bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics at Infinity and Existence of Singularly Degenerate Heteroclinic Cycles in Maxwell–Bloch System
Authors: Chen Haimei , Liu Yongjian , Feng Chunsheng , Liu Aimin , Huang Xiezhen 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
In this paper, global dynamics of the Maxwell–Bloch system is discussed. First, the complete description of its dynamic behavior on the sphere at infinity is presented by using the Poincaré compactification in R3. Second, the existence of singularly degenerate heteroclinic cycles is investigated. It is proved that for a suitable choice of the parameters, there is an infinite set of singularly degenerate heteroclinic cycles in Maxwell–Bloch system. Specially, the chaotic attractors are found nearby singularly degenerate heteroclinic cycles in Maxwell–Bloch system by combining theoretical and numerical analyses for a special parameter value. It is hoped that these theoretical and numerical value results are given a contribution in an understanding of the physical essence for chaos in the Maxwell–Bloch system.
Relationship between maternal body composition during pregnancy and infant’s birth weight in Nairobi informal settlements, Kenya
Authors: Wanjohi Milkah Njeri , Ogada Irene , Wekesah Frederick Murunga , Khayeka–Wandabwa Christopher , Kimani-Murage Elizabeth W 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundMaternal nutrition depletion during pregnancy compromises fetal programming, and is a cause of adverse birth outcomes. Maternal body composition measurement using direct body composition assessment methods such as the deuterium dilution technique provides better prediction of birth outcomes as compared with commonly used techniques like anthropometry. This study assessed body composition of pregnant mothers in urban informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya, and established the relationship between maternal body composition and infant birth weight.MethodsDeuterium dilution technique was used to determine body composition, including total body water (TBW), fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM), among 129 pregnant women who were enrolled into the study in their first or second trimester. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were applied using Stata V.13.ResultsThe mean TBW, FFM and FM were 33.3 L (±4.7), 45.7 kg (±6.5) and 17.01 kg (±7.4), respectively. Both TBW and FFM were significantly related to maternal age and gestation/pregnancy stage during body composition assessment while FM was significantly associated with gestation stage during body composition assessment. TBW and FFM were significantly lower in younger mothers (<20 years) compared with older mothers (≥20 years). The mean birth weight was 3.3 kg±0.42 kg. There was a positive association between infant birth weight and maternal TBW (p=0.031) and FFM (p=0.027), but not FM (p=0.88).ConclusionNon-fat components of the body (TBW and FFM) have a positive association with birth weight. Therefore, interventions to improve optimal maternal feeding practices, to enhance optimal gains in FFM and TBW during pregnancy are recommended, especially among young mothers.
Predicting the risk of asthma attacks in children, adolescents and adults: protocol for a machine learning algorithm derived from a primary care-based retrospective cohort
Authors: Hussain Zain , Shah Syed Ahmar , Mukherjee Mome , Sheikh Aziz 
Published: July 2020

IntroductionMost asthma attacks and subsequent deaths are potentially preventable. We aim to develop a prognostic tool for identifying patients at high risk of asthma attacks in primary care by leveraging advances in machine learning.Methods and analysisCurrent prognostic tools use logistic regression to develop a risk scoring model for asthma attacks. We propose to build on this by systematically applying various well-known machine learning techniques to a large longitudinal deidentified primary care database, the Optimum Patient Care Research Database, and comparatively evaluate their performance with the existing logistic regression model and against each other. Machine learning algorithms vary in their predictive abilities based on the dataset and the approach to analysis employed. We will undertake feature selection, classification (both one-class and two-class classifiers) and performance evaluation. Patients who have had actively treated clinician-diagnosed asthma, aged 8–80 years and with 3 years of continuous data, from 2016 to 2018, will be selected. Risk factors will be obtained from the first year, while the next 2 years will form the outcome period, in which the primary endpoint will be the occurrence of an asthma attack.Ethics and disseminationWe have obtained approval from OPCRD’s Anonymous Data Ethics Protocols and Transparency (ADEPT) Committee. We will seek ethics approval from The University of Edinburgh’s Research Ethics Group (UREG). We aim to present our findings at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.
