bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histopathological changes to the peripheral vestibular system following meningitic labyrinthitis
Authors: Pauna Henrique F. , Knoll Renata M. , Lubner Rory J. , Brodsky Jacob R. , Cushing Sharon L. , Hyppolito Miguel A. , Nadol Joseph B. , Remenschneider Aaron K. , Kozin Elliott D.
Published: February 2020

Objective

While cochlear ossification is a common sequalae of meningitic labyrinthitis, less is known about the effects of meningitis on peripheral vestibular end organs. Herein, we investigate histopathologic changes in the peripheral vestibular system and cochlea in patients with a history of meningitic labyrinthitis.

Methods

Temporal bone (TB) specimens from patients with a history of meningitis were evaluated and compared to age‐matched controls. Specimens were evaluated by light microscopy and assessed for qualitative changes, including the presence of vestibular and/or cochlear endolymphatic hydrops, presence and location of inflammatory cells, new bone formation, and labyrinthitis ossificans; and quantitative changes, including Scarpa's ganglion neuron (ScGN) and spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) counts.

Results

Fifteen TB from 10 individuals met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Presence of inflammatory cells and fibrous tissue was found in 5 TB. Of these, evidence of labyrinthitis ossificans was found in 2 TB. In the peripheral vestibular system, mild to severe degeneration of the vestibular membranous labyrinth was identified in 60% of cases (n = 9 TBs). There was a 21.2% decrease (range, 3%‐64%) in the mean total count of ScGN in patients with meningitis, compared to age‐matched controls. In the cochlea, there was a 45% decrease (range, 25.3%‐80.9%) in the mean total count of SGN compared to age‐matched controls (n = 14 TBs).

Conclusions

Otopathologic analysis of TB from patients with a history of meningitic labyrinthitis demonstrated distinct peripheral vestibular changes. Future research may help to delineate potential mechanisms for the observed otopathologic changes following meningitis.

Level of Evidence

N/A
A functional variant in TNXB promoter associates with the risk of esophageal squamous‐cell carcinoma
Authors: Yang Nan , Tian Jianbo , Wang Xiaoyang , Mei Shufang , Zou Danyi , Peng Xiating , Zhu Ying , Yang Yang , Gong Yajie , Ke Juntao , Zhong Rong , Chang Jiang , Miao Xiaoping
Published: February 2020

Our previous study identified a tag single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs204900 in TNXB associated with risk of esophageal squamous‐cell carcinoma (ESCC) in the Chinese population. However, the functional role of TNXB and causal variants had not been interrogated in that study. In the present study, we explored the effects of TNXB expression in the development of ESCC and searched for functional variants in this gene. We found TNXB was downregulated in ESCC tumors. Using small interfering RNAs and CRISPR–Cas9 methods, we identified that both knockdown and knockout of TNXB significantly promoted ESCC cell growth in vitro, suggesting a tumor suppressor role of this gene in ESCC. Through further fine‐mapping analysis, we identified that a noncoding variant in the promoter of TNXB, rs411337, predisposed to ESCC risk (odds ratio = 1.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.22‐1.51, P = 9.10 × 10−9). These findings revealed the functional mechanism of TNXB in the development of ESCC and may contribute to the prevention and treatment of this disease in the future.
The benefits of telehealth within mental health care
Authors: Khwaja Tahir
Published: February 2020

Inadequate mental health care creates problems that are at once financial, personal and societal. ER admissions and further complications due to inadequate care not only cost patients, but also paying entities such as health insurance companies, employers and health systems. Within an industry steering toward value‐based, comprehensive and proactive care, mental health care advancement continues to lag. The general failure to support mental health care points to an acute need to address the issue with the best resources available, and the benefits of telehealth position these technologies as a key avenue moving forward.
Finite element model updating using crow search algorithm with Levy flight
Authors: Wu Hao , Wu Pingbo , Xu Kai , Li Fansong
Published: February 2020

The accuracy of the finite element model is essential for fatigue analysis and vibration of a flexible body. This paper presents a finite element model updating (FEMU) algorithm based on crows search algorithm incorporated with Levy flight (LFCSA). The proposed algorithm is tested on the updating of two different cases: a simple structure (beam) and a complex structure (gearbox housing). To verify the performance of LFCSA, two optimization algorithm, which is the standard CSA and the particle swarm optimization algorithm with Levy flight (LFPSO), are applied to FEMU of the simple beam. The result of the comparison shows that the LFCSA has sufficient convergence speed and global search ability in the implementation of FEMU. In the case of gearbox housing, the error of frequencies and mode shapes are analyzed to indicate that the LFCSA gives a satisfactory result in a complex structure.
Does managers' motivation matter? Exploring the associations between motivation, transformational leadership, and innovation in a religious organization
Authors: Løvaas Beate J. , Jungert Tomas , Van den Broeck Anja , Haug Håvard
Published: February 2020

