bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WORKER´S REPRESENTATIVES IN COMPANIES AND THE BRAZILIAN CONSTITUTION OF 1988
Authors: Gunther Luiz Eduardo , Villatore Marco Antônio César , Cochran III Augustus Bonner
Published: November 2020

Objective: The objective of the research is to analyze whether the representation of workers in companies can validate collective bargaining in the same way as unions? What is the role of this commission in Brazil?Methodology: the methodology used is deductive, as for the means, the research was bibliographic, using doctrine, legislation, ILO Convention. As for the purposes, the research was qualitative.Results: The article analyzes the need for a constructive and democratic interpretation to enable the representation of workers effectively in our country.Contributions: The workers' representation institute received ILO treatment through Convention No. 135 and Recommendation No. 143, both from 1971. The 1988 Constitution dealt with the subject in art.11, but the practical implementation of this body did not occur. Only with the 2017 labor reform was the issue regulated, allowing its implementation in Brazilian companies. Thus, the contribution is towards presenting a solution to the phenomenon of worker representation, via constructive and democratic interpretation.
Plasma calprotectin as a biomarker of mortality at antiretroviral treatment initiation in advanced HIV – pilot study
Authors: Kamau Faith W. , Gwela Agnes , Nyerere Andrew K. , Riitho Victor , Njunge James M. , Ngari Moses M. , Prendergast Andrew J. , Berkley James A.
Published: November 2020

Background: In advanced HIV, significant mortality occurs soon after starting antiretroviral treatment (ART) in low- and middle-incomes countries. Calprotectin is a biomarker of innate response to infection and inflammatory conditions. We examined the association between plasma calprotectin collected before ART treatment and mortality among individuals with advanced HIV.   Methods: We conducted a pilot case-cohort study among HIV infected adults and adolescents over 13 years old with CD4+ <100/mm3 at ART initiation at two Kenyan sites. Participants received three factorial randomised interventions in addition to ART within the REALITY trial (ISRCTN43622374). Calprotectin collected at baseline (before ART) and after 4 weeks of treatment was measured in archived plasma of those who died within 24 weeks (cases) and randomly selected participants who survived (non-cases). Association with mortality was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models with inverse sampling probability weights and adjusted for age, sex, site, BMI, viral load, randomised treatments, and clustered by CD4+ count (0-24, 25-49, and 50-99 cells/mm3).   Results: Baseline median (IQR) plasma calprotectin was 6.82 (2.65–12.5) µg/ml in cases (n=39) and 5.01 (1.92–11.5) µg/ml in non-cases (n=58). Baseline calprotectin was associated with age, neutrophil count and the presence of cough, but not other measured indicators of infection. In adjusted multivariable models, baseline calprotectin was associated with subsequent mortality: HR 1.64 (95% CI 1.11 - 2.42) and HR 2.77 (95% CI 1.58 - 4.88) for deaths during the first twenty-four and four weeks respectively. Calprotectin levels fell between baseline and 4 weeks among both cases and non-cases irrespective of randomised interventions.   Conclusions: Among individuals with advanced HIV starting ART in Kenya, plasma calprotectin may have potential as a biomarker of early mortality. Validation in larger studies, comparison with other biomarkers and investigation of the sources of infection and inflammation are warranted.
Strategic Innovation and Competitive Advantage of Manufacturing SMEs: The Mediating Role of Human Capital
Authors: AlQershi Nagwan Abdulwahab , Diah Mohd Lizam Bin Mohd , Latiffi Aryani Binti Ahmed , Ahmad Wan Nurul Karimah Wan
Published: November 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effect of human capital on the relation between the strategic innovation and competitive advantage of SMEs in Yemen.Methodology/Approach: The PLS-SEM analysis is performed to test the hypotheses by using data collected from 238 SMEs in Yemen. The results support the hypotheses.Findings: The results of the PLS-SEM analysis are as follows: strategic innovation had a significant effects on SMEs’ competitive advantage; also human capital had a significant effects on SMEs’ competitive advantage; human capital mediated the effect of strategic innovation on competitive advantage; and strategic innovation had a positive and significant effect on human capital.Research Limitation/Implication: The population of the study was limited to manufacturing SMEs, so the results cannot be generalized to other types of industry such as services, whose structure and vision differ from those of manufacturing companies.Originality/Value of paper: The paper is one of the first to highlight human capital as a mediator between strategic innovation and competitive advantage of manufacturing SMEs in Yemen and the Middle East, describing a single study applied in the context of a developing country.
Una nueva Virgen Dolorosa de Pedro Roldán
Authors: García León Gerardo , Romero Torres José Luis
Published: November 2020

Un reciente hallazgo documental ha permitido incrementar la rica producción escultórica del artista Pedro Roldán. La imagen de Nuestra Señora de la Fe, que se conserva en la iglesia de Santa Bárbara de Écija, fue tallada por este artista en torno al año 1670. En este artículo se dan a conocer las circunstancias históricas que rodearon la ejecución de esta obra artística, realizada para la cofradía ecijana de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, y se lleva a cabo un estudio estilístico de la escultura en relación con otras piezas coetáneas realizadas por Pedro Roldán.
Carlos Montaño, la escultura como interpretación y uso del espacio
Authors: Luque Teruel Andrés
Published: November 2020

