bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radio-detoxified LPS alters bone marrow-derived extracellular vesicles and endothelial progenitor cells
Authors: Hegyesi Hargita , Sándor Nikolett , Sáfrány Géza , Lovas Virág , Kovács Árpád , Takács Angéla , Kőhidai László , Turiák Lilla , Kittel Ágnes , Pálóczi Krisztina , Bertók Lóránd , Buzás Edit Irén
Published: October 2019

Stem cell-based therapies raise hope for cell replacement and provide opportunity for cardiac regenerative medicine and tumor therapy. Extracellular vesicles are a membrane-enclosed intercellular delivery system with the potential to improve the therapeutic efficacy of the treatment of a variety of disorders. As the incidence of breast cancer continues to rise, radiotherapy has emerged as a leading treatment modality. Radiotherapy also increases the risk of coronary heart disease and cardiac mortality. In a chest-irradiated mouse model of cardiac injury, we investigated the effects of local irradiation. We found an increased lethality after 16 Gy irradiation. Importantly, radio-detoxified LPS (RD-LPS) treatment prolonged the survival significantly. By flow cytometry, we demonstrated that upon administration of RD-LPS, the number of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells increased in the bone marrow and, in particular, in the circulation. Furthermore, mass spectrometry analysis showed that RD-LPS altered the proteomic composition of bone marrow cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). RD-LPS treatment increased interferon-induced transmembrane protein-3 (IFITM3) expression markedly both in bone marrow cells and in bone marrow cell-derived small extracellular vesicles. This is the first study to demonstrate that radio-detoxified LPS treatment induces an increase of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in parallel with a reduced radiotherapy-related mortality. While the total number of bone marrow-derived extracellular vesicles was significantly increased 24 h after treatment in the RD-LPS groups, the number of endothelial progenitor cells was reduced in animals injected with GW4896 (a chemical inhibitor of exosome biogenesis) as compared with controls. In contrast to these in vivo results, in vitro experiments did not support the effect of sEVs on EPCs. Our data raise the intriguing possibility that IFITM3 may serve as a marker of the radio-detoxified LPS treatment.
Host-range shift of H3N8 canine influenza virus: a phylodynamic analysis of its origin and adaptation from equine to canine host
Authors: He Wanting , Li Gairu , Wang Ruyi , Shi Weifeng , Li Kemang , Wang Shilei , Lai Alexander , Su Shuo
Published: October 2019

Prior to the emergence of H3N8 canine influenza virus (CIV) and the latest avian-origin H3N2 CIV, there was no evidence of a circulating canine-specific influenza virus. Molecular and epidemiological evidence suggest that H3N8 CIV emerged from H3N8 equine influenza virus (EIV). This host-range shift of EIV from equine to canine hosts and its subsequent establishment as an enzootic CIV is unique because this host-range shift was from one mammalian host to another. To further understand this host-range shift, we conducted a comprehensive phylodynamic analysis using all the available whole-genome sequences of H3N8 CIV. We found that (1) the emergence of H3N8 CIV from H3N8 EIV occurred in approximately 2002; (2) this interspecies transmission was by a reassortant virus of the circulating Florida-1 clade H3N8 EIV; (3) once in the canine species, H3N8 CIV spread efficiently and remained an enzootic virus; (4) H3N8 CIV evolved and diverged into multiple clades or sublineages, with intra and inter-lineage reassortment. Our results provide a framework to understand the molecular basis of host-range shifts of influenza viruses and that dogs are potential “mixing vessels” for the establishment of novel influenza viruses.
Helsinki by nature: The Nature Step to Respiratory Health
Authors: Haahtela Tari , von Hertzen Leena , Anto Josep M. , Bai Chunxue , Baigenzhin Abay , Bateman Eric D. , Behera Digambar , Bennoor Kazi , Camargos Paulo , Chavannes Niels , de Sousa Jaime Correia , Cruz Alvaro , Do Céu Teixeira Maria , Erhola Marina , Furman Eeva , Gemicioğlu Bilun , Gonzalez Diaz Sandra , Hellings Peter W. , Jousilahti Pekka , Khaltaev Nikolai , Kolek Vitezslav , Kuna Piotr , La Grutta Stefania , Lan Le Thi Tuyet , Maglakelidze Tamaz , Masjedi Mohamed R. , Mihaltan Florin , Mohammad Yousser , Nunes Elizabete , Nyberg Arvid , Quel Jorge , Rosado-Pinto Jose , Sagara Hironori , Samolinski Boleslaw , Schraufnagel Dean , Sooronbaev Talant , Tag Eldin Mohamed , To Teresa , Valiulis Arunas , Varghese Cherian , Vasankari Tuula , Viegi Giovanni , Winders Tonya , Yañez Anahi , Yorgancioğlu Arzu , Yusuf Osman , Bousquet Jean , Billo Nils E.
Published: October 2019

Background

The Nature Step to Respiratory Healthwas the overarching theme of the 12th General Meeting of the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) in Helsinki, August 2018. New approaches are needed to improve respiratory health and reduce premature mortality of chronic diseases by 30% till 2030 (UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs). Planetary health is defined as the health of human civilization and the state of the natural systems on which it depends. Planetary health and human health are interconnected, and both need to be considered by individuals and governments while addressing several SDGs.

