bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some Green is Better than Nothing: Associations between Dfferent Measurements of Land Patterns and Depression among Nursing Students in El Paso, Texas
Authors: Nazif-Munoz Jose , Cedeno Laurent Jose , Browning Matthew , Spengler John D , Olvera Álvarez Héctor
Published: October 2020

Background: While greenness has been associated with lower depression, the generalizability of this association in arid landscapes remains undetermined. We assessed the association between depression and greenness among nursing students living in El Paso, Texas (the Chihuahuan desert). Methods: Depression was measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scale, and greenness with the normalized difference vegetation index (at buffer sizes =250m, 500m, 1000m). Using data from the National Land Cover Database two additional measures of land patterns were analyzed: grayness and brownness. Structural equation models were used to assess the relationships of these land patterns to depression and quantify the indirect effects of peer alienation. Results: After adjusting for individual characteristics, at buffers 250 m greenness was associated with a decrease in the Incidence Rate Ratios (IRR) of depression by 49% (IRR, 0.51; 95%CI, 0.12-2.10), greyness with increases by 64% (IRR, 1.64; 95%CI, 1.07-2.52) and brownness with decreases by 35% (IRR, 0.65; 95%CI, 0.42-0.99). At buffer 250 m peer alienation explained 17.43% (95% CI, -1.79-36.66) of the association between depression and brownness, suggesting a pathway to depression. Conclusions: We did not observe an association between depression and residential greenness in El Paso, Texas. However, we did observe a protective association between brownness and depression as well as an adverse association with grayness. These results have theoretical implications as based on commonly used frameworks in this literature and adverse association of brownness (and the lack of greenness) and depression was expected.
Analysis and Optimization of Raw Material Supply Chains With Regard to Profitability and Sustainability
Authors: Trojahn Sebastian , Strubelt Henning
Published: October 2020

Raw material logistics reflects an important aspect of global trade. Raw materials form an essential basis for society, for daily life, and range from apples to zinc. This paper addresses the analysis and optimization of supply chains of raw materials in terms of their economic viability and their sustainability. Type representatives are chosen according to annual transported quantities. Hard coal represents bulk goods, aluminum primary raw materials with medium quantities, and rare earths primary raw materials with small quantities. Their respective supply chains are analyzed and subsequently possible strategies and methods and their application are discussed. The paper shows for the first time that the selection and application of optimization priorities (e.g. profitability or sustainability) depends on the primary raw material and its integration into global production chains.
Determination of Tractor Engine Oil Change Interval Based on Material Properties
Authors: Hönig Vladimír , Procházka Petr , Obergruber Michal , Kučerová Viera , Mejstřík Pavel , Macků Jan , Bouček Jiří
Published: October 2020

This article focuses on the issue of motor oils used in the engines of off-road mobile machinery (NRMM), more specifically tractors. The primary goal of the paper is to determine the appropriate replacement interval for these oils. The physical properties of the examined samples were first determined by conventional instruments. Furthermore, the concentration of abrasive metals, contaminants, and additive elements were measured using an optical emission spectrometer. Lastly, the content of water, fuel, glycol, and the products of oxidation, nitration, and sulphation were determined by using infrared spectrometry. The measured values were compared to the limit values. Based on the processing and evaluation of these analyses, the overall condition of the oils was assessed and subsequently the optimal exchange interval of the examined oils was determined. In addition, a risk analysis of the outage was performed. Due to the high yields of crops, farmers can lose a significant amount of product when a tractor is not functioning during the harvest period. This loss for calculated in the paper.
Modification of Monocyte Count and Subsets During Human Cytomegalovirus Replication in vivo and Glucocorticoid Therapy
Authors: Zdziarski Przemyslaw , Gamian Andrzej
Published: October 2020

It has recently been discovered that mere cell contact by human cytomegalovirus (CMV) particles leads to profound modulation of cellular gene expression. Reduced monocyte human leukocyte antigen (HLA-DR) expression is a novel biomarker of severity and outcome in many diseases. Modulation of CD14 protein by CMV was shown in vitro, but little is known about the phenomenon in vivo (during active cytomegalovirus disease). Therefore, we investigated monocyte CD14 and HLA-DR expression in CMV infected patients in relation to logarithmic phase of infectious process. Samples from patients with active CMV replication (exponential growth of CMV viremia) were tested. After CD45/SSC gating monocyte CD14 and HLA-DR expression were determined by double-color flow-cytometry. Significant monocytosis and poor correlation between CMV replication and CD14+HLA-DR(-) cells prompted CD14 investigation. During logarithmic phase of CMV infection increased count and percentage of CD14low monocytes were observed which correlated with viral replication in several clinical situations except when there was a rapid recovery without relapse. Furthermore, most of CD14low monocytes are HLA-DR+. The increase of CD14low monocytes is also observed under the influence of high dose of glucocorticoids (20 mg of dexamethasone). The reduction in CD14 induced by CMV and dexamethasone indicates that the monocyte balance is disturbed between the classical and non-classical phenotype. A high percentage of CD14lowHLA-DR+ probably gives rise to adaptive and a decrease of innate immune response. In light of the logarithmic increase of viral load (with exponent between 3,23 and 5,77), high monocytosis above 1200 / µl is a hallmark of CMV replication.
An Investigation of Modelling Accuracy Needs for Urban Design Flood Estimation
Authors: Ball James E.
Published: October 2020

