bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iron Chaperone Poly rC Binding Protein 1 Protects Mouse Liver From Lipid Peroxidation and Steatosis
Authors: Protchenko Olga , Baratz Ethan , Jadhav Shyamalagauri , Li Fengmin , Shakoury‐Elizeh Minoo , Gavrilova Oksana , Ghosh Manik C. , Cox James E. , Maschek J. Alan , Tyurin Vladimir A. , Tyurina Yulia Y. , Bayir Hülya , Aron Allegra T. , Chang Christopher J. , Kagan Valerian E. , Philpott Caroline C.
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims

Iron is essential yet also highly chemically reactive and potentially toxic. The mechanisms that allow cells to use iron safely are not clear; defects in iron management are a causative factor in the cell‐death pathway known as ferroptosis. Poly rC binding protein 1 (PCBP1) is a multifunctional protein that serves as a cytosolic iron chaperone, binding and transferring iron to recipient proteins in mammalian cells. Although PCBP1 distributes iron in cells, its role in managing iron in mammalian tissues remains open for study. The liver is highly specialized for iron uptake, utilization, storage, and secretion.

Approach and Results

Mice lacking PCBP1 in hepatocytes exhibited defects in liver iron homeostasis with low levels of liver iron, reduced activity of iron enzymes, and misregulation of the cell‐autonomous iron regulatory system. These mice spontaneously developed liver disease with hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and degeneration. Transcriptome analysis indicated activation of lipid biosynthetic and oxidative‐stress response pathways, including the antiferroptotic mediator, glutathione peroxidase type 4. Although PCBP1‐deleted livers were iron deficient, dietary iron supplementation did not prevent steatosis; instead, dietary iron restriction and antioxidant therapy with vitamin E prevented liver disease. PCBP1‐deleted hepatocytes exhibited increased labile iron and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), were hypersensitive to iron and pro‐oxidants, and accumulated oxidatively damaged lipids because of the reactivity of unchaperoned iron.

Conclusions

Unchaperoned iron in PCBP1‐deleted mouse hepatocytes leads to production of ROS, resulting in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and steatosis in the absence of iron overload. The iron chaperone activity of PCBP1 is therefore critical for limiting the toxicity of cytosolic iron and may be a key factor in preventing the LPO that triggers the ferroptotic cell‐death pathway.
Suspended sediment monitoring in alluvial gullies: A laboratory and field evaluation of available measurement techniques
Authors: Doriean Nicholas J. C. , Brooks Andrew P. , Teasdale Peter R. , Welsh David T. , Bennett William W.
Published: May 2020

Gully erosion is a significant source of fine suspended sediment (<63 μm) and associated nutrient pollution to freshwater and marine waterways. Researchers, government agencies, and monitoring groups are currently using monitoring methods designed for streams and rivers (e.g., autosamplers, rising stage samplers, and turbidity loggers) to evaluate suspended sediment in gullies. This is potentially problematic because gullies have several hydrological features and monitoring operational challenges that differ to those of continually flowing streams and rivers (e.g., short and intense flows, high suspended sediment concentrations, and rapid scouring and aggradation). Here we present a laboratory and field‐based assessment of the performance of common suspended sediment monitoring techniques applied to gullies. We also evaluate a recently‐described method; the pumped active suspended sediment (PASS) sampler, which has been modified for monitoring suspended sediment in gully systems. Discrete autosampling provided data at high temporal resolution, however, it had poor collection efficiency (25 ± 10%) of coarser sediment particles (i.e., sand). Rising stage sampling, while robust and cost‐effective, suffered from large amounts of condensation under field conditions (25–35% of sampler volume), due to harsh climatic conditions creating large diurnal temperature differences at the field site, thereby diluting sample concentrations and introducing additional measurement uncertainty. The turbidity logger exhibited a highly variable response when calibrated at each site with physically collected suspended sediment samples (R2 = 0.17–0.83), highlighting that this approach should be used with caution. The modified PASS sampler proved to be a reliable and representative measurement method for gully sediment water quality, however, the time‐integrated nature of the method limits its temporal resolution compared to the other monitoring methods. We recommend monitoring suspended sediment in alluvial gully systems using a combination of complementary techniques (e.g., PASS and RS samplers) to account for the limitations associated with individual methods.
A pilot clinical phase II trial MemSID: Acute and durable changes of red blood cells of sickle cell disease patients on memantine treatment
Authors: Mahkro Asya , Hegemann Inga , Seiler Elena , Simionato Greta , Claveria Viviana , Bogdanov Nikolay , Sasselli Clelia , Torgerson Paul , Kaestner Lars , Manz Markus G. , Goede Jeroen S. , Gassmann Max , Bogdanova Anna
Published: May 2020