El artículo analiza la escultura de Carlos Montaño, pintor y escultor sevillano alternativo actual, que ha desarrollado durante décadas un estilo personal, atento a ciertos estímulos internacionales y a la idea renovada de modernidad en las distintas épocas que le tocó vivir. Su independencia y la personalidad de sus planteamientos le proporcionan un gran interés en un contexto amplio y rico en expresiones, que adquieren mayor interés aún con el trasfondo conceptual que lo fundamenta y la obra inédita que damos a conocer. Descifrarlo es necesario para una correcta interpretación de los grupos y estatuas en los que representó desnudos masculinos o cabezas desgajadas, con las que siempre modificó un espacio acercándose al género de la instalación; o lo determinó implicando al espectador por medio de las actitudes, las miradas y los elementos complementarios que portan.
Matías Maestro, comerciante y expedicionario (1789-1792): los dibujos de la mina de Pucayaco (Perú)
Authors: Holguín Valdez Anthony
Published: November 2020

El presente estudio aborda la actividad comercial que ejerció el artista español Matías Maestro en Lima entre 1789 y 1792. La relación de Maestro con la Compañía Elizalde-Larreta le permitió concebir una correspondencia importante dentro del circuito mercantil de la ciudad, que le llevó a ser llamado para el proyecto de exploración de las minas de Pucayaco, en Pasco (Perú). Por lo tanto, en este artículo se abordará el estudio de los dos dibujos que realizó para el yacimiento minero y que actualmente se conservan en el Archivo General de Indias
La plaza de la Alfalfa de Sevilla en el siglo XIX: intervenciones urbanísticas y proyectos
Authors: Fernández González Alberto
Published: November 2020

La plaza de la Alfalfa se formó en el siglo XIX, aunque el espacio donde hoy se ubica desempeñó un relevante papel en la Sevilla romana. El artículo da a conocer las intervenciones urbanísticas realizadas a lo largo del ochocientos en el ámbito de la primitiva plazuela, que aparece reproducida en el plano de 1771 del asistente Olavide, y su entorno viario. Se analizan, por tanto, las alineaciones, los ensanches y los derribos proyectados por los arquitectos municipales con objeto de remodelar y configurar la plaza decimonónica. Para establecer su dilatada historia constructiva, se ha manejado documentación inédita conservada en el Archivo Histórico Municipal de Sevilla: informes técnicos, proyectos, levantamientos planimétricos, croquis y expedientes de obra pública.
Un escultor en la Málaga decimonónica: Antonio Marín Sánchez. Aportaciones a su vida y corpus artístico
Authors: Flores Matute Francisco Jesús
Published: November 2020

En este artículo se intenta dar a conocer la figura del desconocido escultor Antonio Marín Sánchez, que vivió y trabajó en Málaga en el siglo XIX. Tras un intenso estudio de campo y una investigación profunda, se han conseguido abordar ciertos aspectos vitales de dicho escultor de los que no se tenía constancia por parte de la historiografía artística, así como la construcción de un catálogo de piezas firmadas y atribuibles a su mano que lo convierten, de improviso y dentro de su campo, en uno de los autores más relevantes en el panorama escultórico de la ciudad, casi al mismo nivel que la familia Gutiérrez de León, al caso, la saga de escultores más conocida y estudiada de este período histórico en la ciudad.
La reconstrucción de posguerra de la iglesia de la Asunción de Aracena
Authors: Infante Limón Enrique
Published: November 2020

La iglesia parroquial de la Asunción de Aracena (Huelva) fue parcialmente destruida por un
incendio en agosto de 1936. Las intervenciones llevadas a cabo durante los años siguientes para su reconstrucción condicionaron el aspecto del templo. Este trabajo analiza dicha coyuntura con la intención de obtener información sobre sus primeras fases renacentistas
Arquitectura en el paisaje. Naturaleza en la arquitectura
Authors: Lozano Bartolozzi María del Mar
Published: November 2020

En el artículo se analizan algunas construcciones de arquitectura contemporánea realizadas en poblaciones de la provincia de Badajoz, que ofrecen la particularidad de integrar la naturaleza o entrar en diálogo con el paisaje natural circundante, además de ser muestra de proyectos originales e innovadores en distintos aspectos.
Juan de Espinal: apuntes biográficos inéditos y una aportación a su catálogo. Pp.: 597
Authors: Roda Peña José
Published: November 2020

Damos a conocer unas notas documentales inéditas de la biografía del pintor Juan de Espinal (1714-1783), fechadas en 1760, así como un lienzo de la Virgen del Rosario, que puede atribuírsele con seguridad, conservado en una colección particular sevillana.
Os mortos voltaram: Estratégias memorialísticas e literárias da morte no Jornalismo Narrativo
Authors: Borges Rogerio Pereira , De Castro e Silva Gustavo
Published: November 2020

Reflexão de como o Jornalismo Narrativo promove o retorno dos mortos ao centro do discurso, recuperando seus testemunhos ou fazendo com que voltem a falar por meio de textos com inspiração literária. Para tanto, analisamos alguns exemplos que mostram o emprego dessa alternativa, ao mesmo tempo em que produzimos uma comparação profícua com obras memorialísticas ligadas aos testemunhos sobre a Segunda Guerra Mundial, sobretudo os produzidos pelo escritor Primo Levi (1919-1987), em que os mortos também ganham protagonismo. Por fim, trazemos aos debates menções a obras literárias que fazem o mesmo, tudo para mostrar as possibilidades criativas que esta estratégia narrativa – espécie de “invocação dos mortos” – pode ter de interessante e enriquecedora para um discurso cuja proposta é informar sobre a realidade, como o Jornalismo Narrativo ou Literário.
Psychological symptoms, quality of life and adherence to immunosuppressive therapy in kidney transplant recipients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Dahiya Ujjwal , Prakesh Kamli , Mahajan Sandeep , Kumar Nand
Published: November 2020

Aim:

To assess psychological symptoms, quality of life and adherence to immunosuppressive therapy in kidney transplant recipients.

