (HKCR) confirming a 2% increase in new cases each year, and oral SCC the tenth leading cause of cancer death in males. Strategies to improve clinical outcome require identification and early intervention in the “high‐risk” population. Unfortunately, demographic information is limited in HKCR making it difficult to undertake accurate population‐based studies. This study aimed to profile contemporaneous demographics of oral cancer within the Hong Kong population.

Methods

Following local ethical approval, the Hong Kong Hospital Authority (HA) database was accessed to identify new cases of oral SCC diagnosed and treated during an 18‐year period (January 2000 to December 2017).

Results

A total of 6706 oral cavity SCC cases were identified: 4291 male and 2415 female patients (with a mean age of 64.14 years). A trend for increasing number of cases each year was seen, with most patients presenting to hospitals on the Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island. The tongue was the most commonly affected oral site in 3168 patients, with tonsil (863), buccal mucosa (539) and floor of mouth (409) less common. Mean survival time between initial diagnosis and death was 1.95 years; patients with hard palate and oropharyngeal SCC survived the shortest period, whilst labio‐buccal and vestibular cases exhibited significantly longer survival (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Whilst useful HA data are available regarding age, sex, site and outcome, there is a need for further improvement in demographic profiling to characterise the “high‐risk” oral cancer population in Hong Kong and to facilitate targeted early therapeutic intervention.
Gender‐Bashing in Adolescents: Structural Relations with Heterosexual Matrix, Racism/Xenophobia and Attitudes Toward Bullying
Authors: Carrera‐Fernández María V. , Cid‐Fernández Xosé M. , Almeida Ana , González‐Fernández Antonio , Rodríguez Castro Yolanda
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

This study examined the combined influence of gender variables (specifically gender stereotypes, sexism, and genderism/transphobia) as well as racism/xenophobia and attitudes toward bullying roles on gender‐bashing.

METHODS

A trans‐cultural sample of 2410 Spanish and Portuguese students participated in the study (mean age = 15.13). Structural equation modeling and multiple group analyses were used to examine the relationships among variables.

RESULTS

The model revealed a good fit with the data for the whole sample. Results showed that instrumentality, hostile sexism, genderism/transphobia, racism/xenophobia, and positive attitudes toward the bully were positively correlated with gender‐bashing. An inverse pattern was also observed: expressiveness, benevolent sexism, and positive attitudes toward the defender were negatively correlated with gender‐bashing. Overall, the eight variables explained 48% of the variance of gender‐bashing. Structural relationships among the assessed constructs were equivalent for girls and boys, and for Spain and Portugal.

CONCLUSIONS

These results reveal the need to implement inclusive educational policies to improve school health, which promote expressiveness, egalitarian attitudes, and sexual and cultural diversity.
Dual Identity, Minority Group Pressure, and the Endorsement of Minority Rights: A Study among Sunni and Alevi Muslim in Western Europe
Authors: Cárdenas Diana
Published: May 2019

Research has found that migrants with strong dual identities (e.g., Muslim German) are more likely to endorse the rights of their minority group. This article aims to contribute to the literature by examining whether dual identity predicts stronger endorsement of minority rights when migrants perceive pressure to conform from their minority community. This is examined in two subgroups that tend to exert different pressures: Alevi and Sunni Muslims. Muslim migrants (n Sunni = 464; n Alevi = 235) in Germany and the Netherlands answered questions about dual identity, endorsement of Muslim rights, and perceived minority pressure. For Alevi Muslims, dual identity predicted greater minority rights as minority pressure increased. For Sunni Muslims, the opposite pattern was found, with dual identity predicting less minority rights as minority pressure increased. These findings highlight the importance of studying different minority communities, and their pressures, to understand the societal ramifications of dual identities.
Higher‐Order Accurate Spectral Density Estimation of Functional Time Series
Authors: Zhu Tingyi , Politis Dimitris N.
Published: May 2019

Under the frequency domain framework for weakly dependent functional time series, a key element is the spectral density kernel which encapsulates the second‐order dynamics of the process. We propose a class of spectral density kernel estimators based on the notion of a flat‐top kernel. The new class of estimators employs the inverse Fourier transform of a flat‐top function as the weight function employed to smooth the periodogram. It is shown that using a flat‐top kernel yields a bias reduction and results in a higher‐order accuracy in terms of optimizing the integrated mean square error (IMSE). Notably, the higher‐order accuracy of flat‐top estimation comes at the sacrifice of the positive semi‐definite property. Nevertheless, we show how a flat‐top estimator can be modified to become positive semi‐definite (even strictly positive definite) in finite samples while retaining its favorable asymptotic properties. In addition, we introduce a data‐driven bandwidth selection procedure realized by an automatic inspection of the estimated correlation structure. Our asymptotic results are complemented by a finite‐sample simulation where the higher‐order accuracy of flat‐top estimators is manifested in practice.
The role of sarcopenia in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Prognostic marker or hyped parameter?
Authors: Hahn Felix , Müller Lukas , Stöhr Fabian , Mähringer‐Kunz Aline , Schotten Sebastian , Düber Christoph , Bartsch Fabian , Lang Hauke , Galle Peter R , Weinmann Arndt , Kloeckner Roman
Published: May 2019

Background & Aims

Sarcopenia has emerged as a prognostic parameter in numerous cancer entities. Current research favours its role as a determining factor for overall survival (OS) in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC); however, it is unclear whether sarcopenia is a truly independent survival predictor if combined with established prognostic factors.

