bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of LMS Convergence Rate with CLS-DFE for 5G Wireless Communication System
Authors: Sulong S. M. , Idris A. , Ali D. M.
Published: September 2020

WiMAX physical layer implemented Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) as one of the medium to conduct data transmission. OFDMA suffers from Intersymbol Interference (ISI) which can distort efficiency of the signal transmitted. ISI emerges in the system because of multipath. Basic Cascaded Least Square (CLS) with Decision Feedback Equalizer (DFE) had been proposed in previous research to minimize ISI in wireless communication system. This research will improve CLS performance in terms of convergence. CLS is a cascaded of two adaptive algorithms which are Least Mean Square (LMS) and Recursive Least Square (RLS). Although basic LMS has low complexity than RLS and has been used widely in wireless environment, LMS is suffering in terms of convergence. Updated Normalized Least Mean Square (NLMS) with training rate applied in this research to overcome disadvantage in LMS algorithm. This research justified that training rate is an alternative method to improve CLS-DFE in wireless communication system.
Mild Drought Facilitates the Increase in Wheat Aphid Abundance by Changing Host Metabolism
Authors: Cui Hongying , Wang Leyun , Reddy Gadi V P , Zhao Zihua
Published: September 2020

Water shortages and water pollution are current issues in ecosystems around the world, and the stress induced by drought can further increase negative impacts on agriculture in these areas. In the present experiment, we examined the effect of mild drought on wheat plants grown in association with the wheat aphid Sitobion avenae Fabricius (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in 2019 and 2020. Using plot experiments, we tested the hypothesis that mild drought tends to enhance the performance of this wheat aphid by changing the nutritional quality of the wheat plants. We found that mild drought treatment significantly increased aphid abundance and population growth rates. Also, mild drought significantly increased total amino acid concentration of the wheat ear as well as concentrations of key amino acids, including Arg, Ile, Leu, Lys, Phe, Try, Gly, Ala, Tyr, and Cys in 2019, and Arg, Ile, Leu, Lys, Gly, and Cys in 2020. Mild drought led to a shift in the composition of amino acids in the plants, causing cascading effects at higher trophic levels. Such changes suggest that the carrying capacity of the environment with respect to aphids will increase if mild drought events continues to increase in frequency with climate change.
Association Between Use of Anticancer Drugs and Cardiovascular Disease–Related Hospitalization in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Insights From a Population-Based Study, the Anticancer Vigilance of Cardiac Events Study
Authors: Dolladille Charles , Launoy Guy , Bouvier Véronique , Salem Joe-Elie , Legallois Damien , Milliez Paul , Sassier Marion , Lobbedez Thierry , Guittet Lydia , Alexandre Joachim
Published: September 2020

We aimed to investigate the association between use of anticancer drugs and cardiovascular-related hospitalization (CVRH) among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). A cohort study, the Anticancer Vigilance of Cardiac Events (AVOCETTE) Study, was conducted using data from the digestive tumor registry of a French county, the Département du Calvados. Incident mCRC cases diagnosed between 2008 and 2014 were included. The follow-up end date was December 31, 2016. Data from the county hospital center pharmacy and medical information departments were matched with the registry data. A competing-risks approach was used. Statistical tests were 2-sided. A total of 1,116 mCRC patients were included, and they were administered 12,374 rounds of treatment; fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, and bevacizumab were most common drugs used. A total of 208 CVRH events occurred in 145 patients (13.0%). The International Cancer Survival Standards type 1 standardized incidence was 84.0 CVRH per 1,000 person-years (95% confidence interval: 72.6, 95.5). Anticancer drugs were not associated with a higher incidence of CVRH. Male sex, increasing age, a prior history of CVRH, and a higher Charlson comorbidity index score were associated with a higher incidence of CVRH. CVRH was significantly associated with higher all-cause mortality (multivariable hazard ratio = 1.58, 95% confidence interval: 1.28, 1.95). In this study, anticancer drugs were not associated with a higher incidence of CVRH in mCRC patients.
Evaluation of the reliability of MRSA screens in patients undergoing universal decolonization
Authors: Chaudhry Amna , Allen Bryan , Paylor Meagan , Hayes Sarah
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Colonization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can be detected via nasal screens. Evidence indicates that negative MRSA nasal screens may be used to de-escalate anti-MRSA antibiotics in pulmonary infections. In the ICU, universal decolonization with intranasal mupirocin is implemented to reduce MRSA infection risk. This study aimed to determine whether mupirocin administration affects the reliability of MRSA PCR nasal screens.

Methods

This retrospective study divided subjects based on timing of intranasal mupirocin administration—before and after MRSA screen. Subjects with confirmed pulmonary infection that received vancomycin, blood/respiratory cultures, and had MRSA PCR screen collected were included. Subjects with concurrent infection requiring vancomycin or MRSA infection in prior 30 days were excluded. Primary outcome of this non-inferiority study was the negative predictive value (NPV) of the screen. Secondary outcomes included the positive predictive value (PPV), sensitivity, and specificity of the screen and duration of vancomycin.

