bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High nitrogen concentration alter microbial community in Allium fistulosum rhizosphere
Authors: Zhao Chen , Ni Haifeng , Zhao Lin , Zhou Lin , Borrás-Hidalgo Orlando , Cui Rongzong
Published: November 2020

Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) constitutes an important plant species cultivated in China due the benefits and applications in different areas. Moreover, nitrogen is an essential nutrient during the growth and development of plant. Here, we present the effects of nitrogen on soil microbiome in welsh onion plants. We used High-throughput sequencing analysis to determine the diversity and abundances of microbes associated to soil rhizosphere in welsh onion under the influence of nitrogen application. Nitrogen application significantly influenced in the diversity of fungal community. The relative abundance of Orbiliomycetes increased with the nitrogen concentration. Nitrogen application did not affect the diversity of bacterial community, whereas the relative abundance of Acidobacteria_Gp2, Verrucomicrobiae and Sphingobacteriia decreased with the nitrogen condition. In this work, we introduced evidences of the effect of nitrogen fertilization on microbial community in welsh onion rhizosphere, and the change of microbial community may interfere the growth and development of welsh onion.
Assessment of laying-bird welfare following acaricidal treatment of a commercial flock naturally infested with the poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae)
Authors: Temple Déborah , Manteca Xavier , Escribano Damián , Salas Marina , Mainau Eva , Zschiesche Eva , Petersen Ivo , Dolz Roser , Thomas Emmanuel
Published: November 2020

The poultry red mite (PRM),Dermanyssus gallinae, a potential vector of pathogens to animals and humans, causes impaired bird welfare. A study investigated changes in behavioural variables, physiological biomarkers, and health parameters following acaricidal treatment of PRM infestation of laying hens on a commercial farm. Mite traps determined the challenge to 12,700 hens before and after drinking water administration of the acaricide, fluralaner (Exzolt®, 0.5 mg/kg; Weeks 0 and 1). Weekly daytime direct observations and night-time video recordings monitored bird behaviours from Weeks -6 through +6. Blood samples were collected from randomly-selected birds (Weeks -6, -1, and +6). Following treatment, mite count reductions (>99%) were statistically significant (P< 0.0001), as were night-time reductions in the percent of hens showing activity, preening, head scratching (allP< 0.0001), and head shaking (P= 0.0007). Significant daytime reductions were observed in preening and head scratching (bothP< 0.0001), head shaking (P= 0.0389), severe feather pecking (P= 0.0002), and aggressive behaviour (P= 0.0165). Post-treatment, comb wounds were significantly reduced (P= 0.0127), and comb colour was significantly improved (P< 0.0001). Heterophil/lymphocyte ratio was significantly reduced at Weeks 1 and 6 (P= 0.0009 andP< 0.0001, respectively). At Week 6, blood corticosterone (P= 0.0041) and total oxidant status (P< 0.0001) were significantly reduced, and haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin significantly increased (P< 0.0001). Farm production records indicated that those post-treatment improvements were accompanied by significant reductions in weekly mortality rate (P= 0.0169), and significant recovery in mean weekly egg weights (P< 0.0001) and laying rate (P < 0.0001). The improvements in behavioural variables, physiological biomarkers, and health parameters that were observed following the elimination of PRM on a commercial farm indicate that infestations can be a cause of reduced hen welfare.
Bone mineral density and trabecular bone score in elderly type 2 diabetes Southeast Asian patients with severe osteoporotic hip fractures
Authors: Gani Linsey U. , Saripalli Kundan R. , Fernandes Karen , Leong Suet F. , Tsai Koh T. , Tan Pei T. , Chong Le R. , King Thomas F. J.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Studies show trabecular bone score (TBS) may provide information regarding bone quality independent of bone mineral density (BMD) in type 2 diabetes (DM2) patients. We analyzed our Southeast Asian severe osteoporotic hip fracture patients to study these differences.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of subjects admitted to Changi General Hospital, Singapore with severe osteoporotic hip fractures from 2014–2017 who had BMD performed. Electronic records were reviewed and subjects were classified as having diabetes according to the WHO 2019 criteria. DM2 patients were classified according to their HbA1c into well controlled (HbA1c < 7%) and poorly controlled (HbA1c ≥ 7%) DM2.

Results

Elderly patients with hip fractures present with average femur neck T scores at the osteoporotic range, however those with DM2 had higher BMD and TBS values compared to non DM2 patients. These differences were statistically significant in elderly women—poorly controlled elderly DM2 women with hip fracture had the highest total hip T-score (-2.57 ± 0.86) vs (-2.76 ± 0.96) in well controlled DM2 and (-3.09 ± 1.01) in non DM2 women with hip fracture, p < 0.001. In contrast, TBS scores were lower in poorly controlled DM2 women with hip fracture compared to well controlled DM2 women with hip fracture (1.22 ± 0.11) vs (1.24 ± 0.09), but these were still significantly higher compared to non DM2 women with hip fracture (1.19 ± 0.10), p < 0.001. In elderly men with hip fractures, univariate analysis showed no statistically significant differences in TBS or hip or LS BMD between those with poorly controlled DM2, well controlled DM2 and non DM2. The differences in TBS and BMD remained significant in all DM2 women with hip fractures even after adjustments for potential confounders. Differences in TBS and BMD in poorly controlled DM2 men with hip fractures only became significant after accounting for potential confounders. However, upon inclusion of LS BMD into the multivariate model these differences were attenuated and remained significant only between elderly women with well controlled DM2 and non DM2 women with hip fractures.

