bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Offline Selective Extraction Combined with Online Enrichment for Sensitive Analysis of Chondroitin Sulfate by Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Gong Jie , Zhou Guanglian , Wu Yuanhong , Zhang Siying , Liu Xiumei
Published: August 2020

A capillary electrophoresis (CE) method combined with online and offline enrichment for improving the detection sensitivity of chondroitin sulfate (CS) is established. The online enrichment method is based on the field-amplified sample stacking and large volume electrokinetic injection, and offline enrichment is based on the association between cetyltrimethylammonium chloride and CS. Experimental parameters affecting CE method such as the type and pH of background electrolyte, the injection mode and time and the steps of offline enrichment were optimized. Under optimum conditions, the calibration plot between CS concentration and peak area was linear in the range of 1 ~ 100 μg/mL. The enrichment factor was 130 times and the limit of detection was 50 ng/mL. The average recovery was 103.5% and the relative standard deviation of peak area was <2.0%. The method was successfully applied to the quantitative analysis of CS in drugs.
Pharmacokinetic and safety study of co-administration of albendazole, diethylcarbamazine, Ivermectin and azithromycin for the integrated treatment of Neglected Tropical Diseases
Authors: John Lucy N , Bjerum Catherine , Martinez Pere Millat , Likia Rhoda , Silus Linda , Wali Chilaka , Elizah Arthur , Chhonker Yashpal S , Bala Veenu , King Christopher L , Murry Daryl J , Mitja Oriol , Marks Michael
Published: August 2020

Background

Pharmacokinetic data are a pre-requisite to integrated implementation of large-scale mass drug administration (MDA) for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). We investigated the safety and drug interactions of a combination of azithromycin (AZI) targeting yaws and trachoma, with the newly approved ivermectin, albendazole, diethylcarbamazine (IDA) regime for Lymphatic Filariasis.

Methodology

An open-label, randomized, 3-arm pharmacokinetic interaction study in adult volunteers was carried out in Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea. Healthy adult participants were recruited and randomized to (I) IDA alone, (II) IDA combined with AZI, (III) AZI alone. The primary outcome was lack of a clinically relevant drug interaction. The secondary outcome was the overall difference in the proportion of AEs between treatment arms.

Results

Thirty-seven participants, eighteen men and nineteen women, were randomized and completed the study. There were no significant drug-drug interactions between the study arms. The GMR of Cmax, AUC0–t, and AUC0–∞ for IVM, DEC, ALB-SOX, and AZI were within the range of 80–125% (GMR for AUC0–∞ for IVM, 87.9; DEC, 92.9; ALB-SOX, 100.0; and AZI, 100.1). There was no significant difference in the frequency of AEs across study arms (AZI and IDA alone arms 9/12 (75%), co-administration arm 12/13 (92%); p = 0.44). All AEs were grade 1 and self-limiting.

Conclusions

Co-administration of AZI with IDA did not show evidence of significant drug-interactions. There were no serious AEs in any of the study arms. Our data support further evaluation of the safety of integrated MDA for NTDs.

Clinical Trials Registration. NCT03664063
Seasonal variation in thermal tolerance of redside dace Clinostomus elongatus
Authors: Leclair Alexandra T A , Drake D Andrew R , Pratt Thomas C , Mandrak Nicholas E
Published: August 2020

Organisms living in environments with oscillating temperatures may rely on plastic traits to sustain thermal tolerance during high temperature periods. Phenotypic plasticity in critical thermal maximum (CTmax) is a powerful thermoregulative strategy that enables organisms to adjust CTmax when ambient temperatures do not match thermal preference. Given that global temperatures are increasing at an unprecedented rate, identifying factors that affect the plastic response in CTmax can help predict how organisms are likely to respond to changes in their thermal landscape. Using an experimental thermal chamber in the field, we investigated the effect of short-term acclimation on the CTmax and thermal safety margin (TSM) of wild-caught redside dace, Clinostomus elongatus, (n = 197) in a northern population in Two Tree River, Ontario. Streamside CTmax trials were used to identify the maximum temperature at which redside dace maintain equilibrium, providing a powerful tool for understanding how thermal stress affects individual performance. CTmax and TSM of redside dace were sensitive to changes in temperature, regardless of season, suggesting that temperature pulses caused by climate change or urban activities can impose negative fitness consequences year round. Interestingly, an individual’s recent thermal history was more influential to its thermal tolerance than the current ambient water temperature. While the CTmax of redside dace increased with body size, the effect of body size on TSM remains unclear based on our models. The results provide insight into the thermal performance of redside dace that, to date, has been difficult to assess due to the species’ rarity and lack of suitable streamside protocols.
Temporal trends and socioeconomic differences in the incidence of left-sided valvular heart disease in Denmark
Authors: von Kappelgaard Lene , Gislason Gunnar , Davidsen Michael , Zwisler Ann-Dorthe , Juel Knud
Published: August 2020

Aims

Due to an ageing population and increasing survival from concurrent diseases, the burden of left-sided degenerative valvular heart disease is expected to increase over time. This study aims at determining the temporal trends in incidence rates at the population level and examines whether there are socioeconomic differences.

