bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying biomarker candidates of influenza infection based on scalable time‐course big data of gene expression
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Zhang Jin , Ju Shan , Qiu Lu
Published: June 2019

Large‐scale biological data processing is an important topic in computational biology, which gives the promotion of many biomedical research. For example, a huge volume of gene expression data can help us achieve potentially useful medical knowledge and identify disease biomarker candidates. Nevertheless, a great deal of attention has been paid to unscalable single‐time‐point expression data after disease symptoms appear (outbreak period) and there have been few investigations into scalable time‐course expression data before disease symptoms appear (incubation) for each sample. By exploiting such dynamic big data in the incubation, we can easily catch early signals of disease states and prevent illness in the first place. In this study, we apply a new mathematical model on biological data of given incubations and identify biomarker candidates using an intellectualized method. The model narrows a large number of alternative genes into a few ones (top genes), which facilitate the discovery of genes related to disease. The aim of our work is to propose a powerful biomarker‐detecting tool, which helps people to aid early diagnosis or identify effective drug targets before the appearance of clinical symptoms.
Circ‐SERPINE2 promotes the development of gastric carcinoma by sponging miR‐375 and modulating YWHAZ
Authors: Liu Jianing , Song Suzhen , Lin Sen , Zhang Mingbao , Du Yating , Zhang Dongdong , Xu Weihua , Wang Hongbo
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) exist extensively in the eukaryotic genome. The study aimed to identify the role of hsa_circ_0008365 (Circ‐SERPINE2) in gastric carcinoma (GC) cells and its downstream mechanisms.

Materials and methods

Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was applied to screen differentially expressed circRNAs. CircInteractome, TargetScan and miRecords websites were used to predict target relationships. qRT‐PCR and RNase R treatment were utilised to detect molecule expression and confirm the existence of circ‐SERPINE2. RNA pull‐down assay and dual‐luciferase reporter assay were performed for interaction between circRNA and miRNA or mRNA. EdU assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry for apoptosis and cell cycle detections were utilised to assess cell function. Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays were applied for detection of proteins in tissues or cells.

Results

Circ‐SERPINE2 and YWHAZ were upregulated, and miR‐375 was downregulated in GC tissues and cells. Circ‐SERPINE2 and YWHAZ targetedly bound to miR‐375. Circ‐SERPINE2 promoted cell proliferation and cell cycle progress and inhibited cell apoptosis by sponging miR‐375 and regulating YWHAZ expression in vitro. Circ‐SERPINE2 repressed solid tumour growth through enhancing miR‐375 expression and reducing YWHAZ expression in vivo.

Conclusions

Circ‐SERPINE2 is a novel proliferative promoter through the regulation of miR‐375/YWHAZ. Circ‐SERPINE2/miR‐375/YWHAZ axis might provide a novel therapeutic target of GC.
Conservation implications of sex‐specific landscape suitability for a large generalist carnivore
Authors: Gantchoff Mariela , Conlee Laura , Belant Jerrold
Published: June 2019

Aim

Terrestrial mammal distribution models typically do not differentiate between sexes when making spatial predictions, which could have important conservation implications. As male carnivores are usually more risk tolerant and travel longer distances, male potential range should be larger and include more human‐modified areas than female range. To evaluate if differences between females and males could influence their conservation planning, we quantified sex‐specific suitable range for a recolonizing population of American black bears (Ursus americanus).

Location

We applied this method in Missouri, USA.

Methods

We collected telemetry data from 57 females and 43 male bears from 2010 to 2018. We used three machine‐learning methods (generalized boosted regression, random forest and maximum entropy) to develop sex‐specific distribution models, which were combined into a weighted average ensemble model and converted into a binary (presence/absence) model using an optimized threshold. We used 80% of individuals for each sex as training data, and 20% as evaluation data.

Results

All models had high predictive performance; the greatest uncertainty in model predictions corresponded with the periphery of the distributions, whereas there was high agreement in the core distribution. Male suitable range was 66% larger than female range, and males were predicted to occur in more human‐modified areas and more likely to be present in developed land and agriculture.

Main conclusions

Distribution models based on data from both sexes, or that is male‐biased, could overestimate the female (i.e., reproductive) range and potentially misrepresent the biologically relevant species distribution. This bias can potentially lead to misguided decisions and suboptimal use of resources. By improving models when sex‐specific data are available, we can better focus resources in areas where there is reproductive potential, leading to more accurate assessments of species' conservation status and better identifying areas vital for species persistence.
Situated Comparison: A Methodological Response to an Epistemological Dilemma
Authors: Flood David , Starr Julie
Published: June 2019

Ethnographic knowledge production exists in implicit tension with the tenets of a critical disciplinary politics normalized in the reflexive critiques of the late 20th century. Anthropologists have responded with numerous theoretical ‘turns,’ which in different ways attempt to reconcile the conflicting imperatives of critical attention to histories of power and inequality, with rich and nuanced accounts of cultural worlds and peoples’ agentive roles in them. This article proposes Situated Comparison as one possible methodological approach to this epistemological dilemma. We propose explicit attention to multiple local understandings of categorical social differentiation, which we compare on a plane of epistemic equality with academic theories of those same boundaries. Examples from two disparate fieldwork contexts—classed ideas of ethical sociality in the rural American South; and guanxi and social intimacy in Shanghai, China—demonstrate the potential of this methodology for reflexive engagement with ideas of personhood and self across lines of difference.
Advanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage components in haemophilic joints reveals that cartilage hemosiderin correlates with joint deterioration
Authors: von Drygalski Annette , Barnes Richard F. W. , Jang Hyungseok , Ma Yajun , Wong Jonathan H. , Berman Zachary , Du Jiang , Chang Eric Y.
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Evidence suggests that toxic iron is involved in haemophilic joint destruction.