Results

Ultimately, 125 subjects were included in each group. The NPV in the group receiving mupirocin before screen was 95.2%, whereas the NPV in the group receiving mupirocin after screen was 99%. The difference between groups was -3.8% (90% CI -7.8%-0.2%; p=0.31), which failed to meet non-inferiority criteria. The secondary outcomes of PPV, sensitivity and specificity of the screen were similar in both groups. The duration of vancomycin was significantly longer in subjects receiving mupirocin before screen (3 days vs. 2 days; p<0.05).

Conclusion

Intranasal mupirocin prior to the screen may reduce NPV in pulmonary infections. Approach de-escalation of vancomycin based on screen results with caution.
Shifts in fine root traits within and among species along a fine-scale hydrological gradient
Authors: Taseski Guy M , Keith David A , Dalrymple Rhiannon L , Cornwell William K
Published: September 2020

Background and Aims

Lessons from above-ground trait ecology and resource economics theory may not be directly translatable to below-ground traits due to differences in function, trade-offs and environmental constraints. Here we examine root functional traits within and across species along a fine-scale hydrological gradient. We ask two related questions: (1) What is the relative magnitude of trait variation across the gradient for within- versus among-species variation? (2) Do correlations among below-ground plant traits conform with predictions from resource-economic spectrum theory?

Methods

We sampled four below-ground fine-root traits (specific root length, branching intensity, root tissue density and root dry matter content) and four above-ground traits (specific leaf area, leaf size, plant height and leaf dry matter content) in vascular plants along a fine-scale hydrological gradient within a wet heathland community in south-eastern Australia. Below-ground and above-ground traits were sampled both within and among species.

Key Results

Root traits shifted both within and among species across the hydrological gradient. Within- and among-species patterns for root tissue density showed similar declines towards the wetter end of the gradient. Other root traits showed a variety of patterns with respect to within- and among-species variation. Filtering of species has a stronger effect compared with the average within-species shift: the slopes of the relationships between soil moisture and traits were steeper across species than slopes of within species. Between species, below-ground traits were only weakly linked to each other and to above-ground traits, but these weak links did in some cases correspond with predictions from economic theory.

Conclusions

One of the challenges of research on root traits has been considerable intraspecific variation. Here we show that part of intraspecific root trait variation is structured by a fine-scale hydrological gradient, and that the variation aligns with among-species trends in some cases. Patterns in root tissue density are especially intriguing and may play an important role in species and individual response to moisture conditions. Given the importance of roots in the uptake of resources, and in carbon and nutrient turnover, it is vital that we establish patterns of root trait variation across environmental gradients.
Predictive value of immune cell counts and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio for 28-day mortality in patients with sepsis caused by intra-abdominal infection
Authors: Liu Shuangqing , Li Yuxuan , She Fei , Zhao Xiaodong , Yao Yongming
Published: September 2020

Background

The current study aimed to evaluate the value of immune cell counts and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) when attempting to predict 28-day mortality.

Methods

We conducted an observational retrospective study that included consecutive septic patients. Severity scores on the first day and peripheral circulating immune cell counts (at day 1, day 3, day 5 and day 7 of admission) were collected during each patient’s emergency intensive care unit stay. We assessed the associations of peripheral circulating immune cell counts and NLR with the severity of illness. The relationships between 28-day mortality and peripheral circulating immune cell counts and NLR with were evaluated using Cox proportional cause-specific hazards models.

Results

A total of 216 patients diagnosed with sepsis caused by IAI were enrolled. The lymphocyte counts (days 1, 3, 5 and 7) and monocyte counts (days 3, 5 and 7) were significantly lower in non-survivors (n = 72) than survivors (n = 144). The NLR values at each time point were significantly higher in non-survivors. The day 1 lymphocyte counts, as well as the monocyte counts, were significantly lower in the highest-scoring group, when stratified by the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores, than in the other groups (p < 0.05). The day 1 NLR was significantly higher in the highest-scoring group than in the other groups (p < 0.05). The day 5 and day 7 lymphocyte counts, day 3 and day 7 monocyte counts and day 7 NLR were significant predictors of 28-day mortality in the Cox proportional hazards models (day 5 lymphocyte count: hazard ratio, 0.123 (95% CI, 0.055–0.279), p < 0.001; day 7 lymphocyte count: hazard ratio, 0.115 (95% CI, 0.052–0.254), p < 0.001; day 3 monocyte count: hazard ratio, 0.067 (95% CI, 0.005–0.861), p = 0.038; day 7 monocyte count: hazard ratio, 0.015 (95% CI, 0.001–0.158), p < 0.001; day 7 NLR: hazard ratio, 0.773 (95% CI, 0.659–0.905), p = 0.001).

