bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Reduces Daytime Resting Heart Rate in Prediabetes: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Pamidi Sushmita , Chapotot Florian , Wroblewski Kristen , Whitmore Harry , Polonsky Tamar , Tasali Esra
Published: October 2020

Background

It has been widely recognized that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to cardiovascular disease. Yet, randomized controlled studies failed to demonstrate a clear cardiovascular benefit from OSA treatment, mainly because of poor adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). To date, no prior study has assessed the effect of CPAP treatment on daytime resting heart rate, a strong predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and mortality.

Methods and Results

We conducted a randomized controlled study in 39 participants with OSA and prediabetes, who received either in‐laboratory all‐night (ie, optimal) CPAP or an oral placebo for 2 weeks. During daytime, participants continued daily activities outside the laboratory. Resting heart rate was continuously assessed over 19 consecutive days and nights using an ambulatory device consisting of a single‐lead ECG and triaxis accelerometer. Compared with placebo, CPAP reduced daytime resting heart rate (treatment difference, −4.1 beats/min; 95% CI, −6.5 to −1.7 beats/min;
P
=0.002). The magnitude of reduction in daytime resting heart rate after treatment significantly correlated with the magnitude of decrease in plasma norepinephrine, a marker of sympathetic activity (
r
=0.44;
P
=0.02), and the magnitude of decrease in OSA severity (ie, apnea‐hypopnea index [
r
=0.48;
P
=0.005], oxygen desaturation index [
r
=0.50;
P
=0.003], and microarousal index [
r
=0.57;
P
<0.001]).

Conclusions

This proof‐of‐concept randomized controlled study demonstrates, for the first time, that CPAP treatment, when optimally used at night, reduces resting heart rate during the day, and therefore has positive cardiovascular carry over effects. These findings suggest that better identification and treatment of OSA may have important clinical implications for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Registration

URL:
https:///
www.clini​caltr​ials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01156116.
Association Between Thrombus Perviousness Assessed on Computed Tomography and Stroke Cause
Authors: Kufner Anna , Erdur Hebun , Endres Matthias , Nolte Christian H. , Scheel Michael , Schlemm Ludwig
Published: October 2020

Background and Purpose:

A recent study proposed that thrombus perviousness (TP)—the degree to which contrast agents penetrate the thrombus in an occluded vessel measured on noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) and CT angiography—may be associated with cardioembolic stroke cause with high specificity. Our aim was to investigate which clinical and laboratory parameters affect measures of TP and to validate its diagnostic accuracy in an independent cohort of patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods:

Seventy-five patients from a prospectively maintained database with proximal occlusions of the middle cerebral artery (M1) were retrospectively analyzed. Thrombi were segmented on coregistered noncontrast computed tomography and CT angiography to determine the thrombus attenuation increase and void fraction (attenuation increase relative to contralateral side).

Results:

TP measures were significantly higher in patients with cardioembolic stroke compared to patients with stroke attributed to large artery atherosclerosis (median thrombus attenuation increase [interquartile range], 2.79 [–3.54 to 8.85] versus –5.11 [–11.23 to –1.47];
P
=0.001). In linear regression analysis for TP including age, time to scan, prior medication with antiplatelets or anticoagulants, and selected laboratory parameters, only stroke cause was significantly associated with TP. In multivariable binary logistic regression analysis for dichotomized stroke cause (ie, cardioembolic versus noncardioembolic stroke), only thrombus attenuation increase was independently associated with cardioembolic stroke (odds ratio of 1.12 [95% CI, 1.04–1.22];
P
=0.004). Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that TP can identify cardioembolic stroke with an area under the curve of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.63–0.87) for thrombus attenuation increase. With a cutoff value of 6.23 Hounsfield units, cardioembolic strokes were identified with 100% specificity. Results for void fraction were similar.

Conclusions:

The assessment of TP on baseline noncontrast computed tomography/CT angiography in patients with M1 occlusion may aid in determining cardioembolic stroke cause and guide secondary prevention. Selected clinical and laboratory parameters other than stroke cause did not affect TP measures.
Behavioural repeatability in the Big Brown Bat, Eptesicus fuscus
Authors: Boyer Amanda , Karevold Hanna , Kreuger Derek T. , Dochtermann Ned A. , Gillam Erin H.
Published: October 2020

Work on animal personality, characterized by high behavioural repeatability, shows that animals exhibit limits to plasticity, with an individual’s range of variation only covering a portion of the range observed across the entire population. This work is particularly important for understanding the underlying genetic basis of behaviours. While research on behavioural repeatability has spanned many taxa, little work has focused on bats. Our objective was to determine if big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) exhibit moderate to high repeatability of different behavioural traits and if behavioural syndromes (among-individual correlations between behaviours) are present. Using a captive population, repeatability was assessed for aggression, exploration, and activity. Moderate repeatabilities were observed for all behaviours, indicating that individuals exhibit consistent behaviour over time. There were no significant correlations among behaviours. Future research aimed at assessing how changes in social structure impact behavioural repeatability will be valuable for understanding behavioural plasticity in social bat species.
Locomotion and habituation to novel experimental environments in a social fish species
Authors: Diaz Pazmino Santiago , Kent Maud I.A. , Ward Ashley J.W.
Published: October 2020