Aim

To determine whether joint iron deposition is linked to clinical and imaging outcomes in order to optimize management of haemophilic joint disease.

Methods

Adults with haemophilia A or haemophilia B (n = 23, ≥ age 21) of all severities were recruited prospectively to undergo assessment with Hemophilia Joint Health Scores (HJHS), pain scores (visual analogue scale [VAS]) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3T using conventional MRI protocols and 4‐echo 3D‐UTE‐Cones sequences for one affected arthropathic joint. MRI was scored blinded by two musculoskeletal radiologists using the International Prophylaxis Study Group (IPSG) MRI scale. Additionally, UTE‐T2* values of cartilage were quantified. Correlations between parameters were performed using Spearman rank correlation. Two patients subsequently underwent knee arthroplasty, which permitted linking of histological findings (including Perl's reaction) with MRI results.

Results

MRI scores did not correlate with pain scores or HJHS. Sixteen joints had sufficient cartilage for UTE‐T2* analysis. T2* values for cartilage correlated inversely with HJHS (rs = −0.81, P < 0.001) and MRI scores (rs = −0.52, P = 0.037). This was unexpected since UTE‐T2* values decrease with better joint status in patients with osteoarthritis, suggesting that iron was present and responsible for the effects. Histological analysis of cartilage confirmed iron deposition within chondrocytes, associated with low UTE‐T2* values.

Conclusions

Iron accumulation can occur in cartilage (not only in synovium) and shows a clear association with joint health. Cartilage iron is a novel biomarker which, if quantifiable with innovative joint‐specific MRI T2* sequences, may guide treatment optimization.
Using peer effects to explain retention rates in a private university
Authors: Stinespring John R. , Kench Brian T. , Borja Karla
Published: June 2019

This study identifies factors associated with freshmen retention rates at a mid‐size private university. A key finding from our analysis is that roommates' academic efforts, residing on an honours floor and membership in co‐curricular groups increase retention. We also confirm many standard results in the literature regarding the impact on retention rates, such as student motivation and ability, and financial aid. We show that a timely housing application, closer proximity to home, a higher number of schools on a student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid and peer effects impact freshman retention. Our results suggest that a more sophisticated dormroom assignment algorithm matching students' abilities and interests could be considered to increase freshman retention rates among private institutions.
Steam radish sprout (Raphanus sativus L.): active substances, antioxidant activities and non‐targeted metabolomics analysis
Authors: Li Ru , Hao Rui , Zhu Yi
Published: June 2019

Various active substances, antioxidant activities and primary differential metabolite profiles were investigated to assess the nutritional quality of radish sprouts steamed for 0–300 s. The levels of flavonoids, total phenolic content and isothiocyanate in radish sprouts decreased with increased steaming time, and DPPH radical scavenging activity levels and superoxide dismutase levels also exhibited a downward trend (P < 0.05). By contrast, total phenolic acid, ferric‐reducing antioxidant power and reducing power levels exhibited significant increases in the early short‐term steaming process (P < 0.05). Steaming for 30 s promoted the accumulation of vitamin B2, whereas, steaming for 300 s promoted the accumulation of phospholipids and myristic acid to a greater extent than steaming for 30 s. Overall, there was a partial non‐decreased nutritional indicator in short‐term steaming of radish sprouts, and a longer steaming time positively affected the differential metabolites.
MiR‐34b‐3p represses cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and cell apoptosis in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by targeting CDK4
Authors: Feng Hongxiang , Ge Feixiang , Du Lanfang , Zhang Zhenrong , Liu Deruo
Published: June 2019

Lung cancer is the most common incident cancer, with a high mortality worldwide, and non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of cases. Numerous studies have shown that the aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is associated with the development and progression of cancers. However, the clinical significance and biological roles of most miRNAs in NSCLC remain elusive. In this study, we identified a novel miRNA, miR‐34b‐3p, that suppressed NSCLC cell growth and investigated the underlying mechanism. miR‐34b‐3p was down‐regulated in both NSCLC tumour tissues and lung cancer cell lines (H1299 and A549). The overexpression of miR‐34b‐3p suppressed lung cancer cell (H1299 and A549) growth, including proliferation inhibition, cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assays confirmed that miR‐34b‐3p could bind to the cyclin‐dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) mRNA 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) to suppress the expression of CDK4 in NSCLC cells. H1299 and A549 cell proliferation inhibition is mediated by cell cycle arrest and apoptosis with CDK4 interference. Moreover, CDK4 overexpression effectively reversed miR‐34‐3p‐repressed NSCLC cell growth. In conclusion, our findings reveal that miR‐34b‐3p might function as a tumour suppressor in NSCLC by targeting CDK4 and that miR‐34b‐3p may, therefore, serve as a biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC.
4‐O‐methylhonokiol protects against diabetic cardiomyopathy in type 2 diabetic mice by activation of AMPK‐mediated cardiac lipid metabolism improvement
Authors: Zheng Zongyu , Ma Tianjiao , Guo Hua , Kim Ki Soo , Kim Kyoung Tae , Bi Liqi , Zhang Zhiguo , Cai Lu
Published: June 2019