Conclusions

The results showed that circulating lymphocytes and monocytes were dramatically decreased within 7 days in non-survivors following sepsis from an IAI. Lymphocyte counts, monocyte counts and NLR appeared to be associated with the severity of illness, and they may serve as independent predictors of 28-day mortality in septic patients with IAIs.
Relationship between decline in estimated or measured glomerular filtration rate and 16-year postrenal transplant outcome
Authors: Delay Agnes , Moranne Olivier , Fafin Coraline , Mariat Christophe , Alamartine Eric , Delanaye Pierre , Maillard Nicolas
Published: September 2020

Background

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decline ≥30% over 2 years can substitute for the conventional ‘doubling of serum creatinine’ to predict end-stage renal disease in patients with native kidneys. While chronic kidney disease trajectory is less predictable in transplanted patients, recent data have suggested that similar GFR decline might be an acceptable surrogate for long-term transplant outcome. We sought (i) to confirm the prognostic value of an early GFR decline in kidney transplant recipients and (ii) to determine whether using direct measurement of GFR with inulin improves the performance of this surrogate.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed all recipients transplanted between 1989 and 2000 in our centre, with inulin-measured and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI)-estimated GFR at 1 and 5 years post-transplant, and evaluated the performance [time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC AUC) and subdistribution hazard ratio (sdHR) with competing risk model] of GFR change to predict graft failure and all-cause mortality.

Results

Out of 417 kidney transplant recipients, 116 patients had lost their graft and 77 had died 16 years after transplantation. While being significantly associated with graft failure [sdHR = 2.37 (95% confidence interval 1.47–3.83)], CKD-EPI-GFR decline ≥30% failed to appropriately predict long-term graft survival (C-statistics of 0.63). Concordance between inulin-GFR and CKD-EPI-GFR to detect similar GFR change was only 53%. Inulin-GFR change was, however, not a better predictor (C-statistics of 0.59). Comparable results were observed for mortality.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that early GFR decline is a poor surrogate for long-term transplant outcome, even when change in GFR is directly measured by a reference method.
Functional diversity of small-mammal postcrania is linked to both substrate preference and body size
Authors: Weaver Lucas N , Grossnickle David M
Published: September 2020

Selective pressures favor morphologies that are adapted to distinct ecologies, resulting in trait partitioning among ecomorphotypes. However, the effects of these selective pressures vary across taxa, especially because morphology is also influenced by factors such as phylogeny, body size, and functional trade-offs. In this study, we examine how these factors impact functional diversification in mammals. It has been proposed that trait partitioning among mammalian ecomorphotypes is less pronounced at small body sizes due to biomechanical, energetic, and environmental factors that favor a “generalist” body plan, whereas larger taxa exhibit more substantial functional adaptations. We title this the Divergence Hypothesis (DH) because it predicts greater morphological divergence among ecomorphotypes at larger body sizes. We test DH by using phylogenetic comparative methods to examine the postcranial skeletons of 129 species of taxonomically diverse, small-to-medium-sized (<15 kg) mammals, which we categorize as either “tree-dwellers” or “ground-dwellers.” In some analyses, the morphologies of ground-dwellers and tree-dwellers suggest greater between-group differentiation at larger sizes, providing some evidence for DH. However, this trend is neither particularly strong nor supported by all analyses. Instead, a more pronounced pattern emerges that is distinct from the predictions of DH: within-group phenotypic disparity increases with body size in both ground-dwellers and tree-dwellers, driven by morphological outliers among “medium”-sized mammals. Thus, evolutionary increases in body size are more closely linked to increases in within-locomotor-group disparity than to increases in between-group disparity. We discuss biomechanical and ecological factors that may drive these evolutionary patterns, and we emphasize the significant evolutionary influences of ecology and body size on phenotypic diversity.
Effects of nitric oxide treatment on flavour compounds and antioxidant enzyme activities of button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) during storage
Authors: Zhang Peiyu , Sun Haoyue , Fang Ting , Zhao Yaoyao , Duan Yuquan , Lin Qiong
Published: September 2020

Button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) is sold well for its unique flavour and nutritional benefits. However, the mushroom flavour deteriorates quickly during storage because of its delicate structure and high moisture. In this study, the effects of nitric oxide (NO) application on flavour compounds and antioxidant enzyme activities of stored button mushrooms were investigated. The button mushrooms were immersed in the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (15 μmol/L) for 3 min and then stored under the condition of 4 °C, 90% relative humidity for 12 days. Results showed that the treated mushrooms have reduced weight loss rate, uniform white colour, and higher firmness during storage. Compared to the control, the ketones, alcohols, esters, and aldehydes in the NO-treated button mushroom increased sharply at 3 days of storage and then showed a continuing decline trend, except ester compounds which reached the peak value at 6 days of storage. In addition, NO treatment increased the total phenolics and catalase activity and inhibited the polyphenol oxidase activity in the stored button mushroom. These results indicated that NO treatment is an alternative storage technology to enhance antioxidant capacity and maintain flavour and consumer acceptance of stored button mushroom.
Genomic Copy Number Variation Study of Nine Macaca Species Provides New Insights into Their Genetic Divergence, Adaptation, and Biomedical Application
Authors: Li Jing , Fan Zhenxin , Shen Feichen , Pendleton Amanda L , Song Yang , Xing Jinchuan , Yue Bisong , Kidd Jeffrey M , Li Jing
Published: September 2020

