bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-linear embedding of acoustic cross-spectral density matrices through diffusion maps
Authors: Finette Steven
Published: December 2020

Based on the notion of similarity or “distance” between cross-spectral density matrices (CSDMs), a recent analysis of matched-field source localization in a stochastic ocean waveguide provided evidence that geodesic distances between CSDMs could be employed to estimate the source location in range and depth. For M acoustic sensors configured as a vertical array, these M×M matrices were estimated from source and replica fields propagated to the array and interpreted as points in a Riemannian manifold whose dimension is M2. Because they serve as fundamental constructs for many source localization algorithms, visualizations of CSDM manifolds are illustrated here in an attempt to gain insight into this geometric approach by using simulated acoustic fields propagated through an ocean waveguide with internal wave-induced variability. The manifold is treated as an undirected, weighted graph whose nodes are CSDMs with edges (weights) describing a measure of similarity between nodes. A non-linear dimensionality reduction technique, diffusion maps, is applied to project these high-dimensional matrices onto a three-dimensional subspace using a spectral decomposition of the graph in an attempt to grasp relationships among such matrices. The mapping is designed to preserve the notion of distance between matrices, allowing for a meaningful visualization of the high-dimensional manifold.
Revised chronology of central Tibet uplift (Lunpola Basin)
Authors: Fang Xiaomin , Dupont-Nivet Guillaume , Wang Chengshan , Song Chunhui , Meng Qingquan , Zhang Weilin , Nie Junsheng , Zhang Tao , Mao Ziqiang , Chen Yu
Published: December 2020

Revised age control and paleoelevations reveal Eocene low central Tibet until ~26 Ma ago when an extensive plateau began to form.
Targeting histone K4 trimethylation for treatment of cognitive and synaptic deficits in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Cao Qing , Wang Wei , Williams Jamal B. , Yang Fengwei , Wang Zi-Jun , Yan Zhen
Published: December 2020

This study has found a novel epigenetic mechanism and a potential therapeutic strategy for AD and related diseases.
Visualizing subcellular rearrangements in intact β cells using soft x-ray tomography
Authors: White Kate L. , Singla Jitin , Loconte Valentina , Chen Jian-Hua , Ekman Axel , Sun Liping , Zhang Xianjun , Francis John Paul , Li Angdi , Lin Wen , Tseng Kaylee , McDermott Gerry , Alber Frank , Sali Andrej , Larabell Carolyn , Stevens Raymond C.
Published: December 2020

Subcellular maps of β cells reveal the coordinated reorganization of organelles during insulin secretion.
The Hippo pathway coactivator Yorkie can reprogram cell fates and create compartment-boundary–like interactions at clone margins
Authors: Bairzin Joanna C. D. , Emmons-Bell Maya , Hariharan Iswar K.
Published: December 2020

Increased activity of the Hippo pathway coactivator Yorkie alters selector gene expression and promotes cell fate plasticity.
Multi-expert learning of adaptive legged locomotion
Authors: Yang Chuanyu , Yuan Kai , Zhu Qiuguo , Yu Wanming , Li Zhibin
Published: December 2020

A multi-expert learning architecture generates adaptive behaviors for the versatile locomotion of quadruped robots.
Magnetic movement under the spotlight
Authors: Florea Larisa
Published: December 2020

Composite hydrogel robots can achieve programmable locomotion using light and magnetic fields.
Cardiosphere-derived exosomal microRNAs for myocardial repair in pediatric dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hirai Kenta , Ousaka Daiki , Fukushima Yosuke , Kondo Maiko , Eitoku Takahiro , Shigemitsu Yusuke , Hara Mayuko , Baba Kenji , Iwasaki Tatsuo , Kasahara Shingo , Ohtsuki Shinichi , Oh Hidemasa
Published: December 2020

Cardiosphere-derived exosomes improve cardiac function in dilated cardiomyopathy and provide safety lead-in results for further clinical translation.
Development of a Duplex Real-Time PCR Assay for the Differentiation of Blastomyces dermatitidis andBlastomyces gilchristiiand a Retrospective Analysis of Culture and Primary Specimens from Blastomycosis Cases from New York (2005 to 2019)
Authors: Kaplan Mitchell , Zhu YanChun , Kus Julianne V. , McTaggart Lisa , Chaturvedi Vishnu , Chaturvedi Sudha
Published: December 2020

Blastomycosis due toBlastomyces dermatitidisandBlastomyces gilchristiiis a significant cause of respiratory mycoses in North America with occasional reported outbreaks. We developed a highly sensitive, specific, and reproducible TaqMan duplex real-time PCR assay for the differentiation ofB. dermatitidisandB. gilchristii.
Draft Genome Sequence of an Algicidal Bacterium,
Arenibacter
sp. Strain 6A1, Isolated from Seawater during an Akashiwo sanguinea Bloom in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Chen Jiahuan , Tong Jing , Li Shuangfei , Hu Zhangli , Wang Liyan , Chen Huirong
Published: December 2020