Methods and results

A total of 133 209 patients were identified with a first-time diagnosis of aortic stenosis (AS), mitral regurgitation (MR), or aortic regurgitation (AR) in the Danish National Patient Registry in the 2000–17 period. Incidence rates (per 100 000 person-years) doubled over the period for AS (57 in 2000–02; 114 in 2015–17) and for AR (22 in 2000–02; 41 in 2015–17) and remained the same for MR (38 in both 2000–02 and 2015–17). Incidence rates increased rapidly with increasing age, most markedly for AS. Men had a higher risk of being affected [relative risk (RR) 1.69 for AS, 1.19 for MR, 1.35 for AR]. Compared to high-level education, patients with medium- and low-level education had a higher risk of being affected (RR 1.18 for AS medium level and 1.47 for AS low level; 1.03 for MR medium level and 1.14 for MR low level; 1.03 for AR medium level and 1.18 for AR low level).

Conclusions

For AS and AR, the incidence rates doubled, while the incidence rates remained at the same level for MR. The risk of being affected increased with advanced age and male gender. Patients with low-level education had a higher risk of being affected compared to patients with high-level education, especially among patients with AS.
Phenanthrene contamination and ploidy level affect the rhizosphere bacterial communities of Spartina spp.
Authors: Cavé-Radet Armand , Correa-Garcia Sara , Monard Cécile , El Amrani Abdelhak , Salmon Armel , Ainouche Malika , Yergeau Étienne
Published: August 2020

Spartina spp. are widely distributed salt marsh plants that have a recent history of hybridization and polyploidization. These events have resulted in a heightened tolerance to hydrocarbon contaminants, but the effects of this phenomenon on the rhizosphere microbial communities are unknown. Here, we grew two parental Spartina species, their hybrid and the resulting allopolyploid in salt marsh sediments that were contaminated or not with phenanthrene. The DNA from the rhizosphere soil was extracted and the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced, whereas the abundances of the genes encoding for the PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) ring-hydroxylating dioxygenase (RHD) of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were quantified by real-time PCR. Both the contamination and the plant genotype significantly affected the bacterial communities. In particular, the allopolyploid S. anglica harbored a more diverse bacterial community in its rhizosphere. The interspecific hybrid and the allopolyploid also harbored significantly more copies of the PAH-RHD gene of Gram-negative bacteria in their rhizosphere than the parental species, irrespective of the contamination treatments. Overall, our results are showing that the recent polyploidization events in the Spartina affected its rhizosphere bacterial communities, both under normal and contaminated conditions, possibly increasing its phytoremediation potential.
A MarR-family transcriptional factor MapR positively regulates actinorhodin production in Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Xu Zhong , Li Yuanyuan
Published: August 2020

Production of secondary metabolites is tightly regulated by transcriptional regulators in Streptomyces. Many regulators have been identified by gene disruption in Streptomyces; however, there are still unknown regulatory genes yet to be revealed due to gene silence under laboratory culture conditions. In present study, a T7 expression system was used to identify novel regulators by gene deletion and constitutive-expression of nine candidates. We reported that the constitutive-expression of a MarR family transcriptional regulator MapR (SCO2398) resulted in increase of actinorhodin (ACT) production. The expression profiling indicated that MapR regulates ACT production through a transcriptional cascade. Collectively, our study suggests that MapR serves as a novel positive regulator of ACT production.
Black goji berry (Lycium ruthenicum) tea has higher phytochemical contents and in vitro antioxidant properties than red goji berry (Lycium barbarum) tea
Authors: Liu Bei , Xu Qingqing , Sun Yujing
Published: August 2020

Goji berry tea, a traditional herbal tea, is the main ate mode of goji berry in Asia, yet few studies in comparison with red goji berry tea and black goji berry tea are carried out. This study investigated the effects of water temperature and soak time on the colour, phytochemicals, and the antioxidant capacity [2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), and the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)] of two goji berry tea. A comparison of the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities between black and red goji berry tea was conducted. Results showed that both red and black goji berry tea were rich in phytochemicals, giving high antioxidant ability. The levels of bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity of the two goji berry tea increased as the increases in soak temperature and time. Black goji berry tea had higher phytochemicals and antioxidant property than those of red goji berry tea. Infused at 100° water for the same time, the levels of total polysaccharides (150 mg/100 ml), total polyphenols (238 mg/ml), and antioxidant capacity (550 μmol/100 ml) of black goji berry tea were 3.5, 2, and 5 times higher, respectively, in comparison with red goji berry tea. The results of this study demonstrate that hot drink of goji berry in China is a good habit and black goji berry tea may be a better choice.
Nervous System Deletion of Mammalian INDY in Mice Mimics Dietary Restriction-Induced Memory Enhancement
Authors: Fan Shou-Zen , Sung Chih-Wei , Tsai Yi-Hsuan , Yeh Sheng-Rong , Lin Wei-Sheng , Wang Pei-Yu
Published: August 2020