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by increased left ventricular mass and wall thickness, decreased systolic function, reduced ejection fraction (EF) and ultimately heart failure. The 4‐O‐methylhonokiol (MH) has been isolated mainly from the bark of the root and stem of Magnolia species. In this study, we aimed to elucidate whether MH can effectively prevent DCM in type 2 diabetic (T2D) mice and, if so, whether the protective response of MH is associated with its activation of AMPK‐mediated inhibition of lipid accumulation and inflammation. A total number of 40 mice were divided into four groups: Ctrl, Ctrl + MH, T2D, T2D + MH. Five mice from each group were sacrificed after 3‐month MH treatment. The remaining animals in each group were kept for additional 3 months without further MH treatment. In T2D mice, the typical DCM symptoms were induced as expected, reflected by decreased ejection fraction and lipotoxic effects inducing lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions, and final fibrosis. However, these typical DCM changes were significantly prevented by the MH treatment immediately or 3 months after the 3‐month MH treatment, suggesting MH‐induced cardiac protection from T2D had a memory effect. Mechanistically, MH cardiac protection from DCM may be associated with its lipid metabolism improvement by the activation of AMPK/CPT1‐mediated fatty acid oxidation. In addition, the MH treatment of DCM mice significantly improved their insulin resistance levels by activation of GSK‐3β. These results indicate that the treatment of T2D with MH effectively prevents DCM probably via AMPK‐dependent improvement of the lipid metabolism.
The many faces of rosacea: liberal diagnostic criteria have ramifications on disease prevalence and accuracy
Authors: Wienholtz N. , Egeberg A. , Thyssen J.P.
Published: June 2019

Linked article: L. Tizek. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019; 33: e428. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15747.
Description of a new small‐sizedSynodontisspecies (Siluriformes: Mochokidae) that is important for local subsistence fisheries in the middle Lufira (upper Congo River, DR Congo)
Authors: Kasongo Ilunga Micheline , Abwe Emmanuel , Decru Eva , Chocha Manda Auguste , Vreven Emmanuel
Published: June 2019

Synodontis denticulatussp. nov. is an endemic from the middle Lufira Basin and its associated tributaries and lakes. The species shows close morphological resemblance toSynodontis greshoffiandSynodontis unicolor,which are widespread Congo Basin and Bangweulu‐Mweru endemic species, respectively. However, it differs from bothS. greshoffiandS. unicolorby its non‐villous skin (v. villous skin), strong and numerous serrations on the posterior margin of the dorsal spine (v. weak and fewer serrations), weak and few serrations on the posterior margin of the pectoral spine (v. strong and numerous serrations), relatively short maxillary barbels (v. long) and its small maximum standard length (89.1 mmLSv. 148.0 and 190.7 mmLSrespectively). A DNA barcoding study (coI, mtDNA) revealed thatS. denticulatusforms a distinct genetic clade with a genetic distance of 2.18% withS. greshoffiand 0.84% withS. unicolor.Synodontis denticulatusis caught regularly and abundantly as a by‐catch in the gillnet fisheries in the middle Lufira lakes. Owing to its small overall size and large bony head, the species has usually no real commercial value but is an important food fish for the fishermen's families.
Synergistic regulation of drought‐responsive genes by transcription factor OsbZIP23 and histone modification in rice
Authors: Zong Wei , Yang Jun , Fu Jie , Xiong Lizhong
Published: June 2019

Thousands of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) have been identified in rice under drought stress conditions. However, the regulatory mechanism of these DEGs remains largely unclear. Here, we report an interplay between histone H3K4me3 modification and transcription factor OsbZIP23 in the regulation of a dehydrin gene cluster under drought stress conditions in rice. When the H3K4me3 modification level was increased, the dehydrin gene expression levels were increased, and the binding levels of OsbZIP23 to the promoter of the dehydrin genes were also enhanced. Conversely, the H3K4me3 modification and dehydrin gene expression levels were downregulated in the osbzip23 mutant under drought stress conditions. Our study uncovers a collaboration between transcription factor and H3K4me3 modification in the regulation of drought‐responsive genes, which will help us to further understand the gene regulation mechanism under stress conditions in plants.
Chemerin inhibits vascular calcification through ChemR23 and is associated with lower coronary calcium in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Carracedo M. , Witasp A. , Qureshi A. R. , Laguna‐Fernandez A. , Brismar T. , Stenvinkel P. , Bäck M.
Published: June 2019

Background

Chemerin is an adipokine that signals through the G protein‐coupled receptor ChemR23 and is associated with inflammation, glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism and renal function, all of which strongly influence cardiovascular risk. However, elevated chemerin provides a survival advantage in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but how this relates to the cardiovascular phenotype is unknown.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to establish the association of chemerin with coronary calcification and to determine the effects of chemerin signalling, through ChemR23, in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) calcification.

