bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-fidelity image reconstruction for compressed ultrafast photography via an augmented-Lagrangian and deep-learning hybrid algorithm
Authors: Yang Chengshuai , Yao Yunhua , Jin Chengzhi , Qi Dalong , Cao Fengyan , He Yilin , Yao Jiali , Ding Pengpeng , Gao Liang , Jia Tianqing , Liang Jinyang , Sun Zhenrong , Zhang Shian
Published: December 2020

Compressed ultrafast photography (CUP) is the fastest single-shot passive ultrafast optical imaging technique, which has shown to be a powerful tool in recording self-luminous or non-repeatable ultrafast phenomena. However, the low fidelity of image reconstruction based on the conventional augmented-Lagrangian (AL) and two-step iterative shrinkage/thresholding (TwIST) algorithms greatly prevents practical applications of CUP, especially for those ultrafast phenomena that need high spatial resolution. Here, we develop a novel AL and deep-learning (DL) hybrid (i.e., 

AL
+
DL

) algorithm to realize high-fidelity image reconstruction for CUP. The

AL
+
DL

algorithm not only optimizes the sparse domain and relevant iteration parameters via learning the dataset but also simplifies the mathematical architecture, so it greatly improves the image reconstruction accuracy. Our theoretical simulation and experimental results validate the superior performance of the

AL
+
DL

algorithm in image fidelity over conventional AL and TwIST algorithms, where the peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity index can be increased at least by 4 dB (9 dB) and 0.1 (0.05) for a complex (simple) dynamic scene, respectively. This study can promote the applications of CUP in related fields, and it will also enable a new strategy for recovering high-dimensional signals from low-dimensional detection.
Subpopulations of sensorless bacteria drive fitness in fluctuating environments
Authors: Julou Thomas , Zweifel Ludovit , Blank Diana , Fiori Athos , van Nimwegen Erik
Published: December 2020

Populations of bacteria often undergo a lag in growth when switching conditions. Because growth lags can be large compared to typical doubling times, variations in growth lag are an important but often overlooked component of bacterial fitness in fluctuating environments. We here explore how growth lag variation is determined for the archetypical switch from glucose to lactose as a carbon source in Escherichia coli. First, we show that single-cell lags are bimodally distributed and controlled by a single-molecule trigger. That is, gene expression noise causes the population before the switch to divide into subpopulations with zero and nonzero lac operon expression. While “sensorless” cells with zero preexisting lac expression at the switch have long lags because they are unable to sense the lactose signal, any nonzero lac operon expression suffices to ensure a short lag. Second, we show that the growth lag at the population level depends crucially on the fraction of sensorless cells and that this fraction in turn depends sensitively on the growth condition before the switch. Consequently, even small changes in basal expression can significantly affect the fraction of sensorless cells, thereby population lags and fitness under switching conditions, and may thus be subject to significant natural selection. Indeed, we show that condition-dependent population lags vary across wild E. coli isolates. Since many sensory genes are naturally low expressed in conditions where their inducer is not present, bimodal responses due to subpopulations of sensorless cells may be a general mechanism inducing phenotypic heterogeneity and controlling population lags in switching environments. This mechanism also illustrates how gene expression noise can turn even a simple sensory gene circuit into a bet hedging module and underlines the profound role of gene expression noise in regulatory responses.
Comparative analysis of biological aspects of Leishmania infantum strains
Authors: Ferreira-Paes Taiana , Charret Karen dos Santos , Ribeiro Merienny Ramos da Silva , Rodrigues Raquel Ferreira , Leon Leonor Laura
Published: December 2020

Leishmania infantum infantum(LII) is one of the species that causes visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Old World, whileL.infantum chagasi(LIC) is present in the New World. Few studies address biological differences or the behavior of these strains during infection. These parasites live inside cells of their hosts, continuously evading microbicidal mechanisms and modulating the immune responses of these cells. One of the mechanisms used by these protozoa involves the L-arginine metabolism. Understanding the differences betweenLeishmaniaspecies and establishing an improved murine model for study of leishmaniasis are matters of extreme importance. Thereby, the objectives of this work were to analyze the biological and molecular differences between twoLeishmania infantumstrains (LII and LIC) and the degree of susceptibility to infection of mice with different genetic backgrounds. The infectivityin vivoandin vitroof LII and LIC strains was evaluated in BALB/c and Swiss Webster mice, as well the NOS and ARG activities. The LII strain was more infective than the LIC strain bothin vivoandin vitro. In animals infected by the LII and LIC strains, differences in NOS and ARG activities occurred.In vitro, promastigotes of LII isolated from BALB/c and Swiss Webster mice showed higher ARG activity than LIC promastigotes during the growth curve. However, no difference was observed in intracellular NO production by promastigotes of these strains. The ARG gene sequences were compared, and those of both strains were identical. However, despite the similarity, the strains showed different expression levels of this gene. It can be concluded that althoughL.chagasistrains are considered identical toL.infantumstrains from a molecular point of view, these strains have different biological behavior.
Failure to modulate reward prediction errors in declarative learning with theta (6 Hz) frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation
Authors: Ergo Kate , De Loof Esther , Debra Gillian , Pastötter Bernhard , Verguts Tom
Published: December 2020

