bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Faecal microbiota transplant from aged donor mice affects spatial learning and memory via modulating hippocampal synaptic plasticity- and neurotransmission-related proteins in young recipients
Authors: D’Amato Alfonsina , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , Lucarini Elena , Man Angela L. , Le Gall Gwenaelle , Branca Jacopo J. V. , Ghelardini Carla , Amedei Amedeo , Bertelli Eugenio , Regoli Mari , Pacini Alessandra , Luciani Giulia , Gallina Pasquale , Altera Annalisa , Narbad Arjan , Gulisano Massimo , Hoyles Lesley , Vauzour David , Nicoletti Claudio
Published: October 2020

Background

The gut-brain axis and the intestinal microbiota are emerging as key players in health and disease. Shifts in intestinal microbiota composition affect a variety of systems; however, evidence of their direct impact on cognitive functions is still lacking. We tested whether faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) from aged donor mice into young adult recipients altered the hippocampus, an area of the central nervous system (CNS) known to be affected by the ageing process and related functions.

Results

Young adult mice were transplanted with the microbiota from either aged or age-matched donor mice. Following transplantation, characterization of the microbiotas and metabolomics profiles along with a battery of cognitive and behavioural tests were performed. Label-free quantitative proteomics was employed to monitor protein expression in the hippocampus of the recipients. We report that FMT from aged donors led to impaired spatial learning and memory in young adult recipients, whereas anxiety, explorative behaviour and locomotor activity remained unaffected. This was paralleled by altered expression of proteins involved in synaptic plasticity and neurotransmission in the hippocampus. Also, a strong reduction of bacteria associated with short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production (Lachnospiraceae, Faecalibaculum, and Ruminococcaceae) and disorders of the CNS (Prevotellaceae and Ruminococcaceae) was observed. Finally, the detrimental effect of FMT from aged donors on the CNS was confirmed by the observation that microglia cells of the hippocampus fimbria, acquired an ageing-like phenotype; on the contrary, gut permeability and levels of systemic and local (hippocampus) cytokines were not affected.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that age-associated shifts of the microbiota have an impact on protein expression and key functions of the CNS. Furthermore, these results highlight the paramount importance of the gut-brain axis in ageing and provide a strong rationale to devise therapies aiming to restore a young-like microbiota to improve cognitive functions and the declining quality of life in the elderly.
Factor structure of the University Personality Inventory in Japanese medical students
Authors: Sugawara Norio , Yasui-Furukori Norio , Sayama Masayuki , Shimoda Kazutaka
Published: October 2020

Background

The age of onset for most mental disorders is typically young adulthood, and the university setting is an important one for addressing mental health. The University Personality Inventory (UPI), which was developed to detect mental health problems in university students, is widely used for screening in Japan. However, there have been limited reports on the factor structure of the UPI based on a statistical test for binary indicators. The objective of this study was to assess the factor structure of the UPI in Japanese medical students.

Methods

This study examined the factor structure of the UPI in a sample of 1185 Japanese medical students at the time of university admission. The students were divided into subgroup A (n = 589) and subgroup B (n = 596) according to their year of university admission. Based on tetrachoric correlation coefficients, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with promax rotation was applied to explore the dimensions of the inventory in subgroup A. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was then conducted to verify the dimensions in subgroup B.

Results

The EFA with categorical variables yielded four factors in subgroup A. These factors, accounting for 48.9% of the variance, were labeled “Depression and Irritability”, “Anxiety and Persecutory Belief”, “Physical Symptoms”, and “Dependence”. The new four-factor structure showed good fit, and traditional factor structures previously reported were replicated via CFA. The internal consistency reliability was good for the overall UPI scale (alpha = 0.97) and for its four new factors (alpha = 0.83–0.91).

Conclusions

The UPI is a valid and reliable measure that can be used to assess symptoms across four dimensions of mental health in university settings. These findings offer a starting point for the detection of individuals with mental health problems.
Forgiveness of others and subsequent health and well-being in mid-life: a longitudinal study on female nurses
Authors: Long Katelyn N. G. , Worthington Everett L. , VanderWeele Tyler J. , Chen Ying
Published: October 2020

Background

Forgiveness is a concept of growing interest within psychology and of potential relevance to public health. While there has been increasing evidence suggesting positive associations between forgiveness of others and a range of psychosocial well-being and mental health outcomes, its associations with health behaviors and physical health are less clear.

Methods

This study used longitudinal data from the Nurses’ Health Study II (2008 Trauma Exposure and Post-traumatic Stress Supplementary Survey to 2015 questionnaire wave, N = 54,703), to conduct an outcome-wide analysis among a cohort of female nurses in the United States (age range: 43–64 years). The study prospectively examines the association between spiritually motivated forgiveness of others and a number of of subsequent psychosocial well-being, mental health, health behavior, and physical health outcomes in midlife. A set of linear, logistic, and Poisson regression models were used to regress each outcome on forgiveness in separate models. Sociodemographic factors, prior religious service attendance, and prior values of all outcome variables were controlled for wherever data were available. To account for multiple testing, we performed Bonferroni correction.

