bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying clinical subgroups in IgG4-related disease patients using cluster analysis and IgG4-RD composite score
Authors: Li Jieqiong , Peng Yu , Zhang Yuelun , Zhang Panpan , Liu Zheng , Lu Hui , Peng Linyi , Zhu Liang , Xue Huadan , Zhao Yan , Zeng Xiaofeng , Fei Yunyun , Zhang Wen
Published: January 2020

Background

To explore the clinical patterns of patients with IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) based on laboratory tests and the number of organs involved.

Methods

Twenty-two baseline variables were obtained from 154 patients with IgG4-RD. Based on principal component analysis (PCA), patients with IgG4-RD were classified into different subgroups using cluster analysis. Additionally, IgG4-RD composite score (IgG4-RD CS) as a comprehensive score was calculated for each patient by principal component evaluation. Multiple linear regression was used to establish the “IgG4-RD CS” prediction model for the comprehensive assessment of IgG4-RD. To evaluate the value of the IgG4-RD CS in the assessment of disease severity, patients in different IgG4-RD CS groups and in different IgG4-RD responder index (RI) groups were compared.

Results

PCA indicated that the 22 baseline variables of IgG4-RD patients mainly consisted of inflammation, high serum IgG4, multi-organ involvement, and allergy-related phenotypes. Cluster analysis classified patients into three groups: cluster 1, inflammation and immunoglobulin-dominant group; cluster 2, internal organs-dominant group; and cluster 3, inflammation and immunoglobulin-low with superficial organs-dominant group. Moreover, there were significant differences in serum and clinical characteristics among subgroups based on the CS and RI scores. IgG4-RD CS had a similar ability to assess disease severity as RI. The “IgG4-RD CS” prediction model was established using four independent variables including lymphocyte count, eosinophil count, IgG levels, and the total number of involved organs.

Conclusion

Our study indicated that newly diagnosed IgG4-RD patients could be divided into three subgroups. We also showed that the IgG4-RD CS had the potential to be complementary to the RI score, which can help assess disease severity.
Compensating for over-production inhibition of the Hsmar1 transposon in Escherichia coli using a series of constitutive promoters
Authors: Tellier Michael , Chalmers Ronald
Published: January 2020

Background

Transposable elements (TEs) are a diverse group of self-mobilizing DNA elements. Transposition has been exploited as a powerful tool for molecular biology and genomics. However, transposition is sometimes limited because of auto-regulatory mechanisms that presumably allow them to cohabit within their hosts without causing excessive genomic damage. The papillation assay provides a powerful visual screen for hyperactive transposases. Transposition is revealed by the activation of a promoter-lesslacZgene when the transposon integrates into a non-essential gene on the host chromosome. Transposition events are detected as small blue speckles, or papillae, on the white background of the mainEscherichia colicolony.

Results

We analysed the parameters of the papillation assay including the strength of the transposase transcriptional and translational signals. To overcome certain limitations of inducible promoters, we constructed a set of vectors based on constitutive promoters of different strengths to widen the range of transposase expression. We characterized and validated our expression vectors with Hsmar1, a member of themarinertransposon family. The highest rate of transposition was observed with the weakest promoters. We then took advantage of our approach to investigate how the level of transposition responds to selected point mutations and the effect of joining the transposase monomers into a single-chain dimer.

Conclusions

We generated a set of vectors to provide a wide range of transposase expression which will be useful for screening libraries of transposase mutants. The use of weak promoters should allow screening for truly hyperactive transposases rather than those that are simply resistant to auto-regulatory mechanisms, such as overproduction inhibition (OPI). We also found that mutations in the Hsmar1 dimer interface provide resistance to OPI in bacteria, which could be valuable for improving bacterial transposon mutagenesis techniques.
School-based caries prevention and longitudinal trends in untreated decay: an updated analysis with Markov chains
Authors: Ruff Ryan Richard , Saxena Deepak , Niederman Richard
Published: January 2020

Objective

Dental caries (tooth decay) is the most prevalent childhood disease in the world. A school-based program for the prevention of dental caries providing bi-annual sealants, interim therapeutic restorations, and fluoride varnish to children aged 5–12 years was previously associated with a significant reduction in the prevalence of untreated tooth decay over time. The objective of this study was to explore potential nonlinear change in the risk of untreated decay in children receiving caries prevention.

Results

Across all study participants, there was a significant increase in the odds of untreated tooth decay over time (OR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.51, 2.39), but the rate of this risk rapidly decreased with each observational visit (OR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.93, 0.91). Overall effects substantially depended on the oral health status of participants at baseline: for children with untreated decay at their first observation, the odds of untreated decay over time was 0.39 (95% CI 0.27, 0.55). A quadratic change for this subpopulation showed that the per-visit decrease in decay was attenuated with each subsequent observation (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.04, 1.20).
Association of rs780094 polymorphism of glucokinase regulatory protein with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Mohammadi Saba , Farajnia Safar , Shadmand Masoud , Mohseni Fatemeh , Baghban Roghayyeh
Published: January 2020

Objective

GCK rs780094 polymorphism is a single nucleotide polymorphism that has been associated with obesity, type II diabetes and dyslipidemia in some populations, conditions that highly related to NAFL etiology. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between NAFLD and rs780094 polymorphism in patients with NAFLD in Tabriz city, northwest of Iran. The rs780094 polymorphism was determined in 74 patients with NAFLD by PCR–RFLP technique. Demographic information was collected using a questionnaire and biochemical analysis was performed using standard laboratory methods.

