bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Origin and evolution of emerging Liao ning Virus (genus Seadornavirus, family Reoviridae)
Authors: Zhang Jun , Liu Hong , Wang Jiahui , Wang Jiheng , Zhang Jianming , Wang Jiayue , Zhang Xin , Ji Hongfang , Ding Zhongfeng , Xia Han , Zhang Chunyang , Zhao Qian , Liang Guodong
Published: July 2020

Background

Liao ning virus (LNV) is a member of the genus Seadornavirus, family Reoviridae and has been isolated from kinds of vectors in Asia and Australia. However, there are no systematic studies describe the molecular genetic evolution and migration of LNVs. With the development of bioinformatics, viral genetic data combining the information of virus isolation time and locations could be integrated to infer the virus evolution and spread in nature.

Methods

Here, a phylogenetic and phylogeographic analysis using Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations was conducted on the LNVs isolated from a variety of vectors during 1990–2014 to identify the evolution and migration patterns of LNVs.

Results

The results demonstrated that the LNV could be divided into 3 genotypes, of which genotype 1 mainly composed of LNVs isolated from Australia during 1990 to 2014 and the original LNV strain (LNV-NE97–31) isolated from Liaoning province in northern China in 1997, genotype 2 comprised of the isolates all from Xinjiang province in western China and genotype 3 consisted the isolates from Qinghai and Shanxi province of central China. LNVs emerged about 272 years ago and gradually evolved into three lineages in the order genotype 1, genotype 2 and genotype 3. Following phylogeographic analysis, it shows genotype 1 LNVs transmitted from Australia (113°E-153°E,10°S-42°S) to Liaoning province (118°E-125°E,38°N-43°N) in Northeast Asian continent then further spread across the central part of China to western China (75°E-95°E,35°N-50°N).

Conclusion

LNVs were initially isolated from Liaoning province of China in the Northeast Asia, however, the present study revealed that LNVs were first appeared in Australia in the South Pacific region and transmitted to mainland China then rapidly spread across China and evolved three different genotypes. The above results suggested that LNV had the characteristics of long-distance transmission and there were great genetic diversity existed in the LNV population. Notably, current information of 80 strains of LNVs are limited. It is of great importance to strengthen the surveillance of LNVs to explore its real origin in nature and monitoring of the LNVs’ population variation and maintain vigilance to avoid LNV breaking through the species barrier and further clarify its relationship to human and animal infection.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer – 5-year efficacy results
Authors: Vuolukka Kristiina , Auvinen Päivi , Tiainen Erno , Palmgren Jan-Erik , Heikkilä Janne , Seppälä Jan , Aaltomaa Sirpa , Kataja Vesa
Published: July 2020

Background

The use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) as the primary treatment modality in clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa) is emerging. The aim of the study was to analyze the long-term results of PCa patients treated with SBRT.

Methods

This non-selected, real-life patient cohort included 213 patients with localized PCa treated with a robotic SBRT device during 2012–2015.

Results

The median follow-up was 64 months (range, 10–85 months), and all risk-groups were represented as 47 (22.1%), 56 (26.3%) and 110 (51.6%) patients were classified into D’Amico risk stratification of low, intermediate and high-risk groups, respectively. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was administered to 64.3% of the patients. At cut-off, the biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS) was 100, 87.5 and 80.0% for patients at low, intermediate and high-risk (p = 0.004), and 92.5, 84.2 and 66.7% for patients with Gleason score ≤ 6, 7 and ≥ 8, respectively (p = 0.001). The actuarial 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 97.9, 96.4 and 88.6% in the low, intermediate and high-risk groups, respectively, and at the cut-off, the disease-specific survival (DSS) rate of the whole cohort was high (99.1%), as only two high-risk patients died due to PCa.

Conclusion

Our present results of SBRT delivered with CyberKnife produced excellent long-term bRFS, OS and DSS outcomes among patients with localized PCa. We conclude that SBRT provides an efficient and convenient treatment option for patients with localized PCa, irrespective of the risk-group.
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2-adsorbed β-tricalcium phosphate granules: a preliminary report
Authors: Wang Ze , Lee Soomin , Li Zheng , Liu Shuhao , Xu Qintong , Zhang Jian , Meng Dehua
Published: July 2020

Background

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is an alternative to conservative therapy in the treatment of cervical spondylopathy. This study evaluated the clinical outcome of ACDF with BMP-2-adsorbed β-tricalcium phosphate granules.

Methods

Thirty-two patients with cervical spondylopathy received treatment of ACDF with BMP-2-adsorbed β-tricalcium phosphate granules. The clinical outcomes were evaluated with the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Meanwhile, the cervical curvature and intervertebral heights were obtained through lateral cervical X-ray films pre- and postoperatively at each interval, and the precision of cervical fusion was assessed by three-dimensional computed tomography scan.