Religious organizations are social systems operating in a complex and changing environment. By looking to an authority beyond themselves, religious organizations have comparatively little control over defining their own goals. In this juggling between sticking to the ultimate goal of an organization and adapting to complex changing environments, that is, in the juggling between tradition and renewal, transformational leadership seems to play an important role in religious organizations. The extensive body of literature on transformational leadership has focused more on the outcomes of transformational leadership than on its antecedents. We extend the existing literature by linking managers' motivation to their transformational leadership behaviors in a religious organization. More specifically, we examined the associations of intrinsic and prosocial motivation with transformational leadership, and we investigated the relationship between transformational leadership and innovation among 252 managers in the largest nonprofit organization in Norway, the Church of Norway. Analyses in structural equation modeling revealed a positive relationship between intrinsic motivation and transformational leadership, whereas the relationship between prosocial motivation and transformational leadership was not significant. Transformational leadership was positively associated with innovation. Based on the results of the study, we discuss practical implications regarding how to support intrinsic motivation, transformational leadership, and innovation in religious organizations.
Prognostic analysis of peripheral blood inflammatory markers in 99 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients with recurrence and metastasis
Authors: Gu Weiguo , Yu Feng , Mao Qiao , Qiu Feng
Published: February 2020

Objective

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignant tumor in China; furthermore, >80% of cases worldwide occur in South China. This study analyzed the use of peripheral blood inflammatory markers as prognostic factors in patients with local recurrence and distant metastasis after radiochemotherapy for NPC.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was carried out on the prognosis of 99 NPC patients with pathological and imaging diagnosis after radiochemotherapy at The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University between 2010 and 2018．The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate survival rates, log–rank tests were used for univariate prognostic analysis, and a Cox regression model was used for multivariate prognostic analysis.

Results

Univariate analysis showed that treatment plan (χ2 = 8.895, P = 0.003), primary platelet count (χ2 = 3.92, P = 0.048), and primary lactate dehydrogenase level (LDH; χ2 = 22.138, P < 0.001) were positively correlated with survival time. Multivariable analysis showed that treatment plan (hazard ratio 2.103, 95% confidence interval 1.276 to –3.469, P = 0.004) and LDH (hazard ratio 2.711, 95% confidence interval 1.714–4.289, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for NPC.

Conclusions

Treatment plan, primary platelet count, and primary LDH were positively correlated with survival time. Treatment plan and primary LDH level were independent risk factors for patients with recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Functional validation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) α6 as a target of spinosyns in Spodoptera exigua utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Zuo Yayun , Xue Yuxin , Lu Wenjie , Ma Huanhuan , Chen Maohua , Wu Yidong , Yang Yihua , Hu Zhaonong
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

The beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, is a serious agricultural pest that is primarily controlled using chemical insecticides. Recently, resistance to the insecticide spinosad has been described in S. exigua field populations. To date, there has been no functional evidence proving the involvement of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) α6 mutation in spinosad resistance in S. exigua.

RESULTS

In this study, using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome‐editing system, a homozygous strain (Seα6‐KO) with approximately 1760‐bp deletion within Seα6 in S. exigua causing a premature truncation of Seα6 was successfully constructed. Insecticide bioassays showed that Seα6‐KO exhibited 373‐fold higher resistance to spinosad and 850‐fold higher resistance to spinetoram compared to WH‐S strain with the same genetic background but showed no significant change in susceptibility to emamectin benzoate and chlorantraniliprole. Genetic analysis revealed that Seα6‐KO is inherited as an incompletely recessive trait.

CONCLUSION

The results clearly demonstrated the functional role of Seα6 in resistance to spinosyn insecticides and provide an example of using genome editing to verify a target premature truncation associated with resistance.
Halide Vapor Phase Epitaxy α‐ and ε‐Ga2O3 Epitaxial Films Grown on Patterned Sapphire Substrates
Authors: Shapenkov Sevastian , Vyvenko Oleg , Ubyivovk Evgeny , Medvedev Oleg , Varygin Georgiy , Chikiryaka Andrey , Pechnikov Alexei , Scheglov Mikhail , Stepanov Sergei , Nikolaev Vladimir
Published: February 2020

The growth of Ga2O3 films by halide vapor phase epitaxy on plain and cone‐shaped patterned sapphire substrates (PSS) is reported. The obtained specimens are characterized by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, cathodoluminescence, optical transmission spectroscopy, and current–voltage measurements. Both types of Ga2O3 layers are of reasonably high crystal qualities; their physical properties, however, are very different. Under the same conditions, the growth on plain substrates results in a continuous α‐Ga2O3 layer, whereas the growth on PSS produces a regular array of α‐Ga2O3 columns on top of the sapphire cones with the space between them filled with ε‐Ga2O3. Ga2O3 films grown on plain sapphire are insulating; in contrast, Ga2O3 films grown on PSS are conducting. It is found that the conductivity of Ga2O3 on PSS follows the Arrhenius law with the activation energy of 0.33 eV. New luminescent bands for α‐ and ε‐phases are found. Spectral components of the defect‐related luminescence for α‐ and ε‐ phases are identified.
High‐Pressure Effect on Elastic Constants and Their Related Properties of MgCa Intermetallic Compound
Authors: Daoud Salah , Bouarissa Nadir , Benmakhlouf Abdelfateh , Allaoui Omar
Published: February 2020