Results

There was a significant difference between case and control subjects for alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, HDL-C and triglycerides (P < 0.05). Analysis by PCR–RFLP method revealed that there were no significant differences between NAFLD and healthy subjects for rs780094 polymorphism in the study population. The results of this study indicated that rs780094 polymorphism is not associated with NAFLD in subjects from Tabriz city.
KMT2C/D COMPASS complex-associated diseases [KCDCOM-ADs]: an emerging class of congenital regulopathies
Authors: Lavery William J. , Barski Artem , Wiley Susan , Schorry Elizabeth K. , Lindsley Andrew W.
Published: January 2020

The type 2 lysine methyltransferases KMT2C and KMT2D are large, enzymatically active scaffold proteins that form the core of nuclear regulatory structures known as KMT2C/D COMPASS complexes (complex of proteins associating with Set1). These evolutionarily conserved proteins regulate DNA promoter and enhancer elements, modulating the activity of diverse cell types critical for embryonic morphogenesis, central nervous system development, and post-natal survival. KMT2C/D COMPASS complexes and their binding partners enhance active gene expression of specific loci via the targeted modification of histone-3 tail residues, in general promoting active euchromatic conformations. Over the last 20 years, mutations in five key COMPASS complex genes have been linked to three human congenital syndromes: Kabuki syndrome (type 1 [KMT2D] and 2 [KDM6A]), Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (type 1 [CBP] and 2 [EP300]), and Kleefstra syndrome type 2 (KMT2C). Here, we review the composition and biochemical function of the KMT2 complexes. The specific cellular and embryonic roles of the KMT2C/D COMPASS complex are highlight with a focus on clinically relevant mechanisms sensitive to haploinsufficiency. The phenotypic similarities and differences between the members of this new family of disorders are outlined and emerging therapeutic strategies are detailed.
A cross-sectional and longitudinal study on the protective effect of bilingualism against dementia using brain atrophy and cognitive measures
Authors: Costumero Víctor , Marin-Marin Lidon , Calabria Marco , Belloch Vicente , Escudero Joaquín , Baquero Miguel , Hernandez Mireia , Ruiz de Miras Juan , Costa Albert , Parcet Maria-Antònia , Ávila César
Published: January 2020

Background

Evidence from previous studies suggests that bilingualism contributes to cognitive reserve because bilinguals manifest the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) up to 5 years later than monolinguals. Other cross-sectional studies demonstrate that bilinguals show greater amounts of brain atrophy and hypometabolism than monolinguals, despite sharing the same diagnosis and suffering from the same symptoms. However, these studies may be biased by possible pre-existing between-group differences.

Methods

In this study, we used global parenchymal measures of atrophy and cognitive tests to investigate the protective effect of bilingualism against dementia cross-sectionally and prospectively, using a sample of bilinguals and monolinguals in the same clinical stage and matched on sociodemographic variables.

Results

Our results suggest that the two groups did not differ in their cognitive status at baseline, but bilinguals had less parenchymal volume than monolinguals, especially in areas related to brain atrophy in dementia. In addition, a longitudinal prospective analysis revealed that monolinguals lost more parenchyma and had more cognitive decline than bilinguals in a mean follow-up period of 7 months.

Conclusion

These results provide the first prospective evidence that bilingualism may act as a neuroprotective factor against dementia and could be considered a factor in cognitive reserve.
Prognostic value of 99mTc-ECD brain perfusion SPECT in patients with atrial fibrillation and dementia
Authors: Hashimoto Hidenobu , Nakanishi Rine , Mizumura Sunao , Hashimoto Yukiko , Okamura Yuriko , Yamanaka Kyoko , Ikeda Takanori
Published: January 2020

Background

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and dementia experience reduced quality of life and increased mortality. Technetium 99m ECD brain perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (99mTc-ECD brain perfusion SPECT) is a beneficial modality for diagnosing dementia and identifying high-risk patients with mild cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of brain perfusion using 99mTc-ECD SPECT in patients with AF and dementia.

