bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Normative Data for Two Working Memory Tasks in Spanish-Speaking US-Dwelling Adults
Authors: Seider T , Gooding A , Marquine M J , Suarez P , Rivera Mindt M , Heaton R K , Artiola i Fortuny L , Cherner M
Published: August 2019

Objective

Working memory assessment is an important component of a neuropsychological evaluation. The Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT) and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Third Edition Letter Number Sequencing subtest (LNS) are two commonly used measures of working memory. Demographic variables (age, education, ethnicity, and country of origin) can impact performance on these measures, underscoring the need for demographically adjusted norms when utilizing these tests. We aimed to develop normative data for the PASAT and LNS for Spanish-speaking adults living in the US.

Participants and Method

The PASAT and LNS were administered to Spanish-speaking adults living in the US-Mexico border regions of California and Arizona as part of a larger normative effort in this population. Two hundred and forty-nine participants completed the PASAT and a subset (n = 202) also completed LNS. Ages ranged from 19-60 and education from 0-20 years.

Results

Older age was associated with lower scores on LNS (p < .01), but not the PASAT. Lower education was associated with lower scores on both tests (ps < .001). Females obtained lower raw scores than males on the PASAT (ps < .003), and there were no significant main effects of gender on LNS raw scores. Raw-to-scaled score conversions were calculated for the PASAT-50 item, PASAT-200 item, and LNS, and fractional polynomial equations were developed to calculate demographically-adjusted T-scores accounting for age, education, and gender. Published norms for English-speaking non-Hispanic Whites drastically overestimated rates of impairment (defined as T-score < 40) on both the PASAT and LNS.

Conclusions

The use of the population-specific normative data may improve detection of working memory dysfunction in Spanish-speaking adults living in the US and contribute to improved diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning in this population.
Application of the ECLECTIC Framework on a Pediatric Case
Authors: Moss N , MacDonald B
Published: August 2019

Objective

The ECLECTIC Framework (Fujii, 2018) provides seven components that are pertinent for understanding culturally diverse cases. Education and literacy, Culture and acculturation, Language, Economics, Communication, Testing situation, Intelligence conceptualization, and Context of immigration may impact neuropsychological test performance. Presented within this pediatric case study are examples of common difficulties encountered in conducting evaluations with ethnic and linguistic minorities, as well as considerations to increase equity and validity throughout the evaluation process.

Case Description

Maria is a 10-year-old, Spanish speaking female who moved from Cuba to the United States in November 2017. Maria relocated with her mother, who was pregnant at the time, and the family lives with Maria’s maternal great aunt. Per evaluations completed in Cuba, Maria has a history of intellectual disability, scoliosis, and untreated seizures. Although not documented, Maria’s mother reported that Maria has a prior diagnosis of “mild autism” made in Cuba. Maria receives special education services in the United States and previously received services in Cuba. Home language and academic instruction are in Spanish.

Diagnostic Impressions and Outcomes

Cognitive abilities are severely impaired and similar to those of a child between the ages of 2 and 4, with social skills showing more delay. Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, with accompanying intellectual (Intellectual Disability, Severe) and language impairments is confirmed. A family history of intellectual deficits due to a genetic condition was reported. Consultations with both Neurology and Genetics/Dysmorphology services are highly recommended to understand the etiology of Maria’s significant and globally diffused impairments.

Discussion

For pediatric cases, the ECLECTIC Framework requires the components to consider the child in the context of their family and the intersectionality between parent and child.

References

Fujii, D. E. (2018) Developing a cultural context for conducting a neuropsychological evaluation with a culturally diverse client: The ECLECTIC framework. The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 32(8), 1356-1392, DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2018.1435826.
Cultural and Linguistic Competency Training from a Socially Responsible Neuropsychology Model: Perspectives from Trainees
Authors: Diaz-Santos M , Suarez P , Cavanagh L , Yañez J , Ramirez E , Gracian E , Cagigas X E
Published: August 2019

Objective

The Cultural Neuropsychology Program (CNP) is the sole bilingual clinical training program specifically focused on culturally and linguistically competent neuropsychological services to the Latino/a population in the UCLA Health System. Following the Socially Responsible Neuropsychology Model (SRN; Suarez et al., 2016), trainees learn the best practices in providing equitable clinical care to all patients irrespective of their background. The current paper discusses various trainees’ professional development in the process of becoming culturally and linguistically competent clinical neuropsychologists.

Method

The use of case studies illustrates the competency paradigm shift trainees encounter when systematically integrating the SRN model with their clinical training. Three components of the model are emphasized: (1) integration of Etic and Emic approaches during the clinical intake, (2) merging psychometric properties with qualitative processes to compensate for the cultural-linguistic limitations of mainstream gold-standard neuropsychological tools, and (3) becoming an advocate through this social justice framework.

Outcomes

All trainees were previously exposed to the foundational - and typically required - knowledge-based competency model of understanding and appreciating cultural-individual differences and diversity in neuropsychology. Attaining cultural and linguistic competency through the SRN model, however, requires a salient paradigm shift in all skill-based competencies that trainees may not have been prepared for through their previous education.