Structural parameters, elastic constants, and their related properties of MgCa with a cubic CsCl‐type structure under high pressure up to 16 GPa are investigated using the pseudopotential plane‐wave approach in the framework of the density functional theory as implemented in the CASTEP code. The results indicate that MgCa possesses a brittle nature below 1.4 GPa and begins to be prone to ductility when the pressure goes beyond this value. The tetragonal shear parameter is found to vanish at around 7 GPa. The analyses of the anisotropy factors show that MgCa is highly anisotropic. The magnitude of the anisotropy increases monotonically with applied pressure. The single crystal azimuthal anisotropy for longitudinal and transverse waves is determined. The variation of the longitudinal and shear‐wave velocities with the direction of propagation is estimated at 0 and 16 GPa pressure. The Cauchy condition is found to be strongly violated, reflecting the important contribution from the noncentral many‐body forces in the crystal. In addition, the specific heat capacity CV and the entropy S at elevated temperatures up to 600 K are studied. At zero‐pressure and T = 300 K, our calculation yields values of CV ≈ 47.31 J mol−1 K−1 and S ≈ 66.06 J mol−1 K−1.
Structural and Magnetic Properties of the Breathing Pyrochlore LiInCr4−xFexO8
Authors: Feng Yuan , Liu Hui , Bian Jian , Xiong Wei , Zhu Shoujin , Zong Bangfeng , Shi Biao , Fang Baolong
Published: February 2020

Herein, the structure and magnetic properties of the breathing pyrochlore compound LiInCr4−xFexO8 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5) are reported. Raman scattering experiments show the hardening behavior of the active mode induced by the increased ionic masses and bond strength. The long‐range antiferromagnetic order and spin‐gap state of parent samples are found to be suppressed with the increasing Fe content. The average magnetic exchange couplings are strongly antiferromagnetic and systematically enhanced with substitution. Bulk magnetization data of substituted samples show weak ferromagnetic interaction and occurrence of a spin‐glass‐like transition at high Fe contents.
A new combinatorial model for deterministic competing failure analysis
Authors: Wang Chaonan , Xing Liudong , Weng Jian
Published: February 2020

Components in many engineering and industrial systems can experience propagated failures, which not only cause the failure of the component itself but also affect other components, causing extensive damage to the entire system. However, in systems with functional dependence behavior where failure of a trigger component may cause other components (referred to as dependent components) to become unusable or inaccessible, failure propagation originating from a dependent component could be isolated if the corresponding trigger component fails first. Thus, a time‐domain competition exists between the failure propagation effect and the failure isolation effect, which poses a great challenge to the system reliability modeling and analysis. In this work, a new combinatorial model called competing binary decision diagram (CBDD) is proposed for the reliability analysis of systems subject to the competing failure behavior. In particular, special Boolean algebra rules and logic manipulation rules are developed for system CBDD model generation. The corresponding evaluation algorithm for the constructed CBDD model is also proposed. The proposed CBDD modeling method has no limitation on the type of component time‐to‐failure distributions. A memory system example and a network example are provided to demonstrate the application of the proposed model and algorithms. Correctness of the proposed method is verified using the Markov method.
Fiber spray ionization mass spectrometry in forensic chemistry: A screening of drugs of abuse and direct determination of cocaine in urine
Authors: Filho João Francisco Allochio , dos Santos Nayara A. , Borges Keyller Bastos , Lacerda Valdemar , Pelição Fabrício Souza , Romão Wanderson
Published: February 2020

Rationale

Ambient mass spectrometry techniques are much required in forensic chemistry to evaluate evidence with low analytical interference, high confidence, and accuracy. However, traditional methodologies, such as paper spray ionization, have been shown to present low sensitivity in the analysis of illicit drugs from biological matrices.

Methods

Fiber spray ionization mass spectrometry (FSI‐MS) was developed using a capillary polypropylene (PP) hollow fiber. Seized samples of drugs, i.e. a tablet, blotter paper, hashish, and cocaine powder, were analyzed. Cocaine was quantified from whole urine by dipping the fiber directly into solution. FSI‐MS was tested for the analysis of a sample of urine obtained from a drug abuse suspect.

Results

The FSI(+) analysis showed the detection of different types of synthetic drugs in tablet and blotter paper samples, e.g. amphetamine, cathinones, phenethylamines, and opioids, while pure cocaine and different types of coca alkaloids were identified from cocaine powder with good sensitivity and high mass accuracy. The hashish analysis by FSI(−) revealed signals of cannabinoids, cannabinoid acids, and cannabinoid derivatives, detected mainly as [M − H]− ions or chlorine adducts [M + Cl]−. The quantification of cocaine in whole urine showed good sensitivity and precision with limits of detection and quantification of 5.16 and 17.21 ng/mL, respectively, linearity above 0.999, and relative standard deviation below 2.71%. The evaluation of seized sample of urine showed the detection of cocaine with relative ion intensity greater than 36%, as well as the metabolites benzoylecgonine and cocaethylene with a relative intensity of 1.4% and 6%, respectively.