Flood Management remains a major problem in many urban environments. Commonly, catchment models are used to generate the data needed for estimation of flood risk; event-based and continuous-based models have been used for this purpose. Use of catchment models requires calibration and validation with a calibration metric used to assess the predicted catchment response against the recorded catchment response. In this study, a continuous model based on SWMM using the Powells Creek catchment as a case study is investigated. Calibration of the model was obtained using 25 selected events from the monitored data for the catchment. Assessment of the calibration used a normalised peak flow error. Using alternative sets of parameter values to obtain estimates of the peak flow for each of the selected events and different accuracy criteria, the best datasets for each of the accuracy criteria were identified. These datasets were used with SWMM in a continuous simulation mode to predict flow sequences for extraction of Annual Maxima Series for an At-Site Flood Frequency Analysis. From analysis of these At-Site Flood Frequency Analyses, it was concluded that the normalised peak flow error needed to be less than 10% if reliable design flood quantile estimates were to be obtained.
Gender Differences in Psychological Symptoms and Psychotherapeutic Processes in Japanese Children
Authors: Kawai Toshio , Suzuki Yuka , Hatanaka Chihiro , Konakawa Hiasae , Tanaka Yasuhiro , Uchida Aya
Published: October 2020

Gender differences have been documented in the prevalence of psychological symptoms. Tic disorders and ASD are more common in male clinical samples, while selective mutism and trichotillomania are more common in female clinical samples. In a review of 84 published case studies of Japanese children, this study explores gender differences in the prevalence of four categories of symptoms and expressions made in therapy for tics, selective mutism, trichotillomania, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Case studies were evaluated using both qualitative coding and statistical analysis. The findings were mostly consistent with epidemiological surveys and empirical research on adults. The gender differences in symptom prevalence and their expression can be summarized as differences in more direct aggression for boys versus indirect aggression for girls. The objective and progress in the therapy are to control impulsive energy for boys and to express energy for girls.
Antioxidants From the Class of Polyphenols, NAC and Vitamin C Act Differently on Amyloid Fibril Formation by Two Human Cystatins: Stefin B and Cystatin C.
Authors: Jahic Mujkic Alma , Hasanbasic Samra , Tušek Žnidarič Magda , Berbic Selma , Zerovnik Eva
Published: October 2020

We compare the effect on amyloid fibril formation by two homologous proteins from the family of cystatins, human stefin B (stB) and cystatin C (cysC) in presence of 3 polyphenols: curcumin, resveratrol and quercetin and 2 non-phenolic anti-oxidants: vitamin C (VitC) and N-acetyl cystein (NAC). Some of the experimental data have already been presented, here we compare, further discuss and highlight the results. The amyloid fibril formation was followed by ThT fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Inhibitory effects on amyloid fibrillation reaction depended on anti-oxidant class and concentration. The fact that different effect of polyphenols was observed with the two cystatins; Cur acted inhibitory on stB but not on cysC fibril formation, could be explained if the 3 polyphenols would not bind to the same binding site in the fibrils core. Other differences are pointed out and discussed. Synergistic effects of VitC and chosen polyphenols on amyloid fibrilllation of human stB have been explored and are reported here for the first time.
Allogeneic Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Corticosteroid Injection for the Treatment of Rotator Cuff Disease
Authors: Jo Chris Hyunchul , Lee Seung Yeon , Yoon Kang Sup , Oh Sohee , Shin Sue
Published: October 2020

Background:

The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of rotator cuff disease is still controversial. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of a fully characterized allogeneic pure PRP injection into the subacromial space of patients with rotator cuff disease in comparison with corticosteroid injection.

Methods:

A 2-group, parallel, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 60 patients with clinically and structurally diagnosed rotator cuff disease were randomly assigned to receive a subacromial injection of either 4 mL of allogeneic pure PRP or a 4-mL mixture of 1 mL of 40-mg/mL triamcinolone acetonide and 3 mL of 2% lidocaine under ultrasonographic guidance. The primary outcomes were safety and the Constant score at 1 month. The secondary outcomes were pain, range of motion, muscle strength, functional scores, and overall satisfaction and function.

Results:

There were no treatment-related adverse events. The Constant score at 1 month did not significantly differ between the PRP and corticosteroid groups. At 6 months, the DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score, overall function, and external rotation were significantly better in the PRP group than in the corticosteroid group, and the other clinical outcomes did not show significant differences. All pain measurements, the strength of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus, and 5 functional scores also improved slowly and steadily after injection, becoming significantly better at 6 months compared with those before the injection, whereas those in the corticosteroid group responded promptly but did not further improve.

