bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimisation of the ActWELL lifestyle intervention programme for women attending routine NHS breast screening clinics
Authors: Anderson Annie S. , Craigie Angela M. , Gallant Stephanie , McAdam Chloe , Macaskill E. Jane , McKell Jennifer , Mutrie Nanette , O’Carroll Ronan E. , Sattar Naveed , Stead Martine , Treweek Shaun
Published: June 2020

Background

Around 30% of post-menopausal breast cancer is related to excess body fat, alcohol intake and low levels of physical activity. Current estimates suggest that there is a 12% increased risk in post-menopausal breast cancer for every 5 kg/m2 increase in body mass index (BMI). Despite this evidence there are few lifestyle programmes directed towards breast cancer risk reduction. This paper describes the process of optimising of the ActWELL programme which aims to support weight management in women invited to attend routine National Health Service (NHS) breast screening clinics.

Methods

A feasibility study of a prototype programme aiming to change lifestyle behaviours was successfully undertaken. The programme used educational approaches and behaviour change techniques delivered by lifestyle coaches using individual face to face meetings and telephone sessions. To optimise the intervention for a definitive randomised controlled trial of weight management, data from the feasibility trial, focus group discussions conducted with the target population, feedback from the trial public advisory group and comments from peer reviewers were obtained. Concepts from implementation research provided further guidance to assist in the refinement of the intervention, which was then discussed and agreed by all investigators and the Trial Steering Group.

Results

The results from the feasibility trial were considered appropriate for moving on to a full trial with 70% of participants finding the programme acceptable. The primary outcomes (weight loss and physical activity) provided an important focus for design input from the target group. The contributions highlighted the need to review programme duration, coach contact time, content and use of behaviour change techniques and communications generally (e.g. science and evidence, non-judgemental approaches and avoiding guilt). In addition, the need for emphasis on support rather than education became apparent. The recommendations from peer reviewers focussed on the magnitude of effort required to achieve the intended weight loss and weight loss maintenance. Implementation science supported the use of the capability/opportunity/motivation (COM-B)model in overall design.

Conclusions

The optimisation process has facilitated the development and evaluation of a programme that enables the delivery of a promising intervention to achieve weight management in post-menopausal women.

Trial registration

ISRCTN: ISRCTN11057518. Registered on 21 July 2017. Retrospectively registered.
Toxigenic and non-toxigenic patterns I, II and III and biofilm-forming ability in Bacteroides fragilis strains isolated from patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer
Authors: Jasemi Seyedesomaye , Emaneini Mohammad , Fazeli Mohammad Sadegh , Ahmadinejad Zahra , Nomanpour Bizhan , Sadeghpour Heravi Fatemah , Sechi Leonardo A. , Feizabadi Mohammad Mehdi
Published: June 2020

Background

Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) associated with the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been alarmingly reported all over the world. In this study, simultaneous investigation of toxigenic and non-toxigenic patterns I, II and III and biofilm formation ability of Bacteroides fragilis isolated from patients with colorectal cancer was performed.

Methods

Thirty-one patients diagnosed with CRC and thirty-one control subjects were recruited in this study. Specimens were cultured on BBE and BBA culture media. Classical phenotypic identification tests and PCR was performed to verify Bacteroides fragilis presence. Also, biofilm-forming ability and expression of bft gene were assessed under biofilm and planktonic forms.

Results

A total of 68 B.fragilis was isolated from all colorectal tissue, of which 13 isolates (19.1%) (11 isolates from CRC and 2 from normal tissue) were positive for bft gene. The abundance patterns of I, II and III were as follow in descending order; pattern I > pattern III > pattern II in CRC subjects and pattern II > pattern III > pattern I in normal tissues. Also, pattern I showed higher biofilm formation ability compared to other patterns. Toxin expression was significantly reduced in biofilm form comparing with planktonic form.

Conclusions

Based on our findings, there was a difference between the abundance of patterns I, II, and III and biofilm formation in isolates obtained from CRC and normal tissues. Biofilm formation ability and toxin encoding gene (bft) are two main virulence factors in B. fragilis pathogenicity which require more investigation to treat B. fragilis infections effectively.
Transcriptional consequences of MBD5 disruption in mouse brain and CRISPR-derived neurons
Authors: Seabra Catarina M. , Aneichyk Tatsiana , Erdin Serkan , Tai Derek J. C. , De Esch Celine E. F. , Razaz Parisa , An Yu , Manavalan Poornima , Ragavendran Ashok , Stortchevoi Alexei , Abad Clemer , Young Juan I. , Maciel Patricia , Talkowski Michael E. , Gusella James F.
Published: June 2020

Background

MBD5, encoding the methyl-CpG-binding domain 5 protein, has been proposed as a necessary and sufficient driver of the 2q23.1 microdeletion syndrome. De novo missense and protein-truncating variants from exome sequencing studies have directly implicated MBD5 in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). However, little is known concerning the specific function(s) of MBD5.

Methods

To gain insight into the complex interactions associated with alteration of MBD5 in individuals with ASD and related NDDs, we explored the transcriptional landscape of MBD5 haploinsufficiency across multiple mouse brain regions of a heterozygous hypomorphic Mbd5+/GT mouse model, and compared these results to CRISPR-mediated mutations of MBD5 in human iPSC-derived neuronal models.