Results

The follow-up averaged 15.2 months (range 13–18). Average JOA scores significantly increased from a preoperative point (7.4 ± 1.2) to each interval after surgery (P < 0.05). NDI decreased from preoperative point (43.1 ± 9.0) to each interval after surgery (P < 0.05). The angles of cervical curvature and intervertebral heights were improved postoperatively and kept throughout the follow-up period. CT scan demonstrated a fusion rate of 82.9% at 6 months postoperatively and was improved to 100% at 12 months postoperatively. In all cases, no complications appeared and reported due to any lapse in surgical procedure skills throughout the follow-up period.

Conclusions

Our preliminary findings suggest that BMP-2-adsorbed β-tricalcium phosphate granules will be an effective alternative to autogenous bone grafting for cervical fusion in treating cervical spondylopathy. Our surgical procedure usingβ-tricalcium phosphate granules could improve neurological function, recover intervertebral height and cervical curvature, and could be potentially exploitable in the clinical setting.
Integrated assessment of medicinal rhubarb by combination of delayed luminescence and HPLC fingerprint with emphasized on bioactivities based quality control
Authors: Sun Mengmeng , Wu Hongwei , He Min , Jia Yusheng , Wang Lixue , Liu Ting , Hui Lianqiang , Li Li , Wei Shengli , Van Wijk Eduard , Van Wijk Roeland , Tsim Karl Wah-Keung , Li Chun , Wang Mei
Published: July 2020

Background

To promote herbal medicine depends largely on its quality. Chromatographic fingerprint is a frequent approach for quality assessment of herbs however with challenges on robust and reproducibility. To develop rapid, cheap and comprehensive measurements as complementary tools for herbal quality control are still urgently needed. Moreover, biological activities are essential for herbal quality, and should be taken into consideration with emphasized in quality control.

Methods

In this research, HPLC fingerprint and delayed luminescence (DL, a rapid and systematic tool) were used to measure the rhubarb samples of multiple species. Statistics were explored to classify these rhubarb samples using data obtained from two analytic methods. In addition, DL properties were linked to specific chemical components which may reflect bioactivities of rhubarb using Spearman’s rank correlation. Moreover, mice model was used to evaluate the cathartic effect between rhubarb samples stratifying by two analytic methods.

Results

We found that there was no significant difference of chemical fingerprints and DL signals among the different species of medicinal rhubarb. However, our results show a high similarity between HPLC fingerprint analysis and DL measurements in classification of these rhubarb samples into two sub-groups. In addition, the two sub-groups of rhubarb samples that may have different cathartic activities.

Conclusion

This approach provides new leads for development of herbal quality assessment based on bioactivity. In conclusion, integrated assessment by measuring HPLC fingerprint and DL with emphasized on bioactivity may provide novel strategy for herbal quality control.
No implementation without cultural adaptation: a process for culturally adapting low-intensity psychological interventions in humanitarian settings
Authors: Perera Camila , Salamanca-Sanabria Alicia , Caballero-Bernal Joyce , Feldman Lya , Hansen Maj , Bird Martha , Hansen Pernille , Dinesen Cecilie , Wiedemann Nana , Vallières Frédérique
Published: July 2020

Background

Despite the widely recognised importance of cultural adaptation to increase the effectiveness of psychological interventions, there is little guidance on its process. Developed based on existing theory, we applied a four-step process to culturally adapt a low-intensity psychological intervention for use in humanitarian settings.

Methods

The four-step process was applied to adapt a WHO low-intensity psychological intervention (i.e. Problem Management Plus, or PM+) for use with displaced Venezuelans and Colombians in Colombia. First, a rapid desk review was used as an (1) information gathering tool to identify local population characteristics. Next, the results were taken forward for the (2) formulation of adaptation hypotheses, whereby PM+ protocols were screened to identify components for adaptation, drawing on the Ecological Validity Model. Third, the elements flagged for adaptation were taken forward for (3) local consultation to firstly, verify the components identified for adaptation, to identify other areas in need of adaptation, and thirdly, to adapt the intervention protocols. Finally, the adapted intervention protocols were reviewed through (4) external evaluations with local experts.

Results

The information gathering phase yielded key information on the socioeconomic aspects of the groups targeted for intervention, the availability and need for mental health and psychosocial support, and existing barriers to accessing care. The adaptation hypotheses phase further identified the need for clearer explanations of key concepts, the need for sensitive topics to match local attitudes (e.g., domestic violence, thoughts of suicide), and the identification of culturally appropriate social supports. Building on these first two phases, local consultation subsequently resulted in revised PM+ protocols. The adapted protocols differed from the original format in their focus on the problems unique to these population groups, the way that psychological distress is expressed in this context, and the inclusion of locally available supports. The results of the external evaluation supported the adaptations made to the protocols.