Results

Forgiveness was associated with subsequent improved psychosocial well-being and reduced psychological distress outcomes in a monotonic pattern. For instance, the top versus bottom level of forgiveness was associated with substantially higher levels of subsequent positive affect (β = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.21) and social integration (β = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.17), and was inversely associated with several indicators of subsequent psychological distress such as depressive symptoms (β = − 0.16, 95% CI: − 0.19, − 0.14). However, in this sample, there was little evidence that forgiveness was associated with health behaviors or physical health outcomes.

Discussion

This study suggests that forgiveness may be a health asset for promoting population mental health and psychosocial well-being, and moreover may also be understood as a good in itself. Further investigation on the dynamics between forgiveness and physical health is warranted to explore the discrepancy between the results here and some past research.
The protective effect of L-glutamine against acute Cantharidin-induced Cardiotoxicity in the mice
Authors: Shao Haozhen , Dong Lei , Feng Yanyan , Wang Chunhui , Tong Hongxuan
Published: October 2020

Background

Cantharidin (CTD) is a compound which have the potential to be exploited as an antitumor drug, and it has been demonstrated antitumor effects in a variety of cancers. However, the use is limited due to its severe toxicity. It has reported that it can induce fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Fortunately, we found that L-glutamine can alleviate cardiac toxicity caused by cantharidin in mice.

Methods

To investigate the protective effect of L-glutamine, we used a high dose of cantharidin in mice to create a model of cardiotoxicity. In the experimental mice, glutamine was given orally half an hour before they were administrated with cantharidin. The mice of control group were intraperitoneally injected with DMSO solution. The general state of all mice, cardiac mass index, electrocardiogram change and biological markers were determined. Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE staining) of heart tissue was carried out in each group to reflect the protective effect of glutamine. To investigate the mechanisms underlying the injury and cardio-protection, multiple oxidative stress indexes were determined and succinate dehydrogenase activity was evaluated.

Result

The results showed that L-glutamine (Gln) pretreatment reduced weight loss and mortality. It also decreased the biological markers (p < 0.05), improved electrocardiogram and histological changes that CTD induced cardiotoxicity in mice. Subsequently, the group pretreated with L-glutamine before CTD treatment increases in MDA but decreases in SOD and GSH, in comparison to the group treated with CTD alone. Besides, succinate dehydrogenase activity also was improved when L-glutamine was administrated before cantharidin compared to cantharidin.

Conclusions

This study provided evidence that L-glutamine could protect cardiac cells against the acute cantharidin-induced cardiotoxicity and the protective mechanism of glutamine may be related to the myocardial cell membrane or the tricarboxylic acid cycle in the mitochondria.
The treatment of microbubble disease of 20th century cellulose acetate microfilm: application of ethyl cellulose and microrepair method
Authors: Jia Zhihui , Li Jing , Li Yuhu , Qi Yunpeng , Hu Daodao , Xing Huiping , Chao Xiaolian
Published: October 2020

Microbubble disease observed in cellulose acetate microfilm is accompanied by the production of vinegar syndrome, which affects the image integrity. In the present study, samples of cellulose acetate microfilm with microbubble disease were selected to investigate potential treatment methods. Samples were sourced from the Republic of China (AD 1912–1949) microfilm collections held in the Second Historical Archives of China. A combination of optical microscopy and a stainless-steel needle was used to remove plasticizer exudation within microbubbles. The plasticizer was effectively removed by infiltrating butan-1-ol into the microbubble from a small hole made by the stainless-steel needle. SEM and confocal microscopy were used to study the morphology and roughness of the internal surface of the microbubbles. It was found that the blurry image could be attributed to light scattering from the rough surface. Ethyl cellulose was used to fill the interior of the microbubble to obtain a clearer image. To determine the protective potential of this filling material, the chemical and mechanical properties of coated film after dry heat, hygrothermal and UV accelerated ageing were measured. Based on the above-mentioned results, it is encouraging that a new microrepair method and its corresponding method are offered in film treatment work.
Linkage of alterations in systemic iron homeostasis to patients’ outcome in sepsis: a prospective study
Authors: Brandtner Anna , Tymoszuk Piotr , Nairz Manfred , Lehner Georg F. , Fritsche Gernot , Vales Anja , Falkner Andreas , Schennach Harald , Theurl Igor , Joannidis Michael , Weiss Günter , Pfeifhofer-Obermair Christa
Published: October 2020

Background

Sepsis, a dysregulated host response following infection, is associated with massive immune activation and high mortality rates. There is still a need to define further risk factors and laboratory parameters predicting the clinical course. Iron metabolism is regulated by both, the body’s iron status and the immune response. Iron itself is required for erythropoiesis but also for many cellular and metabolic functions. Moreover, iron availability is a critical determinant in infections because it is an essential nutrient for most microbes but also impacts on immune function and intravascular oxidative stress. Herein, we used a prospective study design to investigate the putative impact of serum iron parameters on the outcome of sepsis.