Conclusions

Elderly patients with DM2 and severe osteoporosis present with hip fractures at a higher BMD and TBS values compared to non DM2 patients. These differences were significant after adjustment for confounders in all DM2 women and poorly controlled DM2 men with hip fractures, TBS differences were attenuated with the inclusion LS BMD. Further studies are needed to ascertain differences in BMD and TBS in older Southeast Asian DM2 patients with variable glycemic control and severe osteoporosis.
Valence and arousal of words in visual and conceptual interference control efficiency
Authors: Imbir Kamil K. , Pastwa Maciej , Jankowska Marta , Kosman Marcin , Modzelewska Aleksandra , Wielgopolan Adrianna
Published: November 2020

Cognitive control efficiency is susceptible to the emotional state of an individual. The aim of the current experiment was to search for the role of valence and arousal of emotion-laden words in a performance efficiency of a modified emotional Stroop task (EST) combined with the flanker task. Both paradigms allow for the measurement of the interference control, but interference appears on different stages of stimulus processing. In the flanker task, the interference is perceptual, while in EST, it is based on the emotional meaning of stimuli. We expected to find the effects of emotionality of words, that is, arousal and valence levels, for interference measured with EST. In a series of two experiments, the results confirmed that a high arousal level enlarges the reaction latencies to the EST. We also identified interaction between valence and arousal in shaping reaction latencies. We found the flanker congruency effect. We did not find interactions between emotional factors and flanker congruency. This suggests that interference measured with the EST and flanker task are in fact different from one another, and while using the modified EST combined with the flanker task, the word-meaning effects do not interfere with pure perceptual interferences.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy is cost effective for primary prevention patients in Taiwan: An analysis from the Improve SCA trial
Authors: Holbrook Reece , Higuera Lucas , Wherry Kael , Phay Dave , Hsieh Yu-Cheng , Lin Kuo-Hung , Liu Yen-Bin
Published: November 2020

Objective

Implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) for primary prevention (PP) of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) are well-established but underutilized globally. The Improve SCA study has identified a cohort of patients called 1.5 primary prevention (1.5PP) based on PP patients with the presence of certain risk factors. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of ICD therapy compared to no ICD among the PP population and the subset of 1.5PP patients in Taiwan.

Methods

A Markov model was run over a lifetime time horizon from the Taiwan payer perspective. Mortality and utility estimates were obtained from the literature (PP) and the IMPROVE SCA trial (1.5PP). Cost inputs were obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA), Ministry of Health and Welfare. We used a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of NT$2,100,000, as established through standard WTP research methods and in alignment with World Health Organization recommendations.

Results

The total discounted costs for ICD therapy and no ICD therapy were NT$1,664,259 and NT$646,396 respectively for PP, while they were NT$2,410,603 and NT$905,881 respectively for 1.5PP. Total discounted QALYs for ICD therapy and no ICD therapy were 6.48 and 4.98 respectively for PP, while they were 10.78 and 7.71 respectively for 1.5PP. The incremental cost effectiveness ratio was NT$708,711 for PP and NT$441,153 for 1.5PP, therefore ICD therapy should be considered cost effective for PP and highly cost effective for 1.5PP.

Conclusions

ICD therapy compared to no ICD therapy is cost-effective in the whole PP population and highly cost-effective in the subset 1.5PP population in Taiwan.
Personality profiles and meteoropathy intensity: A comparative study between young and older adults
Authors: Rzeszutek Marcin , Oniszczenko Włodzimierz , Zalewska Iwona , Pięta Małgorzata
Published: November 2020

Objectives

This study’s main aims were to investigate the Big Five personality trait heterogeneity of study participants in two age groups and to examine whether these traits’ heterogeneity can explain possible individual differences in meteoropathy intensity.

Method

The sample was comprised of 758 participants divided into two age groups: 378 young adults (18–30 years old) and 380 older adults (60+ years old). The participants filled out online or paper versions of the METEO-Q questionnaire and the Ten Item Personality Inventory (TIPI).

Results

A latent profile analysis of the completed inventories showed various personality profiles differ in meteoropathy intensity. However, personality’s differentiating effect on meteoropathy was observed only among the young adult group.

Conclusions

Our study’s results indicate that there is no one personality trait pattern that fits all individuals regarding sensitivity to weather changes. This issue is especially visible when considering age differences.
Impact of chronic kidney disease severity on causes of death after first-ever stroke: A population-based study using nationwide data linkage
Authors: Wu Hsin-Hsu , Chang Ting-Yu , Liu Chi-Hung , Lin Jr-Rung , Liou Chia-Wei , Lee Jiann-Der , Peng Tsung-I , Lee Meng , Lee Tsong-Hai
Published: November 2020

Background

Stroke is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with high mortality, but the causes of death after stroke among different CKD stages are not well known.

Aims

We aimed to investigate whether the severity of CKD would impact on the causes of death after first-ever stroke.

Methods

This retrospective multicenter cohort study included stoke patients with CKD between 2007 and 2012. The cause of death and date of death were ascertained by linking the National Death Registry Database of Taiwan. Clinical outcomes, 1-month, and 1-year mortality rates, and major causes of death were compared according to five CKD stages (G1 to G5) in the ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke separately.