Methods

Plasma chemerin was measured in 113 patients with CKD and 50 healthy controls. All patients underwent computed tomography to determine coronary artery calcium (CAC) score. VSMCs were isolated from wild‐type and ChemR23 knock‐out mice and treated with chemerin.

Results

Multivariate analyses established creatinine, cholesterol, body mass index and tumour necrosis factor as significant confounders for circulating chemerin levels. Despite these positive associations with renal function, cardiometabolic risk factors and inflammation, chemerin was inversely associated with CAC both in an age‐ and sex‐adjusted analysis and in a multivariate analysis adjusting for the aforementioned confounders. In addition, circulating chemerin levels were associated with the calcification inhibitors matrix gla protein (MGP) and fetuin‐A. Finally, chemerin significantly reduced phosphate‐induced calcification and increased MGP expression in VSMCs, whereas chemerin was devoid of these effects in VSMCs lacking ChemR23.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these results suggest that chemerin signalling through ChemR23 in VSMCs protects against vascular calcification in CKD.
Pharmacokinetics of florfenicol in blunt‐snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) at two water temperatures with single‐dose oral administration
Authors: Huang Yuqing , Chen Xiaoxuan , Wang Huan , Zhao Hui , Luo Yaner , Wu Zhixin
Published: June 2019

The pharmacokinetics and residue elimination of florfenicol (FFC) and its metabolite florfenicol amine (FFA) were studied in healthy blunt‐snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala, 50 ± 10 g). The study was conducted with a single‐dose (25 mg/kg) oral administration at a water temperature of 18 or 28°C, while in the residue elimination study, fish were administered at 25 mg/kg daily for three consecutive days by oral gavage to determine the withdrawal period (WDT) at 28°C. The FFC and FFA levels in plasma and tissues (liver, kidneys and muscle) were analysed using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A no‐compartment model was used to analyse the concentration versus time data of M. amblycephala. In the two groups at 18 and 28°C, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of FFC was 5.89 and 6.21 μg/ml, while the time to reach Cmax (Tmax) was 5.97 and 2.84 hr, respectively. These suggested that higher temperature absorbed more drug and more quickly at M. amblycephala. And the elimination half‐life (T1/2kβ) of FFC was calculated as 26.75 and 16.14 hr, while the total body clearance (CL) was 0.09 and 0.15 L kg−1 hr−1, and the areas under the concentration–time curves (AUCs) were 265.87 and 163.31 μg hr/ml, respectively. The difference demonstrated that the elimination rate of FFC in M. amblycephala at 28°C was more quickly than that at 18°C. The results of FFA showed the same trend in tissues of M. amblycephala. After multiple oral doses (25 mg/kg daily for 3 days), the k (eliminate rate constant) of FFA in M. amblycephala muscle was 0.017, the C0 (initial concentration) was 3.07 mg/kg, and the WDT was 10 days (water temperature 28°C).
Assessment of physico‐chemical properties of water and phytoplankton bloom formation in a eutrophic pond using multivariate analysis
Authors: S Dhanya , Joseph Ammini
Published: June 2019

An investigation of the water chemistry and phytoplankton bloom formation characteristics of a seasonal earthen pond located in the Alappuzha District, Kerala (India) was carried out during November 2011 to May 2012. Twelve important physico‐chemical parameters (temperature, Secchi disc transparency, pH, electrical conductivity EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), ammonia‐nitrogen, nitrite‐nitrogen, nitrate‐nitrogen, total phosphorus (TP), dissolved iron and chlorophyll a related to phytoplankton growth in the pond were the focus of the present study. Chlorophyll a was used as a measure of phytoplankton biomass. The pond developed subsurface phytoplankton blooms of Chlorella vulgaris, Aphanothece sp., Leptosira sp., Lepocinclis globulus and Lepocinclis fusiformis. Visible scums of Lepocinclis globulus and Euglena proxima was also observed during March 2012. Principal component analysis was performed to understand the biochemical processes in the pond ecosystem leading to the Euglena spp. bloom.
Autonomy and caring: Towards a Marxist understanding of nursing work
Authors: Traynor Michael
Published: June 2019

The aim of this paper is to re‐examine nursing work from a Marxist perspective by means of a critique of two key concepts within nursing: autonomy and caring. Although Marx wrote over 150 years ago, many see continuing relevance to his theories. His concepts of capital, ideology and class antagonism are employed in this paper. Nursing's historical insertion into the developing hospital system is seen in terms of a loss of autonomy covered over by the development of cults of loyalty toward those institutions, while the concept of emotional labour is used to re‐examine nursing's high valuing of “caring” and to understand it as potentially exploitative of nurses. Raising awareness of this alternative way of understanding nursing work can become a first step toward change.
Engineering meiotic recombination pathways in rice
Authors: Fayos Ian , Mieulet Delphine , Petit Julie , Meunier Anne Cécile , Périn Christophe , Nicolas Alain , Guiderdoni Emmanuel
Published: June 2019

