bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular basis of a new ovine model for human 3M syndrome-2
Authors: Woolley S. A. , Hayes S. E. , Shariflou M. R. , Nicholas F. W. , Willet C. E. , O’Rourke B. A. , Tammen I.
Published: September 2020

Background

Brachygnathia, cardiomegaly and renal hypoplasia syndrome (BCRHS,OMIA 001595–9940) is a previously reported recessively inherited disorder in Australian Poll Merino/Merino sheep. Affected lambs are stillborn with various congenital defects as reflected in the name of the disease, as well as short stature, a short and broad cranium, a small thoracic cavity, thin ribs and brachysternum. The BCRHS phenotype shows similarity to certain human short stature syndromes, in particular the human 3M syndrome-2. Here we report the identification of a likely disease-causing variant and propose an ovine model for human 3M syndrome-2.

Results

Eight positional candidate genes were identified among the 39 genes in the approximately 1 Mb interval to which the disease was mapped previously. Obscurin like cytoskeletal adaptor 1 (OBSL1) was selected as a strong positional candidate gene based on gene function and the resulting phenotypes observed in humans with mutations in this gene. Whole genome sequencing of an affected lamb (BCRHS3) identified a likely causal variant ENSOARG00000020239:g.220472248delC withinOBSL1. Sanger sequencing of seven affected, six obligate carrier, two phenotypically unaffected animals from the original flock and one unrelated control animal validated the variant. A genotyping assay was developed to genotype 583 animals from the original flock, giving an estimated allele frequency of 5%.

Conclusions

The identification of a likely disease-causing variant resulting in a frameshift (p.(Val573Trpfs*119)) in the OBSL1 protein has enabled improved breeding management of the implicated flock. The opportunity for an ovine model for human 3M syndrome and ensuing therapeutic research is promising given the availability of carrier ram semen for BCRHS.
Targeting Follistatin like 1 ameliorates liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride through TGF-β1-miR29a in mice
Authors: Xu Xin-Yi , Du Yan , Liu Xue , Ren Yilin , Dong Yingying , Xu Hong-Yu , Shi Jin-Song , Jiang Dianhua , Xu Xin , Li Lian , Xu Zheng-Hong , Geng Yan
Published: September 2020

Background

Hepatic fibrosis is a pathological response of the liver to a variety of chronic stimuli. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major source of myofibroblasts in the liver. Follistatin like 1 (Fstl1) is a secreted glycoprotein induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). However, the precise functions and regulation mechanisms of Fstl1 in liver fibrogenesis remains unclear.

Methods

Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2 stimulated by TGF-β1, primary culture of mouse HSCs and a model of liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 in mice was used to assess the effect of Fstl1 in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Here, we found that Fstl1 was significantly up regulated in human and mouse fibrotic livers, as well as activated HSCs. Haplodeficiency of Fstl1 or blockage of Fstl1 with a neutralizing antibody 22B6 attenuated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in vivo. Fstl1 modulates TGF-β1 classic Samd2 and non-classic JNK signaling pathways. Knockdown of Fstl1 in HSCs significantly ameliorated cell activation, cell migration, chemokines C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2 (CCL2) and C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 8 (CXCL8) secretion and extracellular matrix (ECM) production, and also modulated microRNA-29a (miR29a) expression. Furthermore, we identified that Fstl1 was a target gene of miR29a. And TGF-β1 induction of Fstl1 expression was partially through down regulation of miR29a in HSCs.

Conclusions

Our data suggests TGF-β1-miR29a-Fstl1 regulatory circuit plays a key role in regulation the HSC activation and ECM production, and targeting Fstl1 may be a strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Graphical abstract
Prognostic factors in patients admitted to an urban teaching hospital with COVID-19 infection
Authors: Maguire Donogh , Woods Marylynne , Richards Conor , Dolan Ross , Veitch Jesse Wilson , Sim Wei M. J. , Kemmett Olivia E. H. , Milton David C. , Randall Sophie L. W. , Bui Ly D. , Goldmann Nicola , Cameron Allan , Laird Barry , Talwar Dinesh , Godber Ian , Davidson Alan , McMillan Donald C.
Published: September 2020

Background

Severe COVID-19 infection results in a systemic inflammatory response (SIRS). This SIRS response shares similarities to the changes observed during the peri-operative period that are recognised to be associated with the development of multiple organ failure.

Methods

Electronic patient records for patients who were admitted to an urban teaching hospital during the initial 7-week period of the COVID-19 pandemic in Glasgow, U.K. (17th March 2020—1st May 2020) were examined for routine clinical, laboratory and clinical outcome data. Age, sex, BMI and documented evidence of COVID-19 infection at time of discharge or death certification were considered minimal criteria for inclusion.

Results

Of the 224 patients who fulfilled the criteria for inclusion, 52 (23%) had died at 30-days following admission. COVID-19 related respiratory failure (75%) and multiorgan failure (12%) were the commonest causes of death recorded. Age ≥ 70 years (p < 0.001), past medical history of cognitive impairment (p ≤ 0.001), previous delirium (p < 0.001), clinical frailty score > 3 (p < 0.001), hypertension (p < 0.05), heart failure (p < 0.01), national early warning score (NEWS) > 4 (p < 0.01), positive CXR (p < 0.01), and subsequent positive COVID-19 swab (p ≤ 0.001) were associated with 30-day mortality. CRP > 80 mg/L (p < 0.05), albumin < 35 g/L (p < 0.05), peri-operative Glasgow Prognostic Score (poGPS) (p < 0.05), lymphocytes < 1.5 109/l (p < 0.05), neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (p ≤ 0.001), haematocrit (< 0.40 L/L (male)/ < 0.37 L/L (female)) (p ≤ 0.01), urea > 7.5 mmol/L (p < 0.001), creatinine > 130 mmol/L (p < 0.05) and elevated urea: albumin ratio (< 0.001) were also associated with 30-day mortality.