Conclusions

The developed FSI‐MS method has the potential to be applied to forensic sample evaluation as well as to determine illicit drugs from biological matrices in toxicological analysis. The use of a capillary PP fiber has advantages as an extractor agent and ionizing substrate, and also the feature of it being dipped directly into the sample, thus preserving the integrity of the sample, which makes this a very promising ambient mass spectrometry method and relevant to forensic chemistry.
Multiple cutaneous plasmacytosis with multilobated (clover‐leaf shaped) nuclei cells in a dog
Authors: Lee Jongbok , Lee Jung Keun , Kim Jawon , Choi Ul Soo , Seo Kyoung won
Published: February 2020

A 12‐year‐old female Shih‐tzu dog was presented with a 2‐month history of cutaneous non‐pruritic multiple ulcerated or crusted nodules of less than 1.5 cm in diameter on eyelids, lips, abdomen, groin, thighs and perianal region. Several diagnostic tests were performed, including fine needle aspiration and skin biopsy of the cutaneous nodules. Cytologic interpretation was round cell neoplasm with multilobated (clover‐leaf shaped) nuclei. Histopathology revealed round neoplastic cells with prominent anisocytosis and anisokaryosis, and numerous mitotic figures; however, the origin of the cells was not identified. Immunohistochemical evaluation indicated that these cells were positive for CD79a and MUM‐1, but negative for CD3, CD20 and Pax 5. The patient was treated with chemotherapy, and the skin condition improved. Despite good response to chemotherapy, the patient was euthanized due to poor general health.
Stationary count time series models
Authors: Weiß Christian H.
Published: February 2020

During the last 20–30 years, there was a remarkable growth in interest on approaches for stationary count time series. We consider popular classes of models for such time series, including thinning‐based models, conditional regression models, and Hidden‐Markov models. We review and compare important members of these model families, having regard to stochastic properties such as the dispersion and autocorrelation structure. Our survey covers univariate and multivariate count data, as well as unbounded and bounded counts. We also discuss an illustrative data example. Besides this critical presentation of the current state‐of‐the‐art, some existing challenges and opportunities for future research are identified.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Models > Time Series Models

Data: Types and Structure > Time Series, Stochastic Processes, and Functional Data

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Modeling Methods

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Modeling Methods and Algorithms
Genetic diversity in the US ex situ populations of the endangered Puerto Rican Boa, Chilabothrus inornatus
Authors: Aungst Emily R. , Puente‐Rolón Alberto R. , Reynolds R. Graham
Published: February 2020

The Puerto Rican Boa (Chilabothrus inornatus) was placed on the US Endangered Species List in 1970. Progress has been made since to clarify the recovery status of this species, though the design of a new recovery plan must include information regarding genetic variation within and among populations of this species. While measures of genetic diversity in wild populations of this species are finally becoming available, relative genetic diversity represented in ex situ populations is unknown, which hampers efforts to develop an ex situ species management plan. Here, we provide an analysis of genetic diversity in US public and private collections (zoos and breeders) using mitochondrial sequence data and five highly polymorphic nuclear microsatellite loci. We analyzed 50 boas from the US ex situ population and determined overall genetic diversity and relatedness among these individuals. We then compared these data to mitochondrial and microsatellite data obtained from 176 individuals from wild populations across the native range of the species. We found little inbreeding and a large amount of retained genetic diversity in the US ex situ population of C. inornatus relative to wild populations. Genetic diversity in the ex situ population is similar to that found in wild populations. Ours is only the second explicit attempt to characterize genetic diversity at the molecular level in ex situ populations of boid snakes. We anticipate that these results will inform current breeding strategies as well as offer additional information that will facilitate the continuation of ex situ conservation breeding or management in boas.
The novel arthroscopic subscapular quadriceps tendon–bone sling procedure provides increased stability in shoulder cadavers with severe glenoid bone loss
Authors: Klungsøyr Jan Arild , Vagstad Terje , Ferle Manuel , Drogset Jon Olav , Hoff Solveig Roth , Dalen Andreas F. , Hurschler Christof , von Falck Christian , Klungsøyr Peter
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Treatment of anterior glenoid bone loss in patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability is a challenge. The subscapular sling method with quadriceps tendon bone (QTB) graft is a modification of the subscapular sling with a semitendinosus (ST) graft. The aim of the study was to test the biomechanical stability of the QTB sling procedure in human shoulder cadavers with severe anterior glenoid bone loss.

Methods

Fourteen cadaveric shoulders were tested with a force–moment-guided robot in three conditions: physiologically intact, anterior glenoid bone resection, and the subscapular sling procedure with a QTB graft. Joint stability was measured in anterior, anterior inferior and inferior directions in four glenohumeral joint positions: 0° and 60° of glenohumeral abduction, with each at 0° and 60° of external rotation. Maximum external rotation was measured at 0° and 60° glenohumeral abduction. Computer tomography scans were obtained preoperatively to plan the glenoid bone resection, as well as postoperatively to calculate the proportion of the glenoid bone actually resected.

Results

Significantly decreased translations were observed in the shoulders with the QTB sling compared to the intact joint and the glenoid bone loss model. No significant differences in maximum external rotation were observed between the three different conditions.