Conclusions:

Allogeneic PRP injections for the treatment of rotator cuff disease are safe but are not definitely superior to corticosteroid injections with respect to pain relief and functional improvement during 6 months. The DASH score, overall function, and external rotation were significantly better in the PRP group than in the steroid group at 6 months. Generally, PRP slowly but steadily reduced pain and improved function of the shoulder until 6 months, whereas corticosteroid did not.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Online-Identification of Electromagnetic Parameters of an Induction Motor
Authors: Tytiuk V. K. , Baranovskaya M. L. , Chorny O. P. , Burdilnaya E. V. , Kuznetsov V. V. , Bogatyriov K. N.
Published: October 2020

Incompliance of the settings of the system to control actual values of the parameters of a variable frequency induction electric drive may sometimes result in complete non-operability of a variable frequency electric drive as well as in the considerable reduction of the dynamic quality parameters. Such parameters as active rotor resistance, rotor inductance, and inductance of the magnetization circuit are available for the immediate measuring. They are not identified in terms of the acceptance tests, and the values presented in catalogues and reference books are calculated ones that may differ considerably from the real values of a certain machine. Despite constant studies by the researchers, a task to identify electromagnetic parameters of the equivalent circuit of an induction motor is still important and topical. The objective of the paper is to develop a method of online-identification of the electromagnetic parameters of an induction motor making it possible to implement accurate regulator adjustment of the frequency control system in terms of operational changes in the driving motor parameters. For the first time, the paper analyzes a steady mode of induction motor operation which does not apply T-network of the equivalent circuit of an induction motor. An approach has been proposed relying on the equation of an induction motor in three-phase fixed coordinate system obtained on the basis of the theory of generalized electromechanical converter.
Environmental Characteristics of Modern Systems of Domestic Use of Fuel. Part 2. Pollutants Formation by Natural Gas Combustion in Atmospheric Burners: Experimental Studies
Authors: Soroka B. S. , Horupa V. V.
Published: October 2020

The Gas Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine performs comprehensive studies of the formation of toxic emissions in the flame of atmospheric burners and beyond the visible burning cones (“rich” primary flame). The experiments are based on the proven significant content of harmful substances in the combustion products of gas fuel in household appliances and on direct contact of consumers with gas emissions during the operation of the stoves. A methodology for the experimental researches of the harmful emissions formation has been proposed while the computerized firing rig serving as the diagnostic facility has been developed for studying the combustion of hydrocarbon gases in the burners of household stoves. Carbon oxides CO and nitrogen oxides NO and NO2 are considered as toxic emissions, while the primary air excess coefficient and the heat load of the burner are considered as variable parameters. Under operating conditions of a gas stove, its variable characteristics are the gas pressure in front of the nozzle of the atmospheric burner and its thermal power. When optimizing the design of burners, the determinant value of the stability of burning, energy and environmental indicators of fuel combustion is the coefficient of excess of primary air λpr at a given gas pressure before the burner. The influence of this coefficient on the formation of CO, NO, NO2 is established, and the possibility of emissions with a high concentration of nitrogen dioxide is proved. Since the concentration of [NO] decreases with an increase in λpr, and the absolute level of [NO2] concentrations is not significantly affected by the value of λpr, it is determined that the proportion of [NO2] concentration in the [NOx] = [NO] + [NO2] compound increases with an increase in the primary air excess coefficient.
The Persistence of Child and Adolescence Mental Healthcare: Results from Registry Data
Authors: Dijk Hermien , Freriks Roel , Alessie Rob , Mierau Jochen
Published: October 2020

Background: Previous studies on the persistence of child and adolescent mental healthcare do not consider the role of time-invariant individual characteristics. Estimating persistence of healthcare using standard linear models yields biased estimates due to unobserved heterogeneity and the autoregressive structure of the model. This study provides estimates of the persistence of child and adolescent mental healthcare taking these statistical issues into account.

Methods: We use registry data of more than 80,000 Dutch children and adolescents between 2000 and 2012 from the Psychiatric Case Registry Northern Netherlands (PCR-NN). In order to account for autocorrelation due to the presence of a lagged dependent variable and to distinguish between persistence caused by time-invariant individual characteristics and a direct care effect we use difference GMM-IV estimation. In further analyses we assess the robustness of our results to policy reforms, different definitions of care and diagnosis decomposition.

Results: All estimation results for the direct care effect (true state-dependence) show a positive coefficient smaller than unity with a main effect of 0.215 (p < 0.01), which indicates that the process is stable. Persistence of care is found to be 0.065 (p < 0.05) higher for females. Additionally, the majority of persistence of care appears to be associated with time-invariant characteristics. Further analyses indicate that (1) results are robust to different definitions of care and (2) persistence of care does not differ significantly across subgroups.