Results

The concept of the Nature Step has evolved from innovative research indicating, how changed lifestyle in urban surroundings reduces contact with biodiverse environments, impoverishes microbiota, affects immune regulation and increases risk of NCDs. The Nature Step calls for strengthening connections to nature. Physical activity in natural environments should be promoted, use of fresh vegetables, fruits and water increased, and consumption of sugary drinks, tobacco and alcohol restricted. Nature relatedness should be part of everyday life and especially emphasized in the care of children and the elderly. Taking “nature” to modern cities in a controlled way is possible but a challenge for urban planning, nature conservation, housing, traffic arrangements, energy production, and importantly for supplying and distributing food. Actions against the well-known respiratory risk factors, air pollution and smoking, should be taken simultaneously.

Conclusions

In Finland and elsewhere in Europe, successful programmes have been implemented to reduce the burden of respiratory disorders and other NCDs. Unhealthy behaviour can be changed by well-coordinated actions involving all stakeholders. The growing public health concern caused by NCDs in urban surroundings cannot be solved by health care alone; a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory.
Effects of aerobic exercise in the treatment of older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain: a protocol of a systematic review
Authors: de Oliveira Naiane Teixeira Bastos , dos Santos Irlei , Miyamoto Gisela Cristiane , Cabral Cristina Maria Nunes
Published: October 2019

Background

Chronic musculoskeletal pain affects the quality of life of older adults by interfering in their ability to perform activities of daily living. Aerobic exercise programs have been used in the treatment of various health conditions, including musculoskeletal disorders. However, there is still little evidence on the effects of aerobic exercise for the treatment of older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Thus, the objective of this study is to assess the effects of aerobic exercise in improving pain and function of older adults with chronic pain as a consequence of different chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Methods

The databases to be used in the search are PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Randomized controlled trials that used aerobic exercise in the treatment of older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain will be included. Primary outcomes will be pain and function. We will use the PEDro scale to evaluate the methodological quality and statistical description of each included study, and the strength of the recommendations will be summarized using GRADE.

Discussion

The results of this systematic review will provide a synthesis of the current evidence on the effects of aerobic exercise in the treatment of older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain. In addition, this information can help health professionals in decision-making about the use of aerobic exercise in the treatment of older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review was recorded prospectively, and the results will be part of a doctoral thesis to be published in a peer-reviewed international journal and possibly presented at international conferences.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, CRD42019118903.
Convergence rate analysis of an iterative algorithm for solving the multiple-sets split equality problem
Authors: Sun Shijie , Feng Meiling , Shi Luoyi
Published: October 2019

This paper considers an iterative algorithm of solving the multiple-sets split equality problem (MSSEP) whose step size is independent of the norm of the related operators, and investigates its sublinear and linear convergence rate. In particular, we present a notion of bounded Hölder regularity property for the MSSEP, which is a generalization of the well-known concept of bounded linear regularity property, and give several sufficient conditions to ensure it. Then we use this property to conclude the sublinear and linear convergence rate of the algorithm. In the end, some numerical experiments are provided to verify the validity of our consequences.
Synchronization of bidirectional N-coupled fractional-order chaotic systems with ring connection based on antisymmetric structure
Authors: Jiang Cuimei , Zada Akbar , Şenel M. Tamer , Li Tongxing
Published: October 2019

This paper discusses the synchronization problem of N-coupled fractional-order chaotic systems with ring connection via bidirectional coupling. On the basis of the direct design method, we design the appropriate controllers to transform the fractional-order error dynamical system into a nonlinear system with antisymmetric structure. By choosing appropriate fractional-order Lyapunov functions and employing the fractional-order Lyapunov-based stability theory, several sufficient conditions are obtained to ensure the asymptotical stabilization of the fractional-order error system at the origin. The proposed method is universal, simple, and theoretically rigorous. Finally, some numerical examples are presented to illustrate the validity of theoretical results.
Modeling and simulation of air pollutant distribution in street canyon area with Skytrain stations
Authors: Chomcheon Suranath , Khajohnsaksumeth Nathnarong , Wiwatanapataphee Benchawan , Ge Xiangyu
Published: October 2019

This paper focuses on effects of the wind flow velocity on the air flow and the air pollution dispersion in a street canyon with Skytrain. The governing equations of air pollutants and air flow in this study area are the convection–diffusion equations of species concentration and the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations of compressible turbulent flow, respectively. Finite element method is utilized for the solution of the problem. To investigate the impact of the air flow on the pattern of air pollution dispersion, three speeds of inlet wind in three different blowing directions are chosen. The results illustrate that our model can depict the airflows and dispersion patterns for different wind conditions.
On the realization of the recognition-primed decision model for artificial agents
Authors: Danial Syed Nasir , Smith Jennifer , Veitch Brian , Khan Faisal
Published: October 2019