Results

Gene expression analyses across three brain regions from Mbd5+/GT mice showed subtle transcriptional changes, with cortex displaying the most widespread changes following Mbd5 reduction, indicating context-dependent effects. Comparison with MBD5 reduction in human neuronal cells reinforced the context-dependence of gene expression changes due to MBD5 deficiency. Gene co-expression network analyses revealed gene clusters that were associated with reduced MBD5 expression and enriched for terms related to ciliary function.

Limitations

These analyses included a limited number of mouse brain regions and neuronal models, and the effects of the gene knockdown are subtle. As such, these results will not reflect the full extent of MBD5 disruption across human brain regions during early neurodevelopment in ASD, or capture the diverse spectrum of cell-type-specific changes associated with MBD5 alterations.

Conclusions

Our study points to modest and context-dependent transcriptional consequences of Mbd5 disruption in the brain. It also suggests a possible link between MBD5 and perturbations in ciliary function, which is an established pathogenic mechanism in developmental disorders and syndromes.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Heme oxygenase-1-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells combined with normothermic machine perfusion to protect donation after circulatory death liver grafts
Authors: Cao Huan , Yang Liu , Hou Bin , Sun Dong , Lin Ling , Song Hong-Li , Shen Zhong-Yang
Published: June 2020

Background

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) liver grafts have a poor prognosis after transplantation. We investigated whether the outcome of DCD donor organs can be improved by heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1)-modified bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) combined with normothermic machine perfusion (NMP), and explored its underlying mechanisms.

Methods

BMMSCs were isolated, cultured, and transduced with the HO-1 gene. An NMP system was established. DCD rat livers were obtained, preserved by different methods, and the recipients were divided into 5 groups: sham operation, static cold storage (SCS), NMP, BMMSCs combined with NMP, and HO-1/BMMSCs combined with NMP (HBP) groups. Rats were sacrificed at 1, 7, and 14 days after surgery; their blood and liver tissue samples were collected; and liver enzyme and cytokine levels, liver histology, high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) levels in monocytes and liver tissues, and expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway-related molecules were evaluated.

Results

After liver transplantation, the SCS group showed significantly increased transaminase levels, liver tissue damage, and shorter survival time. The HBP group showed lower transaminase levels, intact liver morphology, prolonged survival time, and decreased serum and liver proinflammatory cytokine levels. In the NMP and SCS groups, HMGB1 expression in the serum, monocytes, and liver tissues and TLR4 pathway-related molecule expression were significantly decreased.

Conclusions

HO-1/BMMSCs combined with NMP exerted protective effects on DCD donor liver and significantly improved recipient prognosis. The effect of HO-1/BMMSCs was greater than that of BMMSCs and was mediated via HMGB1 expression and TLR4 pathway inhibition.
Brain-derived nerve growth factor in the cochlea – a reproducibility study
Authors: Blakley Brian W. , Seaman Michael , Alenezi Abdulrahman
Published: June 2020

Objective

Brain-derived nerve growth factor (BDNF) plays an important role in cochlear development so it is plausible that it could restore hearing loss if delivered directly into the cochlea. We wished to confirm our previous report that a single intracochlear injection of brain-derived nerve growth factor (BDNF) was beneficial for hearing in guinea pigs. We wished to assess the reproducibility of our results and assess possible improved methods with a view to developing a clinical treatment for sensorineural hearing loss.

Methods

CDDP was used to create partial hearing loss in 25 guinea pigs. After 30 days the animals underwent ABR testing and unilateral BDNF injection through the round window in one ear and saline injection into the other ear. After allowing possible effects to stabilize, thirty days later, ABR threshold testing was repeated to assess change in threshold.

Results

Final ABR thresholds were 60–70 dB and were about 11 dB better in the ears treated with BDNF.

Conclusion

Our original finding that Intracochlear BDNF can improve hearing in guinea pigs was confirmed, but the improvement demonstrated by the methods in this paper is too small for clinical application.
Continuous monitoring of the 2015–2018 Nevado del Ruiz activity, Colombia, using satellite infrared images and local infrasound records
Authors: Castaño Lina Marcela , Ospina Carlos Alberto , Cadena Oscar Ernesto , Galvis-Arenas Beatriz , Londono John Makario , Laverde Carlos Andrés , Kaneko Takayuki , Ichihara Mie
Published: June 2020

