bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mass spectrometric analysis of the in vitro secretome from equine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells to assess the effect of chondrogenic differentiation on response to interleukin-1β treatment
Authors: Bundgaard Louise , Stensballe Allan , Elbæk Kirstine Juul , Berg Lise Charlotte
Published: May 2020

Background

Similar to humans, the horse is a long-lived, athletic species. The use of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is a relatively new frontier, but has been used with promising results in treating joint diseases, e.g., osteoarthritis. It is believed that MSCs exert their main therapeutic effects through secreted trophic biomolecules. Therefore, it has been increasingly important to characterize the MSC secretome. It has been shown that the effect of the MSCs is strongly influenced by the environment in the host compartment, and it is a crucial issue when considering MSC therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in the in vitro secreted protein profile between naïve and chondrogenic differentiating bone marrow-derived (BM)-MSCs when exposed to an inflammatory environment.

Methods

Equine BM-MSCs were divided into a naïve group and a chondrogenic group. Cells were treated with normal expansion media or chondrogenic media. Cells were treated with IL-1β for a period of 5 days (stimulation), followed by 5 days without IL-1β (recovery). Media were collected after 48 h and 10 days. The secretomes were digested and analyzed by nanoLC-MS/MS to unravel the orchestration of proteins.

Results

The inflammatory proteins IL6, CXCL1, CXCL6, CCL7, SEMA7A, SAA, and haptoglobin were identified in the secretome after 48 h from all cells stimulated with IL-1β. CXCL8, OSM, TGF-β1, the angiogenic proteins VCAM1, ICAM1, VEGFA, and VEGFC, the proteases MMP1 and MMP3, and the protease inhibitor TIMP3 were among the proteins only identified in the secretome after 48 h from cells cultured in normal expansion media. After 10-day incubation, the proteins CXCL1, CXCL6, and CCL7 were still identified in the secretome from BM-MSCs stimulated with IL-1β, but the essential inducer of inflammation, IL6, was only identified in the secretome from cells cultured in normal expansion media.

Conclusion

The findings in this study indicate that naïve BM-MSCs have a more extensive inflammatory response at 48 h to stimulation with IL-1β compared to BM-MSCs undergoing chondrogenic differentiation. This extensive inflammatory response decreased after 5 days without IL-1β (day 10), but a difference in composition of the secretome between naïve and chondrogenic BM-MSCs was still evident.
Development of diagnostic tools for IBDV detection using plants as bioreactors
Authors: Gómez Evangelina , Cassani María Florencia , Lucero María Soledad , Parreño Viviana , Chimeno Zoth Silvina , Berinstein Analía
Published: May 2020

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is the etiological agent of an immunosuppressive and highly contagious disease that affects young birds, thus causing important economic losses in the poultry industry. Multimeric particles with different architectures based on the capsid protein VP2 have been widely produced for different purposes. We hereby show the production and easy recovery of IBDV subviral particles (SVP) from transiently transformed Nicotiana benthamiana. The SVP, which were observed by electronic microscopy, proved to be antigenically and immunogenically similar to the virion. Indeed, anti-IBDV antibodies from samples of infected birds recognized these SVP and, when injected intramuscularly, these subviral particles also evoked a humoral immune response in chickens. We developed an in-house ELISA using SVP as coating reagent that demonstrated to be highly accurate and in good agreement with a commercial ELISA. This study demonstrates that the recombinant antigen generated and the technology used to produce it are suitable for developing a diagnostic tool against Infectious bursal disease.
Mapping global evidence on strategies and interventions in neurotrauma and road traffic collisions prevention: a scoping review
Authors: M Selveindran Santhani , Tango Tamara , Khan Muhammad Mukhtar , Simadibrata Daniel Martin , Hutchinson Peter J. A. , Brayne Carol , Hill Christine , Servadei Franco , Kolias Angelos G. , Rubiano Andres M. , Joannides Alexis J. , Shabani Hamisi K.
Published: May 2020

Background

Neurotrauma is an important global health problem. The largest cause of neurotrauma worldwide is road traffic collisions (RTCs), particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Neurotrauma and RTCs are preventable, and many preventative interventions have been implemented over the last decades, especially in high-income countries (HICs). However, it is uncertain if these strategies are applicable globally due to variations in environment, resources, population, culture and infrastructure. Given this issue, this scoping review aims to identify, quantify and describe the evidence on approaches in neurotrauma and RTCs prevention, and ascertain contextual factors that influence their implementation in LMICs and HICs.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using five electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Global Health on EBSCO host, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews), grey literature databases, government and non-government websites, as well as bibliographic and citation searching of selected articles. The extracted data were presented using figures, tables, and accompanying narrative summaries. The results of this review were reported using the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR).

Results

A total of 411 publications met the inclusion criteria, including 349 primary studies and 62 reviews. More than 80% of the primary studies were from HICs and described all levels of neurotrauma prevention. Only 65 papers came from LMICs, which mostly described primary prevention, focussing on road safety. For the reviews, 41 papers (66.1%) reviewed primary, 18 tertiary (29.1%), and three secondary preventative approaches. Most of the primary papers in the reviews came from HICs (67.7%) with 5 reviews on only LMIC papers. Fifteen reviews (24.1%) included papers from both HICs and LMICs. Intervention settings ranged from nationwide to community-based but were not reported in 44 papers (10.8%), most of which were reviews. Contextual factors were described in 62 papers and varied depending on the interventions.