An increase in abundance and activity of N‐methyl D‐aspartate receptors (NMDAR) was previously reported for red blood cells (RBCs) of sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Increased Ca2+ uptake through the receptor supported dehydration and RBC damage. In a pilot phase IIa‐b clinical trial MemSID, memantine, a blocker of NMDAR, was used for treatment of four patients for 12 months. Two more patients that have enrolled into the study did not finish it. One of them had psychotic event following the involuntary overdose of the drug, whereas the other had vertigo and could not comply to the trial visits schedule. Acute and durable responses of RBCs of SCD patients to daily oral administration of memantine were monitored. Markers of RBC turnover, changes in cell density, and alterations in ion handling and RBC morphology were assessed. Acute transient shifts in intracellular Ca2+, volume and density, and reduction in plasma lactate dehydrogenate activity were observed already within the first month of treatment. Durable effects of memantine included (a) decrease in reticulocyte counts, (b) reduction in reticulocyte hemoglobinization, (c) advanced membrane maturation and its stabilization as follows from reduction in the number of NMDAR per cell and reduction in hemolysis, and (iv) rehydration and decrease in K+ leakage from patients’ RBC. Memantine therapy resulted in reduction in number of cells with sickle morphology that was sustained at least over 2 months after therapy was stopped indicating an improvement in RBC longevity.
Women from afar: an observational study of demographic characteristics and mortality among foreign‐born women living with HIV in the Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) in the United States 1994‐2016
Authors: Adedimeji Adebola , Shi Qiuhu , Haddad Lisa , Holman Susan , Edmonds Andrew , Weber Kathleen , Kassaye Seble , Karim Roksana , Bolivar Hector , Reid Michael , Kempf Mirjam‐Colette , Golub Elizabeth , Hoover Donald R. , Anastos Kathryn
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Foreign‐born persons comprise ~13% of the US population. Immigrants, especially women, often face a complex set of social and structural factors that negatively impact health outcomes including greater risk of HIV infection. We described socio‐demographic, clinical and immunological characteristics and AIDs and non‐AIDS death among foreign‐born women living with HIV (FBWLWH) participating in the US Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) in the US from 1994 to 2016. We hypothesized that FBW will experience higher AIDS‐related mortality compared to US‐born women (USBW).

Methods

The WIHS is a multicenter prospective observational cohort study of mostly women living with HIV (WLWH). The primary exposure in this analysis, which focused on 3626 WLWH, was self‐reported country of birth collapsed into foreign‐born and US born. We assessed the association of birthplace with categorized demographic, clinical and immunological characteristics, and AIDS/non‐AIDS mortality of WLWH, using chi‐squared tests. Proportional hazard models examined the association of birthplace with time from enrolment to AIDS and non‐AIDS death.

Results

Of the 628 FBW, 13% were born in Africa, 29% in the Caribbean and 49% in Latin America. We observed significant differences by HIV status in socio‐demographic, clinical and immunological characteristics and mortality. For both AIDS and non‐AIDS caused deaths FBW WLWH had lower rates of death. Adjusting for year of study enrolment and other demographic/clinical characteristics mitigated FBW’s statistical survival advantage in AIDS deaths Relative Hazard (RH = 0.91p = 0.53), but did not substantively change the survival advantage in non‐AIDS deaths RH = 0.33,p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Foreign‐born WLWH exhibited demographic, clinical and immunological characteristics that are significantly different compared with women born in the US or US territory. After adjusting for these characteristics, the FB WLWH had a significantly lower hazard of non‐AIDS but not AIDS mortality compared to women born in the US or a US territory. These findings of non‐increased mortality can help inform models of care to optimize treatment outcomes among FBWLWH in the United States.
MicroRNA‐155 deficiency attenuates inflammation and oxidative stress in experimental autoimmune prostatitis in a TLR4‐dependent manner
Authors: Fu Xian , He Hua‐Dong , Li Chang‐Jiu , Li Ning , Jiang Shu‐Yuan , Ge Hong‐Wei , Wang Rui , Wang Xu‐Liang
Published: May 2020

To explore the mechanism of microRNA‐155 (miR‐155) deficiency, protecting against experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) in a toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)‐dependent manner. After wild‐type (WT) and miR‐155−/− mice were injected with complete Freund's adjuvant and prostate antigen to establish EAP model, half were randomly selected for injection with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, a TLR4 ligand). The following experiments were then performed: von Frey filaments, hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining, real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), Western blotting, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). And the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and the level of Malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected by corresponding kits.miR‐155−/− mice with prostatitis exhibited the attenuated pelvic tactile allodynia/hyperalgesia and the suppressed TLR4/nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) pathway as compared with the WT mice with prostatitis. In addition, LPS enhanced the upregulation of miR‐155 and the activation of the TLR4/NF‐κB pathway in the prostatic tissues of WT mice with EAP. Furthermore, prostatitis mice had aggravated inflammation scores accompanying the increased interleukin (IL)‐1β, tumor necrosis factor‐α, IL‐6, interferon‐γ, IL‐12, and MDA in prostatic tissues with the decreased IL‐10, SOD and GSH‐Px, and the unaltered IL‐4. Compared with the mice from the WT + EAP group and the miR‐155−/− + EAP + LPS group, mice from the miR‐155−/− + EAP group had decreased inflammation and oxidative stress. miR‐155 deficiency ameliorated pelvic tactile allodynia/hyperalgesia in EAP mice and improved inflammation and oxidative stress in prostatic tissues in a TLR4‐dependent manner involving NF‐κB activation, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect in chronic prostatitis treatment.
Differentiating microbial taxonomic and functional responses to physical disturbance in bulk and rhizosphere soils
Authors: Wang Hang , Liu Shengen , Kuzyakov Yakov , Zhan Pengfei , Wang Qingkui , Hettenhausen Christian , Xiao Derong , Qi Jinfeng , Zhang Zhijian
Published: May 2020

