bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parameter affecting the I3S algorithm reliability: how does correcting for body curvature affect individual recognition?
Authors: Rosa Giacomo , Guillaud Fanny , Priol Pauline , Renet Julien
Published: September 2020

Abstract ContextIn recent years, multiple computer algorithms, which allow us to perform photographic capture–recapture analysis, have been developed. Their massive application, also in wildlife demographic and ecological studies, is largely due to the fact that these tools are non-invasive and non-expensive. To maximise the performance of these programs, it is essential to have a good photo-standardisation so as to avoid bias in the results. A lot of ‘non-standardised’ photos are not usable for capture–mark–recapture (CMR) analysis, entailing the loss of potentially exploitable data. AimsNo study has accurately investigated the effect of the corporal bending of an animal on the performance of the interactive individual identification system (I3S) algorithm. For this reason, we assessed the effect of this photographic standardisation parameter (PSP) on the reliability of this algorithm. MethodsWe assessed the effect of the body position of Triturus cristatus between capture and recapture photos on the error rates of a group of standardised pictures, performing a generalised linear model analysis. We have also evaluated the effect of image correction (i.e. straightening of newts’ bodies) on the error rates (expressed by false rejection rates, FRRs) of the first (standardised) photo-group (G1) and of a non-standardised photo-group (G2). To perform this, we used I3S-Pattern+ for the photo-matching analysis and I3S-Straighten for the correction of the pictures. Key resultsThe difference of body angles between capture and recapture pictures had a significantly increased error rates in G1. Digital correction of body bending reduced the error rates. For the pictures where corporal bending was not digitally corrected, the top 20 FRRs were 0.38 and 0.33 for G1 and G2 respectively. For corrected (straightened) pictures, the top 20 FRRs were 0.026 and 0.15. ConclusionsOur findings showed a high impact of newt corporal bending and photographic treatment on the I3S algorithm reliability. ImplicationsWe provide some recommendations to avoid or minimise the effects of this PSP and improve photo-standardisation during and after CMR studies of species of Urodela. In this way, pictures that would be unusable in photo-matching software under current practice could become usable, increasing the available data to conduct a survey.
The neural basis of language development: Changes in lateralization over age
Authors: Olulade Olumide A. , Seydell-Greenwald Anna , Chambers Catherine E. , Turkeltaub Peter E. , Dromerick Alexander W. , Berl Madison M. , Gaillard William D. , Newport Elissa L.
Published: September 2020

Significance

Two types of evidence suggest different pictures of how language is represented in the brain during development. Studies of the anatomy, physiology, and fMRI activation of the two hemispheres show that language is lateralized to the left hemisphere from birth. In contrast, damage to the left versus right hemisphere in young children is equally likely to result in language impairment, suggesting that language is bilaterally represented in early development. The present study resolves this paradox by examining fMRI language activation in different ways. While group averages show LH lateralization throughout development, young children show RH language activation that declines systematically with age. Most important, this RH activation in children represents a possible mechanism for explaining language recovery following early stroke.
Local exposure to school shootings and youth antidepressant use
Authors: Rossin-Slater Maya , Schnell Molly , Schwandt Hannes , Trejo Sam , Uniat Lindsey
Published: September 2020

Significance

In the last two decades, over 240,000 American students were on school grounds when a gunman opened fire at their school. While public attention often focuses on the victims who were killed, less is known about the impacts of school shootings on surviving youth. This study represents the largest analysis to date of the effects of school shootings on an important indicator of youth mental health: the use of prescription antidepressants. We find that local exposure to fatal school shootings leads to persistent and significant increases in youth antidepressant use. These impacts are smaller in areas with a higher density of mental health providers who focus on behavioral interventions.
Improving data access democratizes and diversifies science
Authors: Nagaraj Abhishek , Shears Esther , de Vaan Mathijs
Published: September 2020

Significance

Data access is critical to empirical research, but past work on open access is largely restricted to the life sciences and has not directly analyzed the impact of data access restrictions. We analyze the impact of improved data access on the quantity, quality, and diversity of scientific research. We focus on the effects of a shift in the accessibility of satellite imagery data from Landsat, a NASA program that provides valuable remote-sensing data. Our results suggest that improved access to scientific data can lead to a large increase in the quantity and quality of scientific research. Further, better data access disproportionately enables the entry of scientists with fewer resources, and it promotes diversity of scientific research.
The Cl isotope composition and halogen contents of Apollo-return samples
Authors: Gargano Anthony , Sharp Zachary , Shearer Charles , Simon Justin I. , Halliday Alex , Buckley Wayne
Published: September 2020