Methods

Between 1997‐2018, 417 patients with histopathologically confirmed ICC were referred to our centre, of whom 293 were included in this study. Cross‐sectional imaging, laboratory examinations and histopathological reports were retrospectively analysed. Psoas muscle index (PMI) as easy‐to‐measure marker of sarcopenia was calculated. Using optimal stratification, sex‐specific PMI cut‐offs were calculated and tested in hazard regression models against previously published risk factors—for the entire cohort, and within resected and non‐resected subgroups.

Results

Median OS for patients with low respectively high PMI was 23.5 and 34.5 months in the resected subgroup (P = 0.008) and 5.1 and 7.8 months (P = 0.01) in the non‐resected subgroup. In multivariate hazard regression models for the entire cohort, low PMI exhibited independent predictive value (P = 0.01) as did translobar tumour spread (P = 0.005), extrahepatic extension (P = 0.03), tumour boundary type (P < 0.001), carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA 19‐9) levels (P = 0.001), alkaline phosphatase levels (P = 0.001) and distant metastasis (P < 0.001). In subgroup analyses, low PMI remained predictive among non‐resected patients (P = 0.03), but lost its predictive value among resected patients (P = 0.15).

Conclusions

Psoas muscle index strongly predicted OS in univariate analysis. However, addition of established risk factors eliminated its predictive value among resected patients. Thus, when resection is deemed oncologically reasonable, patients should not be excluded from surgery because of sarcopenia alone.
Comparison of FT‐IR spectra of bulk and acid insoluble organic matter in chondritic meteorites: An implication for missing carbon during demineralization
Authors: Kebukawa Yoko , Alexander Conel M. O'D. , Cody George D.
Published: May 2019

Past studies of the various separable carbonaceous fractions have been unable to account for all of C in primitive chondrites. In particular, up to 20–50% of the C is lost during acid leaching of bulk samples even after the C in carbonates and soluble organic matter is accounted for. To try to better characterize the nature of this “missing C,” we have compared the bulk infrared (IR) absorption spectra of a number of primitive chondrites with those of their previously reported insoluble organic matter (IOM). The aliphatic C–H stretching bands, in particular, allow us to compare the molecular structures of bulk C with that of IOM. The spectral differences between bulk C and IOM reflect “missing C” phases that were lost during acid leaching, although we cannot completely exclude the possibility that the OM was modified after demineralization. Comparing IR spectra of bulk meteorite powder and IOM suggests that the missing C varies in its molecular structure, and that mildly thermally metamorphosed type 3 chondrites tend to be richer in an aliphatic fraction with lower CH2/CH3 ratios, relative to IOM, compared to aqueously altered carbonaceous chondrites (CI/CM/CR). The missing C is most likely released from acid‐labile functional groups, such as esters, acetals, and amides, during demineralization, although it cannot be ruled out that some fraction of the missing C is in small grains that are difficult to recover from suspension, or in water‐soluble compounds trapped in phyllosilicates.
The occurrence of red and yellow autumn leaves explained by regional differences in insolation and temperature
Authors: Renner Susanne S. , Zohner Constantin M.
Published: May 2019

Red or yellow autumn leaves have long fascinated biologists, but their geographical concentration in trees in Eastern North America (ENA) has defied evolutionary explanations. In this review, anthocyanins and xanthophylls are discussed in relation to their occurrence in different regions of the Northern Hemisphere, phylogenetic distribution and photoprotective function during the breakdown of chlorophylls. Pigments in senescing leaves that intercept incident light and dissipate the absorbed energy extend the time available for nutrient resorption. Experiments with Arabidopsis have revealed greatest anthocyanin photoprotective function at low temperatures and high light intensities, and high‐resolution solar irradiation maps reveal that ENA and Asia receive higher irradiation than does Europe. In addition, ENA experiences higher temperature fluctuations in autumn, resulting in cold snaps during leaf senescence. Under common garden conditions, chlorophyll degradation occurs earlier in ENA species than in their European and East Asian relatives. In combination, strong solar irradiation, temperature fluctuations and, on average, 3‐wk shorter vegetation periods of ENA species favour investment in pigments to extend the time for nutrient resorption before abscission, explaining the higher frequency of coloured species in ENA compared to Europe. We end by outlining research that could test this new explanation of bright New England autumns.
How politicians use performance information in a budgetary context: New insights from the central government level
Authors: Saliterer Iris , Korac Sanja , Moser Birgit , Rondo‐Brovetto Paolo
Published: May 2019

This article looks at performance information use by legislators at the central level in a budgetary context. The multi‐method approach (interviews, quantitative and qualitative analysis of plenary speeches given during budget readings) allows us to draw a broader picture of the use of performance information. The findings provide new insights into different purposes of performance information use. We identify four general use types, that is, de‐legitimizing, legitimizing, improving and understanding, and deflecting, which together with the subjects addressed blend into different use purposes. Second, the study sheds light onto different factors affecting performance information use, that is, the attributes of users of performance information, the properties of performance, and the role of institutional support.
N6‐methyladenosine regulatory machinery in plants: composition, function and evolution
Authors: Yue Hong , Nie Xiaojun , Yan Zhaogui , Weining Song
Published: May 2019