Conclusions

There is a large quantity of global evidence on strategies and interventions for neurotrauma and RTCs prevention. However, fewer papers were from LMICs, especially on secondary and tertiary prevention. More primary research needs to be done in these countries to determine what strategies and interventions exist and the applicability of HIC interventions in LMICs.
Does suboptimal household flooring increase the risk of diarrhoea and intestinal parasite infection in low and middle income endemic settings? A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Sartorius Benn , Legge Hugo , Pullan Rachel
Published: May 2020

Background

Water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions often fail to show long-term impact on diarrhoeal and/or intestinal parasite risk in many low- and middle-income countries. Less attention has been paid to wider contextual factors that may contribute to high levels of contamination in the domestic environment such as household flooring. The purpose of this study will be to assess the association between diarrhoeal and/or intestinal parasite infection status and unimproved/unfinished flooring in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods

We will conduct a comprehensive search of published studies (randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, and observational studies) that examined the association between unimproved/unfinished household flooring and diarrhoeal and/or intestinal parasite infection status from January 1, 1980, onwards with no language restriction. The primary outcome will include diarrhoeal and/or intestinal parasite infection status. Databases to be searched include EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The secondary outcome will be the association between specific pathogens (laboratory confirmed) and unimproved/unfinished household flooring. Independent screening for eligible studies using defined criteria and data extraction will be completed in duplicate and independently. Any discrepancies between the two reviewers will be resolved by consensus and/or arbitration by a third researcher. If data permits, random effects models will be used where appropriate. Subgroup and additional analyses will be conducted to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity (e.g. age group, geographical region) and potential risk of bias of included studies.

Discussion

This review will provide a comprehensive examination of a possible association between suboptimal household flooring and increased risk of enteric pathogen infection, highlight gaps for future research in high risk areas, and inform intervention design for future planned studies in Kenya and/or elsewhere in the region.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019156437
A national survey of public awareness of antimicrobial resistance in Nigeria
Authors: Chukwu Emelda E. , Oladele David A. , Awoderu Oluwatoyin B. , Afocha Ebelechukwu E. , Lawal Rahman G. , Abdus-salam Ismail , Ogunsola Folasade T. , Audu Rosemary A.
Published: May 2020

Background

One of the objectives of the Global Action Plan by the World Health Organization (WHO) to contain antimicrobial resistance (AMR), is to improve global awareness through effective communication and education. Comprehensive information on the level of awareness of AMR among Nigerian public is deficient. This study was therefore designed to assess the current level of awareness and knowledge of the Nigerian public of AMR.

Methods

Pre-tested and validated questionnaire was used to obtain information from the general public across the six geopolitical zones (North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South and South West) in Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling was used to select one state from each zone and respondents were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Responses to eight questions were used to grade the level of knowledge categorized as poor, fair and good. Collation and analysis of data were performed at the Microbiology Department of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Lagos, Nigeria, using SPSS version 24.0.

Results

Questionnaires from 482 respondents comprising 242 (50.2%) females and 240 (49.8%) males from six states (Lagos, Ebonyi, Delta, Plateau, Borno and Jigawa) were analyzed. Of the 482 respondents, 322 (66.8%) had taken antibiotics in the last six months out of which 31.3% were without prescription. 26.1% of respondents believe they don’t need to complete the dosage as long as they feel better. Although 272(56.5%) of the respondents were familiar with the term “antibiotic resistance”, only 40(8.3%) had good knowledge of AMR. A majority (76.6%) believed that they were powerless to stop the spread of AMR. There was no association between the gender of respondents and knowledge of AMR (p = 0.13). However, respondents from Ebonyi and Delta states in southern Nigeria were more likely to have good knowledge of AMR (X2 = 53.22, P < 0.0001). The respondents in the urban area had a higher score for knowledge level compared to the rural dwellers, though this was not statistically significant within and across states.

Conclusion

This survey provides an insight into the level of AMR awareness and antibiotic use in the wider Nigeria public. Our findings show that about a third of the general public consume antibiotics obtained without prescription. There is an overall poor understanding of antimicrobial resistance and/or proper use of antibiotics among respondents. It is critical that more holistic public enlightenment programs are carried out to increase awareness of AMR and promote responsible use of antibiotics.
Impact of post-ruminally infused macronutrients on bovine mammary gland expression of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis, energy metabolism, and protein synthesis measured in RNA isolated from milk fat
Authors: Nichols Kelly , Bannink André , van Baal Jurgen , Dijkstra Jan
Published: May 2020

Background

Characterising the regulation of milk component synthesis in response to macronutrient supply is critical for understanding the implications of nutritional interventions on milk production. Gene expression in mammary gland secretory cells was measured using RNA isolated from milk fat globules from 6 Holstein-Friesian cows receiving 5-d abomasal infusions of saline, essential amino acids (AA), or glucose (GG) or palm olein (LG) without (LAA) or with (HAA) essential AA, according to a 6 × 6 Latin square design. RNA was isolated from milk fat samples collected on d 5 of infusion and subjected to real-time quantitative PCR. We hypothesised that mRNA expression of genes involved in de novo milk fatty acid (FA) synthesis would be differently affected by GG and LG, and that expression of genes regulating transfer of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates would increase at the HAA level. We also hypothesised that the HAA level would affect genes regulating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis but would not affect genes related to the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) or the integrated stress response (ISR) network.