Recent evidence suggests that reward prediction errors (RPEs) play an important role in declarative learning, but its neurophysiological mechanism remains unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that RPEs modulate declarative learning via theta-frequency oscillations, which have been related to memory encoding in prior work. For that purpose, we examined the interaction between RPE and transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) in declarative learning. Using a between-subject (real versus sham stimulation group), single-blind stimulation design, 76 participants learned 60 Dutch-Swahili word pairs, while theta-frequency (6 Hz) tACS was administered over the medial frontal cortex (MFC). Previous studies have implicated MFC in memory encoding. We replicated our previous finding of signed RPEs (SRPEs) boosting declarative learning; with larger and more positive RPEs enhancing memory performance. However, tACS failed to modulate the SRPE effect in declarative learning and did not affect memory performance. Bayesian statistics supported evidence for an absence of effect. Our study confirms a role of RPE in declarative learning, but also calls for standardized procedures in transcranial electrical stimulation.
The effect of environmental regulations on innovation in heavy-polluting and resource-based enterprises: Quasi-natural experimental evidence from China
Authors: Liu Ting , Liu Meijuan , Hu Xiaohan , Xie Bangsheng
Published: December 2020

Environmental protection regulations adopted by governments affect the microeconomic behavior of enterprises. The Chinese government began piloting the outgoing leading officials’ accountability audit of natural resources assets (OANRA) in some regions in 2014. Based on this quasi-natural experimental setting, this paper chose heavy-polluting and resource-based enterprises in pilot regions of China from 2011 to 2016 as examples for studying the impact of the OANRA on enterprise innovation and further examines the role of government subsidies in this process. The study finds that the OANRA has no significant impact on enterprise innovation. However, with support from government subsidies, the OANRA dramatically accelerates enterprise innovation investment. The results are still seen after applying propensity matching analysis (PSM), balancing panel data and deleting special provinces. Further analysis shows that this effect is more obvious among small-scale, state-owned enterprises that are located in areas with high degrees of marketization and high bank credit constraints. This study advances the research of the OANRA’s effects on the microeconomic behavior of enterprises. Moreover, the adjustment effect of government subsidies also provides great reference value to making rational use of policy to cooperate with the OANRA.
Designing better input support programs: Lessons from zinc subsidies in Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Gupta Shweta , Kishore Avinash , Alvi Muzna Fatima , Singh Vartika
Published: December 2020

India has one of the largest agricultural input support programs in the world, delivered in the form of subsidies to farmers, raising concerns about its sustainability. This paper evaluates the performance of one such support, the micronutrient subsidy program in the state of Andhra Pradesh (AP) and presents a case for providing this support in the form of direct cash transfers. Under the program, key soil micronutrients- zinc, boron, and gypsum were distributed free of cost to farmers living in micronutrient-deficient areas, with identification and targeting managed entirely by the state. We survey 1621 farmers, 61 agriculture extension officers, and 78 agriculture input dealers to assess the efficacy of the program and to identify bottlenecks preventing effective targeting, with a focus on zinc. We find that use of non-subsidized zinc is high in AP, and awareness of benefits of zinc and physical access to input dealer shops are significant predictors of zinc use. We argue that the free provision of micronutrients may have created demand among farmers, but there is little justification to continue subsidizing such a program at such high rates or resorting to public distribution. We find that micronutrient procurement and distribution has become a burden on extension staff and crowds out the private sector. Our analysis shows that the subsidy can benefit more farmers if it is channeled through the network of private fertilizer dealers. We use administrative data on budgetary outlays and digital soil maps to suggest fiscal redistribution in the form of direct cash transfers that may ensure more effective targeting at a lower cost to the state.
A deep facial recognition system using computational intelligent algorithms
Authors: Salama AbdELminaam Diaa , Almansori Abdulrhman M. , Taha Mohamed , Badr Elsayed
Published: December 2020

The development of biometric applications, such as facial recognition (FR), has recently become important in smart cities. Many scientists and engineers around the world have focused on establishing increasingly robust and accurate algorithms and methods for these types of systems and their applications in everyday life. FR is developing technology with multiple real-time applications. The goal of this paper is to develop a complete FR system using transfer learning in fog computing and cloud computing. The developed system uses deep convolutional neural networks (DCNN) because of the dominant representation; there are some conditions including occlusions, expressions, illuminations, and pose, which can affect the deep FR performance. DCNN is used to extract relevant facial features. These features allow us to compare faces between them in an efficient way. The system can be trained to recognize a set of people and to learn via an online method, by integrating the new people it processes and improving its predictions on the ones it already has. The proposed recognition method was tested with different three standard machine learning algorithms (Decision Tree (DT), K Nearest Neighbor(KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM)). The proposed system has been evaluated using three datasets of face images (SDUMLA-HMT, 113, and CASIA) via performance metrics of accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, and time. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieves superiority over other algorithms according to all parameters. The suggested algorithm results in higher accuracy (99.06%), higher precision (99.12%), higher recall (99.07%), and higher specificity (99.10%) than the comparison algorithms.
Complex genetic dependencies among growth and neurological phenotypes in healthy children: Towards deciphering developmental mechanisms
Authors: Uechi Lisa , Jalali Mahjoubeh , Wilbur Jayson D. , French Jonathan L. , Jumbe N. L. , Meaney Michael J. , Gluckman Peter D. , Karnani Neerja , Sakhanenko Nikita A. , Galas David J. ,   on behalf of the GUSTO study group
Published: December 2020