Conclusion

The proposed four-step process offers a useful guide for how to adapt low-intensity psychological intervention within humanitarian settings. Despite some limitations, we show that even when time and resources are scarce it is possible and necessary to culturally adapt psychological interventions. We invite further testing, replication, and improvements to this methodology.
Effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion on delirium in adult patients following cardiac valve surgery: a protocol of a randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled study
Authors: Wang Hong-Bai , Zhang Liang , Zhang Zhe , Yuan Su , Yan Fu-Xia , Luo Qi-Peng
Published: July 2020

Background

Delirium is an acute status of brain dysfunction that commonly occurs in patients who have undergone cardiac surgery, and increases morbidity and mortality. It is associated with risk factors, such as older age, use of narcotics, cardiopulmonary bypass, and hypothermia. Dexmedetomidine infusion might exert a neuroprotective effect. However, the effect of perioperative administration of dexmedetomidine on the incidence of postoperative delirium (POD) in patients undergoing cardiac or non-cardiac surgery is yet controversial. The present study aimed to reveal the effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine administration on the incidence of delirium in adult patients following cardiac surgery.

Methods

This single-center, randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled trial consisted of 652 patients randomly divided into two groups: dexmedetomidine and placebo. 0.6 μg/kg dexmedetomidine will be infused 10 min after central vein catheterization, followed by a continuous infusion at a speed of 0.4 μg/kg/h until the end of surgery in the dexmedetomidine group, while normal saline will be administered at the same rate in the placebo group. The primary outcome is the incidence of POD during the first 7 days post-surgery. The secondary outcomes include duration of mechanical ventilation after surgery, duration of stay in the intensive care unit and the hospital after surgery, incidence of hypotension during or after dexmedetomidine infusion, acute kidney injury and sudden arrhythmia during the hospital stay postoperatively, and all-cause mortality in 30 and 90 days after surgery, respectively.

Discussion

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Fuwai Hospital on 6 March 2019 (2019-1180). The results will be disseminated at academic conferences and submitted to peer-reviewed publications. Either positive or negative results will provide guidance for clinical practice.

Trial registration

The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn) ChiCTR1900022583. Registered on 17 April 2019.
Renewable and tuneable bio-LPG blends derived from amino acids
Authors: Amer Mohamed , Hoeven Robin , Kelly Paul , Faulkner Matthew , Smith Michael H. , Toogood Helen S. , Scrutton Nigel S.
Published: July 2020

Background

Microbial biorefinery approaches are beginning to define renewable and sustainable routes to clean-burning and non-fossil fuel-derived gaseous alkanes (known as ‘bio-LPG’). The most promising strategies have used a terminal fatty acid photodecarboxylase, enabling light-driven propane production from externally fed waste butyric acid. Use of Halomonas (a robust extremophile microbial chassis) with these pathways has enabled bio-LPG production under non-sterile conditions and using waste biomass as the carbon source. Here, we describe new engineering approaches to produce next-generation pathways that use amino acids as fuel precursors for bio-LPG production (propane, butane and isobutane blends).

Results

Multiple pathways from the amino acids valine, leucine and isoleucine were designed in E. coli for the production of propane, isobutane and butane, respectively. A branched-chain keto acid decarboxylase-dependent pathway utilising fatty acid photodecarboxylase was the most effective route, generating higher alkane gas titres over alternative routes requiring coenzyme A and/or aldehyde deformylating oxygenase. Isobutane was the major gas produced in standard (mixed amino acid) medium, however valine supplementation led to primarily propane production. Transitioning pathways into Halomonas strain TQ10 enabled fermentative production of mixed alkane gases under non-sterile conditions on simple carbon sources. Chromosomal integration of inducible (~ 180 mg/g cells/day) and constitutive (~ 30 mg/g cells/day) pathways into Halomonas generated production strains shown to be stable for up to 7 days.

Conclusions

This study highlights new microbial pathways for the production of clean-burning bio-LPG fuels from amino acids. The use of stable Halomonas production strains could lead to gas production in the field under non-sterile conditions following process optimisation.
Molecular mechanism of histone variant H2A.B on stability and assembly of nucleosome and chromatin structures
Authors: Peng Junhui , Yuan Chuang , Hua Xinfan , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: July 2020

Background

H2A.B, the most divergent histone variant of H2A, can significantly modulate nucleosome and chromatin structures. However, the related structural details and the underlying mechanism remain elusive to date. In this work, we built atomic models of the H2A.B-containing nucleosome core particle (NCP), chromatosome, and chromatin fiber. Multiscale modeling including all-atom molecular dynamics and coarse-grained simulations were then carried out for these systems.

Results

It is found that sequence differences at the C-terminal tail, the docking domain, and the L2 loop, between H2A.B and H2A are directly responsible for the DNA unwrapping in the H2A.B NCP, whereas the N-terminus of H2A.B may somewhat compensate for the aforementioned unwrapping effect. The assembly of the H2A.B NCP is more difficult than that of the H2A NCP. H2A.B may also modulate the interactions of H1 with both the NCP and the linker DNA and could further affect the higher-order structure of the chromatin fiber.