Methods

Serum markers of iron metabolism were measured in a prospective cohort of 61 patients (37 males, 24 females) with sepsis defined by Sepsis-3 criteria in a medical intensive care unit (ICU) and compared between survivors and non-survivors. Regulation of iron parameters in patients stratified by focus of infection and co-medication as well as association of the markers with sepsis severity scores and survival were investigated with linear and logistic regression corrected for sex and age effects.

Results

Positive correlations of increased serum iron and ferritin concentrations upon ICU admission with the severity of organ failure (SOFA score) and with mortality were observed. Moreover, high TF-Sat, elevated ferritin and serum iron levels and low transferrin concentrations were associated with reduced survival. A logistic regression model consisting of SOFA and transferrin saturation (SOFA–TF-Sat) had the best predictive power for survival in septic ICU patients. Of note, administration of blood transfusions prior to ICU admission resulted in increased TF-Sat and reduced survival of septic patients.

Conclusions

Our study could show an important impact of serum iron parameters on the outcome of sepsis. Furthermore, we identified transferrin saturation as a stand-alone predictor of sepsis survival and as a parameter of iron metabolism which may in a combined model improve the prediction power of the SOFA score.

Trial registration

The study was carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the Declaration of Helsinki on biomedical research. The study was approved by the institutional ethics review board of the Medical University Innsbruck (study AN2013-0006).
Surgery for colloid carcinoma of the pancreas with portal vein tumor thrombus: a case report
Authors: Udagawa Daisuke , Shimazu Motohide , Sakuragawa Tadayuki , Maruyama Shotaro , Uchi Yusuke , Miura Eisuke , Masugi Yohei , Sakamoto Michiie
Published: October 2020

Background

The portal vein is occasionally invaded by advanced malignant tumors in the pancreatic head region. However, pancreatic cancer rarely has portal vein tumor thrombi. We report a case of pancreatic cancer with a massive portal vein tumor thrombus undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy with combined resection of the portal vein.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old man visited a clinic with complaints of abdominal discomfort and vomiting. Gastroscopy showed a massive tumor in the duodenum. He was referred to our hospital for further examinations and treatment. The CT showed a low-density tumor with a maximum diameter of 10 cm located on the pancreas head. A tumor widely invaded the duodenum and had a 6-cm portal vein tumor thrombus. MRCP did not show obvious stenosis of the pancreatic duct due to tumor invasion. There were no findings suggesting distant metastases. Biopsy of the duodenum revealed adenocarcinoma. He was diagnosed with primary pancreatic cancer or duodenal cancer with portal vein tumor thrombus and underwent pancreatoduodectomy with resection and reconstruction of the portal vein. He suffered no postoperative complications and was discharged 2 months after surgery. The final histopathological diagnosis was pancreatic colloid carcinoma. He received adjuvant chemotherapy, but died 16 months after surgery.

Conclusions

Colloid carcinoma of the pancreas is rare, and pancreatic carcinoma seldom forms a portal vein tumor thrombus. We experienced a very rare case of pancreatic colloid carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus and performed radical resection of the pancreas and portal vein.
Laparoscopic repeat liver resection for hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma
Authors: Terasaki Fumihiro , Yamamoto Yusuke , Sugiura Teiichi , Okamura Yukiyasu , Ito Takaaki , Ashida Ryo , Ohgi Katsuhisa , Uesaka Katsuhiko
Published: October 2020

Background

Optimal treatment for patients with hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) remains unclear. Laparoscopic repeat liver resection (LR) is a minimally invasive and potentially effective surgical option for multiple HEHEs.

Case presentation

A 42-year-old woman with no relevant history was admitted for multiple liver tumors. Six tumors were observed on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including one in S2, two in S3, two in S7, and one in S8. Pathological evaluation of percutaneous tumor biopsy tissue suggested a diagnosis of HEHE and laparoscopic LR was planned. The procedure began with partial resection of S7 and partial resection of S8 and left lateral sectionectomy were performed. Another tumor was found intraoperatively on the surface of S6, necessitating removal by partial resection. Pathological evaluation of the resected tumor tissue from all seven tumors concurred with that of the preoperative biopsy. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 6 without any complications. A follow-up MRI 15 months after the primary surgery revealed one tumor each in S4, S6, and S8. Laparoscopic repeat LR was performed. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5 without any complications. All three recurrent tumors were pathologically confirmed as HEHEs.

Conclusions

We successfully treated primary and recurrent HEHEs with laparoscopic LR, which is a reasonable minimally invasive procedure considering the possibility of multiple courses of liver surgery in patients with HEHE.
In vivo bone regeneration assessment of offset and gradient melt electrowritten (MEW) PCL scaffolds
Authors: Abbasi Naghmeh , Lee Ryan S. B. , Ivanovski Saso , Love Robert M. , Hamlet Stephen
Published: October 2020

Background

Biomaterial-based bone tissue engineering represents a promising solution to overcome reduced residual bone volume. It has been previously demonstrated that gradient and offset architectures of three-dimensional melt electrowritten poly-caprolactone (PCL) scaffolds could successfully direct osteoblast cells differentiation toward an osteogenic lineage, resulting in mineralization. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the in vivo osteoconductive capacity of PCL scaffolds with these different architectures.