Results

Infusion of GG did not affect de novo milk FA yield but decreased expression of FA synthase (FASN). Infusion of LG decreased de novo FA yield and tended to decrease expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1). The HAA level increased both de novo FA yield and expression of ACC1, and tended to decrease expression of mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK2). mRNA expression of mTORC1 signaling participants was not affected by GG, LG, or AA level. Expression of the ε subunit of the ISR constituent eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B (EIF2B5) tended to increase at the HAA level, but only in the presence of LG. X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) mRNA was activated in response to LG and the HAA level.

Conclusions

Results show that expression of genes involved in de novo FA synthesis responded to glucogenic, lipogenic, and aminogenic substrates, whereas genes regulating intermediate flux through the tricarboxylic acid cycle were not majorly affected. Results also suggest that after 5 d of AA supplementation, milk protein synthesis is supported by enhanced ER biogenesis instead of signaling through the mTORC1 or ISR networks.
Comparative study of the effects of Cassia spectabilis and Newbouldia laevis leaf extracts on diclofenac-induced hepatorenal oxidative damage in rats
Authors: Ogbe Raphael John , Luka Carrol Domkat , Adoga Godwin Ichekanu
Published: May 2020

Background

There is high incidence of liver and kidney diseases worldwide but medicinal plants may provide remedy. This study evaluated and compared the protective effects ofCassia spectabilisextract (CSE) andNewbouldia laevisextract (NLE) against diclofenac (DF) induced hepatorenal oxidative damage in rats.

Methods

Twenty four rats were divided into 4 groups with 6 rats in each. Normal saline was given to the rats in group I while those in groups III and IV were treated with 250 mg/kg b. wt. CSE and NLE respectively for 28 days by oral gavages. Those in groups II to IV were exposed to 10 mg/kg DF in the last 7 days of treatment. Serum was separated from the blood and used for estimations of hepatorenal injury markers while the homogenized tissue supernatants were used for assays of oxidative stress markers.

Results

There was a significant (p < 0.01) increase in the levels of ALT, AST, GGT, MDA, creatinine and BUN but a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in the levels of SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, GSH and G6Pase of DF-exposed rats when compared with normal control. However, treatment of DF-exposed rats with CSE and NLE significantly (p < 0.01) increased the levels of SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, GSH, and G6Pase but significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the levels of ALT, AST, GGT, MDA, creatinine and BUN when compared with DF control.

Conclusion

The current findings showed that treatments with CSE and NLE may have protective effects against DF-induced hepatorenal oxidative damage in rats, attributed to certain phytochemicals, but CSE has greater bioactivity than NLE.
Patient-derived xenografts as compatible models for precision oncology
Authors: Cho Sung-Yup
Published: May 2020

Cancer is a very heterogeneous disease, displaying heterogeneity between patients (inter-tumoral heterogeneity) and heterogeneity within a patient (intra-tumoral heterogeneity). Precision oncology is a diagnostic and therapeutic approach for cancers based on the stratification of patients using genomic and molecular profiling of tumors. To develop diagnostic and therapeutic tools for the application of precision oncology, appropriate preclinical mouse models that reflect tumor heterogeneity are required. Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models are generated by the engraftment of patient tumors into immunodeficient mice that retain several aspects of the patient’s tumor characteristics, including inter-tumoral heterogeneity and intra-tumoral heterogeneity. Therefore, PDX models can be applied in various developmental steps of cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, such as biomarker development, companion diagnostics, drug efficacy testing, overcoming drug resistance, and co-clinical trials. This review summarizes the diverse aspects of PDX models, addressing the factors considered for PDX generation, application of PDX models for cancer research, and future directions of PDX models.
TGF-β-driven downregulation of the transcription factor TCF7L2 affects Wnt/β-catenin signaling in PDGFRα+ fibroblasts
Authors: Contreras Osvaldo , Soliman Hesham , Theret Marine , Rossi Fabio M. V. , Brandan Enrique
Published: May 2020

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitors essential for organogenesis, tissue homeostasis, regeneration and scar formation. Tissue injury upregulates transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling, which modulates myofibroblast fate, extracellular matrix remodeling and fibrosis. However, the molecular determinants of MSC differentiation and survival remain poorly understood. During canonical Wnt signaling, T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) transcription factors regulate development and stemness, but the mechanisms by which injury-induced cues modulate their expression remain underexplored. Here, we studied the cell type-specific gene expression of TCF/LEF transcription factors and, more specifically, we investigated whether damage-induced TGF-β signaling impairs the expression and function of TCF7L2 (also known as TCF4), using several models of MSCs, including skeletal muscle fibro-adipogenic progenitors. We show that TCF/LEFs are differentially expressed and that TGF-β reduces the expression of TCF7L2 in MSCs but not in myoblasts. We also found that the ubiquitin–proteasome system regulates TCF7L2 proteostasis and participates in TGF-β-mediated TCF7L2 protein downregulation. Finally, we show that TGF-β requires histone deacetylase activity to repress the expression of TCF7L2. Thus, our work reports a novel interplay between TGF-β and canonical Wnt signaling cascades in PDGFRα+ fibroblasts and suggests that this mechanism could be targeted in tissue repair and regeneration.
Flash and grab: deep-diving southern elephant seals trigger anti-predator flashes in bioluminescent prey
Authors: Goulet Pauline , Guinet Christophe , Campagna Claudio , Campagna Julieta , Tyack Peter Lloyd , Johnson Mark
Published: May 2020