Results

Of these patients, 9,878 were first-ever ischemic stroke (IS) patients, and 1,387 were first-ever hemorrhagic stroke (HS) patients. Patients with CKD G5 had the highest one-year mortality rate with hazard ratio 5.28 [95%CI, 3.94–7.08] in IS and 3.03 [95%CI, 2.03–4.54] in HS when compared to G1 patients. Leading causes of one-year death after IS were stroke, cancer, and pneumonia in early (G1-3) CKD patients, while diabetes mellitus, CKD, and stroke itself contributed to the major mortality in CKD G5 patients. An inverse association between eGFR decrement and the proportion of deaths caused by stroke itself was observed in CKD G2-5 patients after IS. Stroke was the leading cause of one-year death among all CKD patients after HS.

Conclusions

Asides from high mortality, late-stage CKD patients had different causes of death from early CKD patients after stroke. This study highlights the need to imply different treatment strategies in late-stage CKD post-stroke patients to improve their prognosis.
Molecular analysis of cyclic α-maltosyl-(1→6)-maltose binding protein in the bacterial metabolic pathway
Authors: Kohno Masaki , Arakawa Takatoshi , Sunagawa Naoki , Mori Tetsuya , Igarashi Kiyohiko , Nishimoto Tomoyuki , Fushinobu Shinya
Published: November 2020

Cyclic α-maltosyl-(1→6)-maltose (CMM) is a cyclic glucotetrasaccharide with alternating α-1,4 and α-1,6 linkages. Here, we report functional and structural analyses on CMM-binding protein (CMMBP), which is a substrate-binding protein (SBP) of an ABC importer system of the bacteriaArthrobacter globiformis. Isothermal titration calorimetry analysis revealed that CMMBP specifically bound to CMM with aKdvalue of 9.6 nM. The crystal structure of CMMBP was determined at a resolution of 1.47 Å, and a panose molecule was bound in a cleft between two domains. To delineate its structural features, the crystal structure of CMMBP was compared with other SBPs specific for carbohydrates, such as cyclic α-nigerosyl-(1→6)-nigerose and cyclodextrins. These results indicate thatA.globiformishas a unique metabolic pathway specialized for CMM.
Density of CD3+ and CD8+ cells in gingivo-buccal oral squamous cell carcinoma is associated with lymph node metastases and survival
Authors: Mukherjee Geetashree , Bag Swarnendu , Chakraborty Prasenjit , Dey Debdeep , Roy Samrat , Jain Prateek , Roy Paromita , Soong Richie , Majumder Partha Pratim , Dutt Suparna
Published: November 2020

The tumor immune microenvironment is emerging as a critical player in predicting cancer prognosis and response to therapies. However, the prognostic value of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in Gingivo-Buccal Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (GBOSCC) and their association with tumor size or lymph node metastases status require further elucidation. To study the relationship of tumor-infiltrating immune cells with tumor size (T stage) and lymph node metastases (N stages), we analyzed the density of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in archived, whole tumor resections from 94 patients. We characterized these sections by immune-histochemistry using 12 markers and enumerated tumor-infiltrating immune cells at the invasive margins (IM) and centers of tumors (CT). We observed that a higher density of CD3+ cells in the IM and CT was associated with smaller tumor size (T1-T2 stage). Fewer CD3+ cells was associated with larger tumor size (T3-T4 stage). High infiltration of CD3+and CD8+ cells in IM and CT as well as high CD4+ cell infiltrates in the IM was significantly associated with the absence of lymph node metastases. High infiltrates of CD3+ and CD8+ cells in CT was associated with significantly improved survival. Our results illustrate that the densities and spatial distribution of CD3+ and CD8+ cell infiltrates in primary GBOSCC tumors is predictive of disease progression and survival. Based on our findings, we recommend incorporating immune cell quantification in the TNM classification and routine histopathology reporting of GBOSCC. Immune cell quantification in CT and IM may help predict the efficacy of future therapies.
How automatic speed control based on distance affects user behaviours in telepresence robot navigation within dense conference-like environments
Authors: Batmaz Anil Ufuk , Maiero Jens , Kruijff Ernst , Riecke Bernhard E. , Neustaedter Carman , Stuerzlinger Wolfgang
Published: November 2020

Telepresence robots allow users to be spatially and socially present in remote environments. Yet, it can be challenging to remotely operate telepresence robots, especially in dense environments such as academic conferences or workplaces. In this paper, we primarily focus on the effect that a speed control method, which automatically slows the telepresence robot down when getting closer to obstacles, has on user behaviors. In our first user study, participants drove the robot through a static obstacle course with narrow sections. Results indicate that the automatic speed control method significantly decreases the number of collisions. For the second study we designed a more naturalistic, conference-like experimental environment with tasks that require social interaction, and collected subjective responses from the participants when they were asked to navigate through the environment. While about half of the participants preferred automatic speed control because it allowed for smoother and safer navigation, others did not want to be influenced by an automatic mechanism. Overall, the results suggest that automatic speed control simplifies the user interface for telepresence robots in static dense environments, but should be considered as optionally available, especially in situations involving social interactions.
Functional role of vitronectin in breast cancer
Authors: Bera Alakesh , Subramanian Madhan , Karaian John , Eklund Michael , Radhakrishnan Surya , Gana Nahbuma , Rothwell Stephen , Pollard Harvey , Hu Hai , Shriver Craig D. , Srivastava Meera
Published: November 2020