The response of animals to novel environments forms the basis of open field tests, an assay extensively used in the study of animal behaviour. However, to assess an animal’s routine behaviour or measure their response to novel environments, researchers must provide enough time for proper exploration and habituation. Unfortunately, no study has ever explicitly characterized the habituation process, except on isolated individuals, which represents an unusual situation for many social species. We analysed the movement characteristics and group-level dynamics of a shoaling fish species (Gambusia holbrooki) in an open-field arena for 1.5 h. We tested groups of 4 fish with varying sex ratios and found that behaviour changed over time with exploratory behaviour followed by a decreasing then plateauing trend, which only stabilised after 29 min. This movement pattern was consistent across all different sex ratios, however, female-skewed groups showed higher levels of activity during the first few minutes. Finally, median nearest neighbour distance was initially low before increasing and finally stabilising at around 9 min (with some exceptions) following the introduction of fish to the arena.
Evolutionary loss of threat display in more social species: phylogenetic comparisons, natural interactions in the wild, and experiments with models
Authors: Doherty Clare T.M. , Laidre Mark E.
Published: October 2020

Fitness can be increased dramatically by communication. So why, given the benefits of communication, would displays ever be completely lost evolutionarily? Threat displays, in particular, are relatively cheap to produce and are precursors of attack, so should be especially hard for both senders and receivers to lose completely. Here we explore an evolutionary transition in sociality, testing whether complete evolutionary loss of threat display has occurred in ‘more social’ hermit crab species, which interact more frequently with conspecifics. First, we synthesised literature and observations on the presence versus absence of threat display across hermit crab species, mapping this information onto a phylogenetic tree. We found that all ‘less social’ species — marine and terrestrial — produce threat displays, consistent with threat display being the ancestral state. But ‘more social’ terrestrial species, which are highly derived, do not produce a threat display, suggesting an evolutionary loss. Next, we contrasted natural interactions in the wild within a less social species (Pagurus bernhardus) versus within a more social species (Coenobita compressus), finding that the less social species, despite a lower rate of social encounter, had a higher rate of display per encounter (24%). In contrast, the more social species’ rate of display per encounter was negligible (<1%), effectively indicating a loss in production. Finally, we experimentally reanimated threat display in the more social species, using postured models to test whether receivers retained any responsiveness to threat display. Starkly, receivers were not deterred by threat display, showing equal responsiveness across both threat and non-threat models, regardless of whether the models were stationary or dynamically moving. Our results thus reveal a case of complete collapse of communication involving threat display, implicating the social environment in this loss. In more social species, an extreme dependence on conspecific-derived shells likely drove a ‘desperado effect’, with threat displays being lost because they could not stop others from pursuing these valuable resources.
Colour vision in sengis (Macroscelidea, Afrotheria, Mammalia): choice experiments indicate dichromatism
Authors: Thüs Patricia , Lunau Klaus , Wester Petra
Published: October 2020

Little research has been conducted on the senses of sengis (elephant-shrews, Macroscelidea, Afrotheria, Mammalia); behavioural investigations about the animals’ vision are completely missing. Other Afrotheria (manatees, elephants, tenrecs, rock hyraxes) are dichromats, having two types of cone photoreceptors in the retina. We tested the hypotheses of dichromatic colour vision in sengis. With choice experiments, we examined the potential of two sengi species to discriminate between trained colours (blue, green, red) and different shades of grey, and to differentiate between trained UV-reflecting (high UV reflectance) and UV-absorbing (low UV reflectance) plates. Both sengi species recognised blue and green and could distinguish them from all shades of grey. The ability to perceive red and ultraviolet could not be proven. Thus, the sengis are most likely dichromats based on green and blue sensitive receptor types. We discuss protective mechanisms in the lens as a UV filter explaining maximum sensitivity in the UV suggested for another sengi species after in vitro expression assays.
Host plant acceptance in a generalist insect: threshold, feedback or choice?
Authors: Jones Lachlan C. , Rafter Michelle A. , Walter Gimme H.
Published: October 2020

Generalist insect herbivores feed mainly on one or more primary host species, but unlike specialists they also accept numerous secondary hosts. This raises the question of how generalists retain a broad host range yet allocate most of their eggs to primary hosts. We considered three possible explanations. (1) Threshold: secondary hosts are accepted less readily than primary hosts. (2) Feedback loop: insects ovipositing on primary hosts lay subsequent eggs faster than on secondary hosts. (3) Choice: insects compare plant cues sensed over a certain period and oviposit on preferred plants. We measured time and number of landings leading to egg-laying in a generalist moth, Helicoverpa punctigera, on a primary host and two secondary hosts and recorded subsequent egg-laying rates on each. The moths typically accepted only the primary host on the first landing and laid subsequent eggs on this host earlier in the night, indicating thresholds and feedback operate together.
Revision of Severianoia (Schwenk, 1926) Travassos, 1929 (Nematoda: Oxyuridomorpha) with proposal of S. pachyiuli n. sp. from millipedes of the Western Caucasus
Authors: Malysheva Svetlana V. , Shmatko Vladimir Yu. , Spiridonov Sergei E.
Published: October 2020