Significance

Chlorine isotopes are a sensitive tracer of degassing throughout planetary evolution that provide evidence for the universal depletion of volatiles in the Moon. We show that much of the chlorine in mare basalts is trapped in water-soluble phases from vapor deposition with low isotope values, with the remaining being isotopically heavy from degassing. We also use halogen concentrations and bulk-Cl isotope values to show that most lunar halogen loss and heavy Cl enrichment occurred during the Giant Impact—resulting in a 10× depletion of halogens relative to the Earth. Last, we conclude that lunar apatite has much higher δ
37
Cl values compared to the bulk rock, likely explained by localized degassing, making their use as direct probes of planetary-scale processes problematic.
Access and outcomes of children with special education needs in Early French Immersion
Authors: Kay-Raining Bird Elizabeth , Genesee Fred , Sutton Ann , Chen Xi , Oracheski Joan , Pagan Stephanie , Squires Bonita , Burchell Diana , Sorenson Duncan Tamara
Published: September 2020

This study investigated access to and outcomes of Early French Immersion (EFI) for students with special education needs
(SEN) attending a large school board in Canada. Data analysis was carried out on: provincially mandated achievement test scores for all
Grade 3 students with SEN participating over a three-year period (n = 705) who attended either EFI or English programs;
standardized French and English language and reading scores for a small subset of students (n = 20); and interviews with
parents of Grade 4 students in EFI (n = 9). Results revealed lower participation but higher English academic and language
performance for students with SEN in the EFI program as well as development of French language and reading skills. Interviewed parents often
believed children with SEN ‘could not handle’ EFI and that withdrawal should be an option in response to learning difficulties. Implications
for inclusive practices in EFI are discussed.
International intelligibility revisited
Authors: Thir Veronika
Published: September 2020

The Lingua Franca Core (LFC) proposes that NURSE is the only vowel quality important for international intelligibility, yet research findings regarding this issue are mixed. Moreover, it is unclear whether phonetic (rather than phonemic) substitutions of NURSE also affect international intelligibility more negatively than other phonemic vowel substitutions, though this seems unlikely on the basis of considerations of functional load (FL). This study compares the international intelligibility of two vowel substitutions typical of Austrian learners of English: the phonetic replacement of NURSE with a rounded and diphthongized vowel, and the phonemic replacement of TRAP with a vowel close to cardinal [e]. The findings suggest that, contrary to the LFC but in line with FL considerations, the phonetic substitution of NURSE is more intelligible to an international audience than the substitution of TRAP with [e]. However, differences in intelligibility between the two substitutions were largely ‘neutralized’ once contextual support was available.
Terminology in medical reports
Authors: Estopà Rosa , Montané M. Amor
Published: September 2020

Medical reports provide a record of a patient’s diagnostic or therapeutic process while receiving healthcare. It is,
therefore, critical that patients have a good understanding of their medical reports, particularly as various studies show that
misunderstanding or failing to understand them can have severe consequences for their health. Today’s medical reports are essentially
expository documents in which nominalizations proliferate and where verbs are scarce. This favours the presence of specific medical
terminology, which is the main obstacle to comprehension. Based on an analysis of a corpus of medical reports, in this article we, first,
identify and study the lexical indicators (including terms of Greek or Latin origin, abbreviations, eponyms, etc.) that hinder understanding
of a medical report and, then, correlate these indicators with such textual parameters as cognitive load, semantic opacity, semantic
confusion and semantic ambiguity.
A new experimental model to study human drug responses
Authors: Noh Kyung Hee , Kang Hyun Mi , Oh Soo Jin , Lee Ji-Yoon , Kim Dae Hun , Kim Mijin , Chung Kyung-Sook , Son Mi-Young , Kim Dae-Soo , Cho Hyun-Soo , Lee Junhee , Lee Duck-Gyu , Lim Jung Hwa , Jung Cho-Rok
Published: September 2020

Accurate prediction of pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) characteristics is critical for drug development. Oral drugs are particularly difficult because they are absorbed by the intestine and metabolized in the liver before systemic metabolism in vivo; this is called the first-pass effect and is a critical factor for predicting oral bioavailability (BA). Here, we fabricated a new networking and circulating cell culture system (NCCS), mimicking the circulatory system and interaction of organs for studying the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics of oral drugs in vitro. NCCS consisted of a micro-pump for circulating fluids, two types of multi-insert culture dishes for culturing different cell types, and an orbital shaker for mixing; flow rate and shaking-speed were controlled by weight-sensors and drivers. A first-pass effect test was performed using functionally differentiated HepaRG and Caco-2 cell lines, using a new modified spheroid forming unit (SFU) protocol. To verify the similarity of PK (first-pass effect) data of NCCS with the data from the human body, 15 reference drugs were chosen and their associated data were obtained by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. NCCS generated absorption and metabolism data showed >70% similarity to human data respectively. NCCS can also be used to demonstrate species differences. Animal models are the primary basis for drug discovery, development, and testing. However, the weak correlation between humans and animals, particularly regarding absorption and metabolism, is a substantial limitation for the use of animal models. Here we compare human and mouse acetaminophen (APAP) metabolism using NCCS, and its application can be extended to assess cellular responses, such as efficacy and toxicity, simultaneously.
In situ assembly of Mt-HAP drug carrier with pH-responsive sustained release properties
Authors: Wang Shaohui , Wen Bo , Xie Congying , Zhong Meiling , Liu Yongxin , Guo Zanru , Zhang Jiali
Published: September 2020