Reduced expression of the Indy (I’m Not Dead Yet) gene extends life span in Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster and improves the metabolic heath of Mus musculus through inducing a physiological status akin to dietary restriction (DR). Although the function of Indy in aging and hepatic metabolism has been extensively studied, its role in the mouse nervous system remains unclear. Here, we explore the effect of mammalian Indy (mIndy, SLC13A5) gene deletion on murine cognitive function. Similar to what is seen in DR animals, systemic deletion of the mIndy gene (mIndy knockout [KO]) significantly improves memory performance and motor coordination of mice. Both DR and mIndy KO mice act normally in other behavioral tasks, including emotional, social, and food-seeking behaviors. Moreover, we find that tissue-specific deletion of mIndy in the nervous system is sufficient to improve memory performance, while liver-specific deletion has no effect on memory, and results in tests of motor coordination show no changes in either mutant. Mice with systemic or nervous system deletion of mIndy also exhibit increased hippocampal neurogenesis and dendritic spine formation in dentate granule cells; these changes are well-documented contributors to enhanced memory performance. Together, our studies demonstrate a critical role for brain-derived mIndy expression in the regulation of memory function in animals.
Reproductive Longevity and Aging: Geroscience Approaches to Maintain Long-Term Ovarian Fitness
Authors: Llarena Natalia , Hine Christopher
Published: August 2020

Increases in delayed childbearing worldwide have elicited the need for a better understanding of the biological underpinnings and implications of age-related infertility. In women 35 years and older the incidences of infertility, aneuploidy, and birth defects dramatically increase. These outcomes are a result of age-related declines in both ovarian reserve and oocyte quality. In addition to waning reproductive function, the decline in estrogen secretion at menopause contributes to multisystem aging and the initiation of frailty. Both reproductive and hormonal ovarian function are limited by the primordial follicle pool, which is established in utero and declines irreversibly until menopause. Because ovarian function is dependent on the primordial follicle pool, an understanding of the mechanisms that regulate follicular growth and maintenance of the primordial follicle pool is critical for the development of interventions to prolong the reproductive life span. Multiple pathways related to aging and nutrient-sensing converge in the mammalian ovary to regulate quiescence or activation of primordial follicles. The PI3K/PTEN/AKT/FOXO3 and associated TSC/mTOR pathways are central to the regulation of the primordial follicle pool; however, aging-associated systems such as the insulin-like growth factor-1/growth hormone pathway, and transsulfuration/hydrogen sulfide pathways may also play a role. Additionally, sirtuins aid in maintaining developmental metabolic competence and chromosomal integrity of the oocyte. Here we review the pathways that regulate ovarian reserve and oocyte quality, and discuss geroscience interventions that leverage our understanding of these pathways to promote reproductive longevity.
Initial data release and announcement of the 10,000 Fish Genomes Project (Fish10K)
Authors: Fan Guangyi , Song Yue , Yang Liandong , Huang Xiaoyun , Zhang Suyu , Zhang Mengqi , Yang Xianwei , Chang Yue , Zhang He , Li Yongxin , Liu Shanshan , Yu Lili , Chu Jeffery , Seim Inge , Feng Chenguang , Near Thomas J , Wing Rod A , Wang Wen , Wang Kun , Wang Jing , Xu Xun , Yang Huanming , Liu Xin , Chen Nansheng , He Shunping
Published: August 2020

Background

With more than 30,000 species, fish—including bony, jawless, and cartilaginous fish—are the largest vertebrate group, and include some of the earliest vertebrates. Despite their critical roles in many ecosystems and human society, fish genomics lags behind work on birds and mammals. This severely limits our understanding of evolution and hinders progress on the conservation and sustainable utilization of fish.

Results

Here, we announce the Fish10K project, a portion of the Earth BioGenome Project aiming to sequence 10,000 representative fish genomes in a systematic fashion within 10 years, and we officially welcome collaborators to join this effort. As a step towards this goal, we herein describe a feasible workflow for the procurement and storage of biospecimens, as well as sequencing and assembly strategies.

Conclusions

To illustrate, we present the genomes of 10 fish species from a cohort of 93 species chosen for technology development.
12. Securitization
Authors: Emmers Ralf
Published: August 2020

This chapter examines the Copenhagen School and its securitization model. The Copenhagen School broadens the definition of security by encompassing five different sectors: military, political, societal, economic, and environmental security. It first provides an overview of the Copenhagen School’s securitization model before discussing its application to empirical research as well as the limitations of the securitization model. It then considers the role of the securitizing actor and the importance of the ‘speech act’ in convincing a specific audience of a threat’s existential nature. It argues that the Copenhagen School allows for non-military matters to be included in Security Studies while still offering a coherent understanding of the concept of security. It also describes the dangers and the negative connotations of securitizing an issue and concludes with some cases of securitization, including the securitization of undocumented migration, securitization of drug trafficking, and the failure of securitization in the Iraq War.
1. International Relations Theory and the Middle East
Authors: Lawson Fred H.
Published: August 2020