Nevado del Ruiz Volcano (NRV) had a phreatomagmatic eruption in 1985. The eruption partially melted the volcano’s ice cap leading to floods and lahars flowing down to nearby towns, which killed at least 25,000 people. This event has raised particular importance of monitoring activity including small eruptions at ice-capped high-altitude volcanoes. However, the high altitude makes it difficult to maintain monitoring stations near the summit crater. Moreover, the visibility of the summit area is frequently prevented by clouds. In this paper, we report the results of a feasibility study for detecting thermal anomalies and small eruptions using satellite thermal remote sensing and ground-based infrasound technique. We newly included South and Central America to the observation areas of the near-real-time monitoring system of the active volcanoes, which uses infrared images from satellites. We also operated three infrasound stations in the distances of 4–6 km from the active crater. Each of the stations consisted of a pair of infrasound sensors, and a cross-correlation technique was applied. The thermal and infrasound data acquisition started in August 2015 and December 2016, respectively, and recorded the recent dome-forming activity of NRV. We proposed parameters representing the visibility of the thermal anomalies and infrasound signals. These parameters are useful for monitoring because the severe weather condition at NRV frequently prevents signal detections. We discussed the detected thermal anomalies and infrasound signals in comparison with their visibilities and the changes in the volcanic activity of NRV reported by the local observatory. The thermal anomaly and infrasound detections were consistent with the high eruptive activity occurring at the NRV from October 2015 to May 2017 and its subsequent decline. Within the active period, there were breaks in the detections of thermal anomaly and infrasound. The visibility analyses allowed us to interpret the breaks as a result of bad weather conditions and to distinguish them from the confirmed low-activity periods after May 2017.
CM6: a comprehensive geomagnetic field model derived from both CHAMP and Swarm satellite observations
Authors: Sabaka Terence J. , Tøffner-Clausen Lars , Olsen Nils , Finlay Christopher C.
Published: June 2020

From the launch of the Ørsted satellite in 1999, through the CHAMP mission from 2000 to 2010, and now with the Swarm constellation mission starting in 2013, satellite magnetometry has provided excellent monitoring of the near-Earth magnetic field regime. The advanced Comprehensive Inversion scheme has been applied to data before Swarm and to the Swarm data itself, but now for the first time to all the satellite data in this new era, culminating in the CM6 model. The highlights of this model include not only a continuous core magnetic field description over the entire time period 1999 to 2019.5 in good agreement with the CHAOS model series, but the addition of two new oceanic tidal magnetic sources: the larger lunar elliptic semi-diurnal constituent $$N_2$$N2 and the lunar diurnal constituent $$O_1$$O1. CM6 is also the parent model of the NASA/GSFC candidates for the DGRF2015 and IGRF2020 in response to the IGRF-13 call. This paper provides a full report on the development of CM6.
Structural and bio-functional assessment of the postaxillary gland in Nidirana pleuraden (Amphibia: Anura: Ranidae)
Authors: Gong Yuzhou , Zeng Yiwei , Zheng Puyang , Liao Xun , Xie Feng
Published: June 2020

Background

Owing to their incomplete adaptation to the terrestrial environment, amphibians possess complex cutaneous glandular systems. The skin glands not only regulate water loss and respiratory gas and salt exchange, but are also involved in defense against predators and microorganisms, social communication, and reproduction. These glands are distributed throughout the integument, but can accumulate in specific regions, forming visible outgrowths known as macroglands. Some macroglands are sexually dimorphic and mediate intersexual communication and reproductive success. The postaxillary gland is a sexually dimorphic macrogland in Nidirana pleuraden. Its biological function and its morphological and histochemical characteristics are unclear. In the present study, we describe the structure and ultrastructure of the postaxillary gland, and explore its main function.

Results

The postaxillary gland has a thinner epidermis than the dorsal region of N. pleuraden. In addition to ordinary serous glands (OSG), type I and II mucous gland (I MG & II MG), a type of specialized mucous gland (SMG) is also found to constitute the postaxillary gland. The SMG is larger than other gland types, and consists of high columnar mucocytes with basal nuclei arranged radially toward a lumen. SMGs are positive to periodic acid-Schiff stain and stained blue in Masson’s trichrome stain. A discontinuous myoepithelial sheath lacking innervation encircles SMG mucocytes, and the outlets of such glands are X- or Y-shaped. Transmission electron microscopy reveals abundant secretory granules in SMG, which are biphasic, composed of an electron-opaque outer ring and a less electron-dense core. Lipid droplets, and organelles, such as rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi stacks, are located in the supranuclear cytoplasm of the mucocytes in SMG. Female N. pleuraden exhibits chemotaxis toward homogenate of the postaxillary gland, but male does not. On treatment with trypsin, this sexual attraction disappears.

Conclusions

The postaxillary gland of N. pleuraden is a male-specific macrogland that consists primarily of SMGs, together with OSGs, I MGs and II MGs. Other than their extremely large size, SMGs structurally and histochemically resemble many reported specialized gland types in amphibian sexually dimorphic skin glands. Secretions of the postaxillary gland are proteinaceous sexual pheromones, which are believed to attract females at male calling intermissions.
Adaptation and validation of the quality of life assessment of the Cambridge pulmonary hypertension outcome review (CAMPHOR) for Brazil
Authors: Corrêa Ricardo Amorim , Pereira Monica Corso , Bizzi Mariana Ferreira , de Oliveira Rafael W. R. , Rezende Camila Farnese , de Oliveira Bruna Cristina Marabita Tavares , Heaney Alice , McKenna Stephen P. , Ribeiro-Oliveira Antonio
Published: June 2020

Background

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) impacts negatively on patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review (CAMPHOR) was the first PH-specific and validated instrument for use in different languages worldwide. This report describes the adaptation and psychometric validation of the CAMPHOR into Brazilian Portuguese language.