The genetic mechanisms of childhood development in its many facets remain largely undeciphered. In the population of healthy infants studied in the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) program, we have identified a range of dependencies among the observed phenotypes of fetal and early childhood growth, neurological development, and a number of genetic variants. We have quantified these dependencies using our information theory-based methods. The genetic variants show dependencies with single phenotypes as well as pleiotropic effects on more than one phenotype and thereby point to a large number of brain-specific and brain-expressed gene candidates. These dependencies provide a basis for connecting a range of variants with a spectrum of phenotypes (pleiotropy) as well as with each other. A broad survey of known regulatory expression characteristics, and other function-related information from the literature for these sets of candidate genes allowed us to assemble an integrated body of evidence, including a partial regulatory network, that points towards the biological basis of these general dependencies. Notable among the implicated loci are RAB11FIP4 (next to NF1), MTMR7 and PLD5, all highly expressed in the brain; DNMT1 (DNA methyl transferase), highly expressed in the placenta; and PPP1R12B and DMD (dystrophin), known to be important growth and development genes. While we cannot specify and decipher the mechanisms responsible for the phenotypes in this study, a number of connections for further investigation of fetal and early childhood growth and neurological development are indicated. These results and this approach open the door to new explorations of early human development.
Self-assessment of unilateral and bimodal cochlear implant experiences in daily life
Authors: Devocht Elke M. J. , Janssen A. Miranda L. , Chalupper Josef , Stokroos Robert J. , Kingma Herman , George Erwin L. J.
Published: December 2020

Objective

The subjective experiences were assessed of cochlear implant (CI) users either wearing or not wearing a hearing aid (HA) at the contralateral ear.

Design

Unilateral CI-recipients were asked to fill out a set of daily-life questionnaires on bimodal HA use, hearing disability, hearing handicap and general quality of life.

Study sample

Twenty-six CI-recipients who regularly use a contralateral HA (bimodal group) and twenty-two CI-recipients who do not use a HA in the contralateral ear (unilateral group).

Results

Comparisons between both groups (bimodal versus unilateral) showed no difference in self-rated disability, hearing handicap or general quality of life. However within the group of bimodal listeners, participants did report a benefit of bimodal hearing ability in various daily life listening situations.

Conclusions

Bimodal benefit in daily life can consistently be experienced and reported within the group of bimodal users.
Shear stress-exposed pulmonary artery endothelial cells fail to upregulate HSP70 in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Salibe-Filho William , Araujo Thaís L. S. , G. Melo Everton , B. C. T. Coimbra Luiza , Lapa Monica S. , Acencio Milena M. P. , Freitas-Filho Orival , Capelozzi Vera Luiza , Teixeira Lisete Ribeiro , Fernandes Caio J. C. S. , Jatene Fabio Biscegli , Laurindo Francisco R. M. , Terra-Filho Mario
Published: December 2020

The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) are still unclear. Endothelial cell (EC) remodeling is believed to contribute to this pulmonary disease triggered by thrombus and hemodynamic forces disbalance. Recently, we showed that HSP70 levels decrease by proatherogenic shear stress. Molecular chaperones play a major role in proteostasis in neurological, cancer and inflammatory/ infectious diseases. To shed light on microvascular responses in CTEPH, we characterized the expression of molecular chaperones and annexin A2, a component of the fibrinolytic system. There is no animal model that reproduces microvascular changes in CTEPH, and this fact led us to isolated endothelial cells from patients with CTEPH undergoing pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). We exposed CTEPH-EC and control human pulmonary endothelial cells (HPAEC) to high- (15 dynes/cm2) or low- (5 dynes/cm2) shear stress. After high-magnitude shear stress HPAEC upregulated heat shock protein 70kDa (HSP70) and the HSP ER paralogs 78 and 94kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78 and 94), whereas CTEPH-ECs failed to exhibit this response. At static conditions, both HSP70 and HSP90 families in CTEPH-EC are decreased. Importantly, immunohistochemistry analysis showed that HSP70 expression was downregulated in vivo, and annexin A2 was upregulated. Interestingly, wound healing and angiogenesis assays revealed that HSP70 inhibition with VER-155008 further impaired CTEPH-EC migratory responses. These results implicate HSP70 as a novel master regulator of endothelial dysfunction in type 4 PH. Overall, we first show that global failure of HSP upregulation is a hallmark of CTEPH pathogenesis and propose HSP70 as a potential biomarker of this condition.
A metagenomic glimpse into the gut of wild and domestic animals: Quantification of antimicrobial resistance and more
Authors: Skarżyńska Magdalena , Leekitcharoenphon Pimlapas , Hendriksen Rene S. , Aarestrup Frank M. , Wasyl Dariusz
Published: December 2020

