bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinguishing between homicide and suicide knots and ligatures: A comparative analysis of case and survey data
Authors: Chisnall Robert C.
Published: September 2020

Distinguishing between suicide and homicide can be challenging owing to ambiguous and confusing case details. In particular, there is a paucity of useful information comparing homicide and suicide knots and ligatures in the literature. Multiple knot and ligature characteristics have not been recognized previously because complete and accurate information has been lacking. Ninety external tying cases (mainly homicide) and 56 cases involving self‐tying (mainly suicide) were reviewed to compare multiple knot and ligature characteristics. Additionally, 189 survey volunteers performed four standardized external tying tasks and two self‐tying tasks, yielding comparison data from more than 1500 knots. Using all available data, it was determined that the differences between external and self‐tying included types of knots, ligature configurations, ligature tensions, wrist gaps, wend lengths, knot access, external anchoring, and other indicators. These differences are presented in a proposed analysis checklist inspired by medical and psychiatric protocols. The checklist contains 14 potential characteristics for head and neck bindings, 14 potential characteristics for wrists and arms, nine ankle and leg characteristics, and four linkage details. The proposed checklist can be expanded and fine‐tuned as more data are accumulated. It offers experienced knot analysts an additional tool to assist in drawing conclusions, which then can be related to other case evidence by investigators.
Cuticular hydrocarbons as a tool for determining the age of Chrysomya rufifacies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae
Authors: Sharma Anika , Drijfhout Falko P. , Tomberlin Jeffery K. , Bala Madhu
Published: September 2020

Calliphoridae are one of the most important insect groups encountered as evidence collected from a crime scene. Age determination of the immature stages of these necrophagous flies is an important step toward estimating the time of colonization and inferring a minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) in most instances. To determine if the cuticular hydrocarbons could be used to establish whether the development stages yield characteristics profiles, allowing for age estimation, hydrocarbons were extracted from 1st and 2nd, as well as feeding and post‐feeding 3rd instar Chrysomya rufifacies, the hairy maggot blow fly. Extracted hydrocarbons were analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry with the aim to investigate the changes in chemical profiles of each larval stage. A total of 23 compounds were identified with most of them being alkanes (65%) with carbon chain lengths of 9–33 carbons, alkenes (18%), and methyl‐branched alkanes (17%). All the hydrocarbons except pentadecane (C15), hexadecane (C16), and nonacosane (C29) showed significant differences in their expression throughout larval development. For 1st instars, nonane was the most abundant (17% of the total hydrocarbons content) compound. Accounting for 11% and 10% of the cuticular hydrocarbons, tricosane and pentacosane, respectively, were the notable hydrocarbons in 2nd instars. For post‐feeding 3rd instars, hentriacontane and tritriacontane were present with relative abundances 18% and 15%, respectively. On average, there was a shift from low to high molecular weight hydrocarbons as the larvae aged. These results indicate the change in hydrocarbons makeup as larvae age and could potentially be used to determine the age of immature C. rufifacies and hence aid in PMImin estimations. However, future research is needed to validate these results under natural conditions in the field.
Distribution of the minutiae in palmprints: Topological and sexual variability
Authors: Rivaldería Noemí , Gutiérrez‐Redomero Esperanza
Published: September 2020

Palmprints have been systematically less studied than fingerprints, despite being of great use in the identification process. In Spain, they were not included in Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) until 2009. Very few investigations performed within the field of palmprints have assessed the sexual and population variability of the number and distribution of minutiae on its surface, despite the fact that these particularities are the basis for personal identification in forensic science. That is why a study was conducted to assess total, bimanual, and sexual density per morphological regions (superior or distal, thenar, and hypothenar) and per counting areas of 1 cm2 on 120 palmprints obtained from 30 male and 30 female individuals of Spanish nationality. Also, the frequency in the location of each type of delta or triradius (a, b, c, d, and t) per count area was calculated. Results have shown a topological variability in the distribution of the density of minutiae, which is similar between sexes and a specular effect between both hands. The most frequent locations of the deltas coincide with areas of high minutiae density. It has also been shown that there are sexual differences in the total number of minutiae, which cannot be due to sexual dimorphism in adult hand size, since minutiae are established at an early stage of fetal development and their number will not change during later postnatal growth. These differences can only be attributed to genetic factors related to sexual determination.
Domestication‐related changes in sexual performance of Queensland fruit fly
Authors: Pérez Jeanneth , Mendez Vivian , Yuval Boaz , Taylor Phillip W.
Published: September 2020

In Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) programs, massive numbers of insects are reared, sterilized, and released in the field to impede reproduction of pest populations. The domestication and rearing processes used to produce insects for SIT programs may have significant evolutionary impacts on life history and reproductive biology. We assessed the effects of domestication on sexual performance of laboratory reared Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni, by comparing an old (49 generations) and a young colony (5 generations). We evaluated mating propensity, mating latency, copula duration, sperm transfer, and ability to induce sexual inhibition in mates. Overall, both males and females from the old colony had greater mating propensity than those from the young colony. Copula duration was longer when females were from the old colony. There was no evidence of sexual isolation between the colonies as males and females from the two colonies had similar propensity to mate with flies from either colony. Males from the old colony transferred more sperm regardless of which colony their mate was from. Finally, males from both colonies were similarly able to induce sexual inhibition in their mates and were also similarly able to secure copulations with already‐mated females. Positive effects of domestication on sperm transfer, coupled with maintained ability to induce sexual inhibition in mates and to secure copulations with previously mated females, highlights that domestication may have little effect, or even positive effects, on some aspects of sexual performance that may advantage mass‐reared B. tryoni in SIT programs.
Momentarily immobile: Backpacking, farm work, and hostels in Bundaberg, Australia
Authors: Barry Kaya
Published: September 2020

The Working Holiday Maker visa encourages young people from 44 nations to live and work for up to three years in Australia, contributing immensely to the temporary migrant workforce in regional areas. However, the conditions they experience while completing 88 days of mandatory ‘farm work’ to apply for visa extensions often place them in vulnerable situations and states of immobility that are counter to the perception of backpackers as mobile. Types of accommodation specifically for temporary migrant farm workers are known as working hostels and in some cases the ways in which they are administered have perpetuated the precarious and immobile situations in which backpackers find themselves. This article explores the lived experiences of backpackers who have undertaken farm work in the Bundaberg region, a new ‘hot spot’ for seasonal migrant labour. Drawing on ethnographic observations and interviews with 35 working holiday makers, the article advances the suggestion that recent shifts in hostelling accommodation practices and increased competition for agricultural jobs in the region place individuals in increasingly precarious states of immobility.
Redemption and reproach: Religion and carceral control in action among women in prison
Authors: Ellis Rachel
Published: September 2020

Criminologists are increasingly interested in how a variety of justice‐adjacent institutions scaffold surveillance and punishment in the U.S. criminal justice system. A relevant but understudied institution within the carceral state is that of religion. Drawing on 12 months of ethnographic fieldwork inside a U.S. state women's prison, I interrogate how religion—predominately conservative and evangelical Protestantism—served dual purposes in light of carceral control. Religion offered redemptive narratives to counter punitive carceral narratives promulgated by the state. At the same time, this narrative shift from “flawed” to “faithful” prescribed particular forms of embodiment: avoiding fights and rejecting sexual relationships with women. These forms of Protestant embodiment aligned with carceral purposes, such that women who reprimanded others for breaching religious norms were simultaneously enforcing prison rules. Although rhetorically challenging official prison narratives on the meaning of incarceration, Protestant narratives in practice regulated women's emotional and sexual behaviors and fostered a system of informal surveillance among incarcerated women. These findings illuminate how organizational narratives are linked to individual action. More broadly, they suggest how an institution such as religion can undergird state authority within an intractable context of carceral control.
Sexual maturity, seasonal estrus, and gestation in female Indo‐Pacific bottlenose dolphins Tursiops aduncus inferred from serum reproductive hormones
Authors: ZHANG Peijun , WEI Zhengzhi , HUI Suk‐Wai , ABEL Grant , MARTELLI Paolo , HAO Yujiang , LI Songhai
Published: September 2020

Reproductive hormones in serum concentrations of progesterone, estradiol, and testosterone in female Indo‐Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus, n = 12) housed in Ocean Park Hong Kong were investigated in the present study. Results showed that, onset of puberty of captive Indo‐Pacific bottlenose dolphins was at 5 years while sexual maturity was at 6. Average serum progesterone concentrations in non‐pregnant sexually mature individuals was 0.33 (0.25–0.97) ng/mL (interquartile), significantly higher than in immature ones 0.26 (0.25–0.38) ng/mL. This study found significant difference in serum estradiol concentrations between individuals at the onset of puberty (9.5 ± 1.7 pg/mL, ±SD) and not (below detection limit 9 pg/mL). A slightly seasonal breeding pattern, with progesterone values tend to be higher from February to October (0.38 [0.25–1.07] ng/mL) was inferred. During pregnancy, serum progesterone concentrations range from 10.54 ± 8.74 ng/mL (indexed month post‐conception [IMPC] 0) to 25.49 ± 12.06 ng/mL (IMPC 2), and display a bimodal pattern with 2 peaks in early‐ (25.49 ± 12.06 ng/mL, IMPC 2) and late‐pregnancy (21.71 ± 10.25 ng/mL, IMPC 12), respectively. Serum estradiol concentrations can seldom be detected in early‐pregnancy and increase constantly in mid‐ (9.45 ± 1.83 pg/mL) and late‐pregnancy (11.88 ± 3.81 pg/mL), with a spike (15.45 ± 6.78 pg/mL) 1 month prior to delivery. Serum testosterone concentrations elevate significantly in IMPC 7 (0.36 ± 0.10 ng/mL) compared to other months (0.16 ± 0.10 ng/mL) of the year. The present study provides normal concentration profiles for some reproductive hormones in female Indo‐Pacific bottlenose dolphins and can contribute to the breeding monitoring of this species. Also, our study would shed further light on the reproductive physiology of small cetaceans.
Toxin variation among salamander populations: discussing potential causes and future directions
Authors: DE MEESTER Gilles , ŠUNJE Emina , PRINSEN Els , VERBRUGGEN Erik , VAN DAMME Raoul
Published: September 2020