Association between antenatal care visit and preterm birth: a cohort study in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Pervin Jesmin , Rahman Syed Moshfiqur , Rahman Monjur , Aktar Shaki , Rahman Anisur 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundStrengthening the antenatal care programme is suggested as one of the public health strategies to reduce preterm birth burden at a population level. However, the evidence so far available is inconclusive.ObjectivesTo evaluate the association between antenatal care (ANC) visit and preterm birth; and also to explore to what extent the increased usage of ANC after the initiation of the Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) project in Matlab, Bangladesh, contributed to the reduction of preterm birth.SettingThis population-based cohort study was conducted in Matlab, a subdistrict under Chandpur. The analysis was based on data collected from 2005 to 2009. In 2007, an MNCH project was initiated in the area that strengthened the ongoing ANC services.ParticipantsIn total, 12 980 live births with their mothers during the study period were included in the analysis.AnalysisWe performed logistic regression with generalised estimating equation models to evaluate the associations.Outcome measuresPreterm birth.ResultsThe number of ANC visits was associated with preterm birth in a dose-dependent way (p for linear trend <0.001). The adjusted odds of preterm birth were 2.4-times higher (OR 2.37, 95% CI 2.07 to 2.70) among women who received ≤1 ANC compared with women who received ≥3 ANC. We observed a significant reduction of preterm birth rates (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.77) in the period after (2008 to 2009) MNCH project initiation in comparison to the period before (2005 to 2006). Controlling for ANC visits substantially attenuated this observed effect of the MNCH project on preterm birth (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.99) (Sobel test of mediation p<0.001).ConclusionsANC visits are associated with decreased occurrences of preterm births. Strengthening the ANC services should be prioritised in countries with high preterm birth rates to reduce the preterm birth burden at the population level.
Otitis media susceptibility and shifts in the head and neck microbiome due to SPINK5 variants
Authors: Frank Daniel N. , Giese Arnaud P. J. , Hafren Lena , Bootpetch Tori C. , Yarza Talitha Karisse L. , Steritz Matthew J. , Pedro Melquiadesa , Labra Patrick John , Daly Kathleen A. , Tantoco Ma. Leah C. , Szeremeta Wasyl , Reyes-Quintos Maria Rina T. , Ahankoob Niaz , Llanes Erasmo Gonzalo d.V. , Pine Harold S. , Yousaf Sairah , Ir Diana , Einarsdottir Elisabet , de la Cruz Rhodieleen Anne R. , Lee Nanette R. , Nonato Rachelle Marie A. , Robertson Charles E. , Ong Kimberly Mae C. , Magno Jose Pedrito M. , Chiong Alessandra Nadine E. , Espiritu-Chiong Ma. Carmina , San Agustin Maria Luz , Cruz Teresa Luisa G. , Abes Generoso T. , Bamshad Michael J. , Cutiongco-de la Paz Eva Maria , Kere Juha , Nickerson Deborah A. , Mohlke Karen L. , Riazuddin Saima , Chan Abner , Mattila Petri S. , Leal Suzanne M. , Ryan Allen F. , Ahmed Zubair M. , Chonmaitree Tasnee , Sale Michele M. , Chiong Charlotte M. , Santos-Cortez Regie Lyn P. 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundOtitis media (OM) susceptibility has significant heritability; however, the role of rare variants in OM is mostly unknown. Our goal is to identify novel rare variants that confer OM susceptibility.MethodsWe performed exome and Sanger sequencing of >1000 DNA samples from 551 multiethnic families with OM and unrelated individuals, RNA-sequencing and microbiome sequencing and analyses of swabs from the outer ear, middle ear, nasopharynx and oral cavity. We also examined protein localisation and gene expression in infected and healthy middle ear tissues.ResultsA large, intermarried pedigree that includes 81 OM-affected and 53 unaffected individuals cosegregates two known rare A2ML1 variants, a common FUT2 variant and a rare, novel pathogenic variant c.1682A>G (p.Glu561Gly) within SPINK5 (LOD=4.09). Carriage of the SPINK5 missense variant resulted in increased relative abundance of Microbacteriaceae in the middle ear, along with occurrence of Microbacteriaceae in the outer ear and oral cavity but not the nasopharynx. Eight additional novel SPINK5 variants were identified in 12 families and individuals with OM. A role for SPINK5 in OM susceptibility is further supported by lower RNA counts in variant carriers, strong SPINK5 localisation in outer ear skin, faint localisation to middle ear mucosa and eardrum and increased SPINK5 expression in human cholesteatoma.ConclusionSPINK5 variants confer susceptibility to non-syndromic OM. These variants potentially contribute to middle ear pathology through breakdown of mucosal and epithelial barriers, immunodeficiency such as poor vaccination response, alteration of head and neck microbiota and facilitation of entry of opportunistic pathogens into the middle ear.