Copy number variation (CNV) can promote phenotypic diversification and adaptive evolution. However, the genomic architecture of CNVs among Macaca species remains scarcely reported, and the roles of CNVs in adaptation and evolution of macaques have not been well addressed. Here, we identified and characterized 1,479 genome-wide hetero-specific CNVs across nine Macaca species with bioinformatic methods, along with 26 CNV-dense regions and dozens of lineage-specific CNVs. The genes intersecting CNVs were overrepresented in nutritional metabolism, xenobiotics/drug metabolism, and immune-related pathways. Population-level transcriptome data showed that nearly 46% of CNV genes were differentially expressed across populations and also mainly consisted of metabolic and immune-related genes, which implied the role of CNVs in environmental adaptation of Macaca. Several CNVs overlapping drug metabolism genes were verified with genomic quantitative polymerase chain reaction, suggesting that these macaques may have different drug metabolism features. The CNV-dense regions, including 15 first reported here, represent unstable genomic segments in macaques where biological innovation may evolve. Twelve gains and 40 losses specific to the Barbary macaque contain genes with essential roles in energy homeostasis and immunity defense, inferring the genetic basis of its unique distribution in North Africa. Our study not only elucidated the genetic diversity across Macaca species from the perspective of structural variation but also provided suggestive evidence for the role of CNVs in adaptation and genome evolution. Additionally, our findings provide new insights into the application of diverse macaques to drug study.
Age-Related Hearing Loss, Late-Life Depression, and Risk for Incident Dementia in Older Adults
Authors: Brewster Katharine K , Hu Mei-Chen , Zilcha-Mano Sigal , Stein Alexandra , Brown Patrick J , Wall Melanie M , Roose Steven P , Golub Justin S , Rutherford Bret R
Published: September 2020

Background

Hearing loss (HL), late-life depression, and dementia are 3 prevalent and disabling conditions in older adults, but the interrelationships between these disorders remain poorly understood.

Methods

N = 8529 participants ≥60 years who were free of cognitive impairment at baseline were analyzed from National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set. Participants had either No HL, Untreated HL, or Treated HL. Primary outcomes included depression (15-item Geriatric Depression Scale ≥5) and conversion to dementia. A longitudinal logistic model was fit to examine the association between HL and changes in depressive symptoms across time. Two Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine HL and the development of dementia: Model A included only baseline variables and Model B included time-varying depression to evaluate for the direct effect of changes in depression on dementia over time.

Results

Treated HL (vs no HL) had increased risk for depression (odds ratio [OR] = 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04–1.54, p = .02) and conversion to dementia (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.03–1.62, p = .03). Baseline depression was a strong independent predictor of conversion to dementia (HR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.77–3.05, p < .0001). Development/persistence of depression over time was also associated with dementia (HR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.47–2.42, p < .0001), but only accounted for 6% of the direct hearing–dementia relationship (Model A logHR = 0.26 [SE = 0.12] to Model B logHR = 0.24 [SE = 0.12]) suggesting no significant mediation effect of depression.

Conclusions

Both HL and depression are independent risk factors for eventual conversion to dementia. Further understanding the mechanisms linking these later-life disorders may identify targets for early interventions to alter the clinical trajectories of at-risk individuals.
Helping Amid the Pandemic: Daily Affective and Social Implications of COVID-19-Related Prosocial Activities
Authors: Sin Nancy L , Klaiber Patrick , Wen Jin H , DeLongis Anita
Published: September 2020

Background and Objectives

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have prompted more engagement in prosocial activities, such as volunteering and support transactions. The day-to-day affective and social implications of these activities for adults of different ages are unknown. The current study examined associations of daily prosocial activities with affective and social well-being, and whether these associations varied by age.

Research Design and Methods

Participants ages 18–91 in Canada and the United States (N = 1,028) completed surveys for 7 consecutive evenings about their daily experiences of COVID-19-related prosocial activities (formal volunteering, support provision, support receipt), positive and negative affect, and satisfaction with social activities and relationships. Analyses were conducted using multilevel modeling and accounted for a range of potential confounding factors (e.g., sociodemographics, work, family, caregiving, daily stressors).

Results

Older age predicted more frequent formal volunteering, as well as more support provision and support receipt due to COVID-19. In particular, middle-aged and older adults provided more emotional support than younger adults, middle-aged adults provided the most tangible support, and older adults received the most emotional support. All three types of prosocial activities were associated with higher positive affect and greater social satisfaction on days when they occurred. Providing COVID-19-related support further predicted lower same-day negative affect. Age did not significantly moderate these associations.

Discussion and Implications

Older age was related to more frequent engagement in prosocial activities during the COVID-19 crisis. These activities were associated with improved daily affective and social well-being for adults of all ages.
3D Imaging and metabolomic profiling reveal higher neuroactive kavalactone contents in lateral roots and crown root peels of Piper methysticum (kava)
Authors: Jaiswal Yogini S , Yerke Aaron M , Bagley M Caleb , Ekelöf Måns , Weber Daniel , Haddad Daniel , Fodor Anthony , Muddiman David C , Williams Leonard L
Published: September 2020

Background

Kava is an important neuroactive medicinal plant. While kava has a large global consumer footprint for its clinical and recreational use, factors related to its use lack standardization and the tissue-specific metabolite profile of its neuroactive constituents is not well understood.