This work proposes a methodology to program an artificial agent that can make decisions based on a naturalistic decision-making approach called recognition-primed decision model (RPDM). The proposed methodology represents the main constructs of RPDM in the language of Belief-Desire-Intention logic. RPDM considers decision-making as a synthesis of three phenomenal abilities of the human mind. The first is one’s use of experience to recognize a situation and suggest appropriate responses. The main concern here is on situation awareness because the decision-maker needs to establish that a current situation is the same or similar to one previously experienced, and the same solution is likely to work this time too. To this end, the proposed modeling approach uses a Markov logic network to develop an Experiential-Learning and Decision-Support module. The second component of RPDM deals with the cases when a decision-maker’s experience becomes secondary because the situation has not been recognized as typical. In this case, RPDM suggests a diagnostic mechanism that involves feature-matching, and, therefore, an ontology (of the domain of interest) based reasoning approach is proposed here to deal with all such cases. The third component of RPDM is the proposal that human beings use intuition and imagination (mental stimulation) to make sure whether a course of action should work in a given situation or not. Mental simulation is modeled here as a Bayesian network that computes the probability of occurrence of an effect when a cause is more likely. The agent-based model of RPDM has been validated with real (empirical) data to compare the simulated and empirical results and develop a correspondence in terms of the value of the result, as well as the reasoning.
Individual and community level associates of contraceptive use in Ethiopia: a multilevel mixed effects analysis
Authors: Abate Masrie Getnet , Tareke Amare Abera
Published: October 2019

Background

Family planning is one of the four pillars of safe motherhood initiative to reduce maternal death in developing countries. Despite progress in contraceptive use, unmet needs are wide open and fertility remains high. Ethiopia have a higher fertility rate which contributes to maternal and child health destitution, putting pressure on the already weak health system. This study examined individual and community-level factors associated with contraceptive use in Ethiopia.

Methods

Data from Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016 were used to identify individual and community level associated factors among reproductive-age women. Non-pregnant, fecund and sexually active women aged 15–49 were included. Six hundred forty-two communities and 6854 women were involved from this two-stage cluster sampled data. The analysis was done using two-level mixed-effects logistic regression to determine fixed effects of individual and community-level factors and random intercept of between characteristics.

Results

From the total eligible women for contraceptive use 2393 (34.9%) of them were users. Injectables were the commonest of all contraceptive methods. Various individual-level variables were associated with contraceptive use. Household wealth index, women’s age, number of living children, husband’s occupation, ever experience of a terminated pregnancy, current working status of the women, number of births in the last 3 years, and hearing of FP messages through different media were significantly associated individual-level variables after adjusting other factors. Community characteristics like region, place of residence, religion, and community-level wealth were the factors associated with contraceptive use.

Conclusion

Both individual and community-level characteristics were significant predictors of use of contraceptives in Ethiopian women. Besides the individual-level factors, interventions should also consider community-level associates.
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) screening and isolation in the general medicine ward: a cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Mac Stephen , Fitzpatrick Tiffany , Johnstone Jennie , Sander Beate
Published: October 2019

Background

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are a serious antimicrobial resistant threat in the healthcare setting. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of VRE screening and isolation for patients at high-risk for colonisation on a general medicine ward compared to no VRE screening and isolation from the healthcare payer perspective.

Methods

We developed a microsimulation model using local data and VRE literature, to simulate a 20-bed general medicine ward at a tertiary-care hospital with up to 1000 admissions, approximating 1 year. Primary outcomes were accrued over the patient’s lifetime, discounted at 1.5%, and included expected health outcomes (VRE colonisations, VRE infections, VRE-related bacteremia, and deaths subsequent to VRE infection), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), healthcare costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) and scenario analyses were conducted to assess parameter uncertainty.

Results

In our base-case analysis, VRE screening and isolation prevented six healthcare-associated VRE colonisations per 1000 admissions (6/1000), 0.6/1000 VRE-related infections, 0.2/1000 VRE-related bacteremia, and 0.1/1000 deaths subsequent to VRE infection. VRE screening and isolation accrued 0.0142 incremental QALYs at an incremental cost of $112, affording an ICER of $7850 per QALY. VRE screening and isolation practice was more likely to be cost-effective (> 50%) at a cost-effectiveness threshold of $50,000/QALY. Stochasticity (randomness) had a significant impact on the cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

VRE screening and isolation can be cost-effective in majority of model simulations at commonly used cost-effectiveness thresholds, and is likely economically attractive in general medicine settings. Our findings strengthen the understanding of VRE prevention strategies and are of importance to hospital program planners and infection prevention and control.
Fragile X-associated tremor ataxia syndrome with co-occurrent progressive supranuclear palsy-like neuropathology
Authors: Sacino Amanda N. , Prokop Stefan , Walsh Meggen A. , Adamson Jennifer , Subramony S. H. , Krans Amy , Todd Peter K. , Giasson Benoit I. , Yachnis Anthony T.
Published: October 2019