Methods

The translation and validation process included a bilingual and lay panel translation; cognitive debriefing interviews; psychometric testing in two repeated times assessing internal consistency, reproducibility and validity of the questionnaire. The Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) questionnaire was used as a comparator to test for convergent validity.

Results

The translation captured the same concepts as the English questionnaire and produced a comprehensive instrument in a Brazilian-Portuguese version expressing common, natural language. The psychometric evaluation involved 102 patients (48.8 ± 14.5 years, 80,4% female]. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were above 0.9 on all three CAMPHOR scales. There was excellent test-retest reliability (coefficients above 0.85 on all scales). CAMPHOR Symptoms scale and Activities scale correlated highly with Physical Mobility section and CAMPHOR QoL scale was strongly associated with the Emotional Reactions and Social Isolation sections of NHP. There was a significant association between gender and perceived general health (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in CAMPHOR scale scores between patients who differed according to their perceived disease severity and general health.

Conclusions

The present CAMPHOR version demonstrated good psychometric properties and provides a reliable instrument for assessing HRQL and QoL in Brazilian PH patients, addressing patients’ perspective of their illness in a comprehensive way.
Genetic Amelioration in lentil (Lens culinaris L.) using Different Doses of Ethyl Methane Sulphonate
Authors: El-Mouhamady Almoataz Bellah Ali , Gad Abdul Aziz M. , Abdel Karim Ghada S. A.
Published: June 2020

Background

Lentil is an important source of food not only locally but globally. The importance of this legume crop is highlighted in light of the transport of strategic food sources such as wheat, maize, and rice due to environmental challenges. So, the process of genetic improvement of this crop has become imperative.

Results

The final results confirmed that the three lentil cultivars Giza 9 (G1), Giza 29 (G2), and Giza 51 (G3) were exhibited unparalleled superiority for all growth, germination, and other traits under study when exposed to the three doses of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) compared to the control. Moreover, the three doses of this mutagen exceeded on the control experiment and this superiority were most severe especially at the third dose. The higher limit of positive percentages values of induced mutagenesis in M2 lentil generation (the second mutant generation) was observed in all studied traits especially at the third dose of EMS (0.3). This fact confirmed the success of the genetic improvement process in all lentil traits mentioned above.

Conclusion

The three lentil cultivars (Giza 9, Giza 29, and Giza 51) were recorded highly mean values of all studied in M2 generation for the three doses of EMS. The third dose of mutagen (0.3) was come in the first rank followed by the second dose (0.2) then the first dose in this regard.
Growth, yield, genetic parameters and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) of five rice varieties treated with sodium azide and sown under different saline conditions
Authors: Ikhajiagbe Beckley , Omoregie Ujomonigho Edomo
Published: June 2020

Background

Rice is probably one of the most indispensable grain diets for the greater part of the world. It can be grown successfully under a wide range of climatic conditions; however, yields can be significantly diminished under moderate saline levels. Therefore, the employment of plant breeding techniques in enhancing plant survival and performance capacities under saline conditions becomes imperative. Mutation perhaps is one of the ultimate sources from which heritable variations could be selected from and hence are a useful tool to create raw materials for genetic improvement of rice. The effects of sodium azide (NaN3), as a chemical mutagen, on the growth, yield, genetic parameters, and RAPD profile of five rice varieties, FARO-44, FARO-52, FARO-57, NERICA L-34, and NERICA L-47, sown in soils maintained at a conductivity range of 4000 to 6000 μs/cm using sodium chloride solutions were investigated. The planting materials were treated with 0% NaN3 at pH 7 (control) and a concentration range of 0 to 0.032% NaN3 at pH 3 for 6 h.

Results

Sodium azide treatment significantly reversed the negative effects associated with plant development under saline conditions. Consequently, NaN3 treatment significantly improved growth, yield, and genetic parameters of the rice varieties under high salinity compared with the controls. High heritability values were recorded for number of tillers per plant (78.06%), number of panicles per plant (78.74%), and 100-grain weight (98.15%) indicating the possibility of evolving higher yield variants through selection. Chlorophyll mutations observed were albino, viridis, and striata. The RAPD analyses with primers OPR 02 (5′–CAC AGC TGC C-3′), OPC 04 (5′-CCG CAT CTA C-3′), and OPC 05 (5′–GAT GAC CGC C-3′) revealed different DNA banding patterns between controls and NaN3-treated plants.

Conclusions

The study indicates that sodium azide is a potent mutagen, evident from information on genetic variability expressed by the DNA profiles of the rice varieties and their mutant counterparts as well as in the yield performances. The study thus indicated that the source of NaN3 induced variants among the treated progenies were genetic in nature and hence heritable. However, further screening on promising mutant plants from this research should be done through successive generations to identify stable traits and variant that can perform optimally under saline conditions.
The traditional and therapeutic use of banana and its plant based delicacies in ethnic Assamese cuisine and religious rituals from Northeast India
Authors: Sarma Upasana , Govila Viney Kumar , Yadav Akanksha
Published: June 2020