This chapter discusses the different theories and approaches that characterize the study of international relations. Mainstream theories focus on the ways that states interact with one another in circumstances where no overarching authority governs their behavior — in other words, under conditions of anarchy. These theories include structural realism, neoliberal institutionalism, and the scholarship on relational contracting. An important alternative perspective — the English School — argues that, even under anarchic conditions, there is a high degree of orderliness in world affairs. Meanwhile, proponents of constructivism assert that states take shape in specific historical contexts, and that the conditions under which states coalesce and become socialized to one another play a crucial role in determining how they conceive of themselves and formulate their basic interests. Scholars of the Middle East have so far addressed only a fraction of the many theoretical debates and controversies that energize the field of international relations.
Using unmanned aerial vehicles and machine learning to improve sea cucumber density estimation in shallow habitats
Authors: Kilfoil James P , Rodriguez-Pinto Ivan , Kiszka Jeremy J , Heithaus Michael R , Zhang Yuying , Roa Camilo C , Ailloud Lisa E , Campbell Matthew D , Wirsing Aaron J
Published: August 2020

Sea cucumber populations around the globe are experiencing marked declines caused by overexploitation and habitat degradation. Fisheries-independent data used to manage these ecologically and economically important species are frequently collected using diver- or snorkeler-based surveys, which have a number of limitations, including small spatial coverage and observer biases. In the present study, we explored how pairing traditional transect surveys with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and machine learning could improve sea cucumber density estimation in shallow environments. In July 2018, we conducted 24 simultaneous snorkeler–UAV transects in Tetiaroa, French Polynesia. All UAV images were independently reviewed by three observers and a convolution neural network (CNN) model: ResNet50. All three methods (snorkelers, manual review of UAV images, and ResNet50) produced similar counts, except at relatively high densities (∼75 sea cucumber 40 m−2), where UAVs and CNNs began to underestimate. Using a UAV-derived photomosaic of the study site, we simulated potential transect locations and determined a minimum of five samples were required to reliably estimate densities, while sample variance plateaued after 25 transects. Collectively, these results illustrate UAVs’ ability to survey small invertebrate species, while saving time, money, and labour compared to traditional methods, and highlights their potential to maximize efficiency when designing transect surveys.
Introduction to a Landscape Analysis of Multisectoral Approaches for Prevention and Control of Infectious and Vector-Borne Diseases
Authors: Fouque Florence , Gross Karin , Leung Zee , Boutsika Konstantina
Published: August 2020

The Swiss Development Cooperation, Canada’s International Development Research Centre, the Swiss Tropical Public Health Institute, and the UNICEF/United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)/World Bank/World Health Organization (WHO) Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) collaborated on a project to review, understand and promote the use of multisectoral approaches (MSAs) in the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases (VBDs). The objectives of the project were to support a landscape analysis of how MSAs have been used in the prevention and control of VBDs; to develop a theoretical framework for guiding the implementation of interventions; and to test the recommendations in real-life conditions. To realize these objectives, the project supported several activities, including commissioning a series of scientific reviews on MSAs in 5 thematic areas, sharing the key findings of these reviews in workshops and events, and developing a guidance framework for the implementation of MSAs. These activities have produced the theoretical framework that will be tested in real-life conditions through the support of case studies. The collaboration on implementing multisectoral activities against VBDs will continue among TDR, the Swiss Tropical Public Health Institute, and new partners such as the WHO Water Sanitation and Hygiene Group, UNDP, and UN-Habitat, in order to face the challenges identified and propose solutions tailored to specific contexts. The prevention and control of VBDs require strong and adapted MSAs with the full participation of all relevant sectors.
Integrating Parasitological and Entomological Observations to Understand Malaria Transmission in Riverine Villages in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Rosas-Aguirre Angel , Moreno Marta , Moreno-Gutierrez Diamantina , Llanos-Cuentas Alejandro , Saavedra Marlon , Contreras-Mancilla Juan , Barboza Jose , Alava Freddy , Aguirre Kristhian , Carrasco Gabriel , Prussing Catharine , Vinetz Joseph , Conn Jan E , Speybroeck Niko , Gamboa Dionicia
Published: August 2020

Background

Remote rural riverine villages account for most of the reported malaria cases in the Peruvian Amazon. As transmission decreases due to intensive standard control efforts, malaria strategies in these villages will need to be more focused and adapted to local epidemiology.

Methods

By integrating parasitological, entomological, and environmental observations between January 2016 and June 2017, we provided an in-depth characterization of malaria transmission dynamics in 4 riverine villages of the Mazan district, Loreto department.

Results

Despite variation across villages, malaria prevalence by polymerase chain reaction in March 2016 was high (>25% in 3 villages), caused by Plasmodium vivax mainly and composed of mostly submicroscopic infections. Housing without complete walls was the main malaria risk factor, while households close to forest edges were more commonly identified as spatial clusters of malaria prevalence. Villages in the basin of the Mazan River had a higher density of adult Anopheles darlingi mosquitoes, and retained higher prevalence and incidence rates compared to villages in the basin of the Napo River despite test-and-treat interventions.