Arenibacter
sp. strain 6A1 was isolated from seawater during an
Akashiwo sanguinea
bloom in Shenzhen, China. Here, we present its 4,666,208-bp genome sequence, consisting of 3,623 coding sequences with a G+C content of 38.95%.
Supplemental Material: Surface slip distributions and geometric complexity of intraplate reverse-faulting earthquakes
Authors: Yang Haibin , al. et
Published: December 2020

Table of all along-rupture net-slip values; document with data tables and figures detailing the data used in our methods, and further details of results.
Longitudinal increases in childhood depression symptoms during the COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Bignardi Giacomo , Dalmaijer Edwin S , Anwyl-Irvine Alexander L , Smith Tess A , Siugzdaite Roma , Uh Stepheni , Astle Duncan E
Published: December 2020

Objective

There has been widespread concern that so-called lockdown measures, including social distancing and school closures, could negatively impact children’s mental health. However, there has been little direct evidence of any association due to the paucity of longitudinal studies reporting mental health before and during the lockdown. This present study provides the first longitudinal examination of changes in childhood mental health, a key component of an urgently needed evidence base that can inform policy and practice surrounding the continuing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Mental health assessments on 168 children (aged 7.6–11.6 years) were taken before and during the UK lockdown (April–June 2020). Assessments included self-reports, caregiver reports, and teacher reports. Mean mental health scores before and during the UK lockdown were compared using mixed linear models.

Results

A significant increase in depression symptoms during the UK lockdown was observed, as measured by the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) short form. CIs suggest a medium-to-large effect size. There were no significant changes in the RCADS anxiety subscale and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire emotional problems subscale.

Conclusions

During the UK lockdown, children’s depression symptoms have increased substantially, relative to before lockdown. The scale of this effect has direct relevance for the continuation of different elements of lockdown policy, such as complete or partial school closures. This early evidence for the direct impact of lockdown must now be combined with larger scale epidemiological studies that establish which children are most at risk and tracks their future recovery.
Hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumours in children with tuberous sclerosis
Authors: Janks Michaela , Heaford Amelia , Deheragoda Maesha , Hadzic Nedim Dino
Published: December 2020

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumours are a novel histological description of mesenchymal tumours consisting of perivascular and epithelioid cells. Angiomyolipomas are one of the commoner types of this tumour group. They are typically associated with the inherited condition tuberous sclerosis (TS). In TS they are often seen arising in the kidneys and brain, although much more rarely can be seen in the liver. While usually thought of as benign tumours there is little evidence to predict whether they will progress to malignancy. Currently, there is no recommended best management strategy between resection and surveillance. We report two patients with TS seen in our centre with these described PEComa liver lesions histologically, however only one required a resection. On review of the literature, features such as increased size, rapid growth and vascular invasion would be concerning for possible malignant potential and therefore merit resection, as well as significant symptoms.
Surgery for orbital metastasis from breast carcinoma initially presenting with progressive proptosis
Authors: Gaddi Mairre James Sumang , Yuga Ann Camille Quito , Dofitas Rodney Banaria , Legaspi Gerardo Dizon
Published: December 2020

We present a 45-year-old woman with metastatic breast disease who initially presented with progressive proptosis of her right eye causing limited motility, diplopia and eye pain. MRI done showed an avidly enhancing right sphenoorbital mass causing displacement in the lateral and superior recti muscles with lysis and infiltration of the greater sphenoid wing and lateral orbital wall. The patient underwent surgery resulting in immediate relief of proptosis and resolution of symptoms. Although surgery is not recommended for orbital metastasis as it is not curative, it should be considered as a treatment option as it can provide relief to patients and improve their quality of life.
Anaesthetic considerations in a child with methylmalonic acidemia and its literature review
Authors: Gupta Anju , Dudeja Yamini , Ramachandran Rashmi , Subramaniam Rajeshwari
Published: December 2020

Methyl malonyl coenzyme A mutase deficiency is a rare autosomal inherited inborn error in branched-chain amino acid metabolism characterised by the accumulation of methylmalonic acids. There is relative paucity of literature regarding anaesthetic management of these children presenting for incidental major abdominal surgery. Preoperative management includes goal-directed correction of dehydration, metabolic acidosis and hyperammonemia. Anaesthetic goals include avoidance of factors that can trigger metabolic crisis like hypercapnia, hypothermia, hypoxia, surgical stress, hypovolaemia, hypotension and so on. Herein, we are reporting the anaesthetic management of a 17-month-old child with methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) posted for a major upper abdominal surgery for excision of an adrenal mass, which was incidentally diagnosed during admission for an episode of metabolic crisis. We aim to highlight the specific nuances of pathophysiology of the disease, preoperative optimisation, anaesthetic considerations, role of advanced monitoring and regional anaesthesia and current literature on the management of patients with MMA.
Postoperative cavitating infarction following lobectomy: the importance of variant pulmonary anatomy
Authors: Brown William John Hunter , Masani Vidan , Batchelor Tim , Rodrigues Jonathan C L
Published: December 2020