On multivariate analysis, age ≥ 70 years (O.R. 3.9, 95% C.I. 1.4–8.2, p < 0.001), past medical history of heart failure (O.R. 3.3, 95% C.I. 1.2–19.3, p < 0.05), NEWS > 4 (O.R. 2.4, 95% C.I. 1.1–4.4, p < 0.05), positive initial CXR (O.R. 0.4, 95% C.I. 0.2–0.9, p < 0.05) and poGPS (O.R. 2.3, 95% C.I. 1.1–4.4, p < 0.05) remained independently associated with 30-day mortality.

Among those patients who tested PCR COVID-19 positive (n = 122), age ≥ 70 years (O.R. 4.7, 95% C.I. 2.0—11.3, p < 0.001), past medical history of heart failure (O.R. 4.4, 95% C.I. 1.2–20.5, p < 0.05) and poGPS (O.R. 2.4, 95% C.I. 1.1–5.1, p < 0.05) remained independently associated with 30-days mortality.

Conclusion

Age ≥ 70 years and severe systemic inflammation as measured by the peri-operative Glasgow Prognostic Score are independently associated with 30-day mortality among patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 infection.
Untreated depressive symptoms significantly worsen quality of life in old age and may lead to the misdiagnosis of dementia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Voros Viktor , Fekete Sandor , Tenyi Tamas , Rihmer Zoltan , Szili Ilona , Osvath Peter
Published: September 2020

Background

Several studies demonstrated the role of depressive mood and cognitive impairment in the background of elevated mortality and decreased Quality of Life (QoL) in old age. Our aim was to assess depressive and cognitive symptoms among older people in order to determine if those are recognized and treated or not, to elucidate the association between them and to investigate their impact on QoL.

Methods

In the framework of the ICT4Life project self-administered questionnaires and clinical screening tools were used to assess QoL, depressive symptoms and cognitive functions of 60 older persons over the age of 65.

Results

Males found to be depressed (53.8 vs. 40.4%) and cognitively declined (53.8 vs. 48.9%) more frequently; and had higher scores on the depression (6.85 vs. 5.32) and lower on the QoL (47.38 vs. 50.19) scales. Depressed older persons had lower cognitive levels (24.39 vs. 21.52) and their QoL was significantly poorer (53.97 vs. 43.85) than that of the non-depressed subjects. Depressive symptoms were detected in almost half of the older adults (43.9%), and the majority (80.77%) did not receive antidepressant medication.

Conclusions

Depressive and cognitive symptoms found to be common among older people, but were not recognized and treated in most cases. Close correlation between depression and cognitive impairment was also confirmed, as well as the key role of depression in the background of pseudo-dementia and QoL decline. Early recognition of depressive symptoms is important not only to treat the underlying mood disorder, but also to improve QoL of older persons.
Sustainable support solutions for community-based rehabilitation workers in refugee camps: piloting telehealth acceptability and implementation
Authors: Mitchell-Gillespie Bria , Hashim Hiba , Griffin Megan , AlHeresh Rawan
Published: September 2020

Background

The lack of training and education of Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) workers poses one of the most significant barriers to receiving effective occupational, physical and speech therapy for individuals with disabilities in Low-to-Middle Income Countries (LMIC), especially in countries with significant refugee populations. The aim of this study was to successfully implement a telehealth support system for CBR workers, evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention’s implementation among CBR workers in the CBR setting, and further identify strategies to address the deficit of skilled rehabilitation workers in LMIC through technological intervention.

Methods

This pilot study included CBR workers and CBR managers to inform feasibility, acceptability, and sustainable implementation. The RE-AIM and Dynamic Sustainability Framework were incorporated to guide procedural design, survey development, data collection, data evaluation, and increase success of telehealth implementation. CBR workers participate in trainings, telehealth sessions, surveys and focus groups to inform feasibility and acceptability. CBR Managers participated in focus groups to inform feasibility and sustainable implementation. NVIVO 12 Software was utilized to develop themes from CBR worker and CBR manager responses.

Results

Findings from this study demonstrate the need for additional training support for CBR workers in CBR settings throughout the entire treatment process. The telehealth system demonstrated successful short-term implementation across several domains of feasibility. Telehealth utilization was also proven acceptable, appropriate and necessary. Cultural beliefs, CBR worker training, and CBR Center infrastructure pose the most significant barriers to implementation of telehealth technologies in CBR Centers. CBR workers and managers confirmed the demand for future telehealth-based support systems, strengthening effort towards sustainability and scale-up.