Conclusion

This biomechanical study revealed a significant stabilizing effect of the arthroscopic subscapular QTB graft sling procedure in human shoulder cadavers without compromising external rotation. Clinical trials may reveal the usefulness of this experimental method.
Digital data and management accounting: why we need to rethink research methods
Authors: Bhimani Alnoor
Published: February 2020

Digitalisation is having profound effects on how enterprises function. Its impact on accounting research is growing as the rise of the internet, mobile technologies and digital economy tools generate depth, breadth and variety of data that far exceed what researchers have had access to in the past. But whilst social scientists interested in organisational issues are starting to question conventional methodological approaches to the study of contexts where digital data forms are drawn upon, little such concern has been voiced in the management accounting literature. This paper seeks to explore the continued applicability of conventional methodological thinking when carrying out investigations within digital data environments to inform management accounting studies. It considers why digitalisation impacts methodological precepts, identifies how descriptive and explanatory modes of questioning which management accountants have conventionally opted for need rethinking, discusses ways in which digital data characteristics alter what can be drawn from empirical studies, and points to the potential offered within digitalised settings for methodological advance. It concludes by highlighting the necessity, where digitalisation exists, to question modes of posing questions and to reconsider the applicability of methodological precepts deployed by management accounting researchers to date.
Enhanced activation of human NK cells by drug-exposed hepatocytes
Authors: Fasbender Frank , Obholzer Martin , Metzler Sarah , Stöber Regina , Hengstler Jan G. , Watzl Carsten
Published: February 2020

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) represents one of the major causes why drugs have to be withdrawn from the market. In this study, we describe a new interaction between drug-exposed hepatocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. In a previous genome-wide expression analysis of primary human hepatocytes that had been exposed to clinically relevant concentrations of 148 drugs, we found that several activating ligands for NK cell receptors were regulated by various drugs (e.g., valproic acid, ketoconazole, promethazine, isoniazid). Especially expression of the activating NKG2D ligands (MICA, MICB and ULBPs) and the NKp30 ligand B7-H6 were upregulated in primary human hepatocytes upon exposure to many different drugs. Using the human hepatocyte cell lines Huh7 and HepG2, we confirmed that protein levels of activating NK cell ligands were elevated after drug exposure. Hepatocyte cell lines or primary human hepatocytes co-cultivated with NK cells caused enhanced NK cell activation after pretreatment with drugs at in vivo relevant concentrations compared to solvent controls. Enhanced NK cell activation was evident by increased cytotoxicity against hepatocytes and interferon (IFN)-γ production. NK cell activation could be blocked by specific antibodies against activating NK cell receptors. These data support the hypothesis that NK cells can modulate drug-induced liver injury by direct interaction with hepatocytes resulting in cytotoxicity and IFN-γ production.
Lipid metabolism of leukocytes in the unstimulated and activated states
Authors: Alarcon-Barrera Juan Carlos , von Hegedus Johannes H. , Brouwers Hilde , Steenvoorden Evelyne , Ioan-Facsinay Andreea , Mayboroda Oleg A. , Ondo-Mendez Alejandro , Giera Martin
Published: February 2020

Lipidomics has emerged as a powerful technique to study cellular lipid metabolism. As the lipidome contains numerous isomeric and isobaric species resulting in a significant overlap between different lipid classes, cutting-edge analytical technology is necessary for a comprehensive analysis of lipid metabolism. Just recently, differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) has evolved as such a technology, helping to overcome several analytical challenges. We here set out to apply DMS and the Lipidyzer™ platform to obtain a comprehensive overview of leukocyte-related lipid metabolism in the resting and activated states. First, we tested the linearity and repeatability of the platform by using HL60 cells. We obtained good linearities for most of the thirteen analyzed lipid classes (correlation coefficient > 0.95), and good repeatability (%CV < 15). By comparing the lipidome of neutrophils (PMNs), monocytes (CD14+), and lymphocytes (CD4+), we shed light on leukocyte-specific lipid patterns as well as lipidomic changes occurring through differential stimulation. For example, at the resting state, PMNs proved to contain higher amounts of triacylglycerides compared to CD4+ and CD14+ cells. On the other hand, CD4+ and CD14+ cells contained higher levels of phospholipids and ceramides. Upon stimulation, diacylglycerides, hexosylceramides, phosphatidylcholines, phosphoethanolamines, and lysophosphoethanolamines were upregulated in CD4+ cells and PMNs, whereas CD14+ cells did not show significant changes. By exploring the fatty acid content of the significantly upregulated lipid classes, we mainly found increased concentrations of very long and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Our results indicate the usefulness of the Lipidyzer™ platform for studying cellular lipid metabolism. Its application allowed us to explore the lipidome of leukocytes.
Prevalence of abnormal findings in 230 knees of asymptomatic adults using 3.0 T MRI
Authors: Horga Laura M. , Hirschmann Anna C. , Henckel Johann , Fotiadou Anastasia , Di Laura Anna , Torlasco Camilla , D’Silva Andrew , Sharma Sanjay , Moon James C. , Hart Alister J.
Published: February 2020

Objective

To identify abnormalities in asymptomatic sedentary individuals using 3.0 Tesla high-resolution MRI.