The rhizosphere is an important hotspot of soil microbial activity, diversity, and functions. Despite being a microbial hotspot, studies have seldom addressed the differences in the response of the microbial community in bulk and rhizosphere soils to domestic animal disturbance. Here, we investigated grassland disturbance by physical uprooting behaviours of Tibetan pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) on bacterial taxonomy and functions in three soil types: Histosols, Fluvisols, and Gleysols which are dominant on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. We found that after 8 years of continued disturbance, compared to the undisturbed sites, disturbance consistently reduced rhizosphere bacterial α diversity (by 34.6% on average), restructured taxonomic communities, and weakened their carbon substrate utilization capacities in all soil types. The relative abundance of the phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteriodetes increased, but the relative abundance of Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Nitrospirae decreased in the rhizosphere under disturbance. In contrast, most detected taxonomic changes in bulk soils were minor, and their changing directions were divergent among studied soil types. Compared to the undisturbed, carbon utilization potential by rhizosphere microbes decreased under disturbance and the decrease extent was stronger (by 30.4% on average) than that in bulk soil. The strengthened environmental filtering, imposed by the significant reduction of soil water‐holding capacity and nutrient contents as well as the physical destruction of soil aggregates after disturbance, provided mechanistic insight into the extensive microbial restructuring within the rhizosphere. These results may have implications for recognizing changed root‐microbe interactions and ecological processes in disturbed soils for better understanding soil ecology under intensified herding activities.
Ameliorating Activity of Ishige okamurae on the Amyloid Beta–Induced Cognitive Deficits and Neurotoxicity through Regulating ERK, p38 MAPK, and JNK Signaling in Alzheimer's Disease–Like Mice Model
Authors: Kwon Oh Yun , Lee Seung Ho
Published: May 2020

Scope

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with amyloid beta peptide (Aβ25‐35) accumulation in brains, which induces neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment. The effects of Ishige okamurae, an edible brown algae, on Aβ25‐35‐induced cognitive impairment and neuronal toxicity is investigated. The aim of this study is to determine the molecular mechanisms responsible for I. okamurae extracts (IOE) mediating anti‐AD effects.

Methods and Results

Oral administration of IOE significantly attenuated Aβ25‐35‐induced cognitive deficits, as estimated by Y‐maze and Morris water maze tests. IOE also attenuated the Aβ25‐35‐induced cellular apoptosis and expression of inducible isoforms of nitric oxide synthases (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in mouse brains and PC12 cells. In addition, Aβ25‐35‐induced phosphorylation of ERK, p38 MAPK, and JNK in mouse brains and PC12 cells is significantly abolished by administration of IOE. In PC12 cells, pretreatment of signal inhibitors (PD98059 (MEK inhibitor), SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor), and SP600125 (JNK inhibitor)) recovers Aβ25‐35‐mediated cellular dysregulations to the same extent as does IOE pretreatment.

Conclusion

Taken together, the data suggest that Aβ25‐35‐induced AD progress may be attenuated by administration of IOE through prevention of Aβ25‐35‐induced phosphorylation of ERK, p38 MAPK, and JNK.
Consumption minimization for an academic model of a vehicle
Authors: Oukacha Ouazna , Boizot Nicolas
Published: May 2020

The present article is a study of an optimal control problem having a non‐differentiable, but Lipschitz, cost function. It is inspired by the minimisation of the energy consumption of a car‐like vehicle or robot along a road which profile is known. This problem is stated by means of a simple model of the longitudinal dynamics and a running cost that comprises both an absolute value function and a function that accounts for the efficiency of the energy conversion process. A regularity result that excludes chattering phenomena from the set of solutions is proven. It is valid for the class of control affine systems, which includes the considered problem. Three case studies are detailed and analysed. The optimal trajectories are shown to be made of bang‐bang, inactivated, singular and backward arcs.
Growth responses and physiological and biochemical changes in five ornamental plants grown in urban lead‐contaminated soils
Authors: Song Xiliang , Zhang Chenxiang , Chen Weifeng , Zhu Yihao , Wang Yueying
Published: May 2020

An increasing concentration of lead (Pb) in urban contaminated soil due to anthropogenic activities has been a global issue threatening human health. The use of urban ornamental plants as phytoremediation of Pb‐contaminated soil is a new choice. In the present experiment, the physiological and biochemical response of five ornamental plants to increase in concentrations of C4H6O4Pb·H2O in the soil were measured to investigate these plans’ Pb tolerance strategies and abilities. Our results showed that Pb stress significantly inhibited the growth and the biomass of all the plants. The root activity (RA), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), and chlorophyll (Chl) content in Pb‐stressed leaves were significantly decreased, whereas the leaf proline (Pro), soluble sugar (SS), and membrane stability index (MSI) were remarkable increased compared with those in the control group. By application of all‐subsets regression and linear regression, the reduction in photosynthetic capacity in the five plants is mainly due to the decrease in the leaf Chl content caused by Pb stress. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) in Canna generalis was greater than 1, while in the other plants were lower than 1, suggesting that Canna generalis had the highest Pb accumulation ability. The translocation factor (TF) in all the plants were lower than 1, suggesting that Pb preferentially accumulated in the external part of roots. By calculating the comprehensive evaluation value (CEV), Iris germanica L. was found to be the most sensitive species, and Canna generalis was the most tolerant species, to Pb stress among the five ornamental plants.
Exosomes Derived from the Human Primary Colorectal Cancer Cell Line SW480 Orchestrate Fibroblast‐Led Cancer Invasion
Authors: Rai Alin , Greening David W. , Xu Rong , Suwakulsiri Wittaya , Simpson Richard J.
Published: May 2020