Results

Here we characterized the metabolomic profile and spatio-temporal characteristics of tissues from the roots and stems using cross-platform metabolomics and a 3D imaging approach. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed the highest content of kavalactones in crown root peels and lateral roots. Infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI) imaging revealed a unique tissue-specific presence of each target kavalactone. X-ray micro-computed tomography analysis demonstrated that lateral roots have morphological characteristics suitable for synthesis of the highest content of kavalactones.

Conclusions

These results provide mechanistic insights into the social and clinical practice of the use of only peeled roots by linking specific tissue characteristics to concentrations of neuroactive compounds.
Genes influenced by MEF2C contribute to neurodevelopmental disease via gene expression changes that affect multiple types of cortical excitatory neurons
Authors: Cosgrove Donna , Whitton Laura , Fahey Laura , Ó Broin Pilib , Donohoe Gary , Morris Derek W
Published: September 2020

Myocyte enhancer factor 2 C (MEF2C) is an important transcription factor during neurodevelopment. Mutation or deletion of MEF2C causes intellectual disability (ID), and common variants within MEF2C are associated with cognitive function and schizophrenia risk. We investigated if genes influenced by MEF2C during neurodevelopment are enriched for genes associated with neurodevelopmental phenotypes and if this can be leveraged to identify biological mechanisms and individual brain cell types affected. We used a set of 1055 genes that were differentially expressed in the adult mouse brain following early embryonic deletion of Mef2c in excitatory cortical neurons. Using genome-wide association studies data, we found these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to be enriched for genes associated with schizophrenia, intelligence and educational attainment but not autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For this gene set, genes that overlap with target genes of the Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) are a major driver of these enrichments. Using trios data, we found these DEGs to be enriched for genes containing de novo mutations reported in ASD and ID, but not schizophrenia. Using single-cell RNA sequencing data, we identified that a number of different excitatory glutamatergic neurons in the cortex were enriched for these DEGs including deep layer pyramidal cells and cells in the retrosplenial cortex, entorhinal cortex and subiculum, and these cell types are also enriched for FMRP target genes. The involvement of MEF2C and FMRP in synapse elimination suggests that disruption of this process in these cell types during neurodevelopment contributes to cognitive function and risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Use of Fresh Scalp Allografts From Living Relatives for Extensive Deep Burns in Children: A Clinical Study Over 7 Years
Authors: Shen Chuanan , Deng Huping , Sun Tianjun , Cai Jianhua , Li Dongjie , Li Ligen , He Lixia , Zhang Bohan , Li Dawei , Wang Liang , Niu Yuezeng
Published: September 2020

Conventionally, pediatric patients with major burns need frozen cadaveric allografts to save their lives. However, these allografts are insufficient in many burn units because of cultural and local governmental laws in China. This paper reported 22 pediatric patients with major burns who received fresh scalp allografts from their parents, siblings, or relatives from January 2011 to December 2017. These 22 pediatric patients sustained deep partial-thickness to full-thickness burns involving 40% total body surface area (TBSA) on average. Wounds were covered with fresh scalp allografts alone or with postage stamp autografts and fresh scalp allografts post excision. Data were collected from medical files of the treated patients, including sex, age, etiology of burn injury, abbreviated burn severity index (ABSI), and TBSA. Postoperative variables included early survival rate of skin grafts, mean time to rejection, length of hospital stay (LHS), healing time of donor sites, and follow-up complications of donors. The 1-year survival rate of the 22 pediatric patients included into the study was 100%. The early survival rate of the scalp allografts was similar to the autografts. The mean time to rejection was 15.5 ± 3.60 days. The average LHS was 58 days. All donor sites healed within 7.6 days on average, without scar formation, alopecia areata, or folliculitis. Following up data of the donors revealed a full psychological sense of accomplishment and no regrets of donating the scalp to save the burned children. Therefore, the use of fresh scalp allografts is a feasible alternative to save pediatric patients with major burns when frozen allografts are unavailable.
Do versus Don’t: The Impact of Framing on Goal-Level Setting
Authors: Tuk Mirjam A , Prokopec Sonja , Van den Bergh Bram
Published: September 2020

The consumer behavior literature extensively studied the impact of goal setting on behavior and performance. However, much less is known about the antecedents of goal-level setting—consumers’ decision of whether to work out twice or three times per week. Consumers can decide how many goal-consistent activities to undertake (“goal-consistent decision frame”; such as exercising two days per week) or to forego (“goal-inconsistent decision frame”; such as not exercising five days per week). While objectively the same decision, we argue that these different frames impact consumers’ ambition. Making a decision to forego goal-consistent activities triggers negative, self-evaluative emotions and to compensate for these unfavorable self-evaluations, consumers set more ambitious goal levels. Across a variety of contexts, consumers are more ambitious when their focal decision is inconsistent with goal achievement. For instance, they decide to work out more often when they decide how many work-out sessions they would skip (vs. attend). The impact of goal-inconsistent decision framing is mitigated when the activity is less instrumental toward goal achievement, and when negative self-evaluative emotions are alleviated through self-affirmation.
Role and therapeutic potential of liquid–liquid phase separation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Pakravan Donya , Orlando Gabriele , Bercier Valérie , Van Den Bosch Ludo
Published: September 2020