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation, one of the most pivotal internal modifications of RNA, is a conserved post‐transcriptional mechanism to enrich and regulate genetic information in eukaryotes. The scope and function of this modification in plants has been an intense focus of study, especially in model plant systems. The characterization of plant m6A writers, erasers and readers, as well as the elucidation of their functions, is currently one of the most fascinating hotspots in plant biology research. The functional analysis of m6A in plants will be booming in the foreseeable future, which could contribute to crop genetic improvement through epitranscriptome manipulation. In this review, we systematically analysed and summarized recent advances in the understanding of the structure and composition of plant m6A regulatory machinery, and the biological functions of m6A in plant growth, development and stress response. Finally, our analysis showed that the evolutionary relationships between m6A modification components were highly conserved across the plant kingdom.
The influence of selected psychological variables on quality of life of chronically dialysed patients
Authors: Jankowska‐Polańska Beata , Duczak Agnieszka , Świątoniowska Natalia , Karniej Piotr , Seń Mariola , Rosińczuk Joanna
Published: May 2019

Background

The impact of illness acceptance in assessment of health‐related quality (HRQoL) between chronic diseases remains unclear. Depression and anxiety reduce HRQoL and worsen prognosis. We describe the relationship between illness acceptance, anxiety and depression, and HRQoL in chronic dialysis patients.

Material

The study included 105 patients with chronic kidney disease (mean age 65.8 years), treated with chronic dialysis. Three validated instruments were used, including the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36). For statistical analysis, Student's t‐test and Pearson's r correlation coefficient were carried out.

Results

Spearman's rho correlation analyses were carried out on the patients’ quality of life (PCS and MCS), and their anxiety, depression and illness acceptance scores. The results showed acceptance of illness to be positively correlated with quality of life in terms of PCS (rho = 0.43) and MCS (rho = 0.36), and depression and anxiety to be negatively correlated with quality of life in both domains (PCS: rho = −0.39 and rho = −0.56, respectively; MCS: rho = −0.56 and rho = −0.78, respectively). The multiple‐factor analysis for anxiety, depression and acceptance of illness showed acceptance of illness to be a significant independent determinant of higher quality of life in the PCS (β = 1.580; p < 0.000) and MCS (β = 1.980; p < 0.000) domains. The analysis also showed anxiety to be a significant independent determinant of lower quality of life in the MCS domain (β = −0.432; p = 0.041), while depression was found to be a significant independent determinant of lower scores in both the PCS (β = −3.557; p < 0.00) and the MCS (β = −1.257; p < 0.00) domains.

Conclusion

Acceptance of illness significantly affects HRQoL in dialysis patients – higher acceptance scores result in higher quality‐of‐life scores. Symptoms of depression and anxiety also significantly affect HRQoL in dialysis patients – a higher intensity of symptoms lead to lower quality‐of‐life scores.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DQA1*01:25 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Cargou Marine , Andreani Marco , Galluccio Tiziana , Guidicelli Gwendaline , Visentin Jonathan
Published: May 2019

HLA‐DQA1*01:25 differs from HLA‐DQA1*01:02:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 8 in exon 2.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DQA1*01:01:05 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Ralazamahaleo Mamy , Andreani Marco , Giustiniani Paola , Guidicelli Gwendaline , Visentin Jonathan
Published: May 2019

HLA‐DQA1*01:01:05 differs from HLA‐DQA1*01:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 19 in exon 2.
HLA‐DQB1*05:217, an HLA‐DQB1*05:01:01:01 variant, identified in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: May 2019

One nucleotide substitution in codon 142 of HLA‐DQB1*05:01:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐DQB1*05:217.
Identification of a novel HLA‐C allele, HLA‐C*07:778, in an unrelated hematopoietic stem cell donor
Authors: Gareau Alison J. , Mostafa Ahmed A. , Williams Jolene , Stamm Luz , Berka Noureddine
Published: May 2019

HLA‐C*07:778 differs from HLA‐C*07:01:01:01 by a single nonsynonymous nucleotide substitution at codon 263 (CAC→CAG).
Parallels between natural selection in the cold‐adapted crop‐wild relative Tripsacum dactyloides and artificial selection in temperate adapted maize
Authors: Yan Lang , Kenchanmane Raju Sunil K. , Lai Xianjun , Zhang Yang , Dai Xiuru , Rodriguez Oscar , Mahboub Samira , Roston Rebecca L. , Schnable James C.
Published: May 2019