Amphibians produce defensive chemicals which provide protection against both predators and infections. Within species, populations can differ considerably in the composition and amount of these chemical defenses. Studying intraspecific variation in toxins and linking it to environmental variables may help us to identify the selective drivers of toxin evolution, such as predation pressure and infection risk. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in the unique toxins produced by salamanders from the genus Salamandra: the samandarines. Despite this attention, intraspecific variation has largely been ignored within Salamandra‐species. The aim of this study was to investigate whether geographic variation in profiles of samandarines exists, by sampling 4 populations of Salamandra atra over its range in the Dinaric Alps. In addition, we preliminary explored whether potential variation could be explained by predation (counting the number of snake species) and infection risk (cultivation and genomic analyses of collected soil samples). Salamanders from the 4 populations differed in toxin composition and in the size of their poison glands, although not in overall toxin quantity. Nor predation nor infection risk could explain this variation, as populations barely differed in these variables. Sampling over a much broader geographic range, using better estimators for predation and infection risk, will contribute to an improved understanding of how environment may shape variation in chemical defenses. Nevertheless, as the 4 populations of S. atra did differ in their toxin profiles, we propose that this species provides an interesting opportunity for further ecological and evolutionary studies on amphibian toxins.
Nuclear factor‐κB in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Li Jie , Tang Rong‐Shuang , Shi Zhou , Li Jin‐Qi
Published: September 2020

NF‐κB (nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells) signaling pathway is involved in the occurrence and development of various kinds of inflammation, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this paper, the relationship between the activation or inhibition of NF‐κB and the pathogenesis of RA is discussed. It is found that activated NF‐κB operates a dual‐aspect effect which can either promote or suppress inflammation. When NF‐κB is inhibited, the symptoms of RA are significantly improved. The specific role of NF‐κB is closely related to its upstream stimulator and downstream activator. Therefore, we review the research on NF‐κB in RA over the past 20 years in order to have a clearer understanding of its mechanism.
Convergence in the Eurozone: Progress Towards the Goal?
Authors: Miles William
Published: September 2020

Convergence in per capita income across member countries is a stated goal of the European Union. This goal applies, of course, to all eurozone nations. The impact of a common currency on income convergence is both theoretically and empirically ambiguous, however. Previous studies on European convergence have suffered from methodological problems. In this paper, we utilize the pair‐wise approach of Pesaran. We use, among other tests, the RALS‐LM technique which allows for endogenous breaks. This will yield greater power, as well as shed light on economic changes, such as the advent of the euro, which may have promoted or hindered convergence. Results indicate little evidence of convergence within the eurozone. Moreover, convergence is more often found between euro and non‐euro countries than within the euro itself, suggesting the common currency had at best a neutral, or even negative impact on income convergence.
Multi‐output Gaussian processes for species distribution modelling
Authors: Ingram Martin , Vukcevic Damjan , Golding Nick
Published: September 2020

Species distribution modelling is an active area of research in ecology. In recent years, interest has grown in modelling multiple species simultaneously, partly due to the ability to ‘borrow strength’ from similar species to improve predictions. Mixed and hierarchical models allow this but typically assume a (generalised) linear relationship between covariates and species presence and absence. On the other hand, popular machine learning techniques such as random forests and boosted regression trees are able to model complex nonlinear relationships but consider only one species at a time.

We apply multi‐output Gaussian processes (MOGPs) to the problem of species distribution modelling. MOGPs model each species' response to the environment as a weighted sum of a small number of nonlinear functions, each modelled by a Gaussian process. While Gaussian process models are notoriously computationally intensive, recent techniques from the machine learning literature as well as using graphics processing units (GPUs) allow us to scale the model to datasets with hundreds of species at thousands of sites.

We evaluate the MOGP against four baseline models on six different datasets. Overall, the MOGP is competitive with the best single‐species and joint‐species models, while being much faster to fit. On single‐species metrics (AUC and log likelihood), the MOGP and single‐output GPs outperformed tree‐based models (random forest and boosted regression trees) and a joint species distribution model (JSDM). Compared to single‐output GPs, the MOGP generally has a higher AUC for rare species with fewer than 50 observation in the dataset. When evaluated using joint‐species log likelihood, the MOGP outperforms all models apart from the JSDM, which has a better joint likelihood on three datasets and similar performance on the three others. A key advantage of the MOGP is speed: on the largest dataset, it is around 18 times faster than fitting single output GPs, and over 80 times faster to fit than the JSDM.

Our results suggest that both MOGPs and SOGPs are accurate predictive models of species distributions and that the MOGP is particularly compelling when predictions for rare species are of interest.
Relationship between male age, semen parameters and assisted reproductive technology outcomes
Authors: Kasman Alex M. , Li Shufeng , Zhao Qianying , Behr Barry , Eisenberg Michael L.
Published: September 2020

Background

Low semen quality often obligates the use of assisted reproductive technology; however, the association between semen quality and assisted reproductive technology outcomes is uncertain.