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a late-onset neurodegenerative disease selectively affecting motor neurons, leading to progressive paralysis. Although most cases are sporadic, ∼10% are familial. Similar proteins are found in aggregates in sporadic and familial ALS, and over the last decade, research has been focused on the underlying nature of this common pathology. Notably, TDP-43 inclusions are found in almost all ALS patients, while FUS inclusions have been reported in some familial ALS patients. Both TDP-43 and FUS possess ‘low-complexity domains’ (LCDs) and are considered as ‘intrinsically disordered proteins’, which form liquid droplets in vitro due to the weak interactions caused by the LCDs. Dysfunctional ‘liquid–liquid phase separation’ (LLPS) emerged as a new mechanism linking ALS-related proteins to pathogenesis. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on ALS-related gene products associated with a proteinopathy and discuss their status as LLPS proteins. In addition, we highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting LLPS for treating ALS.
Uniportal VATS retrieval of an endobronchial coil migrated through pericardium
Authors: Kutywayo Kudzayi , Acharya Metesh N , Rathinam Sridhar
Published: September 2020

Endobronchial insertion of nitinol coils is a minimally invasive treatment strategy for selected patients with advanced emphysema. Although coil migration into the pleural space has been described by Marchetti et al. (Endobronchial coil penetration into the pleural space. Thorax 2018;73:890–1) [ 1], breach through the pericardium has not been reported to date.
Contested natures: conflict over caracals and cats in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Nattrass Nicoli , O’Riain M Justin
Published: September 2020

In the mid-2010s, residents of Atlantic Beach Golf Estate (ABGE) in peri-urban Cape Town became embroiled in a dispute over how to respond to a wild predator, the caracal (Caracal caracal) killing domestic cats (Felis catus). It was revealing of the policy challenges posed by both these predators for urban ecology, of social conflict over notions of ‘nature’, and how cats can be framed as family members worthy of protection or as a danger to wildlife themselves. Conservation authorities resisted requests for permission to capture, remove or radio-collar and monitor any caracals on the ABGE, even after a caracal entered a home and killed a cat. This contrasted with Cape Town’s policy on Chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) where significant resources are allocated to reducing the spatial overlap between baboon home ranges and houses, and where negotiated protocols exist for the lethal management of individuals that persist in entering urban areas despite non-lethal deterrents. It also contrasts with the lethal management of caracals inside penguin (Spheniscus demersus) colonies. Policy towards the ABGE was shaped by its history as a security/eco-estate bordering a nature reserve, but the outcome—inconsistent policy regarding caracals that incentivises affected residents to take matters into their own hands—was sub-optimal for environmental managers, affected residents and caracals. Relatively high-income ratepayers committed to living with ‘nature’ (albeit curated) in places like ABGE are potential allies in assisting environmental officials better protect penguins and caracals, thereby facilitating more biodiverse ecologies with predators in urban Cape Town.
LncExpDB: an expression database of human long non-coding RNAs
Authors: Li Zhao , Liu Lin , Jiang Shuai , Li Qianpeng , Feng Changrui , Du Qiang , Zou Dong , Xiao Jingfa , Zhang Zhang , Ma Lina
Published: September 2020

Expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) across diverse biological conditions provide significant insights into their biological functions, interacting targets as well as transcriptional reliability. However, there lacks a comprehensive resource that systematically characterizes the expression landscape of human lncRNAs by integrating their expression profiles across a wide range of biological conditions. Here, we present LncExpDB (https://bigd.big.ac.cn/lncexpdb), an expression database of human lncRNAs that is devoted to providing comprehensive expression profiles of lncRNA genes, exploring their expression features and capacities, identifying featured genes with potentially important functions, and building interactions with protein-coding genes across various biological contexts/conditions. Based on comprehensive integration and stringent curation, LncExpDB currently houses expression profiles of 101 293 high-quality human lncRNA genes derived from 1977 samples of 337 biological conditions across nine biological contexts. Consequently, LncExpDB estimates lncRNA genes’ expression reliability and capacities, identifies 25 191 featured genes, and further obtains 28 443 865 lncRNA-mRNA interactions. Moreover, user-friendly web interfaces enable interactive visualization of expression profiles across various conditions and easy exploration of featured lncRNAs and their interacting partners in specific contexts. Collectively, LncExpDB features comprehensive integration and curation of lncRNA expression profiles and thus will serve as a fundamental resource for functional studies on human lncRNAs.
Covering all your bases: incorporating intron signal from RNA-seq data
Authors: Lee Stuart , Zhang Albert Y , Su Shian , Ng Ashley P , Holik Aliaksei Z , Asselin-Labat Marie-Liesse , Ritchie Matthew E , Law Charity W
Published: September 2020