Tailoring of neurosurgical ablative procedures in the management of refractory cancer pain
Authors: Hochberg Uri , Berger Asaf , Atias Miri , Tellem Rotem , Strauss Ido 
Published: July 2020

IntroductionNeurosurgical ablative procedures can offer immediate and effective pain relief for patients suffering from refractory cancer pain. However, choosing the appropriate procedure for each patient may not be straightforward and warrants an interdisciplinary approach. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with cancer who were carefully selected for neurosurgical intervention by a dedicated interdisciplinary team composed of a palliative physician and nurse practitioner, a pain specialist and a neurosurgeon.MethodsA retrospective review was carried out on all patients who underwent neurosurgical ablative procedures in our institute between March 2015 and September 2019. All patients had advanced metastatic cancer with unfavorable prognosis and suffered from intractable oncological pain. Each treatment plan was devised to address the patients’ specific pain syndromes.ResultsA total of 204 patients were examined by our service during the study period. Sixty-four patients with localized pain and nineteen patients with diffuse pain syndromes were selected for neurosurgical interventions, either targeted disconnection of the spinothalamic tract or stereotactic cingulotomy. Substantial pain relief was reported by both groups immediately (cordotomy: Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) 9 ≥1, p=0.001, cingulotomy: NRS 9 ≥2, p=0.001) and maintained along the next 3-month follow-up visits.ConclusionsAn interdisciplinary collaboration designated to provide neurosurgical ablative procedures among carefully selected patients could culminate in substantial relief of intractable cancer pain.Trial registration numberIR0354-17.
Inhibition of mast cells: a novel mechanism by which nintedanib may elicit anti-fibrotic effects
Authors: Overed-Sayer Catherine , Miranda Elena , Dunmore Rebecca , Liarte Marin Elena , Beloki Lorea , Rassl Doris , Parfrey Helen , Carruthers Alan , Chahboub Amina , Koch Sofia , Güler-Gane Gülin , Kuziora Michael , Lewis Arthur , Murray Lynne , May Richard , Clarke Deborah 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive lung disease which presents a grave prognosis for diagnosed patients. Nintedanib (a triple tyrosine kinase inhibitor) and pirfenidone (unclear mechanism of action) are the only approved therapies for IPF, but have limited efficacy. The pathogenic mechanisms of this disease are not fully elucidated; however, a role for mast cells (MCs) has been postulated.ObjectivesThe aim of this work was to investigate a role for MCs in IPF and to understand whether nintedanib or pirfenidone could impact MC function.Methods and resultsMCs were significantly elevated in human IPF lung and negatively correlated with baseline lung function (FVC). Importantly, MCs were positively associated with the number of fibroblast foci, which has been linked to increased mortality. Furthermore, MCs were increased in the region immediately surrounding the fibroblast foci, and co-culture studies confirmed a role for MC–fibroblast crosstalk in fibrosis. Nintedanib but not pirfenidone inhibited recombinant stem cell factor (SCF)–induced MC survival. Further evaluation of nintedanib determined that it also inhibited human fibroblast-mediated MC survival. This was likely via a direct effect on ckit (SCF receptor) since nintedanib blocked SCF-stimulated ckit phosphorylation, as well as downstream effects on MC proliferation and cytokine release. In addition, nintedanib ablated the increase in lung MCs and impacted high tissue density frequency (HDFm) in a rat bleomycin model of lung fibrosis.ConclusionNintedanib inhibits MC survival and activation and thus provides a novel additional mechanism by which this drug may exert anti-fibrotic effects in patients with IPF.