The Mt-HAP composites were achieved by combining layered montmorillonite (Mt) and hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles produced by in situ assembly technique. Amoxicillin (AMX) loading and release experiment proved that the synthetic Mt-HAP composites demonstrated high drug loading ability and pH-responsive sustained release property. The AMX load of original Mt was 18.5 mg g−1, while that of Mt-HAP grew to 49.1 mg g−1. Experiments in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) release indicated that Mt drug carrier having a higher release rate of AMX within the initial 2 h. But after that, the drug release rate of AMX from Mt-HAP has a greater value (about 65% over 12 h) than that of Mt (about 50% over 12 h) because of the dissolution of HAP under acidic circumstance. However, the cumulative sustained release rate of Mt-HAP in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 6.8) over 12 h was only 30%, and the drug release amount of Mt was still about 49%. Compared to Mt@AMX, the drug release rate of Mt-HAP @ AMX is sensitive to changes in pH. The findings claimed that the Mt-HAP composite exhibited extreme potential as a drug carrier for controllable drug delivery.
Classifying Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia 2 Based on LAST Recommendations
Authors: Liu Yuxin , McCluggage W Glenn , Darragh Teresa M , Zheng Wenxin , Roberts Jennifer M , Park Kay J , Hui Pei , Blakely Morgan , Sigel Keith , Gaisa Michael M
Published: September 2020

Objectives: The Lower Anogenital Squamous Terminology (LAST) recommendations classify human papillomavirus–associated squamous lesions into low- and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs/HSILs). Our study aimed to assess interobserver agreement among 6 experienced pathologists in assigning 40 anal lesions previously diagnosed as anal intraepithelial neoplasia 2 (AIN 2) to either HSIL or non-HSIL categories.

Methods: Agreement based on photomicrographs of H&E alone or H&E plus p16 immunohistochemistry was calculated using κ coefficients.

Results: Agreement was fair based on H&E alone (κ = 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34-0.52). Adding p16 improved agreement to moderate (κ = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.54-0.62). On final diagnosis, 21 cases (53%) had unanimous diagnoses, and 19 (47%) were divided. When designating p16 results as positive or negative, agreement was excellent (κ = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.83-0.95). Among variables (staining location, extent, and intensity), staining of the basal/parabasal layers was a consistent feature in cases with consensus for positive results (20/20). Of the 67 H&E diagnoses with conflicting p16 results, participants modified 32 (48%), downgrading 23 HSILs and upgrading 9 non-HSILs.

Conclusions: Although p16 increased interobserver agreement, disagreement remained considerable regarding intermediate lesions. p16 expression, particularly if negative, can reduce unwarranted HSIL diagnoses and unnecessary treatment.
Crime prevention, swarm intelligence and stigmergy: Understanding the mechanisms of social media-facilitated community crime prevention
Authors: Wood Mark A , Thompson Chrissy
Published: September 2020

Social media are now utilized extensively by Neighbourhood Watch-style initiatives; however, the impact social media have on the practices and mechanisms of community crime prevention remains under-theorized. Drawing on our observations of an Australian-based community crime prevention group over two-and-a-half years, this article develops a grounded theory of the mechanisms underpinning the group’s social media-facilitated practices of responding to local crime. We find that social media-facilitated Neighbourhood Watch is shaped by two phenomena that have yet to receive sustained attention in crime prevention research. These are swarm intelligence—a form of self-organization wherein collectives process information to solve problems that members cannot solve individually—and stigmergy: work that stimulates further work. In explaining how swarm intelligence and stigmergy interact with several of the long-acknowledged mechanisms and issues associated with Neighbourhood Watch, we emphasize the importance of examining how the media context of community crime prevention groups shapes their practices, behaviour and (in)efficacy.
Cardiac cellularity is dependent upon biological sex and is regulated by gonadal hormones
Authors: Squiers Galen T , McLellan Micheal A , Ilinykh Alexei , Branca Jane , Rosenthal Nadia A , Pinto Alexander R
Published: September 2020

Aims

Sex differences have been consistently identified in cardiac physiology and incidence of cardiac disease. However, the underlying biological causes for the differences remain unclear. We sought to characterize the cardiac non-myocyte cellular landscape in female and male hearts to determine whether cellular proportion of the heart is sex-dependent and whether endocrine factors modulate the cardiac cell proportions.

Methods and results

Utilizing high-dimensional flow cytometry and immunofluorescence imaging, we found significant sex-specific differences in cellular composition of the heart in adult and juvenile mice, that develops postnatally. Removal of systemic gonadal hormones by gonadectomy results in rapid sex-specific changes in cardiac non-myocyte cellular proportions including alteration in resident mesenchymal cell and leucocyte populations, indicating gonadal hormones and their downstream targets regulate cardiac cellular composition. The ectopic reintroduction of oestrogen and testosterone to female and male mice, respectively, reverses many of these gonadectomy-induced compositional changes.