Methods

Five different calcium phosphate (CaP) coated melt electrowritten PCL pore sized scaffolds: 250 μm and 500 μm, 500 μm with 50% fibre offset (offset.50.50), tri layer gradient 250–500-750 μm (grad.250top) and 750–500-250 μm (grad.750top) were implanted into rodent critical-sized calvarial defects. Empty defects were used as a control. After 4 and 8 weeks of healing, the new bone was assessed by micro-computed tomography and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Significantly more newly formed bone was shown in the grad.250top scaffold 8 weeks post-implantation. Histological investigation also showed that soft tissue was replaced with newly formed bone and fully covered the grad.250top scaffold. While, the bone healing did not happen completely in the 250 μm, offset.50.50 scaffolds and blank calvaria defects following 8 weeks of implantation. Immunohistochemical analysis showed the expression of osteogenic markers was present in all scaffold groups at both time points. The mineralization marker Osteocalcin was detected with the highest intensity in the grad.250top and 500 μm scaffolds. Moreover, the expression of the endothelial markers showed that robust angiogenesis was involved in the repair process.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the gradient pore size structure provides superior conditions for bone regeneration.
Concept and application of relaxing radial retinectomy for retinal detachment with advanced proliferative vitreo-retinopathy
Authors: Girsang Waldensius , Sari Dwi C. R. , Srigutomo Wahyu , Gondhowiardjo Tjahjono D. , Sasongko Muhammad B.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To revisit the concept of retinectomy and the theory of mechanical forces on the retina occurring in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and to describe the potential application of radial retinectomy in RRD with advanced proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).

Methods

A literature search was performed to identify all English language articles reporting the use of retinectomy for the management of RRD with PVR. We reviewed the theoretical background of mechanical forces occurring in RRD.

Results

Detachment of the retina from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroid is influenced by disequilibrium of several physical forces: tangential forces on the epiretinal membrane $$\left( {T_{1} } \right)$$

T
1

and radial traction on the retina $$F_{R}$$

F
R

exceeding the retinal adhesion force to the RPE $$\left( {T_{1} \;\text{ + }F_{R} \;\text{ > }\;F_{A} } \right)\,\,$$

T
1

+

F
R

>

F
A

. PVR may exaggerate the amounts of tangential and radial forces ($$\left( {T_{1} } \right)$$

T
1

and $$F_{R}$$

F
R

) that pull the retina off. Relaxing radial retinectomy, by the nature of its cutting pattern, may theoretically decrease the amounts of both forces, therefore restoring the equilibrium between tensile and adhesive forces on the retinal surface $$\left( {T_{1} \;\text{ + }F_{R} \;\text{ = }\;F_{A} } \right)\,\,$$

T
1

+

F
R

=

F
A

.

Conclusion

Relaxing radial retinectomy may potentially be applied in RRD with advanced PVR but has rarely been reported to date. Future studies are needed to evaluate its outcomes and long-term complications.
Acceptability and outcomes of an individualized exergaming telePT program for veterans with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study
Authors: Chanpimol Shane , Benson Kimberly , Maloni Heidi , Conroy Susan , Wallin Mitchell
Published: October 2020

Background

Physical rehabilitation services are an important component of treatment for persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) to improve and maintain physical mobility. However, PwMS often have significant barriers to outpatient physical therapy (PT) services including mobility deficits and lack of transportation. The integration of exercise gaming (exergaming) and telehealth into clinical PT practices may overcome these barriers. The overarching purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the acceptability and effects of an individualized telePT intervention using exergaming.

Methods

Ten individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) completed a 12-week exergaming (Jintronix®) telerehabilitation intervention. In order to measure the acceptability of the telerehabilitation intervention, adherence was measured through the tablet-based rehabilitation software and each participant completed a satisfaction questionnaire. Clinical outcome measures were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. To evaluate the efficacy of this intervention, the following measures of physical function and fatigue were included; the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), 25-Foot Walk (25FW), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS), and the 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT). Clinical outcomes were analyzed using the Sign test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. All other data were evaluated using descriptive statistics.

Results

After the intervention, participants demonstrated significant improvements in ambulation speed during the 25FW (p = 0.04) and ambulation distance during the 2MWT (p = 0.002). Statistically significant increases of SPPB total score (p = .04) and sub-scores were also found. Participants did not demonstrate significant changes in the MFIS (p = 0.31) or MSWS-12 (p = 0.06) after the intervention. Participants had a 58.3% adherence rate during the intervention and performed their exercise program an average of 2.5 times per week. All participants reported that they were either ‘satisfied or ‘very satisfied’ with their telerehabilitation experience, would use telerehabilitation again, and would recommend telerehabilitation to others.

Conclusion

This individualized telerehabilitation intervention which integrates exergaming and clinical video teleconferencing is acceptable to patients and may offer a viable alternative to traditional PT for PwMS.