Methods

Of a total of 405 consecutive patients diagnosed with AF as cardiac outpatients with dementia using the Mini-Mental State Examination by neurologists or psychiatrists, we identified 170 patients (81 ± 10 years) who underwent 99mTc-ECD brain perfusion SPECT. Of them, 73, 73, and 24 were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia (AD), vascular dementia (VD), and non-specified dementia, respectively. A multivariable Cox model was used to assess if higher Z-score by 99mTc-ECD brain perfusion SPECT and clinical parameters were associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including cardiac death, myocardial infarction, hospitalization for heart failure, and stroke.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 1258 ± 1044 days, 62 MACE occurred. There was no significant difference in MACE between AD and VD (33%, vs. 44%, p = 0.153). The multivariable Cox model confirmed that the higher Z-score of temporo-parieto-occipital lobe was associated with increased MACE compared to the lower group (HR 2.521, 95% CI 1.465–4.337, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that decreased cerebral blood flow in the temporo-parieto-occipital lobe could be a potential prognostic value in patients with both AF and dementia.
Precision cut lung slices: a novel versatile tool to examine host–pathogen interaction in the chicken lung
Authors: Bryson Karen Jane , Garrido Damien , Esposito Marco , McLachlan Gerry , Digard Paul , Schouler Catherine , Guabiraba Rodrigo , Trapp Sascha , Vervelde Lonneke
Published: January 2020

The avian respiratory tract is a common entry route for many pathogens and an important delivery route for vaccination in the poultry industry. Immune responses in the avian lung have mostly been studied in vivo due to the lack of robust, relevant in vitro and ex vivo models mimicking the microenvironment. Precision-cut lung slices (PCLS) have the major advantages of maintaining the 3-dimensional architecture of the lung and includes heterogeneous cell populations. PCLS have been obtained from a number of mammalian species and from chicken embryos. However, as the embryonic lung is physiologically undifferentiated and immunologically immature, it is less suitable to examine complex host–pathogen interactions including antimicrobial responses. Here we prepared PCLS from immunologically mature chicken lungs, tested different culture conditions, and found that serum supplementation has a detrimental effect on the quality of PCLS. Viable cells in PCLS remained present for ≥ 40 days, as determined by viability assays and sustained motility of fluorescent mononuclear phagocytic cells. The PCLS were responsive to lipopolysaccharide stimulation, which induced the release of nitric oxide, IL-1β, type I interferons and IL-10. Mononuclear phagocytes within the tissue maintained phagocytic activity, with live cell imaging capturing interactions with latex beads and an avian pathogenic Escherichia coli strain. Finally, the PCLS were also shown to be permissive to infection with low pathogenic avian influenza viruses. Taken together, immunologically mature chicken PCLS provide a suitable model to simulate live organ responsiveness and cell dynamics, which can be readily exploited to examine host–pathogen interactions and inflammatory responses.
Inter-Edge and Cloud conversion accelerated user-generated content for virtual brand community
Authors: Song Mengmeng , Duan Yucong , Huang Tianyi , Zhan Lougao
Published: January 2020

Web-based enterprises have increasingly begun to build their own virtual brand community on the Cloud. How to encourage Web users to generate Web content in the Web community continuously and permanently has become the focal point. However, few studies have explored that how to drive the motivation of user-generated content (UGC) named self-enhancement (SE) internalized from the perspective of user’s personal characteristics and then enhance the intention of UGC. Even fewer studies have been devoted to drive the motivation of UGC from the perspective of information technology. Based on self-construal (SC) theory, self-determination (SD) theory, and current immersive applications of Edge computing, we proposed to a solution of user-generated content motivation internalized in the virtual brand community implemented through the manipulation of the tradeoff of inter-Edge and Cloud processing. Our survey shows that different types of self-construal (SC) users have different levels of internal motivation for self-enhancement (SE) accomplished through the organization of user characteristics. We build a detailed simulation of the change of time delay, availability, and cost of inter-Edge and Cloud conversion to demonstrate the feasibility of our proposed mechanism of UGC motivation internalized in the virtual brand community in guiding enhancing the intention of UGC in the community in practice.
Experimental Investigation on Seismic Resistance of RC Shear Walls with CFRP Bars in Boundary Elements
Authors: Zhao Jun , Shen Fuqiang , Si Chenzhe , Sun Yuping , Yin Lu
Published: January 2020

Experimental investigation on seismic performance of RC shear walls reinforced with CFRP bars in boundary elements to enhance the resilience was presented which is expected for stable resistance capacity and small residual deformation. Six RC shear walls reinforced with CFRP bars as longitudinal tensile materials in boundary elements were tested under reversed cyclic lateral loading while subjected to constant axial compression with different axial load ratios of 0.17, 0.26 and 0.33, respectively. Two forms of stirrups were used for each axial load ratio, which were rectangular and circular stirrups in boundary elements. A reference specimen, ordinary RC shear walls, was also introduced to certify the excellence of CFRP bars. The test results indicated that the walls utilizing CFRP bars had small residual deformations and residual crack widths. Lower crack propagation height and larger concrete crushing region, bearing capacity and equivalent viscous damping coefficient (EVDC) could be observed with the increase of axial load ratios. The effects of stirrup forms on experimental results had a relation to the axial load ratio. When the axial load ratio was small, the shear walls with circular stirrups had better energy dissipation than that with rectangular stirrups at a given drift level, while the cumulative energy dissipation (CED) were similar. With the increase of axial load ratio, the walls exhibited similar energy dissipation at the same drift level, however, the shear walls with rectangular stirrups had larger CED.
Faulty homocysteine recycling in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Kowluru Renu A. , Mohammad Ghulam , Sahajpal Nikhil
Published: January 2020

Background

Although hyperglycemia is the main instigator in the development of diabetic retinopathy, elevated circulating levels of a non-protein amino acid, homocysteine, are also associated with an increased risk of retinopathy. Homocysteine is recycled back to methionine by methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and/or transsulfurated by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) to form cysteine. CBS and other transsulfuration enzyme cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), through desulfuration, generates H2S. Methionine cycle also regulates DNA methylation, an epigenetic modification associated with the gene suppression. The aim of this study was to investigate homocysteine and its metabolism in diabetic retinopathy.