Breast Cancer is the most common form of cancer in women worldwide, impacting nearly 2.1 million women each year. Identification of new biomarkers could be key for early diagnosis and detection. Vitronectin, a glycoprotein that is abundantly found in serum, extracellular matrix, and bone, binds to integrin αvβ3, and promotes cell adhesion and migration. Current studies indicate that patients with amplified vitronectin levels have lower survival rates than patients without amplified vitronectin levels. In this study, we focused on the role of vitronectin in breast cancer survival and its functional role as a non-invasive biomarker for early stage and stage specific breast cancer detection. To confirm that the expression of vitronectin is amplified in breast cancer, a total of 240 serum samples (n = 240), 200 from breast cancer patients and 40 controls were analyzed using the Reverse Phase Protein Array (RPPA) technique. Of the 240 samples, 120 samples were of African American (AA) descent, while the other 120 were of White American (WA) descent. Data indicated that there were some possible racial disparities in vitronectin levels and, differences also seen in the recurrent patient samples. Next, we tried to uncover the underlying mechanism which plays a critical role in vitronectin expression. The cellular data from four different breast cancer cell lines- MCF7, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, and HCC1599 indicated that the PI3K/AKT axis is modulating the expression of vitronectin. We believe that vitronectin concentration levels are involved and connected to the metastasis of breast cancer in certain patients, specifically based on recurrence or ethnicity, which is detrimental for poor prognosis. Therefore, in this current study we showed that the serum vitronectin levels could be an early marker for the breast cancer survival and we also determine the cellular signaling factors which modulate the expression and concentration of vitronectin.
Integrating remote monitoring into heart failure patients’ care regimen: A pilot study
Authors: Sohn Albert , Speier William , Lan Esther , Aoki Kymberly , Fonarow Gregg C. , Ong Michael K. , Arnold Corey W.
Published: November 2020

Background

Around 50% of hospital readmissions due to heart failure are preventable, with lack of adherence to prescribed self-care as a driving factor. Remote tracking and reminders issued by mobile health devices could help to promote self-care, which could potentially reduce these readmissions.

Objective

We sought to investigate two factors: (1) feasibility of enrolling heart failure patients in a remote monitoring regimen that uses wireless sensors and patient-reported outcome measures; and (2) their adherence to using the study devices and completing patient-reported outcome measures.

Methods

Twenty heart failure patients participated in piloting a remote monitoring regimen. Data collection included: (1) physical activity using wrist-worn activity trackers; (2) body weight using bathroom scales; (3) medication adherence using smart pill bottles; and (4) patient -reported outcomes using patient-reported outcome measures.

Results

We evaluated 150 hospitalized heart failure patients and enrolled 20 individuals. Two factors contributed to 50% (65/130) being excluded from the study: smartphone ownership and patient discharge. Over the course of the study, 60.0% of the subjects wore the activity tracker for at least 70% of the hours, and 45.0% used the scale for more than 70% of the days. The pill bottle was used less than 10% of the days by 55.0% of the subjects.

Conclusions

Our method of recruiting heart failure patients prior to hospital discharge may not be feasible as the enrollment rate was low. Once enrolled, the majority of subjects maintained a high adherence to wearing the activity tracker but low adherence to using the pill bottle and completing the follow-up surveys. Scale usage was fair, but it received positive reviews from most subjects. Given the observed usage and feedback, we suggest mobile health-driven interventions consider including an activity tracker and bathroom scale. We also recommend administering a shorter survey more regularly and through an easier interface.
Assessing the severity of pulmonary embolism among patients in the emergency department: Utility of RV/LV diameter ratio
Authors: Cho Sung-uk , Cho Young-duck , Choi Sung-hyuk , Yoon Young-hoon , Park Jong-hak , Park Sung-joon , Lee Eu-sun
Published: November 2020

Background

Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is a major cause of death from cardiovascular disease. Right ventricular systolic dysfunction (RVD) caused by APE is closely related to a poor outcome. Early risk stratification of APE is a vital step in prognostic assessment. The objective of this study was to investigate the usefulness of computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) measured right ventricular (RV)/ left ventricular (LV) diameter ratio by the emergency department (ED) specialists for early risk stratification of APE patients in ED.

Methods

The retrospective data of 229 APE patients were reviewed. Two ED specialists measured both RV and LV diameters on a single transverse scan perpendicular to the long axis of the heart. The patients were divided into two groups, RV/LV diameter ratio <1 and ratio >1. CTPA measured RV/LV diameter ratio were analyzed and compared with sPESI score, cardiac biomarkers such as N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-pro-BNP), high sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), and RVD measured by echocardiography (Echo).

Results

The mean age in RV/LV > 1 group was significantly higher than that of the other group (67.81±2.7 years vs. 60.68±3.2 years). Also, there were more hypertension patients (44.4% vs. 33.3%), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) was lower. A significantly higher ICU admission rate (28.05% vs. 11.61%) was shown in RV/LV >1 group, and five patients expired only in RV/LV > 1 group. RVD by Echo demonstrated the highest sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value (NPV) (values of 94.3%, 81.1%, 95.5%). RV/LV >1 diameter ratio by CTPA showed usefulness equivalent to cardiac biomarkers. RV/LV >1 patients’ cardiac enzymes were higher, and there were more RVD in RV/LV >1 group.