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria is a complex subject, why one need to look at this phenomenon from a wider and holistic perspective. The extensive use of the same antimicrobial classes in human and veterinary medicine as well as horticulture is one of the main drivers for the AMR selection. Here, we applied shotgun metagenomics to investigate the AMR epidemiology in several animal species including farm animals, which are often exposed to antimicrobial treatment opposed to an unique set of wild animals that seems not to be subjected to antimicrobial pressure. The comparison of the domestic and wild animals allowed to investigate the possible anthropogenic impact on AMR spread. Inclusion of animals with different feeding behaviors (carnivores, omnivores) enabled to further assess which AMR genes that thrives within the food chain. We tested fecal samples not only of intensively produced chickens, turkeys, and pigs, but also of wild animals such as wild boars, red foxes, and rodents. A multi-directional approach mapping obtained sequences to several databases provided insight into the occurrence of the different AMR genes. The method applied enabled also analysis of other factors that may influence AMR of intestinal microbiome such as diet. Our findings confirmed higher levels of AMR in farm animals than in wildlife. The results also revealed the potential of wildlife in the AMR dissemination. Particularly in red foxes, we found evidence of several AMR genes conferring resistance to critically important antimicrobials like quinolones and cephalosporins. In contrast, the lowest abundance of AMR was observed in rodents originating from natural environment with presumed limited exposure to antimicrobials. Shotgun metagenomics enabled us to demonstrate that discrepancies between AMR profiles found in the intestinal microbiome of various animals probably resulted from the different antimicrobial exposure, habitats, and behavior of the tested animal species.
Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among health care workers in a country with low burden of COVID-19
Authors: Psichogiou Mina , Karabinis Andreas , Pavlopoulou Ioanna D. , Basoulis Dimitrios , Petsios Konstantinos , Roussos Sotirios , Pratikaki Maria , Jahaj Edison , Protopapas Konstantinos , Leontis Konstantinos , Rapti Vasiliki , Kotanidou Anastasia , Antoniadou Anastasia , Poulakou Garyphallia , Paraskevis Dimitrios , Sypsa Vana , Hatzakis Angelos
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Greece is a country with limited spread of SARS-CoV-2 and cumulative infection attack rate of 0.12% (95% CI 0.06–0.26). Health care workers (HCWs) are a well-recognized risk group for COVID-19. The study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in a nosocomial setting and assess potential risk factors.

Methods

HCWs from two hospitals participated in the study. Hospital-1 was a tertiary university affiliated center, involved in the care of COVID-19 patients while hospital-2 was a tertiary specialized cardiac surgery center not involved in the care of these patients. A validated, CE, rapid, IgM/IgG antibody point-of-care test was used. Comparative performance with a reference globally available assay was assessed.

Results

1,495 individuals consented to participate (response rate 77%). The anti-SARS-CoV-2 weighted prevalence was 1.26% (95% CI 0.43, 3.26) overall and 0.53% (95% CI 0.06, 2.78) and 2.70% (95% CI 0.57, 9.19) in hospital-1 and hospital-2, respectively although the study was underpowered to detect statistically significant differences. The overall, hospital-1, and hospital-2 seroprevalence was 10, 4 and 22 times higher than the estimated infection attack rate in general population, respectively. Suboptimal use of personal protective equipment was noted in both hospitals.

Conclusions

These data have implications for the preparedness of a second wave of COVID-19 epidemic, given the low burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection rate, in concordance with national projections.
How massed practice improves visual expertise in reading panoramic radiographs in dental students: An eye tracking study
Authors: Richter Juliane , Scheiter Katharina , Eder Thérése Felicitas , Huettig Fabian , Keutel Constanze
Published: December 2020

The interpretation of medical images is an error-prone process that may yield severe consequences for patients. In dental medicine panoramic radiography (OPT) is a frequently used diagnostic procedure. OPTs typically contain multiple, diverse anomalies within one image making the diagnostic process very demanding, rendering students’ development of visual expertise a complex task. Radiograph interpretation is typically taught through massed practice; however, it is not known how effective this approach is nor how it changes students’ visual inspection of radiographs. Therefore, this study investigated how massed practice–an instructional method that entails massed learning of one type of material–affects processing of OPTs and the development of diagnostic performance. From 2017 to 2018, 47 dental students in their first clinical semester diagnosed 10 OPTs before and after their regular massed practice training, which is embedded in their curriculum. The OPTs contained between 3 to 26 to-be-identified anomalies. During massed practice they diagnosed 100 dental radiographs without receiving corrective feedback. The authors recorded students’ eye movements and assessed the number of correctly identified and falsely marked low- and high prevalence anomalies before and after massed practice. Massed practice had a positive effect on detecting anomalies especially with low prevalence (p< .001). After massed practice students covered a larger proportion of the OPTs (p< .001), which was positively related to the detection of low-prevalence anomalies (p= .04). Students also focused longer, more frequently, and earlier on low-prevalence anomalies after massed practice (ps< .001). While massed practice improved visual expertise in dental students with limited prior knowledge, there is still substantial room for improvement. The results suggest integrating massed practice with more deliberate practice, where, for example, corrective feedback is provided, and support is adapted to students’ needs.
A rapid review of home-based activities that can promote mental wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Puyat Joseph H. , Ahmad Haroon , Avina-Galindo Ana Michelle , Kazanjian Arminee , Gupta Aanchel , Ellis Ursula , Ashe Maureen C. , Vila-Rodriguez Fidel , Halli Priyanka , Salmon Amy , Vigo Daniel , Almeida Alberto , De Bono Christopher E.
Published: December 2020

