bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alternaria toxins as casein kinase 2 inhibitors and possible consequences for estrogenicity: a hybrid in silico/in vitro study
Authors: Aichinger Georg , Dellafiora Luca , Pantazi Foteini , Del Favero Giorgia , Galaverna Gianni , Dall’Asta Chiara , Marko Doris
Published: April 2020

Emerging mycotoxins produced by Alternaria spp. were previously reported to exert cytotoxic, genotoxic, but also estrogenic effects in human cells. The involved mechanisms are very complex and not fully elucidated yet. Thus, we followed an in silico target fishing approach to extend knowledge on the possible biological targets underlying the activity of alternariol, taken as the signature compound of Alternaria toxins. Combining ligand-based screening and structure-based modeling, the ubiquitous casein kinase 2 (CK2) was identified as a potential target for the compound. This result was validated in a cell-free in vitro CK2 activity assay, where alternariol inhibited CK2 with an IC50 of 707 nM. As CK2 was recently discussed to influence estrogen receptor (ER) transcription and DNA-binding affinity, we assessed a potential impact on the mRNA levels of ERα or ERβ by qRT-PCR and on nuclear localization of the receptors by confocal microscopy, using estrogen-sensitive Ishikawa cells as a model. While AOH did not affect the transcription of ERα or ERβ, an increase in nuclear localization of ERα after incubation with 10 µM AOH was observed. However, this effect might be due to ER binding affinity and therefore estrogenicity of AOH. Furthermore, in silico docking simulation revealed not only AOH, but also a number of other Alternaria toxins as potential inhibitors of CK2, including alternariol monomethyl ether and the perylene quinone derivative altertoxin II (ATX-II). These findings were representatively confirmed in vitro for the perylene quinone derivative altertoxin II, which was found to inhibit the kinase with an IC50 of 5.1 µM. Taken together, we propose CK2 inhibition as an additional mechanism to consider in future studies for alternariol and several other Alternaria toxins.
A note on Dekker’s FastTwoSum algorithm
Authors: Lange Marko , Oishi Shin’ichi
Published: April 2020

More than 45 years ago, Dekker proved that it is possible to evaluate the exact error of a floating-point sum with only two additional floating-point operations, provided certain conditions are met. Today the respective algorithm for transforming a sum into its floating-point approximation and the corresponding error is widely referred to as$${{\,\mathrm{FastTwoSum}\,}}$$FastTwoSum. Besides some assumptions on the floating-point system itself—all of which are satisfied by any binaryIEEE $$754$$754standard conform arithmetic, the main practical limitation of$${{\,\mathrm{FastTwoSum}\,}}$$FastTwoSumis that the summands have to be ordered according to their exponents. In most preceding applications of$${{\,\mathrm{FastTwoSum}\,}}$$FastTwoSum, however, a more stringent condition is used, namely that the summands have to be sorted according to their absolute value. In remembrance of Dekker’s work, this note reminds the original assumptions for an error-free transformation via$${{\,\mathrm{FastTwoSum}\,}}$$FastTwoSum. Moreover, we generalize the conditions for arbitrary bases and discuss a possible modification of the$${{\,\mathrm{FastTwoSum}\,}}$$FastTwoSumalgorithm to extend its applicability even further. Subsequently, a range of programs exploiting the wider applicability is presented. This comprises theOnlineExactSumalgorithm by Zhu and Hayes, an error-free transformation from a product of three floating-point numbers to a sum of the same number of addends, and an algorithm for accurate summation proposed by Demmel and Hida.
HI-HPTLC-UV/Vis/FLD-HESI-HRMS and bioprofiling of steviol glycosides, steviol, and isosteviol in Stevia leaves and foods
Authors: Morlock Gertrud E. , Heil Julia
Published: April 2020