Conclusion

This work shows that the constituent cell types of the mouse heart are hormone-dependent and that the cardiac cellular landscapes are distinct in females and males, remain plastic, and can be rapidly modulated by endocrine factors. These observations have implications for strategies aiming to therapeutically alter cardiac cellular heterogeneity and underscore the importance of considering biological sex for studies examining cardiac physiology and stress responses.
Community composition of arctic root-associated fungi mirrors host plant phylogeny
Authors: Botnen S S , Thoen E , Eidesen P B , Krabberød A K , Kauserud H
Published: September 2020

The number of plant species regarded as non-mycorrhizal increases at higher latitudes, and several plant species in the High-Arctic Archipelago Svalbard have been reported as non-mycorrhizal. We used the rRNA ITS2 and 18S gene markers to survey which fungi, as well as other micro-eukaryotes, were associated with roots of 31 arctic plant species not usually regarded as mycorrhizal in Svalbard. We assessed to what degree the root-associated fungi showed any host preference and whether the phylogeny of the plant hosts may mirror the composition of root-associated fungi. Fungal communities were largely structured according to host plant identity and to a less extent by environmental factors. We observed a positive relationship between the phylogenetic distance of host plants and the distance of fungal community composition between samples, indicating that the evolutionary history of the host plants plays a major role for which fungi colonize the plant roots. In contrast to the ITS2 marker, the 18S rRNA gene marker showed that chytrid fungi were prevalently associated with plant roots, together with a wide spectrum of amoeba-like protists and nematodes. Our study confirms that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are present also in arctic environments in low abundance.
Strengthening the TCA cycle to alleviate metabolic stress due to blocking by-products synthesis pathway in Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Xie Mengmeng , Lu Xinyao , Zong Hong , Zhuge Bin
Published: September 2020

1,3-Propanediol (1,3-PDO) is an important synthetic monomer for the production of polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT). Here, we engineered Klebsiella pneumoniae by a multi-strategy to improve 1,3-PDO production and reduce by-products synthesis. First, the 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BDO) synthesis pathway was blocked by deleting the budB gene, resulting in a 74% decrease of 2,3-BDO titer. The synthesis of lactate was decreased by 79% via deleting the ldhA gene, leading to a 10% increase of 1,3-PDO titer. Further, reducing ethanol synthesis by deleting the aldA gene led to a 64% decrease of ethanol titer, and the 1,3-PDO titer and yield on glycerol increased by 12 and 10%, respectively. Strengthening the TCA cycle by overexpressing the mdh gene improved 1,3-PDO synthesis effectively. Under 5-L fed-batch fermentation conditions, compared to wild type strain, the production of 2,3-BDO, lactate and ethanol in the mutant strain decreased by 73, 65 and 50%, respectively. Finally, the production of 1,3-PDO was 73.5 g/L with a molar yield of 0.67 mol/mol glycerol, improved 16% and 20%, respectively. This work provides a combined strategy for improving 1,3-PDO production by strengthening the TCA cycle to relieve metabolic stress by deleting genes of by-products synthesis, which was also beneficial for the extraction and separation of downstream products.
Coexpression Clusters and Allele-Specific Expression in Metabolism-Based Herbicide Resistance
Authors: Giacomini Darci A , Patterson Eric L , Küpper Anita , Beffa Roland , Gaines Todd A , Tranel Patrick J
Published: September 2020

In the last decade, Amaranthus tuberculatus has evolved resistance to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase inhibitors in multiple states across the midwestern United States. Two populations resistant to both mode-of-action groups, one from Nebraska (NEB) and one from Illinois (CHR), were studied using an RNA-seq approach on F2 mapping populations to identify the genes responsible for resistance. Using both an A. tuberculatus transcriptome assembly and a high-quality grain amaranth (A. hypochondriacus) genome as references, differential transcript and gene expression analyses were conducted to identify genes that were significantly over- or underexpressed in resistant plants. When these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mapped on the A. hypochondriacus genome, physical clustering of the DEGs was apparent along several of the 16 A. hypochondriacus scaffolds. Furthermore, single-nucleotide polymorphism calling to look for resistant-specific (R) variants, and subsequent mapping of these variants, also found similar patterns of clustering. Specifically, regions biased toward R alleles overlapped with the DEG clusters. Within one of these clusters, allele-specific expression of cytochrome  P450  81E8 was observed for 2,4-D resistance in both the CHR and NEB populations, and phylogenetic analysis indicated a common evolutionary origin of this R allele in the two populations.
Memory and Personality Development in Adulthood: Evidence From Four Longitudinal Studies
Authors: Stephan Yannick , Sutin Angelina R , Luchetti Martina , Terracciano Antonio
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Personality traits have been related to concurrent memory performance. Most studies, however, have focused on personality as a predictor of memory; comparatively less is known about whether memory is related to personality development across adulthood. Using 4 samples, the present study tests whether memory level and change are related to personality change in adulthood.

Method

Participants were drawn from 2 waves of the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study Graduates (WLSG; N = 3,232, mean age = 64.28, SD = 0.65) and Wisconsin Longitudinal Study Siblings (WLSS; N = 1,570, mean age = 63.52, SD = 6.69) samples, the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS; N = 1,901, mean age = 55.43, SD = 10.98), and the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; N = 6,038, mean age = 65.47, SD = 8.28). Immediate and delayed recall and the 5 major personality traits were assessed at baseline and follow-up.