Severianoia pachyiuli n. sp. is described from the hind gut of Pachyiulus krivolutskyi (Diplopoda: Julidae) from the Republic of Adygea, Russian Federation. Females of the new species can be distinguished from those of S. magna by a smaller body and egg size; S. glomericola by smaller eggs and S. dubia by the organisation of the genital tract. Females of S. pachyiuli n. sp. are morphologically close to females of S. severianoi, but in described species males have significantly smaller body and spicule size. Severianoia pachyiuli n. sp. mostly resembles S. glomeridis by the general morphology in both sexes but differs in the position of the vulva, which is in a more posterior position to mid-body level in the described species. The description is supplemented with SEM and/or light microscope images of adults, juveniles and mature eggs. The phylogeny of the species is inferred from 18S and 28S rDNA. The taxonomic position of other representatives of Severianoia is discussed and Cephalobellus tipulae linstowi is regarded as a junior synonym of S. glomeridis.
Disability, Society, and Personal Transformation
Authors: Aas Sean
Published: October 2020

The social model of disability claims that disadvantage from disability is primarily a result of the social response to bodily difference. Social modellers typically draw two normative conclusions: first, that society has a responsibility to address disability disadvantage as a matter of justice, not charity; second, that the appropriate way of addressing this disadvantage is to change social institutions themselves, to better fit for bodily difference, rather than to normalize bodies to fit existing institutions. This paper offers a qualified defense of both inferences. Social institutions have reasons of justice to fix disability disadvantage, because the choice of institutions that contingently favor those whose bodies are statistically typical incurs responsibilities to compensate those who disfavored, in that choice. Among other things, this responsibility implies that societies should not simultaneously materially disadvantage disabled people, and also withhold symbolic resources, by demanding a presumption in favor of personal transformation – thereby, undermining the social conditions for disability pride.
Notes on the genus Perittopus Fieber, 1860 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae) with descriptions of three new species from Indochina
Authors: YE ZHEN , QIAO MU , JIN ZEZHONG , BU WENJUN
Published: October 2020

Three species of the genus Perittopus Fieber from Indochina are described as new: P. anthracinus sp. n. from Yunnan of China, P. laosensis sp. n. from Laos and P. trizonus sp. n. from Thailand. Photographs of key female and male characters and male genitalic structures are provided, accompanied by a distribution map for the species of Perittopus occurring in Indochina.
Taxonomic revision of the P. chartergoides species-group of the genus Protopolybia Ducke, 1905 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae, Polistinae)
Authors: DOS SANTOS JOSÉ N. A. JUNIOR , SILVEIRA ORLANDO T. , CARPENTER JAMES M.
Published: October 2020

A taxonomic revision of the Protopolybia chartergoides species-group was undertaken. Protopolybia isthmensis (Richards) stat. nov. is elevated to the level of species. The male genitalia of P. chartergoides (Gribodo), P. fuscata (Fox), and P. pallidibalteatus (Cameron) are illustrated and described. New collection records and new identification keys are presented for the species groups of Protopolybia, and the species within the P. chartergoides species-group.
Two new sympatric species of Stenocercus (Squamata: Iguania) from the inter-Andean valley of the Mantaro River, Peru
Authors: VENEGAS PABLO J. , ECHEVARRÍA LOURDES Y. , GARCÍA-AYACHI LUIS A. , LANDAURO CAROLL Z.
Published: October 2020

We describe two new sympatric species of Stenocercus from the seasonally dry forest of the inter-Andean valley of the Mantaro River (Huancavelica department) in the Central Andes of central-southern Peru, at elevations of 1,693 to 2,920 m asl. Stenocercus diploauris sp. nov. is similar to S. formosus and S. ochoai, but differs in having a longitudinal neck fold and C-shaped nuchal mite pocket around the oblique fold and posteriorly limited by the antehumeral fold. Stenocercus nigrobarbatus sp. nov. is similar to S. frittsi and S. variabilis, however it can be distinguished by having a postfemoral mite pocket with one or more vertical folds or ridges and by the presence, in adult males, of a continuous black patch covering the infralabials, throat, chest, ventral surfaces of forelimbs, belly (as a midventral line), ventral surfaces of hind limbs, and pelvic region.
Notes on genera of Sarimini with description of two new species in the genera Microsarimodes and Tetrichina (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Issidae)
Authors: WANG MENGLIN , ZHANG YALIN , BOURGOIN THIERRY
Published: October 2020

Two new species of the tribe Sarimini in the planthopper family Issidae: Microsarimodes flavomaculata sp. nov. and Tetrichina fuscovinclum sp. nov. are described from China. The genera Duplexissus Wang, Zhang & Bourgoin, 2019 and Sarimissus Wang, Zhang & Bourgoin, 2019 are reestablished as valid genera based on both morphological grounds and molecular analyses.
Small and Large Inductive Dimensions of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Topological Spaces
Authors: Al-Qubati Abdulgawad A. Q. , Sayed M-El , Al-Qahtani Hadba F.
Published: October 2020