Methods

Homocysteine and H2S levels were analyzed in the retina, and CBS, CSE and MTHFR in the retinal microvasculature from human donors with established diabetic retinopathy. Mitochondrial damage was evaluated in retinal microvessels by quantifying enzymes responsible for maintaining mitochondrial dynamics (fission-fusion-mitophagy). DNA methylation status ofCBSandMTHFRpromoters was examined using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation technique. The direct effect of homocysteine on mitochondrial damage was confirmed in human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) incubated with 100 μM L-homocysteine.

Results

Compared to age-matched nondiabetic control human donors, retina from donors with established diabetic retinopathy had ~ 3-fold higher homocysteine levels and ~ 50% lower H2S levels. The enzymes important for both transsulfuration and remethylation of homocysteine including CBS, CSE and MTHFR, were 40–60% lower in the retinal microvasculature from diabetic retinopathy donors. While the mitochondrial fission protein, dynamin related protein 1, and mitophagy markers optineurin and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3), were upregulated, the fusion protein mitofusin 2 was downregulated. In the same retinal microvessel preparations from donors with diabetic retinopathy, DNA at the promoters ofCBSandMTHFRwere hypermethylated. Incubation of HRECs with homocysteine increased reactive oxygen species and decreased transcripts of mtDNA-encodedCYTB.

Conclusions

Compromised transsulfuration and remethylation processes play an important role in the poor removal of retinal homocysteine in diabetic patients. Thus, regulation of their homocysteine levels should ameliorate retinal mitochondrial damage, and by regulating DNA methylation status of the enzymes responsible for homocysteine transsulfuration and remethylation, should prevent excess accumulation of homocysteine.
Second-generation trabecular micro-bypass stent implantation: Retrospective analysis after 12- and 24-month follow-up
Authors: Neuhann Raphael , Neuhann Tobias
Published: January 2020

Background

The study aimed to investigate the 24-month safety and efficacy of implantation of two second-generation iStent inject trabecular micro-bypass stents with concomitant cataract surgery.

Methods

This consecutive case series included 164 eyes of 109 patients implanted with the iStent inject® device with concomitant cataract surgery. The series was comprised of eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (n = 84), pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (n = 42), normal-tension glaucoma (n = 18), and ocular hypertension (n = 20). All 164 eyes reached 9–14 months of follow-up (“12-month consistent cohort”), with a subset of 88 eyes reaching 21–26 months of follow-up (“24-month consistent cohort”). Performance outcome measures included intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of glaucoma medications. Safety outcomes included intra- or postoperative complications, the need for secondary procedures and corrected distance visual acuity. Comparisons of change in continuous (e.g., IOP) and categorical (e.g., proportions of eyes on zero medications) measures between baseline and postoperative times were made with the paired t-test and McNemar’s chi-squared test, respectively.

Results

At 12 months postoperatively, IOP was reduced by 25.5% (from 20.0 ± 5.5 mmHg to 14.9 ± 2.0 mmHg; p < 0.001); at 24 months postoperatively, IOP was reduced by 26.6% (from 20.3 ± 6.1 mmHg to 14.9 ± 1.9 mmHg; p < 0.001). At 12 months postoperatively, mean number of glaucoma medications was reduced by 85.0% (from 2.0 ± 1.0 to 0.3 ± 0.8 medications; p < 0.001); at 24 months postoperatively, mean number of medications was reduced by 81.0% (from 2.1 ± 1.1 to 0.4 ± 0.8 medications; p < 0.001). After 12 months, 96.3% of eyes had an IOP ≤ 18 mmHg and 58.5% of eyes had an IOP ≤ 15 mmHg, with 81.1% of eyes free of any medication, compared to 1.8% of eyes medication-free in the 12-month cohort at baseline. After 24 months, 98.9% of eyes had an IOP ≤ 18 mmHg and 53.4% of eyes had an IOP ≤ 15 mmHg, with 72.7% free of medication compared to 1.1% of eyes medication-free in the 24-month cohort at baseline. Overall, a high safety profile was observed with no significant postoperative complications.