Assam lies nestled in the far north-east corner of the Indian subcontinent. A country blessed with ample natural resources, the state of Assam also has a plethora of options in terms of choosing their core food sources. Banana or kol, as named in Assamese, has hundreds of varieties available in many parts of the world. They grow particularly well in tropical countries. It is found abundantly in the state of Assam and people have been making judicious use of the fruit and its plant parts in their cuisine since time immemorial. But nevertheless, a detailed review on its uses and importance and rising popularity in ethnic delicacies has not yet been documented well. This paper attempts to bring together the popular banana-based recipes of Assam state and its use in everyday religious ceremonies by the people of this community. It has age-old recipes used commonly in Assamese households and descriptive analysis of their microbial and biochemical diversity. It aims to bring to the fore the rising popularity of these ethnic dishes amongst modern population and is an attempt to revive these dishes and bring them into the mainstream Indian ethnic cuisine. As more and more people become aware of ethnic cuisine, it increases a global connectivity based on exchange of such information from lesser-known sources. The importance and significance of documenting these lesser-known recipes of Indian Assamese cuisine is an attempt to keep it relevant and take it to a broader audience who are appreciative of such oriental dishes. It is also high time a policy framework is worked upon by respective government of state and the centre for the true recognition and sustainability of such ethnic cuisine.
Matching pursuit-based sparse spectral analysis: Estimating frequency-dependent anomalies from nonstationary seismic data
Authors: Xue Jiao , Cai Chengguo , Gu Hanming , Li Zongjie
Published: June 2020

Spectral decomposition has been widely used to detect frequency-dependent anomalies associated with hydrocarbons. By ignoring the time-variant feature of the frequency content of individual reflected wavelets, we have adopted a sparse time-frequency spectrum and developed a matching pursuit-based sparse spectral analysis (MP-SSA) method to estimate the sparse time-frequency representation of the seismic data. Further, we evaluate a generalized nonstationary convolution model concerning propagation attenuation and frequency-dependent reflectivity, and we mathematically evaluate the sparse time-frequency spectrum of the nonstationary seismic data as being equal to the product of the Fourier spectrum of the source wavelet, frequency-dependent reflection coefficient, and the cumulative attenuation during seismic wave propagation. Therefore, the reflectivity spectrum, which is a combination of the frequency-dependent reflectivity and the propagation attenuation, can be determined by dividing the sparse time-frequency spectrum of the seismic data by the Fourier spectrum of the source wavelet. Application of the matching pursuit-based decomposition methods to synthetic nonstationary convolutional data illustrates that the adopted MP-SSA spectrum shows a higher time resolution than the matching pursuit-based Wigner-Ville distribution and the matching pursuit-based instantaneous spectral analysis spectra. Notably, the MP-SSA method can avoid spectral smearing, which may introduce distortions to the frequency-dependent anomaly estimation. Application of the amplitude versus frequency analysis based on MP-SSA to field data illustrates the potential of using the sparse reflectivity spectral intercept and gradient to detect the hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Using an airborne electromagnetic method to map saltwater intrusion in the northern Salinas Valley, California
Authors: Gottschalk Ian , Knight Rosemary , Asch Theodore , Abraham Jared , Cannia James
Published: June 2020

Saltwater intrusion can pose a serious threat to groundwater quality in coastal regions. Estimating the extent of saltwater intrusion is vital for groundwater managers to plan appropriate mitigation strategies. The airborne electromagnetic (AEM) method is commonly used to evaluate groundwater resources, but it is challenging to apply in coastal environments because the low resistivity of saltwater-saturated aquifers attenuates the electromagnetic signal quickly and the relationship between electrical resistivity and pore water salinity is complex. However, if successful, the AEM method can supply information to address questions of critical importance in coastal regions. We investigated the extent of, and controls on, saltwater intrusion using the AEM method in the northern Salinas Valley, CA, USA. We collected 635 line-km of AEM data in the study area, the inversion results of which produced estimates of the electrical resistivity of the subsurface, reaching depths of between 50 and approximately 200 m below the ground surface. We have developed a relationship between the AEM electrical resistivity model and groundwater salinity, calibrated from borehole geophysical and water quality measurements, which allowed us to generate images revealing the distribution of saltwater and fresher groundwater in the study area. This fresher groundwater (defined as “a source of drinking water”) was successfully mapped out in the unconfined aquifer (the Dune Sand Aquifer) and the uppermost confined aquifer (the 180-Foot Aquifer) in the study area, illustrating a groundwater recharge process that helps mitigate saltwater intrusion in the 180-Foot Aquifer. Deep, low-resistivity bodies also were mapped, indicating regions where saltwater likely is migrating vertically from the 180-Foot Aquifer into the lower confined aquifer (the 400-Foot Aquifer). The findings from this case study demonstrate the value of acquiring AEM data for investigating the distribution of salinity in coastal aquifers impacted by saltwater intrusion.
From constant- to variable-density inverse extended Born modeling
Authors: Farshad Milad , Chauris Hervé
Published: June 2020