Co-occurrence of multiple neuropathologic changes is a common phenomenon, most prominently seen in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), complicating clinical diagnosis and patient management. Reports of co-occurring pathological processes are emerging in the group of genetically defined repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN)-translation related diseases. Here we report a case of Fragile X-associated tremor-ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) with widespread and abundant nuclear inclusions of the RAN-translation related FMRpolyG-peptide. In addition, we describe prominent neuronal and glial tau pathology representing changes seen in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The highest abundance of the respective pathological changes was seen in distinct brain regions indicating an incidental, rather than causal correlation.
Climatic reconstruction at the Sannai-Maruyama site between Bond events 4 and 3—implication for the collapse of the society at 4.2 ka event
Authors: Kawahata Hodaka
Published: October 2019

The Jōmon period/culture corresponds to the Neolithic period/culture in Japanese prehistory. The Sannai-Maruyama site (5.9–4.2 cal. kyr BP), the most famous, the largest, and the well-studied mid-Holocene (mid-Jōmon) archeological site inhabited by hunter-gatherers with sedentary lifestyle in northern Japan, started at early Bond event 4 and collapsed at late Bond event 3 (4.2 cal. kyr BP at the boundary between mid-Holocene, Northgrippian, and late-Holocene, Meghalayan), synchronous with the decline of the north Mesopotamian civilization and the Yangtze River civilization in China. Alkenone sea surface temperatures (SSTs), a proxy for early-midsummer SSTs, generally suggest that the early-midsummer SSTs (and atmospheric temperatures (ATs)) at 41° 00′ N, 140° 46′ E, about 20 km north to the Sannai-Maruyama site, located in Aomori Prefecture, peaked around 4.8–4.3 cal. kyr BP and showed minima at 5.9 and 4.1 cal. kyr BP. In spite of some discrepancy in short periods, this feature is consistent with that estimated from the assemblages of Ostracodas. δ18O value of benthic foraminifera of Nonionellina labradorica and Nonionella stella, alkenone production flux, and pollen assemblages could reflect annual-based temperature, which generally suggests that the climate was warmer at 6.0–4.2 cal. kyr BP, which could show the warmer environments at 6.0–5.0 cal. than expected from alkenone SST in early-midsummer. Overall, northward shift of the westerly jet, in association with a strengthened East Asian Summer Monsoon, could cause a relatively warm climate around 6.0–4.3 cal. kyr BP, when the Sannai-Maruyama site flourished. High food production density, by effective hansaibai (selective preservation or growth) in Castanea- and Aesculus-dominated forests, up to one sixth of the rice production density, could have supported high population density, resulting large community at the Sannai-Maruyama site. Cooling episode at 4.2 cal. kyr BP could have resulted in the decline of chestnut hansaibai, leading to the collapse of the site. Recent results from a compiled archeological site map suggested no large decline of the population but, instead, a dispersal to the surrounding area at 4.2 cal. kyr BP. It is consistent with ancestral population dynamics for the descendent from Jōmon people, in contrast to those from the immigrants from Far East Asia to the Japanese Archipelago with paddy rice cultivation technology after 2.9 cal. kyr BP, based on modern Japanese molecular sequences.
Contemporary Asian art and Western societies: cultural “universalism” or “uniqueness” in Asian modern art
Authors: Michel-Schertges Dirk
Published: October 2019

The expectations modern art has to fulfill are of various kind. Modern art is to be a seismograph of societal developments and thus sensitive to political and economic themes. Thus, Western (critical) contemporary art is in the dilemma to deal with and challenge capitalism in mostly bourgeois frameworks of musealized exhibitions, criticizing political leadership and social inequalities and presenting it largely to exactly the established classes. Here contemporary art’s task lies in both the individual and arts self-reflection and self-critique. Creating awareness of individual and collective historical processes and being able to sense and experience societal antagonisms can be described as conscious making by the means of critical modern art. Taking in account that to learn (socio-historically) art and thus to be able to sense dissonances is a pre-condition to understand modern art the question arises: How to deal with contemporary art from foreign cultures and unfamiliar civilizations? How to understand Asian critical contemporary art with a Western sensual kind of sensing and understanding? It is the question of universality and uniqueness of modern art and/or the integrating power of Western capitalism and consumerism within the sphere of critical art. Is it possible to sense and understand Chinese or Japanese art with a Western education and different socio-historical and political-economical understanding? How to decipher and contextualize modern art without “cultural expertise”? This contribution deals with the contradictions between the (cultural) particular and the general serving as gatekeepers for sensing societal and historical grown antagonisms and sensing of cultural and social dissonances in modern art production. Is modern art by definition Western? By experiencing Asian modern art the purpose of this research is to find the particularities and the general of (Asian) critical modern art.
First record of the ragged-tooth shark, Odontaspis ferox (Risso, 1810), in the Venezuelan Caribbean
Authors: Tavares Rafael , Sanchez Leonardo , Briceño Jose Manuel
Published: October 2019