Conclusions

Telehealth can be utilized to support CBR workers that serve vulnerable and marginalized populations, and in turn improve the global health status among refugee populations by reducing inequitable access to quality health care. The results support the need for further research to rigorously evaluate effectiveness of telehealth interventions to support CBR workers.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy versus conventional/moderate fractionated radiation therapy with androgen deprivation therapy for unfavorable risk prostate cancer
Authors: Patel Sagar A. , Switchenko Jeffrey M. , Fischer-Valuck Ben , Zhang Chao , Rose Brent S. , Chen Ronald C. , Jani Ashesh B. , Royce Trevor J.
Published: September 2020

Background

Ultrahypofractionation using stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an increasingly utilized technique for men with prostate cancer (PC). The comparative efficacy of SBRT plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) compared to fractionated radiotherapy (EBRT) plus ADT in higher-risk prostate cancer is unknown.

Methods

Men > 40 years old with localized PC treated with external beam radiation and concomitant ADT for curative intent between 2004 and 2016 were analyzed from the National Cancer Database. Patients who lacked ADT or risk stratification data were excluded. 558 men treated with SBRT versus 40,797 men treated with conventional or moderately hypofractionated EBRT were included. Patients were stratified by unfavorable intermediate (UIR) and high (HR) risk using NCCN criteria. Kaplan Meier and Cox proportional hazards were used to compare overall survival (OS) between RT modality, adjusting for age, race, and comorbidity index.

Results

With a median follow up of 74 months, there was no difference in estimated 6-year OS between men treated with SBRT versus EBRT regardless of risk group. On multivariable analysis, there was no difference in risk of death for men treated with SBRT compared to EBRT (UIR: adjusted HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.68–1.74, p = .72; HR: adjusted HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.76–1.14, p = .51). On sensitivity analyses, when confining the cohort to men treated with NCCN-preferred dose fractionations, with no comorbidities, or < 65 years old, there remained no survival difference between treatment groups for both UIR and HR.

Conclusion

Within study limitations, we found no difference in survival between SBRT+ADT and standard of care EBRT+ADT for UIR or HR PC. These results support recent NCCN guideline updates, which include SBRT as a non-preferred option for higher risk men. Prospective validation would further strengthen the evidence basis behind these recommendations.
The effect of graded activity and pain education (GAPE): an early post-surgical rehabilitation programme after lumbar spinal fusion—study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tegner Heidi , Esbensen Bente Appel , Henriksen Marius , Bech-Azeddine Rachid , Lundberg Mari , Nielsen Louise , Rolving Nanna
Published: September 2020

Background

Patients with chronic low back pain undergoing lumbar spinal fusion (LSF) are physically inactive and thereby at risk of poor health. Barriers to being physically active need to be acknowledged in post-surgical rehabilitation. The primary objective of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to examine the effect of an early active intervention consisting of graded activity and pain education (GAPE) on sedentary behaviour in a population of patients undergoing LSF. The secondary objective is to examine the effect of GAPE on disability, pain, fear of movement, self-efficacy for exercise, and health-related quality of life.

Methods

The study is an RCT planned to include 144 patients undergoing LSF at 1–2 levels for low back pain caused by degeneration of the lumbar spine. The patients will be randomly assigned to receive either usual care or usual care plus GAPE. GAPE consists of nine individual physiotherapist-guided sessions over a 10-week period. The overall purpose is to reduce sedentary behaviour, by educating the patient about pain and, based on a cognitive behavioural perspective, gradually strengthen the patient’s self-efficacy to be physically active and reduce fear of movement. The physiotherapist will plan the intervention in collaboration with the patient. Based on a semi-structured interview and observations of the patient in their home, they will set individually functional goals. The primary outcome will be a reduction in sedentary behaviour, measured by an accelerometer at baseline (pre-surgery) and at 3 and 12 months post-surgery. Secondary outcomes will include disability, pain, fear of movement, self-efficacy for exercise, and quality of life. Secondary outcome data will be collected at baseline (pre-surgery) and at 3, 6 and 12 months post-surgery.

Discussion

We hypothesize that, compared with the “usual care group”, GAPE will primarily lead to a significant reduction in sedentary behaviour, and secondarily a reduction in disability, pain intensity, and fear of movement; further, it will increase the patient’s self-efficacy for exercise and quality of life.

Trial registration

www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT04103970, Registered on 24 September 2019
Retrospective analysis of feline intestinal parasites: trends in testing positivity by age, USA geographical region and reason for veterinary visit
Authors: Sweet Sarah , Szlosek Donald , McCrann Donald , Coyne Michael , Kincaid David , Hegarty Evan
Published: September 2020

Background

The goals of this retrospective study were to estimate parasite positivity in samples from cats using zinc sulfate fecal flotation by centrifugation (“centrifugation”) and coproantigen and examine trends with age, geographical region and reason for visit to veterinarian. Common methods of parasite detection, such as centrifugal flotation, passive flotation, or direct smear, may underrepresent the true prevalence of intestinal parasites in cats. Coproantigen testing detects more positive samples than traditional methods alone.

Methods

Feline fecal test results from the continental USA containing results for fecal exams performed using centrifugation paired with coproantigen results for ascarid, hookworm, whipworm andGiardiawere obtained from the database of a national commercial reference laboratory comprised of multiple regional sites.

Results

Parasite positivity was highest in samples from young cats and decreased with cat age. The western region of the USA had lower total parasite positivity than other regions for all parasites exceptGiardia. Cats receiving fecal tests during veterinary wellness visits had only slightly lower parasite positivity than samples from cats during sick clinical visits.