Conclusions

The results agree with the experimental results and may shed new light on the biological function of H2A.B. Multiscale modeling may be a valuable tool for investigating structure and dynamics of the nucleosome and the chromatin induced by various histone variants.
H3K27ac acetylome signatures reveal the epigenomic reorganization in remodeled non-failing human hearts
Authors: Pei Jiayi , Harakalova Magdalena , Treibel Thomas A. , Lumbers R Thomas , Boukens Bastiaan J. , Efimov Igor R. , van Dinter Jip T. , González Arantxa , López Begoña , El Azzouzi Hamid , van den Dungen Noortje , van Dijk Christian G. M. , Krebber Merle M. , den Ruijter Hester M. , Pasterkamp Gerard , Duncker Dirk J. , Nieuwenhuis Edward E. S. , de Weger Roel , Huibers Manon M. , Vink Aryan , Moore Jason H. , Moon James C. , Verhaar Marianne C. , Kararigas Georgios , Mokry Michal , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Cheng Caroline
Published: July 2020

Background

H3K27ac histone acetylome changes contribute to the phenotypic response in heart diseases, particularly in end-stage heart failure. However, such epigenetic alterations have not been systematically investigated in remodeled non-failing human hearts. Therefore, valuable insight into cardiac dysfunction in early remodeling is lacking. This study aimed to reveal the acetylation changes of chromatin regions in response to myocardial remodeling and their correlations to transcriptional changes of neighboring genes.

Results

We detected chromatin regions with differential acetylation activity (DARs; Padj. < 0.05) between remodeled non-failing patient hearts and healthy donor hearts. The acetylation level of the chromatin region correlated with its RNA polymerase II occupancy level and the mRNA expression level of its adjacent gene per sample. Annotated genes from DARs were enriched in disease-related pathways, including fibrosis and cell metabolism regulation. DARs that change in the same direction have a tendency to cluster together, suggesting the well-reorganized chromatin architecture that facilitates the interactions of regulatory domains in response to myocardial remodeling. We further show the differences between the acetylation level and the mRNA expression level of cell-type-specific markers for cardiomyocytes and 11 non-myocyte cell types. Notably, we identified transcriptome factor (TF) binding motifs that were enriched in DARs and defined TFs that were predicted to bind to these motifs. We further showed 64 genes coding for these TFs that were differentially expressed in remodeled myocardium when compared with controls.

Conclusions

Our study reveals extensive novel insight on myocardial remodeling at the DNA regulatory level. Differences between the acetylation level and the transcriptional level of cell-type-specific markers suggest additional mechanism(s) between acetylome and transcriptome. By integrating these two layers of epigenetic profiles, we further provide promising TF-encoding genes that could serve as master regulators of myocardial remodeling. Combined, our findings highlight the important role of chromatin regulatory signatures in understanding disease etiology.
Betalain exerts a protective effect against glaucoma is majorly through the association of inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Wang Jiadi , Zhang Dandan , Cao Conghong , Yao Jing
Published: July 2020

The present research aimed at evaluating the protective role of betalain on the in vitro glaucoma model using PC12 neuronal cells. The cultured neuronal cells in a customized pressurized chamber were analyzed for the onset of glutathione, myeloperoxidase (MPO), cathepsin, expression of inflammatory enzymes such as cyclooxygenase (COX-1), lipoxygenase (5- LOX), sPLA2 caveolin-1, glaucoma markers and other inflammatory cytokines in the presence and absence of betalain. The results have shown that a significant increase in the expression of oxidative stress with increased activity of cathepsin B and D. On the other hand, the activity of inflammatory enzymes such as COX-1, 5- LOX, sPLA2 were significantly increased in pressure exposed cells. In addition, glaucoma simulated cells demonstrated a significant increase in the VEGF, TGF-β, BDGF, and neuroserpin compared to control. Moreover, cells predisposed to hydrostatic pressure demonstrated an increase in (p < 0.01) inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, CXCR4, IL-17, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels. However, cells pre-treated with betalain improved the glutathione levels with attenuated MPO activity. Simultaneously, the levels of inflammatory cytokines and other glaucoma marker genes found restored in drug pre-treated cells. Thus, the results of the present study demonstrate that the use of betalain on ocular cells can prevent the progression of the disease that can be a suggestive therapeutic for controlling glaucoma like conditions.
Survival analysis of a stochastic cooperation system with functional response in a polluted environment
Authors: Guo Shengliang
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we propose and study a stochastic two-species cooperation model with functional response in a polluted environment. We first perform the survival analysis and establish sufficient conditions for extinction, weak persistence, and stochastic permanence. Then we further perform the survival analysis based on the temporal average of population size and derive sufficient conditions for the strong persistence in the mean and weak persistence in the mean. Finally, we present numerical simulations to justify the theoretical results.
Stability of a general CTL-mediated immunity HIV infection model with silent infected cell-to-cell spread
Authors: Elaiw A. M. , AlShamrani N. H.
Published: July 2020