One specimen of the ragged-tooth shark, Odontaspis ferox, was caught by a commercial shark fishery to the north of Cape Codera (10° 56′ N, 66° 02′ W), northeastern Venezuela. The specimen (sex unidentified, ~ 180 cm TL, ~ 30 kg) was identified on the basis of its dry jaw and characteristic dentition: which comprise teeth moderately large, with prominent narrow cusps and two or three pairs of lateral cusplets. This is the first record of O. ferox in the Venezuelan Caribbean, and this finding complements the knowledge of geographic distribution of this rare species in the Western Central Atlantic.
Case report: isolated lower lip lesion following cavernoma resection in prone position
Authors: Sajid Mir Ibrahim , Malik Noor , Jooma Rashid
Published: October 2019

Background

Surgery in a prone position is necessary when access to posterior anatomical structures is needed. A procedure in this position is associated with complications such as injuries to the eyes, peripheral nerves, and pressure points and swelling of the tongue. We report a rare complication of isolated lower lip swelling following neck dissection in the prone position.

Case presentation

A 25-year-old male patient presented to the clinic with complaint of neck pain for the past 2 months. A cervical spine MRI was done which showed the presence of a cavernoma. C2 laminectomy was performed for resection of the tumor in prone position with the head fixed on a three-point Mayfield clamp. Postoperatively, isolated swelling of the lower lip was observed. The patient was managed conservatively.

Conclusion

Cervical spine surgeries done in prone positions carry an increased risk of postoperative vision loss and swellings including those of the oropharynx and in the periorbital region. Possible risk factors for such conditions include anemia, hypotension, long duration of surgery, and significant intraoperative hydration.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension in pediatric and adolescent patients
Authors: Abouhashem Safwat , Gad Ahmed A. M. , El-Malkey Mohamed , Daoud Esam A.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a rare condition, but inappropriate diagnosis and management may lead to devastating outcome with loss of vision and lifelong handicap. Dandy criteria are used for diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in adult, but these criteria cannot be applied in all pediatric patients.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic criteria and outcome of management of IIH in pediatric patients.

Methods

Nineteen patients with IIH and age less than 16 years old have been evaluated for the diagnostic criteria and outcome of management. The patients were classified according to the secondary sexual criteria into adolescent IIH and pediatric IIH. Full neurological and ophthalmological evaluation was completed in all patients. The patients were managed and followed up for a mean period of 12 ± 8.6 months at Zagazig University hospitals or Kingdom Hospital in the time period from 2009 to 2018.

Results

Nineteen patients (16 females and 3 males) had been diagnosed and treated with idiopathic intracranial hypertension, their age is between 4 and 15 years, and the patients have been divided into two groups. Group I (pediatric IIH) involved 9 patients (6 females and 3 males), and their age is ranging between 4 and 9 years with mean age 5.56 ± 1.9 years while group II (adolescent IIH) involved 10 patients, all of them are females and their age ranges between 12 and 15 years with mean age 13.5 ± 1.3. Diagnostic criteria of the patients are papilledema, symptoms and signs of intracranial hypertension, and elevated CSF opening pressure with normal MRI. Headache, delayed school performance, and sixth nerve palsy are the most common clinical finding in the patients of group I while headache is the most common presenting symptom in group II. Anemia and otitis media are the most common associated risk factors in group I while obesity and female gender were the most common associated risk factors in group II. The minimum value for opening pressure in group I is 180 mmH2O while the minimum value in group II is 250 mm. 16 patients improved after the first lumbar puncture and drainage of CSF; two patients improved after repeated lumbar puncture while lumbo-peritoneal shunt was inserted for two patients, both of them were in group II. Recurrence was diagnosed in four patients (21%), one of them (11.1%) was in group I while three of them (30%) were in group II.

Conclusion

Pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension can be classified into two subtypes: pediatric type and adolescent type according to the secondary sexual criteria.