Materials and methods

The cohort comprised of 230 knees of 115 uninjured sedentary adults (51 males, 64 females; median age: 44 years). All participants had bilateral knee 3.0 T MRIs. Two senior musculoskeletal radiologists graded all intraarticular knee structures using validated scoring systems. Participants completed Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score questionnaires at the time of the MRI scan.

Results

MRI showed abnormalities in the majority (97%) of knees. Thirty percent knees had meniscal tears: horizontal (23%), complex (3%), vertical (2%), radial (2%) and bucket handle (1%). Cartilage and bone marrow abnormalities were prevalent at the patellofemoral joint (57% knees and 48% knees, respectively). Moderate and severe cartilage lesions were common, in 19% and 31% knees, respectively, while moderate and severe bone marrow oedema in 19% and 31% knees, respectively. Moderate-intensity lesion in tendons was found in 21% knees and high-grade tendonitis in 6% knees—the patellar (11% and 2%, respectively) and quadriceps (7% and 2%, respectively) tendons being most affected. Three percent partial ligamentous ruptures were found, especially of the anterior cruciate ligament (2%).

Conclusion

Nearly all knees of asymptomatic adults showed abnormalities in at least one knee structure on MRI. Meniscal tears, cartilage and bone marrow lesions of the patellofemoral joint were the most common pathological findings. Bucket handle and complex meniscal tears were reported for the first time in asymptomatic knees.
Inflammation is a target of medical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: De Nunzio Cosimo , Salonia Andrea , Gacci Mauro , Ficarra Vincenzo
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To review the role of a persistent prostatic inflammatory status (PIS) in the development and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and which medical therapies approved for LUTS/BPH may reduce persistent PIS.

Methods

Literature search in PubMed up to July 2019.

Results

The cause of histologically defined persistent PIS or chronic prostatic inflammation is multifactorial. It is evident in many men with LUTS/BPH, particularly in older men and in men with a large prostate volume or more severe (storage) LUTS. Additionally, persistent PIS is associated with an increased risk of acute urinary retention and symptom worsening. Of medical therapies approved for LUTS/BPH, the current evidence for a reduction of persistent PIS is greatest for the hexanic extract of Serenoa repens (HESr). This treatment relieves LUTS to the same extent as α1-adrenoceptor antagonists and short-term 5α-reductase inhibitors. Limited evidence is available on the effect of other mainstream LUTS/BPH treatments on persistent PIS.

Conclusions

Persistent PIS plays a central role in both the development and progression of LUTS/BPH. In men with LUTS/BPH who have a high chance of harbouring persistent PIS, HESr will not only improve LUTS, but also reduce (underlying) inflammation. Well-designed clinical studies, with a good level of evidence, are required to better evaluate the impact of BPH/LUTS medical therapies on persistent PIS.
Ballistic research techniques: visualizing gunshot wounding patterns
Authors: Stevenson Tom , Carr Debra J. , Harrison Karl , Critchley Richard , Gibb Iain E. , Stapley Sarah A.
Published: February 2020

There are difficulties associated with mapping gunshot wound (GSW) patterns within opaque models. Depending on the damage measurement parameters required, there are multiple techniques that can provide methods of “seeing” the GSW pattern within an opaque model. The aim of this paper was to test several of these techniques within a cadaveric animal limb model to determine the most effective. The techniques of interest were flash X-ray, ultrasound, physical dissection, and computed-tomography (CT). Fallow deer hind limbs were chosen for the model with four limbs used for each technique tested. Quarantined 7.62 × 39 mm ammunition was used for each shot, and each limb was only shot once, on an outdoor range with shots impacting at muzzle velocity. Flash X-ray provided evidence of yaw within the limb during the projectile’s flight; ultrasound though able to visualise the GSW track, was too subjective and was abandoned; dissection proved too unreliable due to the tissue being cadaveric so also too subjective; and lastly, CT with contrast provided excellent imaging in multiple viewing planes and 3D image reconstruction; this allowed versatile measurement of the GSW pattern to collect dimensions of damage as required. Of the different techniques examined in this study, CT with contrast proved the most effective to allow precise GSW pattern analysis within a cadaveric animal limb model. These findings may be beneficial to others wishing to undertake further ballistic study both within clinical and forensic fields.
Parechovirus A prevalence in adults in The Netherlands
Authors: Brouwer Lieke , Wolthers Katja C. , Pajkrt Dasja
Published: February 2020

Human parechoviruses (HPeV) of the species Parechovirus A are highly prevalent disease-causing pathogens in children worldwide. HPeVs are capable of causing severe disease in adults as well, but the prevalence in adults may be much lower. The aim of our present study was to determine the prevalence of HPeV in clinical samples from adults sent in for diagnostic procedures in a tertiary hospital in the Netherlands. From a total of 10,645 samples obtained from 6175 patients, 20 samples from 11 patients (0.18%) tested positive for HPeV by RT-PCR. Two patients were positive for HPeV-1, two for HPeV-3, and one for HPeV-6. Six HPeVs could not be typed. Eight of the 11 HPeV-positive patients were immunocompromised. Due to comorbidity, we were unable to attribute the patients’ clinical symptoms to the HPeV infection. The HPeV prevalence in adults found in this study is low compared to HPeV prevalence in children. This may be largely explained by the high seropositivity rates in adults, although there could be other mechanisms involved.
Chronic health conditions and work-related stress in older adults participating in the Dutch workforce
Authors: Mutambudzi Miriam , Henkens Kene
Published: February 2020