Conclusions

This study showed a larger population of cats are at increased risk of parasitism than commonly believed and coproantigen testing produces more positive test results for the four parasites that antigen can detect than centrifugation of feline fecal samples.
New vectors in northern Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, for the zoonotic malaria parasite, Plasmodium knowlesi
Authors: Ang Joshua X. D. , Kadir Khamisah A. , Mohamad Dayang S. A. , Matusop Asmad , Divis Paul C. S. , Yaman Khatijah , Singh Balbir
Published: September 2020

Background

Plasmodium knowlesi is a significant cause of human malaria in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Only one study has been previously undertaken in Sarawak to identify vectors of P. knowlesi, where Anopheles latens was incriminated as the vector in Kapit, central Sarawak. A study was therefore undertaken to identify malaria vectors in a different location in Sarawak.

Methods

Mosquitoes found landing on humans and resting on leaves over a 5-day period at two sites in the Lawas District of northern Sarawak were collected and identified. DNA samples extracted from salivary glands of Anopheles mosquitoes were subjected to nested PCR malaria-detection assays. The small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene of Plasmodium was sequenced, and the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene of the mosquitoes were sequenced from the Plasmodium-positive samples for phylogenetic analysis.

Results

Totals of 65 anophelines and 127 culicines were collected. By PCR, 6 An. balabacensis and 5 An. donaldi were found to have single P. knowlesi infections while 3 other An. balabacensis had either single, double or triple infections with P. inui, P. fieldi, P. cynomolgi and P. knowlesi. Phylogenetic analysis of the Plasmodium SSU rRNA gene confirmed 3 An. donaldi and 3 An. balabacensis with single P. knowlesi infections, while 3 other An. balabacensis had two or more Plasmodium species of P. inui, P. knowlesi, P. cynomolgi and some species of Plasmodium that could not be conclusively identified. Phylogenies inferred from the ITS2 and/or cox1 sequences of An. balabacensis and An. donaldi indicate that they are genetically indistinguishable from An. balabacensis and An. donaldi, respectively, found in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.

Conclusions

Previously An. latens was identified as the vector for P. knowlesi in Kapit, central Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, and now An. balabacensis and An. donaldi have been incriminated as vectors for zoonotic malaria in Lawas, northern Sarawak.
Comment on: “The treatment of sarcoptic mange in wildlife: a systematic review”
Authors: Moroni Barbara , Valldeperes Marta , Serrano Emmanuel , López-Olvera Jorge Ramón , Lavín Santiago , Rossi Luca
Published: September 2020

This letter comments on the article “The treatment of sarcoptic mange in wildlife: a systematic review” published in Parasites & Vectors 2019, 12:99, and discusses the limitations in the use of endectocides for scabies control in free-ranging wildlife. The ecological impact and drug resistance to ivermectin are also discussed. In our view, scabies control in free-ranging wildlife should be based preferably on population management measures, and whether to apply individual treatments to free-ranging populations should be considered very carefully and avoided where not absolutely warranted.
Patients’ and rheumatologists’ perceptions on preventive intervention in rheumatoid arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: van Boheemen Laurette , Bolt Janne W. , ter Wee Marieke M. , de Jong Henriëtte M. , van de Sande Marleen G. , van Schaardenburg Dirkjan
Published: September 2020

Background

Individuals at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may benefit from lifestyle or pharmacological interventions aimed at primary prevention. The same may apply to individuals at risk of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Our aim was to investigate and compare the willingness of individuals at risk of RA or axSpA and rheumatologists to initiate preventive intervention.

Methods

Individuals at risk of RA (arthralgia and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies and/or rheumatoid factor positivity without arthritis (RA-risk cohort; n = 100)), axSpA (first-degree relatives of HLA-B27-positive axSpA patients (SpA-risk cohort; n = 38)), and Dutch rheumatologists (n = 49) completed a survey on preventive intervention which included questions about disease perception, lifestyle intervention, and preventive medication.

Results

At-risk individuals reported willingness to change median 7 of 13 lifestyle components in the areas of smoking, diet, and exercise. In contrast, 35% of rheumatologists gave lifestyle advice to ≥ 50% of at-risk patients. The willingness to use 100% effective preventive medication without side effects was 53% (RA-risk), 55% (SpA-risk), and 74% (rheumatologists) at 30% disease risk which increased to 69% (RA-risk) and 92% (SpA-risk and rheumatologists) at 70% risk. With minor side effects, willingness was 26%, 29%, and 31% (at 30% risk) versus 40%, 66%, and 76% (at 70% risk), respectively.

Conclusions

Risk perception and willingness to start preventive intervention were largely similar between individuals at risk of RA and axSpA. Although the willingness to change lifestyle is high among at-risk individuals, most rheumatologists do not advise them to change their lifestyle. In contrast, rheumatologists are more willing than at-risk patients to start preventive medication.
Investigating climatic changes of the wind regime over Western Iran
Authors: Maryanaji Zohreh , Hamidi Omid
Published: September 2020

Objective

The aim of the present study was to reveal changes in the wind regime by investigating wind-speed data from meteorological stations in western Iran and comparing them in the last three decades (1986–2015).