For quantitative seismic imaging, iterative least-squares reverse time migration is the recommended approach. The existence of an inverse of the forward modeling operator would considerably reduce the number of required iterations. In the context of the extended model, such a pseudoinverse does exist and is built as a weighted version of the adjoint that accounts for the deconvolution, geometric spreading, and uneven illumination. The application of the pseudoinverse Born modeling is based on constant-density acoustic media, which is a limiting factor for practical applications. To consider density perturbations, we have adopted and investigated two approaches. The first one is a generalization of a recent study proposing to recover acoustic perturbations from the angle-dependent response of the pseudoinverse Born modeling operator. This new version is based on the weighted least-squares objective function. The method not only provides more robust results, but it also offers the flexibility to include constraints in the objective function to reduce the parameters’ crosstalk. We also propose an alternative approach based on Taylor expansion that does not require any Radon transform. Numerical examples based on a simple model and the Marmousi2 models using correct and incorrect background models for the variable density pseudoinverse Born modeling verify the effectiveness of the weighted least-squares method when compared with the other two approaches. The Taylor expansion approach appears to contain too many artifacts for successful applicability.
A Pragmatic Approach to Inpatient Diabetes Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Korytkowski Mary , Antinori-Lent Kellie , Drincic Andjela , Hirsch Irl B , McDonnell Marie E , Rushakoff Robert , Muniyappa Ranganath
Published: June 2020

The pandemic of COVID-19 has presented new challenges to hospital personnel providing care for infected patients with diabetes who represent more than 20% of critically ill patients in intensive care units. Appropriate glycemic management contributes to a reduction in adverse clinical outcomes in acute illness but also requires intensive patient interactions for bedside glucose monitoring, intravenous and subcutaneous insulin administration, as well as rapid intervention for hypoglycemia events. These tasks are required at a time when minimizing patient interactions is recommended as a way of avoiding prolonged exposure to COVID-19 by health care personnel who often practice in settings with limited supplies of personal protective equipment. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide guidance for clinicians for reconciling recommended standards of care for infected hospitalized patients with diabetes while also addressing the daily realities of an overwhelmed health care system in many areas of the country. The use of modified protocols for insulin administration, bedside glucose monitoring, and medications such as glucocorticoids and hydroxychloroquine that may affect glycemic control are discussed. Continuous glucose monitoring systems have been proposed as an option for reducing time spent with patients, but there are important issues that need to be addressed if these are used in hospitalized patients. On-site and remote glucose management teams have potential to provide guidance in areas where there are shortages of personnel who have expertise in inpatient glycemic management.
Polymorphisms of IRAK1 Gene on X Chromosome Is Associated with Hashimoto Thyroiditis in Korean Children
Authors: Shin Hye-Ri , Cho Won Kyoung , Baek In-Cheol , Lee Na Yeong , Lee Yoon Ji , Kim Seul Ki , Ahn Moon Bae , Suh Byung-Kyu , Kim Tai-Gyu
Published: June 2020

Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is predominant in females and has been focused on the sexual diploid in immune response. The IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) gene on the X chromosome was recently suggested as strong autoimmune disease-susceptible loci, second to the major histocompatibility complex region. We investigated the frequency of IRAK1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in children with AITD. In this study, we observed that SNPs of IRAK1 including rs3027898, rs1059703, and rs1059702 in 115 Korean AITD pediatric patients (Graves’ disease = 74 [females = 52/males = 22]; Hashimoto disease [HD] = 41 [females = 38/males = 3]; thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy [TAO] = 40 (females = 27/males = 13); without TAO = 75 (females = 63/males = 12); total males = 25, total females = 90; mean age = 11.9 years) and 204 healthy Korean individuals (males = 104/females = 100). The data from cases and controls were analyzed from separate sex-stratified or all combined by χ 2 test for categorical variables and Student t test for numerical variables. Our study revealed that SNPs of IRAK1-associated HD and without TAO but Graves’ disease and TAO were not found significant. When cases and controls were analyzed by separate sex, we found that rs3027898 AA, rs1059703 AA, and rs1059702 GG showed disease susceptibility in female AITD, HD, and without TAO. Also, all rs3027898, rs1059703, and rs1059702 were found to be in strong linkage disequilibrium (D′ = 0.96-0.98, r2 = 0.83–0.97). The haplotype of 3 SNPs was higher in AITD than in controls (CGA, r2 = 5.42, P = 0.019). Our results suggest that IRAK1 polymorphisms may contribute to the pathogenesis of HD, AITD, and without thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy for females.
A review of the PERFORMS scheme in breast screening
Authors: Gale Alastair , Chen Yan
Published: June 2020

This review details the aetiology of the PERFORMS self-assessment scheme in breast screening, together with its subsequent development, current implementation and future function. The purpose of the scheme is examined and the importance of its continuing role in a changing screening service described, together with current evolution.
Dorpat professorial Institute is a scientific - pedagogical school in Russia
Authors: avtor № , *avtor №
Published: June 2020

This monograph carried out a systematic analysis of the unique experience of solving complex problems for the training of professors for Russian universities in Dorpat professorial Institute. In cultural and historical context the first half of the XIX century the system of training of the professors of the new formation is regarded as a scientific-pedagogical school in Russia. Chrono-logical framework of the monograph covers the period from the beginning of the XIX century 60-ies of the XIX century (from the prerequisites for the establishment of Professorial Institute to identify lines of continuity in his work). Analyzed the activity of three generations of Russian University professors.
Addressed to high school teachers, doctoral students, graduate students.
Child psychology
Authors: Uruntaeva Galina
Published: June 2020