This paper proposes and analyzes a CTL-mediated HIV infection model. The model describes the interaction between healthy CD4+T cells, silent infected cells, active infected cells, free HIV particles, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). The healthy CD4+T cells can be infected when contacted by one of the following: (i) free HIV particles, (ii) silent infected cells, and (iii) active infected cells. The incidence rates of the healthy CD4+T cells with free HIV particles, silent infected cells, and active infected cells are given by general functions. Moreover, the production/proliferation and removal/death rates of all compartments are represented by general functions. The model is an improvement of the existing HIV infection models which have neglected the incidence between the silent infected cells and healthy CD4+T cells. We first show that the model is well posed. The proposed model has three equilibria and their existence is governed by derived two threshold parameters: the basic HIV reproduction number$\Re _{0}$ℜ0and the HIV-specific CTL-mediated immunity reproduction number$\Re _{1}$ℜ1. Under a set of conditions on the general functions and the parameters$\Re _{0}$ℜ0and$\Re _{1}$ℜ1, we have proven the global asymptotic stability of all equilibria by using Lyapunov method. We have illustrated the theoretical results via numerical simulations. We have studied the effect of cell-to-cell (CTC) transmission on the dynamical behavior of the system. We have shown that inclusion of CTC transmission decreases the concentration of healthy CD4+T cells and increases the concentrations of infected cells and free HIV particles.
A discussion on a generalized Geraghty multi-valued mappings and applications
Authors: Afshari Hojjat , Atapour Maryam , Karapınar Erdal
Published: July 2020

This research intends to investigate the existence results for both coincidence points and common fixed point of generalized Geraghty multi-valued mappings endowed with a directed graph. The proven results are supported by an example. We also consider fractional integral equations as an application.
Oscillatory behavior of solutions of odd-order nonlinear delay differential equations
Authors: Moaaz Osama
Published: July 2020

The objective of this study is to establish new sufficient criteria for oscillation of solutions of odd-order nonlinear delay differential equations. Based on creating comparison theorems that compare the odd-order equation with a couple of first-order equations, we improve and complement a number of related ones in the literature. To show the importance of our results, we provide an example.
Treatment of ErbB2 breast cancer by mitochondrial targeting
Authors: Eldad Sophia , Hertz Rachel , Vainer Gilad , Saada Ann , Bar-Tana Jacob
Published: July 2020

Background

ErbB2 breast cancer still remains an unmet need due to primary and/or acquired resistance to current treatment strategies. MEDICA compounds consist of synthetic long-chain α,ω-dicarboxylic acids previously reported to suppress breast cancer in PyMT transgenic mice.

Methods

MEDICA efficacy and mode of action in the ErbB2 context was studied in ErbB2 transgenic mice and human breast cancer cells.

Results

MEDICA treatment is shown here to suppress ErbB2 breast tumors and lung metastasis in ErbB2/neu MMTV transgenic mice, to suppress ErbB2/neu xenografts in nod/scid mice, and to suppress survival of AU565 and BT474 human ErbB2 breast cancer cells. Suppression of ErbB2 breast tumors by MEDICA is due to lipid raft disruption with loss of ErbB family members, including EGFR, ErbB2, and ErbB3. In addition, MEDICA inhibits mTORC1 activity, independently of abrogating the ErbB receptors and their signaling cascades. The double hit of MEDICA in abrogating ErbB and mTORC1 is partly accounted for by targeting mitochondria complex I.

Conclusions

Mitochondrial targeting by MEDICA suppresses ErbB2 breast tumors and metastasis due to lipid raft disruption and inhibition of mTORC1 activity. Inhibition of mTORC1 activity by MEDICA avoids the resistance acquired by canonical mTORC1 inhibitors like rapalogs or mTOR kinase inhibitors.
Injection augmentation and endoscopic repair of type 1 laryngeal clefts: Development of a management algorithm
Authors: Isaac Andre , Svystun Orysya , Johannsen Wendy , El-Hakim Hamdy
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To describe indications for injection augmentation (IA), endoscopic repair (ER) and conservative methods for the management of type 1 laryngeal cleft (LC1) and propose a management algorithm. We also aimed to compare success of IA and ER and determine independent predictors of treatment failure.

Methods

Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with LC1 at a Pediatric Otolaryngology referral centre between 2004 and 2016. All had pre-operative instrumental swallowing evaluation (VFSS/FEES), and were managed with a combination of conservative measures, IA and/or ER. We collected demographics, symptoms, comorbidities, VFSS/FEES results, and operative details. The primary outcome was symptom resolution by parental report. The secondary outcome was predictors of treatment failure.

Results

88 patients were included in the analysis, with mean age 26 ± 25 months. Most presented with choking events (68%) or recurrent pneumonias (48%). In total, there were 55 IA performed and 45 ER. Of the patients who received IA, 19 required subsequent ER. 95% had symptom improvement, 67% had complete resolution. IA had a 56% long-term success rate, whereas that for ER was 85%. Tube feeding at initial evaluation was an independent predictor of treatment failure (HR 11.33 [1.51–84.97], p = 0.018).