Results

There was heterogeneity in the associations across samples. A meta-analysis of latent change in the four samples indicated that lower baseline memory performance was related to an increase in neuroticism (B = −0.002; 95% CI = −0.004, −0.0008) and a decrease in agreeableness (B = 0.004; 95% CI = 0.002, 0.007) and conscientiousness (B = 0.005; 95% CI = 0.0008, 0.010). In addition, declines in memory were related to steeper declines in extraversion (B = 0.06; 95% CI = 0.003, 0.11), openness (B = 0.04; 95% CI = 0.007, 0.069), and conscientiousness (B = 0.05; 95% CI = 0.019, 0.09).

Discussion

The present study indicates that poor memory and declines in memory over time are related to maladaptive personality change. These associations, however, were small and inconsistent across samples.
Bigness, Brilliance, theBuddhi, and theBrāhmaṇyaYoked-Up King
Authors: Robertson Matthew
Published: September 2020

The Udyoga parvan’s framing narrative about Indra, Viśvarūpa, Vṛtra, and Nahuṣa is crafted to facilitate the translation of the Vedic paradigm of sovereignty into a sāṃkhya-yoga idiom. This essay reads the ‘The Victory of Indra’ as a rhetorical device that introduces a correlation between a sovereign’s bigness and brilliance—key metrics of Vedic sovereignty—and his buddhi. Through the practice of sensory restraint and (or as a kind of) brahmacarya, the Udyoga’s sovereign swells his buddhi to a point of identification with the comprehensive greatness of his realm. He further wards off mental/consumptive afflictions like distraction, lust, or pride, sustaining his rule through the vigilant observance of a brahman-centred habit. As a result, his buddhi is like a well-fed fire whose light comprehends the realm that he thereby rules with the clear understanding of the stable, expansive, and dharma-aligned force of brahman.
Institutional Mechanisms for Local Sustainability Collaboration: Assessing the Duality of Formal and Informal Mechanisms in Promoting Collaborative Processes
Authors: Park Angela Y S , Krause Rachel M , Hawkins Christopher V
Published: September 2020

To address complex and cross-cutting policy problems, multiple independent administrative units within an organization often work together to accomplish a larger objective. Within local governments, doing this requires administrative mechanisms able to facilitate interdepartmental collaboration, through which the efforts of individual units contribute to city-wide policy goals. Research increasingly finds that informal elements of collaboration, such as casual communications, ad hoc meetings, and voluntary working groups, are important for building strong and trusting collaborative ties. Conversely, a nontrivial number of studies also suggest that formal mechanisms, such as mandates, rules, and authority, are necessary for ensuring and sustaining credible commitment over time. This research empirically examines the types of coordination mechanisms employed by US local governments to promote intragovernmental efforts to collaborate around the issue of sustainability—a complex and broad objective that transcends city departments’ traditional boundaries. It particularly focuses on assessing the relative contributions of formal and informal mechanisms toward achieving that end. Results from structural equation modeling analyses of 506 city governments indicate that informal mechanisms are positively and significantly associated with promoting cross-departmental collaboration. Interestingly, the results further show that formal mechanisms, while lacking a direct association with collaboration, have important implications for facilitating collaborative processes indirectly through their influence on informal mechanisms. Overall, our findings suggest a critical need for balancing the two approaches when forging interdepartmental collaboration. Implications for policy and future research are also discussed.
Heavy Exposure of Children Aged 9–12 Years With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Did Not Lead to Infection
Authors: Schmidt Enno , Steinhagen Katja , Rupp Jan
Published: September 2020

The reason for the apparently lower infection rate of children with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) compared to adults is still unclear. Here, we report on 4 schoolchildren with heavy exposure to SARS-CoV-2 with no clinical signs of coronavirus disease 2019, repeated negative nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, and no seroconversion.
Sterility of gamma-irradiated pathogens: a new mathematical formula to calculate sterilizing doses
Authors: Singleton Eve V , David Shannon C , Davies Justin B , Hirst Timothy R , Paton James C , Beard Michael R , Hemmatzadeh Farhid , Alsharifi Mohammed
Published: September 2020

In recent years there has been increasing advocacy for highly immunogenic gamma-irradiated vaccines, several of which are currently in clinical or pre-clinical trials. Importantly, various methods of mathematical modelling and sterility testing are employed to ensure sterility. However, these methods are designed for materials with a low bioburden, such as food and pharmaceuticals. Consequently, current methods may not be reliable or applicable to estimate the irradiation dose required to sterilize microbiological preparations for vaccine purposes, where bioburden is deliberately high. In this study we investigated the applicability of current methods to calculate the sterilizing doses for different microbes. We generated inactivation curves that demonstrate single-hit and multiple-hit kinetics under different irradiation temperatures for high-titre preparations of pathogens with different genomic structures. Our data demonstrate that inactivation of viruses such as Influenza A virus, Zika virus, Semliki Forest virus and Newcastle Disease virus show single-hit kinetics following exposure to gamma-irradiation. In contrast, rotavirus inactivation shows multiple-hit kinetics and the sterilizing dose could not be calculated using current mathematical methods. Similarly, Streptococcus pneumoniae demonstrates multiple-hit kinetics. These variations in killing curves reveal an important gap in current mathematical formulae to determine sterility assurance levels. Here we propose a simple method to calculate the irradiation dose required for a single log10 reduction in bioburden (D10) value and sterilizing doses, incorporating both single- and multiple-hit kinetics, and taking into account the possible existence of a resistance shoulder for some pathogens following exposure to gamma-irradiation.
Endoscopic discectomy and debridement for a patient with spondylodiscitis caused by Granulicatella adiacens following mitral valve repair: a case report
Authors: Kuo Ming-Chi , Tsai Jui-Chang , Tsuang Fon-Yih
Published: September 2020