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health measures such as isolation, quarantine, and social distancing are needed. Some of these measures can adversely affect mental health. Activities that can be performed at home may mitigate these consequences and improve overall mental well-being. In this study, home-based activities that have potential beneficial effects on mental health were examined.

Methods

A rapid review was conducted based on a search of the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PyscINFO, Global Health, epistemonikos.org, covid19reviews.org, and eppi.ioe.ac.uk/covid19_map_v13.html. Eligible studies include randomized controlled trials and non-randomized studies published between 1/1/2000 and 28/05/2020 and that examined the impact of various activities on mental health outcomes in low-resource settings and contexts that lead to social isolation. Studies of activities that require mental health professionals or that could not be done at home were excluded. Two review authors performed title/abstract screening. At the full-text review stage, 25% of the potentially eligible studies were reviewed in full by two review authors; the rest were reviewed by one review author. Risk of bias assessment and data extraction were performed by one review author and checked by a second review author. The main outcome assessed was change or differences in mental health as expressed in Cohen’s d; analysis was conducted following the synthesis without meta-analysis guidelines (SWiM). PROSPERO registration: CRD42020186082.

Results

Of 1,236 unique records identified, 160 were reviewed in full, resulting in 16 included studies. The included studies reported on the beneficial effects of exercise, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, and listening to relaxing music. One study reported on the association between solitary religious activities and post traumatic stress disorder symptoms. While most of the included studies examined activities in group settings, particularly among individuals in prisons, the activities were described as something that can be performed at home and alone. All included studies were assessed to be at risk of bias in one or more of the bias domains examined.

Conclusions

There is some evidence that certain home-based activities can promote mental wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidelines are needed to help optimize benefits while minimizing potential risks when performing these activities.
Development of a fasting blood glucose-based strategy to diagnose women with gestational diabetes mellitus at increased risk of adverse outcomes in a COVID-19 environment
Authors: d’Emden Michael , McLeod Donald , Ungerer Jacobus , Appleton Charles , Kanowski David
Published: December 2020

Objective

To evaluate the role of fasting blood glucose (FBG) to minimise the use of the oral glucose tolerance test in pregnancy (POGTT) for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Research design and methods

We analysed the POGTTs of 26,242 pregnant women in Queensland, Australia, performed between 1 January 2015 and 30 June 2015. A receiver operator characteristics (ROC) assessment was undertaken to indicate the FBG level that most effectively identified women at low risk of an abnormal result.

Results

There were 3,946 (15.0%) patients having GDM with 2,262 (8.6%) having FBG ≥ 5.1mmol/l. The ROC identified FBG levels >4.6mmol/l having the best specificity (77%) and sensitivity (54%) for elevated 1 and/or 2hr BGLs. There were 19,321 (73.7%) women having FBG < 4.7mmol/l with a prevalence of GDM of 4.0%, less than 1/3rdthe overall rate. Only 4,638 (17.7%) women having FBGs from 4.7–5.0mmol/l would require further evaluation to confirm or exclude the diagnosis.

Conclusion

This contemporary study of women across the state of Queensland, Australia suggests the FBG can be used effectively to define glucose tolerance in pregnancy, minimising their contact with pathology laboratories and potential exposure to the corona virus. This analysis, used in conjunction with outcome data from the HAPO study, provides reassurance to women and their health professionals that FBG < 4.7mmol/l has both a low rate of abnormal glucose tolerance and minimal adverse pregnancy-associated complications.
Predictors of cervical cancer screening uptake in two districts of Central Uganda
Authors: Isabirye Alone , Mbonye Martin Kayitale , Kwagala Betty
Published: December 2020