Discussion

By presenting trainees’ perspectives regarding their professional development, the importance of the explicit and systematic integration of fundamental brain-behavior relationships with the SRN model early in graduate training is highlighted. In so doing, this approach can ultimately augment the number of culturally- and linguistically-competent neuropsychologists needed to reduce health disparities.

References

Suárez, P., Casas, R., Lechuga, D., Cagigas, X. Socially Responsible Neuropsychology in Action: Another Opportunity for California to Lead the Way. Feature in The California Psychologist. Fall of 2016.
The False Hope of Becoming a Neuropsychologist. A Call for Action!
Authors: Furtado M , Ríos-Vázquez I , Sanderson Brown S , Belén K
Published: August 2019

The Problem

According to the Census Bureau, the number of immigrants living in the US will increase to 69 million by 2060. Unfortunately, the number of international neuropsychologists who practice in the U.S. is behind in terms of this expected shift in the population. This is not due to a lack of interest - as many international students are accepted into neuropsychology doctoral programs each year. However, the acquisition of appropriate postdoctoral training proves to be a significant challenge. In general, the required two-year postdoctoral positions in neuropsychology are competitive, as they should be; however, international students are at a remarkable disadvantage. They cannot stay in the U.S. without a sponsor for a visa after a year of graduating, thus placing them in a disadvantaged state to secure a neuropsychology postdoctoral position.

The Impact

Given the projected population changes, neuropsychological assessments will have to be adjusted, new norms will need to be collected, and providers who speak non-English languages will be in higher demand. International neuropsychologists contribute to the field of neuropsychology through the addition of cultural competence, the enrichment in our understanding of cognition across racial and ethnic groups, and the development and selection of tests from a different perspective. In addition, they strengthen research pursuits, increase access to high-quality healthcare service to minorities, and provide quality service to non-English speaking patients. Finally, they can disseminate quality neuropsychological services throughout the world.

Call for Action

We encourage all neuropsychologists to create an action plan to support international students. There are many ways in which this could be accomplished: advocate to your human resource department to sponsor international students, educate yourself on the barriers and the process of sponsoring a work/training visa, and assist international students in strengthening their training experience with research, authorship, and collaboration.
The Kinematics of Breasts Implanted With a Reduced Mass Implant: A Pilot Study
Authors: Norris Michelle , Jones Melissa , Mills Chris , Blackmore Tim , Inglefield Chris , Wakefield-Scurr Joanna
Published: August 2019

Background

Breast implants may increase breast skin tension and interact with surrounding tissues to alter breast position and motion during dynamic activity. Reducing implant mass and changing implant location (submuscular/subglandular) may also affect breast kinematics and the subsequent loads on breast structures.

Objectives

The aim of this pilot study was to describe the kinematics of breasts augmented with reduced-mass implants during standing, walking, and running, compared with natural breasts, and to provide insight into how implant location (submuscular/subglandular) alters breast kinematics.

Methods

Two breast augmentation participants (12–15 months postsurgery: 32AA presurgery, anatomical submuscular 255 cc B-Lite reduced-mass implant; 32A presurgery, anatomical subglandular 285 cc B-Lite reduced-mass implant) and 2 natural-breasted participants of similar breast size and anthropometrics were recruited. Nipple and torso positional data were recorded with electromagnetic sensors during standing, walking, and running. Nipple kinematics relative to the torso were calculated.

Results

The B-Lite participants both displayed greater nipple projection and elevation during standing and a 50% reduction in nipple acceleration during walking, when compared with their natural counterparts. During running, the B-Lite subglandular participant displayed decreased nipple kinematics compared with her natural counterpart and lower nipple kinematics compared with the B-Lite submuscular participant during walking and running.

Conclusions

A combination of implant location (subglandular) and reduced mass minimized nipple kinematics during running. Reducing nipple kinematics during dynamic activity may decrease the loading on breast structures, helping to decrease ptosis and increase the longevity of procedure outcomes.

Level of Evidence: 4
Applying citizen science to gene, drug and disease relationship extraction from biomedical abstracts
Authors: Tsueng Ginger , Nanis Max , Fouquier Jennifer T , Mayers Michael , Good Benjamin M , Su Andrew I
Published: August 2019

Motivation

Biomedical literature is growing at a rate that outpaces our ability to harness the knowledge contained therein. To mine valuable inferences from the large volume of literature, many researchers use information extraction algorithms to harvest information in biomedical texts. Information extraction is usually accomplished via a combination of manual expert curation and computational methods. Advances in computational methods usually depend on the time-consuming generation of gold standards by a limited number of expert curators. Citizen science is public participation in scientific research. We previously found that citizen scientists are willing and capable of performing named entity recognition of disease mentions in biomedical abstracts, but did not know if this was true with relationship extraction (RE).

Results

In this article, we introduce the Relationship Extraction Module of the web-based application Mark2Cure (M2C) and demonstrate that citizen scientists can perform RE. We confirm the importance of accurate named entity recognition on user performance of RE and identify design issues that impacted data quality. We find that the data generated by citizen scientists can be used to identify relationship types not currently available in the M2C Relationship Extraction Module. We compare the citizen science-generated data with algorithm-mined data and identify ways in which the two approaches may complement one another. We also discuss opportunities for future improvement of this system, as well as the potential synergies between citizen science, manual biocuration and natural language processing.