Modified Dandy criteria can be applied for the diagnosis of adolescent type, but pediatric type is not associated with obesity, has no female predominance, and usually responds to the initial lumbar puncture with a low rate of recurrence.
Genome-scale data resolve ancestral rock-inhabiting lifestyle in Dothideomycetes (Ascomycota)
Authors: Ametrano Claudio G. , Grewe Felix , Crous Pedro W. , Goodwin Stephen B. , Liang Chen , Selbmann Laura , Lumbsch H. Thorsten , Leavitt Steven D. , Muggia Lucia
Published: October 2019

Dothideomycetes is the most diverse fungal class in Ascomycota and includes species with a wide range of lifestyles. Previous multilocus studies have investigated the taxonomic and evolutionary relationships of these taxa but often failed to resolve early diverging nodes and frequently generated inconsistent placements of some clades. Here, we use a phylogenomic approach to resolve relationships in Dothideomycetes, focusing on two genera of melanized, extremotolerant rock-inhabiting fungi, Lichenothelia and Saxomyces, that have been suggested to be early diverging lineages. We assembled phylogenomic datasets from newly sequenced (4) and previously available genomes (238) of 242 taxa. We explored the influence of tree inference methods, supermatrix vs. coalescent-based species tree, and the impact of varying amounts of genomic data. Overall, our phylogenetic reconstructions provide consistent and well-supported topologies for Dothideomycetes, recovering Lichenothelia and Saxomyces among the earliest diverging lineages in the class. In addition, many of the major lineages within Dothideomycetes are recovered as monophyletic, and the phylogenomic approach implemented strongly supports their relationships. Ancestral character state reconstruction suggest that the rock-inhabiting lifestyle is ancestral within the class.
Fungal clones win the battle, but recombination wins the war
Authors: Drenth André , McTaggart Alistair R. , Wingfield Brenda D.
Published: October 2019

Clonal reproduction is common in fungi and fungal-like organisms during epidemics and invasion events. The success of clonal fungi shaped systems for their classification and some pathogens are tacitly treated as asexual. We argue that genetic recombination driven by sexual reproduction must be a starting hypothesis when dealing with fungi for two reasons: (1) Clones eventually crash because they lack adaptability; and (2) fungi find a way to exchange genetic material through recombination, whether sexual, parasexual, or hybridisation. Successful clones may prevail over space and time, but they are the product of recombination and the next successful clone will inevitably appear. Fungal pathogen populations are dynamic rather than static, and they need genetic recombination to adapt to a changing environment.
Design of Polymeric Biomaterials: The “Intermediate Water Concept”
Authors: Tanaka Masaru , Kobayashi Shingo , Murakami Daiki , Aratsu Fumihiro , Kashiwazaki Aki , Hoshiba Takashi , Fukushima Kazuki
Published: October 2019

When biomaterials come into contact with biological fluids, water molecules immediately adsorb onto the surface of the materials. To understand the origin of the crucial roles of water molecules in biological interfaces, it is necessary to relate particular states of hydration water to various physicochemical properties of hydrated polymers. Here, advances in the intermediate water concept are reviewed. This account provides an overview of the progress made in the design of multi-functional biomedical polymers by controlling the bio-interfacial water states. Using principles of intermediate water, which is common in hydrated biopolymers and only biocompatible synthetic polymers, we found the synthetic methodology to create novel biocompatible polymers moves toward a more high-throughput way.
Informational Autocrats
Authors: Guriev Sergei , Treisman Daniel
Published: October 2019

In recent decades, dictatorships based on mass repression have largely given way to a new model based on the manipulation of information. Instead of terrorizing citizens into submission, “informational autocrats” artificially boost their popularity by convincing the public they are competent. To do so, they use propaganda and silence informed members of the elite by co-optation or censorship. Using several sources, including a newly created dataset on authoritarian control techniques, we document a range of trends in recent autocracies consistent with this new model: a decline in violence, efforts to conceal state repression, rejection of official ideologies, imitation of democracy, a perceptions gap between the masses and the elite, and the adoption by leaders of a rhetoric of performance rather than one aimed at inspiring fear.
Policy Evolution under the Clean Air Act
Authors: Schmalensee Richard , Stavins Robert N.
Published: October 2019

The US Clean Air Act, passed in 1970 with strong bipartisan support, was the first environmental law to give the federal government a serious regulatory role, established the architecture of the US air pollution control system, and became a model for subsequent environmental laws in the United States and globally. We outline the act’s key provisions, as well as the main changes Congress has made to it over time. We assess the evolution of air pollution control policy under the Clean Air Act, with particular attention to the types of policy instruments used. We provide a generic assessment of the major types of policy instruments, and we trace and assess the historical evolution of the Environmental Protection Agency’s policy instrument use, with particular focus on the increased use of market-based policy instruments, beginning in the 1970s and culminating in the 1990s. Over the past 50 years, air pollution regulation has gradually become more complex, and over the past 20 years, policy debates have become increasingly partisan and polarized, to the point that it has become impossible to amend the act or pass other legislation to address the new threat of climate change.
US Water Pollution Regulation over the Past Half Century: Burning Waters to Crystal Springs?
Authors: Keiser David A. , Shapiro Joseph S.
Published: October 2019