We present the case of 40-year-old female patient had severe low back pain after robotic mitral valve repair for chordae tendineae rupture of anterior mitral leaflet. Lumbar-spine magnetic resonance imaging and blood culture diagnosed with Granulicatella adiacens spondylodiscitis at L5-S1, which was successfully treated with percutaneous spine endoscopic debridement and prolonged antimicrobial treatment. Early isolation and treatment of pathogens may decrease the need for surgical intervention with rapid recovery and a shorter duration of hospitalization. We should be aware of the diagnosis of spondylodiscitis when a patient has low back pain with a previous cardiac or dental procedure history. Endoscopic discectomy with debridement is a minimally invasive, safe, direct visualization and effective approach for treatment of infectious spondylodiscitis and is beneficial for symptom relief.
Delayed mesh infection and mesh penetrating the transverse colon and small intestine after abdominal incisional hernia repair
Authors: Tomioka Kodai , Fujioka Toshihiro , Satoh Tohru , Makita Hidetoshi , Tsukui Rika , Aoki Takeshi , Murakami Masahiko
Published: September 2020

The occurrence of late-onset mesh infection and mesh invasion into the intestine after abdominal incisional hernia repair is extremely rare. Herein, we describe the first case of late-onset mesh infection and mesh penetrating the transverse colon and small intestine 5 years after incisional hernia repair using an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene mesh. The symptom was drainage from the reddish wound, and computed tomography scan revealed intestinal prolapse with local wall thickening. The mesh removal and small intestine and colon resection were conducted because the small intestine and transverse colon formed a mass containing the mesh inside. The events were caused by the lack of mesh fixation, and the dislodged mesh penetrating the intestinal tract caused the infection. For mesh infections in which conservative treatment is not effective, mesh removal and organ excision should not be delayed regardless whether there is a strong adhesion of the abdominal cavity.
Use of face masks and other personal preventive measures by Hajj pilgrims and their impact on health problems during the Hajj
Authors: Alasmari Abrar K , Edwards Phil J , Assiri Abdullah M , Behrens Ronald H , Bustinduy Amaya L
Published: September 2020

Background

The Hajj is one of the world’s largest pilgrimage and gathers millions of Muslims from different nationalities every year. Communicable diseases have been reported frequently, during and following the Hajj, and these have been linked to individual behavioural measures. This study aimed to measure the effect of personal preventive measures, such as face mask use, hand hygiene and others, adopted by pilgrims in reducing the acquisition of infectious diseases.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study at the Hajj terminal in King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims were approached in the airport lounges after the 2017 Hajj season and prior to the departure of their flights from Jeddah to their home countries. An electronic data collection tool (‘Open Data Kit’) was used to gather survey data in regards to health problems and preventive measures during the Hajj.

Results

A total of 2973 Hajj pilgrims were surveyed. In all, 38.7% reported symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and 5.4% reported symptoms of travel diarrhoea. Compliance with face mask use was 50.2%. Changing a face mask every 4 h was found to be significantly associated with lower prevalence of URTIs [adjusted odds ratio 0.56 (95% confidence interval 0.34–0.92), P = 0.02]. There was no statistical difference between overall face mask use and URTI acquisition. The main sources of food, eating raw vegetables/food, frequency of hand washing or use of hand sanitizers were not found to be significantly associated with reported travellers’ diarrhoea. Unlicensed barbers were used by 12% of pilgrims and 9.2% of pilgrims reported using blades that were reused by other pilgrims.

Conclusion

Preventive measures are the most effective way to prevent infections. Pilgrims can benefit from face masks by changing them frequently. There is still limited information on the effect of the use of face mask in decreasing the risk of URTI in mass gatherings.
Four Uses of Tao in the Chinese Translation of the Psalms and the New Testament: On John C.H. Wu’s Shengyong Yiyi Chugao and Xinjing Quanji
Authors: Ren Xiankai
Published: September 2020