In the last 15 years, outstanding progress has been made in understanding the function of meiotic genes in the model dicot and monocot plants Arabidopsis and rice (Oryza sativa L.), respectively. This knowledge allowed to modulate meiotic recombination in Arabidopsis and, more recently, in rice. For instance, the overall frequency of crossovers (COs) has been stimulated 2.3‐ and 3.2‐fold through the inactivation of the rice FANCM and RECQ4 DNA helicases, respectively, two genes involved in the repair of DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) as noncrossovers (NCOs) of the Class II crossover pathway. Differently, the programmed induction of DSBs and COs at desired sites is currently explored by guiding the SPO11‐1 topoisomerase‐like transesterase, initiating meiotic recombination in all eukaryotes, to specific target regions of the rice genome. Furthermore, the inactivation of 3 meiosis‐specific genes, namely PAIR1, OsREC8 and OsOSD1, in the Mitosis instead of Meiosis (MiMe) mutant turned rice meiosis into mitosis, thereby abolishing recombination and achieving the first component of apomixis, apomeiosis. The successful translation of Arabidopsis results into a crop further allowed the implementation of two breakthrough strategies that triggered parthenogenesis from the MiMe unreduced clonal egg cell and completed the second component of diplosporous apomixis. Here, we review the most recent advances in and future prospects of the manipulation of meiotic recombination in rice and potentially other major crops, all essential for global food security.
Cross‐country evidence on the determinants of inclusive growth episodes
Authors: Jalles João Tovar , de Mello Luiz
Published: June 2019

Widening income disparities and slow productivity growth in most advanced and several emerging‐market economies have rekindled interest in the empirical analysis of the determinants of inclusive growth, defined in this paper as episodes of increases in GDP per capita without a concomitant deterioration in the distribution of household disposable income. The empirical analysis is based on a chronology of inclusive growth episodes between 1980 and 2013 for a sample of 78 countries. Logit and multinomial probit estimations show that human capital accumulation, the redistributive potential of tax‐benefit systems, increases in multifactor productivity and labor force participation, as well as trade openness and a range of institutional factors, including political system durability and electoral regimes, are important determinants of the probability of occurrence of inclusive growth. This empirical evidence contributes to the policy debate about how countries can deal with efficiency–equity tradeoffs.
From trust in caregivers’ support to exploration: The role of openness to negative affect and self‐regulation
Authors: Heylen Joke , De Raedt Rudi , Rocklage Matthew D. , Fazio Russell H. , Vasey Michael W. , Bosmans Guy
Published: June 2019

Attachment theory assumes that trust in caregivers’ support and exploration are closely related. Little research tried to investigate this link, nor focuses on mechanisms that might explain this association. The present studies examined whether trust is related to exploration through a serial indirect effect of openness to negative affect and self‐regulation. In Study 1, 212 children, aged 8–13, completed questionnaires assessing trust, openness to negative affect, self‐regulation and exploration. The results showed that trust predicted exploration, but only to the extent to which openness to negative affect and self‐regulation were involved too. Study 2 refined these findings (n = 59, aged 9–12) using a behavioral measure of openness to negative affect and exploration, and with mother‐reported self‐regulation. Replicating this serial indirect effect of openness to negative affect and self‐regulation with multiple informants and methods, the present studies advance our understanding of how trust might foster exploration in preadolescence.
Novel criteria to exclude the surrogate paradox and their optimalities
Authors: Yin Yunjian , Liu Lan , Geng Zhi , Luo Peng
Published: June 2019

When the primary outcome is hard to collect, a surrogate endpoint is typically used as a substitute. However, even when a treatment has a positive average causal effect (ACE) on a surrogate endpoint, which also has a positive ACE on the primary outcome, it is still possible that the treatment has a negative ACE on the primary outcome. Such a phenomenon is called the surrogate paradox and greatly challenges the use of surrogates. In this paper, we provide criteria to exclude the surrogate paradox. Our criteria are optimal in the sense that they are sufficient and “almost necessary” to exclude the paradox: If the conditions are satisfied, the surrogate paradox is guaranteed to be absent, whereas if the conditions fail, there exists a data‐generating process with surrogate paradox that can generate the same observed data. That is, our criteria capture all the observed information to exclude the surrogate paradox.
The Corruption of Philosophical Communication by Translation Plagiarism
Authors: Dougherty M. V.
Published: June 2019

Disguised plagiarism often goes undetected. An especially subtle type of disguised plagiarism is translation plagiarism, which occurs when the work of one author is republished in a different language with authorship credit taken by someone else. I focus on the challenge of demonstrating this subtle variety of plagiarism and examine the corruptive influence that plagiarizing articles exert on unsuspecting researchers who later cite them in the downstream literature as genuine products of research. I conclude by arguing that an open discussion of plagiarizing articles in philosophy is necessary for maintaining the reliability of the body of published research and for restoring integrity to scholarly communication.
Artificial neural network and cost estimation for Cr(VI) removal using polycationic composite adsorbent
Authors: Nayunigari Mithil Kumar , Gupta Sanjay Kumar , Nasr Mahmoud , Andaluri Gangadhar , Suri Rominder P. S. , Maity Arjun
Published: June 2019