The main purpose of this paper is to present some fundamental properties of small and large inductive dimensions in intuitionistic fuzzy topological spaces. Our results can be regarded as a study of their properties such as proves subset theorems, zero dimensionality and topological
property of an intuitionistic fuzzy small inductive dimension. Furthermore, we introduce a large inductive dimension of intuitionistic fuzzy bi-compact and normal spaces.
Effects of Horizontal Grid Spacing and Inflow Environment on Forecasts of Cyclic Mesocyclogenesis in NSSL’s Warn-on-Forecast System (WoFS)
Authors: Britt Kelsey C. , Skinner Patrick S. , Heinselman Pamela L. , Knopfmeier Kent H.
Published: October 2020

Cyclic mesocyclogenesis is the process by which a supercell produces multiple mesocyclones with similar life cycles. The frequency of cyclic mesocyclogenesis has been linked to tornado potential, with higher frequencies decreasing the potential for tornadogenesis. Thus, the ability to predict the presence and frequency of cycling in supercells may be beneficial to forecasters for assessing tornado potential. However, idealized simulations of cyclic mesocyclogenesis have found it to be highly sensitive to environmental and computational parameters. Thus, whether convective-allowing models can resolve and predict cycling has yet to be determined. This study tests the capability of a storm-scale, ensemble prediction system to resolve the cycling process and predict its frequency. Forecasts for three cyclic supercells occurring in May 2017 are generated by NSSL’s Warn-on-Forecast System (WoFS) using 3- and 1-km grid spacing. Rare cases of cyclic-like processes were identified at 3 km, but cycling occurred more frequently at 1 km. WoFS predicted variation in cycling frequencies for the storms that were similar to observed variations in frequency. Object-based identification of mesocyclones was used to extract environmental parameters from a storm-relative inflow sector from each mesocyclone. Lower magnitudes of 0–1-km storm-relative helicity and significant tornado parameter are present for the two more frequently cycling supercells, and higher values are present for the case with the fewest cycles. These results provide initial evidence that high-resolution ensemble forecasts can potentially provide useful guidance on the likelihood and cycling frequency of cyclic supercells.
Improving model-based compensation method for real-time hybrid simulation considering error of identified model
Authors: Zhou Zihao , Li Ning
Published: October 2020

Time delay is a critical and unavoidable problem in real-time hybrid simulation. An accurate and effective compensation method for time delay is necessary for the safety of real-time hybrid simulation and the reliability of test results. Generally, a model-based compensation method can be adopted, which is derived from the identified transfer function by assuming the latter can accurately represent the real plant. However, there must be some differences between the transfer function and the real plant. To facilitate the development of real-time hybrid simulation, we proposed a two-stage feedforward compensation method considering the error between the transfer function identified and the real plant. The compensation strategy proposed in this study was not only based on the transfer function but also introduced an error model as a second-stage compensation into a compensator to realize the synchronization of command and measurement. To verify the efficiency of the proposed method, comparisons in time domain and frequency domain with the feedforward compensator in a model-based feedforward–feedback control method were carried out. Compared with the feedforward compensator, the two-stage method achieved better tracking performance, especially in the high-frequency bandwidth. The test results verified that for a band-limited white noise of 0–30 Hz, the phase lag of the actuation system can be limited to ±5°. Finally, the two-stage method was applied to a real-time hybrid simulation of a two-story frame to illustrate its compensation effect on time delay.
The operator splitting method with semi-implicit spectral deferred correction for molecular beam epitaxial growth models
Authors: Weng Zhifeng , Zeng Yuping , Zhai Shuying
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a high order time discretization method by combining the time splitting method with semi-implicit spectral deferred correction method to simulate the molecular beam epitaxial growth models with and without slope selection. The original problem is split into linear and nonlinear subproblems. The Fourier spectral method is adopted for the linear part, and a second-order SSP-RK method together with the Fourier spectral method is used for the nonlinear part. The scheme takes advantage of avoiding nonlinear iteration. However, the temporal error is dominated by the operator splitting error, which is second order for Strang splitting. In order to achieve higher order numerical algorithm in time, we consider a semi-implicit spectral deferred correction (SDC) method to reduce the splitting error. Specifically, the temporal order is increased by one with each correction loop in the SDC framework. Numerical results are given to illustrate that the high order temporal algorithm is a practical, accurate and efficient simulation tool for molecular beam epitaxial growth models.
A Simple and Novel Approach in Treating Congenital Symmastia (Using Tisseel in a 2-Step Approach)
Authors: Adjei Bismark , Yao Susie Z. , Mostafa Ashraf , Koshy Ommen
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Congenital symmastia is notoriously difficult to treat. Many management approaches have been reported but none seem to address the root cause of the anatomic deformity and may result in significant scarring.

Method:

We propose a minimally invasive approach to treating congenital symmastia with good results and minimal scarring by liposuction and use of a fibrin sealant.