Artificial selection has produced varieties of domesticated maize that thrive in temperate climates around the world. However, the direct progenitor of maize, teosinte, is indigenous only to a relatively small range of tropical and subtropical latitudes and grows poorly or not at all outside of this region. Tripsacum, a sister genus to maize and teosinte, is naturally endemic to the majority of areas in the western hemisphere where maize is cultivated. A full‐length reference transcriptome for Tripsacum dactyloides generated using long‐read Iso‐Seq data was used to characterize independent adaptation to temperate climates in this clade. Genes related to phospholipid biosynthesis, a critical component of cold acclimation in other cold‐adapted plant lineages, were enriched among those genes experiencing more rapid rates of protein sequence evolution in T. dactyloides. In contrast with previous studies of parallel selection, we find that there is a significant overlap between the genes that were targets of artificial selection during the adaptation of maize to temperate climates and those that were targets of natural selection in temperate‐adapted T. dactyloides. Genes related to growth, development, response to stimulus, signaling, and organelles were enriched in the set of genes identified as both targets of natural and artificial selection.
No evidence for widespread Babesia microti transmission in Australia
Authors: Faddy Helen M. , Rooks Kelly M. , Irwin Peter J. , Viennet Elvina , Paparini Andrea , Seed Clive R. , Stramer Susan L. , Harley Robert J. , Chan Hiu‐Tat , Dennington Peta M. , Flower Robert L.P.
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

A fatal case of autochthonous Babesia microti infection was reported in Australia in 2012. This has implications for Australian public health and, given that babesiosis is transfusion transmissible, has possible implications for Australian blood transfusion recipients. We investigated the seroprevalence of antibodies to B. microti in Australian blood donors and in patients with clinically suspected babesiosis.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Plasma samples (n = 7,000) from donors donating in at‐risk areas and clinical specimens from patients with clinically suspected babesiosis (n = 29) were tested for B. microti IgG by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). IFA initially reactive samples were tested for B. microti IgG and IgM by immunoblot and B. microti DNA by polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Although five donors were initially reactive for B. microti IgG by IFA, none was confirmed for B. microti IgG (zero estimate; 95% confidence interval, 0%–0.05%) and all were negative for B. microti DNA. None of the patient samples had B. microti IgG, IgM, or DNA.

CONCLUSIONS

This study does not provide evidence for widespread exposure to B. microti in Australian blood donors at local theoretical risk, nor does it provide evidence of B. microti infection in Australian patients with clinically suspected babesiosis. Given that confirmed evidence of previous exposure to B. microti was not seen, these data suggest that transmission of this pathogen is currently uncommon in Australia and unlikely to pose a risk to transfusion safety at present.
Biologic roles of the ABH and Lewis histo‐blood group antigens Part I: infection and immunity
Authors: Stowell Christopher P. , Stowell Sean R.
Published: May 2019

The ABH and Lewis antigens were among the first of the human red blood cell polymorphisms to be identified and, in the case of the former, play a dominant role in transfusion and transplantation. But these two therapies are largely twentieth century innovations, and the ABH and related carbohydrate antigens are not only expressed on a very wide range of human tissues, but were present in primates long before modern humans evolved. Although we have learned a great deal about the biochemistry and genetics of these structures, the biological roles that they play in human health and disease are incompletely understood. This review and its companion, to appear in a later issue of Vox Sanguinis, will focus on a few of the biologic and pathologic processes which appear to be affected by histo‐blood group phenotype. The first of the two reviews will explore the interactions of two bacteria with the ABH and Lewis glycoconjugates of their human host cells, and describe the possible connections between the immune response of the human host to infection and the development of the AB‐isoagglutinins. The second review will describe the relationship between ABO phenotype and thromboembolic disease, cardio‐vascular disease states, and general metabolism.
Nonsymmetric Nonlinear Dynamics of Piezoelectrically Actuated Beams
Authors: Ghayesh Mergen H. , Farokhi Hamed
Published: May 2019

The nonlinear behavior of a piezoelectrically actuated clamped–clamped beam has been examined numerically while highlighting the nonsymmetric response of the system. The nonlinearly coupled electromechanical model of the piezoelectric beam system is developed employing the Bernoulli–Euler theory along with the piezoelectric stress–voltage equations. A general nonsymmetric configuration is considered with a piezoelectric patch partially covering the beam. The geometric nonlinearities of stretching type are taken into account for both the piezoelectric patch and the beam. Through use of the generalized Hamilton's principle, the nonlinearly coupled electromechanical equations of transverse and longitudinal motions of the piezoelectrically actuated beam are derived. A high-dimensional Galerkin scheme is utilized to recast the equations of partial differential type into ordinary differential type. For comparison and benchmark purposes, a three-dimensional finite element model is developed using abaqus/cae to verify the model developed in this study. It is shown that the response of the system is strongly nonsymmetric and that it is essential to retain many degrees-of-freedom to ensure converged results.
A Polytropic Approximation of Compressible Flow in Pipes With Friction
Authors: Kirkland William M.
Published: May 2019

This paper demonstrates the usefulness of treating subsonic Fanno flow (adiabatic flow, with friction, of a perfect gas in a constant-area pipe) as a polytropic process. It is shown that the polytropic model allows an explicit equation for mass flow rate to be developed. The concept of the energy transfer ratio is used to develop a close approximation to the polytropic index. Explicit equations for mass flow rate and net expansion factor in terms of upstream properties and pressure ratio are developed for Fanno and isothermal flows. An approximation for choked flow is also presented. The deviation of the results of this polytropic approximation from the values obtained from a traditional gas dynamics analysis of subsonic Fanno flow is quantified and discussed, and a typical design engineering problem is analyzed using the new method.
Developing a large scale population screening tool for the assessment of Parkinson's disease using telephone-quality voice
Authors: Arora Siddharth , Baghai-Ravary Ladan , Tsanas Athanasios
Published: May 2019