RNA-seq datasets can contain millions of intron reads per library that are typically removed from downstream analysis. Only reads overlapping annotated exons are considered to be informative since mature mRNA is assumed to be the major component sequenced, especially for poly(A) RNA libraries. In this study, we show that intron reads are informative, and through exploratory data analysis of read coverage that intron signal is representative of both pre-mRNAs and intron retention. We demonstrate how intron reads can be utilized in differential expression analysis using our index method where a unique set of differentially expressed genes can be detected using intron counts. In exploring read coverage, we also developed the superintronic software that quickly and robustly calculates user-defined summary statistics for exonic and intronic regions. Across multiple datasets, superintronic enabled us to identify several genes with distinctly retained introns that had similar coverage levels to that of neighbouring exons. The work and ideas presented in this paper is the first of its kind to consider multiple biological sources for intron reads through exploratory data analysis, minimizing bias in discovery and interpretation of results. Our findings open up possibilities for further methods development for intron reads and RNA-seq data in general.
Pathological changes in the lungs and lymphatic organs of 12 COVID-19 autopsy cases
Authors: Liu Qian , Shi Yu , Cai Jun , Duan Yaqi , Wang Rongshuai , Zhang Hongyan , Ruan Qiurong , Li Jiansha , Zhao Lei , Ping Yifang , Chen Rong , Ren Liang , Fei Xiaochun , Zhang Heng , Tang Rui , Wang Xi , Luo Tao , Liu Xindong , Huang Xuequan , Liu Zhenhua , Ao Qilin , Ren Yong , Xiong Jing , He Zhicheng , Wu Haibo , Fu Wenjuan , Zhao Pengnan , Chen Xinwei , Qu Guoqiang , Wang Yunyun , Wang Xi , Liu Jia , Xiang Dongfang , Xu Sanpeng , Zhou Xiaowei , Li Qingrui , Ma Jinghong , Li Heng , Zhang Jie , Huang Sizhe , Yao Xiaohong , Zhou Yiwu , Wang Chaofu , Zhang Dingyu , Wang Guoping , Liu Liang , Bian Xiu-Wu
Published: September 2020

Systematic autopsy and comprehensive pathological analyses of COVID-19 decedents should provide insights into the disease characteristics and facilitate the development of novel therapeutics. In this study, we report the autopsy findings from the lungs and lymphatic organs of 12 COVID-19 decedents—findings that evaluated histopathological changes, immune cell signature and inflammatory factor expression in the lungs, spleen and lymph nodes. Here we show that the major pulmonary alterations included diffuse alveolar damage, interstitial fibrosis and exudative inflammation featured with extensive serous and fibrin exudates, macrophage infiltration and abundant production of inflammatory factors (IL-6, IP-10, TNFα and IL-1β). The spleen and hilar lymph nodes contained lesions with tissue structure disruption and immune cell dysregulation, including lymphopenia and macrophage accumulation. These findings provide pathological evidence that links injuries of the lungs and lymphatic organs with the fatal systematic respiratory and immune malfunction in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Metaplastic carcinoma of breast: a report of two cases
Authors: Yahaya James , Mremi Alex
Published: September 2020

The pathogenesis of metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) is still debatable and it has been hypothesized that MBC develops as a result of transformation of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells along with formation of a favorable tumor microenvironment. This favorable tumor microenvironment helps the transformed cells to undergo further mutations and clonal expansion. Case 1 was a 42-year old female with a 1-year history of a right breast fungating mass which was histologically confirmed to be matrix-producing type of MBC. Case 2 was a 47-year old female who presented with a recurrent left breast mass. Histologically, the tumor was confirmed to be carcinosarcomatous type of MBC. MBC is a rare, heterogeneous tumor with poor prognosis due to its aggressive behavior. It is more likely to mimic other benign breast conditions, therefore contributing to delay of diagnosis as it was for both of our patients herein presented.
Familial spontaneous pneumothorax and Machado–Joseph disease
Authors: Pelayo Jerald , Rau Naraharisetty , Lo Kevin Bryan , Azmaiparashvili Zurab
Published: September 2020

We report the first known case of a 42-year-old man diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, also known as Machado–Joseph disease (MJD), who presented with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax. Six other family members affected with MJD died of the same pulmonary complication. To date, there has been no direct genetic linkage between MJD and familial spontaneous pneumothorax. However, the mutated ataxin-3 (ATXN3) gene in MJD and Serpin Family A Member 1 (SERPINA1) gene in hereditary emphysema share the same loci on chromosome 14q32.1, which is suggestive of genetic proclivity of patients with MJD to develop familial pneumothorax. Furthermore, the abnormal ataxin protein encoded by ATXN3 and the patient’s smoking history could have potentiated the dysregulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system further aggravating his genetic predisposition to develop recurrent pneumothorax. These unexplored areas of inquiry invoke further molecular characterization to give an accent to medical knowledge as well as guide novel therapies in the future.
Internality, transfer, and infinitesimal modeling of infinite processes†
Authors: Bottazzi Emanuele , Katz Mikhail G
Published: September 2020

A probability model is underdetermined when there is no rational reason to assign a particular infinitesimal value as the probability of single events. Pruss claims that hyperreal probabilities are underdetermined. The claim is based upon external hyperreal-valued measures. We show that internal hyperfinite measures are not underdetermined. The importance of internality stems from the fact that Robinson’s transfer principle only applies to internal entities. We also evaluate the claim that transferless ordered fields (surreals, Levi-Civita field, Laurent series) may have advantages over hyperreals in probabilistic modeling. We show that probabilities developed over such fields are less expressive than hyperreal probabilities.
Familial associations for rheumatoid autoimmune diseases
Authors: Thomsen Hauke , Li Xinjun , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan , Försti Asta , Hemminki Kari
Published: September 2020

Objective

Previous studies have shown a familial component in RA and in some other rheumatic autoimmune diseases (RAIDs), but because of the different study designs the risk estimates for familial risks differ extensively. The objective of this study is to identify familial components for RAIDs.