Results

Two main groups of daily cycles were identified; one group with a single peak and one group with two or more peaks. Using spectral decomposition technique, it was revealed that the heterogeneity observed in the area in terms of altitude and topography results in differences in the density of the spectra with similar frequencies. Two main daily cycles were also identified for each station. Although there were low frequencies, the intensity of the waves at the examined stations was the consequence of the interaction between the frequency, period, and distribution space. By evaluating harmonics in the area, it was revealed that the variance of the first harmonic is maximized in the south and southwest, while the variance of the second harmonic is maximized in the north and northwest. The positive value ​​of the trend in the first harmonic indicated that the trend of the variance for the first harmonic has increased in the central and eastern parts and has decreased in the northern and western parts.
Adiaspore development and morphological characteristics in a mouse adiaspiromycosis model
Authors: Takeshige Asuka , Nakano Mie , Kondoh Daisuke , Tanaka Yuma , Sekiya Akio , Yaguchi Takashi , Furuoka Hidefumi , Toyotome Takahito
Published: September 2020

Lesions of adiaspiromycosis, a respiratory disease affecting wild animals, have been found mainly in dead mammals and free-living mammals captured for surveillance. No report has described an investigation of adiaspore formation progress in the lung. After establishing an experimental mouse model of intratracheal adiaspiromycosis infection with the causative agent Emmonsia crescens, we observed adiaspore development. The spores grew and reached a plateau of growth at 70 days post-infection. The median adiaspore diameter showed a plateau of around 40 μm. The characteristic three-layer cell-wall structure of adiaspores was observed in the lung at 70 days post-infection. We examined infection with a few spores, which revealed that adiaspores in the mouse lung progressed from intratracheal infection of at least 400 spores. Moreover, we developed adiaspores in vitro by culture in fetal bovine serum. Although most spores broke, some large spores were intact. They reached about 50 μm diameter. Thick cell walls and dense granules were found as common points between in vitro adiaspores and in vivo adiaspores. These models are expected to be useful for additional investigations of E. crescens adiaspores and adiaspiromycosis.
Identification of hydrogeological evolution using hydrogeology-seismology analysis of groundwater head fluctuation related to the 1999 MW = 7.5 Chi-Chi earthquake
Authors: Huang Chien-Lin , Hsu Nien-Sheng , Yao Chun-Hao , You Gene J.-Y.
Published: September 2020

At 1:47 a.m. on September 21, 1999, the Mw 7.5 Chi-Chi earthquake struck Taiwan. The purpose of this study is to (1) apply multiple spatiotemporal-frequency analysis to filter the post-seismic change in groundwater head to explore the implicit drawdown associated with excess pore-water pressure release and effective stress relief during post-seismic evolution and (2) establish a stochastic experimental optimization model for identifying the hydrogeological evolution. The approaches used for post-seismic drawdown filtration include multi-rank principal components decomposition, multi-frequent wavelet transforms decomposition, and multi-level wavelet de-noising. This study especially evaluates the following advanced post-seismic evolving parameters: (1) harmonic average leaking/injecting rate, (2) distance between the acting position and monitoring well, (3) storage coefficient under effective stress relief and formation compression, and (4) transmissivity for excess-pore-water pressure release. This study applies the integrated methodology on 179 monitoring wells in the Chou-Shui River alluvial fan. Results show that the overlying principal components PCs and low-level wavelet de-noising can filter additional sources/sinks, in which the extracted drawdown from PC1+PC3 was related to the excess pore-water pressure relaxation process, that from PC2+PC5+PC6+PC7 and high-frequency wavelet de-noised detail cD2 related to the earth tidal fluctuation effect, and that from PC4+PC9 and cD3 related to the barometric effect. According to the Riemann integral and an objective function value duration curve, calculated occurrence probability from the stochastic optimization for SC2, the storage coefficient was reduced from pre-seismic pumping test value 0.00107, post-seismic 27th hour evolving value 0.000826 to post-seismic pumping test value 0.000578 in 2004, and the transmissivity increased from pre-seismic test value 92.4 m2/h, post-seismic 27th hour evolving value 98.6 m2/h to post-seismic test value 147.6 m2/h. The results demonstrate that the SC2 and GH3 zones suffer from crustal compression and the permeability was increased to dissipate excess pore-water pressure and effective stress.
An overview of a different type of cardio-oncology gathering: summary of the COMP (cardio-oncology multidisciplinary practice) meeting held in Houston Texas, January 2020
Authors: Fadol Anecita P. , Palaskas Nicolas L. , Ewer Michael S. , Deswal Anita
Published: September 2020

An innovative Cardio-Oncology meeting was held in Houston, Texas in January of 2020. This gathering was intended to broaden the scope of Cardio-Oncology to include major presentations by clinicians and researchers beyond physicians, as well as to provide comprehensive reviews by established experts aimed at a variety of levels of professional practitioners. The unique perspective of this meeting is presented in the overview that follows. This overview is intended to contribute to a broader view of Cardio-Oncology, and to provide perspective for the expanding group of providers relative to their individual areas of expertise. These perspectives can and should be incorporated in cardio-oncology centers.
Pulmonary vein thrombosis and cerebral infarction after video-assisted thoracic surgery of the left upper lobe: a case series
Authors: Fujii Yosuke , Mori Yumiko , Kambara Kei , Hirota Kiichi , Yanada Masashi , Toda Shogo , Hashiguchi Mitsuko
Published: September 2020

Background

Pulmonary vein thrombosis (PVT) and cerebral infarction are rare but critical complications after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).