Conclusions: The results indicate that the majority of mental healthcare persistence for children and adolescents is due to time-invariant individuals characteristics. Additionally, we find that in the absence of further shocks a sudden increase of 10 care contacts in the present year is associated with an average of less than 3 additional care contacts at some point in the future. This result provides essential information about the necessity of budget increases for future years in the case of exogenous increases in healthcare use.
QTL mapping of winter dormancy and associated traits in two switchgrass pseudo-F1 populations: lowland x lowland and lowland x upland
Authors: Razar Rasyidah Mohamad , Missaoui Ali
Published: October 2020

Background Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) undergoes winter dormancy by sensing photoperiod and temperature changes. It transitions to winter dormancy in early fall following at the end of reproduction and exits dormancy in the spring. The duration of the growing season affects the accumulation of biomass and yield. In this study, we conducted QTL mapping of winter dormancy measured by fall regrowth height (FRH) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), spring emergence (SE), and flowering date (FD) in two bi-parental pseudo-F1 populations derived from crosses between the lowland AP13 with the lowland B6 (AB) with 285 progenies, and the lowland B6 with the upland VS16 (BV) with 227 progenies. Results We identified 18 QTLs for FRH, 18 QTLs for NDVI, 21 QTLs for SE, and 30 QTLs for FD. The percent variance explained by these QTLs ranged between 4.21 – 23.27% for FRH, 4.47 – 24.06% for NDVI, 4.35 – 32.77% for SE, and 4.61 – 29.74% for FD. A higher number of QTL was discovered in the BV population, suggesting more variants in the lowland x upland population contributing to the expression of seasonal dormancy underlying traits. We identified 9 regions of colocalized QTL with possible pleiotropic gene action. The positive correlation between FRH or NDVI with dry biomass weight suggests that winter dormancy duration could affect switchgrass biomass yield. The medium to high heritability levels of FRH (0.55 – 0.64 H2) and NDVI (0.30 – 0.61 H2) implies the possibility of using the traits for indirect selection for biomass yield. Conclusion Markers found within the significant QTL interval can serve as genomic resources for breeding non-dormant and semi-dormant switchgrass cultivars for the southern regions, where growers can benefit from the longer production season.
The local concentration of Ca2+ correlates with BMP7 expression and osseointegration in patients with total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Fu Xiaodong , Wang Weili , Li Xiaomiao , Gao Yingjian , Li Hao , Shen Yi
Published: October 2020

Background: A successful osseointegration of total hip arthroplasty (THA) relies on the interplay of implant surface and bone marrow microenvironment. This study was undertaken to investigate the impact of perioperative biochemical molecules (Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, VD, PTH) on the bone marrow osteogenetic factors (BMP2, BMP7, Stro-1+ cells) in the metaphyseal region of the femoral head, and further on the bone mineral density (BMD) of Gruen R3. Methods: Bone marrow aspirates were obtained from the discarded metaphysis region of the femoral head in 51 patients with THA. Flow cytometry was used to measure the Stro-1+ expressing cells. ELISA was used to measure the concentrations of bone morphologic proteins (BMP2 and BMP7). The perioperative concentrations of the biochemical molecules above were measured by radioimmunoassay. The BMD of Gruen zone R3 was examined at 6 months after THA, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).Results: Our data demonstrated that the concentration of Ca2+ was positively correlated with BMP7 expression, and with the postoperative BMD of Gruen zone R3. However, the concentration of Mg2+ had little impact on the R3 BMD, although it was negatively correlated with the expression of BMP7. The data also suggested that the other biochemical molecules, such as Zn2+, VD, and PTH, were not significantly correlated with any bone marrow osteogenetic factors (BMP2, BMP7, Stro-1+ cells). The postoperative R3 BMD of patients of different gender and age had no significant difference.Conclusions: These results indicate the local concentration of Ca2+ may be an indicator for the prognosis of THA patients.
Effects of Prenatal Mindfulness-Based Childbirth Education on Child-Bearers’ Trajectories of Distress: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Sbrilli Marissa Danielle , Duncan Larissa G. , Laurent Heidemarie K.
Published: October 2020