In localized tumors, basement membrane (BM) prevents invasive outgrowth of tumor cells into surrounding tissues. When carcinomas become invasive, cancer cells either degrade BM or reprogram stromal fibroblasts to breach BM barrier and lead invasion of cancer cells into surrounding tissues in a process called fibroblast‐led invasion. However, tumor‐derived factors orchestrating fibroblast‐led invasion remain poorly understood. Here it is shown that although early‐stage primary colorectal adenocarcinoma (SW480) cells are themselves unable to invade Matrigel matrix, they secrete exosomes that reprogram normal fibroblasts to acquire de novo capacity to invade matrix and lead invasion of SW480 cells. Strikingly, cancer cells follow leading fibroblasts as collective epithelial‐clusters, thereby circumventing need for epithelial to mesenchymal transition, a key event associated with invasion. Moreover, acquisition of pro‐invasive phenotype by fibroblasts treated with SW480‐derived exosomes relied on exosome‐mediated MAPK pathway activation. Mass spectrometry‐based protein profiling reveals that cancer exosomes upregulate fibroblasts proteins implicated in focal adhesion (ITGA2/A6/AV, ITGB1/B4/B5, EGFR, CRK), regulators of actin cytoskeleton (RAC1, ARF1, ARPC3, CYFIP1, NCKAP1, ICAM1, ERM complex), and signalling pathways (MAPK, Rap1, RAC1, Ras) important in pro‐invasive remodeling of extracellular matrix. Blocking tumor exosome‐mediated signaling to fibroblasts therefore represents an attractive therapeutic strategy in restraining tumors by perturbing stroma‐driven invasive outgrowth.
Mechanism of interaction between hydroxypropyl cellulose and water in aqueous solutions: Importance of polymer chain length
Authors: Martin‐Pastor Manuel , Stoyanov Edmont
Published: May 2020

The utilization of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) can be regarded as unexpected with regard to certain applications, such as being employed as a solubility enhancer for poorly soluble drugs and as a solubilizing agent for nano‐suspensions and amorphous solid dispersions. However, the best results were obtained for low‐molecular weight (Mw) HPC grades with a short‐chain structure. Therefore, in this study, seven grades of HPC with different polymer chain lengths (Mw) are analyzed in various aqueous solutions by a combination of 1H quantitative NMR spectroscopy, diffusion NMR spectroscopy, and water ligand observed via gradient spectroscopy; these investigations provide insights into the remarkable solubilizing property of HPC at the molecular and supramolecular levels. Furthermore, the hydration and the water residence time are found to be strongly dependent on the polymer chain length of HPC. The quantitative results obtained herein indicate that HPCs with shorter chain lengths retain smaller amounts of water around their hydrated molecules, as compared to their counterparts with longer chain lengths.
Areas of plant diversity—What do we know?
Authors: Brummitt Neil , Araújo Ana Claudia , Harris Timothy
Published: May 2020

Societal Impact Statement

Identifying regions of the world that are rich in plant species will enable conservation efforts to be more effectively targeted. We present a review of global studies of plant diversity, including novel analyses from our own work, and highlight areas of the world that are consistently identified by multiple studies utilizing varied data sets as being particularly rich in plant species. This will be of interest to botanical professionals and conservationists seeking to identify and conserve priority species‐rich environments, including those working to progress international conservation targets, and to all those interested in the global distribution of biodiversity and its conservation.

Areas of high diversity for vascular plants, both for numbers of species and of endemic species, are by now well established and in agreement across a variety of studies using a wide range of data from different sources. Here we review the current state of knowledge of geographical patterns of plant diversity around the world, compare this with our knowledge of vertebrate taxonomic groups, and reflect on next steps for better characterizing patterns of diversity in order to achieve effective conservation prioritization. We illustrate this with analyses of geographical patterns of plant diversity from three different data types with differing degrees of geographical and ecological resolution. At broad spatial scales these analyses are largely congruent with each other and with areas of high diversity and endemism for species of terrestrial vertebrates.
Investigating the appropriateness of different concordance measures in a time‐to‐event setting
Authors: Caetano Samantha‐Jo , Pond Gregory
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Prediction models that assess a patient's risk of an event are used to inform treatment options and confirm screening tests. The concordance (c) statistic is one measure to validate the accuracy of these models, but has many extensions when applied to censored data. The purpose was to determine which c‐statistic is most accurate at different rates of censoring.

Methods

A simulation study was conducted for n = 750, and censoring rates of 20%, 50%, and 80%. The mean of three different concordance definitions were compared as well as the mean of three different c‐statistics, including one, parametric c‐statistic for exponentially distributed data, developed by the authors. The SE was also calculated but was of secondary interest.

Results

The c‐statistic developed by the authors yielded the a mean closest to the gold standard concordance measure when censoring is present in data, even when the exponentially distributed parametric assumptions do not hold. Similar results were found for SE.