Objectives

To further assess the impact of semen quality on assisted reproductive technology outcomes.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study was carried out at a single academic reproductive medicine center (January 2012‐December 2018). Patients undergoing at least one assisted reproductive technology cycle utilizing freshly ejaculated spermatozoa from the male partner were included. We assessed the association between semen quality (as stratified based on WHO 5th edition criteria), paternal age (< or ≥40), and reproductive/perinatal outcomes. To evaluate the differences in assisted reproductive technology outcomes by semen parameters and age, generalized estimating equations were applied for rates of fertilization, pregnancy, implantation, miscarriage, live birth, blast formation, gestational age, and normal embryo biopsy.

Results

A total of 2063 couples were identified who underwent 4517 assisted reproductive technology cycles. Average ages of the male and female partners were 39.8 and 37.7, respectively. Lower pregnancy rates were observed in cycles with lower sperm motility (ie <40%; 39.9% vs 44.1%) and total motile count (ie <9 million; 38.3% vs 43.5%). When examining only cycles utilizing Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, only a lower motility count was associated with a decline in pregnancy rate (39.1% vs 44.9%). No association was identified between semen quality and gestational age or birth weight. Paternal age was not associated with ART outcomes. However, among assisted reproductive technology cycles in women <40, aneuploidy rate was higher for older men (P < .001). In cycles with women >40, no association between aneuploidy and male age was identified.

Discussion

Sperm motility is associated with pregnancy rates, while other semen parameters are not. In cycles in women <40, paternal age is associated with embryo aneuploidy rate.

Conclusion

Paternal factors are associated with assisted reproductive technology outcomes, and future studies should explore mechanisms by which semen quality is associated with assisted reproductive technology outcomes.
Paediatric patient bleeding and pain outcomes following subtotal (tonsillotomy) and total tonsillectomy: a 10‐year consecutive, single surgeon series
Authors: Attard Sara , Carney Andrew Simon
Published: September 2020

Background

Subtotal tonsil surgery (tonsillotomy) remains a controversial procedure. We aimed to document bleeding rates and return to normal activity for total versus subtotal tonsil surgery in the paediatric population.

Methods

A 10‐year cohort of 608 children from a single‐surgeon series was analysed. Bleeding events were classified using the Flinders modification of the Stammberger criteria. Return to normal activity was defined as normal diet and return to childcare/school.

Results

A total of 8.3% of tonsil procedures and a subtotal of 1.8% of procedures had some kind of bleeding episode (P < 0.01; odds ratio 3.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–7.6). When blood‐stained sputum (type A bleed) was excluded, this dropped to 2.5% versus 0.3%, respectively (P < 0.05; odds ratio 8.5; 95% CI 1.2–96.0). Return to normal activities occurred at a mean of 11.1 (95% CI 9.7–12.5) versus 4.6 (95% CI 4.0–5.3) days, respectively (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

In this 10‐year single surgeon series, subtotal tonsillectomy or ‘tonsillotomy’ was associated with a significant reduction in both prevalence and severity of bleeding, in addition to a more rapid return to normal activities when compared to total tonsillectomy.
Subcellular localization‐ and fibre type‐dependent utilization of muscle glycogen during heavy resistance exercise in elite power and Olympic weightlifters
Authors: Hokken Rune , Laugesen Simon , Aagaard Per , Suetta Charlotte , Frandsen Ulrik , Ørtenblad Niels , Nielsen Joachim
Published: September 2020

Aim

Glycogen particles are found in different subcellular localizations, which are utilized heterogeneously in different fibre types during endurance exercise. Although resistance exercise typically involves only a moderate use of mixed muscle glycogen, the hypothesis of the present study was that high‐volume heavy‐load resistance exercise would mediate a pattern of substantial glycogen depletion in specific subcellular localizations and fibre types.

Methods

10 male elite weightlifters performed resistance exercise consisting of four sets of five (4 × 5) repetitions at 75% of 1RM back squats, 4 × 5 at 75% of 1RM deadlifts and 4 × 12 at 65% of 1RM rear foot elevated split squats. Muscle biopsies (vastus lateralis) were obtained before and after the exercise session. The volumetric content of intermyofibrillar (between myofibrils), intramyofibrillar (within myofibrils) and subsarcolemmal glycogen was assessed by transmission electron microscopy.

Results

After exercise, biochemically determined muscle glycogen decreased by 38 (31:45)%. Location‐specific glycogen analyses revealed in type 1 fibres a large decrement in intermyofibrillar glycogen, but no or only minor changes in intramyofibrillar or subsarcolemmal glycogen. In type 2 fibres, large decrements in glycogen were observed in all subcellular localizations. Notably, a substantial fraction of the type 2 fibres demonstrated near‐depleted levels of intramyofibrillar glycogen after the exercise session.