Food products and botanicals on the global market need to be investigated in a more comprehensive way to detect effects, falsifications or adulterations. This is especially true for such ones containingStevialeaves,Steviaextracts, or steviol glycosides. A multi-imaging profiling was developed exploiting hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC). A minimalistic sample preparation, different mixtures of acetonitrile and water/buffer on the silica gel phase as well as derivatization reagents and optional hyphenation with high-resolution mass spectrometry were exploited. The hydrophilic interaction high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HI-HPTLC) development took 10 min for 48 analyses. It was used to screenStevialeaf extracts and 20 different food products. For the first time, the biological and biochemical profiling ofStevialeaf products by HI-HPTLC-UV/Vis/FLD-assay pointed to 19 different bioactive compound bands found in the more natural multicomponentStevialeaf extracts, whereas most of these activities were not existent for the steviol glycosides. The chemically isolated, purified, and EU-regulated steviol glycosides ease risk assessment and food product development. However, multipotent botanicals may have subtle impact on homeostasis via several metabolic pathways, providing benefits for the consumer’s health. Analyzed side by side by means of the effect-directed profiling, their individual activity profiles were visualized as image and individual substances of importance were pointed out. Multi-imaging (comprehensive detection) plus non-targeted bioprofiling (focus on known and unknown bioactivity) allows for a fast detection of questionable product changes that occur along the global food chain and are particularly related to food safety.
Major Variation in the Incidence of Appendicitis Before, During and After Pregnancy: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Moltubak E. , Landerholm K. , Blomberg M. , Redéen S. , Andersson R. E.
Published: April 2020

Background

Previous studies indicate a low incidence of appendicitis in third‐trimester pregnancy, suggesting a protecting effect of pregnancy. This large population‐based cohort study analyzes the association of appendicitis with pregnancy in more detail. The aim of the study was to investigate the incidence of appendicitis and negative appendectomy before, during and after pregnancy.

Methods

Cross‐linking between two Swedish health registries provided data on appendectomy for all women in Sweden giving birth between 1973 and 2013. We analyzed the incidence rates (IR) of perforated and non‐perforated appendicitis and negative appendectomy before, during and after pregnancy, and secular trends during the study period. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were estimated using age‐, sex‐ and period‐specific IR from the background population in Sweden.

Results

Some 3,888,452 pregnancies resulted in birth during the study period. An appendectomy was registered for 27,575 women in the interval starting one year before and ending two years after pregnancy. The incidence of appendicitis varied substantially during and after pregnancy. SIR for perforated appendicitis was 0.47 (95% CI 0.38–0.59) in the third trimester, 3.89 (2.92–5.18) peripartum, 2.20 (1.89–2.55) in the puerperium and 1.27 (1.19–1.36) in the year postpartum. The pattern was similar for non‐perforated appendicitis. Negative appendectomy decreased postpartum. Incidence rate of non‐perforated appendicitis and negative appendectomy decreased for both pregnant and non‐pregnant women during the study period.

Conclusions

The findings in this study suggest a protecting effect of pregnancy on the development of appendicitis, which is followed by a rebound effect after birth.
Mathematical Analysis of Two Competing Cancer Cell Migration Mechanisms Driven by Interstitial Fluid Flow
Authors: Evje Steinar , Winkler Michael
Published: April 2020