In the half century since the founding of the US Environmental Protection Agency, public and private US sources have spent nearly $5 trillion ($2017) to provide clean rivers, lakes, and drinking water (annual spending of 0.8 percent of US GDP in most years). Yet over half of rivers and substantial shares of drinking water systems violate standards, and polls for decades have listed water pollution as Americans’ number one environmental concern. We assess the history, effectiveness, and efficiency of the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act and obtain four main conclusions. First, water pollution has fallen since these laws were passed, in part due to their interventions. Second, investments made under these laws could be more cost effective. Third, most recent studies estimate benefits of cleaning up pollution in rivers and lakes that are less than the costs, though these studies may undercount several potentially important types of benefits. Analysis finds more positive net benefits of drinking water quality investments. Fourth, economic research and teaching on water pollution are relatively uncommon, as measured by samples of publications, conference presentations, and textbooks.
On Latin American Populism, and Its Echoes around the World
Authors: Edwards Sebastian
Published: October 2019

In this article, I discuss the ways in which populist experiments have evolved historically. Populists are charismatic leaders who use a fiery rhetoric to pitch the interests of “the people” against those of banks, large firms, multinational companies, the International Monetary Fund, and immigrants. Populists implement redistributive policies that violate the basic laws of economics, and in particular budget constraints. Most populist experiments go through five distinct phases that span from euphoria to collapse. Historically, the vast majority of populist episodes end up badly; incomes of the poor and middle class tend to be lower than when the experiment was launched. I argue that many of the characteristics of traditional Latin American populism are present in more recent manifestations from around the globe.
Efficacy of Curcuma longa in treatment of postprandial distress syndrome: An open-label randomized-controlled trial
Authors: Sawangroj Nicharat , Budkaew Jiratha , Chumworathayi Bandit
Published: October 2019

Background: Proton pump inhibitors are effective for functional dyspepsia but ineffective in relieving postprandial distress syndrome. Curcuma longa might be effective for postprandial distress syndrome. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of Curcuma longa and simethicone for postprandial distress syndrome in an open-label randomized-controlled trial.

Methods: This trial was conducted between July 2018 and February 2019. In total, 78 patients were randomly assigned to receive 4 weeks of treatment with 750 or 1,500 mg oral Curcuma longa per day or 240 mg simethicone per day. The patients assessed their symptoms using the dyspepsia Global Overall Symptom scale at baseline, week 2, and week 4. After stopping medication for 2 weeks, the patients assessed recurrent symptoms and day of recurrence by themselves at the end of week 6.

Results: In total, 78 patients underwent randomization (27 in 750 mg Curcuma longa, 26 in 1500 mg Curcuma longa, and 25 in simethicone groups). After 2 weeks, there were no significant differences in all mean changes of symptoms scores (95%CI) of postprandial distress syndrome [-4.1 (-4.5, -2.6) vs -4.3 (-5.2, -3.3) vs -4.2 (-4.8, -3.5), P=0.954]. Over a period of 4 weeks, the reduction in mean scores was greater among participants receiving simethicone (although not statistically significant) compared with two intervention groups [-4.6 (-5.7, -3.6) vs -5.4 (-6.6, -4.1) vs -6.2 (-7.2, -5.2), P=0.122]. The rate of recurrence was significantly lower in simethicone than the two Curcuma longa groups (42.9 vs 45.5 vs 13.6%, P=0.047). There was no serious adverse event reported in all three groups.

Conclusions: Curcuma longa had a similar effect on treatment outcomes to simethicone after 2 and 4 weeks, but the recurrence rate of symptoms was significantly higher without serious adverse events.

Registration: Registered with the Thai Clinical Trials Registry on 31 January 2018; TCTR20180131001.
Phylogenetic groups and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of uropathogenic Escherichia coli clinical isolates from patients at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Katongole Paul , Bulwadda Kisawuzi Daniel , Kyobe Bbosa Henry , Patrick Kateete David , Florence Najjuka Christine
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) remains the most common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs). They account for over 80-90% of all community-acquired and 30-50% of all hospital-acquired UTIs. E. coli strains have been found to belong to evolutionary origins known as phylogenetic groups. In 2013, Clermont classified E. coli strains into eight phylogenetic groups using the quadruplex PCR method. The aim of this study was to identify the phylogenetic groups of UPEC strains in Uganda using Clermont’s quadruplex PCR method and to assess their antibiotic susceptibility patterns in Uganda.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 140 stored uropathogenic E. coli isolates from the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences Makerere University were subjected to phylogenetic typing by a quadruplex PCR method. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion method according to Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Phenotypic detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, AmpC and carbapenemases was done according to CLSI guidelines and Laboratory SOPs.

Results: Phylogenetic group B2 (40%) was the most predominant, followed by A (6.23%), clade I and II (5%), D and E (each 2.14%), B1 (1.43%) and F and C (each 0.71%). The most common resistant antibiotic was trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (90.71%) and the least was imipenem (1.43%). In total, 73.57% of isolates were multi-drug resistant (MDR). Antibiotic resistance was mainly detected in phylogenetic group B2 (54%).