Conclusions

High heterogeneity in malaria transmission was found across and within riverine villages, resulting from interactions between the microgeographic landscape driving diverse conditions for vector development, housing structure, and human behavior.
Ethical research in global health emergencies: making the case for a broader understanding of ‘research ethics’
Authors: Wright Katharine S
Published: August 2020

The ethical challenges of global health research become particularly acute in emergency contexts, and are exacerbated by historic inequities and imbalances in power and influence. Drawing on the findings of an international working group established by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, this article argues for the need to take a broader approach to ‘research ethics’ as traditionally understood, to include the role of ‘duty-bearers’ such as funders, governments, research institutions and journals. An ‘ethical compass’ of three core values (equal respect, fairness and helping reduce suffering) supports ethical reflection at the level of policy, as well as on the ground.
Human factors/ergonomics work system analysis of patient work: state of the science and future directions
Authors: Werner Nicole E , Ponnala Siddarth , Doutcheva Nadia , Holden Richard J
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To demonstrate the use and value of the Human Factors/Ergonomics-based Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) family of work system models for studying and improving patient work.

Data Sources

We conducted a review of the published empirical literature applying the SEIPS family of work system models for patient work.

Study Selection

Included studies had to apply one of the SEIPS family of work system models to study patient work; be published in a peer-reviewed journal in English and include analysis of data. We identified 16 articles that met our inclusion criteria.

Data Extraction

For each study, we extracted settings and situations in which models were applied; research design; study methods; model(s) used; type and number of study participants; study objective(s); whether the study included an intervention; specific aspects of the model used; knowledge generated about patient work and benefits of using the models.

Results of Data Synthesis

Our analysis revealed that a majority of studies were conducted in the United States, used qualitative or mixed methods and employed a variety of data collection techniques to study adult patient populations with chronic illness and their informal caregivers and healthcare providers performing patient work in the home and clinical setting. The studies resulted in a variety of useful products, demonstrating several benefits of using the models.

Conclusion

Our review has demonstrated the value of using the SEIPS family of work systems models to study and improve patient and family contributions to health-related work.
Why Delay? Early Enteral Nutrition in Pediatric Burn Patients Improves Outcomes
Authors: Shahi Niti , Skillman Heather E , Phillips Ryan , Cooper Emily H , Shirek Gabrielle P , Goldsmith Adam , Meier Maxene R , Kaizer Alexander M , Recicar John F , Banks Ashley , Moulton Steven L
Published: August 2020

Children who sustain moderate to large surface area burns present in a hypermetabolic state with increased caloric and protein requirements. A policy was implemented at our institution in 2017 to initiate enteral nutrition (EN) in pediatric burn patients within 4 hours of admission. The authors hypothesize that early EN (initiated within 4 hours of admission) is more beneficial than late EN (initiated ≥ 4 hours from admission) for pediatric burn patients and is associated with decreased rates of pneumonia, increased calorie and protein intake, fewer feeding complications, a shorter Intensive Care Unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), and a reduced hospital LOS. Children who sustained a total body surface area (TBSA) burn injury ≥ 10% between 2011 and 2018 were identified in a prospectively maintained burn registry at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Patients were stratified into two groups for comparison: early EN and late EN. The authors identified 132 pediatric burn patients who met inclusion criteria, and most (60%) were male. Approximately half (48%) of the study patients were in the early EN group. The early EN group had lower rates of underfeeding during the first week (P = .014) and shorter ICU LOS (P = .025). Achieving and sustaining adequate nutrition in pediatric burn patients with moderate to large surface area burn injuries are critical to recovery. Early EN in pediatric burn patients is associated with decreased underfeeding and reduced ICU LOS. The authors recommend protocols to institute feeding for patients with burns ≥ 10% TBSA within 4 hours of admission at all pediatric burn centers.
Development of Proxy and Self-report Burn Model System Pediatric Itch Interference Scales: A National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research Burn Model System Study
Authors: Amtmann Dagmar , Bamer Alyssa M , McMullen Kara , Kowalske Karen , Schneider Jeffrey C , Gibran Nicole S
Published: August 2020

Pruritus is a commonly reported symptom after burn injury. Valid and reliable scales to measure itch in pediatric burn survivors are important for treatment and epidemiological studies. This study sought to develop psychometrically sound, publicly available self- and proxy-report measures of itch for use in pediatric burn survivors suitable for use in research and clinical practice. A panel of burn experts developed a definition of itch interference and a set of parallel self- and proxy-report candidate items that covered important activities affected by itch. Candidate items were evaluated in cognitive interviews with pediatric burn survivors (n = 4) and proxies (n = 2). Items were translated to Spanish and administered in both English and Spanish to a sample (N = 264) of pediatric burn survivors and/or their proxy enrolled in the Burn Model System (BMS) longitudinal database. The mean age of the pediatric sample was 13 years and average time since burn 5 years. The final itch interference measures each included 5 parallel items calibrated using a one-parameter graded response item response theory model, with a mean of 50 representing the average itch interference of the sample. Reliability of the scores is excellent between the mean and two standard deviations above. Initial analyses provide support for validity of the score. Concordance between the self- and proxy-report scores was moderate (ICC = 0.68). The results support the reliability and validity of the itch scale in children and youth with burn injury. The new BMS Pediatric Itch Interference scales are freely and publicly available at https://burndata.washington.edu/itch.
Refining aesthetic approaches to tuberous breast using combined minimally invasive approaches to treat moderate asymmetric tuberous breast
Authors: Bonomi Riccardo , Johnson Miguel , Toussoun Gilles
Published: August 2020