As a distinguished jurist and prolific scholar in the Republic of China, one of John C.H. Wu’s highest achievements was his Chinese translation of the Psalms and the New Testament. This article focuses on his use of the Chinese word Tao, presenting four examples from Wu’s Shengyong Yiyi Chugao and Xinjing Quanji to show how it was used to interpret different Christian concepts. The article concludes by exploring the reasons for Wu’s translation strategy and considers his proposition that Christianity is neither Eastern nor Western but goes beyond both.
Integration of bio-inspired lanthanide-transition metal cluster and P-doped carbon nitride for efficient photocatalytic overall water splitting
Authors: Chen Rong , Zhuang Gui-Lin , Wang Zhi-Ye , Gao Yi-Jing , Li Zhe , Wang Cheng , Zhou Yang , Du Ming-Hao , Zeng Suyuan , Long La-Sheng , Kong Xiang-Jian , Zheng Lan-Sun
Published: September 2020

Photosynthesis in nature uses the Mn4CaO5 cluster as the oxygen-evolving center to catalyze the water oxidation efficiently in photosystem II. Herein, we demonstrate bio-inspired heterometallic LnCo3 (Ln = Nd, Eu and Ce) clusters, which can be viewed as synthetic analogs of the CaMn4O5 cluster. Anchoring LnCo3 on phosphorus-doped graphitic carbon nitrides (PCN) shows efficient overall water splitting without any sacrificial reagents. The NdCo3/PCN-c photocatalyst exhibits excellent water splitting activity and a quantum efficiency of 2.0% at 350 nm. Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy revealed the transfer of a photoexcited electron and hole into the PCN and LnCo3 for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions, respectively. A density functional theory (DFT) calculation showed the cooperative water activation on lanthanide and O−O bond formation on transition metal for water oxidation. This work not only prepares a synthetic model of a bio-inspired oxygen-evolving center but also provides an effective strategy to realize light-driven overall water splitting.
EVALUATION OF IRRADIATION DOSES DELIVERED TO PATIENTS IN COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY EXAMINATIONS IN 10 RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENTS IN DOUALA-CAMEROON
Authors: Mokubangele Celestin Mpeke , Ebongue Alexandre Ngwa , Ouogue Francisse , Bongue Daniel , Moifo Boniface
Published: September 2020

Computed tomography (CT) scan is currently the most irradiating radio diagnostic procedure for the patients. The effective dose delivered by a CT-scan exploration corresponds to 1–20 years of natural irradiation of an individual. Hence, there is need to evaluate this medical exposure, in order to provide indicators and propose guidelines for its daily practice. The purpose of this work was to assess patient exposure levels due to CT-scan exams and propose a local diagnostic reference levels for the most common CT examinations performed in the radiology units of Douala/Cameroon. Data from 1775 CT scans, amongst which 10 different types of common CT examinations on adults and children, were collected, of which 1378 were adult CT scans and 397 were pediatric CT scans. The dose-length product (DLP) values in the adult population for head, abdomen–pelvic and lumber spine CT scans were high as compared to the Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety recommendations and previous local DRL with an increase of 36, 15 and 23%, respectively. A general decrease of the DLP for CT-scans examinations in the pediatric population was observed.
From unloading to trimming: studying bruising in individual slaughter cattle
Authors: Kline Helen C , Weller Zachary D , Grandin Temple , Algino Ryan J , Edwards-Callaway Lily N
Published: September 2020

Livestock bruising is both an animal welfare concern and a detriment to the economic value of carcasses. Understanding the causes of bruising is challenging due to the numerous factors that have been shown to be related to bruise prevalence. While most cattle bruising studies collect and analyze data on truckload lots of cattle, this study followed a large number (n = 585) of individual animals from unloading through postmortem processing at five different slaughter plants. Both visual bruise presence and location was recorded postmortem prior to carcass trimming. By linking postmortem data to animal sex, breed, trailer compartment, and traumatic events at unloading, a rich analysis of a number of factors related to bruise prevalence was developed. Results showed varying levels of agreement with other published bruising studies, underscoring the complexity of assessing the factors that affect bruising. Bruising prevalence varied across different sex class types (P < 0.001); 36.5% of steers [95% confidence interval (CI): 31.7, 41.6; n = 378], 52.8% of cows (45.6, 60.0; 193), and 64.3% of bulls (no CI calculated due to sample size; 14) were bruised. There was a difference in bruise prevalence by trailer compartment (P = 0.035) in potbelly trailers, indicating that cattle transported in the top deck were less likely to be bruised (95% CI: 26.6, 40.4; n = 63) compared to cattle that were transported in the bottom deck (95% CI: 39.6, 54.2; n = 89). Results indicated that visual assessment of bruising underestimated carcass bruise trimming. While 42.6% of the carcasses were visibly bruised, 57.9% of carcasses were trimmed due to bruising, suggesting that visual assessment is not able to capture all of the carcass loss associated with bruising. Furthermore, bruises that appeared small visually were often indicators of larger, subsurface bruising, creating an “iceberg effect” of trim loss due to bruising.
Modulation of Individual Alpha Frequency with tACS shifts Time Perception
Authors: Mioni Giovanna , Shelp Adam , Stanfield-Wiswell Candice T , Gladhill Keri A , Bader Farah , Wiener Martin
Published: September 2020