Case presentation

We experienced two cases of massive middle cerebral artery infarction after VATS for the left upper lobe. Although the precise source of their embolus was never identified, both cases were clinically suspected PVT. Unfortunately, case 2 died because of progressive cerebral herniation. We decided to perform contrast-enhanced computed tomography routinely after VATS for the left upper lobectomy (VATS-LUL) after these cases. Case 3, a 79-year-old female patient, underwent VATS-LUL for lung cancer. She developed PVT in the stump of the left upper pulmonary vein on postoperative day 4. Anti-coagulation therapy was begun immediately and continued for 3 months. She was free of complications 7 months after the operation.

Conclusion

PVT and cerebral infarction may occur after VATS-LUL. Appropriate postoperative management is required to recognize PVT and to prevent life-threatening stroke.
Microscopic research on the olfactory organ of the Far Eastern brook lamprey Lethenteron reissneri (Pisces, Petromyzontidae)
Authors: Kim Hyun-Tae , Park Jong-Young
Published: September 2020

The olfactory anatomy and histology ofLethenteron reissneriwere researched using a stereo microscope, a light microscope, and a scanning electron microscope. As in other lampreys, it shows same characters as follows: i) a single olfactory organ, ii) a single tubular nostril, iii) a single olfactory chamber with gourd-like form, iv) a nasal valve, v) a nasopharyngeal pouch, vi) a sensory epithelium (SE) of continuous distribution, vii) a supporting cells with numerous long cilia, viii) an accessory olfactory organ. However, the description of a pseudostratified columnar layer in the SE and Non SE is a first record, not reported in sea lampreyPetromyzon marinus. In particular, both 19 to 20 lamellae in number and olfactory receptor neuron’s quarter ciliary length of the knob diameter differ from those ofP. marinus. From these results, it might be considered that the olfactory organ ofL. reissnerishows well adaptive structure of a primitive fish to slow flowing water with gravel, pebbles, and sand and a hiding habit into sand bottom at daytime. The lamellar number and neuron’s ciliary length may be a meaningful taxonomic character for the class Petromyzonida.
Correction to: High-enthalpy hypersonic flows
Authors: Shang Joseph J. S. , Yan Hong
Published: September 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Genomic Alterations as Potential Therapeutic Targets in Extramammary Paget’s Disease of the Vulva
Authors: Stasenko Marina , Jayakumaran Gowtham , Cowan Renee , Broach Vance , Chi Dennis S. , Rossi Anthony , Hollman Travis J. , Zehir Ahmet , Abu-Rustum Nadeem R. , Leitao Mario M.
Published: September 2020

PURPOSE

To identify genomic alterations as potential therapeutic targets in extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) of the vulva.

METHODS

We identified all patients with primary vulvar EMPD who were treated at our institution and underwent paired tumor-normal massively parallel sequencing of 410-468 cancer-related genes (MSK-IMPACT assay). EMPD of the vulva samples sequenced from 2014 to 2019 were reviewed and somatic mutations identified, with specific focus on mutations of potential therapeutic targets. Clinical data were abstracted from electronic medical records. Microsatellite instability (MSI) was assessed by MSIscore.

RESULTS

Tumors of 26 patients with EMPD underwent genomic sequencing. At diagnosis, all patients had noninvasive or microinvasive (< 1 mm) disease; invasive disease eventually developed in 2 patients. Primary treatment was surgery for 19 patients (73%) and imiquimod topical therapy for 7 (27%). Seven patients had ≥ 2 surgeries as part of clinical course (1 patient had 5 vulvar resections). Samples had a median of 2 coding mutations in the genes analyzed (range, 0-29). The most common mutations were in PIK3CA (n = 9; 35%), ERBB2 (4 mutations and 3 copy number alterations; 27%), and TP53 (n = 7; 27%). MSIscore was available for 23 samples; all were microsatellite stable. After tumor genomic profiling, a patient who was initially treated with multiple resections and imiquimod was found to have a PIK3CA p.E542K mutation. She underwent PI3K-inhibitor treatment for 18 months before disease progression.

CONCLUSION

EMPD of the vulva has a chronic and relapsing course, often requiring multiple surgical resections. Effective topical treatments are lacking. We identified targetable mutations ( PIK3CA or ERBB2) in > 25% of a real-world clinical cohort. Additional prospective research implementing targetable therapies for EMPD treatment is warranted.
Proposta de protocolo para a retomada das atividades em Escolas de Futebol no Brasil
Authors: Rigolin Luiz Roberto , Prado Wagner Luiz do
Published: September 2020

Após um período de redução das atividades econômicas, o Brasil caminha para progressão das medidas de restrição. O objetivo do presente ensaio foi propor um protocolo para o retorno das atividades das escolas de futebol. Para tal, uma busca de artigos científicos foi realizada nas bases de dados Pubmed (Medline) e Web of Science, no período de 10 de junho a 08 de julho de 2020. Após seleção e análise dos artigos científicos relacionados à temática, bem como das recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) e outras agências mundiais, relacionamos as características específicas das escolas de futebol e do treinamento específico com o nível de reprodução do vírus. O presente protocolo propõe medidas em diferentes níveis: medidas preventivas essenciais e complementares; estruturais; organizacionais, funcionais e diretamente relacionadas à prática esportiva. Espera-se que o presente protocolo possa ser incorporado à rotina diária de escolas de futebol, adequando-se à especificidade de cada local de prática.
The Effect of Binge-Watching on the Subscription of Video on Demand: Results from Randomized Experiments
Authors: Godinho de Matos Miguel , Ferreira Pedro
Published: September 2020