A 75-year-old woman was admitted to hospital with haemoptysis, fever and shortness of breath. She had undergone a right video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery upper lobectomy for an apical lung cancer 4 weeks earlier, and had been treated with antibiotics for 1 week prior to admission for a suspected postoperative lung abscess. Review of preoperative imaging found that she possessed a lobar pulmonary artery variant, with postoperative imaging confirming that the right lower lobe segmental pulmonary artery had been divided alongside the upper lobe vessels. The diagnosis of a lung abscess was thus revised to a cavitating pulmonary infarct. There are numerous variations of the pulmonary vasculature, all of which have the potential to cause a range of serious vascular complications if not appreciated preoperatively. Measures to mitigate the risk of complications resulting from vascular anomalies should be considered by both radiologists and surgeons, with effective lines of communication essential to safe working.
Framework for the synthesis of non-randomised studies and randomised controlled trials: a guidance on conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis for healthcare decision making
Authors: Sarri Grammati , Patorno Elisabetta , Yuan Hongbo , Guo Jianfei (Jeff) , Bennett Dimitri , Wen Xuerong , Zullo Andrew R , Largent Joan , Panaccio Mary , Gokhale Mugdha , Moga Daniela Claudia , Ali M Sanni , Debray Thomas P A
Published: December 2020

Introduction: High-quality randomised controlled trials (RCTs) provide the most reliable evidence on the comparative efficacy of new medicines. However, non-randomised studies (NRS) are increasingly recognised as a source of insights into the real-world performance of novel therapeutic products, particularly when traditional RCTs are impractical or lack generalisability. This means there is a growing need for synthesising evidence from RCTs and NRS in healthcare decision making, particularly given recent developments such as innovative study designs, digital technologies and linked databases across countries. Crucially, however, no formal framework exists to guide the integration of these data types. Objectives and Methods: To address this gap, we used a mixed methods approach (review of existing guidance, methodological papers, Delphi survey) to develop guidance for researchers and healthcare decision-makers on when and how to best combine evidence from NRS and RCTs to improve transparency and build confidence in the resulting summary effect estimates. Results: Our framework comprises seven steps on guiding the integration and interpretation of evidence from NRS and RCTs and we offer recommendations on the most appropriate statistical approaches based on three main analytical scenarios in healthcare decision making (specifically, ‘high-bar evidence’ when RCTs are the preferred source of evidence, ‘medium,’ and ‘low’ when NRS is the main source of inference). Conclusion: Our framework augments existing guidance on assessing the quality of NRS and their compatibility with RCTs for evidence synthesis, while also highlighting potential challenges in implementing it. This manuscript received endorsement from the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology.
Improving maternal, newborn and child health outcomes through a community-based women’s health education program: a cluster randomised controlled trial in western Kenya
Authors: Maldonado Lauren Y , Bone Jeffrey , Scanlon Michael L , Anusu Gertrude , Chelagat Sheilah , Jumah Anjellah , Ikemeri Justus E , Songok Julia J , Christoffersen-Deb Astrid , Ruhl Laura J
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Community-based women’s health education groups may improve maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH); however, evidence from sub-Saharan Africa is lacking. Chamas for Change (Chamas) is a community health volunteer (CHV)-led, group-based health education programme for pregnant and postpartum women in western Kenya. We evaluated Chamas’ effect on facility-based deliveries and other MNCH outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a cluster randomised controlled trial involving 74 community health units in Trans Nzoia County. We included pregnant women who presented to health facilities for their first antenatal care visits by 32 weeks gestation. We randomised clusters 1:1 without stratification or matching; we masked data collectors, investigators and analysts to allocation. Intervention clusters were invited to bimonthly, group-based, CHV-led health lessons (Chamas); control clusters had monthly, individual CHV home visits (standard of care). The primary outcome was facility-based delivery at 12-month follow-up. We conducted an intention-to-treat approach with multilevel logistic regression models using individual-level data.

Results

Between 27 November 2017 and 8 March 2018, we enrolled 1920 participants from 37 intervention and 37 control clusters. A total of 1550 (80.7%) participants completed the study with 822 (82.5%) and 728 (78.8%) in the intervention and control arms, respectively. Facility-based deliveries improved in the intervention arm (80.9% vs 73.0%; risk difference (RD) 7.4%, 95% CI 3.0 to 12.5, OR=1.58, 95% CI 0.97 to 2.55, p=0.057). Chamas participants also demonstrated higher rates of 48 hours postpartum visits (RD 15.3%, 95% CI 12.0 to 19.6), exclusive breastfeeding (RD 11.9%, 95% CI 7.2 to 16.9), contraceptive adoption (RD 7.2%, 95% CI 2.6 to 12.9) and infant immunisation completion (RD 15.6%, 95% CI 11.5 to 20.9).

Conclusion

Chamas participation was associated with significantly improved MNCH outcomes compared with the standard of care. This trial contributes robust data from sub-Saharan Africa to support community-based, women’s health education groups for MNCH in resource-limited settings.