A cationic adsorbent, namely polyamine/folic acid composite (PFC) was used to remove Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The optimum pH was 2.0, achieving Cr(VI) removal of 99.4% at an initial concentration 200 mg/L, PFC dosage 0.5 g/L and temperature 298 K within 90 min. Under the acidic condition, electrostatic attractions between anionic species of chromium (

and

) and cations on PFC (NR4+ and H+) enhanced Cr(VI) uptake. Additional removal mechanisms including anion exchange with Cl− (because of the use of epichlorohydrin for PFC preparation), reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and physical interaction could be involved in the adsorption process. Artificial neural network containing a first layer with five inputs, a hidden layer with eight neurons and the last layer with one output was able to predict the Cr(VI) removal efficiency (R2 = 0.919). The total cost of scaling up the adsorption system was $3.53 per m3 of wastewater containing 200 mg‐Cr(VI)/L.
Relación de las mujeres en embarazo, parto y postparto (EPP) con los servicios de salud según la clase social
Authors: Bedoya Ruiza Libia Amparo , Agudelo Suárez Andrés A.
Published: June 2019

El objetivo de esta revisión narrativa de la literatura es comprender los aspectos teóricos y los antecedentes que dan cuenta de la relación de las mujeres en embarazo, parto y postparto con los servicios de salud, según la clase social. Esta relación se delimitará en los siguientes cuatros aspectos: clase social y mujeres, acceso que tienen las mujeres a los servicios de salud, prácticas de salud que se realizan en el proceso de atención institucional, y relaciones que tienen las mujeres con el personal de salud. En los resultados se encontraron las siguientes necesidades en salud pública: desarrollar modelos teóricos sobre el acceso a los servicios de salud basados en el derecho a la salud (comprendido este como un derecho fundamental), tener en cuenta aspectos relacionados con la calidad en la prestación de los servicios de salud y desarrollar investigaciones con posturas crítico-reflexivas relacionadas con los cuatro temas anteriormente descritos.
Inteligencia fluida y creatividad: un estudio en escolares de 6 a 8 años de edad
Authors: Gatica Anghie , Bizama Marcela
Published: June 2019

Objetivo. Estudiar la relación entre inteligencia fluida y creatividad en escolares de primer y segundo año de enseñanza básica, con el fin de contribuir a su comprensión en niveles iniciales de enseñanza. Método. Se utilizó un diseño transversal descriptivo, de alcance correlacional. La muestra de participantes contempló 94 escolares de ambos sexos, de un establecimiento educativo de la región del Biobío (Chile), cuyas edades fluctuaron entre los 6 y los 8 años. Se tomaron medidas de inteligencia fluida, con la prueba Factor g, y de creatividad, con el test de inteligencia creativa CREA. Resultados. Los resultados mostraron un desempeño dentro de rangos esperados en las pruebas de inteligencia fluida y de creatividad, en ambos niveles de enseñanza. La correlación entre ambas variables estudiadas fue positiva pero débil (r = 0.23, p = 0.026). Conclusión. Los estudiantes evaluados mostraron un aumento de su inteligencia y creatividad con la edad, que podría verse beneficiada por programas de evaluación y estimulación temprana.
Tuning from failed superconductor to failed insulator with magnetic field
Authors: Li Yangmu , Terzic J. , Baity P. G. , Popović Dragana , Gu G. D. , Li Qiang , Tsvelik A. M. , Tranquada J. M.
Published: June 2019

The superconductivity in a stripe-ordered cuprate appears to change from 3- to 2- to 1-dimensional with increasing magnetic field.
Intrinsic magnetic topological insulators in van der Waals layered MnBi
2
Te
4
-family materials
Authors: Li Jiaheng , Li Yang , Du Shiqiao , Wang Zun , Gu Bing-Lin , Zhang Shou-Cheng , He Ke , Duan Wenhui , Xu Yong
Published: June 2019

MnBi
2
Te
4
-related compounds can serve as a promising material platform for exploring exotic magnetic topological effects.
Trimethylamine
N
-oxide–derived zwitterionic polymers: A new class of ultralow fouling bioinspired materials
Authors: Li Bowen , Jain Priyesh , Ma Jinrong , Smith Josh K. , Yuan Zhefan , Hung Hsiang-Chieh , He Yuwei , Lin Xiaojie , Wu Kan , Pfaendtner Jim , Jiang Shaoyi
Published: June 2019

Superhydrophilic zwitterionic polymers derived from trimethylamine
N
-oxide are reported as a new class of nonfouling materials.
Peptide-Based Efflux Pump Inhibitors of the Small Multidrug Resistance Protein from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Mitchell Chloe J , Stone Tracy A. , Deber Charles M.
Published: June 2019