Background. The perinatal period is a time of immense change, which can be a period of stress and vulnerability for mental health difficulties. Mindfulness-based interventions have shown promise for reducing distress, but further research is needed to identify long-term effects and moderators of mindfulness training in the perinatal period. Methods. The current study used data from a pilot randomized control trial (RCT) comparing a condensed mindfulness-based childbirth preparation program—the Mind in Labor (MIL)—to treatment as usual (TAU) to examine whether prenatal mindfulness training results in lower distress across the perinatal period, and whether the degree of benefit depends on child-bearers’ initial levels of risk (i.e., depression and anxiety symptoms) and protective (i.e., mindfulness) characteristics. Child-bearers (N=30) in their third trimester were randomized to MIL or TAU and completed assessments of distress—perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms—at pre-intervention, post-intervention, six-weeks post-birth, and one-year postpartum. Results. Multilevel modeling of distress trajectories revealed greater decreases from pre-intervention to 12 months postpartum for those in MIL compared to TAU, especially among child-bearers who were higher in anxiety and/or lower in dispositional mindfulness at baseline. Conclusions. The current study offers preliminary evidence for durable perinatal mental health benefits following a brief mindfulness-based program and suggests further investigation of these effects in larger samples is warranted.Trial registration: The ClinicalTrials.gov identifier for the study is: NCT02327559. The study was retrospectively registered on June 23, 2014. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02327559
Socio-emotional and adaptive behaviour in children treated for severe anaemia at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda: a prospective cohort study.
Authors: Ssemata Andrew Sentoogo , Opoka Robert O. , Ssenkusu John M. , Nakasujja Noeline , John Chandy C. , Bangirana Paul
Published: October 2020

Background: Severe anaemia is a global public health challenge commonly associated with morbidity and mortality among children <5 years of age in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, less is known about the behavioural performance of children < 5 years surviving severe anaemia in low resource settings. We investigated social-emotional and adaptive behaviour in children < 5 years diagnosed with severe anaemia in Northern Uganda. Methods: We conducted a hospital based prospective cohort study among children 6 - 42 months who were treated for severe anaemia (n=171) at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda. Socio-emotional and adaptive behaviour were assessed 14 days post discharge using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition. Age-adjusted z-scores for each domain were calculated using scores from healthy community children (n=88) from the same environment for each age category. Multiple linear regression was used to compare z-scores in the social-emotional and adaptive behaviour scales between the two groups after adjusting for weight-for-age z-score, social economic status, mother’s education, father’s education and father’s employment on all the scales.Results: Compared with healthy community controls, children with severe anaemia had poorer [adjusted mean scores (standard error)], socio-emotional [-0.29, (0.05) vs. 0.01, (0.08), P=0.002]; but not overall/ composite adaptive behaviour [-0.10, (0.05) vs. -0.01, (0.07), P=0.343]. Within the adaptive behaviour subscales, children with SA displayed significantly poorer scores on the community use [adjusted mean score (standard error)], [-0.63, (0.10) vs. -0.01, (0.13), P<0.001]; and leisure [-0.35, (0.07) vs. -0.02, (0.07), P=0.036] skills. Conclusion: This study suggests that severe anaemia in children < 5 years is associated with poor social-emotional scores in the short-term post clinical recovery in Northern Uganda. We recommend long-term follow-up to determine the course of these problems and appropriate interventions to reduce the behavioural burden among children <5 years surviving severe anaemia in Uganda.
Defining malaria risks among forest workers in Aceh, Indonesia: A formative assessment
Authors: Ekawati Lenny Lia , Johnson Kelly C. , Jacobson Jerry O. , Cueto Carmen A. , Zarlinda Iska , Elyazar Iqbal RF , Fatah Abdul , Sumiwi Maria E. , Noviyanti Rintis , Cotter Chris , Smith Jennifer L. , Coutrier Farah N. , Bennett Adam
Published: October 2020

Background . Following a dramatic decline of malaria cases in Aceh province, geographically-based reactive case detection (RACD) was recently evaluated as a tool to improve surveillance with the goal of malaria elimination. While RACD detected few cases in households surrounding index cases, engaging in forest work was identified as a risk factor for malaria and infections from Plasmodium knowlesi —a non-human primate malaria parasite—were more common than expected. This qualitative formative assessment was conducted to improve understanding of malaria risk from forest work and identify strategies for targeted surveillance among forest workers. Methods. Between June and August, 2016, five focus groups and 18 in-depth interviews with forest workers and key informants were conducted in each of four subdistricts in Aceh Besar and Aceh Jaya districts. Themes included: types of forest activities, mobility of workers, interactions with non-human primates, malaria prevention and treatment-seeking behaviors, and willingness to participate in malaria surveys at forest work sites and using peer-referral. Results. Reported forest activities included mining, logging, and agriculture in the deep forest and along the forest fringe. Forest workers, particularly miners and loggers, described often spending weeks to months at work sites in makeshift housing, rarely utilizing mosquito prevention and, upon fever, self-medicating and seeking care from traditional healers or pharmacies rather than health facilities. Non-human primates are frequently observed near work sites, and most forest work locations are within a day’s journey of health clinics. Employers and workers expressed interest in undertaking malaria testing and in participating in survey recruitment by peer-referral and at work sites. Conclusions. Diverse groups of forest workers in Aceh are potentially exposed to malaria through forest work. Passive surveillance and household-based screening may under-estimate malaria burden due to extended stays in the forest and health-seeking behaviors. Active surveillance specifically targeting forest workers through work-site screening and/or peer-referral appears promising for addressing undetected infections.
Development and Validation of Nomograms for Predicting Overall Survival and Cancer-Specific Survival in Patients with Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Qian , Wang Shu , Lang Jing-he
Published: October 2020