Recent studies have demonstrated that analysis of laboratory-quality voice recordings can be used to accurately differentiate people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD) from healthy controls (HCs). These findings could help facilitate the development of remote screening and monitoring tools for PD. In this study, 2759 telephone-quality voice recordings from 1483 PD and 15 321 recordings from 8300 HC participants were analyzed. To account for variations in phonetic backgrounds, data were acquired from seven countries. A statistical framework for analyzing voice was developed, whereby 307 dysphonia measures that quantify different properties of voice impairment, such as breathiness, roughness, monopitch, hoarse voice quality, and exaggerated vocal tremor, were computed. Feature selection algorithms were used to identify robust parsimonious feature subsets, which were used in combination with a random forests (RFs) classifier to accurately distinguish PD from HC. The best tenfold cross-validation performance was obtained using Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization and RF, leading to mean sensitivity of 64.90% (standard deviation, SD, 2.90%) and mean specificity of 67.96% (SD 2.90%). This large scale study is a step forward toward assessing the development of a reliable, cost-effective, and practical clinical decision support tool for screening the population at large for PD using telephone-quality voice.
Engineered phages stymie drug-resistant infection
Authors: Fox Alex
Published: May 2019

Virus therapy appears to rescue lung transplant patient.
The eclipse that made Einstein famous
Einstein's War
Matthew Stanley
Dutton, 2019. 400 pp.
No Shadow of a Doubt
Daniel Kennefick
Princeton University Press, 2019. 413 pp.
Authors: Robinson Andrew
Published: May 2019

Two tomes revisit the 1919 solar eclipse that confirmed a key prediction of relativity theory
Synthetic transcriptional synergy
Authors: Ng Andrew H. , El-Samad Hana
Published: May 2019

Synthetic transcription factors can mimic their naturally cooperative counterparts
Adult-born neurons in brain circuitry
Authors: Llorens-Martín María
Published: May 2019

Immature and mature neurons connect in the hippocampus
Using Mycobacterium tuberculosis Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms To Predict Fluoroquinolone Treatment Response
Authors: Seifert Marva , Capparelli Edmund , Catanzaro Donald G. , Rodwell Timothy C.
Published: May 2019

Clinical phenotypic fluoroquinolone susceptibility testing of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is currently based on
M. tuberculosis
growth at a single critical concentration, which provides limited information for a nuanced clinical response. We propose using specific resistance-conferring
M. tuberculosis
mutations in
gyrA
together with population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling as a novel tool to better inform fluoroquinolone treatment decisions.
Phylogenomic Investigation of IncI1-Iγ Plasmids Harboring
bla
CMY-2
and
bla
SHV-12
in Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli in Multiple Countries
Authors: Castellanos Luis Ricardo , van der Graaf-van Bloois Linda , Donado-Godoy Pilar , Mevius Dik J. , Wagenaar Jaap A. , Hordijk Joost , Zomer Aldert L.
Published: May 2019

The objective of this study was to elucidate the genetic and evolutionary relatedness of
bla
CMY-2
- and
bla
SHV-12
-carrying IncI1-Iγ plasmids. Phylogenomic analysis based on core genome alignments and gene presence/absence was performed for different IncI1-Iγ sequence types (STs).
The Ser/Thr Kinase PrkC Participates in Cell Wall Homeostasis and Antimicrobial Resistance in Clostridium difficile
Authors: Cuenot Elodie , Garcia-Garcia Transito , Douche Thibaut , Gorgette Olivier , Courtin Pascal , Denis-Quanquin Sandrine , Hoys Sandra , Tremblay Yannick D. N. , Matondo Mariette , Chapot-Chartier Marie-Pierre , Janoir Claire , Dupuy Bruno , Candela Thomas , Martin-Verstraete Isabelle
Published: May 2019

Clostridium difficile
is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in adults. During infection,
C. difficile
must detect the host environment and induce an appropriate survival strategy. Signal transduction networks involving serine/threonine kinases (STKs) play key roles in adaptation, as they regulate numerous physiological processes. PrkC of
C. difficile
is an STK with two PASTA domains. We showed that PrkC is membrane associated and is found at the septum.
How to improve antibiotic awareness campaigns: findings of a WHO global survey
Authors: Huttner Benedikt , Saam Mirko , Moja Lorenzo , Mah Karen , Sprenger Marc , Harbarth Stephan , Magrini Nicola
Published: May 2019

Introduction

We aimed to examine the characteristics of antibiotic awareness campaigns (AAC) conducted on a national or regional level since 2010.

Methods

In October 2016, the WHO invited stakeholders involved in the planning or conduct of AACs to answer a web questionnaire. We solicited general information about the characteristics of the AAC, with a particular focus on key messages supporting optimal use of antibiotics.