Conclusion

Heavy resistance exercise mediates a substantial utilization of glycogen from all three subcellular localization in type 2 fibres, while mostly taxing intermyofibrillar glycogen stores in type 1 fibres. Thus, a better understanding of the impact of resistance training on myocellular metabolism and performance requires a focus on compartmentalized glycogen utilization.
Taiwan’s COVID‐19 Management: Developmental State, Digital Governance, and State‐Society Synergy
Authors: Yen Wei‐Ting
Published: September 2020

This article examines the reasons behind Taiwan’s effective COVID‐19 response. While some have argued that Taiwan’s success with COVID‐19 is based on its experience with SARS, I argue that we should not attribute Taiwan’s effective response solely to its SARS experience. The country’s success mainly lies in three factors: (1) reliance on the mask policy as the main disease prevention measure and the ability to quickly expand mask production capacity; (2) use of big data and technology to enhance effective implementation of disease prevention and detection measures; and (3) strong state‐society relations favoring transparency, communication, and collaboration. The first two factors can trace their roots to the country’s developmental state model. Democracy provides the institutional underpinning for a vibrant civil society and the synergy between state and civil society, strengthening Taiwan’s crisis governance legitimacy and increasing citizens’ voluntary compliance.
Grey matter abnormalities in first‐episode mania: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of voxel‐based morphometry studies
Authors: Keramatian Kamyar , Chakrabarty Trisha , Saraf Gayatri , Pinto Jairo V. , Yatham Lakshmi N.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

It has been proposed that different stages of bipolar disorder may be underpinned by distinct neurobiological substrates. However, structural neuroimaging studies in early stages of the illness are limited by small sample sizes yielding inconsistent findings. The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis, therefore, was to identify regional grey matter volume (GMV) changes that are consistently associated with first episode of mania (FEM).

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic search of the literature to identify Voxel‐Based Morphometry (VBM) studies in FEM patients compared with healthy individuals. We then conducted a voxel‐wise meta‐analysis using Seed‐based d‐Mapping technique. Finally, we performed univariate meta‐regression analyses to explore the potential effects of moderator variables including age, gender, and percentage of lithium users on GMV alterations.

Results

We identified 15 VBM studies and included 12 studies in the meta‐analysis. Four studies found no regional differences in GM volumes while other 11 studies reported volume changes in frontal and temporal regions as well as anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), cerebellum and basal ganglia. The meta‐analysis revealed a single cluster of GMV reduction in bilateral pregenual ACC in patients with FEM compared to healthy individuals (P < .001). The Egger's test showed no evidence of publication bias at peak voxel level (P = .447). Meta‐regression analyses revealed no significant effects of moderators evaluated.

Conclusions

Structural brain changes are evident in the early stages of bipolar disorder. GMV reduction in bilateral pregenual ACC is the most consistent finding in VBM studies of FEM.
Does a fully digital workflow improve the accuracy of computer‐assisted implant surgery in partially edentulous patients? A systematic review of clinical trials
Authors: Siqueira Rafael , Chen Zhaozhao , Galli Matthew , Saleh Islam , Wang Hom‐Lay , Chan Hsun‐Liang
Published: September 2020

Background

Accurate implant placement is essential in reducing post‐treatment complications and in ensuring a successful treatment outcome.

Purpose

To compare the accuracy of fully‐guided static computer‐assisted implant surgery (s‐CAIS) using partially‐ and fully‐digital workflows.

Materials and methods

Electronic and manual literature searches were performed to collect evidence concerning the accuracy of fully‐guided s‐CAIS procedures utilizing tooth‐supported guides. Quantitative analysis was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of partially‐ and fully‐digital workflows, and survival rates and complications were qualitatively analyzed.

Results

Thirteen studies, including 6 randomized controlled trials and 7 prospective clinical studies, were selected for quantitative and qualitative synthesis. A total of 669 implants in 325 patients using s‐CAIS were available for review. Meta‐analysis of the accuracy revealed a total mean angular deviation of 2.68° (95% CI: 2.32°‐3.03°); mean global coronal deviation of 1.03 mm (95% CI: 0.88‐1.18 mm); mean global apical deviation of 1.33 mm (95% CI: 1.17‐1.50 mm); and mean depth deviation of 0.59 mm (95% CI: 0.46‐0.70 mm). Minimal differences were found between the two different workflows. Few complications were reported, and survival rates were between 97.8% to 100% (range of follow‐up: 12 to 24 months) in the available studies.

Conclusion

Similar accuracy is obtained when implants are placed in partially edentulous patients using fully‐guided s‐CAIS, independently of the workflow utilized.
The Role of Co‐Occurrence Statistics in Developing Semantic Knowledge
Authors: Unger Layla , Vales Catarina , Fisher Anna V.
Published: September 2020