Comparison of methodologies used to define the protein quality of human foods and support regulatory claims
Authors: Mansilla Wilfredo D. , Marinangeli Christopher P.F. , Cargo-Froom Cara , Franczyk Adam , House James D. , Elango Rajavel , Columbus Daniel A. , Kiarie Elijah , Rogers Mike , Shoveller Anna K. 
Published: July 2020

Protein quality (PQ) is the capacity of a protein to meet the amino acid (AA) requirements of an individual. There are several methodologies for determining the PQ of foods. The protein efficiency ratio is an animal growth bioassay. The protein-digestibility-corrected AA score considers the AA requirements of a reference population, and the true nitrogen digestibility coefficient for each ingredient. The digestible indispensable AA score is based on true ileal AA digestibility and better represents bioavailability of AAs. In vitro techniques for assessment of PQ are available but require validation against a greater range of protein sources. Isotopic methods, such as the indicator AA oxidation and dual tracer techniques measure AA relative bioavailability and digestibility, respectively, but require sophisticated equipment, and may not be cost nor time effective for the industry to adopt. The present review discusses advantages and disadvantages of methodologies for determining PQ of food for humans focused on methods that are or could be adopted by regulatory agencies. Understanding the framework and resources available for PQ determination will help in the selection of appropriate methods depending on the application.Novelty Understanding the framework and resources available for PQ determination will help in the selection of appropriate methods depending on the application.
Impact of Galectins in Resistance to Anticancer Therapies
Authors: Navarro Pilar , Martínez-Bosch Neus , Blidner Ada G. , Rabinovich Gabriel A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGalectins are an endogenous family of β-galactoside-binding proteins that play complex and multifaceted roles at various stages of cancer progression, including modulation of tumor cell proliferation, signaling, adhesion, migration, invasion, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, and immune escape. Recently, galectins have been implicated as major therapeutic determinants that confer sensitivity or resistance to a wide range of anticancer modalities including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapies, antiangiogenic therapies, and immunotherapies. Here, we present an integrated approach to the pleiotropic functions of galectins and discuss their emerging roles with respect to mechanisms of resistance or sensitivity to anticancer therapies. Taken together, these findings suggest that targeting galectins and/or their glycosylated ligands may help to overcome resistance and to increase the clinical efficacy of anticancer strategies.
Procedural Patterns and Safety of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Authors: Loring Zak , Holmes DaJuanicia N. , Matsouaka Roland A. , Curtis Anne B. , Day John D. , Desai Nihar , Ellenbogen Kenneth A. , Feld Gregory K. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Frankel David S. , Hurwitz Jodie L. , Knight Bradley P. , Joglar Jose A. , Russo Andrea M. , Sidhu Mandeep S. , Turakhia Mintu P. , Lewis William R. , Piccini Jonathan P. 
Published: July 2020

Background:
Catheter ablation is an increasingly used treatment for symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there are limited prospective, nationwide data on patient selection and procedural characteristics. This study describes patient characteristics, techniques, treatment patterns, and safety outcomes of patients undergoing AF ablation.

Methods:

A total of 3139 patients undergoing AF ablation between 2016 and 2018 in the Get With The Guidelines-Atrial Fibrillation registry from 24 US centers were included. Patient demographics, medical history, procedural details, and complications were abstracted. Differences between paroxysmal and patients with persistent AF were compared using Pearson χ
2
and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.

Results:
Patients undergoing AF ablation were predominantly male (63.9%) and White (93.2%) with a median age of 65. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (67.6%), and patients with persistent AF had more comorbidities than patients with paroxysmal AF. Drug refractory, paroxysmal AF was the most common ablation indication (class I, 53.6%) followed by drug refractory, persistent AF (class I, 41.8%). Radiofrequency ablation with contact force sensing was the most common ablation modality (70.5%); 23.7% of patients underwent cryoballoon ablation. Pulmonary vein isolation was performed in 94.6% of de novo ablations; the most common adjunctive lesions included left atrial roof or posterior/inferior lines, and cavotricuspid isthmus ablation. Complications were uncommon (5.1%) and were life-threatening in 0.7% of cases.