Results

Stakeholders in 93 countries were contacted and 55 countries responded. Overall, 60 AACs from 16 low/middle-income countries (LMIC) and 31 high-income countries were identified. Forty-five campaigns (75%) were conducted on a national level and most of them (47/60; 78%) were organised by public health authorities and publicly funded. There were no major differences between LMICs and high-income countries in the types of key messages. The scientifically questionable ‘Finish your prescription’ slogan was used by 31 AACs (52%). A One Health approach was mentioned in 13/60 AACs (22%). Most messages were universally applicable; adaptation to locally prevalent public misconceptions was not systematic. The evaluation of the impact of campaigns was still incomplete, as only 18 AACs (30%) assessed their impact on antibiotic use.

Conclusion

For future AACs, it seems essential to base messages more rigorously on scientific evidence, context specificities and behavioural change theory. A new generation of messages that encourage first-choice use of narrow spectrum antibiotics is needed, reflecting international efforts to preserve broad spectrum antibiotic classes. Evaluation of the impact of AACs remains suboptimal.
Using an extended theory of planned behaviour to predict smoking cessation counsellors’ intentions to offer smoking cessation support in the Taiwanese military: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chiu Yu-Lung , Chou Yu-Ching , Chang Yaw-Wen , Chu Chi-Ming , Lin Fu-Gong , Lai Ching-Huang , Hwang Shu-Ling , Fang Wen-Hui , Kao Senyeong
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To use the extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to predict smoking cessation counsellors’ intentions to offer smoking cessation support.

Design

Cross-sectional study

Setting

Taiwanese military

Participants

A survey of 432 smoking cessation counsellors was conducted in 2017.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

All participants completed a self-administered questionnaire that solicited information concerning demographics, smoking behaviour, self-rated suitability for being a counsellor, the knowledge and skills learnt from training courses and the TPB construct.

Results

The factors of perceived behavioural control (β=0.590, p<0.001), self-rated suitability for being a counsellor (acceptable vs not suitable, β=0.436, p=0.001; suitable vs not suitable, β=0.510, p<0.001), knowledge (β=0.298, p=0.020) and professional specialty (military doctor vs non-military doctor, β=0.198, p=0.034) were found to be correlated with intention. However, attitude, subjective norms and descriptive norms were determined to be non-significant correlates. The model explained 59.7% of the variance for the intention to offer smoking cessation support (F[12,343]=44.864, p<0.001).

Conclusions

To encourage smoking cessation counsellors to offer cessation support to smokers, policies should aim to increase their perceived behavioural control, knowledge and self-rated suitability for being a counsellor.
Reducing complexity of patient decision aids for community-based older adults with dementia and their caregivers: multiple case study of Decision Boxes
Authors: Bilodeau Gabriel , Witteman Holly , Légaré France , Lafontaine-Bruneau Juliette , Voyer Philippe , Kröger Edeltraut , Tremblay Marie-Claude , Giguere Anik M C
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To identify patient decision aids’ features to limit their complexity for older adults with dementia and their family caregivers.

Design

Mixed method, multiple case study within a user-centred design (UCD) approach.

Setting

Community-based healthcare in the province of Quebec in Canada.

Participants

23 older persons (aged 65+ years) with dementia and their 27 family caregivers.

Results

During three UCD evaluation-modification rounds, participants identified strengths and weaknesses of the patient decision aids’ content and visual design that influenced their complexity. Weaknesses of content included a lack of understanding of the decision aids’ purpose and target audience, missing information, irrelevant content and issues with terminology and sentence structure. Weaknesses of visual design included critics about the decision aids’ general layout (density, length, navigation) and their lack of pictures. In response, the design team implemented a series of practical features and design strategies, comprising: a clear expression of the patient decision aids' purpose through simple text, picture and personal stories; systematic and frequent use of pictograms illustrating key points and helping structure patient decision aids' general layout; a glossary; removal of scientific references from the main document; personal stories to clarify more difficult concepts; a contact section to facilitate implementation of the selected option; GRADE ratings to convey the quality of the evidence; a values clarification exercise formatted as a checklist and presented at the beginning of the document to streamline navigation; involvement of a panel of patient/caregiver partners to guide expression of patient priorities; editing of the text to a sixth grade reading level; UCD process to optimise comprehensiveness and relevance of content and training of patients/caregivers in shared decision-making.

Conclusions

The revised template for patient decision aids is designed to meet the needs of adults living with dementia and their caregivers better, which may translate into fewer evaluation-modification rounds.
Dormancy, germination, and sensitivity to salinity stress in five species of Potentilla (Rosaceae)
Authors: Kołodziejek Jeremi , Patykowski Jacek , Wala Mateusz
Published: May 2019

Laboratory and greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the effect of environmental factors on the germination and emergence of five species of Potentilla L. All of the species we studied differed in their germination requirements, and these could be related to their habitat/ecology. For all species, completion of germination was the highest at 25/15 °C with a 14 h photoperiod. Seeds of Potentilla argentea L. and P. inclinata Vill. completed germination immediately after ripening while seeds of P. aurea Borkh., P. incana P.Gaertn., B.Mey. & Scherb., and P. reptans L. needed a 16-week period of cold stratification to break dormancy. GA3 treatment did not substitute for cold stratification. The seeds of all species did not complete germination in darkness and showed maximal emergence on the soil surface, which suggests the formation of a persistent seed bank. Completion of germination was inhibited by decreasing osmotic potential and increasing salt concentration. The seeds of all species we studied can complete germination in both acidic and alkaline soils. These results suggest that under field conditions, if moisture and (or) salinity are not limiting factors and a seed is located on the soil surface, completion of germination of nondormant species (P. argentea and P. inclinata) is possible any month of the growing season.
One-pot synthesis of 3,5-diaryl substituted-1,2,4-oxadiazoles using gem-dibromomethylarenes
Authors: Vinaya Kambappa , Chandrashekara Ganganahalli K. , Shivaramu Prasanna D.
Published: May 2019