Conclusion

Simple measurement of RV/LV diameter ratio by ED specialist would be a help to the clinicians in identifying and stratifying the risk of the APE patients presenting in the ED.
Development of an innovative methodology combining chemical fractionation and in vivo analysis to investigate the biological properties of cheese
Authors: Cardin Guillaume , Ripoche Isabelle , Poupet Cyril , Bonnet Muriel , Veisseire Philippe , Chalard Pierre , Chauder Anne , Saunier Etienne , Priam Julien , Bornes Stéphanie , Rios Laurent
Published: November 2020

With the ever-increasing human lifespan, age-related affections have become a public health issue. The health sector is looking for new bioactive compounds to respond to this demand. The unexplored microbial biodiversity and its metabolites represent a major source of innovative bioactive molecules with health potential. Fermented foods, such as raw-milk cheese, have already been investigated for their rich microbial environment, especially for their organoleptic qualities. But studies remain limited regarding their effects on health and few metabolites of microbial origin have been identified. An efficient methodology was developed in this study to investigate the biological effect of raw-milk cheese, combining a chemical fractionation, to isolate the most metabolites from the cheese matrix, and anin vivobiological test usingCaenorhabditis elegans.C.eleganswas brought into contact with cheese extracts, obtained by means of chemical fractionation, and with freeze-dried whole cheese by supplementing the nematode growth medium. A longevity assay was performed to evaluate the effects of the extracts on the worms. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of the method developed to bring the worms into contact of the cheese extracts. The evaluation of the effects of the extracts on the longevity was possible. Some extracts showed a beneficial effect as extract W70 for example, obtained with water, which increases the mean lifespan by 16% and extends the longevity by 73% (p< 0.0001).
Development and evaluation of a novel music-based therapeutic device for upper extremity movement training: A pre-clinical, single-arm trial
Authors: Schaffert Nina , Braun Janzen Thenille , Ploigt Roy , Schlüter Sebastian , Vuong Veronica , Thaut Michael H.
Published: November 2020

Restoration of upper limb motor function and patient functional independence are crucial treatment targets in neurological rehabilitation. Growing evidence indicates that music-based intervention is a promising therapeutic approach for the restoration of upper extremity functional abilities in neurologic conditions such as cerebral palsy, stroke, and Parkinson’s Disease. In this context, music technology may be particularly useful to increase the availability and accessibility of music-based therapy and assist therapists in the implementation and assessment of targeted therapeutic goals. In the present study, we conducted a pre-clinical, single-arm trial to evaluate a novel music-based therapeutic device (SONATA) for upper limb extremity movement training. The device consists of a graphical user interface generated by a single-board computer displayed on a 32” touchscreen with built-in speakers controlled wirelessly by a computer tablet. The system includes two operational modes that allow users to play musical melodies on a virtual keyboard or draw figures/shapes whereby every action input results in controllable sensory feedback. Four motor tasks involving hand/finger movement were performed with 21 healthy individuals (13 males, aged 26.4 ± 3.5 years) to evaluate the device’s operational modes and main features. The results of the functional tests suggest that the device is a reliable system to present pre-defined sequences of audiovisual stimuli and shapes and to record response and movement data. This preliminary study also suggests that the device is feasible and adequate for use with healthy individuals. These findings open new avenues for future clinical research to further investigate the feasibility and usability of the SONATA as a tool for upper extremity motor function training in neurological rehabilitation. Directions for future clinical research are discussed.
Prevalence and genetic variability of occult hepatitis B virus in a human immunodeficiency virus positive patient cohort in Gondar, Ethiopia
Authors: Patel Nishi H. , Meier-Stephenson Vanessa , Genetu Meaza , Damtie Debasu , Abate Ebba , Alemu Shitaye , Aleka Yetework , Van Marle Guido , Fonseca Kevin , Coffin Carla S. , Deressa Tekalign
Published: November 2020

Background

Occult hepatitis B (OHB) is a major concern in HIV infected patients as it associates with a high risk of HBV reactivation and disease progression. However, data on the prevalence of OHB among HIV positive patients in Ethiopia is lacking. This study aims to determine the prevalence of OHB in HBV/HIV co-infected patients from Gondar, Ethiopia.

Methods

A total of 308 consented HIV positive patients were recruited from the University of Gondar Teaching Hospital, Ethiopia. Clinical and demographic data of the participants were recorded. Plasma was tested for HBsAg and anti-HBc using commercial assays (Abbott Architect). In HBsAg negative anti-HBc positive patient samples, total DNA was isolated and amplified using nested PCR with primers specific to HBV polymerase, surface and pre-core/core regions, followed by Sanger sequencing and HBV mutational analysis using MEGA 7.0.

Results

Of the total study subjects, 62.7% were female, median age 38.4 years, interquartile range (IQR): 18–68, and 208 (67.5%) had lifestyle risk factors for HBV acquisition. Two hundred and ninety-one study subjects were HIV+/HBsAg-, out of which 115 (39.5%) were positive for anti-HBc. Occult hepatitis B was detected in 19.1% (22/115) of anti-HBc positive HIV patients. HBV genotype D was the predominant genotype (81%) among OHB positive patients. Mutations associated with HBV drug resistance, HBV reactivation, and HCC risk were detected in 23% (5/22), 14% (3/22) and 45.5% (10/22) of patients, respectively.