Bacteria have acquired multiple mechanisms to evade the lethal effects of current therapeutics, hindering treatment of bacterial infections, such as those caused by the pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, which is responsible for nosocomial and cystic fibrosis lung infections. One resistance mechanism involves membrane-embedded multidrug efflux pumps that can effectively extrude an array of substrates, including common antibiotics, dyes, and biocides.
Establishment of a Protein Concentration Gradient in the Outer Membrane Requires Two Diffusion-Limiting Mechanisms
Authors: Ginez Luis David , Osorio Aurora , Camarena Laura , Poggio Sebastian
Published: June 2019

Protein concentration gradients play a relevant role in the organization of the bacterial cell. The
Caulobacter crescentus
protein OmpA2 forms an outer membrane polar concentration gradient. To understand the molecular mechanism that determines the formation of this gradient, we characterized the mobility and localization of the full protein and of its two structural domains an integral outer membrane β-barrel and a periplasmic peptidoglycan binding domain. Each domain has a different role in the formation of the OmpA2 gradient, which occurs in two steps. We also show that the OmpA2 outer membrane β-barrel can diffuse, which is in contrast to what has been reported previously for several integral outer membrane proteins in
Escherichia coli
, suggesting a different organization of the outer membrane proteins.
Predicting risk of underconfidence following maternity leave
Authors: van Boxel Elizabeth , Mawson Isabel , Dawkins Sarah , Duncan Sandra , van Boxel Gijs
Published: June 2019

Objective

To determine what factors affect paediatric trainee confidence on return to work after maternity leave.

Design

Information was collected anonymously via an online survey from trainees who had taken maternity leave.

Setting

The survey was distributed centrally to each UK deanery.

Main outcome measures

Trainee confidence was rated retrospectively using self-assessment.

Results

146 paediatric trainees from 12 out of 13 deaneries completed the survey. 96% of trainees experienced an initial lack of confidence, with 36% requiring 3 months or longer for their confidence to return. Prolonged lack of confidence was associated with longer time out of training, training stage, returning part-time, less frequent engagement with educational activities and lack of recognition by supervising consultant.

Conclusion

We propose a scoring system using the above risk factors, the MoTHER score (Months out, Training stage, Hours worked on return, Educational activities, Recognition by consultant), which can be used to identify trainees who are at higher probability of experiencing reduced confidence on return to work.
Characteristics of patients with body mass index recorded within the Kent Integrated Dataset (KID)
Authors: Cuccu Zara , Abi-Aad Gerrard , Duggal Allison
Published: June 2019

Background

Obesity is a significant health issue and key public health priority. This study explored body mass index (BMI) recording in general practice within the Kent Integrated Dataset.

Methods

Using a sample aged 18–100 years, resident within Kent, who were alive and currently registered to a Kent general practice as of 6 August 2018 within the Kent Integrated Dataset. We identified the latest BMI from event records between 2015/2016 and 2017/2018. Recording was evaluated by sex, age, deprivation, hypertension, serious mental illness and multimorbidity.

Results

Between 2015/2016 and 2017/2018 using the sample of 1 154 652 persons, BMI was recorded for 43.7% of the sample. Multiple logistic regression showed that BMI recording was higher in females, the middle age bands, persons living in the most deprived areas and within persons who were hypertensive, had serious mental illness or were multimorbid.

Conclusions

Findings were aligned to previous research using nationally representative samples. Completeness of recording varied by age, sex, deprivation and comorbidity. Recording within general practice was aligned to chronic disease management. From a prevention perspective, earlier assessment and intervention for the management of excess weight within primary care may be an opportunity for avoiding increases in BMI trajectory. There may also be merit in recognising that the external disease agents that influence obesity can be controlled or reduced (obesogenic environment) from a national policy perspective. Such a perspective may also help reduce stigmatisation and the pressure around arguments that centre on personal responsibility for obesity.
Design and virtual implementation of a biomedical registry framework for the enhancement of clinical trials: colorectal cancer example
Authors: Kotoulas Athanasios , Lambrou George , Koutsouris Dimitrios-Dionysios
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Clinical trials generate a large volume of literature and a vast amount of data. Following the 'open science' model, data sharing has enormous potential to strengthen scientific research. Currently, to the best of our knowledge, there is no existing web based Hellenic biomedical registry that displays available patients for clinical trials, providing direct access to registered physicians to all data, assisting them in finding eligible patients in the initial clinical trial recruitment process.

Methods

This paper describes the design and virtual implementation of a web based prototype biomedical registry in Greece. The system represents an eGovernment framework proposal for the central storage of patients' biomedical information and the operations associated with this process. The increasing tendency to include molecular data as prerequisite elements in clinical trials is adopted in the registry philosophy. The designed system is based on free, open source software and it is implemented virtually on a local host environment.

Results

Using colorectal cancer as an example, valid data from patients increases the reliability index, demonstrating the functionality of the web application.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the combination of biomedical data and information technology in order to display potential participants per health unit, facilitates recruitment for clinical trials.
NHS Scotland’s Decision Support Platform: a formative qualitative evaluation
Authors: Cresswell Kathrin , Callaghan Margaret , Mozaffar Hajar , Sheikh Aziz
Published: June 2019

Context

The Scottish Government has identified computerised decision support as a strategic priority in order to improve knowledge management in health and social care settings. A national programme to build a pilot Decision Support Platform was funded in 2015.