The organization of our knowledge about the world into an interconnected network of concepts linked by relations profoundly impacts many facets of cognition, including attention, memory retrieval, reasoning, and learning. It is therefore crucial to understand how organized semantic representations are acquired. The present experiment investigated the contributions of readily observable environmental statistical regularities to semantic organization in childhood. Specifically, we investigated whether co‐occurrence regularities with which entities or their labels more reliably occur together than with others (a) contribute to relations between concepts independently and (b) contribute to relations between concepts belonging to the same taxonomic category. Using child‐directed speech corpora to estimate reliable co‐occurrences between labels for familiar items, we constructed triads consisting of a target, a related distractor, and an unrelated distractor in which targets and related distractors consistently co‐occurred (e.g., sock‐foot), belonged to the same taxonomic category (e.g., sock‐coat), or both (e.g., sock‐shoe). We used an implicit, eye‐gaze measure of relations between concepts based on the degree to which children (N = 72, age 4–7 years) looked at related versus unrelated distractors when asked to look for a target. The results indicated that co‐occurrence both independently contributes to relations between concepts and contributes to relations between concepts belonging to the same taxonomic category. These findings suggest that sensitivity to the regularity with which different entities co‐occur in children's environments shapes the organization of semantic knowledge during development. Implications for theoretical accounts and empirical investigations of semantic organization are discussed.
Airway microbiota is associated with the severity of non‐CF bronchiectasis
Authors: Li Liyang , Zhang Jiaming , Li Zhuozhe , Zhang Cuiping , Bi Jing , Zhou Jian , Song Yuanlin , Shao Changzhou
Published: September 2020

Background

Airway microbiota are associated with several chronic respiratory diseases. However, limited studies examined microbiota in non‐cystic fibrosis (non‐CF) bronchiectasis, especially its relationship with severity and immunology.

Objectives

We characterized the microbiota of patients with different severities of bronchiectasis and examined the correlation between microbiota and the immunological indices.

Materials and methods

The microbiota of 63 sputum samples from 40 patients with bronchiectasis were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Blood tests and related immunological indices were detected.

Results

According to the baseline data of patients with bronchiectasis, we found that more severe bronchiectasis was accompanied by lower prealbumin levels. The 16S rRNA sequencing analyses demonstrated that Pseudomonas‐dominated microbiota produced lower levels of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) compared to other‐dominated microbiota. The airway microbiota of patients with mild bronchiectasis clustered apart from those of patients with severe bronchiectasis, which correlated with IL‐4 and other clinical indices.

Conclusion

There are differences in the airway microbiota between patients with mild and severe bronchiectasis. The airway microbiota was related to some clinical indices that represent effects on the immune system.
Illegal killing of nongame wildlife and recreational shooting in conservation areas
Authors: Katzner Todd E. , Carlisle Jay D. , Poessel Sharon A. , Thomason Eve C. , Pauli Benjamin P. , Pilliod David S. , Belthoff James R. , Heath Julie A. , Parker Kristina J. , Warner Kevin S. , Hayes Heather M. , Aberg Madeline C. , Ortiz Patricia A. , Amdor Sandra M. , Alsup Steven E. , Coates Stephanie E. , Miller Tricia A. , Duran Zoe K.
Published: September 2020

Illegal killing of nongame wildlife is a global yet poorly documented problem. The prevalence and ecological consequences of illegal killing are often underestimated or completely unknown. We review the practice of legal recreational shooting and present data gathered from telemetry, surveys, and observations on its association with illegal killing of wildlife (birds and snakes) within conservation areas in Idaho, USA. In total, 33% of telemetered long‐billed curlews (Numenius americanus) and 59% of other bird carcasses found with known cause of death (or 32% of total) were illegally shot. Analysis of spatial distributions of illegal and legal shooting is consistent with birds being shot illegally in the course of otherwise legal recreational shooting, but snakes being intentionally sought out and targeted elsewhere, in locations where they congregate. Preliminary public surveys indicate that most recreational shooters find abhorrent the practice of illegal killing of wildlife. Viewed through this lens, our data may imply only a small fraction of recreational shooters is responsible for this activity. This study highlights a poorly known conservation problem that could have broad implications for some species and populations of wildlife.
Effect of SLCO1B1 Polymorphisms on High‐Dose Methotrexate Clearance in Children and Young Adults With Leukemia and Lymphoblastic Lymphoma
Authors: Schulte Rachael R. , Choi Leena , Utreja Nipun , Van Driest Sara L. , Stein C. Michael , Ho Richard H.
Published: September 2020

High‐dose (HD) methotrexate (MTX) is a critical component of treatment for hematologic malignancies in children and young adults. Therapeutic drug monitoring is necessary due to substantial interindividual variation in MTX clearance. Common function‐altering polymorphisms in SLCO1B1 (encodes OATP1B1, which transports MTX) may contribute to clearance variability. We performed pharmacokinetic modeling using data for 106 children and young adults treated with HD MTX for hematologic malignancies; of 396 total courses of HD MTX, 360 consisted of 5 g/m2 over 24 hours. We evaluated the contribution of clinical covariates and SLCO1B1 genotype (388A>G and 521T>C) to MTX clearance variability. Of the clinical covariates studied, patient weight improved the pharmacokinetic model most significantly (P < 0.001). The addition of the SLCO1B1 variants individually further improved the model (P < 0.05 for each). An interaction between these variants was suggested when both were included (P = 0.017). SLCO1B1 genotype should be considered in efforts to personalize HD MTX dosing.
Diagnosis of gastric lesions through a deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Zhang Liming , Zhang Yang , Wang Li , Wang Jiangyuan , Liu Yulan
Published: September 2020

Background and Aims

A deep convolutional neural network (CNN) was used to achieve fast and accurate artificial intelligence (AI)‐assisted diagnosis of early gastric cancer (GC) and other gastric lesions based on endoscopic images.