Availability and implementation

Mark2Cure platform: https://mark2cure.org; Mark2Cure source code: https://github.com/sulab/mark2cure; and data and analysis code for this article: https://github.com/gtsueng/M2C_rel_nb.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Debridement, Antibiotics, and Implant Retention Is a Viable Treatment Option for Early Periprosthetic Joint Infection Presenting More Than 4 Weeks After Index Arthroplasty
Authors: Löwik Claudia A M , Parvizi Javad , Jutte Paul C , Zijlstra Wierd P , Knobben Bas A S , Xu Chi , Goswami Karan , Belden Katherine A , Sousa Ricardo , Carvalho André , Martínez-Pastor Juan Carlos , Soriano Alex , Wouthuyzen-Bakker Marjan
Published: August 2019

Background

The success of debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) in early periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) largely depends on the presence of a mature biofilm. At what time point DAIR should be disrecommended is unknown. This multicenter study evaluated the outcome of DAIR in relation to the time after index arthroplasty.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated PJIs occurring within 90 days after surgery and treated with DAIR. Patients with bacteremia, arthroscopic debridements, and a follow-up <1 year were excluded. Treatment failure was defined as (1) any further surgical procedure related to infection; (2) PJI-related death; or (3) use of long-term suppressive antibiotics.

Results

We included 769 patients. Treatment failure occurred in 294 patients (38%) and was similar between time intervals from index arthroplasty to DAIR: the failure rate for Week 1–2 was 42% (95/226), the rate for Week 3–4 was 38% (143/378), the rate for Week 5–6 was 29% (29/100), and the rate for Week 7–12 was 42% (27/65). An exchange of modular components was performed to a lesser extent in the early post-surgical course compared with the late course (41% vs 63%, respectively; P < .001). The causative microorganisms, comorbidities, and durations of symptoms were comparable between time intervals.

Conclusions

DAIR is a viable option in patients with early PJI presenting more than 4 weeks after index surgery, as long as DAIR is performed within at least 1 week after the onset of symptoms and modular components can be exchanged.
Retrospective cohort study of individuals born with low birthweight: implications for screening practices
Authors: Zhao Xixi , Kratzke Andrea K , Ballout Fatima , Kimura Robert E , Jandeska Sara E
Published: August 2019

Background

Previous studies have established an association between low birthweight (LBW) and future kidney disease, but few have explored the progression of kidney dysfunction through the pediatric years leading up through adolescence and young adulthood.

Methods

To better understand the temporal effects of birthweight on kidney disease progression, we conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) between LBW (<2500 grams) and normal birthweight (NBW) infants who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at our institution from 1992 to 2006.

Results

Age at follow-up ranged 1–26 years old. GFR was found to be significantly lower in participants born with LBW than those born with NBW, with a mean difference of 5.5 mL/min/1.73m2 (P < 0.01). These differences were found in the adolescent and young adult age group over 9 years of age, specifically in the extremely low birthweight group (ELBW) whose birthweight was less than 1000 grams.

Conclusions

We recommend screening for CKD in ELBW individuals starting at the age of 9 years old, regardless of their previous medical history.
Cadmium exposure and MEG3 methylation differences between Whites and African Americans in the NEST Cohort
Authors: House John S , Hall Jonathan , Park Sarah S , Planchart Antonio , Money Eric , Maguire Rachel L , Huang Zhiqing , Mattingly Carolyn J , Skaar David , Tzeng Jung Ying , Darrah Thomas H , Vengosh Avner , Murphy Susan K , Jirtle Randy L , Hoyo Cathrine
Published: August 2019

Cadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant associated with a wide range of health outcomes including cancer. However, obscure exposure sources often hinder prevention efforts. Further, although epigenetic mechanisms are suspected to link these associations, gene sequence regions targeted by Cd are unclear. Aberrant methylation of a differentially methylated region (DMR) on the MEG3 gene that regulates the expression of a cluster of genes including MEG3, DLK1, MEG8, MEG9 and DIO3 has been associated with multiple cancers. In 287 infant–mother pairs, we used a combination of linear regression and the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic to determine if maternal blood Cd concentrations were associated with offspring CpG methylation of the sequence region regulating a cluster of imprinted genes including MEG3. Correlations were used to examine potential sources and routes. We observed a significant geographic co-clustering of elevated prenatal Cd levels and MEG3 DMR hypermethylation in cord blood (P = 0.01), and these findings were substantiated in our statistical models (β = 1.70, se = 0.80, P = 0.03). These associations were strongest in those born to African American women (β = 3.52, se = 1.32, P = 0.01) compared with those born to White women (β = 1.24, se = 2.11, P = 0.56) or Hispanic women (β = 1.18, se = 1.24, P = 0.34). Consistent with Cd bioaccumulation during the life course, blood Cd levels increased with age (β = 0.015 µg/dl/year, P = 0.003), and Cd concentrations were significantly correlated between blood and urine (ρ > 0.47, P < 0.01), but not hand wipe, soil or house dust concentrations (P > 0.05). Together, these data support that prenatal Cd exposure is associated with aberrant methylation of the imprint regulatory element for the MEG3 gene cluster at birth. However, neither house-dust nor water are likely exposure sources, and ingestion via contaminated hands is also unlikely to be a significant exposure route in this population. Larger studies are required to identify routes and sources of exposure.
Pharmacogenomic polygenic response score predicts ischaemic events and cardiovascular mortality in clopidogrel-treated patients
Authors: Lewis Joshua P , Backman Joshua D , Reny Jean-Luc , Bergmeijer Thomas O , Mitchell Braxton D , Ritchie Marylyn D , Déry Jean-Pierre , Pakyz Ruth E , Gong Li , Ryan Kathleen , Kim Eun-Young , Aradi Daniel , Fernandez-Cadenas Israel , Lee Ming Ta Michael , Whaley Ryan M , Montaner Joan , Gensini Gian Franco , Cleator John H , Chang Kiyuk , Holmvang Lene , Hochholzer Willibald , Roden Dan M , Winter Stefan , Altman Russ B , Alexopoulos Dimitrios , Kim Ho-Sook , Gawaz Meinrad , Bliden Kevin P , Valgimigli Marco , Marcucci Rossella , Campo Gianluca , Schaeffeler Elke , Dridi Nadia P , Wen Ming-Shien , Shin Jae Gook , Fontana Pierre , Giusti Betti , Geisler Tobias , Kubo Michiaki , Trenk Dietmar , Siller-Matula Jolanta M , ten Berg Jurriën M , Gurbel Paul A , Schwab Matthias , Klein Teri E , Shuldiner Alan R ,   for the ICPC Investigators
Published: August 2019

Aims 

Clopidogrel is prescribed for the prevention of atherothrombotic events. While investigations have identified genetic determinants of inter-individual variability in on-treatment platelet inhibition (e.g. CYP2C19*2), evidence that these variants have clinical utility to predict major adverse cardiovascular events (CVEs) remains controversial.

Methods and results 

We assessed the impact of 31 candidate gene polymorphisms on adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-stimulated platelet reactivity in 3391 clopidogrel-treated coronary artery disease patients of the International Clopidogrel Pharmacogenomics Consortium (ICPC). The influence of these polymorphisms on CVEs was tested in 2134 ICPC patients (N = 129 events) in whom clinical event data were available. Several variants were associated with on-treatment ADP-stimulated platelet reactivity (CYP2C19*2, P = 8.8 × 10−54; CES1 G143E, P = 1.3 × 10−16; CYP2C19*17, P = 9.5 × 10−10; CYP2B6 1294 + 53 C > T, P = 3.0 × 10−4; CYP2B6 516 G > T, P = 1.0 × 10−3; CYP2C9*2, P = 1.2 × 10−3; and CYP2C9*3, P = 1.5 × 10−3). While no individual variant was associated with CVEs, generation of a pharmacogenomic polygenic response score (PgxRS) revealed that patients who carried a greater number of alleles that associated with increased on-treatment platelet reactivity were more likely to experience CVEs (β = 0.17, SE 0.06, P = 0.01) and cardiovascular-related death (β = 0.43, SE 0.16, P = 0.007). Patients who carried eight or more risk alleles were significantly more likely to experience CVEs [odds ratio (OR) = 1.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–2.76, P = 0.01] and cardiovascular death (OR = 4.39, 95% CI 1.35–14.27, P = 0.01) compared to patients who carried six or fewer of these alleles.

Conclusion 

Several polymorphisms impact clopidogrel response and PgxRS is a predictor of cardiovascular outcomes. Additional investigations that identify novel determinants of clopidogrel response and validating polygenic models may facilitate future precision medicine strategies.
Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation is associated with lower incidence of heart failure and death
Authors: Modin Daniel , Claggett Brian , Gislason Gunnar , Hansen Morten Lock , Worck Rene , Johannessen Arne , Hansen Jim , Svendsen Jesper Hastrup , Pallisgaard Jannik L , Schou Morten , Køber Lars , Solomon Scott D , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Biering-Sørensen Tor
Published: August 2019

Aims

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (CAF) improves symptoms, but whether CAF improves outcome is less clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether CAF is associated with improved outcome in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with previous direct current (DC) cardioversion.

Methods and results

We performed a nationwide cohort study including all patients who underwent their 1st direct current cardioversion for AF in the period 2003–15 (N = 25 439). End points were all-cause death, cardiovascular death, stroke/thromboembolism, and incident heart failure (HF). Catheter ablation for AF was treated as a time-varying covariate and the association with outcome was assessed using Cox regression. We also constructed a propensity-matched cohort and assessed the association between CAF and outcome. Median follow-up was 5.3 years (inter-quartile range 3.0–8.7 years). A total of 3509 patients (13.8%) underwent CAF during the study period. Following adjustment for age, gender, comorbidities, medications, educational level, household income, and CHA2DS2VASc score, CAF was associated with reduced risks of all-cause death, cardiovascular death, and incident HF [all-cause death: hazard ratio (HR) 0.69, P < 0.001; cardiovascular death: HR 0.68, P = 0.003; incident HF: HR 0.76, P = 0.011]. Catheter ablation for AF was not associated with a reduced risk of stroke/thromboembolism. These results were replicated in a propensity-matched cohort.