Conclusions

The insertion of iStent inject (comprised of two second-generation trabecular micro-bypass stents) with cataract surgery effectively provides a sustained reduction in IOP with a markedly improved medication burden up to 24 months postoperatively.
The long-term health and wellbeing impacts of Healthy New Towns (HNTs): protocol for a baseline and feasibility study of HNT demonstrator sites in England
Authors: Watts Paul , Rance Susanna , McGowan Victoria , Brown Heather , Bambra Clare , Findlay Gail , Harden Angela
Published: January 2020

Background

Increasing levels of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health problems, high rates of unhealthy behaviours and health inequalities remain major public health challenges worldwide. In the context of increasing urbanisation, there is an urgent need to understand how evidence that living environments shape health, wellbeing and behaviour can be used to design and deliver healthy environments in local urban settings. The Healthy New Town (HNT) programme implemented in England from 2015 consists of ten major housing developments that aim to improve population health through healthy design principles, new models for integrating health and social care and the creation of strong and connected communities. The programme provides a natural experiment in which to investigate the effects on health, wellbeing and inequalities of large-scale interventions targeting the wider social determinants of health.

Methods

The research described in this protocol aims to examine the feasibility of a larger study to assess the longer-term health impacts of HNTs, by addressing two research questions: (1) what are the similarities and differences in the HNT programme developments, processes, contexts and expected impacts and outcomes across HNT sites? and (2) how feasible is the use of data from routine sources and existing HNT evaluations and as the baseline for a definitive study to assess impact on health, wellbeing, behavioural and economic outcomes and programme processes? The research will consist of (a) participatory systems mapping with stakeholders to produce a theoretical framework for a longer-term study on the HNT programme, (b) synthesis of existing qualitative data from local HNT evaluations to understand local processes and intervention mechanisms, (c) scoping local and routinely available data to establish a baseline and feasibility for a longer-term study of health and economic outcomes, and (d) building relationships and recruiting HNT sites into the proposed research.

Discussion

The proposed research will produce a theoretical framework and assess the feasibility of a definitive study of outcomes of the HNT programme. This research is necessary to understand how longer-term health, wellbeing, behavioural and economic outcomes can be measured, and to inform a definitive study to generate evidence on the effectiveness of the HNT programme.
Towards a motivational design? Connecting gamification user types and online learning activities
Authors: Bovermann Klaudia , Bastiaens Theo J.
Published: January 2020

Motivation is a crucial factor for students’ learning behavior and plays a key role in the concept of gamification to foster students’ motivation through specific gamification mechanics and elements. User types for gamification and associated gamification mechanics can classify students’ interests and learning preferences and provide explanations for their motivational learning behavior. This study investigated how five gamification user types may relate to six mainly used online learning activities in a distance online bachelor’s and master’s class in educational science through the use of a systematic approach. A total of 86 students participated in the questionnaire in a cross-sectional study. The findings showed average agreement shares for all five gamification user types. The correlations revealed that the six online learning activities were at least significantly connected to one of the five gamification user types, and both person-centered and environment-centered perspectives were displayed. Finally, the results were discussed, and implications were derived for a motivational design.
Production of radiometals in liquid targets
Authors: do Carmo Sergio J. C. , Scott Peter J. H. , Alves Francisco
Published: January 2020

Over the last several years, the use of radiometals has gained increasing relevance in supporting the continuous development of new, complementary and more specific biological targeting agents. Radiopharmaceuticals labelled with radiometals from elements such as Tc, Zr, Y, Ga and Cu received increasing attention as they find application in both diagnostic SPECT and PET imaging techniques and radiotherapeutic purposes. Such interest stems from the wide variety of radionuclides available with distinct and complementary nuclear decay characteristics to choose from with unequalled specificity, but can also be explained by growing demand in targeted radionuclide therapy. As a result, as routine supply of these radiometals becomes mandatory, studies describing their production processes have expanded rapidly. Although most radiometals are traditionally provided by the irradiation of solid targets in specialized cyclotrons, recently developed techniques for producing radiometals through the irradiation of liquid targets have received growing attention due to compatibility with commonly available small medical cyclotrons, promising characteristics and encouraging results. Irradiating liquid targets to produce radiometals appears as a fast, reliable, convenient and cost-efficient alternative to the conventional solid target techniques, characterized by complex and time-consuming pre- and post-irradiation target handling. Production of radiometals in liquid targets incorporated to complete manufacturing processes for daily routine is already recognized as a viable alternative and complementary supply methodology to existing solid target based infrastructures to satisfy growing clinical demands. For instance, several sites already use the approach to produce68Ga-radiopharmaceuticals for clinical use. This review article covers the production of common radiometals with clinical potential through the irradiation liquid targets. A comparison with the traditional solid target irradiation methods is presented when relevant.
Sexuality and sexual dysfunctions in older people: a forgotten problem
Authors: Slack Philip , Aziz Victor M.
Published: January 2020