Methods

A CNN‐based diagnostic system based on a ResNet34 residual network structure and a DeepLabv3 structure was constructed and trained using 21,217 gastroendoscopic images of five gastric conditions, peptic ulcer (PU), early gastric cancer (EGC) and high‐grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN), advanced gastric cancer (AGC), gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs), and normal gastric mucosa without lesions. The trained CNN was evaluated using a test dataset of 1091 images. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the CNN were calculated. The CNN diagnosis was compared with those of 10 endoscopists with over 8 years of experience in endoscopic diagnosis.

Results

The diagnostic specificity and PPV of the CNN were higher than that of the endoscopists for the EGC and HGIN images (specificity: 91.2% vs. 86.7%, by 4.5%, 95% CI 2.8–7.2%; PPV: 55.4% vs. 41.7%, by 13.7%, 95% CI 11.2–16.8%) and the diagnostic accuracy of the CNN was close to those of the endoscopists for the lesion‐free, EGC and HGIN, PU, AGC, and SMTs images. The CNN had image recognition time of 42 s for all the test set images.

Conclusion

The constructed CNN system could be used as a rapid auxiliary diagnostic instrument to detect EGC and HGIN, as well as other gastric lesions, to reduce the workload of endoscopists.
Understanding the relationship between type 2 diabetes and depression: lessons from genetically informative study designs
Authors: Bergmans R. S. , Rapp A. , Kelly K. M. , Weiss D. , Mezuk Briana
Published: September 2020

Aims

To conduct a systematic review in order to comprehensively synthesize the findings from a diverse range of genetically informative studies on comorbid depression and type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Database searches (1 January 2008 to 1 June 2020) in PubMed and EMBASE were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eligible reports employed any type of genetically informed design, including twin modelling, Mendelian randomization, genome‐wide association studies, polygenetic risk scores, or linkage disequilibrium score regression. Searches generated 451 unique citations, and 16 manuscripts met the inclusion criteria.

Results

The included studies addressed three aetiological models of the depression–diabetes relationship: uni‐ or bi‐directional phenotypic causation; shared genetic liability; or gene–environment interaction. From these studies, there is modest evidence that type 2 diabetes is causally related to risk of developing depression, but much more limited evidence that depression is causally related to risk of diabetes. There is little evidence of shared genetic liability between depression and diabetes or of gene–environment interaction.

Conclusions

Findings from genetically informed studies are mixed but provide some support for the uni‐ or bi‐directional phenotypic model of depression and type 2 diabetes. Future studies should also explore the hypothesis that this relationship may be influenced by shared environmental risk factors. Findings can inform multifaceted approaches to diabetes prevention and care that reflect how psychosocial factors contribute to type 2 diabetes risk and outcomes.
Prognostic utility of quantitative offline 2D‐echocardiography in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 disease
Authors: Bursi Francesca , Santangelo Gloria , Sansalone Dario , Valli Federica , Vella Anna Maria , Toriello Filippo , Barbieri Andrea , Carugo Stefano
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To assess the prognostic utility of quantitative 2D‐echocardiography, including strain, in patients with COVID‐19 disease.

Methods

COVID‐19‐infected patients admitted to the San Paolo University Hospital of Milan that underwent a clinically indicated echocardiographic examination were included in the study. To limit contamination, all measurements were performed offline. Quantitative measurements were obtained by an operator blinded to the clinical data.

Results

Among the 49 patients, nonsurvivors (33%) had worse respiratory parameters, index of multiorgan failure, and worse markers of lung involvement. Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction (as assessed by conventional and 2‐dimensional speckle tracking) was a common finding and a powerful independent predictor of mortality. At the ROC curve analyses, RV free wall longitudinal strain (LS) showed an AUC 0.77 ± 0.08 in predicting death, P = .008, and global RV LS (RV‐GLS) showed an AUC 0.79 ± 0.04, P = .004. This association remained significant after correction for age (OR = 1.16, 95%CI 1.01–1.34, P = .029 for RV free wall LS and OR = 1.20, 95%CI 1.01–1.42, P = .033 for RV‐GLS), for oxygen partial pressure at arterial gas analysis/fraction of inspired oxygen (OR = 1.28, 95%CI 1.04–1.57, P = .021 for RV free wall‐LS and OR = 1.30, 95%CI 1.04–1.62, P = .020 for RV‐GLS) and for the severity of pulmonary involvement measured by a computed tomography lung score (OR = 1.27, 95%CI 1.02–1.19, P = .034 for RV free wall LS and OR = 1.30, 95%CI 1.04–1.63, P = .022 for RV‐GLS).