The textbook is devoted to the problems of mental development of children of early and preschool age. It reveals the basic laws and conditions of mental development in preschool childhood, outlines the basic ideas about the personal characteristics, cognitive development of the preschool child, development of his various activities.
Meets the requirements of Federal state educational standard of higher education of the last generation 44.03.01 direction of preparation "Pedagogical education" (profile "Primary education").
For students of higher educational institutions, as well as for practical psychologists, kindergarten teachers and anyone interested in the mental development of a preschooler, the formation of his personality.
Setting an Agenda for Hospital Medicine Research: Making Sure the Right People Are at the Table
Authors: Glick Alexander F , Jacobs-Shaw Ramon EA , Rosenberg Rebecca E
Published: June 2020

Unlike other service industries, US healthcare has been slower to adopt an approach of asking users (patients) how to make things better. However, patient engagement in systems of healthcare (eg, Patient and Family Advisory Councils [PFAC]) and health system-­based research (eg, Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute [PCORI]) are gaining currency in the United States.1,2
Developing Trust With Early Medical School Graduates During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kinnear Benjamin , Kelleher Matthew , Olson Andrew PJ , Sall Dana , Schumacher Daniel J
Published: June 2020

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has strained the healthcare system by rapidly depleting multiple resources including hospital space, medications, ventilators, personal protective equipment (PPE), clinical revenue, and morale. One of the most essential at-risk resources is healthcare providers. Healthcare providers have been overwhelmed as hospital systems have experienced local surges in COVID-19 patients. Compounding this is the fact that providers are more likely to contract COVID-19, which could sideline portions of an already taxed workforce.
Intensive Care Unit Utilization After Adoption of a Ward‐Based High‐Flow Nasal Cannula Protocol
Authors: Coon Eric R , Stoddard Greg , Brady Patrick W
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Hospitals are increasingly adopting ward‐based high‐flow nasal cannula (HFNC) protocols that allow HFNC treatment of bronchiolitis outside of the intensive care unit (ICU). Our objective was to determine whether adoption of a ward‐based HFNC protocol reduces ICU utilization.

METHODS

We examined a retrospective cohort of infants aged 3 to 24 months hospitalized with bronchiolitis at hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System database. The study exposure was adoption of a ward‐based HFNC protocol, measured by direct contact with pediatric hospital medicine leaders at each hospital. All analyses utilized an interrupted time series approach. The primary analysis compared outcomes three respiratory seasons before and three respiratory seasons after HFNC adoption, among adopting hospitals. Supplementary analysis 1 mirrored the primary analysis with the exception that the first season after adoption was censored. In supplementary analysis 2, effects among nonadopting hospitals were subtracted from effects measured among adopting hospitals.

RESULTS

Of 44 contacted hospitals, 41 replied (93% response rate), of which 18 were categorized as non‐adopting hospitals and 12 were categorized as adopting hospitals. Included ward‐based HFNC protocols were adopted between the 2010‐2011 and 2015‐2016 respiratory seasons. The primary analysis included 26,253 bronchiolitis encounters and measured immediate increases in the proportion of patients admitted to the ICU (absolute difference, 3.1%; 95% CI, 2.8%‐3.4%) and ICU length of stay (absolute difference, 9.1 days per 100 patients; 95% CI, 5.1‐13.2). Both supplementary analyses yielded similar findings.

CONCLUSION

Early protocols for ward‐based HFNC were paradoxically associated with increased ICU utilization.
Consumption and Portfolio Choice Under Loss Aversion and Endogenous Updating of the Reference Level
Authors: van Bilsen Servaas , Laeven Roger J. A. , Nijman Theo E.
Published: June 2020

We explicitly derive and explore the optimal consumption and portfolio policies of a loss-averse individual who endogenously updates his or her reference level over time. We find that the individual protects current consumption by delaying painful reductions in consumption after a drop in wealth, and increasingly so with higher degrees of endogeneity. The incentive to protect current consumption is stronger with a medium wealth level than with a high or low wealth level. Furthermore, this individual adopts a conservative investment strategy in normal states and typically a more aggressive strategy in good and bad states. Endogeneity of the reference level increases overall risk-taking and generates an incentive to reduce risk exposure with age even without human capital. The welfare loss that this individual would suffer under the conventional constant relative risk aversion (CRRA) consumption and portfolio policies easily exceeds 10%.

This paper was accepted by Tyler Shumway, finance.
Current technical surgical practice of emergency appendicectomy: a cross-sectional survey of surgical registrars in the UK
Authors: Currow C , Patel K , Askari A , Rabie M , Aly M , Aker M ,   On behalf of the Surgical Trainees East of England Research (STEER) Collaborative
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Appendicectomy remains one of the most commonly performed procedures in general surgery. The aim of this study was to explore variation in operative techniques of an appendicectomy among surgical registrars in England.

Materials and methods

An anonymised survey was sent out to surgical registrars in the UK via email and social media. Subgroup analyses were performed comparing respondents based on their level of seniority and subspecialty background.