Conclusion:

Liposuction of the pre-sternal area and injection of fibrin sealant as an adhesive with post-operative pressure garment support worked well to create and maintain a good cleavage.
A Review on Enhancing the Antibacterial Activity of ZnO: Mechanisms and Microscopic Investigation
Authors: Abebe Buzuayehu , Zereffa Enyew Amare , Tadesse Aschalew , Murthy H. C. Ananda
Published: October 2020

Metal oxide nanomaterials are one of the preferences as antibacterial active materials. Due to its distinctive electronic configuration and suitable properties, ZnO is one of the novel antibacterial active materials. Nowadays, researchers are making a serious effort to improve the antibacterial activities of ZnO by forming a composite with the same/different bandgap semiconductor materials and doping of ions. Applying capping agents such as polymers and plant extract that control the morphology and size of the nanomaterials and optimizing different conditions also enhance the antibacterial activity. Forming a nanocomposite and doping reduces the electron/hole recombination, increases the surface area to volume ratio, and also improves the stability towards dissolution and corrosion. The release of antimicrobial ions, electrostatic interaction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generations are the crucial antibacterial activity mechanism. This review also presents a detailed discussion of the antibacterial activity improvement of ZnO by forming a composite, doping, and optimizing different conditions. The morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, field-emission transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and confocal microscopy can confirm the antibacterial activity and also supports for developing a satisfactory mechanism.

Graphical abstract

Graphical abstract showing the metal oxides antibacterial mechanism and the fluorescence and scanning electron microscopic images.
Sn2+ Doping: A Strategy for Tuning of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Magnetization Dipping Temperature/Amplitude, Irreversibility, and Curie Point
Authors: Al-Kindi Umaima S. H. , Al-Harthi Salim H. , Widatallah Hisham M. , Elzain Mohamed E. , Myint Myo T. Z. , Kyaw Htet H.
Published: October 2020

Doped magnetite (SnxFe3-2/3xO4) nanoparticles (NPs) (12–50 nm) with different amount of Sn2+ ions (x) were synthesized using co-precipitation method. Sn2+ doping reduces the anticipated oxidation of Fe3O4 NPs to maghemite (γ-Fe2O3), making them attractive in several magnetic applications. Detailed characterizations during heating–cooling cycles revealed the possibility of tuning the unusual observed magnetization dipping temperature/amplitude, irreversibility, and Curie point of these NPs. We attribute this dip to the chemical reduction of γ-Fe2O3 at the NPs surfaces. Along with an increase in the dipping temperature, we found that doping with Sn2+ reduces the dipping amplitude, until it approximately disappears when x = 0.150. Based on the core-shell structure of these NPs, a phenomenological expression that combines both modified Bloch law (M = M0[1 − γ(T/TC)]β) and a modified Curie–Weiss law (M = − α[1/(T − TC)δ]) is developed in order to explain the observed M-T behavior at different applied external magnetic fields and for different Sn2+ concentrations. By applying high enough magnetic field, the value of the parameters γ and δ ≈ 1 which are the same in modified Bloch and Curie–Weiss laws. They do not change with the magnetic field and depend only on the material structure and size. The power β for high magnetic field was 2.6 which is as expected for this size of nanoparticles with the core dominated magnetization. However, the β value fluctuates between 3 and 10 for small magnetic fields indicating an extra magnetic contribution from the shell structure presented by Curie–Weiss term. The parameter (α) has a very small value and it turns to negative values for high magnetic fields.
Embedding covariate adjustments in tree-based automated machine learning for biomedical big data analyses
Authors: Manduchi Elisabetta , Fu Weixuan , Romano Joseph D. , Ruberto Stefano , Moore Jason H.
Published: October 2020

Background

A typical task in bioinformatics consists of identifying which features are associated with a target outcome of interest and building a predictive model. Automated machine learning (AutoML) systems such as the Tree-based Pipeline Optimization Tool (TPOT) constitute an appealing approach to this end. However, in biomedical data, there are often baseline characteristics of the subjects in a study or batch effects that need to be adjusted for in order to better isolate the effects of the features of interest on the target. Thus, the ability to perform covariate adjustments becomes particularly important for applications of AutoML to biomedical big data analysis.

Results

We developed an approach to adjust for covariates affecting features and/or target in TPOT. Our approach is based on regressing out the covariates in a manner that avoids ‘leakage’ during the cross-validation training procedure. We describe applications of this approach to toxicogenomics and schizophrenia gene expression data sets. The TPOT extensions discussed in this work are available at https://github.com/EpistasisLab/tpot/tree/v0.11.1-resAdj.

Conclusions

In this work, we address an important need in the context of AutoML, which is particularly crucial for applications to bioinformatics and medical informatics, namely covariate adjustments. To this end we present a substantial extension of TPOT, a genetic programming based AutoML approach. We show the utility of this extension by applications to large toxicogenomics and differential gene expression data. The method is generally applicable in many other scenarios from the biomedical field.
Genome-wide detection and sequence conservation analysis of long non-coding RNA during hair follicle cycle of yak
Authors: Zhang Xiaolan , Bao Qi , Jia Congjun , Li Chen , Chang Yongfang , Wu Xiaoyun , Liang Chunnian , Bao Pengjia , Yan Ping
Published: October 2020

Background

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) as an important regulator has been demonstrated playing an indispensable role in the biological process of hair follicles (HFs) growth. However, their function and expression profile in the HFs cycle of yak are yet unknown. Only a few functional lncRNAs have been identified, partly due to the low sequence conservation and lack of identified conserved properties in lncRNAs. Here, lncRNA-seq was employed to detect the expression profile of lncRNAs during the HFs cycle of yak, and the sequence conservation of two datasets between yak and cashmere goat during the HFs cycle was analyzed.