Methods

We collected data on patients diagnosed in Swedish hospitals with RA, AS, PM/DM, SS, SLE and SSc (and scleroderma) and calculated familial standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for each of these (concordant) and between them (discordant).

Results

The combined number of RAID patients in the offspring population (for whom SIRs were calculated) was 71 544, and in the whole population the number was 152 714, accounting for 19.8% of all autoimmune diseases in Sweden. AS showed the highest concordant familial risk of 18.42, followed by SLE (14.04), SS (8.63), SSc (4.50), PM/DM (4.03) and RA (3.03). There was no sex difference in SIRs. Risks for AS and SLE were 80.28 and 19.53 for persons whose parents and siblings were affected. Discordant risks were far lower than concordant risks, but they were significant for RA with all the other five RAIDs, for SLE and SSc with four RAIDs, for AS and SS with three RAIDs and for PM/DM with two RAIDs, attesting to extensive polyautoimmunity between RAIDs.

Conclusion

The derived familial risks in this nationwide family study on medically diagnosed RAID are compatible with emerging evidence on the polygenic background of these complex diseases. Novel genetic pathways offer new therapeutic targets that alleviate disease onset optimally in high-risk familial patients and others.
CALCULATION OF DOSE CONVERSION FACTORS BASED ON THE RESULTS OF GEOMETRIC MIXTURE MODELS FOR RISK ASSESSMENT OF RADON EXPOSURE
Authors: Zhukovsky Michael , Onishchenko Aleksandra
Published: September 2020

The results of the geometric mixture model by Tomasek (2011, 2013) were applied for the calculation of radiation risk at radon exposure at the assessment of dose conversion factors (DCF; mSv/WLM) from radon exposure to the effective dose-by-dose conversion convention approach for cohorts with different smoking status. It is shown that the use of a geometric mixture model results in a better agreement between DCF values for men and women.
Boxwood Blight Disease: A Diagnostic Guide
Authors: Castroagudín Vanina L. , Yang Xiao , Daughtrey Margery L. , Luster Douglas G. , Pscheidt Jay W. , Weiland Jerry E. , Crouch Jo Anne
Published: September 2020

Boxwood blight, caused by Calonectria henricotiae and C. pseudonaviculata, is an extremely destructive disease of cultivated and native Buxus species (boxwood) worldwide. The disease is widespread in North America, Europe, and Southwest Asia. Early and accurate diagnosis of boxwood blight is the most effective tool used to prevent spread of the disease, and it is the first step for development and implementation of appropriate control measures. This diagnostic guide provides up-to-date information on how to diagnose and identify boxwood blight and also offers an overview of methods used to isolate the pathogen, store cultures, and evaluate pathogenicity of the causal agents.
Impact of Preoperative Opioid Use on Postoperative Patient-reported Outcomes in Lumbar Spine Surgery Patients
Authors: Weiner Joseph A. , Snavely Joseph E. , Johnson Daniel J. , Hsu Wellington K. , Patel Alpesh A.
Published: September 2020

Study Design:

This was a retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

Investigate the impact of preoperative opioid use on postoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical function (PF) and pain interference (PI) scores in patients undergoing elective spine surgery.

Background Data:

The PROMIS has demonstrated reliability and validity in conditions such as lumbar stenosis, disc herniation, and cervical spondylosis. Although previous studies have identified the negative impact of preoperative opioid use on legacy patient-reported outcome measures following lumbar spine surgery, no study to date has utilized PROMIS computer adaptive tests.

Methods:

Consecutive patients who underwent lumbar spine surgery at a single institution between 2014 and 2016 completed PROMIS PF and PI scores at baseline preoperatively and at 3, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Preoperative opioid use was defined as >1 month before surgery. Univariate and linear mixed model multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate for correlation of preoperative opioid use, as well as patient risk factors, with postoperative PROMIS PI and PF scores at each time point.

Results:

Ninety-one patients met inclusion criteria with PROMIS scores at every time point. A total of 36 (39.6%) patients self-reported taking opioids at the time of surgery. Mean duration of opioid use among opioid users was 6.5±7.4 months. Patients taking preoperative opioids had significantly less improvement at all time points out to 24 months. At 24 months, patients in the nonopioid group had mean PI improvement of −13.0±14.2 versus −4.9±15.4 in the opioid group (P=0.014). The mean postoperative improvement in the opioid group did not achieve minimally clinically important difference (MCID) of 8 at any time point.

Conclusions:

Patients who do not use opioids preoperatively show significant postsurgical improvement in PI scores compared with patients who use preoperative opioids. Mean improvement in PROMIS PI scores failed to meet an MCID of 8 in opioid users, whereas mean improvement exceeded this MCID in opioid naive patients. The results of this study help elucidate the deleterious impact of opioids, allowing surgeons to better set patient expectations.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.