The proportion of workers with chronic health conditions (CHCs) will increase over the years as pension reform is increasing the age of retirement in many European countries. This will increase the percentage of older adults with CHCs performing highly demanding work. This study sought to examine the association between common CHCs [cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, arthritis, respiratory and sleep disorders] and three domains of work stress in older Dutch workers. This study used data from the first wave of the NIDI Pension Panel Study for working adults aged 60–65 years (n = 6793). Logistic regression models examined the strength of association between CHCs and (1) general work stress, (2) emotional, and (3) physical demands. All five CHC were independently associated with one or more domains of stress. After including all CHCs in the model, CVD, sleep disorders, and arthritis were significantly associated with general stress. Respiratory disorders, sleep disorders, and arthritis were significantly associated with physical demands. Diabetes (1.25, 95% CI 1.01–1.53), sleep disorders (1.99, 95% CI 1.72–2.31), and arthritis (1.18, 95% CI 1.06–1.31) were significantly associated with emotional demands. Our findings demonstrate that work stress is associated with prevalent CHCs, and these conditions are differentially associated with several domains of work stress in adults approaching retirement. More research is needed to understand the causal relationship between CHCs and work stress. Such research may provide insights for effective workplace and public health interventions to ensure that older workers remain physically and mentally healthy, and productive through their working years.
Permutations on finite fields with invariant cycle structure on lines
Authors: Gerike Daniel , Kyureghyan Gohar M.
Published: February 2020

We study the cycle structure of permutations $$F(x)=x+\gamma f(x)$$

F
(
x
)
=
x
+
γ
f
(
x
)

on $$\mathbb {F}_{q^n}$$

F

q
n

, where $$f :\mathbb {F}_{q^n} \rightarrow \mathbb {F}_q$$

f
:

F

q
n

→

F
q

. We show that for a 1-homogeneous function f the cycle structure of F can be determined by calculating the cycle structure of certain induced mappings on parallel lines of $$\gamma \mathbb {F}_q$$

γ

F
q

. Using this observation we describe explicitly the cycle structure of two families of permutations over $$\mathbb {F}_{q^2}$$

F

q
2

: $$x+\gamma {{\,\mathrm{Tr}\,}}(x^{2q-1})$$

x
+
γ

Tr

(

x

2
q
-
1

)

, where $$q\equiv -1 \pmod 3$$

q
≡
-
1

(
mod

3
)

and $$\gamma \in \mathbb {F}_{q^2}$$

γ
∈

F

q
2

, with $$\gamma ^3=-\frac{1}{27}$$

γ
3

=
-

1
27

and $$x+\gamma {{\,\mathrm{Tr}\,}}\left( x^{\frac{2^{2s-1}+3\cdot 2^{s-1}+1}{3}}\right) $$

x
+
γ

Tr

x

2

2
s
-
1

+
3
·

2

s
-
1

+
1

3

, where $$q=2^s$$

q
=

2
s

, s odd and $$\gamma \in \mathbb {F}_{q^2}$$

γ
∈

F

q
2

, with $$\gamma ^{(q+1)/3}=1$$

γ

(
q
+
1
)
/
3

=
1

.
Correction to: A Proof of the Bloch Theorem for Lattice Models
Authors: Watanabe Haruki
Published: February 2020

The article “A Proof of the Bloch Theorem for Lattice Models.” written by Haruki Watanabe was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 17 September 2019 without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on 5th February 2020 to © The Author(s) 2019 and the article is forthwith distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, duplication, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.
Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Left Upper Lobectomy with “Reverse Direction” Technique
Authors: Lou Xuanyu , Huang Lijian , Wu Yimin , Chai Ying
Published: February 2020

The uniportal access video-assisted thoracic surgery has now become an increasingly popular approach to manage thoracic surgical diseases. Among all lobes, left upper lobectomy is considered a difficult procedure via a single incision. Although there are many reports on this technique, standard procedure has not come to an agreement yet. A 50-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for finding of a left upper lobe lesion for 2 months. No abnormal signs were observed in physical and laboratorial tests. A ground-glass opacity nodule was detected on the left upper lobe on computed tomography. No enlarged lymph nodes or distant metastasis was detected. Early-stage lung cancer was initially diagnosed in this patient. Contrast with traditional uniportal left upper lobectomy procedures, our procedure has a reversed order of dissection. The arterial branches were divided first; then, the upper bronchus, the apicoposterior artery, and upper vein was stapled together at last. On our observation and experience, this procedure can simplify the uniportal left upper lobectomy procedure and reduce operation time potentially. Additionally, we would like to introduce our improved closure technique for uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery: double-embedding stitching method.
Does Sexual Orientation Complicate the Relationship Between Marital Status and Gender With Self-rated Health and Cardiovascular Disease?
Authors: Solazzo Alexa , Gorman Bridget , Denney Justin
Published: February 2020