Background: Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is a rare histologic type of ovarian cancer. There is a lack of an efficient prognostic predictive tool for OCCC in clinical work. This study aimed to construct and validate nomograms for predicting the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with OCCC.Methods: Data of patients with primary diagnosed OCCC in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2010 and 2016 was extracted. Prognostic factors were evaluated with LASSO Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression analysis, which were applied to construct nomograms. The performance of the nomogram models was assessed by the concordance index (C-index), calibration plots, decision curve analysis (DCA) and risk subgroup classification. The Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to compare survival outcomes between subgroups.Results: A total of 1541 patients from SEER registries were randomly divided into a training cohort (n=1079) and a validation cohort (n=462). Age, laterality, stage, lymph node (LN) dissected, organ metastasis and chemotherapy were independently and significantly associated with OS, while laterality, stage, LN dissected, organ metastasis and chemotherapy were independent risk factors for CSS. Nomograms were developed for the prediction of 3‐ and 5‐year OS and CSS. The C-indexes for OS and CSS were 0.802[95% confidence interval (CI) 0.773-0.831] and 0.802 (0.769-0.835), respectively, in the training cohort, while 0.746 (0.691-0.801) and 0.770 (0.721-0.819), respectively, in the validation cohort. Calibration plots illustrated favorable consistency between the nomogram predicted and actual survival. C-index and DCA curves also indicated better performance of nomogram than the AJCC staging system. Significant differences were observed in the survival curves of different risk subgroups.Conclusions: We have constructed predictive nomograms and a risk classification system to evaluate the OS and CSS of OCCC patients. They were validated to be of satisfactory predictive value, and could aid in future clinical practice.
The Blind Review: A quality assessment measure for review standardization of Institutional Review Boards
Authors: Park Sinyoung , Ahn Cho Rong , Noh Yang Hee , Park Sejung , Nam Chung Mo , Kim Myoung Soo , Kim Seung Min , Kim Jin Seok , Rha Sun Young
Published: October 2020

Background: As multinational trials are increasing, standardization of IRB review has become increasingly important. Though inconsistency is often inevitable due to varying opinions on ethics, standardization and understanding the differences are required to ensure IRB review quality. Thus, we aimed to develop and suggest a quality assessment measure of IRB named “blind review” by reviewing the same research protocols by multiple IRB panels. We further describe an analysis of differences to understand the mechanism of IRB standardization. Methods: Based on the HRPP (Human research Protection Program) SOPs (Standard of Procedure), eight blind review results from January 2010 to December 2018, at a single institution with multiple panels, were included using the Severance Hospital HRPP database. Review results were analyzed with review scores ranging from 0 to 60 points, including good clinical practice (GCP) requirements and protocol issues. Panel agreement was estimated by observed multiple rater agreement. Differences between review scores according to member expertise and IRB member duration were analyzed with the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Observed multiple raters’ agreement increased from 0.444 (95% CI: 0.167-1.000) in 2010 to 0.479 (95% CI: 0.271-0.708) in 2014~2018 as IRB review experiences increased. In order to analyze the review mechanism, three GCP requirements and three protocol issues were scored (range 0 to 60). Mean values for GCP requirements and protocol issues were 19.25±8.21 and 18.40±9.04, respectively. Mean score of the panels where experts participated (n=16, 28.13±10.47) was higher than the control group (n=32, 25.16±10.96) (p=0.93). According to IRB members’ experience, scores for the group whose career spanned less than 3 years was 25.0±10.0 (n=14), those whose career spanned 3-5 years was 26.3±9.6 (n=23), and those whose career spanned more than 5 years was 27.3±14.2 (n=11). These results were statistically significant (p=0.09). Conclusions: We suggest blind review as an effective measure for overseeing and ensuring IRB review quality and overall GCP compliance.
Towards unravelling Wolbachia global exchange: a contribution from the Bicyclus and Mylothris butterflies in the Afrotropics
Authors: Duplouy Anne , Pranter Robin , Warren-Gash Haydon , Tropek Robert , Wahlberg Niklas
Published: October 2020