Design:

Cross-sectional study was conducted in kidney transplant recipients.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included a total of 96 consecutive patients at least 3 months after kidney transplantation from September 2019 to November 2019. Psychological symptoms (anxiety, stress and depression) were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument was used to assess quality of life in kidney transplant recipients. Adherence to immunosuppressive therapy was assessed by the Morisky Green Levine (MGL) adherence scale. The demographic and clinical details were assessed with a validated self-structured questionnaire.

Results:

The study included a young adult male population with a mean age of 38.82±10.53 years. The majority of patients reported at least some psychological abnormalities, with mild stress being the most common and presenting in 73% of patients. Importantly, 29% and 21% of patients reported anxiety and depression. Stress was significantly associated with gender, post-transplantation infection and hospitalisation. Anxiety was significantly associated with low family income and post-transplant complication of infection. Psychological symptoms significantly affected the various domains of quality of life of the patients. None of the surveyed patients had low adherence, while 56 (58.3%) had medium adherence to immunosuppressive therapy. Patients with medium adherence to immunosuppressive therapy had significantly lower scores in physical (p=0.01) and social relationship (p= 0.004) domains of quality of life.

Conclusion:

A significant number of young and stable kidney transplant recipients have presented with psychological symptoms (mainly depression) that affected their quality of life. The presence of psychological symptoms can not only hamper quality of life, but also affect their compliance to drugs.

Impact:

Psychological health is an important concern after kidney transplantation. Nurses should include assessment of psychological symptoms in their care that would further help in improving quality of life and adherence to drugs in kidney transplant recipients.
Predicting postoperative complications in patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion by using the modified five-item frailty index and nutritional status
Authors: Kang TaeWook , Park Si Young , Lee Joon Suk , Lee Soon Hyuck , Park Jong Hoon , Suh Seung Woo
Published: November 2020

Aims

As the population ages and the surgical complexity of lumbar spinal surgery increases, the preoperative stratification of risk becomes increasingly important. Understanding the risks is an important factor in decision-making and optimizing the preoperative condition of the patient. Our aim was to determine whether the modified five-item frailty index (mFI-5) and nutritional parameters could be used to predict postoperative complications in patients undergoing simple or complex lumbar spinal fusion.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 584 patients who had undergone lumbar spinal fusion for degenerative lumbar spinal disease. The 'simple' group (SG) consisted of patients who had undergone one- or two-level posterior lumbar fusion. The 'complex' group (CG) consisted of patients who had undergone fusion over three or more levels, or combined anterior and posterior surgery. On admission, the mFI-5 was calculated and nutritional parameters collected.

Results

Complications occurred in 9.3% (37/396) of patients in the SG, and 10.1% (19/167) of patients in the CG. In the SG, the important predictors of complications were age (odds ratio (OR) 1.036; p = 0.002); mFI-5 (OR 1.026 to 2.411, as score increased to 1 ≥ 2 respectively; p = 0.023); albumin (OR 11.348; p < 0.001); vitamin D (OR 2.185; p = 0.032); and total lymphocyte count (OR 1.433; p = 0.011) . In the CG, the predictors of complications were albumin (OR 9.532; p = 0.002) and vitamin D (OR 3.815; p = 0.022).

Conclusion

The mFI-5 and nutritional status were effective predictors of postoperative complications in the SG, but only nutritional status was successful in predicting postoperative complications in the CG. The complexity of the surgery, as well as the preoperative frailty and nutritional status of patients, should be considered when determining if it is safe to proceed with lumbar spinal fusion. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1717–1722.
Flora da Bahia: Leguminosae – Centrosema (Papilionoideae: Phaseoleae)
Authors: Barreto Kamilla Lopes , Fernandes Moabe Ferreira , De Queiroz Luciano Paganucci
Published: November 2020

The taxonomic treatment of Centrosema (Leguminosae) from the State of Bahia, Brazil, is presented. Fifteen species are recognized, which represents 50% of the Centrosema species recorded in Brazil. The treatment includes keys to identification, descriptions, illustrations, general notes and geographic distribution maps for the species in Bahia.
Clock conversion for burst-mode digital coherent QPSK receivers in a PON upstream transmission with a 100-ppm clock mismatch
Authors: Iiyama Noriko , Fujiwara Masamichi , Kanai Takuya , Suzuki Hiro , Kani Jun-ichi , Terada Jun
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a clock conversion scheme for burst-mode digital coherent QPSK receivers in an asynchronous PON upstream and confirms its validity. The scheme converts the number of samplings of transmitted signal based on the clock at Rx. We demonstrate the proposed scheme in a realistic environment that emulates a fixed clock difference by two independent synthesizers at Tx and Rx mixed together with clock jitter induced by 20-km fiber transmission. In the real-time demonstration, a digital coherent receiver employing the proposed clock conversion successfully receives 330-µs burst QPSK frames over 20-km transmission in the presence of a 100-ppm clock mismatch.
High-accuracy 3D surface measurement using hybrid multi-frequency composite-pattern temporal phase unwrapping
Authors: Wan Yingying , Cao Yiping , Kofman Jonathan
Published: November 2020