Tuberous breast deformity refers to a deformity of the breast that is characterized by varying degree of herniation of the breast parenchyma, widened nipple areolar complex, constriction of the breast base and may involve some degree of hypoplasia. Tuberous breast deformity is most often seen in young women who commonly presents due to dissatisfaction with breast symmetry, as this can be a source of significant psychosocial distress. Principles of reconstruction are focused on recreating an aesthetically pleasing breast shape and achieving symmetrization. Traditionally, reconstruction commonly involved utilization of breast implants or local flap to achieve these goals. The introduction of fat transfer has led to a paradigm shift in aesthetic breast surgery. Fat grafting is safe and can reliably achieve satisfactory aesthetic results in selected cases and reduces the need for implants or local flaps. Concepts that reduce scar burden allows for even more satisfactory aesthetic outcomes.
Protoclusters at 𝓏 = 5.7: a view from the MultiDark galaxies
Authors: Cui Weiguang , Qiao Jiaqi , Davé Romeel , Knebe Alexander , Peacock John A , Yepes Gustavo
Published: August 2020

Protoclusters, which will yield galaxy clusters at lower redshift, can provide valuable information on the formation of galaxy clusters. However, identifying progenitors of galaxy clusters in observations is not an easy task, especially at high redshift. Different priors have been used to estimate the overdense regions that are thought to mark the locations of protoclusters. In this paper, we use mimicked Ly α-emitting galaxies at z = 5.7 to identify protoclusters in the MultiDark galaxies, which are populated by applying three different semi-analytic models to the $1\, h^{-1}\, {\rm Gpc}$ MultiDark Planck2 simulation. To compare with observational results, we extend the criterion 1 (a Ly α luminosity limited sample) to criterion 2 (a match to the observed mean galaxy number density). To further statistically study the finding efficiency of this method, we enlarge the identified protocluster sample (criterion 3) to about 3500 at z = 5.7 and study their final mass distribution. The number of overdense regions and their selection probability depends on the semi-analytic models and strongly on the three selection criteria (partly by design). The protoclusters identified with criterion 1 are associated with a typical final cluster mass of $2.82\pm 0.92 \times 10^{15} \, \rm {M_{\odot }}$, which is in agreement with the prediction (within ±1σ) of an observed massive protocluster at z = 5.7. Identifying more protoclusters allows us to investigate the efficiency of this method, which is more suitable for identifying the most massive clusters: completeness ($\mathbb {C}$) drops rapidly with decreasing halo mass. We further find that it is hard to have a high purity ($\mathbb {P}$) and completeness simultaneously.
A radio polarimetric study to disentangle AGN activity and star formation in Seyfert galaxies
Authors: Sebastian Biny , Kharb P , O’Dea C P , Gallimore J F , Baum S A
Published: August 2020

To understand the origin of radio emission in radio-quiet active galactic nucleus (AGN) and differentiate between the contributions from star formation, AGN accretion, and jets, we have observed a nearby sample of Seyfert galaxies along with a comparison sample of starburst galaxies using the Expanded Very Large Array (EVLA) in full-polarization mode in the B-array configuration. The radio morphologies of the Seyfert galaxies show lobe/bubble-like features or prominent cores in radio emission, whereas the starburst galaxies show radio emission spatially coincident with the star-forming regions seen in optical images. There is tentative evidence that Seyferts tend to show more polarized structures than starburst galaxies at the resolution of our observations. We find that unlike a sample of Seyfert galaxies hosting kilo-parsec scale radio (KSR) emission, starburst galaxies with superwinds do not show radio-excess compared to the radio–FIR correlation. This suggests that shock acceleration is not adequate to explain the excess radio emission seen in Seyferts and hence most likely have a jet-related origin. We also find that the [O iii] luminosity of the Seyferts is correlated with the off-nuclear radio emission from the lobes, whereas it is not well correlated with the total emission which also includes the core. This suggests strong jet–medium interaction, which in turn limits the jet/lobe extents in Seyferts. We find that the power contribution of AGN jet, AGN accretion, and star formation is more or less comparable in our sample of Seyfert galaxies. We also find indications of episodic AGN activity in many of our Seyfert galaxies.
A simple random walk model explains the disruption process of hierarchical, Eccentric three-body systems
Authors: Mushkin Jonathan , Katz Boaz
Published: August 2020