Bioluminescence, which occurs in approximately 80% of the world's mesopelagic fauna, can take the form of a low-intensity continuous glow (e.g. for counter-illumination or signalling) or fast repetitions of brighter anti-predatory flashes. The southern elephant seal (SES) is a major consumer of mesopelagic organisms, in particular the abundant myctophid fish, yet the fine-scale relationship between this predator's foraging behaviour and bioluminescent prey remains poorly understood. We hypothesised that brief, intense light emissions should be closely connected with prey strikes when the seal is targeting bioluminescent prey that reacts by emitting anti-predator flashes. To test this, we developed a biologging device containing a fast-sampling light sensor together with location and movement sensors to measure simultaneously anti-predator bioluminescent emissions and the predator's attack motions with a 20 ms resolution. Tags were deployed on female SES breeding at Kerguelen Islands and Península Valdés, Argentina. In situ light levels in combination with duration of prey capture attempts indicated that seals were targeting a variety of prey types. For some individuals, bioluminescent flashes occurred in a large proportion of prey strikes, with the timing of flashes closely connected with the predator's attack motion, suggestive of anti-predator emissions. Marked differences across individuals and location indicate that SES do exploit bioluminescent organisms but the proportion of these in the diet varies widely with location. The combination of wideband light and acceleration data provides new insight into where and when different prey types are encountered and how effectively they might be captured.
Heat Exchange in Young and Older Men during Constant- and Variable-Intensity Work
Authors: NOTLEY SEAN R. , MEADE ROBERT D. , D’SOUZA ANDREW W. , RUTHERFORD MAURA M. , KIM JUNG-HYUN , KENNY GLEN P.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Current occupational heat stress guidelines rely on time-weighted averaging to quantify the metabolic demands of variable-intensity work. However, variable-intensity work may be associated with impairments in whole-body total heat loss (dry + evaporative heat loss), especially in older workers, which exacerbate heat strain relative to constant-intensity work eliciting the same time-weighted average metabolic rate. We, therefore, used direct calorimetry to evaluate whether variable-intensity work would cause decrements in the average rate of whole-body total heat loss that augment body heat storage and core temperature compared with constant-intensity work in young and older men.

Methods

Eight young (19–31 yr) and eight older (54–65 yr) men completed four trials involving 90 min of work (cycling) eliciting an average metabolic heat production of ~200 W·m−2 in dry-heat (40°C, 20% relative humidity). One trial involved constant-intensity work (CON), whereas the others involved 10-min cycles of variable-intensity work: 5-min low-intensity and 5-min high-intensity (VAR 5:5), 6-min low-intensity and 4-min very high-intensity (VAR 6:4), and 7-min low- and 3-min very, very high-intensity (VAR 7:3). Metabolic heat production, total heat loss, body heat storage (heat production minus total heat loss), and core (rectal) temperature were measured throughout.

Results

When averaged over each 90-min work period, metabolic heat production, total heat loss, and heat storage were similar between groups and conditions (all P ≥ 0.152). Peak core temperature (average of final 10 min) was also similar between groups and conditions (both P ≥ 0.111).

CONCLUSIONS

Whole-body total heat loss, heat storage, and core temperature were not significantly influenced by the partitioning of work intensity in young or older men, indicating that time-weighted averaging appears to be appropriate for quantifying the metabolic demands of variable-intensity work to assess occupational heat stress.
First description of early developmental stages of the native invasive fireworm Hermodice carunculata (Annelida, Amphinomidae): a cue to the warming of the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: TOSO ANDREA , BOULAMAIL SARAH , LAGO NICOLA , PIERRI CATALDO , PIRAINO STEFANO , GIANGRANDE ADRIANA
Published: May 2020

Observations on the reproductive behavior and larval development of the bristled fireworm Hermodice carunculata, a common inhabitant of shallow marine rocky bottoms in the Southern Mediterranean Sea, are reported here. In recent years, an increase in abundance and a northward expansion of the populations along the Southern Italian coast were jointly detected, presumably linked to rising water temperature in the Mediterranean Sea. After making in situ observations on two consecutive spawning events, live worms and fresh spawn were brought into the lab, kept at either 27 ºC or 22 ºC and followed through development. Complete and normal development was observed only at 27°C. By contrast, embryonic and larval development appeared to be slowed down at 22°C, stopping at the protrochophora stage. Early development of H. carunculata suggests the existence of a long pre-metamorphic, planktotrophic period in the water column that can explain the genetic cohesion of this species and the low genetic divergence found among populations across the Atlantic Ocean. The observed increase in abundance, invasiveness potential, and geographical northern distribution of the bearded fireworms is probably determined by a progressive northward latitudinal shift of the sea surface temperature coincident with the temperature threshold required for the developmental and reproductive success of the worm.
The contribution of wind-wave energy at sea bottom to the modelling of rhodolith beds distribution in an off-shore continental shelf
Authors: AGNESI SABRINA , ANNUNZIATELLIS ALDO , INGHILESI ROBERTO , MΟ GIULIA , ORASI ARIANNA
Published: May 2020