Results

A total of 168 respondents completed the survey, of whom 77.4% (130/168) were specialty trainees years 3–8 and 44.6% (75/168) were colorectal trainees. The majority (98.8%) preferred a laparoscopic approach to appendicectomy. Overall, 73.2% opted to use diathermy to divide an uninflamed mesoappendix. Half of the respondents (50%) preferentially used diathermy to control the appendicular artery, followed by 44% preferring use of metal or polymeric clips. The appendicular stump was most often secured with Endoloops (85.7%) when removing a macroscopically uninflamed appendix but less readily used in the visibly inflamed appendix (75.6%, p = 0.01). Colorectal and upper gastrointestinal registrars were more likely to use diathermy on the mucosa of the appendix stump compared with other subspecialties (p = 0.03). The majority (82.1%) of respondents extracted the appendix via a retrieval bag. Regarding skin closure, most respondents (69%) adopted absorbable subcuticular sutures. Preferential duration of postoperative antibiotic use following appendicectomy for complicated appendicitis varied among the respondents.

Conclusion

There are similarities and differences across surgical registrars in terms of technical practice in appendicectomy, partially attributed to prior experience and training.
Adaptive shrinking reconstruction framework for cone-beam X-ray luminescence computed tomography
Authors: Zhang Haibo , Huang Xiaodong , Zhou Mingquan , Geng Guohua , He Xiaowei
Published: June 2020

Cone-beam X-ray luminescence computed tomography (CB-XLCT) emerged as a novel hybrid technique for early detection of small tumors in vivo. However, severe ill-posedness is still a challenge for CB-XLCT imaging. In this study, an adaptive shrinking reconstruction framework without a prior information is proposed for CB-XLCT. In reconstruction processing, the mesh nodes are automatically selected with higher probability to contribute to the distribution of target for imaging. Specially, an adaptive shrinking function is designed to automatically control the permissible source region at a multi-scale rate. Both 3D digital mouse and in vivo experiments were carried out to test the performance of our method. The results indicate that the proposed framework can dramatically improve the imaging quality of CB-XLCT.
Dem Mitarbeiter zu Diensten. Weiterbildung und Qualifizierung als Personennahe Dienstleistung
Authors: Vladova Gergana , Heuts Alexander , Teichmann Malte
Published: June 2020

Die Weiterbildung und Qualifizierung der Mitarbeiter sind zentrale Erfolgsfaktoren des digitalen Wandels. Die zentrale Herausforderung besteht darin, diese maßgeschnitten anzubieten sowie notwendige Akzeptanz nicht vorauszusetzen, sondern ebenso als Zielgröße anzusehen. Dies geschieht jedoch nur, wenn die Mitarbeiter als Partner gesehen werden, deren Bedürfnisse und Verständnis nachhaltig berücksichtigt werden. Dieser Beitrag schlägt vor diesem Hintergrund einen Ansatz vor, Weiterbildung als Personennahe Dienstleistung zu realisieren. Dafür wird zuerst ein skizzenhafter Überblick über grundlegende Kompetenzanforderungen des digitalen Wandels gegeben. Danach wird die aktuelle Situation betrieblicher Weiterbildung in der digitalen Transformation beleuchtet. Hierzu wurde in einem Zeitraum von sechs Monaten im Rahmen einer quantitativen Untersuchung erhoben, wie Beschäftigte die digitale Transformation ihres Unternehmens und daraus resultierende Bedarfe betrieblicher Weiterbildung wahrnehmen. Darauf basierend werden drei aktuelle Paradoxe abgeleitet, die mit einer Durchführung von Weiterbildung als Personennahe Dienstleistung verhindert werden können. Empfehlungen und Lösungsansätze werden hierzu diskutiert und weiterer Forschungsbedarf abgeleitet.
PROJETO LICURI: UMA PROPOSTA DE REAPLICAÇÃO DA TECNOLOGIA SOCIAL
Authors: Andrade Camila de Mattos Lima , Jesus Djane Santiago de , Santos Carla Renata Santos dos
Published: June 2020

O presente estudo aborda aspectos conceituais, históricos, teórico-práticos, numa perspectiva crítica, acerca das Tecnologias Sociais (TS) e tem como seu principal escopo retratar uma proposta de reaplicação de tecnologias sociais desenvolvidas no âmbito do Projeto Licuri IFBA, a partir das experiências vivenciadas em projeto de extensão na região de Serra Pelada-Monte Branco, comunidade de Barraquinha, zona rural do município de Jequié-Bahia. Por meio do levantamento de referencial teórico e relatos de experiência, foram planejadas e executadas fases preparatórias para possível reaplicação dessas TS, cujo processo de desenvolvimento e reaplicação tecnológica está fundado nos conceitos de TS preconizados principalmente por Dagnino (2004), Dias e Novaes (2010); Incubação Social por Santos, Jesus e Cypriano (2017). Como produto das ações desenvolvidas, foi possível a criação de um plano de metas e ações visando à criação de novos produtos com o uso do licuri como componente, preocupação com a adequação às práticas de higiene e segurança alimentar, aplicação de algumas técnicas de empreendedorismo aos produtos desenvolvidos. Portanto, o estudo poderá colaborar com pesquisas na área de TS, assim como projetos que visem à reaplicação de TS em outras regiões.