Conclusions:
More than 98% of AF ablations among participating sites are performed for class I or class IIA indications. Contact force-guided radiofrequency ablation is the dominant technique and pulmonary vein isolation the principal lesion set. In-hospital complications are uncommon and rarely life-threatening.
Who’s there? Third parties affect social interactions between spider monkey males
Authors: Saldaña Sánchez Amor Aline , Aureli Filippo , Busia Laura , Schaffner Colleen M. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Spider monkeys provide an intriguing opportunity to examine behavioural flexibility in relation to their social environment given their high degree of fission–fusion dynamics and the nature of male–male relationships. These characteristics allow us to examine how flexibility in social interactions is modulated by the perception of risk and uncertainty related to other group members. We investigated whether male–male interactions vary according to partner identity and presence of third parties in wild Geoffroy’s spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi). We used proportion of approaches followed by an embrace, an indicator of risk and uncertainty, or by grooming, an affiliative behaviour. To confirm the monkeys’ perception of risk or uncertainty we used aggression rates and time spent vigilant. We collected data on eight adult spider monkey males: three of them belonged to one clique and the other five to another clique based on distinct patterns of residence. We found higher proportions of approaches followed by embraces and lower proportions of approaches followed by grooming between males of different cliques than between males of the same clique. In addition, we found higher aggression rates between males from different cliques. The proportions of approaches followed by embraces in the five-male clique were higher when the three-male clique was no longer in the group. The five males were more vigilant when the other three males were present in the group, indicating the monkeys perceived higher risk or uncertainty under these circumstances. We found lower proportions of approaches followed by grooming between two males when there was at least one other male in the subgroup than when there were only the two males. Our results provide evidence for behavioural flexibility in the interactions between spider monkey males as an example of how animals can cope with social challenges by adjusting their behaviour.
Acute salinity stress in gill Na+/K+-ATPase in the swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus (Brachyura, Portunidae)
Authors: Huang Shaojun , Jiang Shan , Xu Qianghua 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Na+/K+-ATPase is an important ion-transporting enzyme involved in osmoregulation. The swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus) is a commercially important edible crab species in China. At salinities lower than 10 or higher than 40, its production is seriously impacted; however, the mechanisms of how the Na+/K+-ATPase of swimming crabs responds to salinity changes, is unclear. In the current study, the Na+/K+-ATPase α-subunit (NAKA) and β-subunit (NAKB) cDNA of P. trituberculatus was identified. Multiple alignment was performed and the expression of NAKA and NAKB in the 6th gills under different salinity conditions were detected using semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The results showed that NAKA and NAKB mRNA both increased significantly at day 1, but they were maintained at low levels when exposed to 40 salinity for a long time. The hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that ionocytes increased in size at 40 salinity, but decreased at 10 salinity. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed that NAKA signals increased with exposure to 40 salinity for one day, but the signals were not strong at 10 salinity. Comparison of the conserved NAKA domain of P. trituberculatus and the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) showed that the polypeptide binding site (α-subunit/β-subunit interface) was different, which may be one of the reasons that P. trituberculatus is not as tolerant of fresh water as E. sinensis.
Repentance through Fear: Cosmic and Body Horror in Sheveṭ Musar
Authors: Briata Ilaria 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
One of the most notorious early modern musar compilations, Sheveṭ Musar, challenges its readers with an obscure and gory imagery that can be classified as horror. This article proposes an exploration of these horrific images of death, decomposition, and hell. In order to contextualize a selection of passages from Sheveṭ Musar, a state of the art concerning research on Jewish horror will be provided and integrated with references to horror scholarship in areas of literature where this topic has received more investigation. What characterizes horror in Sheveṭ Musar appears to be the didactic functionality of exciting negative emotions such as fear and disgust. This moralizing rhetorical mechanism will be illustrated through four different topics appearing throughout the tractate: (1) the literary strategy of terror; (2) the description of the physical and metaphysical processes of death; (3) a memento of the caducity of human life; and (4) anticipation of infernal damnation.