BackgroundPhylogenetically closely related strains of maternally inherited endosymbiotic bacteria are often found in phylogenetically divergent, and geographically distant insect host species. The interspecies transfer of the symbiont Wolbachia has been thought to have occurred repeatedly, facilitating its observed global pandemic. Few ecological interactions have been proposed as potential routes for the horizontal transfer of Wolbachia within natural insect communities. These routes are however likely to act only at the local scale, but how they may support the global distribution of some Wolbachia strains remains unclear.ResultsHere, we characterize the Wolbachia diversity in butterflies from the tropical forest regions of central Africa to discuss transfer at both local and global scales. We show that numerous species from both the Mylothris (family Pieridae) and Bicyclus (family Nymphalidae) butterfly genera are infected with similar Wolbachia strains, despite only minor interclade contacts across the life cycles of the species within their partially overlapping ecological niches. The phylogenetic distance and differences in resource use between these genera rule out the role of ancestry, hybridization, and shared host-plants in the interspecies transfer of the symbiont. Furthermore, we could not identify any shared ecological factors to explain the presence of the strains in other arthropod species from other habitats, or even ecoregions.ConclusionOnly the systematic surveys of the Wolbachia strains from entire species communities may offer the material currently lacking for understanding how Wolbachia may transfer between highly different and unrelated hosts, as well as across environmental scales.
Doping Practices in International Weightlifting: Analysis of sanctioned athletes/support personnel from 2008-2019 and retesting of samples from the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games
Authors: Kolliari-Turner Alexander , Oliver Brian , Lima Giscard , Mills John P. , Wang Guan , Pitsiladis Yannis , Guppy Fergus M
Published: October 2020

Background: The pervasiveness of doping and findings of anti-doping corruption threaten weightlifting’s position at the 2024 Olympic Games. Analysing the practices of doping in weightlifters could identify patterns in doping that assist in future detection. Methods: We analysed publicly available data on sanctioned athletes/support personnel from the International Weightlifting Federation between 2008-2019 and announced retrospective Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) from the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. Results: There were 565 sanctions between 2008-2019 of which 82% related to the detection of exogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) metabolites and markers indicating endogenous AAS usage. The detection of exogenous AAS metabolites, markers of endogenous AAS usage and other substance metabolites varied by IWF Continental Federation (p ≤ 0.05) with Europe (74%, 11%, 15%) and Asia (70%, 15%, 15%) showing a higher detection of exogenous AAS compared to Pan America (37%, 30%, 33%) and Africa (50%, 17%, 33%). When looking at the 10 most detected substances, the nations with the highest number of sanctions (range 17-35) all had at least one overrepresented substance that accounted for 38-60% of all detected substances. The targeted re-analysis of samples from the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games due to the discovery of long-term metabolites for exogenous AAS resulted in 61 weightlifters producing retrospective ADRVs. This includes 34 original medallists (9 Gold, 10 Silver and 15 Bronze), the highest of any sport identified by Olympic Games sample re-testing. The exogenous AAS Dehydrochloromethyltestosterone and Stanozolol accounted for 83% of detected substances and were present in 95% of these samples. Conclusion: Based on these findings of regional differences in doping practices, weightlifting would benefit from the targeted testing of certain regions and continuing investment in long-term sample storage as the sensitivity and specificity of detection continues to improve.
Genetic Diversity of Landraces and Improved Varieties of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Taiwan
Authors: Hour Ai-ling , Hsieh Wei-hsun , Chang Su-huang , Wu Yong-pei , Chin Han-shiuan , Lin Yann-rong
Published: October 2020

Background: Rice, the most important crop in Asia, has been cultivated in Taiwan for more than 5,000 years. The landraces preserved by indigenous peoples and brought by immigrants from China hundreds of years ago exhibit large variation in morphology, implying that they comprise rich genetic resources. Breeding goals according to the preferences of farmers, consumers and government policies also alter gene pools and genetic diversity of improved varieties. To unveil how genetic diversity is affected by natural, farmers’, and breeders’ selections is crucial for germplasm conservation and crop improvement. Results: A diversity panel of 148 rice accessions, including 47 cultivars and 59 landraces from Taiwan and 42 accessions from other countries, were genotyped by using 75 molecular markers that revealed an average of 12.7 alleles per locus with mean polymorphism information content of 0.72. These accessions could be grouped into five subpopulations corresponding to wild rice, japonica landraces, indica landraces, indica cultivars and japonica cultivars. The genetic diversity within subpopulations was: wild rices > landraces > cultivars; and indica rice > japonica rice. Despite having less variation among cultivars, japonica landraces had greater genetic variation than indica landraces because the majority of Taiwanese japonica landraces preserved by indigenous peoples were classified as tropical japonica. Two major clusters of indica landraces were formed by phylogenetic analysis, in accordance with immigration from two origins. Genetic erosion had occurred in later japonica varieties due to a narrow selection of germplasm being incorporated into breeding programs for premium grain quality. Genetic differentiation between early and late cultivars was significant in japonica (FST = 0.3751) but not in indica (FST = 0.0045), indicating effects of different breeding goals on modern germplasm. Indigenous landraces with unique intermediate and admixed genetic backgrounds were untapped, representing valuable resources for rice breeding.Conclusions: The genetic diversity of improved rice varieties has been substantially shaped by breeding goals, leading to differentiation between indica and japonica cultivars. Taiwanese landraces with different origins possess various and unique genetic backgrounds. Taiwanese rice germplasm provides diverse genetic variation for association mapping to unveil useful genes and is a precious genetic reservoir for rice improvement.
WITHDRAWN: Longitudinal variations of noontime thermospheric winds in response to IMF Bz temporal oscillations: broken mean circulation and standing feature
Authors: Zhang Kedeng , Wang Hui , Wang Wenbin , Liu Jing , Gao Jie
Published: October 2020