The study aims to investigate the relationship between the presence of rhodolith beds and the effect on the shelf bottom boundary layer due to the action of surface wind waves. The study area is situated off-shore and north-west of Elba Island in the Western Mediterranean Sea, an area known to be characterized by rhodolith beds. A binomial logistic regression model is used in order to analyse the relationship between wind-wave energy at sea bottom, bathymetry and rhodolith bed occurrence. The results indicate a positive correlation between rhodolith bed occurrence and wave energy, while the relation with bathymetry is weaker in all the trials. The wave energy confidence interval associated to the rhodolith bed probability is also estimated, thereby informing on wind wave energy values required for the modelling of this particular benthic habitat in off-shore shelf areas.
Detection of blood pathogens in camels and their associated ectoparasitic camel biting keds, Hippobosca camelina: the potential application of keds in xenodiagnosis of camel haemopathogens
Authors: Kidambasi Kevin O. , Masiga Daniel K. , Villinger Jandouwe , Carrington Mark , Bargul Joel L.
Published: May 2020

Background: Major constraints to camel production include pests and diseases. In northern Kenya, little information is available about blood-borne pathogens circulating in one-humped camels ( Camelus dromedarius) or their possible transmission by the camel haematophagous ectoparasite, Hippobosca camelina, commonly known as camel ked or camel fly. This study aimed to: (i) identify the presence of potentially insect-vectored pathogens in camels and camel keds, and (ii) assess the potential utility of keds for xenodiagnosis of camel pathogens that they may not vector.

Methods: In Laisamis, northern Kenya, camel blood samples (n = 249) and camel keds (n = 117) were randomly collected from camels. All samples were screened for trypanosomal and camelpox DNA by PCR, and for Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Brucella, Coxiella, Theileria, and Babesia by PCR coupled with high-resolution melting (PCR-HRM) analysis.

Results: In camels, we detected Trypanosoma vivax (41%), Trypanosoma evansi (1.2%), and “ Candidatus Anaplasma camelii” (68.67%). In camel keds, we also detected T. vivax (45.3%), T. evansi (2.56%), Trypanosoma melophagium (1/117) (0.4%), and “ Candidatus Anaplasma camelii” (16.24 %). Piroplasms ( Theileria spp. and Babesia spp.), Coxiella burnetii, Brucella spp., Ehrlichia spp., and camel pox were not detected in any samples.

Conclusions: This study reveals the presence of epizootic pathogens in camels from northern Kenya. Furthermore, the presence of the same pathogens in camels and in keds collected from sampled camels suggests the potential use of these flies in xenodiagnosis of haemopathogens circulating in camels.
COVID-19 countermeasures, Major League Baseball, and the home field advantage: Simulating the 2020 season using logit regression and a neural network
Authors: Ehrlich Justin , Ghimire Shankar
Published: May 2020

Background: In the wake of COVID-19, almost all major league sports have been either cancelled or postponed. The sports industry suffered a major blow with the uncertainty of sporting events being held in the near future. Various scenarios of how and when sports might recommence have been discussed. This paper examines various scenarios of how Major League Baseball team performance is going to be impacted by the presence of fans, or the lack thereof, in the context of physical distancing and other COVID-19 countermeasures

Methods: The paper simulates, using a neural network and a logit regression model, the win-loss probabilities for various scenarios under consideration and also estimates the home effect for each team using data for the 2017-2019 seasons.

Results: The model demonstrates that individual team home effect is symmetric between home and away and teams will not necessarily have a win or loss of any additional games in neutral stadiums, as teams with a high home field effect will lose more neutral games that would have been at home but will win more neutral games that would have been away. However, the result of individual games will be different since home effect is asymmetric between teams. Our simulation demonstrates that these individual game differences may lead to a slight difference in Play-Off Berths between a full season, a half season, or a full season without fans.

Conclusions: Without fans, any advantage (or disadvantage) from home field advantage is removed. Our models and simulation demonstrate that this will reduce the variance. This stabilizes the outcome based upon true team talent, which we estimate will cause a larger divide between the best and worst teams. This estimation helps decision makers understand how individual team performance will be impacted as they prepare for the 2020 season under the new circumstances.
Stage 1 Registered Report: The experiences and perceptions of parent-child interaction therapy for parents of young children with communication difficulties: A qualitative evidence synthesis protocol
Authors: O'Toole Ciara , Lyons Rena , Ó’Doibhlín Donna , O’Farrell Fia , Houghton Catherine
Published: May 2020

Background: Parent-child interaction therapy refers to a group of interventions mediated by trained parents to address areas of developmental difficulties in children. In the field of speech and language therapy it is used in early intervention for children with speech, language and communication difficulties. The intervention involves training parents and caregivers on the importance of responsivity and language input in daily interactions and coaches them on strategies to implement these with the children. As the success of the intervention is heavily influenced by caregiver engagement, understanding and acceptance, it is important to consider their views. However, to date there has been limited work on synthesising parental views of this intervention.