Conclusion

In AF patients with a prior DC cardioversion, CAF was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death. This may be due to a reduced risk of HF.
Real-time coseismic deformations from adaptively tight integration of high-rate GNSS and strong motion records
Authors: Zang Jianfei , Xu Caijun , Chen Guanxu , Wen Qiang , Fan Shijie
Published: August 2019

In traditional tight integration of high-rate GNSS and strong motion sensors, an appropriate process variance is crucial for obtaining accurate broad-band coseismic deformations. In this paper, instead of using a subjectively empirical value, we present an approach for determining the process variance adaptively based on the adaptive Kalman filter for real-time use. The performance of the approach was validated by the colocated stations collected during the 2010 Mw 7.2 earthquake in El-Mayor, 2016 Mw 7.8 earthquake in New Zealand and 2016 Mw 6.5 earthquake in central Italy. The results show that this method complements the advantages of GNSS and strong motion accelerometers and can provide more accurate coseismic waveforms especially during the strong shaking period, due to the ability of the method to adjust the process variance in real time according to the actual status of the station. In addition, this method is also free from the influence of the baseline shift. Testing of the new method for the integration of strong motion and multi-GNSS indicates that multi-GNSS has an obvious improvement in the precision while single GPS has a poor observation condition.
Effects of age and size on spawning and egg production in gag and scamp grouper off the southeastern United States
Authors: Gamboa-Salazar Keilin R , Wyanski David M , Bubley Walter J , Klibansky Nikolai
Published: August 2019

Stock assessments historically have used age- and size-independent methods to estimate reproductive output in marine fishes. Recent assessments have used total egg production (TEP), often assuming an invariant spawning frequency (SF) for all females. However, spawning parameters vary with age and size, which invalidates this assumption. This study investigated the age- and size-dependence of female spawning fraction, duration, and frequency in two economically valuable species, gag (Mycteroperca microlepis) and scamp (Mycteroperca phenax), in Atlantic waters off the southeastern United States, with the ultimate objective of quantifying the effect of these dependencies on TEP estimates. Spawning parameters had moderate-to-strong dome-shaped relationships with age and size (r2 = 0.63–0.94), peaking at intermediate ages and sizes. As larger, older females approach sexual transition, they may increase their lifetime reproductive success by shifting energy resources away from female reproductive investment (i.e. eggs) towards investment that will promote future male reproductive success (i.e. gonad transformation). The estimate of TEP based on age-dependent SF was 38% lower for gag and 41% lower for scamp than the estimate based on age-independent (AI) SF; therefore, the AI method overestimates stock productivity. Incorporating age- and size-based reproductive data into assessments can lead to more reliable stock productivity estimates and potentially improved management.
Differences in Duration and Degree of Cytomegalovirus DNAemia Observed With Two Standardized Quantitative Nucleic Acid Tests and Implications for Clinical Care
Authors: Meesing Atibordee , Germer Jeffrey J , Yao Joseph D , Gartner Michelle L , Digmann Benjamin J , Razonable Raymund R
Published: August 2019

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) viral loads overall were 0.29 log IU/mL higher with cobas CMV for use on the cobas 6800/8800 System (cobas CMV) compared with Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan CMV Test (CAP/CTM CMV). Cytomegalovirus DNAemia was detected 11.5 days earlier by cobas CMV, whereas clearance was delayed by 12.8 days. Cytomegalovirus remained detectable by cobas CMV in 44.2% of patients at the time of viral clearance as determined by CAP/CTM CMV. Undetectable viral load by cobas CMV at end of treatment was associated with reduced risk for retreatment (odds ratio, 0.26; 95% confidence interval, 0.04–0.99; P = .05).

The use of different quantitative cytomegalovirus nucleic acid tests may affect direct patient care as a result of significant differences in reporting the degree of CMV DNAemia and the time to first detection and clearance of CMV DNAemia.
Securing High Levels of Business Compliance with Environmental Laws: What Works and What to Avoid
Authors: Kellett Peter
Published: August 2019

This regulatory reflection considers an elusive question: how to secure high levels of business compliance with environmental laws? It examines, at a time of great uncertainty and challenge for environmental law and policy, what forms of regulatory intervention appear to have worked and some that have clearly failed with a view to drawing lessons. Some fresh evidence is presented on specific environmental interventions which the Environment Agency for England has found appear to work and on some which do not appear to work. It is suggested that despite its many shortcomings well-designed and enforced environmental regulation when aligned to the market delivers huge benefits to society.
Combined petrophysics and 3D seismic attributes to predict shale reservoirs favourable areas
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhang Gulan , Cao Junxing , Zhang Jianjun , Yu Gang
Published: August 2019