Trial registration number

NCT03187873.
Intensified immunosuppressive therapy in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myocarditis
Authors: Cautela Jennifer , Zeriouh Sarah , Gaubert Melanie , Bonello Laurent , Laine Marc , Peyrol Michael , Paganelli Franck , Lalevee Nathalie , Barlesi Fabrice , Thuny Franck
Published: December 2020

Background

Myocarditis is a rare but life-threatening adverse event of cancer treatments with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Recent guidelines recommend the use of high doses of corticosteroids as a first-line treatment, followed by intensified immunosuppressive therapy (IIST) in the case of unfavorable evolution. However, this strategy is empirical, and no studies have specifically addressed this issue. Therefore, we aimed to investigate and compare the clinical course, management and outcome of ICI-induced myocarditis patients requiring or not requiring IIST.

Methods

This case–control study included all patients consecutively admitted to The Mediterranean University Center of Cardio-Oncology (Aix-Marseille University, France) for the diagnosis of ICI-induced myocarditis according to Bonaca’s criteria and treated with or without IIST. In addition, we searched PubMed and included patients from previously published case reports treated with IIST in the analysis. The clinical, biological, imaging, treatment, all-cause death and cardiovascular death data of patients who required IIST were compared with those of patients who did not.

Results

A total of 60 patients (69±12 years) were included (36 were treated with IIST and 24 were not). Patients requiring IIST were more likely to have received a combination of ICIs (39% vs 8%, p=0.01), and developed the first symptoms/signs of myocarditis earlier after the onset of ICI therapy (median, 18 days vs 60 days, p=0.002). They had a significantly higher prevalence of sustained ventricular arrhythmia, complete atrioventricular block, cardiogenic shock and troponin elevation. Moreover, they were more likely to have other immune-related adverse events simultaneously (p<0.0001), especially myositis (p=0.0002) and myasthenia gravis (p=0.009). Patients who required IIST were more likely to die from any cause (50% vs 21%, p=0.02). Among them, patients who received infliximab were more likely to die from cardiovascular causes (OR, 12.0; 95% CI 2.1 to 67.1; p=0.005).

Conclusion

The need for IIST was more common in patients who developed myocarditis very early after the start of ICI therapy, as well as when hemodynamic/electrical instability or neuromuscular adverse events occurred. Treatment with infliximab might be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death.
SARS-CoV-2 safer infection sites: moral entitlement, pragmatic harm reduction strategy or ethical outrage?
Authors: Hunt Megan F , Clark Katharine T , Geller Gail , Barnhill Anne
Published: December 2020

The pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 has led to unprecedented changes to society, causing unique problems that call for extraordinary solutions. We consider one such extraordinary proposal: ‘safer infection sites’ that would offer individuals the opportunity to be intentionally infected with SARS-CoV-2, isolate, and receive medical care until they are no longer infectious. Safer infection could have value for various groups of workers and students. Health professionals place themselves at risk of infection daily and extend this risk to their family members and community. Similarly, other essential workers who face workplace exposure must continue their work, even if have high-risk household members and live in fear of infecting. When schools are kept closed because of the fear that they will be sites of significant transmission, children and their families are harmed in multiple ways and college students who are living on campus, whether or not they are attending classes in person, are contributing to high rates of transmission and experiencing high rates of exposure. We consider whether offering safer infection sites to these groups could be ethically defensible and identify the empirical unknowns that would need to resolve before reaching definitive conclusions. This article is not an endorsement of intentional infection with the coronavirus, but rather is meant to spark conversation on the ethics of out-of-the-box proposals. Perhaps most meaningfully, our paper explores the value of control and peace of mind for those among us most impacted by the pandemic: those essential workers risking the most to keep us safe.
Characterisation of patients with severe asthma in the UK Severe Asthma Registry in the biologic era
Authors: Jackson David J , Busby John , Pfeffer Paul E , Menzies-Gow Andrew , Brown Thomas , Gore Robin , Doherty Martin , Mansur Adel H , Message Simon , Niven Robert , Patel Mitesh , Heaney Liam G
Published: December 2020

Background

The UK Severe Asthma Registry (UKSAR) is the world’s largest national severe asthma registry collecting standardised data on referrals to UK specialist services. Novel biologic therapies have transformed the management of type 2(T2)-high severe asthma but have highlighted unmet need in patients with persisting symptoms despite suppression of T2-cytokine pathways with corticosteroids.

Methods

Demographic, clinical and treatments characteristics for patients meeting European Respiratory Society / American Thoracic Society severe asthma criteria were examined for 2225 patients attending 15 specialist severe asthma centres. We assessed differences in biomarker low patients (fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) <25 ppb, blood eosinophils <150/μL) compared with a biomarker high population (FeNO ≥25 ppb, blood eosinophils ≥150/µL).