Conclusions

The c‐statistic developed by the authors appears to be the most robust to censored data. Thus, it is recommended to use this c‐statistic to validate prediction models applied to censored data. This will improve the reliability and comparability across future time‐to‐event studies.
A 55‐year‐old COVID‐19‐positive man managed with self‐regulation of high‐flow oxygen by high‐velocity nasal insufflation therapy
Authors: Ciment Ari J. , Ciment Lawrence M.
Published: May 2020

Management of critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients remains both risky and technically challenging. A 55‐year‐old male COVID‐19‐positive patient with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), diabetes, and obesity presented with cough and shortness of breath, escalating to requiring high‐flow oxygen therapy by high‐velocity nasal insufflation. The patient's flow rate and oxygen fraction remained labile throughout much of the hospitalization. This lability required frequent clinician interactions and use of personal protective equipment. The patient was alert and oriented and was instructed on the operation of the high‐flow system, specifically the adjustment of both flow rate and oxygen percentage. The patient was instructed to modify oxygen to maintain an SpO2 (peripheral capillary oxygen saturation) target range, and flow rate to address dyspnoea as well as reduction of flow as tolerated when other staff entered the room. The patient was successfully self‐regulated for 10 days and was discharged on 2 L/min nasal cannula on day 14 of his illness.
1‐Factorizations of pseudorandom graphs
Authors: Ferber Asaf , Jain Vishesh
Published: May 2020

A 1‐factorization of a graph G is a collection of edge‐disjoint perfect matchings whose union is E(G). In this paper, we prove that for any ϵ>0, an (n,d,λ)‐graph G admits a 1‐factorization provided that n is even, C0 ≤ d ≤ n−1 (where C0=C0(ϵ) is a constant depending only on ϵ), and λ ≤ d1−ϵ. In particular, since (as is well known) a typical random d‐regular graph Gn,d is such a graph, we obtain the existence of a 1‐factorization in a typical Gn,d for all C0 ≤ d ≤ n−1, thereby extending to all possible values of d results obtained by Janson, and independently by Molloy, Robalewska, Robinson, and Wormald for fixed d. Moreover, we also obtain a lower bound for the number of distinct 1‐factorizations of such graphs G, which is better by a factor of 2nd/2 than the previously best known lower bounds, even in the simplest case where G is the complete graph.
Economic analysis of prenatal fetoscopic vs open‐hysterotomy repair of open neural tube defect
Authors: King B. C. , Hagan J. , Corroenne R. , Shamshirsaz A. A. , Espinoza J. , Nassr A. A. , Whitehead W. , Belfort M. A. , Sanz Cortes M.
Published: May 2020

Objective

Fetal repair of an open neural tube defect (ONTD) by open hysterotomy has been shown to reduce the need for ventriculoperitoneal shunting and improve motor outcomes for infants, but increases the risk of Cesarean section and prematurity. Fetoscopic repair is an alternative approach that may confer similar neurological benefits but allows for vaginal delivery and reduces the incidence of hysterotomy‐related complications. We sought to compare the costs of care from fetal surgery until neonatal discharge, as well as the clinical outcomes, associated with each surgical approach.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent prenatal ONTD repair, using either the open‐hysterotomy or the fetoscopic approach, at a single institution between 2012 and 2018. Clinical outcomes were collected by chart review. A cost–consequence analysis was conducted from the hospital perspective, and included all inpatient and ambulatory hospital and physician costs incurred for the care of mothers and their infants, from the time of maternal admission for fetal ONTD repair up to postnatal maternal and infant discharge. Costs were estimated using cost‐to‐charge ratios for hospital billing and the Medicare physician fee schedule for physician billing.

Results

Seventy‐eight patients were included in the analysis, of whom 47 underwent fetoscopic repair and 31 underwent open‐hysterotomy repair. In the fetoscopic‐repair group, compared with the open‐repair group, fewer women underwent Cesarean section (53% vs 100%; P < 0.001) and the median gestational age at birth was significantly higher (38.1 weeks (interquartile range (IQR), 35.2–39.1 weeks) vs 35.7 weeks (IQR, 33.9–37.0 weeks); P < 0.001). No case of uterine dehiscence was observed in the fetoscopic‐repair group, compared with an incidence of 16% in the open‐repair group. After adjusting for baseline characteristics, there was no significant difference in the total cost of care between the fetoscopic‐repair and the open‐repair groups (median, $76 978 (IQR, $60 312–$115 386) vs $65 103 (IQR, $57 758–$108 103); P = 0.458).