Results

A total of 2884 lncRNAs were identified in 5 phases (Jan., Mar., Jun., Aug., and Oct.) during the HFs cycle of yak. Then, differential expression analysis between 3 phases (Jan., Mar., and Oct.) was performed, revealing that 198 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) were obtained in the Oct.-vs-Jan. group, 280 DELs were obtained in the Jan.-vs-Mar. group, and 340 DELs were obtained in the Mar.-vs-Oct. group. Subsequently, the nearest genes of lncRNAs were searched as the potential target genes and used to explore the function of DELs by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. Several critical pathways involved in HFs development such as Wnt signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, and signaling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells, were enriched. To further screen key lncRNAs influencing the HFs cycle, 24 DELs with differ degree of sequence conservation were obtained via a comparative analysis of partial DELs with previously published lncRNA-seq data of cashmere goat in the HFs cycle using NCBI BLAST-2.9.0+, and 3 DELs of them were randomly selected for further detailed analysis of the sequence conservation properties.

Conclusions

This study revealed the expression pattern and potential function of lncRNAs during HFs cycle of yak, which would expand the knowledge about the role of lncRNAs in the HFs cycle. The findings related to sequence conservation properties of lncRNAs in the HFs cycle between the two species may provide valuable insights into the study of lncRNA functionality and mechanism.
Transcription strategies related to photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism of wheat in response to nitrogen deficiency
Authors: Liu Xin , Yin Chengmiao , Xiang Li , Jiang Weitao , Xu Shaozhuo , Mao Zhiquan
Published: October 2020

Background

Agricultural yield is closely associated with nitrogen application. Thus, reducing the application of nitrogen without affecting agricultural production remains a challenging task. To understand the metabolic, physiological, and morphological response of wheat (Triticum aestivum) to nitrogen deficiency, it is crucial to identify the genes involved in the activated signaling pathways.

Results

We conducted a hydroponic experiment using a complete nutrient solution (N1) and a nutrient solution without nitrogen (N0). Wheat plants under nitrogen-deficient conditions (NDC) showed decreased crop height, leaf area, root volume, photosynthetic rate, crop weight, and increased root length, root surface area, root/shoot ratio. It indicates that nitrogen deficiency altered the phenotype of wheat plants. Furthermore, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the phenotype, transcriptome, GO pathways, and KEGG pathways of DEGs identified in wheat grown under NDC. It showed up-regulation of Exp (24), and Nrt (9) gene family members, which increased the nitrogen absorption and down-regulation of Pet (3), Psb (8), Nar (3), and Nir (1) gene family members hampered photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism.

Conclusions

We identified 48 candidate genes that were involved in improved photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism in wheat plants grown under NDC. These genes may serve as molecular markers for genetic breeding of crops.
Early identification of carotid vulnerable plaque in asymptomatic patients
Authors: Jiao Yungen , Qin Yahong , Zhang Zhengang , Zhang Hao , Liu Haiwei , Li Chen
Published: October 2020

Background

This study was to explore the influencing factors of atherosclerotic plaque formation and stability in patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerotic plaques, so as to identify the vulnerable plaques at early stage, and then find high-risk group of cardio-cerebrovascular events for early clinical intervention to reduce related mortality and disability.

Methods

A total of 302 enrolled patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerotic plaques were divided into 3 groups based on the results of carotid artery color Doppler ultrasound: atherosclerotic unstable plaque (UP) group, atherosclerotic stable plaque (SP) group, and control group without plaques. Serum markers were measured by ELISA. χ2 test, t test, Pearson correlation analysis, and Logistic multivariate regression analysis were used in the analysis, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

It revealed that high MMP-9, LOX-1and YKL-40 were independent risk factors for unstable plaque formation. The area under the curve (AUC) of serum markers combined with MMP-9, LOX-1 and YKL-40 was 0.850, with sensitivity 87.67%, specificity 81.13%, and diagnostic accuracy 84.92%, which was significantly better than the individual diagnostic efficacy of other three factors. The accuracy rate of Crouse Plaque Score (CPS) in the diagnosis of vulnerable plaques was 61.90%, the 10-year ICVD diagnosis accuracy rate was 56.75%, and the diagnostic accuracy of serum markers was significantly better than CPS and 10-year ICVD.