Results

Age (mean 49.6 (14.3) y), age of asthma onset (24.2 (19.1) y) and female predominance (62.4%) were consistent with prior severe asthma cohorts. Poor symptom control (Asthma Control Questionnaire-6: 2.9 (1.4)) with high exacerbation rate (4 (IQR: 2, 7)) were common despite high-dose treatment (51.7% on maintenance oral corticosteroids (mOCS)). 68.9% were prescribed biologic therapies including mepolizumab (50.3%), benralizumab (26.1%) and omalizumab (22.6%). T2-low patients had higher body mass index (32.1 vs 30.2, p<0.001), depression/anxiety prevalence (12.3% vs 7.6%, p=0.04) and mOCS use (57.9% vs 42.1%, p<0.001). Many T2-low asthmatics had evidence of a historically elevated blood eosinophil count (0.35 (0.13, 0.60)).

Conclusions

The UKSAR describes the characteristics of a large cohort of asthmatics referred to UK specialist severe asthma services. It offers the prospect of providing novel insights across a range of research areas and highlights substantial unmet need with poor asthma control, impaired lung function and high exacerbation rates. T2-high phenotypes predominate with significant differences apparent from T2-low patients. However, T2-low patients frequently have prior blood eosinophilia consistent with possible excessive corticosteroid exposure.
Neuromuscular fatigue of the elbow flexors during repeated maximal arm cycling sprints: the effects of forearm position
Authors: Lockyer Evan J. , Buckle Natasha C.M. , Collins Brandon W. , Button D.C.
Published: December 2020

Repeated sprint exercise (RSE) is often used to induce neuromuscular fatigue (NMF). It is currently not known whether NMF is influenced by different forearm positions during arm cycling RSE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a pronated versus supinated forearm position on elbow flexor NMF during arm cycling RSE. Participants (n = 12) completed ten 10-s maximal arm cycling sprints interspersed by 60 s of rest on 2 separate days using either a pronated or supinated forearm position. All sprints were performed on an arm cycle ergometer in a reverse direction. Prior to and following RSE, NMF measurements (i.e., maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), potentiated twitch (PT), electromyography median frequencies) were recorded. Sprint performance measures, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and pain were also recorded. Irrespective of forearm position, sprint performance decreased as sprint number increased. These decreases were accompanied by significant increases in RPE (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.869) and pain (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.745). Participants produced greater power output during pronated compared with supinated sprinting (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.728). At post-sprinting, the percentage decrease in elbow flexor MVC and PT force from pre-sprinting was significantly greater following supinated than pronated sprinting (p < 0.001), suggesting greater peripheral fatigue occurred in this position. The data suggest that supinated arm cycling RSE results in inferior performance and greater NMF compared with pronated arm cycling RSE.

Novelty: NMF of the elbow flexors is influenced by forearm position during arm cycling RSE. Supinated arm cycling sprints resulted in worse repeated sprint performance and also greater NMF than pronated RSE.
The use of artificial neural networks for modelling rumen fill
Authors: Adebayo Rasheed A. , Moyo Mehluli , Gueguim Kana Evariste B. , Nsahlai Ignatius V.
Published: December 2020

Artificial neural network (ANN) and random forest models for predicting rumen fill of cattle and sheep were developed. Data on rumen fill were collected from studies that reported body weights, measured rumen fill, and stated diets fed to animals. Animal and feed factors that affected rumen fill were identified from each study and used to create a dataset. These factors were used as input variables for predicting the weight of rumen fill. For ANN modelling, a three-layer Levenberg–Marquardt back-propagation neural network was adopted and achieved 96% accuracy in prediction of the weight of rumen fill. The precision of the ANN model’s prediction of rumen fill was higher for cattle (80%) than sheep (56%). On validation, the ANN model achieved 95% accuracy in prediction of the weight of rumen fill. A random forest model was trained using a binary tree-based machine-learning algorithm and achieved 87% accuracy in prediction of rumen fill. The random forest model achieved 16% (cattle) and 57% (sheep) accuracy in validation of the prediction of rumen fill. In conclusion, the ANN model gave better predictions of rumen fill compared with the random forest model and should be used in predicting rumen fill of cattle and sheep.
Characterization of the exosomes in the allantoic fluid of the chicken embryo
Authors: Li Ying , Qu Hao , Ji Jian , Wang Yan , Liu Tianfei , He Jingyi , Wang Jie , Shu Dingming , Luo Chenglong
Published: December 2020

The embryo stage is critical for chicken development. Numerous studies have been conducted to clarify the dynamic changes and functions of various proteins and the composition of amino acids during embryo development. However, the physiological characteristics of extraembryonic fluid (allantoic and amniotic), especially allantoic fluid (AF), remain largely unexplored; furthermore, how information is transmitted from embryonic fluid is unknown. In this study, AF-derived exosomes ranging from 60 to 160 nm in diameter from fertilized eggs at 13 d of incubation of fast-growth chickens (WG chicken), medium-growth chickens (Silky N4 chicken), and slow-growth chickens (Huiyang Beard chicken) were isolated and purified by different ultra-centrifugations and further verified by transmission electron microscopy and a flow nano-analyzer. Expression of the exosomal positive biomarkers of ALIX and HSP70 as well as lack of the epithelium marker GRP78 was observed by Western blotting. In addition, small RNA sequencing revealed that AF-derived exosomes at 13 d of incubation contained a large number of known miRNAs (32.62%–65.83%). The top 10 most abundant and co-expressed miRNAs were primarily related to development, growth, and immunity. In addition, AF-derived exosomes promoted DF-1 cell migration. These findings broadened our understanding of the characteristic of AF-derived exosomes.
Effect of solution treatment on mechanical properties and microstructure of welded joints of Fe-29Mn-9Al-0.9C low-density steel
Authors: Zheng Chun , Liu Qianli , Zheng Shuangyu , Chong Xiaoyu , Jiang Yehua , Feng Jing
Published: December 2020