We analyze outcomes of two randomized field experiments to study the effect of binge-watching on subscription to video on demand. In both cases, we offered access to subscription video on demand (SVoD) to a random set of households for several weeks and used another random set of households as control group. In both cases, we find that the households induced to binge-watch TV shows are less likely to pay for SVoD after the free trials. Our results suggest that induced binge-watchers deplete the content of interest to them very quickly, which reduces their short-term willingness to pay for SVoD. We also show that carefully crafted recommendation reminders aimed at widening the preferences of consumers for content offset the negative effect of binge-watching and lessen the concerns of binge-watchers with lack of content refresh, and thus these reminders may help content providers manage supply costs, which may otherwise become prohibitive with frequent updates to SVoD catalogs.
Learning Unknown Service Rates in Queues: A Multiarmed Bandit Approach
Authors: Krishnasamy Subhashini , Sen Rajat , Johari Ramesh , Shakkottai Sanjay
Published: September 2020

Traditional scheduling problems in stochastic queueing systems assume that the statistical parameters are known a priori. In ''Learning unknown service rates in queues: A multiarmed bandit approach'', Krishnasamy, Sen, Johari, and Shakkottai consider the problem of online scheduling in a parallel-server system when the statistical parameters are unknown. They study this question in the stochastic multiarmed bandits framework with the queue length as the performance objective. In contrast to the classic stochastic multiarmed bandits problem, where the regret scales logarithmically with time, the authors show that the queue regret (difference in expected queue length between a bandit algorithm and a genie policy) exhibits a more complex behavior. It grows logarithmically in the initial stage and eventually decays almost inversely with time. This remarkable behavior is explained through the analysis of regenerative cycle lengths, which shorten with time as the bandit algorithm learns to stabilize the queues.
The Japanese registry for surgery of ischial pressure ulcers: STANDARDS-I
Authors: Yanagi Hideyuki , Terashi Hiroto , Takahashi Yoshimitsu , Okabe Katsuyuki , Tanaka Katsumi , Kimura Chu , Ohura Norihiko , Goto Takahiro , Hashimoto Ichiro , Noguchi Madoka , Sasayama Junichi , Shimada Kenichi , Sugai Ayumi , Tanba Mitsuko , Nakayama Takeo , Tsuboi Ryoji , Sugama Junko , Sanada Hiromi
Published: September 2020

Objective:

To clarify the surgical indications and the appropriate perioperative management of ischial pressure ulcers (PUs).

Method:

A two-year prospective, nationwide registry study was carried out across 26 medical institutions in Japan. All participating institutions managed ischial PUs according to the standardisation of total management and surgical application for the refractory decubitus (STANDARDS-I) perioperative protocol. Analysis was conducted on a range of clinically or statistically important variables for the achievement of primary or secondary endpoints: complete wound healing and hospital discharge at three months, and complete wound healing at one month after surgery, respectively.

Results:

A total of 59 patients took part in the study. All patients underwent surgery for ischial PUs during the study period. Patients who had achieved the primary endpoint had a higer preoperative functional independence measurement (FIM score), a higher ‘G’ score in the DESIGN-R scale and were more likely to have healed by primary intention. Patients who had achieved the secondary endpoint were more likely to have spastic paralysis, preoperative physiotherapy and localised infection of the wound, among other variables.

Conclusion:

This survey suggests that preoperative physiotherapy increases the speed of wound healing, and good granulation of the wound bed preoperatively increases the likelihood of woundless discharge from hospital, whereas the existence of comorbidities negatively influences the likelihood of woundless discharge from hospital. The study also suggests that the existence of spastic paralysis, preoperative infection of the wound, or surgical reduction of the ischial tubercle speeds up the healing of the wound. However, the wound failed to heal significantly more often in patients with increasing white blood cell count after surgery.
Design and Prototyping of a Portable Metasurface-Based Refractive Index Sensor
Authors: Simone Brittany K. , Oguntoye Isaac O. , Hartfield George Z. , Padmanabha Siddharth , Ollanik Adam J. , Escarra Matthew D.
Published: September 2020

Demonstration of nanophotonic platform for metasurface-based refractive index sensing. Prototype results indicate that dramatic cost (.$5,000) and scale (e.g. portable, handheld) reductions are attainable in comparison to existing technologies with comparable sensitivity (An= 10-6).
Wide-band silicon photonic MOEMS spectrometer requiring a single photodetector
Authors: el Ahdab Ranim , Sharma Suraj , Nabki Frederic , Ménard Michaël
Published: September 2020

We propose a novel integrated micro-opto-mechanical-system spectrometer design in a monochromator setup. It consists of a concave grating fabricated in a planar waveguide that is connected to a rotational electrostatic actuator, which enables angular tuning of the grating. The spectrometer covers a wide operational wavelength range (>100 nm), covering partially the E-band and fully covering the S, C, and L-bands (1416.6 nm - 1696.6 nm), and requires a single photodetector to acquire the spectrum. The spectrometer is designed to exhibit low optical losses throughout the range of motion. The spectrum can be acquired at a frequency of 1.76 kHz. The simulated acquired spectrum features an average insertion loss of −1.8 dB and a crosstalk better than −70 dB with a resolution as low as 1.62 nm. The entire device covers an area of 4 mm x 4 mm and is based on a thick silicon-on-insulator platform.
Binary amplitude-only image reconstruction through a MMF based on an AE-SNN combined deep learning model
Authors: Chen Hui , He Zhengquan , Zhang Zaikun , Geng Yi , Yu Weixing
Published: September 2020