Methods: This is a protocol for a qualitative evidence synthesis of peer-reviewed qualitative papers addressing the experiences and perceptions of parent-child interaction therapy for parents of children with communication difficulties. We will complete a systematic search of 11 databases, review the reference lists and complete a cited reference search of all included studies. Two authors will independently screen tests for inclusion, initially by title and abstract, with full-text screening as necessary. Thematic synthesis will be used for all included studies. We will appraise the quality of included studies using CASP and confidence in the review findings using GRADE CERQual.

Discussion: As the views of parents are pivotal in the success of this intervention, the findings from this synthesis should  help to guide best practice and policy for the future implementation of parent child interaction therapy for children with communication difficulties..
Relationships between parameters of plasma lipoproteines profile and heart rate variability
Authors: Tsymbryla Volodymyr , Barylyak Liliya , Zukow Walery , Popovych Igor
Published: May 2020

Background. Relationships between parameters of plasma lipoproteines profile and heart rate variability (HRV) are one of the subjects of research at the Truskavetsian Scientific School of Balneology. The contradictions and ambiguities obtained results indicate that research in this area remains relevant. The purpose of this study is to analyze the canonical correlation between HRV parameters, on the one hand, and plasma lipoproteins profile parameters, on the other. Material and Methods. The object of observation were 20 volunteers: ten women and ten men aged 33-76 years without clinical diagnose but with dysfunction of neuro-endocrine-immune complex and metabolism, characteristic for premorbid state. We recorded twice electrocardiogram to assess the parameters of HRV (software and hardware complex "CardioLab+HRV"). Then we estimated plasma lipoproteines spectrum: High-, Law- and Very Law-Density Lipoproteines Cholesterol levels. Results. Found that plasma level of HD LP Cholesterol is upregulated by vagal influences, whereas sympathetic influences causes a downregulation. Constellation of HRV parameters determines its level by 17%. The VLD LP Cholesterol plasma level is upregulated by sympathetic influences and downregulated by vagal tone; determination rate is 22%. The maximum degree of sympathetic (directly) and vagus (inversely) determination was found in relation to LD LP Cholesterol plasma level (31%). In general, the state of autonomic nerve regulation determines the plasma lipid profile by 63%. Conclusion. The content of Cholesterol in the composition of lipoproteins of different density substantially subject to the regulatory influence of the autonomic nervous system.
The incidence of non-tumour diseases of the respiratory organs of offspring of the first generation of residents of radiation-contaminated territories of Ukraine under the age of 18 years
Authors: Yaroshenko Zh.
Published: May 2020

There was conducted an epidemiological study of the morbidity of non-tumour diseases of the respiratory organs of the first-generation offspring born by residents of radioactively contaminated territories, until they reached 18 years. The observation period from 1987 to 2016. The total cohort was 35893 individuals, among whom male offspring constituted 18138 individuals, while female offspring constituted 17755 individuals. There were created 4 groups to study offspring up to 3 years old, depending on the time of birth of offspring after an accident – years of birth:(first – 01.03.1987– 28.02.1990, second – 01.03.1990– 28.02.1993, third – 01.03.1993– 28.02.1996, fourth – 01.03.1996– 28.02.1999), with a three-year observation period.During the observation period, there were detected 7845 cases of non-tumour respiratory diseases, which is 36.6% of the total pathology and 59,59±0,65 cases by 103 man-years observations. Of whom male offspring 4146 cases (С –38,8%, ID–62,42±0,94 by 103 man-years), and female offspring – 3699 (С –34,6%, ID– 56,72±0,91).The formation of non-tumour respiratory diseases occurred mainly due to the groups of diseases: "acute respiratory infections of the upper respiratory tract" (J00-J06.9) and "influenza and pneumonia" (J10-J18.9), "other upper respiratory tract diseases (J30.0-J39.9)" and "other acute respiratory infections of the lower respiratory tract (J20- J22), which amounted to 98.84%.For all the years of observation among the studied groups, the highest rates of respiratory disease in each period on the first or second, and the lowest - on the fourth.An analysis of the incidence showed that up to 6 years, offspring were mainly affected by acute respiratory infections of the upper respiratory tract and chronic tonsillitis and adenoids, and in the younger school-age, the incidence increased due to acute upper and lower respiratory tract diseases. In adolescence, the morbidity of the respiratory system is complicated by more severe nosological forms: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma.
Health groups as an integral indicator of the state of health of the offspring of the first generation of inhabitants of radioactively contaminated areas, from birth to the age of 18
Authors: Yaroshenko Zh. , Huryev S. , Iskra N.
Published: May 2020