This article considers sexuality in older adults and the associated stereotypes and stigmas that lead to this area being underappreciated. Normal physiological changes in ageing are discussed and how they can cause sexual dysfunction. The elderly population has a higher burden of comorbid physical illness and this review considers evidence on the interplay between physical health and sexual health. Mental illness is also strongly linked with sexual functioning and is discussed, as is the evidence on psychotropics and sexual side-effects. Attitudes on sexuality in long-term care settings are highlighted and approaches to managing sexual disinhibition are included.
Access to WHO Essential Medicines for Childhood Cancer Care in Trinidad and Tobago: A Health System Analysis of Barriers and Enablers
Authors: Tang Brandon , Bodkyn Curt , Gupta Sumit , Denburg Avram
Published: January 2020

PURPOSE

Improving access to essential medicines is necessary to reduce global mortality resulting from childhood cancer. However, there is a lack of context-specific data in many low- to middle-income countries on the determinants of access to essential childhood cancer medicines. We conducted a mixed-methods case study of the barriers to and enablers of access to WHO essential medicines for childhood cancer care in Trinidad and Tobago, in response to domestic calls for policy attention and reform.

METHODS

We interviewed stakeholders (N = 9) across the pharmaceutical supply system using a novel analytic framework and qualitative interview guide. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed with constant comparative methods to capture emergent themes. Quantitatively, we examined alignment of the national essential medicines list with the 2017 WHO Essential Medicines List for Children (EMLc). National buyer prices for EMLc cancer medicines were compared with median international prices, with calculation of median price ratios to assess procurement efficiency.

RESULTS

Principal barriers identified included a lack of data-driven procurement, low supplier incentive to engage in tenders, reactive rather than proactive processes in response to stockouts, and siloed information systems. Recurring themes of regionalization, standardization, and proactivity emerged as priorities for policy reform. Quantitative analysis of the national essential medicines list and median price ratios for procured medicines aligned with findings reported qualitatively.

CONCLUSION

Our study contributes to global efforts to improve childhood cancer care by identifying policy-relevant evidence on access to essential childhood cancer medicines and providing a model for future studies in other jurisdictions.
Effect of Midazolam in Addition to Propofol and Opiate Sedation on the Quality of Recovery After Colonoscopy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Gurunathan Usha , Rahman Tony , Williams Zelda , Vandeleur Ann , Sriram Sweta , Harch Jennifer , Boggett Stuart , Hill Cindy , Bowyer Andrea , Royse Colin
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND:

There is a concern that midazolam, when used as a component of sedation for colonoscopy, may impair cognition and prolong recovery. We aimed to identify whether midazolam produced short- and longer-term effects on multiple dimensions of recovery including cognition.

METHODS:

A 2-center double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, randomized, phase IV study with a 1:1 allocation ratio was conducted in adults ≥18 years of age undergoing elective outpatient colonoscopy, with sufficient English language proficiency to complete the Postoperative Quality of Recovery Scale (PostopQRS). Participants were administered either midazolam (0.04 mg·kg−1) or an equivalent volume of 0.9% saline before sedation with propofol with or without an opiate. The primary outcome was incidence of recovery in the cognitive domain of the PostopQRS on day 3 after colonoscopy, which was analyzed using a χ2 test. Secondary outcomes included recovery in other domains of the PostopQRS over time, time to eye-opening, and hospital stay, and patient and endoscopist satisfaction. All hypotheses were defined before recruitment.

RESULTS:

During September 2015 to June 2018, 406 patients were allocated to either midazolam (n = 201) or placebo (n = 205), with one withdrawn before allocation. There was no significant difference in recovery in the cognitive domain of the PostopQRS on day 3 after colonoscopy (midazolam 86.8% vs placebo 88.7%, odds ratio, 0.838; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42–1.683; P= .625). Furthermore, there was no difference in recovery over time in the cognitive domain of the PostopQRS (P = .534). Overall recovery of the PostopQRS increased over time but was not different between groups. Furthermore, there were no differences between groups for nociceptive, emotive, activities-of-daily-living domains of the PostopQRS. Patient and endoscopist satisfaction were high and not different. There were no differences in time to eye-opening (midazolam 9.4 ± 12.8 minutes vs placebo 7.3 ± 0.7 minutes; P = .055), or time to hospital discharge (midazolam 103.4 ± 1.4 minutes vs placebo 98.4 ± 37.0 minutes; P = .516).

CONCLUSIONS:

The addition of midazolam 0.04 mg·kg−1 as adjunct to propofol and opiate sedation for elective colonoscopy did not show evidence of any significant differences in recovery in the cognitive domain of the PostopQRS, overall quality of recovery as measured by the PostopQRS, or emergence and hospital discharge times. The use of midazolam should be determined by the anesthesiologist.
Names Are Variables
Authors: Schoubye Anders J.
Published: January 2020