Recent experimental work has revealed that interstitial fluid flow can mobilize two types of tumor cell migration mechanisms. One is a chemotactic-driven mechanism where chemokine (chemical component) bounded to the extracellular matrix (ECM) is released and skewed in the flow direction. This leads to higher chemical concentrations downstream which the tumor cells can sense and migrate toward. The other is a mechanism where the flowing fluid imposes a stress on the tumor cells which triggers them to go in the upstream direction. Researchers have suggested that these two migration modes possibly can play a role in metastatic behavior, i.e., the process where tumor cells are able to break loose from the primary tumor and move to nearby lymphatic vessels. In Waldeland and Evje (J Biomech 81:22–35, 2018), a mathematical cell–fluid model was put forward based on a mixture theory formulation. It was demonstrated that the model was able to capture the main characteristics of the two competing migration mechanisms. The objective of the current work is to seek deeper insight into certain qualitative aspects of these competing mechanisms by means of mathematical methods. For that purpose, we propose a simpler version of the cell–fluid model mentioned above but such that the two competing migration mechanisms are retained. An initial cell distribution in a one-dimensional slab is exposed to a constant fluid flow from one end to the other, consistent with the experimental setup. Then, we explore by means of analytical estimates the long-time behavior of the two competing migration mechanisms for two different scenarios: (i) when the initial cell volume fraction is low and (ii) when the initial cell volume fraction is high. In particular, it is demonstrated in a strict mathematical sense that for a sufficiently low initial cell volume fraction, the downstream migration dominates in the sense that the solution converges to a downstream-dominated steady state as time elapses. On the other hand, with a sufficiently high initial cell volume fraction, the upstream migration mechanism is the stronger in the sense that the solution converges to an upstream-dominated steady state.
Correction to: A multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial on the bleeding profle of a drospirenone-only pill 4 mg over nine cycles in comparison with desogestrel 0.075 mg
Authors: Palacios Santiago , Colli Enrico , Regidor Pedro-Antonio
Published: April 2020

The article A multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial on the bleeding profle of a drospirenone-only pill 4 mg over nine cycles in comparison with desogestrel 0.075 mg, written by Santiago Palacios, Enrico Colli and Pedro-Antonio Regidor, was originally published Online First without Open Access.
Guidance for anti-VEGF intravitreal injections during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Korobelnik Jean-François , Loewenstein Anat , Eldem Bora , Joussen Antonia M. , Koh Adrian , Lambrou George N. , Lanzetta Paolo , Li Xiaoxin , Lövestam-Adrian Monica , Navarro Rafael , Okada Annabelle A. , Pearce Ian , Rodríguez Francisco J. , Wong David T. , Wu Lihteh
Published: April 2020

Purpose

There is an urgent need to address how to best provide ophthalmic care for patients with retinal disease receiving intravitreal injections with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents during the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. This article provides guidance for ophthalmologists on how to deliver the best possible care for patients while minimizing the risk of infection.

Methods

The Vision Academy’s Steering Committee of international retinal disease experts convened to discuss key considerations for managing patients with retinal disease during the COVID-19 pandemic. After reviewing the existing literature on the issue, members put forward recommendations that were systematically refined and voted on to develop this guidance.

Results

The considerations focus on the implementation of steps to minimize the exposure of patients and healthcare staff to COVID-19. These include the use of personal protective equipment, adherence to scrupulous hygiene and disinfection protocols, pre-screening to identify symptomatic patients, and reducing the number of people in waiting rooms. Other important measures include triaging of patients to identify those at the greatest risk of irreversible vision loss and prioritization of treatment visits over monitoring visits where possible. In order to limit patient exposure, ophthalmologists should refrain from using treatment regimens that require frequent monitoring.

Conclusion

Management of patients with retinal disease receiving intravitreal injections during the COVID-19 pandemic will require adjustment to regular clinical practice to minimize the risk of exposure of patients and healthcare staff, and to prioritize those with the greatest medical need. The safety of patients and healthcare staff should be of paramount importance in all decision-making.
Comparative evaluation of Aspergillus niger strains for endogenous pectin-depolymerization capacity and suitability for d-galacturonic acid production
Authors: Schäfer Dominik , Schmitz Kevin , Weuster-Botz Dirk , Benz J. Philipp
Published: April 2020