Conclusions

LC1 can be effectively managed with a combination of IA and ER with favorable results. Failure to respond to IA does not preclude ER, and both have their role in management. Patients who are tube fed have a higher probability of treatment failure. We propose a management algorithm that includes reasoning for conservative approaches, and reduces exposure to general anesthesia.
The semantic conservation of architectural heritage: the missing values
Authors: Taher Tolou Del Mohammad Sadegh , Saleh Sedghpour Bahram , Kamali Tabrizi Sina
Published: July 2020

The conservation of the architectural heritage has enjoyed a long course of development over the recent decades. Conservation practice is based on the values offered by the architectural heritage resources for different individuals, groups, societies, and governments. Since there is no serious and comprehensive research on the semantic values, the present study was conducted to identify all the influential semantic values in the architectural conservation process and to determine the importance of each value based on the published literature. To this end, more than 100 scientific documents, statements, and charters were analyzed and then, 40 semantic values were identified. The snowball sampling method was used to select the papers. In this study, the qualitative content analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between the architectural heritage and conservation, and the quantitative content analysis was used to assess the relationship between the semantic values and conservation. According to the results of the content analysis, it can be concluded that the conservation of architectural heritage can be investigated and analyzed at three levels: people, experts, and governments, and the holistic conservation of the architectural heritage can be achieved only by the joint cooperation among all the three levels. Also, the results showed that the cultural value, economic value, historical value, and identity greatly influence the semantic conservation of the architectural heritage.
Recent changes in breeding abundance and distribution of the Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) in its eastern range
Authors: Mischenko Alexander , Fox Anthony David , Švažas Saulius , Sukhanova Olga , Czajkowski Alexandre , Kharitonov Sergey , Lokhman Yuri , Ostrovsky Oleg , Vaitkuvienė Daiva
Published: July 2020

Background

The Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) (hereafter Pochard), a widespread and common freshwater diving duck in the Palearctic, was reclassified in 2015 from Least Concern to Vulnerable IUCN status based on rapid declines throughout its range. Analysis of its status, distribution and the potential causes for the decline in Europe has been undertaken, but there has never been a review of its status in the major part of its breeding range across Russia to the Pacific coast.

Methods

We reviewed the scientific literature and unpublished reports, and canvassed expert opinion throughout Russia to assess available knowledge about changes in the species distribution and abundance since the 1980s.

Results

While accepting available information may not be representative throughout the entire eastern range of the species, the review found marked declines in Pochard breeding abundance in the last two decades throughout European Russia. Pochard have also declined throughout Siberia. Declines throughout the steppe region seemed related to local drought severity in recent years, necessitating further research to confirm this climate link at larger spatial scales. Declines in the forest and forest-steppe regions appeared related to the major abandonment of fish farms in western Russia that had formerly provided habitat for breeding Pochard. However, hyper-eutrophication of shallow eutrophic lakes, cessation of grazing and haymaking in floodplain systems necessary to maintain suitable nesting habitat and disappearance of colonies of the Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) in a number of wetlands were also implicated. Increasing invasive alien predator species (e.g. American MinkNeovison visonand Raccoon DogNyctereutes procyonoides) and increasing spring hunting were also thought to contribute to declines. Reports of expansion in numbers and range only came from small numbers occurring in the Russian Far East, including on the border with China and the long-established isolated population on Kamchatka Peninsula.

Conclusions

Widespread declines throughout the eastern breeding range of the Pochard give continued cause for concern. Although we could address all the potential causal factors identified above by management interventions, we urgently need better information relating to key factors affecting site-specific Pochard breeding success and abundance, to be able to implement effective actions to restore the species to more favourable conservation status throughout its breeding range.
Seasonal and population differences in migration of Whimbrels in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway
Authors: Kuang Fenliang , Coleman Jonathan T. , Hassell Chris J. , Leung Kar-Sin K. , Maglio Grace , Ke Wanjuan , Cheng Chuyu , Zhao Jiayuan , Zhang Zhengwang , Ma Zhijun
Published: July 2020

Background

Conserving migratory birds is challenging due to their reliance on multiple distant sites at different stages of their annual life cycle. The concept of “flyway”, which refers to all areas covered by the breeding, nonbreeding, and migrating of birds, provides a framework for international cooperation for conservation. In the same flyway, however, the migratory activities of the same species can differ substantially between seasons and populations. Clarifying the seasonal and population differences in migration is helpful for understanding migration ecology and for identifying conservation gaps.

Methods

Using satellite-tracking we tracked the migration of Whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus variegatus) from nonbreeding sites at Moreton Bay (MB) and Roebuck Bay (RB) in Australia in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. Mantel tests were used to analyze the strength of migration connectivity between the nonbreeding and breeding sites of MB and RB populations. Welch’sttest was used to compare the migration activities between the two populations and between northward and southward migration.

Results

During northward migration, migration distance and duration were longer for the MB population than for the RB population. The distance and duration of the first leg flight during northward migration were longer for the MB population than for the RB population, suggesting that MB individuals deposited more fuel before departing from nonbreeding sites to support their longer nonstop flight. The RB population exhibited weaker migration connectivity (breeding sites dispersing over a range of 60 longitudes) than the MB population (breeding sites concentrating in a range of 5 longitudes in Far Eastern Russia). Compared with MB population, RB population was more dependent on the stopover sites in the Yellow Sea and the coastal regions in China, where tidal habitat has suffered dramatic loss. However, RB population increased while MB population decreased over the past decades, suggesting that loss of tidal habitat at stopover sites had less impact on the Whimbrel populations, which can use diverse habitat types. Different trends between the populations might be due to the different degrees of hunting pressure in their breeding grounds.