Conclusions: Our findings showed the high prevalence of MDR E. coli isolates, with the dominance of phylogenetic group B2. About 9% of E. coli isolates belonged to the newly described phylogroups C, E, F, and clade I and II.
DYNAMICS OF INCIDENCE AND CHRONIC PATHOLOGY IN CHILDREN IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors: Бантьева М. , Bant'eva M. , Маношкина Е. , Manoshkina E. , Соколовская Т. , Sokolovskaya T.
Published: October 2019

The health condition of the Russian Federation children has been characterized by negative trends in the past thirty years. The aim of the study is to identify the main trends in the total and for the first time in the life registered incidence in children 0–14 years old in the Russian Federation, as well as to monitor the quantity and dynamics of the indicator of chronicity of diseases. The data of form N12 of the federal statistical observation for the period 2000–2018 are analyzed, using the method of descriptive statistics. A significant increase was revealed both in the total incidence of girls (by 19.0%) and for the first time in the life registered incidence (by 19.3%). The maximum increase in total incidence is observed for the following classes of diseases: neoplasms (2.3 times), congenital anomalies (malformations) (1.8 times), diseases of nervous system (1.5 times), diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (1.4 times). The growth for the first time in life registered incidence was revealed for the following classes: neoplasms (2 times), congenital anomalies (malformations) (1.6 times), diseases of the respiratory system (1.3 times). High figures of the chronicity index aggregative for all classes of diseases (1.262 in 2000 year and 1.259 in 2018 year) reflect the high level of chronic pathology in children 0–14 years old, what is an unfavorable characteristic of their health condition. An analysis of the chronization index of the diseases revealed its maximum growth for: asthma, asthmatic status (71.1%), allergic rhinitis

(hay fever) (43.0%), diseases characterized by high blood pressure (41.9%), urolithiasis (30.9%). The greatest decrease in the chronicity index was revealed by the following nosologies: cerebral palsy (19.8%), chronic and unspecified bronchitis, emphysema (18.7%), gallbladder and biliary tract disease (16.2%), and blood coagulation disorders (12.6%). The health of children determines the health of the nation in the nearest future; therefore, the issues of its preservation and

improvement require thorough attention.
DYNAMICS OF CHANGES IN THE FEEDING VALUE OF ALFALFA HAYLAGE BY TERMS OF SECTION DAYS OF STORAGE WHEN USING VARIOUS BIOLOGICAL PRESERVATIVES
Authors: Фаттахова Зилия , Fattahova Ziliya , Шакиров Шамиль , Shakirov Shamil' , Бикчантаев Ирек , Bikchantaev Irek
Published: October 2019

Scientists of Tatar Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture, FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences and JSC Bioamid (Saratov, Russia) in creative collaboration developed experimental samples of the biological preservative Bioamid-3 with different concentrations and ratios of lactic acid bacteria, without and in combination with enzymes. Studies of the chemical composition and nutritional value of alfalfa haylage, on a daily basis for 3, 6, 10, 17, 30 days of storage, were carried out with the aim of assessing the effectiveness of preservation of experimental preparations in comparison with other industrial biological preparations Sil-All 4x4, Bioamide-3 and without preservative (the control). In the course of laboratory analyzes, it was found that on the 30th day of storage, the dry matter safety was higher in haylages using Bioamide-3 C-0, Bioamid-3 С-0,5, respectively, 1,1 (p≤0,05), 0,9% than in the control sample. In terms of crude protein, superiority was noted in samples with Bioamide-3 C 0,25% (p≤0,05), Sil-All 4x4 0,16%, Bioamid-3 C-0 by 0,11% with respect to control. The greatest increase in crude fiber concentration was found in haylages with preservatives Bioamid-3 C-0, Bioamide-3 C-0,5, Bioamid-3 C - by 0,28% (p≤0,05), 0,20, 0,20% in comparison with the control. The maximum level of metabolic energy was also revealed in the variants with the use of new drugs in excess of the control level for Bioamid-3 С-0 at 4,55% (p≤0,05), Bioamid-3 C-0,5 – 3,18% (p≤0,05), Bioamid-3 C – 1,82%.
Forms of shame between social processes and prospects for subjectification
Authors: Bruni Lorenzo
Published: October 2019

The aim of this article is to mark an original sociological way of access to the study of shame. The main theoretical hypothesis concerns the distinction between two forms of shame: Me-shame and I-shame. After having mentioned the main sociological reflections about shame, the author refers to G.H. Mead’s social theory’s distinction between Me and I to argue that Me-shame points out a form of shame that is sociologically relevant, objectivised and socialised, which concerns the violation of a given core of social norms. I-shame, on the other hand, points out the subjective dimension of shame and as such it can be defined as a social compression of intersubjective sources of subjectification. Having briefly discussed the distinction between Me-shame and I-shame, the author focuses on a particular form of I-shame called critical I-shame. After a theoretical definition, the author proposes a case study dedicated to this form, which aims to emphasise the emancipative role of shame. The case study ultimately shows how renewed recognitive social resources permit the humiliated subject to gain access to new self-definitions and to reappropriate himself in a creatively open way of current meanings that may have taken on oppressive trait.