1,2,4-Oxadiazole is one of the most promising heterocyclic ring systems in medicinal chemistry. In the present paper, we report the method for an efficient one-pot synthesis of 3,5-diaryl substituted 1,2,4-oxadiazoles using a two-component reaction of gem-dibromomethylarenes with amidoximes in good yields. In this method, gem-dibromomethylarenes are used as benzoic acid equivalents for the efficient synthesis of aryl-substituted 1,2,4-oxadiazoles. It is anticipated that this methodology will have versatile applications in the practical syntheses of various molecules of both medicinal and material chemistry importance.
Sorafenib-loaded PAMAM dendrimer attenuates liver fibrosis and its complications in bile-duct-ligated rats
Authors: Shafie Fatemeh , Nabavizadeh Fatemeh , Shafie Ardestani Mehdi , Panahi Mahshid , Adeli Soheila , Samandari Hedayat , Ashabi Ghorbangol
Published: May 2019

We assessed the effect of sorafenib-loaded polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer on liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). Male Wistar rats were divided into 9 groups: intact, sham, DMSO + BDL, BDL, sorafenib (30 mg/kg), sorafenib (60 mg/kg), PAMAM + BDL, sorafenib (30 mg/kg) + PAMAM + BDL, sorafenib (60 mg/kg) + PAMAM + BDL. BDL was induced and then rats were treated daily with sorafenib and (or) PAMAM for 4 weeks. Improvement of liver was detected via assessment of ascites formation, collagen deposition, liver blood flow, vascular endothelial growth factor level, and blood cells count. Sorafenib-loaded PAMAM dendrimer in both 30 and 60 mg/kg doses reduced ascites formation, reduced collagen deposition, and improved drug-induced hematological side effects of sorafenib alone in comparison with sorafenib-alone treatment. Sorafenib-loaded PAMAM dendrimer increased liver blood flow compared with sorafenib-received groups. Sorafenib-loaded PAMAM dendrimer reduced BDL-induced liver injury compared with sorafenib-received groups. Moreover, sorafenib-loaded PAMAM dendrimer decreased vascular endothelial growth factor level in serum and liver tissue in comparison with sorafenib-received groups. Sorafenib-loaded PAMAM dendrimer profoundly improved the therapeutic effects of sorafenib in BDL rats.
Development and characterization of species-diagnostic ISSR and SCAR DNA markers for differentiating red maple (Acer rubrum) and silver maple (A. saccharinum)
Authors: Boyd Meagan , Panoyan Mary Anne , Michael Paul , Nkongolo Kabwe K.
Published: May 2019

Red maple (Acer rubrum) and silver maple (A. saccharinum) are sister species that readily hybridize in nature. No genetic or barcoding markers have been tested in these species. The main objective of the present study is to develop and characterize molecular markers for distinguishing A. rubrum and A. saccharinum and to validate the hybridity of A. freemanii derived from their crossings using the ISSR marker system. Thirteen A. rubrum and seven A. saccharinum populations were used. Four ISSR primers including ISSR 5, ISSR 8, ISSR 10, and ISSR UBC 825 were selected to amplify genomic DNA from the two species and their hybrids. Each primer generated at least one species-diagnostic ISSR marker for a total of six. Analysis of A. freemanii collected from North Dakota (USA) confirmed that the genotypes screened were true hybrids between A. rubrum and A. saccharinum. These markers were cloned and sequenced. Successful sequences were converted to SCAR markers using specifically designed primers. Overall, the developed diagnostic and specific ISSR and SCAR markers are useful in the certification of these two maple species and their hybrids. They can be used in tracking the introgression of A. rubrum and A. saccharinum DNA in other hybrid trees or populations.
Successful observation of orangutans in the wild with thermal-equipped drones
Authors: Burke Claire , Rashman Maisie F. , Longmore Steven N. , McAree Owen , Glover-Kapfer Paul , Ancrenaz Marc , Wich Serge A.
Published: May 2019

We investigated the efficacy of a drone equipped with a thermal camera as a potential survey tool to detect wild Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) and other tropical primates. Using the thermal camera we successfully detected 41 orangutans and a troop of proboscis monkeys, all of which were confirmed by ground observers. We discuss the potential advantages and limitations of thermal-equipped drones as a tool to complement other methods, and the potential of this technology for use as a future survey tool.
Energy transfer from spacetime into matter and a bouncing inflation from covariant canonical gauge theory of gravity
Authors: Benisty D. , Vasak D. , Guendelman E. I. , Struckmeier J.
Published: May 2019