Conclusions

This study highlights that conservation measures can be improved by understanding the full annual life cycle of movements of multiple populations of Whimbrels and probably other migratory birds.
Quantitative 166Ho-microspheres SPECT derived from a dual-isotope acquisition with 99mTc-colloid is clinically feasible
Authors: Stella M. , Braat AJAT , Lam MGEH , de Jong HWAM , van Rooij R.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Accurate dosimetry is essential in radioembolization. To this purpose, an automatic protocol for healthy liver dosimetry based on dual isotope (DI) SPECT imaging, combining holmium-166 (166Ho)-microspheres, and technetium-99 m (99mTc)-colloid was developed: 166Ho-microspheres used as scout and therapeutic particles, and 99mTc-colloid to identify the healthy liver. DI SPECT allows for an automatic and accurate estimation of absorbed doses, introducing true personalized dosimetry. However, photon crosstalk between isotopes can compromise image quality. This study investigates the effect of 99mTc downscatter on 166Ho dosimetry, by comparing 166Ho-SPECT reconstructions of patient scans acquired before (166Ho-only) and after additional administration of 99mTc-colloid (166Ho-DI).

Methods

The 166Ho-only and 166Ho-DI scans were performed in short succession by injecting 99mTc-colloid on the scanner table. To compensate for 99mTc downscatter, its influence was accounted for in the DI image reconstruction using energy window-based scatter correction methods. The qualitative assessment was performed by independent blinded comparison by two nuclear medicine physicians assessing 65 pairs of SPECT/CT. Inter-observer agreement was tested by Cohen’s kappa coefficient. For the quantitative analysis, two volumes of interest within the liver, VOITUMOR, and VOIHEALTHY were manually delineated on the 166Ho-only reconstruction and transferred to the co-registered 166Ho-DI reconstruction. Absorbed dose within the resulting VOIs, and in the lungs (VOILUNGS), was calculated based on the administered therapeutic activity.

Results

The qualitative assessment showed no distinct clinical preference for either 166Ho-only or 166Ho-DI SPECT (kappa = 0.093). Quantitative analysis indicated that the mean absorbed dose difference between 166Ho-DI and 166Ho-only was − 2.00 ± 2.84 Gy (median 27 Gy; p value < 0.00001), − 5.27 ± 8.99 Gy (median 116 Gy; p value = 0.00035), and 0.80 ± 1.08 Gy (median 3 Gy; p value < 0.00001) for VOIHEALTHY, VOITUMOR, and VOILUNGS, respectively. The corresponding Pearson’s correlation coefficient between 166Ho-only and 166Ho-DI for absorbed dose was 0.97, 0.99, and 0.82, respectively.

Conclusion

The DI protocol enables automatic dosimetry with undiminished image quality and accuracy.

Clinical trials

The clinical study mentioned is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02067988) on 20 February 2014.
Exploration of the body–garment relationship theory through the analysis of a sheath dress
Authors: Carufel Robin , Bye Elizabeth
Published: July 2020

The apparel industry is replete with assumptions regarding the body-garment relationship. Traditional anthropometry focuses on linear body measurements, which are inadequate to describe and classify the human body-form for apparel pattern development. To enable the development of a body-form based block system, this case study explored the body-garment relationship for a sheath dress to determine if apparel block shapes could be categorized based on distinct body-form variations. A modified version of Gazzuolo’s (1985) body-garment relationship theory guided the development and analysis of the study. Pattern blocks were fit to 39 female subjects, with 16 dimensions extracted from specific pattern components and graphed to reveal between one and five groups per dimension. Visual analysis of the sample’s body scans revealed 27 body-form variations with 99 categorical descriptions. Categorical descriptions were compared to the dimensional values resulting in ten suggestions for a body-form based block system, and seventeen assumptions that require further analysis. In conclusion, this case study discovered multiple body-form variations across a single size, but block shapes could not be identified due to the wide variation in the sample. Future studies should assess a statistically significant sample of individuals with in-depth analysis of a single body region to determine if there are generalizable body-form variations across the population.
Repair of gastro-tracheobronchial fistula after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer using intercostal muscle and latissimus dorsi muscle flaps: a case report
Authors: Miyata Kazushi , Fukaya Masahide , Nagino Masato
Published: July 2020

Background

Gastro-tracheobronchial fistula after esophagectomy is a rare but life-threatening complication associated with high mortality. Several authors reported postoperative management of tracheobronchial fistula. However, treatment is demanding and challenging, and the strategy is still controversial.