To achieve the economic and effective development of shale gas, it is not only necessary to determine favourable geological areas but also to pay more attention to favourable engineering areas. Geologically favourable areas are measured on their total organic carbon (TOC) content, thickness of high-quality shale and fractures, and favourable engineering areas are assessed on brittleness and fractures, but in most cases fractures occur in both geological and engineering favourable areas. The Zhao104 well is located in the Sichuan Basin in China, in the Longmaxi (LMX) Formation, and has an abundant shale gas content based on drilling and well log interpretation. It is necessary to clarify the distribution of shale gas favourable areas in this area, which plays a vital role in determining horizontal wells. In this paper, petrophysics and three-dimensional seismic attributes are used to predict the favourable shale reservoir area. Based on the petro-physical model, the most sensitive elastic parameters of the TOC content and brittleness are determined, a relationship model of the sensitive elastic parameters with TOC content and brittleness is created from logs and pre-stack inversion is used to characterize the shale brittleness, TOC content and thickness of high-quality shale. Different scale seismic fracture attributes are used to predict the strength and direction of fractures. The field data show that combined petrogeophysics and 3D seismic attributes can effectively predict a favourable shale reservoir area, reducing the need for exploration and development risks.
Clinical impact of baseline renal function on safety and early discontinuation of adjuvant capecitabine plus oxaliplatin in elderly patients with resected colon cancer: a multicenter post-marketing surveillance study
Authors: Yamazaki Kentaro , Matsumoto Shigemi , Imamura Chiyo K , Yamagiwa Chiemi , Shimizu Ayaka , Yoshino Takayuki
Published: August 2019

Background

Adjuvant capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) is a standard treatment for resected colon cancer; however, in patients with moderate renal impairment, the incidence of CAPOX-related adverse events (AEs) and the rate of early discontinuation are higher than in patients with no or mild renal impairment. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the impact of baseline renal function on the safety and discontinuation of adjuvant CAPOX therapy started with the standard dose of capecitabine in elderly patients with colon cancer.

Methods

Data from patients aged ≥65 years old who received CAPOX at the standard starting dose as adjuvant therapy for stage II/III colon cancer were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups based on their renal function: CLcr-H (patients with a creatinine clearance [CLcr] ≥50 ml/min) and CLcr-L (CLcr <50 ml/min), and AEs and discontinuations were assessed.

Results

Overall, 189 patients were assessed (CLcr-H group = 137 and CLcr-L group = 52). No patients experienced grade 4 AEs. The incidence of grade 3 CAPOX-related AEs was higher in the CLcr-L group (42.3%) than in the CLcr-H group (31.3%). The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment within four cycles due to AEs was also higher in the CLcr-L group (21.1%) than in the CLcr-H group (2.9%). Multivariate analysis identified that CLcr <50 ml/min was the only significant risk factor for CAPOX therapy discontinuation due to AEs (P = 0.0008).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the tolerability of adjuvant CAPOX therapy was decreased in elderly patients with impaired renal function.

Clinical trial registration

University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry number UMIN000016446.
IRES-mediated cap-independent translation, a path leading to hidden proteome
Authors: Yang Yun , Wang Zefeng
Published: August 2019

Most eukaryotic mRNAs are translated in a cap-dependent fashion; however, under stress conditions, the cap-independent translation driven by internal ribosomal entry sites (IRESs) can serve as an alternative mechanism for protein production. Many IRESs have been discovered from viral or cellular mRNAs to promote ribosome assembly and initiate translation by recruiting different trans-acting factors. Although the mechanisms of translation initiation driven by viral IRESs are relatively well understood, the existence of cellular IRESs is still under debate due to the limitations of translation reporter systems used to assay IRES activities. A recent screen identified > 1000 putative IRESs from viral and human mRNAs, expanding the scope and mechanism for cap-independent translation. Additionally, a large number of circular RNAs lacking free ends were identified in eukaryotic cells, many of which are found to be translated through IRESs. These findings suggest that IRESs may play a previously unappreciated role in driving translation of the new type of mRNA, implying a hidden proteome produced from cap-independent translation.
Availability of Logging Residues and Likelihood of Their Utilization for Electricity Production in the US South
Authors: Pokharel Raju , Grala Robert K , Latta Gregory S , Grebner Donald L , Grado Stephen C , Poudel Jagdish
Published: August 2019

This study estimated quantities of logging residues that can physically be recovered from harvest sites and utilized for electricity production in the US South. Because of a small number of mills utilizing logging residues, this study determined their willingness to utilize additional logging residues to produce electricity as a function of woody residue utilization characteristics of a mill and mill management’s attitudes toward factors limiting utilization of this feedstock. Approximately 98 percent of logging residues occur within a 35-mile hauling distance from mills. Although almost all physically available logging residues could be recovered with a relatively short hauling distance, a mail survey indicated that only 4 percent of mills utilized this feedstock. Willingness to utilize additional logging residues to produce electricity by mill management was positively associated with the quantity of woody residues already used and anticipated equipment upgrades to facilitate electricity production, whereas it was negatively related with the quantity of generated mill residues. Mill management that considered a lack of storage space an important limitation was less likely to utilize additional logging residues. Increased utilization of logging residues for electricity production will be contingent on the implementation of bioenergy favorable policies and availability of technical and financial assistance to mills.
The fulcrum wavelength of young stellar objects - the case of LRLL 31
Authors: Bryan Geoffrey R , Maddison Sarah T , Liffman Kurt
Published: August 2019