Conclusion

This study found a high rate of occult hepatitis B in HIV patients. Further, high rates of mutations associated with HBV reactivation, drug resistance, and HCC risk were detected in these patients. These data highlighted the need for integrating OHB screening for proper management of liver diseases in HIV patients.
Pseudo-spontaneous nystagmus in lateral semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: Correlation with bow and lean test in a pitch plane
Authors: Lee Hyun-Jin , Ahn Seong Ki , Yim Chae Dong , Kim Dae Hwan , Hur Dong Gu
Published: November 2020

Objectives

We investigated the incidence and characteristics of pseudo-spontaneous nystagmus (PSN) in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo involving the lateral semicircular canal (LC-BPPV) and evaluated the correlation between PSN and the bow and lean test.

Methods

We examined nystagmus in the sitting position using video-oculography goggles in 131 LC-BPPV patients. The positioning test and bow and lean test were also performed. Patients were divided into canalolithiasis and cupulolithiasis groups according to the character of nystagmus. In each group, the incidence and direction of PSN, correlation with the bow and lean test, and treatment outcome were analyzed.

Results

PSN was observed in 25 cases (19.1%) in LC-BPPV patients, 7 of which were canalolithiasis and 18 of which were cupulolithiasis (p= 0.098). Of the 25 patients with PSN, 21 (84%) exhibited nystagmus consistent with the lean test whereas 4 (16%) exhibited nystagmus consistent with the bow test. In patients with PSN, nystagmus was observed in the bow and lean test in all cases (23/23), but in patients without PSN, no nystagmus was observed in 13 cases (13/87) in the bow and lean test (p= 0.048). The number of barbecue maneuvers performed until the end of treatment was 1.4 ± 0.7 in patients with PSN and 1.4 ± 0.9 in those without PSN (p= 0.976).

Conclusion

We identified PSN in patients with LC-BPPV irrelevant of subtype. Moreover, all patients with PSN showed nystagmus in the bow and lean test. The direction of PSN was mostly consistent with that of the lean test (21/25, 84%). The presence of PSN was not related to the treatment outcome in this study.
The applicability of non-invasive methods for assessing liver fibrosis in hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Lee Jia-Jung , Wei Yu-Ju , Lin Ming-Yen , Niu Sheng-Wen , Hsu Po-Yao , Huang Jiun-Chi , Jang Tyng-Yuan , Yeh Ming-Lun , Huang Ching-I , Liang Po-Cheng , Lin Yi-Hung , Hsieh Ming-Yen , Hsieh Meng-Hsuan , Chen Szu-Chia , Dai Chia-Yen , Lin Zu-Yau , Chen Shinn-Cherng , Huang Jee-Fu , Chang Jer-Ming , Hwang Shang-Jyh , Huang Chung-Feng , Chiu Yi-Wen , Chuang Wan-Long , Yu Ming-Lung
Published: November 2020

Background

The accurate assessment of liver fibrosis among hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is important for both treatment and for follow up strategies. Applying the non-invasive methods in general population with viral hepatitis have been successful but the applicability of the aminotransferase/platelet ratio index (APRI) or the fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) in hemodialysis patients need further evaluation.

Materials and methods

We conducted a prospective, multi-center, uremic cohort to verify the applicability of APRI and FIB-4 in identifying liver fibrosis by reference with the standard transient elastography (TE) measures.

Results

There were 116 CHC cases with valid TE were enrolled in our analysis. 46 cases (39.6%) were classified as F1, 35 cases (30.2%) as F2, 11 cases (9.5%) as F3, and 24 cases (20.7%) as F4, respectively. The traditional APRI and FIB-4 criteria did not correctly identify liver fibrosis. The optimal cut-off value of APRI was 0.28 and of FIB-4 was 1.91 to best excluding liver cirrhosis with AUC of 76% and 77%, respectively. The subgroup analysis showed that female CHC hemodialysis patients had better diagnostic accuracy with 74.1% by APRI. And CHC hemodialysis patients without hypertension had better diagnostic accuracy with 78.6% by FIB-4.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the traditional category level of APRI and FIB-4 were unable to identify liver fibrosis of CHC hemodialysis patients. With the adjusted cut-off value, APRI and FIB-4 still showed suboptimal diagnostic accuracy. Our results suggest the necessary of TE measures for liver fibrosis in the CHC uremic population.
Polyploidization is accompanied by synonymous codon usage bias in the chloroplast genomes of both cotton and wheat
Authors: Tian Geng , Li Guoqing , Liu Yanling , Liu Qinghua , Wang Yanxia , Xia Guangmin , Wang Mengcheng
Published: November 2020

Synonymous codon usage bias (SCUB) of both nuclear and organellar genes can mirror the evolutionary specialization of plants. The polyploidization process exposes the nucleus to genomic shock, a syndrome which promotes, among other genetic variants, SCUB. Its effect on organellar genes has not, however, been widely addressed. The present analysis targeted the chloroplast genomes of two leading polyploid crop species, namely cotton and bread wheat. The frequency of codons in the chloroplast genomes ending in either adenosine (NNA) or thymine (NNT) proved to be higher than those ending in either guanidine or cytosine (NNG or NNC), and this difference was conserved when comparisons were made between polyploid and diploid forms in both the cotton and wheat taxa. Preference for NNA/T codons was heterogeneous among genes with various numbers of introns and was also differential among the exons. SCUB patterns distinguished tetraploid cotton from its diploid progenitor species, as well as bread wheat from its diploid/tetraploid progenitor species, indicating that SCUB in the chloroplast genome partially mirrors the formation of polyploidies.
Enhanced identification of Group B streptococcus in infants with suspected meningitis in Ethiopia
Authors: Geteneh Alene , Kassa Tesfaye , Alemu Yared , Alemu Derbie , Kiros Mulugeta , Andualem Henok , Abebe Workeabeba , Alemayehu Tinsae , Alemayehu Dawit Hailu , Mihret Adane , Mulu Andargachew , Mihret Wude
Published: November 2020