Multi-frequency temporal phase unwrapping (TPU) has been extensively used in phase-shifting profilometry (PSP) for the high-accuracy measurement of objects with surface discontinuities and isolated objects. However, a large number of fringe patterns are commonly required. To reduce the number of required patterns, a new hybrid multi-frequency composite-pattern TPU method was developed using fewer patterns than conventional TPU. The new method combines a unit-frequency ramp pattern with three low-frequency phase-shifted fringe patterns to form three composite patterns. These composite patterns are used together with three high-frequency phase-shifted fringe patterns to generate a high-accuracy phase map. The optimal high frequency to achieve high measurement accuracy and reliable phase unwrapping is determined by analyzing the effect of temporal intensity noise on phase error. Experimental results demonstrated that new grayscale hybrid and color hybrid multi-frequency composite-pattern TPU methods can achieve a high-accuracy measurement using only six and three images, respectively.
Transmission characteristics of 1.55 and 2.04 µm laser carriers in a simulated smoke channel based on an actively mode-locked fiber laser
Authors: Lin Peng , Wang Tianshu , Ma Wanzhuo , Yang Qiaochu , Liu Zheqi
Published: November 2020

We experimentally demonstrate a free-space data transmission system in an indoor simulated smoke chamber with a laser carrier of an erbium-doped actively mode-locked fiber laser and a holmium-doped actively mode-locked fiber laser. Two additional semiconductor lasers operating at 0.85 and 1.06 µm are used to calibrate the visibility of a smoke channel using the Ijaz model and compare smoke attenuation with 1.55 and 2.04 µm lasers. The eye patterns and bit error rates of 1.55 and 2.04 µm laser carriers with a data rate of 4.04 Gbps are investigated experimentally at 0.5, 0.05, and 0.005 km visibilities. The experimental results show that the smoke attenuation is wavelength dependent for V < 0.5 km. As the visibility decreases, the long wavelength laser is less affected by the attenuation and power fluctuation caused by Mie scattering. The measured optical signal-to-noise ratios of the 1.55 and 2.04 µm laser carriers for V = 0.005 km are 4.83 and 8.62 dB, respectively. The corresponding link sensitivities are −14.59 and −17.74 dBm, respectively, indicating that the 2.04 µm data transmission system is more reliable under an extremely dense smoke condition.
Continuous and long-term stabilization of degenerate optical parametric oscillators for large-scale optical hybrid computers
Authors: Ikuta Takuya , Inagaki Takahiro , Inaba Kensuke , Honjo Toshimori , Kazama Takushi , Enbutsu Koji , Kashiwazaki Takahiro , Kasahara Ryoichi , Umeki Takeshi , Takesue Hiroki
Published: November 2020

The minimum requirements for an optical reservoir computer, a recent paradigm for computation using simple algorithms, are nonlinearity and internal interactions. A promising optical system satisfying these requirements is a platform based on coupled degenerate optical parametric oscillators (DOPOs) in a fiber ring cavity. We can expect advantages using DOPOs for reservoir computing with respect to scalability and reduction of excess noise; however, the continuous stabilization required for reservoir computing has not yet been demonstrated. Here, we report the continuous and long-term stabilization of an optical system by introducing periodical phase modulation patterns for DOPOs and a local oscillator. We observed that the Allan variance of the optical phase up to 100 ms was suppressed and that the homodyne measurement signal had a relative standard deviation of 1.4% over 62,500 round trips. The proposed methods represent important technical bases for realizing stable computation on large-scale optical hybrid computers.
Flexible autofocusing properties of ring Pearcey beams by means of a cross phase
Authors: Xin Liu , Li Zhaoqing , Monfared Yashar E. , Liang Chunhao , Wang Fei , Hoenders Bernhard J. , Cai Yangjian , Ma Pujuan
Published: November 2020

In this Letter, we introduce a new class of angular dependent
autofocusing ring Pearcey beams by imposing a cross-phase structure.
Due to this structure, the beam exhibits a non-uniform abrupt
autofocusing behavior. Unlike the properties of the ring Pearcey beam
without a cross phase [Opt. Lett. 43, 3626
(2018)OPLEDP0146-959210.1364/OL.43.003626], we can flexibly
adjust the focal length of the beam and its focusing ability, as well
as the direction of the ring Pearcey beams, with the help of only the
cross-phase structure. Furthermore, the Poynting vectors are employed
to demonstrate convincingly the beam-focusing mechanism. Such beams
with these fascinating characteristics are anticipated to find
potential applications in optical tweezing, three-dimensional
printing, material processing, and so on.
161  W middle infrared ZnGeP2 MOPA system pumped by 300  W-class Ho:YAG MOPA system
Authors: Liu Gaoyou , Mi Shuyi , Yang Ke , Wei Disheng , Li Junhui , Yao Baoquan , Yang Chao , Dai Tongyu , Duan Xiaoming , Tian Lixin , Ju Youlun
Published: November 2020

We demonstrated a high-power

Q

-switched two-stage Ho:YAG master-oscillator power-amplifier (MOPA) system dual-end pumped by Tm:YLF lasers. A new method was introduced by rotating and swapping spatial axial directions of pump beams to improve the beam quality of the Ho:YAG oscillator and first-stage amplifier. Two parallel second-stage Ho:YAG amplifiers were employed to output high power. A total maximum average output power of 332 W at 2091 nm with pulse repetition frequency of 20 kHz was achieved. Then a

Z
n
G
e
P

2

MOPA system was demonstrated using the Ho:YAG MOPA as the pump source. A maximum average output power of 161 W at 3–5 µm was obtained with 290 W incident Ho pump power, corresponding to beam quality factors