Uganda’s cervical cancer age standardized incidence rate is four times the global estimate. Although Uganda’s ministry of health recommends screening for women aged 25–49 years, the screening remains low even in the most developed region (Central Uganda) of the country. This study examined the demographic, social, and economic predictors of cervical cancer screening in Central Uganda with the aim of informing targeted interventions to improve screening. The cross-sectional survey was conducted in Wakiso and Nakasongola districts in Central Uganda. A total of 845 women age 25–49 years participated in the study. Data were analyzed at bivariate and multivariate levels to examine the predictors of CC (cervical cancer) screening. Only 1 in 5 women (20.6%) had ever screened for cervical cancer. Our multivariate logistic regression model indicated that wealth index, source of information, and knowledge about CC and CC screening were significantly associated with cervical cancer screening. The odds of cervical cancer screening were higher among rich women compared with poor women [AOR = 1.93 (95%CI: 1.06–3.42), p = 0.031)], receiving information from health providers compared with radios [AOR = 4.14 (95%CI: 2.65–6.48), p<0.001, and being more knowledgeable compared with being less knowledgeable about CC and CC screening [AOR = 2.46 (95%CI: 1.49–3.37), p<0.001)]. Overall cervical cancer screening uptake in central Uganda was found to be low. The findings of the study indicate that women from a wealthy background, who had been sensitized by health workers and with high knowledge about CC and CC screening had higher odds of having ever screened compared with their counterparts. Efforts to increase uptake of screening must address disparities in access to resources and knowledge.
Bioreplicated coatings for photovoltaic solar panels nearly eliminate light pollution that harms polarotactic insects
Authors: Fritz Benjamin , Horváth Gábor , Hünig Ruben , Pereszlényi Ádám , Egri Ádám , Guttmann Markus , Schneider Marc , Lemmer Uli , Kriska György , Gomard Guillaume
Published: December 2020

Many insect species rely on the polarization properties of object-reflected light for vital tasks like water or host detection. Unfortunately, typical glass-encapsulated photovoltaic modules, which are expected to cover increasingly large surfaces in the coming years, inadvertently attract various species of water-seeking aquatic insects by the horizontally polarized light they reflect. Such polarized light pollution can be extremely harmful to the entomofauna if polarotactic aquatic insects are trapped by this attractive light signal and perish before reproduction, or if they lay their eggs in unsuitable locations. Textured photovoltaic cover layers are usually engineered to maximize sunlight-harvesting, without taking into consideration their impact on polarized light pollution. The goal of the present study is therefore to experimentally and computationally assess the influence of the cover layer topography on polarized light pollution. By conducting field experiments with polarotactic horseflies (Diptera: Tabanidae) and a mayfly species (Ephemeroptera:Ephemera danica), we demonstrate that bioreplicated cover layers (here obtained by directly copying the surface microtexture of rose petals) were almost unattractive to these species, which is indicative of reduced polarized light pollution. Relative to a planar cover layer, we find that, for the examined aquatic species, the bioreplicated texture can greatly reduce the numbers of landings. This observation is further analyzed and explained by means of imaging polarimetry and ray-tracing simulations. The results pave the way to novel photovoltaic cover layers, the interface of which can be designed to improve sunlight conversion efficiency while minimizing their detrimental influence on the ecology and conservation of polarotactic aquatic insects.
High-throughput glycomic analyses reveal unique oligosaccharide profiles of canine and feline milk samples
Authors: Wrigglesworth David J. , Goonatilleke Elisha , Haydock Richard , Hughes Kevin R. , Lebrilla Carlito B. , Swanson Kelly S. , Jones Paul , Watson Phillip
Published: December 2020

Oligosaccharides are important components of milk, serving as substrates for the intestinal microbiota, acting as antimicrobials that prevent pathogen colonization, and supporting the developing gastrointestinal immune system of neonates. Nutrient composition of canine and feline milk samples has been described previously, but little is known about the oligosaccharide content. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize canine and feline milk samples using a high-throughput glycomics approach. 23 dogs (9 Labrador retriever and 14 Labrador retriever x golden retriever crossbreed) and 6 domestic shorthair cats were recruited to the study. Milk samples were collected by manual expression at time points after parturition. Samples were collected across 2 phases per species, differentiated by maternal diet. Following extraction, oligosaccharide content was determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). In canine milk samples, 3 structures accounted for over 90% of all oligosaccharides detected across two diet groups. These were 3’-sialyllactose, 6’-sialyllactose, and 2’-fucosyllactose. In feline samples, a more diverse range of oligosaccharides was detected, with up to 16 structures present at relative abundance >1% of the total. Difucosyllactose-N-hexaose b, 3’-sialyllactose and lacto-N-neohexaose were all detected at abundances >10% in feline milk samples. Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in oligosaccharide abundances were observed between collection time points and between diet groups within species. These data explore the oligosaccharide content of canine and feline maternal milk, representing an opportunity to generate a fundamental understanding of the nutritional needs of new-born puppies and kittens.
Identification of a new myotropic decapeptide from the skin secretion of the red-eyed leaf frog, Agalychnis callidryas
Authors: Gao Yitian , Li Renjie , Yang Wenqing , Zhou Mei , Wang Lei , Ma Chengbang , Xi Xinping , Chen Tianbao , Shaw Chris , Wu Di
Published: December 2020

Bradykinin-related peptides (BRPs) family is one of the most significant myotropic peptide families derived from frog skin secretions. Here, a novel BRP callitide was isolated and identified from the red-eyed leaf frog, Agalychnis callidryas, with atypical primary structure FRPAILVRPK-NH2. The mature peptide was cleaved N-terminally at a classic propeptide convertase cleavage site (-KR-) and at the C-terminus an unusual -GKGKGK sequence was removed using the first G residue as an amide donor for the C-terminally-located K residue. Thereafter, the synthetic replicates of callitide were assessed the myotropic activity and showed a significant contraction of balder, with the 0.63 nM EC50 value, more potent than most discovered myotropic peptides. The binding mode was further speculated by molecular docking and stimulation. The result indicated that the C-terminal of callitide might selectively bind to bradykinin receptor B2 (BKRB2). Further investigation of the callitide needs to be done in the future to be exploited as potential future drug leads.
Twice-daily versus once-daily lisinopril and losartan for hypertension: Real-world effectiveness and safety
Authors: Derington Catherine G. , King Jordan B. , Delate Thomas , Botts Sheila R. , Kroehl Miranda , Kao David P. , Trinkley Katy E.
Published: December 2020

Background

Lisinopril and losartan manufacturer labels recommend twice-daily dosing (BID) if once-daily (QDay) is insufficient to lower blood pressure (BP).