Conclusion

Noninvasive cervical color Doppler ultrasound combined with serum markers MMP-9, LOX-1 and YKL-40 have significant early recognition effect on asymptomatic carotid vulnerable plaque patients.
Detection of Listeria monocytogenes in a patient with meningoencephalitis using next-generation sequencing: a case report
Authors: Lan Zi-Wei , Xiao Min-Jia , Guan Yuan-lin , Zhan Ya-Jing , Tang Xiang-Qi
Published: October 2020

Background

Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen which can invade different mammalian cells and reach to the central nervous system (CNS), leading to meningoencephalitis and brain abscesses. In the diagnosis of L. monocytogenes meningoencephalitis (LMM), the traditional test often reports negative owing to the antibiotic treatment or a low number of bacteria in the cerebrospinal fluid. To date, timely diagnosis and accurate treatment remains a challenge for patients with listeria infections.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 66-year-old woman whose clinical manifestations were suspected as tuberculous meningoencephalitis, but the case was finally properly diagnosed as LMM by next-generation sequencing (NGS). The patient was successfully treated using a combined antibacterial therapy, comprising ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

Conclusion

To improve the sensitivity of LMM diagnosis, we used NGS for the detection of L. monocytogenes. Hence, the clinical utility of this approach can be very helpful since it provides quickly and trust results.
Identification of two novel pathogenic variants of PIBF1 by whole exome sequencing in a 2-year-old boy with Joubert syndrome
Authors: Shen Yue , Wang Hao , Liu Zhimin , Luo Minna , Ma Siyu , Lu Chao , Cao Zongfu , Yu Yufei , Cai Ruikun , Chen Cuixia , Li Qian , Gao Huafang , Peng Yun , Xu Baoping , Ma Xu
Published: October 2020

Background

Joubert syndrome (OMIM 213300) is an autosomal recessive disorder with gene heterogeneity. Causal genes and their variants have been identified by sequencing or other technologies for Joubert syndrome subtypes.

Case presentation

A two-year-old boy was diagnosed with Joubert syndrome by global development delay and molar tooth sign of mid-brain. Whole exome sequencing was performed to detect the causative gene variants in this individual, and the candidate pathogenic variants were verified by Sanger sequencing. We identified two pathogenic variants (NM_006346.2: c.1147delC and c.1054A > G) of PIBF1 in this Joubert syndrome individual, which is consistent with the mode of autosomal recessive inheritance.

Conclusion

In this study, we identified two novel pathogenic variants in PIBF1 in a Joubert syndrome individual using whole exome sequencing, thereby expanding the PIBF1 pathogenic variant spectrum of Joubert syndrome.
Associated factors of REM sleep without atonia in younger (≤ 50 years) hospitalized psychiatric patients
Authors: Bušková Jitka , Miletínová Eva , Kliková Monika , Bareš Martin , Novák Tomáš , Kosová Jiřina , Stopková Pavla , Kopřivová Jana
Published: October 2020

Background

Isolated REM sleep without atonia (RSWA) as a main polysomnograhic feature of REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is thought to be a prodromal or subclinical state of the disease. RSWA/RBD occurence in psychiatric population is much more frequent than in general population but its associated factors are still not known.

Methods

We invited 88 psychiatry in-patients to undervent video-polysomnography. The visual scoring was focused on RSWA in submentales and flexores digitales superficiales muscles. This parametr was subsequently correlated mainly with age/gender, their medication and mental status.

Results

The RWSA was mostly still in normal range despite the fact, that selected psychiatry patients (≤ 50 years) were taking several classes of psychoactive medication. 3,6% had convincingly RBD, although 35.7% reported rare lifetime occurence of dream-enacting behaviour and 62.8% sporadic nightmares. We found correlation between RSWA and SNRI medication class (p = 0.015), specifically venlafaxine (p = 0.029) as well as quetiapine (p = 0.030). Another significant associated factors were current anxiety (p < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (p = 0.05), but we found no relation between RSWA and given diagnosis.

Conlucions

Isolated RSWA in younger psychiatry patients might be a result of multiple factors, including medication and current mental status but these factors are in most cases not sufficient to manifest RBD.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as a neglected metabolic companion of psychiatric disorders: common pathways and future approaches
Authors: Soto-Angona Óscar , Anmella Gerard , Valdés-Florido María José , De Uribe-Viloria Nieves , Carvalho Andre F. , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. , Berk Michael
Published: October 2020

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by hepatic steatosis in over 5% of the parenchyma in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption. It is more prevalent in patients with diverse mental disorders, being part of the comorbidity driving loss of life expectancy and quality of life, yet remains a neglected entity. NAFLD can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and increases the risk for cirrhosis and hepatic carcinoma. Both NAFLD and mental disorders share pathophysiological pathways, and also present a complex, bidirectional relationship with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and related cardiometabolic diseases.

Main text

This review compares the demographic data on NAFLD and NASH among the global population and the psychiatric population, finding differences that suggest a higher incidence of this disease among the latter. It also analyzes the link between NAFLD and psychiatric disorders, looking into common pathophysiological pathways, such as metabolic, genetic, and lifestyle factors. Finally, possible treatments, tailored approaches, and future research directions are suggested.