The obstacle of imaging through multimode fibers (MMFs) is encountered due to the fact that the inherent mode dispersion and mode coupling lead the output of the MMF to be scattered and bring about image distortions. As a result, only noise-like speckle patterns can be formed on the distal end of the MMF. We propose a deep learning model exploited for computational imaging through an MMF, which contains an autoencoder (AE) for feature extraction and image reconstruction and self-normalizing neural networks (SNNs) sandwiched and employed for high-order feature representation. It was demonstrated both in simulations and in experiments that the proposed AE-SNN combined deep learning model could reconstruct image information from various binary amplitude-only targets going through a 5-meter-long MMF. Simulations indicate that our model works effectively even in the presence of system noise, and the experimental results prove that the method is valid for image reconstruction through the MMF. Enabled by the spatial variability and the self-normalizing properties, our model can be generalized to solve varieties of other computational imaging problems.
Highly transparent all-dielectric metasurface to block the near-infrared region of the solar spectrum
Authors: Kim Eunjong , Baek Sangwon , Park Jae Yong , Kim Kwang Ho , Lee Jong-Lam
Published: September 2020

Blocking the near-infrared region (NIR) is indispensable for saving energy consumed to maintain the interior temperature in buildings. However, simultaneously enhancing transmission in visible light and blocking in the NIR remains challenging. Here, we theoretically demonstrate a transparent all-dielectric metasurface selectively blocking the NIR by using TiO2 nanocylinders and an indium tin oxide (ITO) layer. The ITO layer is implemented as a back reflector because ITO is transparent in visible light, whereas the ITO becomes a reflective material in the long-wavelength region (λ > 1500 nm). The designed metasurface exhibits high average transmittance of 70% in visible light and high solar energy rejection (SER) of 90% in the NIR. Furthermore, the blocking capability in the NIR of the designed metasurface is maintained over a wide range of an incident angle and polarization angle of light. Therefore, the metasurface gives a guideline for designing energy-saving applications.
Incorporating intersectional musicality within the classroom: Black feminism through Nina Simone and Janelle Monáe
Authors: Hines Jasmine
Published: September 2020

In an age of social justice advocacy within education, the work of Black women continues to be excluded from the hegemonic educational canon despite the long history of Black feminists advocating for the eradication of systemic oppressive systems in education. By examining the livelihoods and music created by Black feminist musicians, music educators may begin to reflect on how Black women’s positionality within society has had a direct influence on the music they created within a White culturally dominant society. The purpose of this article is to conceptualize how the intersectional musicality of Nina Simone and Janelle Monáe – informed by the conceptual framework of Black Feminist Thought – can speak to the experiences that Black girls and women face within music education and society.
A brief personal account of a journey in science - an interview with Alejandro Sánchez-Alvarado
Authors: García-Arrarás José E.
Published: September 2020

Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado represents a younger generation of Latin American scientists that have achieved international scientific recognition. His work, together with that from other labs, has positioned the planaria Schmidtea mediterranea as a dynamic model system in which the cellular and molecular bases of regeneration in metazoans can be probed. During his professional career he has established strong ties with Latin America, hosting and training students and participating in seminars, workshops and courses throughout the region. In this interview he discusses his early scientific development and training, and his views on various issues related to the professional development of young scientists.
Identification of the maize Mediator CDK8 module and transposon-mediated mutagenesis of ZmMed12a
Authors: Alonso-Nieves Ana L. , Núñez-Ríos Tania , Massange-Sánchez Julio A. , Ahern Kevin R. , Lepe-Soltero Daniel , García-Aguilar Marcelina , Brutnell Thomas P. , Sawers Ruairidh J. H. , Gillmor C. Stewart
Published: September 2020

Mediator is a conserved transcriptional co-activator that links transcription factors bound at enhancer elements to RNA Polymerase II. Mediator-RNA Polymerase II interactions can be sterically hindered by the Cyclin Dependent Kinase 8 (CDK8) module, a submodule of Mediator that acts to repress transcription in response to discrete cellular and environmental cues. The CDK8 module is conserved in all eukaryotes and consists of 4 proteins: CDK8, CYCLIN C (CYCC), MED12, and MED13. In this study, we have characterized the CDK8 module of Mediator in maize using genomic, molecular and functional resources. The maize genome contains single copy genes for Cdk8, CycC, and Med13, and two genes for Med12. Analysis of expression data for the CDK8 module demonstrated that all five genes are broadly expressed in maize tissues, and change their expression in response to phosphate and nitrogen limitation. We performed Dissociation (Ds) insertional mutagenesis, recovering two independent insertions in the ZmMed12a gene, one of which produces a truncated transcript. Our molecular identification of the maize CDK8 module, assays of CDK8 module expression under nutrient limitation, and characterization of transposon insertions in ZmMed12a establish the basis for molecular and functional studies of the role of these important transcriptional regulators in development and nutrient homeostasis in Zea mays.