M
2

of 3.42 and 3.83 for horizontal and vertical directions, respectively.
Compact sub-GHz bandwidth single-mode time-energy entangled photon source for high-speed quantum networks
Authors: Li Yin-Hai , Zhou Zhi-Yuan , Liu Shi-Long , Li Yan , Liu Shi-Kai , Yang Chen , Wang Shuang , Zhu Zhi-han , Gao Wei , Guo Guang-Can , Shi Bao-Sen
Published: November 2020

The potential data rate of a quantum network is limited by both the entangled photon source (EPS) and quantum memories. While an EPS whose bandwidth matches with broadband quantum memories (BBQMs) can take full advantage of the data rate limit. The EPS with GHz bandwidth is usually obtained by filtering a much broader EPS signal that is generated through spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC), but this method has obvious drawbacks, e.g., large space requirements, high losses, and relatively low spectral brightness. Here we present a simple and compact method to generate a single-longitudinal-mode sub-GHz-bandwidth time-energy EPS using a type-II SPDC in a submillimeter-length Fabry-Pérot cavity. The proposed photon source offers superior figures of merit: the maximum coincidence to accidental coincidence ratio is approximately 1800, the detected pair flux ranges up to 42500 pairs per second, and the source has a high Klyshko efficiency of 25%. This source offers a very potential way to boost the performance of broadband quantum memories and high-speed quantum networks.
Model-based decoupling of evoked and spontaneous neural activity in calcium imaging data
Authors: Triplett Marcus A. , Pujic Zac , Sun Biao , Avitan Lilach , Goodhill Geoffrey J.
Published: November 2020

The pattern of neural activity evoked by a stimulus can be substantially affected by ongoing spontaneous activity. Separating these two types of activity is particularly important for calcium imaging data given the slow temporal dynamics of calcium indicators. Here we present a statistical model that decouples stimulus-driven activity from low dimensional spontaneous activity in this case. The model identifies hidden factors giving rise to spontaneous activity while jointly estimating stimulus tuning properties that account for the confounding effects that these factors introduce. By applying our model to data from zebrafish optic tectum and mouse visual cortex, we obtain quantitative measurements of the extent that neurons in each case are driven by evoked activity, spontaneous activity, and their interaction. By not averaging away potentially important information encoded in spontaneous activity, this broadly applicable model brings new insight into population-level neural activity within single trials.
Systematic clustering algorithm for chromatin accessibility data and its application to hematopoietic cells
Authors: Tanaka Azusa , Ishitsuka Yasuhiro , Ohta Hiroki , Fujimoto Akihiro , Yasunaga Jun-ichirou , Matsuoka Masao
Published: November 2020

The huge amount of data acquired by high-throughput sequencing requires data reduction for effective analysis. Here we give a clustering algorithm for genome-wide open chromatin data using a new data reduction method. This method regards the genome as a string of 1s and 0s based on a set of peaks and calculates the Hamming distances between the strings. This algorithm with the systematically optimized set of peaks enables us to quantitatively evaluate differences between samples of hematopoietic cells and classify cell types, potentially leading to a better understanding of leukemia pathogenesis.
Modeling a synthetic aptamer-based riboswitch biosensor sensitive to low hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) concentrations
Authors: Mayo Michael L. , Eberly Jed O. , Crocker Fiona H. , Indest Karl J.
Published: November 2020

RNA aptamers are relatively short nucleic acid sequences that bind targets with high affinity, and when combined with a riboswitch that initiates translation of a fluorescent reporter protein, can be used as a biosensor for chemical detection in various types of media. These processes span target binding at the molecular scale to fluorescence detection at the macroscale, which involves a number of intermediate rate-limiting physical (e.g., molecular conformation change) and biochemical changes (e.g., reaction velocity), which together complicate assay design. Here we describe a mathematical model developed to aid environmental detection of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) using the DsRed fluorescent reporter protein, but is general enough to potentially predict fluorescence from a broad range of water-soluble chemicals given the values of just a few kinetic rate constants as input. If we expose a riboswitch test population of Escherichia coli bacteria to a chemical dissolved in media, then the model predicts an empirically distinct, power-law relationship between the exposure concentration and the elapsed time of exposure. This relationship can be used to deduce an exposure time that meets or exceeds the optical threshold of a fluorescence detection device and inform new biosensor designs.
Cardiomyocyte Oga haploinsufficiency increases O-GlcNAcylation but hastens ventricular dysfunction following myocardial infarction
Authors: Dassanayaka Sujith , Brittian Kenneth R. , Long Bethany W. , Higgins Lauren A. , Bradley James A. , Audam Timothy N. , Jurkovic Andrea , Gumpert Anna M. , Harrison Linda T. , Hartyánszky István , Perge Péter , Merkely Béla , Radovits Tamás , Hanover John A. , Jones Steven P.
Published: November 2020

Rationale

The beta-O-linkage of N-acetylglucosamine (i.e., O-GlcNAc) to proteins is a pro-adaptive response to cellular insults. To this end, increased protein O-GlcNAcylation improves short-term survival of cardiomyocytes subjected to acute injury. This observation has been repeated by multiple groups and in multiple models; however, whether increased protein O-GlcNAcylation plays a beneficial role in more chronic settings remains an open question.

Objective

Here, we queried whether increasing levels of cardiac protein O-GlcNAcylation would be beneficial during infarct-induced heart failure.