Case presentation

A 64-year-old man underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy with two-field lymph node dissection and gastric conduit reconstruction by an intrathoracic anastomosis for esophageal cancer at a local hospital in June 2013. After surgery, a gastro-tracheal fistula and a gastro-bronchial fistula of the left main bronchus were diagnosed, and the patient was referred to our hospital for the management of the gastro-tracheobronchial fistula. CT and bronchoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed at our hospital revealed that the gastro-bronchial fistula of the left main bronchus was cured by packing with the omentum from the gastric conduit and the gastro-tracheal fistula located 3 cm above the carina remained open. We concluded that the fistula would not resolve without further surgical procedure. However, such an operation was expected to be difficult and to need much time due to severe adhesion among the gastric conduit and/or trachea, bronchus, lung, and chest wall. Therefore, a two-stage operation was planned for safety and outcome certainty. The first operation was performed to close the fistula in October 2013. The gastric conduit was separated from the trachea and resected; then, the fistula was sutured and covered by intercostal muscle and latissimus dorsi muscle flaps. A month after the first operation, reconstruction with pedunculated jejunum was performed via the percutaneous route. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful.

Conclusion

If the omentum is not observed between the gastric conduit and the tracheobronchus when a gastro-tracheobronchial fistula occurs after esophagectomy, surgeons should perform surgical treatment because conservative treatment is unlikely to cure. During surgery, the use of two types of muscle flaps, such as the intercostal muscle and the latissimus dorsi muscle flaps, is helpful for the closure of gastro-tracheobronchial fistulas.
Outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in cancer survivors with prior chest radiation therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zafar Meer Rabeel , Mustafa Syed Farrukh , Miller Timothy W. , Alkhawlani Talal , Sharma Umesh C.
Published: July 2020

Background

Cancer survivors with prior chest radiation therapy (C-XRT) frequently present with aortic stenosis (AS) as the first manifestation of radiation-induced heart disease. They are considered high-risk for surgical valve replacement. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is as an attractive option for this patient population but the outcomes are not well established in major clinical trials. The authors performed a systemic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies for the outcomes after TAVR in cancer survivors with prior C-XRT.

Methods

Online databases were searched from inception to April 2020 for studies evaluating the outcomes of TAVR in patients with and without C-XRT. We analyzed the pooled estimates (with their 95% confidence intervals) of the odds ratio (OR) for the all-cause mortality at 30-day and 1-year follow-ups, 4-point safety outcomes (stroke, major bleed, access-related vascular complications and need for a pacemaker), a 2-point efficacy outcome (mean aortic valve gradient and left ventricular ejection fraction) and worsening of congestive heart failure (CHF). Four studies were included following 2054 patients with and without prior C-XRT exposure (164 patients and 1890 patients respectively).

Results

The C-XRT group had similar 30-day mortality compared to the control group (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.64 to 2.58, p = 0.48). The 1-year mortality was higher in the C-XRT group (OR 1.97, CI 1.15 to 3.39, p = 0.01). Apart from higher congestive heart failure (CHF) exacerbation in the C-XRT group (OR 2.03, CI 1.36 to 3.04, p = 0.0006), TAVR resulted in similar safety and efficacy outcomes in both groups.

Conclusion

TAVR in the C-XRT group has similar 30-day mortality, safety, and efficacy outcomes compared to the control group; however, they have higher 1-year mortality and CHF exacerbation. Including an oncologist to the cardiology team who considers cancer stage in the decision-making process and applying additional preoperative scores such as frailty indices may refine the risk assessment for these patients. The quality of analyzed data is modest, warranting randomized trials to assess the true benefits of TAVR in these patients.
Identification of potential crucial genes and key pathways in osteosarcoma
Authors: Liu Junwei , Wu Siyu , Xie Xiaoyu , Wang Ziming , Lei Qianqian
Published: July 2020

Background

The aim of this study is to identify the potential pathogenic and metastasis-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in osteosarcoma through bioinformatic analysis of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database.

Results

Gene expression profiles of GSE14359, GSE16088, and GSE33383, in total 112 osteosarcoma tissue samples and 7 osteoblasts, were analyzed. Seventy-four normal-primary DEGs (NPDEGs) and 764 primary-metastatic DEGs (PMDEGs) were screened. VAMP8, A2M, HLA-DRA, SPARCL1, HLA-DQA1, APOC1 and AQP1 were identified continuously upregulating during the oncogenesis and metastasis of osteosarcoma. The enriched functions and pathways of NPDEGs include procession and presentation of antigens, activation of MHC class II receptors and phagocytosis. The enriched functions and pathways of PMDEGs include mitotic nuclear division, cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and focal adhesion. With protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyzed by Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) plug-in of Cytoscape software, one hub NPDEG (HLA-DRA) and 7 hub PMDEGs (CDK1, CDK20, CCNB1, MTIF2, MRPS7, VEGFA and EGF) were eventually selected, and the most significant pathways in NPDEGs module and PMDEGs module were enriched in the procession and presentation of exogenous peptide antigen via MHC class II and the nuclear division, respectively.

Conclusions

By integrated bioinformatic analysis, numerous DEGs related to osteosarcoma were screened, and the hub DEGs identified in this study are possibly part of the potential biomarkers for osteosarcoma. However, further experimental studies are still necessary to elucidate the biological function and mechanism of these genes.