Cosmological solutions for covariant canonical gauge theories of gravity are presented. The underlying covariant canonical transformation framework invokes a dynamical spacetime Hamiltonian consisting of the Einstein–Hilbert term plus a quadratic Riemann tensor invariant with a fundamental dimensionless coupling constant [Formula: see text]. A typical time scale related to this constant, [Formula: see text], is characteristic for the type of cosmological solutions: for [Formula: see text], the quadratic term is dominant, the energy–momentum tensor of matter is not covariantly conserved, and we observe modified dynamics of matter and spacetime. On the other hand, for [Formula: see text], the Einstein term dominates and the solution converges to classical cosmology. This is analyzed for different types of matter and dark energy with a constant equation of state. While for a radiation-dominated universe solution, the cosmology does not change, we find for a dark energy universe the well-known de-Sitter space. However, we also identify a special bouncing solution (for [Formula: see text]) which for large times approaches the de-Sitter space again. For a dust-dominated universe (with no pressure), deviations are seen only in the early epoch. In late epoch, the solution asymptotically behaves as the standard dust solution.
Development of environment-friendly CF/BF hybrid composites according to the arrangement angle and volume fraction of basalt fiber
Authors: Choi Ji-Su , Park Soo-Jeong , Chen Zixuan , Kim Yun-Hae
Published: May 2019

Basalt fiber (BF) is an environmentally friendly material which can reduce environmental problem. In this study, CF/BF composite materials that can reduce the volume of carbon fiber (CF) by hybridizing BF and CF were studied. BF was specially laminated on the surface of CF so that the CF does not come into contact with the external environment. Basalt fibers were designed based on the arrangement angles and volume fraction. Evaluation by tensile, bending and intermittent shear tests, showed that the volume fraction of BF was more influential than the arrangement angles. When the volume fraction of BF was approximately 27%, high mechanical properties were obtained at all arrangement angles used in this experiment.
Effect of deposition temperature and F2 flow rate on the characteristics of F-doped ZnO films
Authors: Du Youn , Chen Chih-Cheng , Wang Fang-Hsing , Lin Chun-Chi , Yang Cheng-Fu
Published: May 2019

In this study, we would investigate the fluorine (F)-doped ZnO films (FZO) using radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering method at room temperature (RT) and [Formula: see text]. At first, ZnO powder was used to form the ZnO ceramic target. The F2 flow rate [Formula: see text] was changed in the range of 0–0.25%, and the F2 ratio was controlled using the mixing gases of (F2(5%) + 95% Ar) and pure Ar. FZO films were deposited on the EagleXG glass (Corning) and the films’ thickness was about 330 nm by controlling the deposition time. After the FZO films were deposited, their crystalline structure and optical and electrical characteristics were well investigated as a function of deposition temperature and F2 flow rate. We would prove that the characteristics of the [Formula: see text]-deposited FZO films were better than those of the RT-deposited FZO films.
Mean first passage time on a family of weighted directed hierarchical scale-free networks
Authors: Gao Yu , Wu Zikai
Published: May 2019

Random walks on binary scale-free networks have been widely studied. However, many networks in real life are weighted and directed, the dynamic processes of which are less understood. In this paper, we firstly present a family of directed weighted hierarchical scale-free networks, which is obtained by introducing a weight parameter [Formula: see text] into the binary (1, 3)-flowers. Besides, each pair of nodes is linked by two edges with opposite direction. Secondly, we deduce the mean first passage time (MFPT) with a given target as a measure of trapping efficiency. The exact expression of the MFPT shows that both its prefactor and its leading behavior are dependent on the weight parameter [Formula: see text]. In more detail, the MFPT can grow sublinearly, linearly and superlinearly with varied [Formula: see text]. Last but not least, we introduce a delay parameter p to modify the transition probability governing random walk. Under this new scenario, we also derive the exact solution of the MFPT with the given target, the result of which illustrates that the delay parameter p can only change the coefficient of the MFPT and leave the leading behavior of MFPT unchanged. Both the analytical solutions of MFPT in two distinct scenarios mentioned above agree well with the corresponding numerical solutions. The analytical results imply that we can get desired transport efficiency by tuning weight parameter [Formula: see text] and delay parameter p. This work may help to advance the understanding of random walks in general directed weighted scale-free networks.
An algorithm for computing the Arf closure of an algebroid curve with more than one branch
Authors: Maugeri N. , Zito G.
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we give a fast algorithm for the computation of the Arf closure of an algebroid curve with more than one branch, generalizing an algorithm presented by Arslan and Sahin for the algebroid branch case.
PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITY AND WETTABILITY OF RGO/TiO2 NANOCOMPOSITES PREPARED BY ELECTROPHORETIC CO-DEPOSITION
Authors: NOORMOHAMMADI E. , SANJABI S.
Published: May 2019

Reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/TiO2 nanocomposite coating was synthesized using electrophoretic co-deposition (EPD) of graphene oxide and TiO2 colloidal suspension. Direct assembly by EPD facilitated the transformation from GO to RGO and resulted in RGO/TiO2 films on Cu substrate. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The obtained results proved the presence of titania nanoparticles and RGO planes in the nanocomposite coatings and the reduction of GO during EPD process. Methylene blue photodegradation experiments showed that the degradation efficiency and the reduction rate of the contact angle increased in nanocomposite coatings by 12% and 15%, respectively. There is a direct correlation between the amount of RGO in the coating and the improvement of the photocatalytic activity and wettability.