An analysis of the distribution of first-generation offspring born to residents of radiation-contaminated areas of Ukraine by health groups, assessment of the organization of medical examinations, identification of risk factors that are factors of loss of health, to improve medical care.The observation period from 1987 to 2016. The total cohort was 35893 individuals, among whom male offspring constituted 18138 individuals, while female offspring constituted 17755 individuals. There were created four groups to study offspring up to 3 years old, depending on the time of birth of offspring after an accident – years of birth:(first – 01.03.1987– 28.02.1990, second – 01.03.1990– 28.02.1993, third – 01.03.1993– 28.02.1996, fourth – 01.03.1996– 28.02.1999), with a three-year observation period.The groups under clinical examination have been entered as follows: the first group – healthy; the second group – practically healthy; the third group – diseased, whilst the disease has a compensated or subcompensated course. A separate fourth group includes individuals with persistent pathological disorders that lead to permanent disability (disability)During the observation period, there were detected, that the offspring of the general cohort in the first years of life were mostly healthy and only 5% had the third health group. At the age of 16-18, the health condition gradually deteriorated, as evidenced by a 27% decrease in the proportion of healthy and practically healthy offspring (first and second health groups) and a simultaneous increase by 30% of the number of people in the third health group. Significant deterioration in the health of offspring occurred at 5-7 and 16-18 years. The health condition of the male offspring is worse than of the female offspring. During the entire study period, in all of the groups under study, the proportion of offspring with disabilities was about 1-2%.
A Dynamic Mean-Variance Analysis for Log Returns
Authors: Dai Min , Jin Hanqing , Kou Steven , Xu Yuhong
Published: May 2020

We propose a dynamic portfolio choice model with the mean-variance criterion for log returns. The model yields time-consistent portfolio policies and is analytically tractable even under some incomplete market settings. The portfolio policies conform with conventional investment wisdom (e.g., richer people should invest more absolute amounts of money in risky assets; the longer the investment time horizon, the more proportional amount of money should be invested in risky assets; and for long-term investment, people should not short-sell major stock indices whose returns are higher than the risk-free rate), and the model provides a direct link with the constant relative risk aversion utility maximization in a complete market.

This paper was accepted by Kay Giesecke, finance.
Modul Pembelajaran Berasaskan Projek: Kesan terhadap Pencapaian Teori dalam Projek Tahun Akhir 1 di Kolej Vokasional
Authors: Wan Rashid Wan Hafiidzull , Che Kob Che Ghani , Abdullah Arman Shah
Published: May 2020

Pelajar Kolej Vokasional khususnya dalam bidang Teknologi Kejuruteraan Mekanikal dan Pembuatan (TKMP) kurang pencapaian dalam aspek teori terutamanya dalam penulisan berbentuk ilmiah kerana faktor pendekatan pembelajaran secara konvensional. Matlamat kajian ini adalah untuk membangunkan Modul Pembelajaran Berasaskan Projek (M-PBPj) bagi subjek Projek Tahun Akhir 1 (PTA1) dan menilai kesannya terhadap pencapaian teori pelajar. Reka bentuk kajian ini menggunakan kaedah kuantitatif melalui kuasi-eksperimen kumpulan rawatan dan kumpulan kawalan. Kajian ini melibatkan 91 orang pelajar sebagai sampel di sebuah Kolej Vokasional di negeri Perak, Malaysia. Kuasi-eksperimen digunakan dalam kajian kerana kaedah ini mampu menunjukkan kesan penggunaan pemboleh ubah mengikut dua tempoh masa pra dan pasca. Keberkesanan Modul Pembelajaran Berasaskan Projek (M-PBPj) dinilai melalui Ujian-T sampel berpasangan dan sampel tidak berpasangan. Penyelidik mencadangkan supaya penggunaan Modul Pembelajaran Berasaskan Projek (M-PBPj) ini digunakan dalam proses pengajaran dan pembelajaran bagi subjek Projek Tahun Akhir 1 (PTA1) agar dapat meningkatkan pencapaian teori dalam melaksanakan penulisan ilmiah.
Challenges post-COVID-19: planning strategies to resume elective dentistry and allied surgical specialities
Authors: Loh Melissa , Iyengar Karthikeyan , Loh William YC
Published: May 2020

The effect of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic on the NHS in the UK has been profound and unprecedented. Many surgical specialities, including dentistry, throughout the country have not been exempt from this effect. As there are many aerosol-generating procedures and aerosol-generating exposures in surgical specialities, there has been a substantial cancellation of elective treatment. This has been in part because of the limited availability of personal protective equipment for surgeons as this is being use elsewhere by clinicians to aid the reduction of viral spread in the community. As the UK is preparing to emerge from the ‘lockdown’ during the pandemic, restarting elective surgical and dental treatment is an expected challenge. This article looks at the possible roadmap to recovery of elective surgical management and dentistry, taking into consideration possible predicted further peaks and troughs of COVID-19 infections.
Deep learning improves contrast in low-fluence photoacoustic imaging
Authors: Hariri Ali , Alipour Kamran , Mantri Yash , Schulze Jurgen P. , Jokerst Jesse V.
Published: May 2020