Conclusions

In patients hospitalized with COVID‐19, offline quantitative 2D‐echocardiographic assessment of cardiac function is feasible. Parameters of RV function are frequently abnormal and have an independent prognostic value over markers of lung involvement.
From statistical regularities in multisensory inputs to peripersonal space representation and body ownership: Insights from a neural network model
Authors: Bertoni Tommaso , Magosso Elisa , Serino Andrea
Published: September 2020

Peripersonal space (PPS), the interface between the self and the environment, is represented by a network of multisensory neurons with visual (or auditory) receptive fields anchored to specific body parts, and tactile receptive fields covering the same body parts. Neurophysiological and behavioural features of hand PPS representation have been previously modelled through a neural network constituted by one multisensory population integrating tactile inputs with visual/auditory external stimuli. Reference frame transformations were not explicitly modelled, as stimuli were encoded in pre‐computed hand‐centred coordinates. Here we present a novel model, aiming to overcome this limitation by including a proprioceptive population encoding hand position. We confirmed behaviourally the plausibility of the proposed architecture, showing that visuo‐proprioceptive information is integrated to enhance tactile processing on the hand. Moreover, the network's connectivity was spontaneously tuned through a Hebbian‐like mechanism, under two minimal assumptions. First, the plasticity rule was designed to learn the statistical regularities of visual, proprioceptive and tactile inputs. Second, such statistical regularities were simply those imposed by the body structure. The network learned to integrate proprioceptive and visual stimuli, and to compute their hand‐centred coordinates to predict tactile stimulation. Through the same mechanism, the network reproduced behavioural correlates of manipulations implicated in subjective body ownership: the invisible and the rubber hand illusion. We thus propose that PPS representation and body ownership may emerge through a unified neurocomputational process; the integration of multisensory information consistently with a model of the body in the environment, learned from the natural statistics of sensory inputs.
Chronic immunoglobulin maintenance therapy in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Alcantara M. , Sarpong E. , Barnett C. , Katzberg H. , Bril V.
Published: September 2020

Background and purpose

Long‐term treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG) includes symptomatic and course‐modifying therapies that target the immune system. Recently, both intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) have emerged as viable options for chronic therapy, considering the favourable safety–efficacy profile and possible immunosuppressant sparing properties. The aim was to investigate the outcomes of the long‐term care of generalized MG with immunoglobulin (Ig).

Methods

This is a retrospective, repeated‐measures design study. Charts of generalized MG patients, treated with IVIG/SCIG for at least 6 months, from January 2015 to January 2020, were analysed. The primary outcome was the mean change in Myasthenia Gravis Impairment Index (MGII) after treatment with Ig, comparing baseline to IVIG and SCIG treatment periods. Secondary outcomes included the changes in pyridostigmine, immunosuppressive medications and patient‐reported outcome ‘percentage of normal’ (0%–100%).

Results

Thirty‐four patients were treated with chronic Ig therapy (30 IVIG/SCIG, three SCIG, one IVIG). The mean durations of IVIG and SCIG periods were 21.8 ± 19.4 (range 3–64) months and 19.5 ± 11.3 (range 5–45) months respectively. There was a significant reduction in MGII scores (27.7 ± 15.7 baseline; 22.0 ± 17.4 IVIG period; 19.5 ± 18.1 SCIG period;F = 17.9; d.f. = 1.7;P < 0.01), pyridostigmine and immunosuppressant use (P = 0.00). The outcome ‘percentage of normal’ had a significant positive association with both treatments (P = 0.00).

Conclusion

Our study results suggest that patients can be successfully transitioned to IVIG and from IVIG to SCIG in the chronic treatment of generalized MG with reductions in impairments and use of other medications and improvement in overall status with Ig therapy. Prospective, randomized studies are needed to clarify costs and comparative effectiveness.
Overnight switch from rasagiline to safinamide in Parkinson's disease patients with motor fluctuations: a tolerability and safety study
Authors: Stocchi F. , Vacca L. , Grassini P. , Tomino C. , Caminiti G. , Casali M. , D'Antoni V. , Volterrani M. , Torti M.
Published: September 2020

Background and purpose

When switching between monoamine oxidase type B (MAO‐B) inhibitors, a 15‐day suspension period is a precautionary measure to avoid a serotonin syndrome and hypertensive crisis. However, this indication results in a major inconvenience for parkinsonian patients because of the worsening of their clinical condition. In routine clinical practice, neurologists often perform a substitution of these two drugs without solution of continuity (i.e. overnight), to avoid worsening of fluctuations and prolonged OFF periods. Therefore, a safety open label study was performed to investigate the possible risks of switching overnight from rasagiline to safinamide.

Methods

The study population included 20 advanced patients with Parkinson's disease on stable treatment with rasagiline and levodopa (alone or in combination with other anti‐parkinsonian medication). The possible occurrence of serotonin syndrome and hypertension was monitored through a strict clinical observation and a 24‐h Holter recording (ABPM) performed twice, whilst subjects were on rasagiline and immediately after switching to safinamide.

Results

No cases of serotonin syndrome or hypertensive crisis occurred during the study. Changes that were not significant occurred in the primary end‐point: 24‐h mean blood pressure (BP) had a mild +4.4% increase in the ABPM2 versus ABPM1 (P = 0.17), 24‐h systolic and diastolic BP values were slightly higher at ABPM2 compared to ABPM1 (respectively +3.3%, P = 0.13; and 5.4%, P = 0.08) and 24‐h systolic BP variability was unchanged between the two ABPM evaluations (from 8.6 ± 2.9 to 8.9 ± 1.8; P = 0.27).

Conclusion

The results of the present study confirm that the overnight switch from rasagiline to safinamide is safe and well tolerated by patients.