Methods and results

To achieve increased protein O-GlcNAcylation, we targeted Oga, the gene responsible for removing O-GlcNAc from proteins. Here, we generated mice with cardiomyocyte-restricted, tamoxifen-inducible haploinsufficient Oga gene. In the absence of infarction, we observed a slight reduction in ejection fraction in Oga deficient mice. Overall, Oga reduction had no major impact on ventricular function. In additional cohorts, mice of both sexes and both genotypes were subjected to infarct-induced heart failure and followed for up to four weeks, during which time cardiac function was assessed via echocardiography. Contrary to our prediction, the Oga deficient mice exhibited exacerbated—not improved—cardiac function at one week following infarction. When the observation was extended to 4 wk post-MI, this acute exacerbation was lost.

Conclusions

The present findings, coupled with our previous work, suggest that altering the ability of cardiomyocytes to either add or remove O-GlcNAc modifications to proteins exacerbates early infarct-induced heart failure. We speculate that more nuanced approaches to regulating O-GlcNAcylation are needed to understand its role—and, in particular, the possibility of cycling, in the pathophysiology of the failing heart.
COVID-19 challenges to dentistry in the new pandemic epicenter: Brazil
Authors: Moraes Rafael R. , Correa Marcos B. , Queiroz Ana B. , Daneris Ândrea , Lopes João P. , Pereira-Cenci Tatiana , D’Avila Otávio P. , Cenci Maximiliano S. , Lima Giana S. , Demarco Flávio F.
Published: November 2020

A nationwide survey of dentists was carried out in Brazil, a new pandemic epicenter, to analyze how dental care coverage has been affected in public versus private networks, changes in routine and burdens, and how local prevalence of COVID-19 affects dental professionals. Dentists were recruited via email and Instagram®. Responses to a pre-tested questionnaire were collected May 15–24, 2020. COVID-19 case/death counts in the state where respondents work was used to test associations between contextual status and decreases in weekly appointments, fear of contracting COVID-19 at work, and current work status (α = 0.05). Over 10 days, 3,122 responses were received (response rate ~2.1%) from all Brazilian states. Work status was affected for 94%, with less developed regions being more impacted. The pandemic impact on clinical routine was high/very high for 84%, leading to varied changes to clinic infrastructure, personal protective equipment use, and patient screening, as well as increased costs. COVID-19 patients had been seen by 5.3% of respondents; 90% reported fearing contracting COVID-19 at work. Multilevel models showed that greater case and death rates (counted as 1000 cases and 100 deaths per million inhabitants) in one’s state increased the odds of being fearful of contracting the disease (18% and 25%). For each additional 1000 cases/100 deaths, the odds of currently not working or treating only emergencies increased by 36% and 58%. The reduction in patients seen weekly was significantly greater in public (38.7±18.6) than in private clinics (22.5±17.8). This study provides early evidence of three major impacts of the pandemic on dentistry: increasing inequalities due to coverage differences between public and private networks; the adoption of new clinical routines, which are associated with an economic burden for dentists; and associations of regional COVID-19 incidence/mortality with fear of contracting the disease at work.
Post-load glucose subgroups and associated metabolic traits in individuals with type 2 diabetes: An IMI-DIRECT study
Authors: Obura Morgan , Beulens Joline W. J. , Slieker Roderick , Koopman Anitra D. M. , Hoekstra Trynke , Nijpels Giel , Elders Petra , Koivula Robert W. , Kurbasic Azra , Laakso Markku , Hansen Tue H. , Ridderstråle Martin , Hansen Torben , Pavo Imre , Forgie Ian , Jablonka Bernd , Ruetten Hartmut , Mari Andrea , McCarthy Mark I. , Walker Mark , Heggie Alison , McDonald Timothy J. , Perry Mandy H. , De Masi Federico , Brunak Søren , Mahajan Anubha , Giordano Giuseppe N. , Kokkola Tarja , Dermitzakis Emmanouil , Viñuela Ana , Pedersen Oluf , Schwenk Jochen M. , Adamski Jurek , Teare Harriet J. A. , Pearson Ewan R. , Franks Paul W. , ‘t Hart Leen M. , Rutters Femke ,   for the IMI-DIRECT Consortium
Published: November 2020

Aim

Subclasses of different glycaemic disturbances could explain the variation in characteristics of individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We aimed to examine the association between subgroups based on their glucose curves during a five-point mixed-meal tolerance test (MMT) and metabolic traits at baseline and glycaemic deterioration in individuals with T2D.

Methods

The study included 787 individuals with newly diagnosed T2D from the Diabetes Research on Patient Stratification (IMI-DIRECT) Study. Latent class trajectory analysis (LCTA) was used to identify distinct glucose curve subgroups during a five-point MMT. Using general linear models, these subgroups were associated with metabolic traits at baseline and after 18 months of follow up, adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

At baseline, we identified three glucose curve subgroups, labelled in order of increasing glucose peak levels as subgroup 1–3. Individuals in subgroup 2 and 3 were more likely to have higher levels of HbA1c, triglycerides and BMI at baseline, compared to those in subgroup 1. At 18 months (n = 651), the beta coefficients (95% CI) for change in HbA1c (mmol/mol) increased across subgroups with 0.37 (-0.18–1.92) for subgroup 2 and 1.88 (-0.08–3.85) for subgroup 3, relative to subgroup 1. The same trend was observed for change in levels of triglycerides and fasting glucose.