A small subset of young stellar objects (YSOs) exhibit “see-saw” temporal variations in their mid-infrared SED; as the flux short-ward of a fulcrum wavelength (λf) increases the flux long-wards of this wavelength decreases (and vice-versa) over timescales of weeks to years. While previous studies have shown that an opaque, axisymmetric occulter of variable height can cause this behaviour in the SED of these objects, the conditions under which a single λf occurs have not previously been determined, nor the factors determining its value. Using radiative transfer modelling, we conduct a parametric study of the exemplar of this class, LRLL 31 to explore this phenomenon, and confirm that the cause of this flux variation is likely due to the change in height of the optically thick inner rim of the accretion disc at the dust sublimation radius, or some other phenomenon which results in a similar appearance. We also determine that a fulcrum wavelength only occurs for high inclinations, where the line of sight intersects the accretion disc. Accepting that the disc of LRLL 31 is highly inclined, the inner rim radius, radial and vertical density profiles are independently varied to gauge what effect this had on λf and its position relative to the silicate feature near $10 \rm {\mu m}$. While λf is a function of each of these parameters, it is found to be most strongly dependent on the vertical density exponent β. All other factors being held constant, only for flatter discs (β < 1.2) did we find a λf beyond the silicate feature.
The host galaxies of double compact objects across cosmic time
Authors: Toffano Mattia , Mapelli Michela , Giacobbo Nicola , Artale M Celeste , Ghirlanda Giancarlo
Published: August 2019

We explore the host galaxies of compact-object binaries (black hole–black hole binaries, BHBs; neutron star–black hole binaries, NSBHs; double–neutron stars; DNSs) across cosmic time, by means of population-synthesis simulations combined with the Illustris cosmological simulation. At high redshift (z ≳ 4), the host galaxies of BHBs, NSBHs, and DNSs are very similar and are predominantly low-mass galaxies (stellar mass M < 1011 M⊙). If z ≳ 4, most compact objects form and merge in the same galaxy, with a short delay time. At low redshift (z ≤ 2), the host galaxy populations of DNSs differ significantly from the host galaxies of both BHBs and NSBHs. DNSs merging at low redshift tend to form and merge in the same galaxy, with relatively short delay time. The stellar mass of DNS hosts peaks around ∼1010–1011 M⊙. In contrast, BHBs and NSBHs merging at low redshift tend to form in rather small galaxies at high redshift and then to merge in larger galaxies with long delay times. This difference between DNSs and black hole binaries is a consequence of their profoundly different metallicity dependence.
HD 42659: the only known roAp star in a spectroscopic binary observed with B photometry, TESS, and SALT
Authors: Holdsworth Daniel L , Saio Hideyuki , Kurtz Donald W
Published: August 2019

We present a multi-instrument analysis of the rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) star HD 42659. We have obtained B photometric data for this star and use these data, in conjunction with the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) observations, to analyse the high-frequency pulsation in detail. We find a triplet that is split by the rotation frequency of the star (νrot = 0.3756 d−1; Prot = 2.66 d) and present both distorted dipole and distorted quadrupole mode models. We show that the pulsation frequency, 150.9898 d−1 (Ppuls = 9.54 min), is greater than the acoustic cut-off frequency. We utilize 27 high-resolution ($R\simeq 65\, 000$), high signal-to-noise ratio (∼120) spectra to provide new orbital parameters for this, the only known roAp star to be in a short-period binary (Porb = 93.266 d). We find the system to be more eccentric than previously thought, with e = 0.317, and suggest the companion is a mid-F to early-K star. We find no significant trend in the average pulsation mode amplitude with time, as measured by TESS, implying that the companion does not have an effect on the pulsation in this roAp star. We suggest further photometric observations of this star, and further studies to find more roAp stars in close binaries to characterize how binarity may affect the detection of roAp pulsations.
Evolution of lithium in the Milky Way halo, discs, and bulge
Authors: Grisoni V , Matteucci F , Romano D , Fu X
Published: August 2019

In this work, we study the Galactic evolution of lithium by means of chemical evolution models in the light of the most recent spectroscopic data from Galactic stellar surveys. We consider detailed chemical evolution models for the Milky Way halo, discs, and bulge, and we compare our model predictions with the most recent spectroscopic data for these different Galactic components. In particular, we focus on the decrease of lithium at high metallicity observed by the AMBRE Project, the Gaia-ESO Survey, and other spectroscopic surveys, which still remains unexplained by theoretical models. We analyse the various lithium producers and confirm that novae are the main source of lithium in the Galaxy, in agreement with other previous studies. Moreover, we show that, by assuming that the fraction of binary systems giving rise to novae is lower at higher metallicity, we can suggest a novel explanation to the lithium decline at super-solar metallicities: the aforementioned assumption is based on independent constraints on the nova system birth rate, which have been recently proposed in the literature. As regards the thick disc, it is less lithium enhanced due to the shorter time-scale of formation and higher star formation efficiency with respect to the thin disc; therefore, we have a faster evolution and the ‘reverse knee’ in the A(Li) versus [Fe/H] relation is shifted towards higher metallicities. Finally, we present our predictions about lithium evolution in the Galactic bulge, which, however, still need further data to be confirmed or disproved.
Translational recoding: canonical translation mechanisms reinterpreted
Authors: Rodnina Marina V , Korniy Natalia , Klimova Mariia , Karki Prajwal , Peng Bee-Zen , Senyushkina Tamara , Belardinelli Riccardo , Maracci Cristina , Wohlgemuth Ingo , Samatova Ekaterina , Peske Frank
Published: August 2019