Meningitis is one of the top ten causes of death among Ethiopian infants. Group B streptococcus (GBS) has emerged as a leading cause of meningitis in neonates and young infants, resulting in high mortality. Despite this, there is no report on GBS associated meningitis in Ethiopia where infant meningitis is common. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the proportion of GBS associated meningitis among Ethiopian infants. PCR was prospectively used to detect GBS in culture-negative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, which were collected from infants suspected for meningitis, at Tikur Anbessa specialized hospital, Ethiopia, over a one-year period. GBS was detected by PCR in 63.9% of culture-negative CSF samples. Out of the 46 GBS positive infants, 10.9% (n = 5) of them died. The late onset of GBS (LOGBS) disease was noted to have a poor outcome with 3 LOGBS out of 5 GBS positive samples collected from patients with the final outcome of death. PCR was advantageous in the identification of GBS in culture-negative CSF samples. GBS was detected in 64% of the CSF samples from infants with meningitis compared with zero-detection rate by culture.
Maternal perception of masking in children as a preventive strategy for COVID-19 in Nigeria: A multicentre study
Authors: Aronu Ann E. , Chinawa Josephat M. , Nduagubam Obinna C. , Ossai Edmund N. , Chinawa Awoere T. , Igwe Wilson C.
Published: November 2020

Background

The use of face masks by children for the prevention of COVID 19 is still controversial, especially with regards to who should wear the face mask and at what age.

Objectives

The study aimed to ascertain the perception of mothers on masking in children as a preventive strategy for COVID-19.

Methodology

This was a cross-sectional study carried out in two health institutions among 387 mothers who presented with their children for the first time in the hospital during the COVID 19 pandemic. A pretested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire which was designed by the researchers was used for data collection.

Results

Minority (44.7%) of the mothers perceived masking in children as an appropriate measure for the prevention of COVID-19. The frequent reasons given by majority (55.3%) of the mothers for the inappropriateness of face mask in children included perceived difficulty in breathing (38.5%) and the child’s readiness to pull it off (29.3%). A significantly higher proportion of the children whose mothers were 35 years and above, 64.2% would wear face masks when compared with 31.7% of those whose mothers were < 30 years of age (χ2 = 28.632, p<0.001). Similarly, a significantly higher proportion (51.0%) of the children who were more than one year of age would wear a face mask when compared with 20.5% of those aged eight days to one year (χ2 = 19.441, p<0.001). The children whose mothers were <30 years were about four times less likely to wear a face mask when compared with those whose mothers were aged 35 years and above. (AOR = 0.273; 95%CI: 0.155–0.478). The children whose fathers have attained tertiary education were about twice less likely to wear face masks when compared with those whose fathers have attained secondary education and less. (AOR = 0.554; 95%CI: 0.334–0.919). Mothers’ perception of COVID-19 had no significant influence on children’s use of face mask (χ2 = 2.337, p = 0.127)

Conclusion

Maternal perception of masking in children as an appropriate strategy for preventing COVID-19 is adjudged low in this study. Right perception is significantly enhanced by maternal educational status, employment and marital status.
Maternal antibody interference contributes to reduced rotavirus vaccine efficacy in developing countries
Authors: Otero Claire E. , Langel Stephanie N. , Blasi Maria , Permar Sallie R.
Published: November 2020

Rotavirus (RV) vaccine efficacy is significantly reduced in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to high-income countries. This review summarizes current research into the mechanisms behind this phenomenon, with a particular focus on the evidence that maternal antibody (matAb) interference is a contributing factor to this disparity. All RV vaccines currently in use are orally administered, live-attenuated virus vaccines that replicate in the infant gut, which leaves their efficacy potentially impacted by both placentally transferred immunoglobulin G (IgG) and mucosal IgA Abs conferred via breast milk. Observational studies of cohorts in LMICs demonstrated an inverse correlation between matAb titers, both in serum and breast milk, and infant responses to RV vaccination. However, a causal link between maternal humoral immunity and reduced RV vaccine efficacy in infants has yet to be definitively established, partially due to limitations in current animal models of RV disease. The characteristics of Abs mediating interference and the mechanism(s) involved have yet to be determined, and these may differ from mechanisms of matAb interference for parenterally administered vaccines due to the contribution of mucosal immunity conferred via breast milk. Increased vaccine doses and later age of vaccine administration have been strategies applied to overcome matAb interference, but these approaches are difficult to safely implement in the setting of RV vaccination in LMICs. Ultimately, the development of relevant animal models of matAb interference is needed to determine what alternative approaches or vaccine designs can safely and effectively overcome matAb interference of infant RV vaccination.
Contribuições de Jean-François Sirinelli à história dos intelectuais da educação
Authors: Alves Claudia
Published: November 2020

No presente artigo, buscamos aprofundar a compreensão a respeito das categorias de análise propostas pela vertente da história dos intelectuais, a partir das proposições do historiador Jean-François Sirinelli, com vistas a discutir sua apropriação nas pesquisas empreendidas em História da Educação no Brasil. Na primeira parte, são apresentadas as categorias de itinerário intelectual, rede de sociabilidade e geração intelectual, na sua relação com o conceito de cultura política. Na segunda parte, é construída uma reflexão sobre as especificidades do processo histórico brasileiro que exigem atenção para que se proceda a uma utilização apropriada do arsenal metodológico na pesquisa histórica em educação realizada no Brasil. 