Low fluence illumination sources can facilitate clinical transition of photoacoustic imaging because they are rugged, portable, affordable, and safe. However, these sources also decrease image quality due to their low fluence. Here, we propose a denoising method using a multi-level wavelet-convolutional neural network to map low fluence illumination source images to its corresponding high fluence excitation map. Quantitative and qualitative results show a significant potential to remove the background noise and preserve the structures of target. Substantial improvements up to 2.20, 2.25, and 4.3-fold for PSNR, SSIM, and CNR metrics were observed, respectively. We also observed enhanced contrast (up to 1.76-fold) in an in vivo application using our proposed methods. We suggest that this tool can improve the value of such sources in photoacoustic imaging.
High pulsed power VCSEL arrays with polymer microlenses formed by photoacid diffusion
Authors: Tan Siew Li , Yap Yong Keong , Wong Jia Jun , Ng Jun Da , Grenci Gianluca , Danner Aaron J.
Published: May 2020

We demonstrate millimeters-long VCSEL linear arrays with SU-8 epoxy-based microlenses that are directly patterned and cross-linked on the output apertures by a simple, photoacid-diffusion-aided photolithography technique. The linear arrays are capable of delivering >7 W of peak pulsed output power. By exploiting the photoacid diffusion effect, it is possible to produce a range of microlens structures with height and radius of curvature ranging from approximately ten to tens of microns. Simulation and experimental results show that the far-field beam divergence can be reduced by a factor of up to 7 in VCSELs integrated with optimal microlens dimensions.
Segmentation and detection of cattle branding images using CNN and SVM classification
Authors: Silva Carlos , Weber Juliano , Belloni Bruno
Published: May 2020

This article presents a hybrid method that uses Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) to segmentation and Support Vector Machines (SVM) to detection the brandings. The experiments were performed using a cattle branding images. Metrics of Overall Accuracy, Recall, Precision, Kappa Coefficient, and Processing Time were used in order to assess the proposed tool. The results obtained here were satisfactory, reaching a Overall Accuracy of 93% in the first experiment with 39 brandings and 1,950 sample images, and 95% of accuracy in the second experiment, with the same 39 brandings, but with 2,730 sample images. The processing time attained in the experiments was 32s and 42s, respectively.
The importance of development of control processes and methods for urban bus services
Authors: Facchini Eduardo , Dias Eduardo Mario
Published: May 2020

This article aims to discuss the importance of the development of methodologies and control processes by the public power for the proper management of the urban bus system. It reflects on the idea of management control from the perspective of an operational, strategic and innovative perspective. It proposes a new look at the solution of negative externalities that arise in the urban environment of cities such as collisions, roadkill, works that will obstruct the roadbed and various events disrupting local traffic and directly impacting the mobility of public transport on tires. The theme is current, as it addresses the most problematic urban problem in the contemporary world, which is mobility. Thus, the article tells the experience of São Paulo and discusses a new control methodology for urban bus service.
El uso de las lenguas en los sistemas de enseñanza de la Europa renacentista
Authors: Monreal Pérez Juan Luis
Published: May 2020

Una de las aportaciones que hicieron los llamados humanistas renacentistas a la educación fue la organización de sus contenidos a través de los llamados sistemas de enseñanza o Ratio studiorum, desarrollando –a su vez– estrategias e instrumentos de aprendizaje. Uno de dichos instrumentos fue la lengua, en su vertiente comunicativa y de acceso al conocimiento. Entre dichos humanistas conviene mencionar a Erasmo, Vives, Ignacio de Loyola, Melanchthon y Calvino, por sus contribuciones al desarrollo de la lengua y, especialmente, por el peso que le dieron a la presencia de las lenguas en los sistemas de enseñanza que propusieron.
Retrato de familia a contraluz: el aprendizaje musical de Angélique Diderot y la educación ilustrada de las mujeres
Authors: Bastos Marzal Miriam
Published: May 2020

La esmerada educación musical proyectada por el filósofo francés Denis Diderot para su hija Angélique abarcó no solo el aprendizaje de un amplio repertorio para teclado, sino también nociones avanzadas de armonía y teoría musical. Partiendo de la conexión entre esta inusual opción pedagógica y las teorías de Diderot acerca de la deficiente educación recibida por las mujeres como causa de la supuesta inferioridad intelectual de estas, a través de este artículo pretendemos analizar la posible influencia de las ideas ilustradas en la vida musical de las mujeres en la Francia del último tercio del siglo XVIII. Por otra parte, el análisis del repertorio para clave interpretado por Angélique, valioso testimonio de la vida musical desarrollada en el ámbito doméstico durante este período, nos permitirá acercarnos a un aspecto de la historia de la música, a menudo olvidado por el relato oficial, cuyas protagonistas fueron en su mayoría mujeres.
Una experiencia educativa televisada en España entre la década de los 60 y los 80. El programa Misión Rescate
Authors: Hernández Castelló M.ª Cristina
Published: May 2020

Este texto tiene como propósito fundamental visualizar la función educativa que en las décadas de los 60, 70 y 80 tuvo en España el programa Misión Rescate en relación con el patrimonio cultural material. Exponiendo para una mejor comprensión de su importancia un caso concreto, el redescubrimiento de los mosaicos romanos y la necrópolis visigoda de Santa Lucía por el grupo de rescate n.º 349 de la Escuela Graduada de Aguilafuente (Segovia).