Methods and results

Retrospective cohort study of patients taking QDay lisinopril and losartan who experienced a dose-doubling (index date). A text-processing tool categorized BID and QDay groups at the index date based on administration instructions. We excluded: pregnant/hospice, regimens other than BID/QDay, and without BP measurements -6 months/+12 months of the index date. The most proximal BP measurements -6 months and +2 weeks to 12 months of the index date were used to evaluate BP differences. Propensity scores were generated, and differences in BP and adverse events (angioedema, acute kidney injury, hyperkalemia) between BID/QDay groups were analyzed within dosing cohorts using inverse propensity of treatment-weighted regression models. Of 11,210 and 6,051 patients who met all criteria for lisinopril and losartan, 784 (7.0%) and 453 (7.5%) were taking BID, respectively. BID patients were older and had higher comorbidity and medication burdens. There were no differences in systolic/diastolic BP between BID and QDay, with absolute differences in mean systolic BP ranging from -1.8 to 0.7 mmHg and diastolic BP ranging from -1.1 to 0.1 mmHg (all 95% confidence intervals [CI] cross 0). Lisinopril 10mg BID was associated with an increased odds of angioedema compared to lisinopril 20mg QDay (odds ratio 2.27, 95%CI 1.13–4.58).

Conclusions

Adjusted models do not support improved effectiveness or safety of BID lisinopril and losartan.
A novel fully automatic design approach of a 3D printed face specific mask: Proof of concept
Authors: Shaheen Eman , Willaert Robin , Miclotte Isabel , Coropciuc Ruxandra , Bila Michel , Politis Constantinus
Published: December 2020

The use of high quality facemasks is indispensable in the light of the current COVID pandemic. This study proposes a fully automatic technique to design a face specific mask. Through the use of stereophotogrammetry, computer-assisted design and three-dimensional (3D) printing, we describe a protocol for manufacturing facemasks perfectly adapted to the individual face characteristics. The face specific mask was compared to a universal design of facemask and different filter container’s designs were merged with the mask body. Subjective assessment of the face specific mask demonstrated tight closure at the nose, mouth and chin area, and permits the normal wearing of glasses. A screw-drive locking system is advised for easy assembly of the filter components. Automation of the process enables high volume production but still allows sufficient designer interaction to answer specific requirements. The suggested protocol can be used to provide more comfortable, effective and sustainable solution compared to a single use, standardized mask. Subsequent research on printing materials, sterilization technique and compliance with international regulations will facilitate the introduction of the face specific mask in clinical practice as well as for general use.
The lower COVID-19 related mortality and incidence rates in Eastern European countries are associated with delayed start of community circulation
Authors: Ylli Alban , Wu Yan Yan , Burazeri Genc , Pirkle Catherine , Sentell Tetine
Published: December 2020

Background

The purpose of this analysis was to assess the variations in COVID-19 related mortality in relation to the time differences in the commencement of virus circulation and containment measures in the European Region.

Methods

The data for the current analysis (N = 50 countries) were retrieved from the John Hopkins University dataset on the 7th of May 2020, with countries as study units. A piecewise regression analysis was conducted with mortality and cumulative incidence rates introduced as dependent variables and time interval (days from the 22nd of January to the date when 100 first cases were reported) as the main predictor. The country average life expectancy at birth and outpatient contacts per person per year were statistically adjusted for in the regression model.

Results

Mortality and incidence were strongly and inversely intercorrelated with days from January 22, respectively -0.83 (p<0.001) and -0.73 (p<0.001).

Adjusting for average life expectancy and outpatients contacts per person per year, between days 33 to 50 from the 22nd of the January, the average mortality rate decreased by 30.1/million per day (95% CI: 22.7, 37.6, p<0.001). During interval 51 to 73 days, the change in mortality was no longer statistically significant but still showed a decreasing trend. A similar relationship with time interval was found for incidence. Life expectancy and outpatients contacts per person per year were not associated with mortality rate.