Previous studies have linked brain oscillation and timing, with evidence suggesting that alpha oscillations (10 Hz) may serve as a “sample rate” for the visual system. However, direct manipulation of alpha oscillations and time perception has not yet been demonstrated. To test this, we had 18 human subjects perform a time generalization task with visual stimuli. Additionally, we had previously recorded resting-state EEG from each subject and calculated their individual alpha frequency (IAF), estimated as the peak frequency from the mean spectrum over posterior electrodes between 8 and 13 Hz. Participants first learned a standard interval (600 ms) and were then required to judge if a new set of temporal intervals were equal or different compared with that standard. After learning the standard, participants performed this task while receiving occipital transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS). Crucially, for each subject, tACS was administered at their IAF or at off-peak alpha frequencies (IAF ± 2 Hz). Results demonstrated a linear shift in the psychometric function indicating a modification of perceived duration, such that progressively “faster” alpha stimulation led to longer perceived intervals. These results provide the first evidence that direct manipulations of alpha oscillations can shift perceived time in a manner consistent with a clock speed effect.
High mobility group A protein-2 as a tumor cancer diagnostic and prognostic marker: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Thi-Hai Pham Yen , Utuama Ovie , Thomas Claire E. , Park Jong A. , La Vecchia Carlo , Risch Harvey A. , Tran Chi Thi-Du , Le Thanh V. , Boffetta Paolo , Raskin Leon , Luu Hung N.
Published: September 2020

High mobility group A protein-2 (HMGA2) is an architectural transcription factor that binds to the A/T-rich DNA minor groove and is responsible for regulating transcriptional activity of multiple genes indirectly through chromatin change and assembling enhanceosome. HMGA2 is overexpressed in multiple tumor types, suggesting its involvement in cancer initiation and progression, thus, making it an ideal candidate for cancer diagnostic and prognostic. We performed a systematic review to examine the role of HMGA2 as a universal tumor cancer diagnostic and prognostic marker. We used Reporting Recommendations for Tumor Marker Prognostic Studies to systematically search OvidMedline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library for English language studies, published between 1995 and June 2019. Meta-analysis provided pooled risk estimates and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for an association between overall survival and recurrence of cancers for studies with available estimates. We identified 42 eligible studies with a total of 5123 tumor samples in 15 types of cancer. The pooled percentage of HMGA2 gene expression in tumor samples was 65.14%. Meta-analysis showed that cancer patients with HMGA2 positive have significantly reduced survival, compared to patients without HMGA2 gene [pooled-hazard ratio (HR) = 1.85, 95% CI 1.48–2.22]. There was a positive association between cancer patients with HMGA2 overexpression and cancer recurrence though this association did not reach significance (pooled-HR = 1.44, 95% CI 0.80–2.07). Overexpression of HMGA2 was found in 15 types of cancer. There was an association between HMGA2 overexpression with reduced survival of cancer patients. HMGA2 is thus considered a promising universal tumor marker for prognostics.
Circulating microRNA in Heart Failure—Practical Guidebook to Clinical Application
Authors: Gozdowska Roksana , Makowska Agnieszka , Gąsecka Aleksandra , Chabior Aleksandra , Marchel Michał
Published: September 2020

Heart failure (HF) remains a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Currently, B-type natriuretic peptide and N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide are diagnostic biomarkers used in HF. Although very sensitive, they are not specific enough and do not allow the prediction or early diagnosis of HF. Many ongoing studies focus on determining the underlying cause and understanding the mechanisms of HF on the cellular level. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs, which control the majority of cellular processes and therefore are considered to have a potential clinical application in HF. In this review, we aim to provide synthesized information about miRNAs associated with ejection fraction, HF etiology, diagnosis, and prognosis, as well as outline therapeutic application of miRNAs in HF. Further, we discuss methodological challenges associated with the analysis of miRNAs and provide recommendations for defining a study population, collecting blood samples, and selecting detection methods to study miRNAs in a reliable and reproducible way. This review is intended to be an accessible tool for clinicians interested in the field of miRNAs and HF.
A Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Microneedling in the Treatment of Melasma
Authors: Wu Sean Z. , Muddasani Suraj , Alam Murad
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Melasma is an acquired disorder of hyperpigmentation that is often recalcitrant to current therapies. Microneedling is used to treat scars, striae, and rhytides and has a relatively low risk of post-treatment dyspigmentation. Several studies have examined its use in melasma.

OBJECTIVE

To review the published evidence on the efficacy and safety of microneedling in the treatment of melasma.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed. A meta-analysis could not be performed because of methodological differences across studies and data heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Eight studies were included for analysis. Most studies assessed the utility of microneedling in combination with other topical therapies and detected some success. However, microneedling-mediated transdermal delivery of medications is not superior to microinjections of medications. There is less evidence supporting the use of microneedling as monotherapy. Microneedling, when used with a 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, may provide additional benefit, although with a risk of post-treatment dyspigmentation.

CONCLUSION

Based on low-quality evidence, microneedling may play a role in the treatment of melasma, with the mechanism of action likely being the facilitation of delivery of topical therapies to the epidermis and dermis, and one ancillary benefit of this approach being the very low risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.