Trial registration

NCT03655431, retrospectively registered on August 31st, 2018.
Comparative study between saddle block and local anesthesia on excision of pilonidal sinus by using ligaSure
Authors: Hussien Ayman Esmail , Fahim Amira Ibrahim
Published: October 2020

Background

The excision of the pilonidal sinus starts at 1833. Local, spinal, or general anesthetic procedures for the disease are widely used. The excision of the pilonidal sinus by using ligaSure reduces blood loss, reduces procedure time, and reduces patient length of stay. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare between local anesthesia and saddle block on the excision of the pilonidal sinus by using ligaSure, with respect to recovery time, postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction.

Results

Forty patients were analyzed; the mean time of anesthesia, operation time, and operating room time were showing highly significantly lower in group LA when compared to group SA (P value < 0.01). At the postoperative period, patients in group LA experienced less intense postoperative pain with prolonged time of the first request for analgesia than patients in other groups.

Conclusion

Local anesthesia has more efficacy in early start of anesthesia, early discharge from the hospital with prolonged analgesia, strong hemostasis, more patient satisfaction, and more than saddle block .Therefore, local anesthesia is considered as an alternative to the saddle block on the excision of the pilonidal sinus by using ligaSure.
Automating threat modeling using an ontology framework
Authors: Välja Margus , Heiding Fredrik , Franke Ulrik , Lagerström Robert
Published: October 2020

Threat modeling is of increasing importance to IT security, and it is a complex and resource demanding task. The aim of automating threat modeling is to simplify model creation by using data that are already available. However, the collected data often lack context; this can make the automated models less precise in terms of domain knowledge than those created by an expert human modeler. The lack of domain knowledge in modeling automation can be addressed with ontologies. In this paper, we introduce an ontology framework to improve automatic threat modeling. The framework is developed with conceptual modeling and validated using three different datasets: a small scale utility lab, water utility control network, and university IT environment. The framework produced successful results such as standardizing input sources, removing duplicate name entries, and grouping application software more logically.
Frequency of infrapatellar neuropathy post-total knee replacement and arthroscopic surgery in Egyptian patients
Authors: Saif Dalia Salah , Eltabl Mohamed Ahmed
Published: October 2020

Background

The infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve (IPBSN) contains only sensory fibers that innervate the knee regarding its anteromedial aspect and the anterior-inferior portion of its capsule. IPBSN damage has been recorded as a postoperative complication of surgery about the knee, which is manifested by pain, numbness and reflex sympathetic dystrophy. The incisions made for arthroscopy, medial arthrotomy, and anterior cruciate ligament surgery also, can causes IPBSN damage in about 0.5 to 30% of cases. We aimed to study the frequency of infrapatellar branches of the saphenous nerve entrapment/injured in Egyptian patients to find the incidence of its affection in post-operative knee surgeries and to increase the awareness of this condition.

Results

Ninety patients complaining pain at the antero-medial aspect of the knee were collected and divided into 3 groups: G1 included 30 patients with a history of total knee replacement, G2 included 30 patients with a history of knee arthroscopy and G3 included 30 patients with non-specific knee pain. All patients went to clinical, electrophysiological study and laboratory measures.

There was a significant statically differences of sensory nerve conduction study regarding latency and amplitude of infrapatellar nerve between the three groups and significant statically differences of clinical signs among patients of the studied groups regarding Hofmann-Tinel sign and pain provocation test.

Conclusion

The entrapment/injury of IPBSN is an underestimated sometimes unrecognized cause of post-operative knee pain to many clinicians. Awareness of this condition would probably help in managing these cases to decrease post-operative pain and disability as the frequency of infrapatellar neuropathy post total knee replacement was 56.6% and post arthroscopic surgery was 63.3% in cohort of Egyptian patients.
Is Active Learning Accessible? Exploring the Process of Providing Accommodations to Students with Disabilities
Authors: Gin Logan E. , Guerrero Frank A. , Cooper Katelyn M. , Brownell Sara E.
Published: October 2020

This essay documents the challenges that active-learning practices pose for students with disabilities and how these challenges are currently being addressed by disability resource centers, or DRCs. Recommendations are presented for instructors and DRC staff who aim to create more inclusive active-learning science classes for students with disabilities.
Introduction to this special section: Machine learning and AI
Authors: Brusova Olga , Corzo Margarita , Pyrcz Michael J.
Published: October 2020

There is an ongoing digital revolution motivated by the data-driven scientific discovery paradigm. Geophysics has a mixed level of readiness, with some of these technologies already applied, research still emerging, and new opportunities to be discovered.
Quality estimation of magnetotelluric impedance tensors using neural networks
Authors: Imamura Naoto , Schultz Adam
Published: October 2020