In recent years, Fe–Mn–Al–C steel has been widely regarded as a promising lightweight material due to its excellent specific strength and good balance of strength and toughness. However, the performance of welded joints is crucial for the application of Fe–Mn–Al–C low-density steel. This paper aims to study the effect of different solution treatment times on the mechanical properties and microstructure of tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding of Fe-29Mn-9Al-0.9C low-density steel. After solution treatment, the phase types of the weld change and the granular ferrite transforms into austenite. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) results show that with the increase of solution treatment time, dislocation density decreases, recrystallized grains grow, and the texture changes from uniform distribution to cubic texture again. It is concluded that in the early stage of recrystallization, dislocation walls are formed due to dislocation slip, which impedes dislocation movement in the process of stretching and thus improves the tensile strength. By controlling the time of solution treatment, the maximum tensile strength can be increased to 845.05[Formula: see text]MPa and the maximum elongation can be increased to 38.21%, which are all higher than for the welded joints without solution treatment.
Strengths and Limitations of Stretching for Least-squares Problems with Some Dense Rows
Authors: Scott Jennifer , Tůma Miroslav
Published: December 2020

We recently introduced a sparse stretching strategy for handling dense rows that can arise in large-scale linear least-squares problems and make such problems challenging to solve. Sparse stretching is designed to limit the amount of fill within the stretched normal matrix and hence within the subsequent Cholesky factorization. While preliminary results demonstrated that sparse stretching performs significantly better than standard stretching, it has a number of limitations. In this article, we discuss and illustrate these limitations and propose new strategies that are designed to overcome them. Numerical experiments on problems arising from practical applications are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of these new ideas. We consider both direct and preconditioned iterative solvers.
Don't let good grammar spoil good writing
Authors: Yaffe Philip
Published: December 2020

Each "Communication Corner" essay is self-contained; however, they build on each other. For best results, before reading this essay and doing the exercise, go to the first essay "How an Ugly Duckling Became a Swan," then read each succeeding essay.

It seems that if your grammar is good, your writing will be good. However, being overly concerned about good grammar can actually be detrimental to good writing. Here's why.
Cytotoxicity and Oxidative Stress Responses of Imidacloprid and Glyphosate in Human Prostate Epithelial WPM-Y.1 Cell Line
Authors: Abdel-Halim Khaled Y. , Osman Safaa R.
Published: December 2020

Insecticide imidacloprid and herbicide glyphosate have a broad spectrum of applicable use in the agricultural sector of Egypt. Their ability to induce in vitro cytotoxic and oxidative stress on normal human cells (prostate epithelial WPM-Y.1 cell line) was evaluated with the methyl tetrazolium test (MTT) and histopathological investigation. Cell viability was evaluated with an MTT test for 24 h. The median inhibition concentration (IC50) values were 0.023 and 0.025 mM for imidacloprid and glyphosate, respectively. Sublethal concentrations: 1/10 and 1/50 of IC50 and IC50 levels significantly induced an increase in the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level compared with the untreated cells. Rapid decrease in the glutathione (GSH) content and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity was induced. Significant increases were recorded in activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR), respectively, compared with the control group. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) investigation showed significant defects in the cells following pesticide treatments for 24 h. Therefore, it is concluded that imidacloprid and glyphosate are very toxic in vitro assays and able to induce apoptotic effects as well as oxidative stress. So, these findings provide a scenario of multibiomarkers to achieve the imposed risks of pesticides at low doses.
On the Heterogeneity of Existing Repositories of Movements Intended for the Evaluation of Fall Detection Systems
Authors: Casilari Eduardo , Santoyo-Ramón José A. , Cano-García José M.
Published: December 2020

Due to the serious impact of falls on the autonomy and health of older people, the investigation of wearable alerting systems for the automatic detection of falls has gained considerable scientific interest in the field of body telemonitoring with wireless sensors. Because of the difficulties of systematically validating these systems in a real application scenario, Fall Detection Systems (FDSs) are typically evaluated by studying their response to datasets containing inertial sensor measurements captured during the execution of labelled nonfall and fall movements. In this context, during the last decade, numerous publicly accessible databases have been released aiming at offering a common benchmarking tool for the validation of the new proposals on FDSs. This work offers a comparative and updated analysis of these existing repositories. For this purpose, the samples contained in the datasets are characterized by different statistics that model diverse aspects of the mobility of the human body in the time interval where the greatest change in the acceleration module is identified. By using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) on the series of these features, the comparison shows the significant differences detected between the datasets, even when comparing activities that require a similar degree of physical effort. This heterogeneity, which may result from the great variability of the sensors, experimental users, and testbeds employed to generate the datasets, is relevant because it casts doubt on the validity of the conclusions of many studies on FDSs, since most of the proposals in the literature are only evaluated using a single database.
PCR-Based Direct Detection of Streptococcus uberis from Subclinical and Clinical Dairy Cattle Milk Samples
Authors: Sherwin Virginia E. , Santi Morena , Walker Olivia , Pickwell Natalie D. , Coffey Tracey J. , Leigh James A. , Egan Sharon A.
Published: December 2020