Conclusions

Fetoscopic repair of ONTD, when compared with the open‐hysterotomy approach, reduces the incidence of Cesarean section and preterm delivery with no significant difference in total costs of care from surgery to infant discharge. This novel approach may represent a cost‐effective alternative to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes for this high‐risk population. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Operational aspect of the policy coordination for financial stability: role of Jeffreys–Lindley’s paradox in operations research
Authors: Nasir Muhammad Ali , Soliman Alaa M. , Shahbaz Muhammad
Published: May 2020

This study analyses the implications of Jeffery–Lindley’s paradox and Global Financial Crisis (GFC) for the operational aspect of macroeconomic policy coordination for financial stability. Using a Bayesian Vector Auto-regressive model and data from Jan 1985 to June 2016, our key findings suggest that the claim of macroeconomic policy interaction, interdependence and significance of coordinated policy operations for the financial stability holds its ground. The argument in the support for policy coordination for financial stability was found to be robust against the Jeffreys–Lindley’s paradox and in the Post-GFC era. A profound practical, operational and philosophical implication of this study is the positive aspects of Jeffreys–Lindley’s paradox and the possibility of employing the Frequentist and Bayesian estimation techniques as complementing rather competing frameworks.
The Clinical Role of Angiopoietin-Like Protein 3 in Evaluating Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Li Juan , Yang Yunyun , Jiao Xiaolu , Yu Huahui , Du Yunhui , Zhang Ming , Hu Chaowei , Wei Yongxiang , Qin Yanwen
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Hyperlipidemia is the most important early atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD) indicator. Angiopoietin-like proteins (ANGPTLs) 3, 4, and 8 are lipid dysfunction markers that may be linked to CAD. We investigated whether these circulating ANGPTLs are associated with CAD in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

A total of 327 individuals participated in this study: 221 patients with OSA and CAD, 50 patients with OSA alone, and 56 controls. The Gensini Score was used to assess the severity of CAD. Serum ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4, and ANGPTL8 were measured in all subjects using Human Magnetic Luminex Screening Assay. The independent association between levels of ANGPTLs and CAD was evaluated by multivariate regression analysis.

Results

Serum ANGPTL3 levels were significantly higher in patients suffering from OSA and CAD compared with patients having OSA alone (46.97 ± 13.89 vs 38.25 ± 15.94 ng/ml, P < 0.001). Univariate analysis demonstrated that ANGPTL3 was a risk factor for CAD (OR = 1.72/10 ng ANGPTL3, 95% CI, 1.29–2.28, P < 0.001). In addition, multivariate analysis revealed that ANGPTL3 was independently associated with the presence of CAD (OR = 1.74/10 ng ANGPTL3, 95% CI, 1.29–2.35, P < 0.001) even after adjusting for cofounding factors. Furthermore, circulating ANGPTL3 levels were positively associated with triglyceride (r = 0.16, P = 0.01) and total cholesterol (r = 0.14, P = 0.02) levels, while ANGPTL3 levels had no significant correlation with the severity of CAD. No significant associations were found between the levels of ANGPTL4 and ANGPTL8 and CAD even after adjusting for established risk factors.

Conclusion

Elevated levels of ANGPTL3 were independently associated with a higher likelihood of CAD in patients with OSA. It may be a novel biomarker for OSA patients at high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
E-Portfolio: value tensions encountered in documenting design case studies
Authors: Li Qinyu , Tolmie Peter , Weibert Anne , Schorch Marén , Müller Claudia , Wulf Volker
Published: May 2020

We present here the “e-Portfolio” concept, which aims to provide access to documented design case studies of design researchers’ practices. Our e-Portfolio has its origins in Grounded Design. We examine here how the e-Portfolio concept grew out of Grounded Design, the way it instantiates values, and how it contributes to our understanding of the ways in which shifting values in practice can have an impact beyond the individual.
Motivation for and adherence to growth hormone replacement therapy in adults with hypopituitarism: the patients‘ perspective
Authors: Kreitschmann-Andermahr Ilonka , Siegel Sonja , Unger Nicole , Streetz-van der Werf Christine , Karges Wolfram , Schilbach Katharina , Schröder Bernadette , Szybowicz Janine , Sauerwald Janina , Zopf Kathrin , Grzywotz Agnieszka , Bidlingmaier Martin , Sommer Heide , Strasburger Christian J.
Published: May 2020

Introduction

While reasons for non-adherence in children requiring growth hormone (GH) replacement (GH-Rx) are well researched, few studies have investigated adherence in adult GH deficient patients. Against the background of the adverse medical sequelae of untreated severe GH deficiency (GHD) in adults, we explored adherence to GH-Rx and associated factors in this patient group.

Method

Cross-sectional analysis including 107 adult patients with severe GHD on GH-Rx, 15 untreated GDH patients and 19 who had discontinued therapy. Patients completed self-developed ad hoc surveys on adherence to medication and GH-Rx, specific beliefs about GH-Rx, side effects and burden of injection, reasons for never receiving or dropping out of therapy, respectively.

Results

Adherence to GH-Rx was high (mean 15.8/18 points on the self-developed adherence score) and significantly correlated with general medication adherence. Higher age was significantly associated with better adherence to GH-Rx, while injection side effects, duration of treatment or device used were not. The most frequent reasons for not being on GH-Rx apart from medical reasons included fear of side effects, lack of belief in treatment effects and dislike of injections. In patients not on GH-Rx, the proportion of patients in employment was significantly smaller than in the treatment group, despite similar age and comorbidities.

Conclusions

Adherence to GH-Rx was high for those patients on therapy. Instead of focusing on improving adherence in those adults already on GH-Rx, efforts should be undertaken to ally fear of side effects and provide education on positive treatment effects for those eligible but not receiving therapy.
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and risk of renal impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Liu Tongtong , Zhan Yongli , Wang Yuyang , Li Qian , Mao Huimin
Published: May 2020

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with a variety of systemic diseases. Among patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKD), the prevalence of OSAS is high. OSAS can induce progression of CKD. However, whether or not OSAS can cause renal damage in healthy people is not clear. Thus, the purpose of this meta-analysis was to elucidate whether or not there was an association between OSAS and early renal damage.