While much of the workflow for geophysical data processing and analysis is automated, final quality assurance typically requires the decisions of skilled human analysts and interpreters. The quality and reliability of geophysical inverse models depends directly on the effectiveness of input data. The influence of spurious data on derived data products used in the inversion has been reduced by this effectiveness. Failure to identify and mitigate bias in data products can lead to costly errors. By applying supervised machine learning (ML), a neural network can be trained to recognize features in data that a human domain expert would identify as characteristic of poor data quality. In this study, we use magnetotelluric (MT) data as an example of a geophysical data set appropriate for such a training exercise. While MT data are used to estimate the resistivity structure of the subsurface, the concepts we discuss are universal to seismic, potential fields, and other geophysical data sets. We train a neural network, pyMAGIQ (Python-based magnetotelluric impedance qualifier), with multiple hidden layers and demonstrate that it successfully generates the nonlinear mapping function required to assess the quality of MT data. The training set is a large database of frequency-domain MT impedance tensors from the National Science Foundation-funded EarthScope MT project. A human-assigned quality index is associated with each impedance. We apply pyMAGIQ to unrated MT data from the United States and Canada and confirm that the ML-assigned quality factors are consistent with those assigned by trained human operators. We also apply sensitivity analysis to the trained neural network. This reveals that the human- and ML-assigned data quality index depends on the magnitude of the confidence limits on (1) the phases and (2) the continuity of the apparent resistivities and phases with respect to frequency.
Deep learning-based artificial bandwidth extension: Training on ultrasparse OBN to enhance towed-streamer FWI
Authors: Aharchaou Mehdi , Baumstein Anatoly
Published: October 2020

The lack of seismic low frequencies in towed-streamer data is known to have an outsized detrimental effect on advanced velocity model building techniques such as full-waveform inversion (FWI). Since seabed acquisition records ultralow frequencies (1–4 Hz) with high signal-to-noise ratio, this presents an opportunity to learn, in a supervised machine learning fashion, a bandwidth extension function to enrich towed-streamer data with low frequencies. We use recent advances in training deep neural networks to develop a novel method for learning low-frequency reconstruction from an ultrasparse set of ocean-bottom nodes (OBNs). This bandwidth extension is tested on two large field data sets (from an OBN survey and a wide-azimuth towed-steamer survey) acquired over a complex-shaped salt region in the Gulf of Mexico. The reconstructed low frequencies, although not perfect, enable FWI to more effectively correct the shape of salt bodies and result in improved subsalt imaging. Well-tie analysis shows an improvement in phase stability around the wellbore and a fit to within half a cycle at reservoir level. This work links together towed-streamer and seabed acquisitions, providing a cost-effective solution to help offshore seismic exploration with higher-quality low frequencies.
Memorial
Authors: House Nancy
Published: October 2020

Donald Macpherson was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on 6 October 1941. He passed on 20 August 2020. Though he was a proud Canadian till the end, he clung to his Scottish culture and became a fixture with his bagpipes at many events throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area. He attended the University of Alberta, initially studying music and fine arts and earning a bachelor's degree in 1964 with a minor in math and chemistry. He graduated with a master's degree in isotope geochemistry and geophysics from the University of Alberta in 1965. Don walked into the “best job in the world” as a geophysicist at Mobil Oil Canada in 1965. There, he was responsible for seismic acquisition crews, processing, and interpretation of geophysical data.
Aldosterone is Aberrantly Regulated by Various Stimuli in a High Proportion of Patients with Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: St-Jean Matthieu , Bourdeau Isabelle , Martin Marc , Lacroix André
Published: October 2020

Context

In primary aldosteronism (PA), aldosterone secretion is relatively independent of the renin–angiotensin system, but can be regulated by several other stimuli.

Objective

To evaluate aldosterone response to several stimuli in a series of patients with PA secondary either to bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (BAH) or unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA).

Design and setting

Prospective cohort study conducted in a university teaching hospital research center.

Patients

Forty-three patients with confirmed PA and subtyped by adrenal vein sampling (n = 39) were studied, including 11 with BAH, 28 with APA, and 4 with undefined etiology. We also studied 4 other patients with aldosterone and cortisol cosecretion.

Interventions

We systematically explored aberrant regulation of aldosterone using an in vivo protocol that included the following stimulation tests performed over 3 days under dexamethasone suppression: upright posture, mixed meal, adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) 1-24, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), vasopressin, and serotonin R4 agonist.

Main outcome measures

Positive response was defined as >50% renin or ACTH-independent increase in plasma aldosterone/cortisol concentration following the various stimulation tests.

Results

Renin-independent aldosterone secretion increased in response to several aberrant stimuli (upright posture, GnRH) in up to 83% of patients with APA or BAH in whom ACTH 1-24 and HT4R agonists also produced aldosterone oversecretion in all patients. The mean significant aberrant responses per patient was similar in BAH (4.6) and in APA (4.0).

Conclusions

Aldosterone secretion in PA is relatively autonomous from the renin–angiotensin system, but is highly regulated by several other stimuli, which contributes to the large variability of aldosterone levels in PA patients.
Weight Loss for Obese Prostate Cancer Patients on Androgen Deprivation Therapy
Authors: WILSON REBEKAH L. , NEWTON ROBERT U. , TAAFFE DENNIS R. , HART NICOLAS H. , LYONS-WALL PHILIPPA , GALVÃO DANIEL A.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Excess fat mass (FM) contributes to poor prostate cancer (PCa) prognosis and comorbidity. However, FM gain is a common side effect of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). We examined the efficacy of a 12-wk weight loss intervention to reduce FM and maintain lean mass (LM) in ADT-treated obese PCa patients.