MILLIANISM and DESCRIPTIVISM are without question the two most prominent views with respect to the semantics of proper names. However, debates between MILLIANS and DESCRIPTIVISTS have tended to focus on a fairly narrow set of linguistic data and an equally narrow set of problems, mainly how to solve with Frege's puzzle and how to guarantee rigidity. In this article, the author focuses on a set of data that has been given less attention in these debates—namely, so-called predicative uses, bound uses, and shifted uses of names. The author first shows that these data points seem to favor a DESCRIPTIVIST view over a MILLIAN view, but the author then introduces an alternative view of names that not only provides a simple and elegant way of dealing with the data, but also retains rigidity without becoming subject to the problems raised by Frege's puzzle. This is the view that names are variables, also called VARIABILISM.
Pharmosome: an integrative and collective database for exploration and analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with disease
Authors: Habib Peter T. , Alsamman Alsamman M. , Hassanein Sameh E. , Yousef Kerolos M. , Hamwieh Aladdin
Published: January 2020

Current single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) databases are limited to a narrow set of SNPs, which has led to a lack of interactivity between different databases, limited tools to analyze and manipulate the already existing data, and complexity in the graphical user interface. Here we introduce Pharmosome, a web-based, user-friendly and collective database for more than 30,000 human disease-related SNPs, with dynamic pipelines to explore SNPs associated with disease development, drug response and the pathways shared between different genes related to these SNPs. Pharmosome implements several tools to design primers to detect SNPs in large genomes and facilitates analysis of different SNPs to determine relationships between them by aligning sequences, constructing phylogenetic trees, and providing consensus sequences illustrating the connections between SNPs. Pharmosome was written in the Python programming language using the Django web framework in combination with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to receive user inputs, and process and export the sorted result to the interface. Pharmosome is available from: https://pharmosome.herokuapp.com/.
The intertidal gastropods (Gastropoda: Mollusca) diversity and taxa distribution in Alas Purwo National Park, East Java, Indonesia
Authors: SUSINTOWATI SUSINTOWATI , PUNIAWATI NYOMAN , POEDJIRAHAJOE ERNY , NIKEN SATUTI NUR HANDAYANI  , HADISUSANTO SUWARNO
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Susintowati, Puniawati N, Poedjirahajoe, Handayani NSN, Hadisusanto S. 2019. The intertidal gastropods (Gastropoda: Mollusca) diversity and taxa distribution in Alas Purwo National Park, East Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 2016-2027. Gastropods play an essential role in the ecosystem and can be used as bioindicators of environmental pollution. Understanding of their behavior, habitat, and distribution, and how these factors evolve, is crucial. This paper aimed to describe the diversity of the gastropod community and their spatial taxa distribution, based on the specimen frequency across all observed samples, in the diverse environment of Alas Purwo National Park (APNP), East Java, Indonesia. We studied eight beaches and two mangroves areas, and the study areas of the intertidal zone divided into upper, middle, and lower zones towards the sea. The purposive sampling was used to determine the locations and multi-plot quadrats for observations. The diversity of gastropods was elucidated by using the Shannon and Simpson indexes, while the Morisita index was applied for analyzing their spatial distribution pattern. However, the correspondence analysis and principal component analysis were performed using the software of PAST 3.22 for describing the diversity profile and individual rarefaction of gastropods together with environmental quality. There were three beach types: rocky, sandy, and muddy beaches were found in APNP. The highest diversity index (H’) was found on Pancur beach: H’ = 3.271, D = 0.947 of 67 species. The spatial distribution pattern of gastropods species was weakly clumped to random, with Ip: 0.165 - 0.016. Gastropods, both predators and scavengers, were distributed from the upper to lower zones. The distribution of gastropods in APNP is mostly in type B. These results expand our knowledge of gastropods diversity and distribution of Indonesia’s beach and can contribute to the future environmental assessments of biodiversity of tropical intertidal zones worldwide.
Larval dispersal model of coral Acropora in the Karimunjawa Waters, Indonesia
Authors: Indrayanti Elis , ZAINURI MUHAMMAD , SABDONO AGUS , WIJAYANTI DIAH PERMATA , PRANOWO WIDODO SETIYO , SIAGIAN HENDRY SYAHPUTRA ROPINUS
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Indrayanti E, Zainuri M, Sabdono A, Wijayanti DP, Pranowo WS, Siagian HSR. 2019. Larval dispersal model of coral Acropora in the Karimunjawa Waters, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 2068-2075. Identification of connectivity patterns through the larval dispersal dynamics is urgently needed to support the sustainable larval supply. Many studies on the larval coral distribution have been reported. However, no study of coral larval dispersal has been conducted in Karimunjawa. The purpose of this research was to build a model of coral larval dispersal in Karimunjawa waters. Modeling was carried out by using a 2-dimensional hydrodynamic current approach with a particle tracking module. The larval release was conducted during the full moon in the first transition period (April) and the second transition period (October). The larval source was assumed from around Sambangan waters. Modeling validation was done by comparing the model results to the direct of current measurements with Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP). The results of larval dispersal model showed that both the transition seasons I and II were similar in the direction of movement towards the west. This result indicated that currents, tides, and winds influenced the larval dispersal process. Also, the model results showed that Sambangan, Tengah, Cilik, Sintok, the west site of Karimun, Menjangan Kecil, and Menjangan Besar Islands were identified as the location of the larval settlement.