Methods

PubMed, Embase Database, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine Database, Chinese Scientific Journals Database, and Wanfang Database were searched systematically. The relative risk (RR), weighted mean difference (WMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to evaluate the relationship between OSAS and early renal damage. Funnel plot and Egger’s test were used to evaluate publication bias, and trial sequential analysis (TSA) was employed to verify the sufficiency of the research conclusions.

Results

A total of 18 studies were analyzed comprising 4,567 participants. Compared with the healthy control group, levels of cystatin C (MD = 0.530, 95% CI 0.423, 0.637, P < 0.01) and proteinuria in patients with OSAS were significantly increased, while the levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (MD = − 0.194, 95% CI − 0.268, − 0.121, P < 0.01) were significantly decreased. Furthermore, patients with OSAS also had an increased risk of CKD. Subgroup analysis showed that compared with patients without OSAS, the level of serum cystatin C in patients with OSAS was significantly increased independent of hypertension and diabetes, and the eGFR was significantly decreased in patients with moderate to severe OSAS and comorbid hypertension and/or diabetes.

Conclusion

In this meta-analysis, OSAS was associated with a higher risk of early renal damage. Patients with OSAS and comorbid hypertension and/or diabetes appear to suffer from severe renal damage.
Weighted $$L^2$$ Version of Mergelyan and Carleman Approximation
Authors: Biard Séverine , Fornæss John Erik , Wu Jujie
Published: May 2020

We study the density of polynomials in $$H^2(E,\varphi )$$

H
2

(
E
,
φ
)

, the space of square integrable functions with respect to $$\mathrm{e}^{-\varphi }\mathrm{d}m$$

e

-
φ

d
m

and holomorphic on the interior of E in $${\mathbb {C}}$$
C
, where $$\varphi $$
φ
is a subharmonic function and dm is a measure on E. We give a result where E is the union of a Lipschitz graph and a Carathéodory domain, which we state as a weighted $$L^2$$

L
2

-version of the Mergelyan theorem. We also prove a weighted $$L^2$$

L
2

-version of the Carleman theorem.
A pilot geo-ethnoarchaeological study of dung deposits from pastoral rock shelters in the Monti Sibillini (central Italy)
Authors: Égüez Natalia , Dal Corso Marta , Wieckowska-Lüth Magdalena , Delpino Chiara , Tarantini Massimo , Biagetti Stefano
Published: May 2020

In recent years, ethnoarchaeological studies focusing on herbivore faecal remains within the soils, especially those from goat, sheep and cattle, have shown the importance of their study for identifying socio-economic activities. Thus, an accurate microstratigraphic examination of these deposits can provide us new insights into past land use, site formation processes, activity areas and intensity of use of space, mobility, domestic use of fuel, manuring, and foddering strategies. Mountain landscapes represent a relatively new terrain of investigation for geo-ethnoarchaeology. In this paper, we present a pilot project featuring an applied inter-disciplinary methodology that includes micromorphology, bulk stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N), phytolith, pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs) analyses. These were carried out on samples from three high-mountain (up to 1400 m a.s.l.) pastoral sites located at Monti Sibillini, in the Italian central Apennines. Results show that the presence of anthropic organic-rich deposits, even when poorly preserved, (1) allows for an accurate description of herbivore dung internal characteristics, (2) establishes precise microstratigraphy of anthropogenic deposits and husbandry practices related to intensity of use of space, and (3) gives accurate information about former vegetation and landscape use in the local area. Based on this exploratory ethnoarchaeological approach, we discuss the potential of micro-analyses of archaeological decayed or burnt livestock dung in a small set of samples collected during a initial survey for obtaining insights into the environment and husbandry practices from dung and goat stabling floors in a high-mountain context.
Caregiver Delivered Sensory Electrical Stimulation for Post Stroke Upper Limb Spasticity: A Single Blind Crossover Randomized Feasibility Study
Authors: Reeves Mark L. , Chotiyarnwong Chayaporn , Nair Krishnan Padmakumari Sivaraman , Slovak Martin , Healey T. Jamie , McCarthy Avril D. , Patterson Louise , Lavender Katharine , Strachan Linda , Ali Ali N. , Baster Kathleen
Published: May 2020

We developed a 64 channel sensory electrical stimulator which delivers a dynamic and variable ‘Sensory Barrage’ Stimulation (SBS). Our aim was to assess the feasibility of caregivers delivering the stimulation in the community for a clinical trial comparing single channel Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) with SBS for post stroke upper limb spasticity. We trained caregivers of 16 participants with post stroke upper limb spasticity to sequentially administer SBS and TENS for 60 min daily for four weeks each, with a washout period of two weeks in between. Outcome measures tested were recruitment and retention rates, compliance with interventions and daily recording of Participant -reported Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). We also collected results of Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Leeds Arm Spasticity Impact Scale (LASIS) and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) for spasticity. Out of 21 potential participants, 16 consented and 15 completed the protocol. Ten participants received TENS for 80% (23/28) of the intended hours. Eleven participants completed NRS for at 80% (45/56) of the study days. All participants attended all visits. The MAS reduced by at least one in five participants after SBS and in three after TENS. Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) of four points increase in ARAT was seen in five participants following TENS, and in four following SBS. A MCID of 18% decrease in NRS was reported by eight participants after TENS and three after SBS. This study demonstrated the feasibility of undertaking a trial of sensory electrical stimulation for post-stroke spasticity with caregivers delivering intervention in community. The study was not powered to detect efficacy of the interventions.Trial registration number:NCT02907775.Date 20-9-2016.
Empirical studies of factors associated with child malnutrition: highlighting the evidence about climate and conflict shocks
Authors: Brown Molly E. , Backer David , Billing Trey , White Peter , Grace Kathryn , Doocy Shannon , Huth Paul
Published: May 2020