We study the disruption process of hierarchical three-body systems with bodies of comparable mass. Such systems have long survival times that vary by orders of magnitude depending on the initial conditions. By comparing with three-body numerical integrations, we show that the evolution and disruption of such systems can be statistically described as a simple random walk process in the outer orbit’s energy, where the energy exchange per pericenter passage (step size) is calculated from the initial conditions. In our derivation of the step size, we use previous analytic results for parabolic encounters, and average over the (Kozai–Lidov) oscillations in orbital parameters, which are faster then the energy diffusion time-scale. While similar random walk models were studied before, this work differs in two manners: (a) this is the first time that the Kozai–Lidov averaged step size is derived from first principles and demonstrated to reproduce the statistical evolution of numerical ensembles without fitting parameters, and (b) it provides a characteristic lifetime, instead of answering the binary question (stable/unstable), set by case-specific criteria.
A dusty origin for the correlation between protoplanetary disc accretion rates and dust masses
Authors: Sellek Andrew D , Booth Richard A , Clarke Cathie J
Published: August 2020

Recent observations have uncovered a correlation between the accretion rates (measured from the UV continuum excess) of protoplanetary discs and their masses inferred from observations of the submm continuum. While viscous evolution models predict such a correlation, the predicted values are in tension with data obtained from the Lupus and Upper Scorpius star-forming regions; for example, they underpredict the scatter in accretion rates, particularly in older regions. Here, we argue that since the submm observations trace the discs’ dust, by explicitly modelling the dust grain growth, evolution, and emission, we can better understand the correlation. We show that for turbulent viscosities with α ≲ 10−3, the depletion of dust from the disc due to radial drift means we can reproduce the range of masses and accretion rates seen in the Lupus and Upper Sco data sets. One consequence of this model is that the upper locus of accretion rates at a given dust mass does not evolve with the age of the region. Moreover, we find that internal photoevaporation is necessary to produce the lowest accretion rates observed. In order to replicate the correct dust masses at the time of disc dispersal, we favour relatively low photoevaporation rates ≲ 10−9 M⊙ yr−1 for most sources but cannot discriminate between EUV or X-ray-driven winds. A limited number of sources, particularly in Lupus, are shown to have higher masses than predicted by our models which may be evidence for variations in the properties of the dust or dust trapping induced in substructures.
The Economic Cost of Smoking in South Africa, 2016
Authors: Boachie Micheal Kofi , Rossouw Laura , Ross Hana
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Chronic, noncommunicable diseases are on the rise globally, with tobacco consumption being an important contributing risk factor. These increases result in significant economic costs due to increased healthcare costs, productive lives lost, and productive days lost due to illness. Estimates of these economic costs are scarce in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods

Drawing on a diverse range of data sources, direct healthcare costs, and productivity losses due to illness and premature deaths were estimated using the cost-of-illness approach. The present value of lifetime earnings was used to estimate productivity losses from premature deaths.

Results

We estimate that 25 708 deaths among persons aged 35–74 in 2016 are smoking-attributable. The economic cost of smoking was R42 billion (US$2.88 billion), of which R14.48 billion was for healthcare costs (hospitalization and outpatient department visits). The economic cost of smoking amounted to 0.97% of the South African GDP in 2016, while the healthcare cost of smoking-related diseases was 4.1% of total South African health expenditure. The costs are lower for women because of their lower smoking prevalence.

Conclusion

The economic burden of smoking calls for a further scaling-up of tobacco-control interventions in South Africa.

Implications

This article addresses the paucity of research on the detailed economic costs of smoking in low-and middle-income countries, including South Africa. Our calculations, based on an extensive range of recent data, provide the most detailed estimate to date and include quantification of the direct and indirect costs of smoking in South Africa. We found that the magnitude of the costs related to smoking in South Africa is larger than in the previous estimates and that for every Rand received in the form of cigarette tax, society loses 3.43 Rands. This article provides an economic case for evidence-based tobacco control in South Africa.
Limited Added Value of Oropharyngeal Swabs for Detecting Pneumococcal Carriage in Adults
Authors: Farrar Jennifer L , Odiembo Herine , Odoyo Arthur , Bigogo Godfrey , Kim Lindsay , Lessa Fernanda C , Feikin Daniel R , Breiman Robert F , Whitney Cynthia G , Carvalho Maria G , Pimenta Fabiana C
Published: August 2020

We compared pneumococcal isolation rates and evaluated the benefit of using oropharyngeal (OP) specimens in addition to nasopharyngeal (NP) specimens collected from adults in rural Kenya. Of 846 adults, 52.1% were colonized; pneumococci were detected from both NP and OP specimens in 23.5%, NP only in 22.9%, and OP only in 5.7%. Ten-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine strains were detected from both NP and OP in 3.4%, NP only in 4.1%, and OP only in 0.7%. Inclusion of OP swabs increased carriage detection by 5.7%; however, the added cost of collecting and processing OP specimens may justify exclusion from future carriage studies among adults.
Reliabilism’s Memory Loss
Authors: Frise Matthew
Published: August 2020