Conclusions

Different glycaemic profiles with different metabolic traits and different degrees of subsequent glycaemic deterioration can be identified using data from a frequently sampled mixed-meal tolerance test in individuals with T2D. Subgroups with the highest peaks had greater metabolic risk.
Avoidance behavior of juvenile common toads (Bufo bufo) in response to surface contamination by different pesticides
Authors: Leeb Christoph , Kolbenschlag Sara , Laubscher Aurelia , Adams Elena , Brühl Carsten A. , Theissinger Kathrin
Published: November 2020

Most agricultural soils are expected to be contaminated with agricultural chemicals. As the exposure to pesticides can have adverse effects on non-target organisms, avoiding contaminated areas would be advantageous on an individual level, but could lead to a chemical landscape fragmentation with disadvantages on the metapopulation level. We investigated the avoidance behavior of juvenile common toads(Bufo bufo) in response to seven pesticide formulations commonly used in German vineyards. We used test arenas filled with silica sand and oversprayed half of each with different pesticide formulations. We placed a toad in the middle of an arena, filmed its behavior over 24 hours, calculated the proportion of time a toad spent on the contaminated side and compared it to a random side choice. We found evidence for the avoidance of the folpet formulation Folpan® 500 SC, the metrafenone formulation Vivando® and the glyphosate formulation Taifun® forte at maximum recommended field rates for vine and a trend for avoidance of Wettable Sulphur Stulln (sulphur). No avoidance was observed when testing Folpan® 80 WDG (folpet), Funguran® progress (copper hydroxide), SpinTorTM(spinosad), or 10% of the maximum field rate of any formulation tested. In the choice-tests in which we observed an avoidance, toads also showed higher activity on the contaminated side of the arena. As video analysis with tracking software is not always feasible, we further tested the effect of reducing the sampling interval for manual data analyses. We showed that one data point every 15 or 60 minutes results in a risk of overlooking a weak avoidance behavior, but still allows to verify the absence/presence of an avoidance for six out of seven formulations. Our findings are important for an upcoming pesticide risk assessment for amphibians and could be a template for future standardized tests.
Changes in postural strategy of the lower limb under mechanical knee constraint on an unsteady stance surface
Authors: Tsai Yi-Ying , Chang Gwo-Ching , Hwang Ing-Shiou
Published: November 2020

Joint constraint could limit the available degrees of freedom in a kinematic chain for maintaining postural stability. This study investigated adaptive changes in postural synergy due to bracing of bilateral knee joints, usually thought to have a trifling impact on upright stance. Twenty-four young adults were requested to maintain balance on a stabilometer plate as steadily as possible while wearing a pair of knee orthoses, either unlocked (the non-constraint (NC) condition) or locked to restrict knee motion (the knee constraint (KC) condition). Knee constraint led to a significant increase in the regularity of the stabilometer angular velocity. More than 95% of the variance properties of the joint angular velocities in the lower limb were explained by the first and second principal components (PC1 and PC2), which represented the ankle strategy and the combined knee and hip strategy, respectively. In addition to the increase trend in PC1 regularity, knee constraint enhanced the mutual information of the stabilometer angular velocity and PC1 (MISTBV-PC1) but reduced the mutual information of the stabilometer angular velocity and PC2 (MISTBV-PC2). The MISTBV-PC1was also positively correlated to stance steadiness on the stabilometer in the KC condition. In summary, in the knee constraint condition, postural synergy on the stabilometer was reorganized to increase reliance on ankle strategies to maintain equilibrium. In particular, a stable stabilometer stance under knee constraint is associated with a high level of coherent ankle–stabilometer interaction.
De-novo malignancies after kidney transplantation: A long-term observational study
Authors: Fröhlich Felix A. , Halleck Fabian , Lehner Lukas , Schrezenmeier Eva V. , Naik Marcel , Schmidt Danilo , Khadzhynov Dmytro , Kast Katharina , Budde Klemens , Staeck Oliver
Published: November 2020

Background

De-novo malignancies after kidney transplantation represent one major cause for mortality after transplantation. However, most of the studies are limited due to small sample size, short follow-up or lack of information about cancer specific mortality.

Methods

This long-term retrospective analysis included all adult patients with complete follow-up that underwent kidney transplantation between 1995 and 2016 at our centre. All patients with diagnosis of malignancy excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) were identified and a matched control group was assigned to the kidney transplant recipients with post-transplant malignancies.

Results

1417 patients matched the inclusion criteria. 179 malignancies posttransplant were diagnosed in 154 patients (n = 21 with two, n = 2 patients with three different malignancies). Mean age at cancer diagnosis was 60.3±13.3 years. Overall incidence of de-novo malignancies except NMSC was 1% per year posttransplant. Renal cell carcinoma was the most common entity (n = 49, incidence 4.20 per 1000 patient years; cancer specific mortality 12%), followed by cancer of the gastro-intestinal tract (n = 30, 2.57; 50%), urinary system (n = 24, 2.06; 13%), respiratory system (n = 18, 1.54; 89%), female reproductive system (n = 15, 1.29; 13%), posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders and haematological tumours (n = 14, 1.20; 21%), cancers of unknown primary (n = 7, 0.60 100%) and others (n = 22, 1.89; 27%). Male sex, re-transplantation and time on dialysis were associated with de-novo malignancies after transplantation.