Methods

Fourteen ADT-treated obese PCa patients (72 ± 9 yr, 39.7% ± 5.4% body fat) were recruited for a self-controlled prospective study, with 11 completing the 6-wk control period, followed by a 12-wk intervention comprising 300 min·wk−1 of exercise including supervised resistance training and home-based aerobic exercise, and dietitian consultations advising a daily energy deficit (2100–4200 kJ) and protein supplementation. Body composition was assessed by dual x-ray absorptiometry. Secondary outcomes included muscle strength (one-repetition maximum), cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen consumption), and blood biomarkers.

Results

There were no significant changes during the control period. Patients attended 89% of supervised exercise sessions and 100% of dietitian consultations. No changes in physical activity or energy intake were observed. During the intervention, patients experienced significant reductions in weight (−2.8 ± 3.2 kg, P = 0.016), FM (−2.8 ± 2.6 kg, P < 0.001), and trunk FM (−1.8 ± 1.4 kg, P < 0.001), with LM preserved (−0.05 ± 1.6 kg, P = 0.805). Muscle strength (4.6%–24.7%, P < 0.010) and maximal oxygen consumption (3.5 ± 4.7 mL·min−1·kg−1, P = 0.041) significantly improved. Leptin significantly decreased (−2.2 (−2.7 to 0.5) ng·mL−1, P = 0.016) with no other changes in blood biomarkers such as testosterone and lipids (P = 0.051–0.765); however, C-reactive protein (r
s = −0.670, P = 0.024) and triglycerides (r = −0.667, P = 0.025) were associated with individual changes in LM.

Conclusions

This study shows preliminary efficacy for an exercise and nutrition weight loss intervention to reduce FM, maintain LM, and improve muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness in ADT-treated obese PCa patients. The change in body composition may affect blood biomarkers associated with obesity and PCa progression; however, further research is required.
Impact of PI-RADS Category 3 lesions on the diagnostic accuracy of MRI for detecting prostate cancer and the prevalence of prostate cancer within each PI-RADS category: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wadera Akshay , Alabousi Mostafa , Pozdnyakov Alex , Kashif Al-Ghita Mohammed , Jafri Ali , McInnes Matthew DF , Schieda Nicola , van der Pol Christian B , Salameh Jean-Paul , Samoilov Lucy , Gusenbauer Kaela , Alabousi Abdullah
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To evaluate Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) category 3 lesions’ impact on the diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) of MRI for prostate cancer (PC) and to derive the prevalence of PC within each PI-RADS category.

Methods:

MEDLINE and Embase were searched until April 10, 2020 for studies reporting on the DTA of MRI by PI-RADS category. Accuracy metrics were calculated using a bivariate random-effects meta-analysis with PI-RADS three lesions treated as a positive test, negative test, and excluded from the analysis. Differences in DTA were assessed utilizing meta-regression. PC prevalence within each PI-RADS category was estimated with a proportional meta-analysis.

Results:

In total, 26 studies reporting on 12,913 patients (4,853 with PC) were included. Sensitivities for PC in the positive, negative, and excluded test groups were 96% (95% confidence interval [CI] 92–98), 82% (CI 75-87), and 95% (CI 91-97), respectively. Specificities for the positive, negative, and excluded test groups were 33% (CI 23-44), 71% (CI 62-79), and 52% (CI 37-66), respectively. Meta-regression demonstrated higher sensitivity (p < 0.001) and lower specificity (p < 0.001) in the positive test group compared to the negative group. Clinically significant PC prevalences were 5.9% (CI 0-17.1), 11.4% (CI 6.5–17.3), 24.9% (CI 18.4–32.0), 55.7% (CI 47.8–63.5), and 81.4% (CI 75.9–86.4) for PI-RADS categories 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively.

Conclusion:

PI-RADS category 3 lesions can significantly impact the DTA of MRI for PC detection. A low prevalence of clinically significant PC is noted in PI-RADS category 1 and 2 cases.

Advances in knowledge:

Inclusion or exclusion of PI-RADS category 3 lesions impacts the DTA of MRI for PC detection.
Ultrasound in the diagnosis of parotid duct obstruction not caused by sialolithiasis: diagnostic value in reference to direct visualization with sialendoscopy
Authors: Goncalves Miguel , Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Schapher Mirco , Iro Heinrich , Koch Michael
Published: October 2020

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasound in the obstructive pathology of the parotic gland not caused by sialolithiasis using sialendoscopy as reference standard.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of all patients who presented with suspected diagnosis of obstructive ductal pathology of the parotid gland other than sialolithiasis between January 2011 and December 2017. 538 patients, for a total of 691 parotid glands were included in the study. Ultrasound was performed, followed by sialendoscopy in all cases. Duct diameter and parenchyma echogenicity were assessed. Direct sialendoscopic examination of the parotid duct was regarded as the reference standard.