Conclusion

NAFLD is part of a complex system of mental and non-communicable somatic disorders with a common pathogenesis, based on shared lifestyle and environmental risks, mediated by dysregulation of inflammation, oxidative stress pathways, and mitochondrial function. The recognition of the prevalent comorbidity between NAFLD and mental disorders is required to inform clinical practice and develop novel interventions to prevent and treat these complex and interacting disorders.
Effect of heel elevation on breakover phase in horses with laminitis
Authors: Al Naem Mohamad , Litzke Lutz-Ferdinand , Geburek Florian , Failing Klaus , Hoffmann Johanna , Röcken Michael
Published: October 2020

Background

In a laminitic horse, the maximal loading of the toe region occurs during the breakover phase. To date, no kinetic data demonstrates the effect of supportive orthopaedic therapy in horses with laminitis on breakover phase. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of heel elevation on the breakover phase. Eight horses with acute laminitis treated medically as well as with application of a hoof cast with heel wedge (HCHW) were included in this study. Immediately following cessation of clinical signs of acute laminitis, two measurements using the Hoof™ System were taken: the first with HCHW and the second immediately following removal of the HCHW, i.e. in barefoot condition (BFC). The hoof print was divided into three regions: toe, middle hoof, and heel. Kinetic parameters included vertical force (VF), stance duration, contact area (CA) for all hoof regions during stance phase, duration of breakover, VF in the toe region at onset of breakover and location of centre of force.

Results

The VF and CA were higher in the heel region (63 and 61%, respectively) and decreased significantly after removal of the HCHW (43 and 28% after removal, respectively). The breakover phase in horses with HCHW lasted 2% of stance phase and was significantly shorter than that in BFC, which lasted 6% of stance phase. The VF at onset of breakover for the toe region in horses with HCHW was significantly lower than that in BFC. The centre of the force was located at the heel region in all horses with the HCHW, and at the middle the hoof region in BFC.

Conclusions

Heel elevation in horses with laminitis as examined on a concrete surface significantly shortens breakover phase and decreases the vertical force in the toe region during breakover. HCHW provides adequate support to the palmar hoof structures by increasing the contact area in the heel region and incorporating the palmar part of frog and sole into weight bearing, thus decreasing the stress on the lamellae. Hoof cast with heel elevation could be a beneficial orthopaedic supportive therapy for horses suffering from acute laminitis.
Splenic marginal zone lymphoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Shiyu , Xuan Zefeng , Zhang Liang , Lu Jiahua , Song Penghong , Zheng Shusen
Published: October 2020

Background

Splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL) is a rare non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and much little is known about its clinical characteristics and management strategies. Here we present a case of SMZL and review relevant literature to provide a better recognition of this disease entity.

Case presentation

A 49-year-old Chinese female was admitted to our hospital with complaints of abdominal distension and acid reflux. Physical examinations and imaging investigations suggested the presence of splenomegaly. Laboratory workups revealed mildly reduced white blood cell count otherwise was not remarkable. The patient underwent splenectomy. Histological examination combined with immunohistochemical analysis of the resected spleen confirmed the diagnosis of SMZL. The patient recovered uneventfully during follow-ups.

Conclusions

Due to the rarity and unspecific clinical features, SMZL is extremely challenging to be diagnosed preoperatively. Patients with SMZL are generally associated with favorable prognosis. Combining the staging characteristics of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and splenic primary lymphoma may assist in clinical staging management of SMZL.
Lessons learned about the effective operationalization of champions as an implementation strategy: results from a qualitative process evaluation of a pragmatic trial
Authors: Bunce Arwen E. , Gruß Inga , Davis James V. , Cowburn Stuart , Cohen Deborah , Oakley Jee , Gold Rachel
Published: October 2020

Background

Though the knowledge base on implementation strategies is growing, much remains unknown about how to most effectively operationalize these strategies in diverse contexts. For example, while evidence shows that champions can effectively support implementation efforts in some circumstances, little has been reported on how to operationalize this role optimally in different settings, or on the specific pathways through which champions enact change.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of data from a pragmatic trial comparing implementation strategies supporting the adoption of guideline-concordant cardioprotective prescribing in community health centers in the USA. Quantitative data came from the community health centers’ shared electronic health record; qualitative data sources included community health center staff interviews over 3 years. Using a convergent mixed-methods design, data were collected concurrently and merged for interpretation to identify factors associated with improved outcomes. Qualitative analysis was guided by the constant comparative method. As results from the quantitative and initial qualitative analyses indicated the essential role that champions played in promoting guideline-concordant prescribing, we conducted multiple immersion-crystallization cycles to better understand this finding.

Results

Five community health centers demonstrated statistically significant increases in guideline-concordant cardioprotective prescribing. A combination of factors appeared key to their successful practice change: (1) A clinician champion who demonstrated a sustained commitment to implementation activities and exhibited engagement, influence, credibility, and capacity; and (2) organizational support for the intervention. In contrast, the seven community health centers that did not show improved outcomes lacked a champion with the necessary characteristics, and/or organizational support. Case studies illustrate the diverse, context-specific pathways that enabled or prevented study implementers from advancing practice change.

Conclusion

This analysis confirms the important role of champions in implementation efforts and offers insight into the context-specific mechanisms through which champions enact practice change. The results also highlight the potential impact of misaligned implementation support and key modifiable barriers and facilitators on implementation outcomes. Here, unexamined assumptions and a lack of evidence-based guidance on how best to identify and prepare effective champions led to implementation support that failed to address important barriers to intervention success.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT02325531. Registered 15 December 2014.