Species richness of trees in disturbed habitats within a protected area and its implications for conservation: The case of Mt. Apo Natural Park, Mindanao Island, Philippines
Authors: ZAPANTA BENEDICT R. , ACHONDO MARION JOHN MICHAEL M. , RAGANAS AARON FROILAN M. , FRITZIE A.  , DELIMA AILEEN GRACE D. , MANTIQUILLA JUNALDO A. , PUENTESPINA ROBERTO P., JR. , Salvaña FLORENCE ROY P.
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Zapanta BR, Achondo MJMM, Raganas AFM, Camino FA, Delima, AGD, Mantiquilla JA, Puentespina, RP, Salvaña FRP. 2019. Species richness of trees in disturbed habitats within a protected area and its implications for conservation: The case of Mt. Apo Natural Park, Mindanao Island, Philippines. Biodiversitas 20: 2081-2091. In order to improve forest management, it is fundamental to develop baseline information on species distribution i.e., richness and presence of endemic and threatened species in varying conditions of environmental degradation. In the Philippines, there is a growing number of studies which provided important information on pristine habitats (e.g. primary forest), however, there is a scarcity of studies on disturbed habitats. Here, we present baseline information on the tree species diversity in disturbed habitats like those portions converted to agricultural lands planted with fruit trees and other commercial crops within Mt. Apo National Park. A total of 139 tree species including a single gymnosperm was identified within the study sites. Of the species identified, the dominant families included Moraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Meliaceae, Lauraceae, Myrtaceae, Arecaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, and Verbenaceae. Nineteen species were considered endemic including the Mindanao endemic, Lindera apoensis. Within this number, 47% are considered threatened on their range and four species viz. Parashorea malaanonan, Shorea contorta, and Shorea negrosensis are Critically Endangered with decreasing population records. The results of this current study suggest that disturbed habitats in Mt. Apo Natural Park still harbor endemic and threatened species, which are ecologically and economically important. Establishing a list of tree species in the area provides important information needed for the restoration of some disturbed areas which are abandoned by locals. The presence of endemic and threatened species also indicates that conservation, protection, and forest management efforts should be extended and allocated towards disturbed areas in the national park.
Carbon stock assessment using forest canopy density mapper in agroforestry land in Berau, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Hartoyo Adisti Permatasari Putri , Prasetyo Lilik Budi , Siregar Iskandar Zulkarnaen , . Supriyanto , Theilade Ida , Siregar Ulfah Juniarti
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Hartoyo APP, Prasetyo LB, Siregar IZ, Supriyanto, Theilade I, Siregar UJ. 2019. Carbon stock assessment using forest canopy density mapper in agroforestry land in Berau, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 2661-2676. In the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) program, remote sensing is the most important tool for measuring forest cover and carbon dynamic, including the utilization of software Forest Canopy Density (FCD) mapper. However, there have been rarely untested the accuracy of FCD applied in agroforestry landscapes to support carbon stock assessment compared to conventional field measurement data. This research was aimed to investigate the correlation between: (i) the value of FCD (%) and tree stand density (N/ha), (ii) the value of FCD (%) and basal area (m2/ha), (iii) the value of FCD (%) and total carbon stock (Mg C/ha), and iv) total carbon stock and percentage of canopy closure (%). Tree stand density, basal area, carbon stock and canopy profile were conventionally measured by trained members of local communities. The results of this study showed that the R2 between FCD and tree density was 37.7% (r = 61.4%), while the R2 between FCD and the basal area was 3.33% (r = 18.3%). The result of normality and heteroscedasticity tests showed that FCD was more accurate and precise in estimating the tree stand density model than the basal area model. Total carbon stock differed significantly (p<0.1) from tree density with R2 = 27.7% (r = 27.3%). Total carbon can be predicted using FCD with total carbon (Mg C/ha) = 13.005 + 0.826 FCD. Our findings suggest that FCD can be used as a new method to estimate tree density and total carbon stock cheaply, efficiently and accurately to support carbon stock assessment in agroforest practices. In carbon assessment, total carbon stock can also be estimated using canopy closure measurement.
Methylene blue decolorization fungi from crude oil contaminated soils
Authors: Permana Irvan , AMIR AWALUDDIN  , SARYONO
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Permana I, Awaluddin A, Saryono. 2019. Methylene blue decolorization fungi from crude oil-contaminated soils. Biodiversitas 20: 2693-2697. One of the world problems is the treatment to remove dyes in textile wastewater. Nowadays, the most effective and compatible method to the environment is decolorization by microorganisms. Therefore, the objective of this study is to find out the best fungi to decolorize synthetic dye methylene blue (MB). Total eight fungi that isolated from crude oil-contaminated soil were analyzed to study the effect of various parameters such as pH, the concentration of dyes, contact times and agitation on their rate of reaction. The initial screening showed that Penicillium sp. FTM7 had greater potential in biodegradation the MB. The optimum decolorization of MB by Penicillium sp. was found after 8 days incubation with agitation 150 rpm and concentration of MB is 40 ppm and unadjusted pH (95.45%). The decolorization of MB was found to follow first-order reactions.