By using coupled magnetosphere-thermosphere-ionosphere model, we explore the longitudinal/UT differences of the dayside neutral wind in response to the 60 min periodic oscillation of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz. The southward propagation of the travelling atmospheric disturbances (TADs) in meridional wind stands at about 20º MLat, which is related to the geomagnetic field configuration, neutral temperature and electron density changes. The meridional wind travels continuously from high to low latitude in the western southern hemisphere, while they are broken into pieces in the eastern southern hemisphere. The broken mean circulation that is a combined effect of TADs and simultaneous responses of the meridional winds driven by oscillating solar wind conditions is induced by the stronger roles of the ion drag than the pressure gradient. Note here that the mean circulation is the background meridional winds in the base case. The ion drag shows obvious longitudinal differences associated with the penetration of the ionospheric electric field during the oscillation of IMF Bz.
French hepatitis C care cascade: substantial impact of direct-acting antivirals, but the road to elimination is still long
Authors: Brouard Cécile , Pillonel Josiane , Boussac Marjorie , de Lédinghen Victor , Rachas Antoine , Silvain Christine , Lydié Nathalie , Chevaliez Stéphane , Pioche Corinne , Durand Julien , Lot Florence , Delarocque-Astagneau Elisabeth
Published: October 2020

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination by 2030, as targeted by the World Health Organization (WHO), requires that 90% of people with chronic infection be diagnosed and 80% treated. We estimated the cascade of care (CoC) for chronic HCV infection in mainland France in 2011 and 2016, before and after the introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).Methods: The numbers of people (1) with chronic HCV infection, (2) aware of their infection, (3) receiving care for HCV and (4) on antiviral treatment, were estimated for 2011 and 2016. Estimates for 1) and 2) were based on modelling studies for 2011 and on a virological sub-study nested in a national cross-sectional survey among the general population for 2016. Estimates for 3) and 4) were made using the National Health Data System. Results: Between 2011 and 2016, the number of people with chronic HCV infection decreased by 31%, from 192,700 (95% Credibility interval: 150,900-246,100) to 133,500 (95% Confidence interval: 56,900-312,600). The proportion of people aware of their infection rose from 57.7% to 80.6%. The number of people receiving care for HCV increased by 22.5% (representing 25.7% of those infected in 2016), while the number of people on treatment increased by 24.6% (representing 12.1% of those infected in 2016).Conclusions: This study suggests that DAAs substantially impact CoC. However, access to care and treatment for infected people remained insufficient in 2016. Updating CoC estimates will help to assess the impact of new measures implemented since 2016 as part of the goal to eliminate HCV.
In vivo vaccination with cell line-derived whole tumor lysates – neoantigen quality, not quantity matters
Authors: Salewski Inken , Gladbach Yvonne Saara , Kuntoff Steffen , Irmscher Nina , Hahn Olga , Junghanss Christian , Maletzki Claudia
Published: October 2020

Background: Cancer vaccines provide a complex source of neoantigens. Still, increasing evidence reveals that the neoantigen quality rather than the quantity is predictive for treatment outcome. Methods: Using the preclinical Mlh1-/- tumor model, we performed a side-by side comparison of two autologous cell-line derived tumor lysates (namely 328 and A7450 T1 M1) harboring different tumor mutational burden (TMB; i.e. ultra-high: 328; moderate-high: A7450 T1 M1). Mice received repetitive prophylactic or therapeutic applications of the vaccine. Tumor incidence, immune responses and tumor microenvironment was examined.Results: Both tumor cell lysates delayed tumor formation in the prophylactic setting, with the A7450 T1 M1 lysate being more effective in decelerating tumor growth than the 328 lysate (median overall survival: 37 vs. 25 weeks). Comparable results were achieved in therapeutic setting and could be traced back to antigen-driven immune stimulation. Reactive T cells isolated from A7450 T1 M1-treated mice recognized autologous Mlh1−/− tumor cells in IFNγ ELISpot, but likewise YAC-1 cells, indicative for stimulation of both arms of the immune system. By deciphering local effects, vaccines shaped the tumor microenvironment differently. While A7450 T1 M1 prophylactically vaccinated tumors harbored low numbers of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and elevated CD8-T cell infiltrates, vaccination with the 328 lysate evoked MDSC infiltration. Similar effects were seen in the therapeutic setting with stable disease induction only upon A7450 T1 M1 vaccination. Untangling individual response profiles revealed strong infiltration with LAG3+ and PD-L1+ immune cells when treatments failed, but almost complete exclusion of checkpoint-expressing lymphocytes in long-term survivors. Conclusions: By applying two tumor cell lysates we demonstrate that neoantigen quality outranks quantity. This should be considered prior to designing cancer vaccine-based combination approaches.