During canonical translation, the ribosome moves along an mRNA from the start to the stop codon in exact steps of one codon at a time. The collinearity of the mRNA and the protein sequence is essential for the quality of the cellular proteome. Spontaneous errors in decoding or translocation are rare and result in a deficient protein. However, dedicated recoding signals in the mRNA can reprogram the ribosome to read the message in alternative ways. This review summarizes the recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of three types of recoding events: stop-codon readthrough, –1 ribosome frameshifting and translational bypassing. Recoding events provide insights into alternative modes of ribosome dynamics that are potentially applicable to other non-canonical modes of prokaryotic and eukaryotic translation.
Calciprotein particle inhibition explains magnesium-mediated protection against vascular calcification
Authors: ter Braake Anique D , Eelderink Coby , Zeper Lara W , Pasch Andreas , Bakker Stephan J L , de Borst Martin H , Hoenderop Joost G J , de Baaij Jeroen H F
Published: August 2019

Background

Phosphate (Pi) toxicity is a strong determinant of vascular calcification development in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Magnesium (Mg2+) may improve cardiovascular risk via vascular calcification. The mechanism by which Mg2+ counteracts vascular calcification remains incompletely described. Here we investigated the effects of Mg2+ on Pi and secondary crystalline calciprotein particles (CPP2)-induced calcification and crystal maturation.

Methods

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were treated with high Pi or CPP2 and supplemented with Mg2+ to study cellular calcification. The effect of Mg2+ on CPP maturation, morphology and composition was studied by medium absorbance, electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. To translate our findings to CKD patients, the effects of Mg2+ on calcification propensity (T50) were measured in sera from CKD patients and healthy controls.

Results

Mg2+ supplementation prevented Pi-induced calcification in VSMCs. Mg2+ dose-dependently delayed the maturation of primary CPP1 to CPP2 in vitro. Mg2+ did not prevent calcification and associated gene and protein expression when added to already formed CPP2. Confirmatory experiments in human serum demonstrated that the addition of 0.2 mmol/L Mg2+ increased T50 from healthy controls by 51 ± 15 min (P < 0.05) and CKD patients by 44 ± 13 min (P < 0.05). Each further 0.2 mmol/L addition of Mg2+ led to further increases in both groups.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that crystalline CPP2 mediates Pi-induced calcification in VSMCs. In vitro, Mg2+ delays crystalline CPP2 formation and thereby prevents Pi-induced calcification.
Prevalence, correlates and outcomes of absolute and functional iron deficiency anemia in nondialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease
Authors: Awan Ahmed A , Walther Carl P , Richardson Peter A , Shah Maulin , Winkelmayer Wolfgang C , Navaneethan Sankar D
Published: August 2019

Background

Anemia is associated with adverse outcomes in those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We examined the association of absolute and functional iron deficiency anemia (IDA) with adverse outcomes (cardiovascular hospitalization, dialysis and mortality) in those with nondialysis-dependent CKD.

Methods

Nondialysis-dependent CKD patients followed in the US Veterans Administration with hemoglobin level measured within 90 days of the date of the second estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were included. Logistic regression, multivariate Cox proportional hazards and Poisson regression models adjusted for demographics and comorbidities were used to assess the prevalence and correlates of absolute [transferrin saturation (TSAT) ≤20%, ferritin <100 ng/mL] and functional (TSA T≤20%, ferritin >100–500 ng/mL) IDA and the associations of absolute and functional IDA with mortality, dialysis and cardiovascular hospitalization.

Results

Of 933 463 patients with CKD, 20.6% had anemia. Among those with anemia, 23.6% of patients had both TSAT and ferritin level measured, of whom 30% had absolute IDA and 19% had functional IDA. Absolute IDA in CKD was not associated with an increased risk of mortality or dialysis but was associated with a higher risk of 1-year {risk ratio [RR] 1.20 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12–1.28]} and 2-year cardiovascular hospitalization [RR 1.11 (95% CI 1.05–1.17)]. CKD patients with functional IDA had a higher risk of mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.11 (95% CI 1.07–1.14)] along with a higher risk of 1-year [RR 1.21 (95% CI 1.1–1.30)] and 2-year cardiovascular hospitalization [RR 1.13 (95% CI 1.07–1.21)]. Ferritin >500 ng/mL (treated as a separate category) was only associated with an increased risk of mortality [HR 1.38 (95% CI 1.26–1.51)].

Conclusions

In a large population of CKD patients with anemia, absolute and functional IDA were associated with various clinical covariates. Functional IDA was associated with an increased risk of mortality and cardiovascular hospitalization, but absolute IDA was associated only with a higher risk of hospitalization.