Streptococcus uberis is one of the leading causes worldwide of mastitis in the dairy industry, with the most likely sources of infection attributed to environmental reservoirs such as contaminated bedding materials. Early detection of those cases most likely to progress to clinical disease would lead to improved animal welfare, a critical component of overall health and productivity. A multiplex PCR-based diagnostic test was developed for detection of S. uberis directly from milk and targeting two genes previously identified as important for intramammary colonisation and persistence in dairy cattle. Results indicated the threshold for detection directly from milk was 20,000 CFU/ml and this was achieved without the need for preenrichment. In addition, S. uberis could be identified from milk samples collected during intramammary challenge studies, prior to clinical signs of infection and at much lower detection limits. The PCR test developed for confirmation of the presence of S. uberis directly from infected milk has potential value as a diagnostic test to identify early infection and/or to confirm that antibiotic therapy has been successful.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Associated with Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in an Immunocompetent Elderly Patient
Authors: Kamel Ralph , Sharma Rubal , Asti Divya , Gill Arshpal , Skaradinskiy Yevgeniy
Published: December 2020

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a serious and potentially fatal disorder characterized by excessive immune system activation. The disorder is diagnosed mainly based on laboratory, clinical, and pathologic criteria. The spectrum comprises hereditary or “primary” HLH that comprises genetically heterogeneous conditions, occurring during childhood. The secondary form presents later in life and is associated with several conditions mainly malignancy, autoimmune diseases, viral or bacterial infections, and hematological diseases. We present the case of an 80-year-old female patient who initially presented with an acute viral syndrome secondary to respiratory syncytial virus. The hospital course was complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation and shock with multiorgan failure. Extensive workup revealed that several of the criteria for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis were met. A review of literature fails to identify cases of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis associated with respiratory syncytial virus in immunocompetent adults. This case report provides further insight on RSV as a possible etiologic agent associated with HLH and the importance of early recognition of this fatal disorder in RSV-positive patients who show unpredictable clinical decompensation.
The Influence of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Neves Janisleya Silva Ferreira , Visentainer Jeane Eliete Laguila , Reis Denise Manjurma da Silva , Rocha Loures Marco Antonio , Alves Hugo Vicentin , Lara-Armi Fernanda Formaggi , de Alencar Josiane Bazzo , Valentin Zacarias Joana Maira , Sell Ana Maria
Published: December 2020

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is an inflammatory rheumatic disease related to low bone mineral density. Because vitamin D plays an important role in bone metabolism and immune system modulation, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of polymorphisms in vitamin D receptor genes (VDR) in the development of SpA. In this case–control study, a total of 244 patients with SpA and 197 individuals with no SpA were included. Among the patients, 174 had ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and 66 had psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Genotyping of FokI (rs2228570 C > T), BsmI (rs1544410 C > T), ApaI (rs7975232 A > C), and TaqI (rs731236 T > C) was performed using PCR-RFLP, while genotyping of HLA-B∗27 was performed using PCR-SSP. Serum levels for hydroxy (OH) vitamin D and the clinical activity index of the disease (BASDAI) were also evaluated. SNPStats and OpenEpi software were used for statistical analysis. The ApaI a allele and ApaI a/a genotype were less frequent in PsA compared with controls. The ApaI a/a genotype was associated with a protecting factor for PsA in females, and ApaI A/a was associated with a protecting factor for the disease in HLA-B∗27 positive patients. Notwithstanding, the ApaI a/a genotype was a risk factor for SpA and AS in males. The FokI f/f genotype was associated with a better clinical activity in PsA. When considering the covariates, vitamin D sufficiency, and gender, the FokI F/F genotype was associated with a risk factor in males with SpA and AS compared with females with this same genotype. In conclusion, the ApaI rs7975232 polymorphism was associated with PsA, and the FokI rs2228570 polymorphism was associated with better clinical PsA activity. ApaI and FokI were associated with SpA and AS when considering gender and vitamin D sufficiency.
Covered Stent of the Left Common Carotid and Subclavian Arteries Assist the Invasive Tumor Resection
Authors: Tsukamoto Yo , Nakada Takeo , Fukushima Soichiro , Yabe Mitsuo , Toya Naoki , Akiba Tadashi , Ohtsuka Takashi , Ohki Takao
Published: December 2020