Conclusion

Countries in Europe that had the earliest COVID-19 circulation suffered the worst consequences in terms of health outcomes, specifically mortality. The drastic social isolation measures, quickly undertaken in response to those initial outbreaks appear effective, especially in Eastern European countries, where community circulation started after March 11th. The study demonstrates that efforts to delay the early spread of the virus may have saved an average 30 deaths daily per one million inhabitants.
Status, rivalry and admiration-seeking in narcissism and depression: A behavioral study
Authors: Szücs Anna , Szanto Katalin , Adalbert Jade , Wright Aidan G. C. , Clark Luke , Dombrovski Alexandre Y.
Published: December 2020

Humans seek admiration to boost their social rank and engage in rivalry to protect it when fearing defeat. Traits such as narcissism and affective states such as depression are thought to influence perception of rank and motivation for dominance in opposite ways, but evidence of the underlying behavioral mechanisms is scant. We investigated the effects of dimensionally-assessed narcissism and depression on behavioral responses to social defeat in a rigged video game tournament designed to elicit rivalry (stealing points from opponents) and admiration-seeking (paying for rank). We tested an undergraduate sample (N = 70, mean age = 21.5 years) and a clinical sample of predominantly depressed elderly (N = 85, mean age = 62.6 years). Both rivalry and admiration-seeking increased with time on task and were particularly enhanced in individuals high in narcissism. Participants engaged in more rivalry when pitted against high-ranked opponents, but depression partially mitigated this tendency. Our findings provide behavioral evidence that narcissism manifests in increased rivalry and admiration-seeking during social contests. Depression does not suppress general competitiveness but selectively inhibits upward-focused rivalry.
Identification of unrecognized host factors promoting HIV-1 latency
Authors: Li Zichong , Hajian Cyrus , Greene Warner C.
Published: December 2020

To counter HIV latency, it is important to develop a better understanding of the full range of host factors promoting latency. Their identification could suggest new strategies to reactivate latent proviruses and subsequently kill the host cells (“shock and kill”), or to permanently silence these latent proviruses (“block and lock”). We recently developed a screening strategy termed “Reiterative Enrichment and Authentication of CRISPRi Targets” (REACT) that can unambiguously identify host genes promoting HIV latency, even in the presence of high background “noise” produced by the stochastic nature of HIV reactivation. After applying this strategy in four cell lines displaying different levels of HIV inducibility, we identified FTSJ3, TMEM178A, NICN1 and the Integrator Complex as host genes promoting HIV latency. shRNA knockdown of these four repressive factors significantly enhances HIV expression in primary CD4 T cells, and active HIV infection is preferentially found in cells expressing lower levels of these four factors. Mechanistically, we found that downregulation of these newly identified host inhibitors stimulates different stages of RNA Polymerase II-mediated transcription of HIV-1. The identification and validation of these new host inhibitors provide insight into the novel mechanisms that maintain HIV latency even when cells are activated and undergo cell division.
El peligroso negocio con la salud (2018) y Salud a la venta (2018): denunciando la corrupción en la investigación biomédica
Authors: Zapata Ospina Juan Pablo
Published: December 2020

Los documentales El peligroso negocio con la salud (2018) y Salud a la venta (2018) ponen de manifiesto el riesgo de corrupción que puede existir en el proceso de investigación biomédica, específicamente con el desarrollo y posterior aprobación de dispositivos médicos. Esta industria mueve millones de euros al año y por esto puede resultar gobernada por la lógica del lucro a expensas de lesiones, sufrimiento y muerte de pacientes que, con necesidad de utilizar dispositivos, reciben los que son rentables y no necesariamente los más eficaces o seguros. Este material audiovisual recopila casos que obligan a reflexionar sobre el sentido de la invención de dispositivos que debe ser el de mejorar el proceso de salud y enfermedad de las personas y no los bolsillos de los fabricantes. En ese sentido, las denuncias desde los medios de comunicación deben favorecer una autocrítica para que cada individuo sea capaz de reflexionar sobre sus acciones y se desarrolle en un futuro cercano un espíritu colectivo nuevo: sin corrupción.
Virus (2013): El rol de la inmunización pasiva en tiempos de epidemia
Authors: Porras-Guillermo Jorge , Flores-Briceño Amador
Published: December 2020

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A trianoni békeszerződés és a dunai hajózás
Authors: Krámli Mihály
Published: December 2020

The scope of this paper is to analyse the Danube policy of the Allied Powers after the First World War, their intention to create a new international régime, and to hone in on the impact of the Treaty of Trianon, the new Statue of the Danube of 1921 and the distribution of a part of the former Austrian and Hungarian riverine merchant fl eets on the Hungarian navigation on the Danube. Before the end of the World War the Austro-Hungarian riverine merchant fl eet was a dominant factor in the navigation on the Danube. The Allied Powers wanted to break this dominancy and to formulate a new international régime on the Danube favourable for them. These eff orts were present in the peace treaties. The Convention Instituting the Defi nitive Statue of the Danube was signed at Paris in July 1921. The provisions of the Convention formulated by the victors were very unfavourable for Germany, Austria, Hungary and Bulgaria. To capitalise on the benefi ts provided for them by the peace treaties and the Convention of 1921 in the Danube navigation, it had to create considerable merchant fl eets for Czechoslovakia, Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes and Romania. For this scope the peace treaties provided that Germany, Austria, Hungary and Bulgaria should cede to the interested Allied Powers certain property pertaining to navigation on the Danube. Upon the decision of arbitrator Walker D. Hines of 2 August 1921, Hungary has lost nearly 50 percent of its Danube merchant fleet.