Children who experience poor nutrition during the first 1000 days of life are more vulnerable to illness and death in the near term, as well as to lower work capacity and productivity as adults. These problems motivate research to identify basic and underlying factors that influence risks of child malnutrition. Based on a structured search of existing literature, we identified 90 studies that used statistical analyses to assess relationships between potential factors and major indicators of child malnutrition: stunting, wasting, and underweight. Our review determined that wasting, a measure of acute malnutrition, is substantially understudied compared to the other indicators. We summarize the evidence about relationships between child malnutrition and numerous factors at the individual, household, region/community, and country levels. Our results identify only select relationships that are statistically significant, with consistent signs, across multiple studies. Among the consistent predictors of child malnutrition are shocks due to variations in climate conditions (as measured with indicators of temperature, rainfall, and vegetation) and violent conflict. Limited research has been conducted on the relationship between violent conflict and wasting. Improved understanding of the variables associated with child malnutrition will aid advances in predictive modeling of the risks and severity of malnutrition crises and enhance the effectiveness of responses by the development and humanitarian communities.
Ferrochrome Slag Feasibility as a Raw Material in Refractories: Evaluation of Thermo-physical and High Temperature Mechanical Properties
Authors: Karhu Marjaana , Talling Bob , Piotrowska Patrycja , Matas Adams Alba , Sengottuvelan Abirami , Huttunen-Saarivirta Elina , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Lintunen Pertti
Published: May 2020

This paper reports the characteristics of ferrochrome slag and its feasibility as aggregate in refractories aiming to substitute virgin refractory raw materials. Refractory castable specimens were formulated with ferrochrome slag as an aggregate and commercial calcium aluminate cement as a binder. Objective was to prepare refractory specimens with a maximum slag utilization but simultaneously to sustain good properties, comparable to those of virgin raw material refractory products. Mechanical and thermo-physical properties of the cured, dried and sintered specimens were characterized. Cold crushing strengths of best performing ferrochrome slag containing specimens were higher than 90 MPa and compressive strength values measured at 1200 °C were over 9 MPa. Thermal insulation properties were even better than those of commercial refractory reference, showing thermal conductivity values as low as λRT−1000 °C = 1.3 − 0.9 W/m K. The liquid phase formation above 1200 °C limits the ferrochrome slag use for refractory applications. Results suggest ferrochrome slag’s feasibility as an aggregate raw material for refractory materials up to temperatures of 1200 °C in air and up to temperatures of 700 °C in acidic gaseous atmosphere. Possible applications for this kind of novel refractory materials are, e.g., insulating secondary layers or bottom zones in metallurgical processes to substitute virgin refractories. A direct contact to molten metal must be avoided, but they are applicable as, e.g. floorings when exposed only to occasional melt droplets.

Graphic Abstract
Assessment of low-frequency noise from wind turbines under different weather conditions
Authors: Chiu Chun-Hsiang , Lung Shih-Chun Candice
Published: May 2020

Background

Low-frequency (20–200 Hz) noise (LFN) from wind turbines has received much public attention due to potential health concerns. This work tries to estimate the sound power level of wind turbines (LW,A (dB)) at 20–200 Hz, which are not provided by manufacturers but essential for estimating LFN exposure (LAeq) of nearby residents.

Methods

LW,A at 20–200 Hz at three wind farms, each with a different brand of wind turbine (Brands A, B and C, respectively) were estimated using propagation model ISO 9613-2 under different weather conditions (rain, wind speed and wind direction) and validated with LFN monitoring data. The feasibility of using validated LW,A as inputs for ISO 9613-2 to simulate residents’ exposure (LAeq) to LFN were assessed considering interferences from rain, wind speed and wind directions.

Results

The average LW,A at 20–200 Hz ranged between 93.2 and 100.4 dB, 97.8 and 107.2 dB, and 96.5 and 110.4 dB for turbines of Brands A, B, and C, respectively, operating under wind speeds from 2 to 12 m/s. The LW,A at wind speed of 2–8 m/s increased on average by 1.4, 1.9 and 1.7 dB per 1 m/s increase for Brands A, B and C, respectively. The differences in modeled Leq obtained through the input of LW,A into the ISO 9613-2 model and the measured LAeq for the three studied wind farms all fall within 1.5 dB.

Conclusion

This study successfully determined and validated the LW,A of wind turbines of three brands, and subsequent residents’ LFN exposure (with 1.5 dB difference) at three wind farms. Accurately obtaining LFN exposure will serve as the basis for assessing LFN exposure-health relationship. As wind power widely use worldwide, health impact should be assessed based on validated LFN exposure assessment.