Conclusion

De-novo malignancies continue to be a serious problem after kidney transplantation. To improve long-term outcome after Kidney transplantation, prevention and cancer screening should be more tailored and intensified.
External validity of prevalence estimates from the national maternity surveys in England: The impact of response rate
Authors: Harrison Sian , Alderdice Fiona , Quigley Maria A.
Published: November 2020

Background

Prevalence estimates from surveys with low response rates are prone to non-response bias if respondents and non-respondents differ on the outcome of interest. This study assessed the external validity of prevalence estimates of selected maternity indicators from four national maternity surveys in England which had similar survey methodology but different response rates.

Methods

A secondary analysis was conducted using data from the national maternity surveys in 2006 (response rate = 63%), 2010 (response rate = 54%), 2014 (response rate = 47%) and 2018 (response rate = 29%). Unweighted and (for the 2014 and 2018 surveys) weighted survey prevalence estimates (with 95%CIs) of caesarean section, preterm birth, low birthweight and breastfeeding initiation were validated against population-based estimates from routine data.

Results

The external validity of the survey estimates varied across surveys and by indicator. For caesarean section, the 95%CIs for the unweighted survey estimates included the population-based estimates for all surveys. For preterm birth and low birthweight, the 95%CIs for the unweighted survey estimates did not include the population-based estimates for the 2006 and 2010 surveys (or the 2014 survey for preterm birth). For breastfeeding initiation, the 95%CIs for the unweighted survey estimates did not include the population-based estimates for any survey. For all indicators, the effect of weighting (on the 2014 and 2018 survey estimates) was mostly a shift towards the population-based estimates, yet the 95%CIs for the weighted survey estimates of breastfeeding initiation did not include the population-based estimates.

Conclusion

There were no clear differences in the external validity of prevalence estimates according to survey response rate suggesting that prevalence estimates may still be valid even when survey response rates are low. The survey estimates tended to become closer to the population-based estimates when weights were applied, yet the effect was insufficient for breastfeeding initiation estimates.
Age-specific epidemiology of human leptospirosis in New Caledonia, 2006-2016
Authors: Klement-Frutos Elise , Tarantola Arnaud , Gourinat Ann-Claire , Floury Ludovic , Goarant Cyrille
Published: November 2020

With over one million cases worldwide annually and a high fatality in symptomatic forms, human leptospirosis is a growing public health concern for the most vulnerable populations, especially in the context of global warming and unplanned urbanization. Although the Asia-Pacific region is particularly affected, accurate epidemiological data are often lacking. We conducted an eleven-year retrospective laboratory-based epidemiological survey of human leptospirosis in New Caledonia. From 2006 to 2016, 904 cases were laboratory-confirmed, including 29 fatalities, corresponding to an average annual incidence of 30.6/100,000 and a case fatality rate of 3.2%. Over the period, there was a major shift from indirect serological diagnosis by MAT to direct diagnosis by real-time PCR, a more specific and sensitive test when performed early in the course of the disease. The systematic implementation of genotyping informed on the variety of the infective strains involved, with a predominance of serogroups Icterohaemorrhagiae and Pyrogenes. The epidemiological pattern showed a marked seasonality with an annual peak in March-April. Interestingly, the seasonal peak in children of school age was significantly earlier and corresponded to school holidays, suggesting that attending school from February on could protect children from environment-borne leptospirosis.
Anlotinib for refractory advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Guocan , Shen Yanqin , Xu Xudong , Zhong Fangming
Published: November 2020

Objective

To assess the efficacy and toxicity of anlotinib for the treatment of refractory advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We systematically searched databases for randomized controlled trials on anlotinib treatment for patients with advanced NSCLC published until November 6, 2020. Articles were assessed and data were extracted independently by two investigators. Further, we analyzed hazard ratios (HRs) for progression-free and overall survival (PFS and OS, respectively). In addition, we analyzed risk ratio (RR) for overall response and disease control rates (ORR and DCR, respectively) and the odds ratio (OR) for the main adverse events (AEs) using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

This analysis included 594 patients from three clinical studies. The pooled HRs for PFS and OS were 0.27 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.22–0.33, P < 0.001) and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.56–0.83, P < 0.001), respectively, indicating that anlotinib administration significantly improved PFS and OS in patients with advanced NSCLC. The pooled RRs for ORR and DCR were 11.62 (95% CI: 2.75–49.14, P < 0.001) and 2.30 (95% CI: 1.91–2.77, P < 0.001), respectively, indicating that anlotinib administration in patients with advanced NSCLC improved ORR and DCR. The pooled OR for AEs of grade 3 or higher was 2.94 (95% CI: 1.99–4.35, P < 0.001), indicating that AEs of grade 3 or higher were more prevalent in the anlotinib group than in the placebo group.

Conclusion

Anlotinib, an effective choice of third- or later line therapy for patients with refractory advanced NSCLC, provides clinical benefits in terms of PFS, OS, ORR, and DCR. AEs associated with anlotinib were tolerable.
Hiányzó egyensúly a vállalati felelősségvállalás kommunikációjában. A munka és magánélet egyensúlyának meg (nem) jelenése a vállalati honlapokon
Authors: Géring Zsuzsanna
Published: November 2020

A vállalati társadalmi felelősségvállalás egy fontos területe a munkavállalókkal kapcsolatos felelősség. Ennek egy szelete a dolgozók munka-magánélet egyensúlyának elérését segítő feltételek és kezdeményezések kialakítása. Jelen elemzés azt vizsgálja, hogy mennyire érhető tetten a vállalati honlap-kommunikációban a munka-magánélet egyensúly témája a különböző felelősségvállalási területek között, és milyen vállalati tényezők mentén mutathatók ki eltérések ebben a hazai közép- és nagyvállalatok körében.