A substantial body of work has demonstrated the importance of marital status for health, yet the vast majority of this work has studied heterosexual marriages and relationships. To understand the role of marital status in shaping health among heterosexual, lesbian, gay, and bisexual men and women, we examine data from a probability-based sample of adults living in 40 U.S. states for selected years between 2011–2015. We test two physical health outcomes—poor-to-fair self-rated health and cardiovascular disease—and present predicted probabilities and pairwise comparisons from logistic regression models before and after adjustment for demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, health behaviors, and depression. Overall, findings reveal some important similarities and differences in the relationships between marital status and health by sexual orientation and gender. First, the health benefits of marriage extend to sexual minority adults, relative to adults who are either formerly or never married. Among heterosexual adults, adjusted models also highlight the healthy status of never-married adults. Second, the health benefits associated with intimate relationships appear less dependent on legal marriage among sexual minorities than among heterosexual adults. Third, we document a persistent health disadvantage for bisexual adults compared with heterosexual adults, particularly among women who are formerly married, indicating some elevated health vulnerability among selected sexual minority women. Fourth, associations between sexual orientation and health are more similar across marital status groups for men than women. Altogether, these findings add much needed nuance to our understanding of the association between marital status and health in an era of increasing diversity in adult relationships.
Pushing the boundaries of C–H bond functionalization chemistry using flow technology
Authors: Govaerts Sebastian , Nyuchev Alexander , Noel Timothy
Published: February 2020

C–H functionalization chemistry is one of the most vibrant research areas within synthetic organic chemistry. While most researchers focus on the development of small-scale batch-type transformations, more recently such transformations have been carried out in flow reactors to explore new chemical space, to boost reactivity or to enable scalability of this important reaction class. Herein, an up-to-date overview of C–H bond functionalization reactions carried out in continuous-flow microreactors is presented. A comprehensive overview of reactions which establish the formal conversion of a C–H bond into carbon–carbon or carbon–heteroatom bonds is provided; this includes metal-assisted C–H bond cleavages, hydrogen atom transfer reactions and C–H bond functionalizations which involve an SE-type process to aromatic or olefinic systems. Particular focus is devoted to showcase the advantages of flow processing to enhance C–H bond functionalization chemistry. Consequently, it is our hope that this review will serve as a guide to inspire researchers to push the boundaries of C–H functionalization chemistry using flow technology.
On the Thermodynamic Stability of Illite and I-S Minerals
Authors: Aja Stephen U.
Published: February 2020

A review of the models proffered to advance the notion of the metastability of illite shows that these models are not supported by the various data groups that have become available. Given that clay minerals are products of water–rock interactions, low-temperature hydrothermal experiments provide singular insights into their relative stabilities; such experiments with natural materials of contrasting pedigree (illites, sericites, muscovites, and chlorites) show that clay-mineral behaviors in low-temperature hydrothermal solutions are amenable to equilibrium thermodynamic conventions. The data from hydrothermal experiments coupled with data from geothermal fields indicate that muscovite is not a stable phase in the P-T-X range in which authigenic illite occurs; given that experimental data and field occurrence suggest that muscovite and illite have different P-T stability regimes, the continued use of muscovite as a proxy for illite in thermodynamic models is of questionable utility. Furthermore, morphometric studies of clays undergoing illitization show that crystal-size distributions exhibit log-normal patterns. Because log-normal distributions derive from maximum entropy effects, these crystal-size distributions may reflect the effects of entropy production during crystallization rather than kinetically driven Ostwald ripening of illitic phases; the small crystal size of clay minerals may derive from constraints imposed by the physicochemical conditions of their environments of formation. Presumably, irreversible thermodynamics provides the framework for a quantitative understanding of the evolution of complex clay minerals in space and time.
New advances in the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism
Authors: Shen Hang , Xu Zhi‐Xin , Li Qi‐Fu
Published: February 2020

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a common form of endocrine hypertension. The diagnostic process of PA includes a screening test, confirmatory test, and subtype classification. In this review, we have summarized the latest advances in the diagnosis of PA with regard to screening and confirmatory tests and provided some recommendations to improve clinical practice.
The J.H. Kwabena Nketia Archive at the University of Ghana- Legon
Authors: Opoku-Boateng Judith , Cann Ekow , Ntewusu Samuel Aniegye , Owusu Sandra
Published: February 2020

This report is on the J.H. Kwabena Nketia Archive at the University of Ghana, Legon, Accra. In the light of growing destruction of public archives in Ghana, mainly due to chieftaincy and land litigation but also because of the lack of a proper maintenance culture, this report will suggest that other, non-conventional archives, such as the J.H. Kwabena Nketia Archive should be explored by historians and researchers. This report highlights the contribution of J.H. Kwabena Nketia who sought to preserve information that is crucial at a time when the world seems to be abandoning most of the most important and significant aspects of Africa’s cultural and artistic history.