Results:

Parotid glands with normal sialendoscopic findings (21.6%, n = 149) had a duct diameter of 0.3 mm (0–2.7 mm) and homogeneous hyperechoic parenchyma on ultrasound in 98.7%. Ductal inflammation/sialodochitis (32.9%, n = 227) on sialendoscopy had significantly larger ductal diameter of 0.7 mm (0–4.3 mm, p = 0.001) and hypoechoic parenchyma in 78.0% (p < 0.001). Parotid glands with stenosis (45.6%, n = 315) had hypoechoic parenchyma in 52.6% and a ductal diameter of 4.1 mm (0–19.0 mm; p = 0.001). The ductal diameter was ≥2.7 mm in 95.6% of the stenosis (AUC 0.886, p = 0.001). Using 5.1 mm as benchmark ductal diameter, stenosis with ductal anomaly (68/315) were identifiable with a sensitivity of 92.6% and a specificity of 96.8% (AUC 0.986, p = 0.001).

Conclusion:

Ultrasound parameters can be used to distinguish different types of obstructive ductal pathology of the parotid gland, supporting the use of this imaging modality as diagnostic tool of first choice.
Impact of Gastric Sleeve Surgery on Plasma Retinol Binding Protein 4 and Adipsin Levels in Healthy Male Population
Authors: Alshubrami Suad , Al-Regaiey Khalid , Al-Fadda Assim , Iqbal Muhammad
Published: October 2020

Objectives: Bariatric surgery provides most substantial and sustainable weight loss measures in individuals with obesity. Caloric restriction is not only intervention, changes in hormonal secretions are also leading contributory mechanisms to reduce body weight and improve the glycaemic control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of gastric sleeve surgery on plasma retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) and adipsin levels among Saudi male obese population.

Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Departments of Physiology and Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University. Thirty-three obese (BMI>38.3) male patients age ranged from 25 to 50 years were recruited. RBP4 and adipsin levels were analyzed before and 6-12 months after gastric sleeve surgery by ELISA along with plasma glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and lipid profile.

Results: Circulating RBP4 levels were not significantly changed by bariatric surgery (4382.85±40.35 ng before, and 4393.28±33.13 ng after surgery, p=0.842), neither did adipsin (2949.68±46.86 pg before, and 2917.90±41.90 pg after surgery, p=0.535). Segregation of study participants into two age groups, 25-35 and 35-50 years of age, revealed that before surgery older age group (35-50) had higher RBP4 levels compared to younger group (25-35) (p=0.016). However, after surgery RBP4 levels were decreased in older group but not to a significant level (p=0.174). In younger age group after surgery, there was a near significant increase in RBP4 levels (p=0.052). There were no significant changes in RBP4 levels in both age groups after surgery (p=0.461). For adipsin, there were no significant differences before and after surgery in both age groups. Insulin, BMI and HOMA-IR index were decreased after surgery, however there was no correlation with RBP4 and adipsin levels.

Conclusions: The present study findings do not suggest a role for RBP4 and adipsin in the improvement of insulin sensitivity in Saudi male obese population after gastric sleeve surgery. However, a decrease in RBP4 levels in older individuals after surgery needs further investigations to understand its effect on weight and glycemic control.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.7.2329

How to cite this:Alshubrami S, Al-Regaiey K, Alfadda AA, Iqbal M. Impact of Gastric Sleeve Surgery on Plasma Retinol Binding Protein 4 and Adipsin Levels in Healthy Male Population. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(7):1495-1499. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.7.2329

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Non-intertwined strands of plasmid DNA contradicts the Watson and Crick model of DNA structure
Authors: Kumar Pawan
Published: October 2020

According to Watson and Crick (W/C) model of DNA structure, a DNA molecule consists of two antiparallel polynucleotide chains, intertwined with each other. Although W/C model is accepted widely, some researchers have raised questions against it and proposed alternative structures for DNA. In the present study, we examined W/C model using plasmid DNA. It was hypothesized that two strands of plasmid will remain intertwined (and not separate from each other) under denaturing conditions if it follows W/C model. To test this, plasmid DNA was denatured using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. It was observed that addition of NaOH to pUC19 and pBR322 plasmids resulted in a new form of DNA having higher electrophoretic mobility in agarose gel. Higher electrophoretic mobility DNA (HmDNA) in NaOH-denatured pUC19 was digestible with S1 nuclease, but not with HindIII and ‘exonuclease I + alkaline phosphatase’. These results demonstrated that HmDNA is single-stranded circular DNA, formed due to separation of two strands of NaOH-denatured plasmid. Single-stranded and circular nature of HmDNA was corroborated by its comparable electrophoretic mobility with purified top and bottom strands of plasmid DNA. Next, we examined whether HmDNA can re-anneal into the native plasmid. Interestingly, when HmDNA from NaOH-denatured pUC19 was subjected to renaturing conditions, it formed native pUC19 plasmid, which was digestible with HindIII and induced ampicillin resistance in Escherichia coli cells. These findings demonstrated the reversible separation of two strands of plasmid DNA and contradicted the W/C model of DNA structure.