Generativism about memory justification is the view that memory can generate epistemic justification. Generativism is gaining popularity, but process reliabilists tend to resist it. Process reliabilism explains the justification of beliefs by way of the reliability of the processes they result from. Some advocates of reliabilism deny various forms of generativism. Other reliabilists reject or remain neutral about only the more extreme forms. I argue that an extreme form of generativism follows from reliabilism. This result weakens a long-standing argument for reliabilism.
On the emergence of an expanding universe from a Lorentzian matrix model
Authors: Klinkhamer F R
Published: August 2020

We present evidence that recent numerical results from the reduced classical equations of the Lorentzian IIB matrix model can be interpreted as corresponding to the emergence of an expanding universe. In addition, we propose an effective metric to describe the emerging (3+1)D spacetime. This metric gives, at all times, finite values for the Ricci and Kretschmann curvature scalars. With these results, we are able to give a heuristic discussion of the origin of the Universe in the context of the IIB matrix model.
Problems of Progress: Modernity and Writing the Social History of Medicine
Authors: Waddington Keir
Published: August 2020

Reflecting on the discipline over the last 60 years, this historiographical essay considers how social historians of medicine might deal with the problem that ‘modernity’ and its associated phenomena—progress, tradition and backwardness—have become normalised. It argues that such terms require conscious interrogation and should be situated within a critique of sources, actors’ categories and competing historical interpretations. The essay suggests three routes out of the problem of modernity. First, by shifting the focus to re-interrogate those areas commonly framed as backward; secondly, by using the metaphor of ‘blended modernities’ to examine commonalities across time and space and finally, by employing the everyday as an analytical category to approach those ambiguities and ambivalences that helped structure the nineteenth- and twentieth-century social history of medicine.
Estimating hepatitis B virus cccDNA persistence in chronic infection†
Authors: Lythgoe Katrina A , Lumley Sheila F , Pellis Lorenzo , McKeating Jane A , Matthews Philippa C
Published: August 2020

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health problem with over 240 million infected individuals at risk of developing progressive liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV is an enveloped DNA virus that establishes its genome as an episomal, covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the nucleus of infected hepatocytes. Currently, available standard-of-care treatments for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) include nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) that suppress HBV replication but do not target the cccDNA and hence rarely cure infection. There is considerable interest in determining the lifespan of cccDNA molecules to design and evaluate new curative treatments. We took a novel approach to this problem by developing a new mathematical framework to model changes in evolutionary rates during infection which, combined with previously determined within-host evolutionary rates of HBV, we used to determine the lifespan of cccDNA. We estimate that during HBe-antigen positive (HBeAgPOS) infection the cccDNA lifespan is 61 (36–236) days, whereas during the HBeAgNEG phase of infection it is only 26 (16–81) days. We found that cccDNA replicative capacity declined by an order of magnitude between HBeAgPOS and HBeAgNEG phases of infection. Our estimated lifespan of cccDNA is too short to explain the long durations of chronic infection observed in patients on NA treatment, suggesting that either a sub-population of long-lived hepatocytes harbouring cccDNA molecules persists during therapy, or that NA therapy does not suppress all viral replication. These results provide a greater understanding of the biology of the cccDNA reservoir and can aid the development of new curative therapeutic strategies for treating CHB.
Preadaptation of pandemic GII.4 noroviruses in unsampled virus reservoirs years before emergence
Authors: Ruis Christopher , Lindesmith Lisa C , Mallory Michael L , Brewer-Jensen Paul D , Bryant Josephine M , Costantini Veronica , Monit Christopher , Vinjé Jan , Baric Ralph S , Goldstein Richard A , Breuer Judith
Published: August 2020

The control of re-occurring pandemic pathogens requires understanding the origins of new pandemic variants and the factors that drive their global spread. This is especially important for GII.4 norovirus, where vaccines under development offer promise to prevent hundreds of millions of annual gastroenteritis cases. Previous studies have hypothesized that new GII.4 pandemic viruses arise when previously circulating pandemic or pre-pandemic variants undergo substitutions in antigenic regions that enable evasion of host population immunity, as described by conventional models of antigenic drift. In contrast, we show here that the acquisition of new genetic and antigenic characteristics cannot be the proximal driver of new pandemics. Pandemic GII.4 viruses diversify and spread over wide geographical areas over several years prior to simultaneous pandemic emergence of multiple lineages, indicating that the necessary sequence changes must have occurred before diversification, years prior to pandemic emergence. We confirm this result through serological assays of reconstructed ancestral virus capsids, demonstrating that by 2003, the ancestral 2012 pandemic strain had already acquired the antigenic characteristics that allowed it to evade prevailing population immunity against the previous 2009 pandemic variant. These results provide strong evidence that viral genetic changes are necessary but not sufficient for GII.4 pandemic spread. Instead, we suggest that it is changes in host population immunity that enable pandemic spread of an antigenically preadapted GII.4 variant. These results indicate that predicting future GII.4 pandemic variants will require surveillance of currently unsampled reservoir populations. Furthermore, a broadly acting GII.4 vaccine will be critical to prevent future pandemics.