Background. Some recent reports have described the usefulness of thoracic aortic stent grafts to facilitate en bloc resection of tumors invading the aortic wall. We report on malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor resection in the left superior mediastinum of a 16-year-old man with neurofibromatosis type 1. The pathological margin was positive at the time of the first tumor resection, and radiation therapy was added to the same site. After that, a local recurrence occurred. The tumor was in wide contact with the left common carotid and subclavian arteries and was suspected of infiltration. After stent graft placement of these arteries to avoid fatal bleeding and cerebral ischemia by clamping these arteries and bypass procedure, we successfully resected the tumor without any complications. Conclusions. Here, we report the usefulness of the prior covered stent placement to aortic branch vessels for the resection of invasive tumor.
Quantile-Dependent Expressivity and Gene-Lifestyle Interactions Involving High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
Authors: Williams Paul T.
Published: December 2020

Background: The phenotypic expression of a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) genetic risk score has been shown to depend upon whether the phenotype (HDL-cholesterol) is high or low relative to its distribution in the population (quantile-dependent expressivity). This may be due to the effects of genetic mutations on HDL-metabolism being concentration dependent. Method: The purpose of this article is to assess whether some previously reported HDL gene-lifestyle interactions could potentially be attributable to quantile-dependent expressivity. Summary:Seventy-three published examples of HDL gene-lifestyle interactions were interpreted from the perspective of quantile-dependent expressivity. These included interactive effects of diet, alcohol, physical activity, adiposity, and smoking with genetic variants associated with the ABCA1, ADH3, ANGPTL4, APOA1, APOA4, APOA5, APOC3, APOE, CETP, CLASP1, CYP7A1, GALNT2, LDLR, LHX1, LIPC, LIPG, LPL, MVK-MMAB, PLTP, PON1, PPARα, SIRT1, SNTA1,and UCP1genes. The selected examples showed larger genetic effect sizes for lifestyle conditions associated with higher vis-à-vis lower average HDL-cholesterol concentrations. This suggests these reported interactions could be the result of selecting subjects for conditions that differentiate high from low HDL-cholesterol (e.g., lean vs. overweight, active vs. sedentary, high-fat vs. high-carbohydrate diets, alcohol drinkers vs. abstainers, nonsmokers vs. smokers) producing larger versus smaller genetic effect sizes. Key Message: Quantile-dependent expressivity provides a potential explanation for some reported gene-lifestyle interactions for HDL-cholesterol. Although overall genetic heritability appears to be quantile specific, this may vary by genetic variant and environmental exposure.
Performance of Atrial Fibrillation Risk Prediction Models in Over 4 Million Individuals
Authors: Khurshid Shaan , Kartoun Uri , Ashburner Jeffrey M. , Trinquart Ludovic , Philippakis Anthony , Khera Amit V. , Ellinor Patrick T. , Ng Kenney , Lubitz Steven A.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased risks of stroke and heart failure. Electronic health record (EHR)–based AF risk prediction may facilitate efficient deployment of interventions to diagnose or prevent AF altogether.

Methods:

We externally validated an electronic health record AF (EHR-AF) score in IBM Explorys Life Sciences, a multi-institutional dataset containing statistically deidentified EHR data for over 21 million individuals (Explorys Dataset). We included individuals with complete AF risk data, ≥2 office visits within 2 years, and no prevalent AF. We compared EHR-AF to existing scores including CHARGE-AF (Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology Atrial Fibrillation), C
2
HEST (coronary artery disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, elderly, systolic heart failure, thyroid disease), and CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc. We assessed association between AF risk scores and 5-year incident AF, stroke, and heart failure using Cox proportional hazards modeling, 5-year AF discrimination using C indices, and calibration of predicted AF risk to observed AF incidence.

Results:

Of 21 825 853 individuals in the Explorys Dataset, 4 508 180 comprised the analysis (age 62.5, 56.3% female). AF risk scores were strongly associated with 5-year incident AF (hazard ratio per SD increase 1.85 using CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc to 2.88 using EHR-AF), stroke (1.61 using C
2
HEST to 1.92 using CHARGE-AF), and heart failure (1.91 using CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc to 2.58 using EHR-AF). EHR-AF (C index, 0.808 [95% CI, 0.807–0.809]) demonstrated favorable AF discrimination compared to CHARGE-AF (0.806 [95% CI, 0.805–0.807]), C
2
HEST (0.683 [95% CI, 0.682–0.684]), and CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc (0.720 [95% CI, 0.719–0.722]). Of the scores, EHR-AF demonstrated the best calibration to incident AF (calibration slope, 1.002 [95% CI, 0.997–1.007]). In subgroup analyses, AF discrimination using EHR-AF was lower in individuals with stroke (C index, 0.696 [95% CI, 0.692–0.700]) and heart failure (0.621 [95% CI, 0.617–0.625]).

Conclusions:

EHR-AF demonstrates predictive accuracy for incident AF using readily ascertained EHR data. AF risk is associated with incident stroke and heart failure. Use of such risk scores may facilitate decision support and population health management efforts focused on minimizing AF-related morbidity.