Aims

We undertook a formative evaluation of the Decision Support Platform to inform plans for its national roll-out in primary care.

Methods

We conducted a series of in-depth semistructured interviews and non-participant observations of workshops demonstrating decision support systems. Participants were policymakers and clinical opinion leaders from primary care. As the Platform was in its early stages of development at the time of data collection, we focused on exploring expectations and drivers of the pilot decision support system tested in primary care. Our methodological approach had to be tailored to changing circumstances and offered important opportunities for realising impact through ongoing formative feedback to policymakers and active engagement of key clinical stakeholders. We drew on sociotechnical principles to inform data analysis and coded qualitative data with the help of NVivo software.

Findings

We conducted 30 interviews and non-participant ethnographic observations of eight stakeholder engagement workshops. We observed a strong sense of support from all stakeholders for the Platform and associated plans to roll it out across NHS Scotland. Strategic drivers included the potential to facilitate integration of care, preventive care, patient self-management, shared decision-making and patient engagement through the ready availability of clinically important information. However, in order to realise these benefits, participants highlighted the need for strong national eHealth leadership to drive a coherent strategy and ensure sustained funding, system usability (which stakeholders perceived to be negatively affected by alert fatigue and integration with existing systems) and ongoing monitoring of potential unintended consequences emerging from implementations (eg, increasing clinical workloads).

Conclusions and implications

In order to address potential tensions between national leadership and local usability as well as unintended consequences, there is a need to have overall national ownership to support the implementation of the Platform. Potential local tensions could be addressed through allowing a degree of local customisation of systems and tailoring of alerts, and investing in a limited number of pilots that are carefully evaluated to mitigate emerging risks early.
e-Therapies in England for stress, anxiety or depression: how are apps developed? A survey of NHS e-therapy developers
Authors: Bennion Matthew Russell , Hardy Gillian E , Moore Roger K , Kellett Stephen , Millings Abigail
Published: June 2019

Objective

To document the quality of web and smartphone apps used and recommended for stress, anxiety or depression by examining the manner in which they were developed.

Design

The study was conducted using a survey sent to developers of National Health Service (NHS) e-therapies.

Data sources

Data were collected via a survey sent out to NHS e-therapy developers during October 2015 and review of development company websites during October 2015.

Data collection/extraction methods

Data were compiled from responses to the survey and development company websites of the NHS e-therapies developers.

Results

A total of 36 (76.6%) out of the 48 app developers responded. One app was excluded due to its contact details and developer website being unidentifiable. Data from the missing 10 was determined from the app developer’s website. The results were that 12 out of 13 web apps and 20 out of 34 smartphone apps had clinical involvement in their development. Nine out of 13 web apps and nine out of 34 smartphone apps indicated academic involvement in their development. Twelve out of 13 web apps and nine out of 34 smartphone apps indicated published research evidence relating to their app. Ten out of 13 web apps and 10 out of 34 smartphone apps indicated having other evidence relating to their app. Nine out of 13 web apps and 19 out of 34 smartphone apps indicated having a psychological approach or theory behind their app.

Conclusions

As an increasing number of developers are looking to produce e-therapies for the NHS it is essential they apply clinical and academic best practices to ensure the creation of safe and effective apps.
Adaptive deep brain stimulation as advanced Parkinson’s disease treatment (ADAPT study): protocol for a pseudo-randomised clinical study
Authors: Piña-Fuentes Dan , Beudel Martijn , Little Simon , Brown Peter , Oterdoom D L Marinus , van Dijk J Marc C
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS), based on the detection of increased beta oscillations in the subthalamic nucleus (STN), has been assessed in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) during the immediate postoperative setting. In these studies, aDBS was shown to be at least as effective as conventional DBS (cDBS), while stimulation time and side effects were reduced. However, the effect of aDBS on motor symptoms and stimulation-induced side effects during the chronically implanted phase (after the stun effect of DBS placement has disappeared) has not yet been determined.

Methods and analysis

This protocol describes a single-centre clinical study in which aDBS will be tested in 12 patients with PD undergoing battery replacement, with electrodes implanted in the STN, and as a proof of concept in the internal globus pallidus. Patients included will be allocated in a pseudo-randomised fashion to a three-condition (no stimulation/cDBS/ aDBS), cross-over design. A battery of tests will be conducted and recorded during each condition, which aim to measure the severity of motor symptoms and side effects. These tests include a tablet-based tapping test, a subscale of the Movement Disorder Society-unified Parkinson’s disease rating scale (subMDS-UPDRS), the Speech Intelligibility Test (SIT) and a tablet-based version of the Stroop test. SubMDS-UPDRS and SIT recordings will be blindly assessed by independent raters. Data will be analysed using a linear mixed-effects model.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol was approved by the Ethical Committee of the University Medical Centre Groningen, where the study will be carried out. Data management and compliance to research policies and standards of our centre, including data privacy, storage and veracity, will be controlled by an independent monitor. All the scientific findings derived from this protocol are aimed to be made public through publication of articles in international journals.

Trial registration number

NTR 5456; Pre-results.