Palavras-chave: História dos intelectuais. Jean-François Sirinelli. História da Educação.
Usos da prosopografia para a história dos intelectuais da educação
Authors: Júnior Bruno Bontempi
Published: November 2020

O artigo discute a potencialidade e os modos de uso da prosopografia em pesquisas sobre intelectuais na história da educação. Apresenta, em percurso bibliográfico, as principais definições, conceitos, operações metodológicas e fontes que a constituem. Sustenta que, no campo da história da educação, a metodologia prosopográfica oferece contribuições para o estudo dos intelectuais, sobretudo em investigações sobre os manifestos e seus signatários, cujos liames societários podem reafirmar ou subverter a lógica das posições individuais; os coletivos docentes, suas trajetórias de formação e movimentação institucional e regional; as histórias institucionais, notadamente quanto à destinação social e política de egressos e à circulação de quadros técnicos e acadêmicos; as associações da sociedade civil, tais como sindicatos e entidades categoriais, cujos quadros atuaram na esfera educacional. Conclui-se que a utilização da prosopografia permite ao historiador extrapolar a usual abordagem individual de autores e ideias em educação, a fim de integrar os intelectuais em coletivos, tais como grupos profissionais, redes de sociabilidade e comunidades disciplinares, nos quais as propriedades relacionais e os jogos de interesse podem revelar tantos significados quanto os discursos, material da maioria das pesquisas em torno do tema.

Palavras-chave: Prosopografia. Intelectuais. Pesquisa histórica.
Os Escolares e a instituição educativa: cânone e cultura escolar
Authors: Magalhães Justino Pereira de
Published: November 2020

A representação da educação envolve uma noção sistémica e os intelectuais podem funcionar como sistema. Eles configuram e demarcam o campo educacional. O intelectual constitui um conceito que pode ser trabalhado enquanto categoria epistémica com educabilidade e historicidade. Os Intelectuais cedo percepcionam o que está ‘de novo’ em crise e o que deverá permanecer. Entre estes emergem os Escolares; combinando as dimensões de intelectualidade e educabilidade, são intelectuais envolvidos institucionalmente e que estabelecem o cruzamento entre educação e sociedade, são instituintes. Reconhecidos como mestres, são, em regra, autores de textos doutrinários e livros escolares; têm especial relevância na constituição do cânone escolar, literário, científico, artístico. Nada do que é humano lhes é indiferente; sabem fazer uso do poder simbólico e material que o institucional e o normativo lhes conferem.

Será sobre os Escolares que procurarei desenvolver o meu texto. Tomarei como referência fundamental os intelectuais portugueses e a história da educação em Portugal.

Palavras-chave: História da educação. Cânone. Intelectuais. Educabilidade. Escolares.
Revisiting Collaboration Model for Process Innovation: Promoting Absorptive Capacity, Open Culture, and Trust
Authors: Manik Hardo Firmana Given Grace , Lukito-Budi Andy Susilo
Published: November 2020

This conceptual paper presented a review of the company's model of collaboration with externalities in the context of process innovation from previous study of Un & Asakawa [51]. This paper extended the model from Un & Asakawa [51] by promoting three new moderating variables which were not taken into account earlier, i.e. absorptive capacity, open culture, and trust. The combination of all three variables together were proposed to have an impact to create a strong collaboration (strong ties). Conversely, if conditions of one or a combination of these three variables were not fulfilled (weak or insignificant) then the result of previous research results was likely to happen. Some suggestions about further work on this subject also were discussed.
Lack of Evidence for Stereotypical Direction Columns in the Mouse Superior Colliculus
Authors: Chen Hui , Savier Elise L. , DePiero Victor J. , Cang Jianhua
Published: November 2020

Neurons in the visual system can be spatially organized according to their response properties such as receptive field location and feature selectivity. For example, the visual cortex of many mammalian species contains orientation and direction columns where neurons with similar preferences are clustered. Here, we examine whether such a columnar structure exists in the mouse superior colliculus (SC), a prominent visual center for motion processing. By performing large-scale physiological recording and two-photon calcium imaging in adult male and female mice, we show that direction-selective neurons in the mouse SC are not organized into stereotypical columns as a function of their preferred directions, although clusters of similarly tuned neurons are seen in a minority of mice. Nearby neurons can prefer similar or opposite directions in a largely position-independent manner. This finding holds true regardless of animal state (anesthetized vs awake, running vs stationary), SC depth (most superficial lamina vs deeper in the SC), research technique (calcium imaging vs electrophysiology), and stimulus type (drifting gratings vs moving dots, full field vs small patch). Together, these results challenge recent reports of region-specific organizations in the mouse SC and reveal how motion direction is represented in this important visual center.