Pectinaceous agricultural residues rich ind-galacturonic acid (d-GalA), such as sugar beet pulp, are considered as promising feedstocks for waste-to-value conversions.Aspergillus nigeris known for its strong pectinolytic activity. However, while specialized strains for production of citric acid or proteins are well characterized, this is not the case for the production of pectinases. We, therefore, systematically compared the pectinolytic capabilities of sixA. nigerstrains (ATCC 1015, ATCC 11414, NRRL 3122, CBS 513.88, NRRL 3, and N402) using controlled batch cultivations in stirred-tank bioreactors.A. nigerATCC 11414 showed the highest polygalacturonase activity, specific protein secretion, and a suitable morphology. Furthermore,d-GalA release from sugar beet pulp was 75% higher compared to the standard lab strainA. nigerN402. Our study, therefore, presents a robust initial strain selection to guide future process improvement ofd-GalA production from agricultural residues and identifies a high-performance base strain for further genetic optimizations.
Clinical practice guidelines of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) on bariatric surgery: update 2020 endorsed by IFSO-EC, EASO and ESPCOP
Authors: Di Lorenzo Nicola , Antoniou Stavros A. , Batterham Rachel L. , Busetto Luca , Godoroja Daniela , Iossa Angelo , Carrano Francesco M. , Agresta Ferdinando , Alarçon Isaias , Azran Carmil , Bouvy Nicole , Balaguè Ponz Carmen , Buza Maura , Copaescu Catalin , De Luca Maurizio , Dicker Dror , Di Vincenzo Angelo , Felsenreich Daniel M. , Francis Nader K. , Fried Martin , Gonzalo Prats Berta , Goitein David , Halford Jason C. G. , Herlesova Jitka , Kalogridaki Marina , Ket Hans , Morales-Conde Salvador , Piatto Giacomo , Prager Gerhard , Pruijssers Suzanne , Pucci Andrea , Rayman Shlomi , Romano Eugenia , Sanchez-Cordero Sergi , Vilallonga Ramon , Silecchia Gianfranco
Published: April 2020

Background

Surgery for obesity and metabolic diseases has been evolved in the light of new scientific evidence, long-term outcomes and accumulated experience. EAES has sponsored an update of previous guidelines on bariatric surgery.

Methods

A multidisciplinary group of bariatric surgeons, obesity physicians, nutritional experts, psychologists, anesthetists and a patient representative comprised the guideline development panel. Development and reporting conformed to GRADE guidelines and AGREE II standards.

Results

Systematic review of databases, record selection, data extraction and synthesis, evidence appraisal and evidence-to-decision frameworks were developed for 42 key questions in the domains Indication; Preoperative work-up; Perioperative management; Non-bypass, bypass and one-anastomosis procedures; Revisional surgery; Postoperative care; and Investigational procedures. A total of 36 recommendations and position statements were formed through a modified Delphi procedure.

Conclusion

This document summarizes the latest evidence on bariatric surgery through state-of-the art guideline development, aiming to facilitate evidence-based clinical decisions.
Temporal convolutional neural (TCN) network for an effective weather forecasting using time-series data from the local weather station
Authors: Hewage Pradeep , Behera Ardhendu , Trovati Marcello , Pereira Ella , Ghahremani Morteza , Palmieri Francesco , Liu Yonghuai
Published: April 2020

Non-predictive or inaccurate weather forecasting can severely impact the community of users such as farmers. Numerical weather prediction models run in major weather forecasting centers with several supercomputers to solve simultaneous complex nonlinear mathematical equations. Such models provide the medium-range weather forecasts, i.e., every 6 h up to 18 h with grid length of 10–20 km. However, farmers often depend on more detailed short-to medium-range forecasts with higher-resolution regional forecasting models. Therefore, this research aims to address this by developing and evaluating a lightweight and novel weather forecasting system, which consists of one or more local weather stations and state-of-the-art machine learning techniques for weather forecasting using time-series data from these weather stations. To this end, the system explores the state-of-the-art temporal convolutional network (TCN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) networks. Our experimental results show that the proposed model using TCN produces better forecasting compared to the LSTM and other classic machine learning approaches. The proposed model can be used as an efficient localized weather forecasting tool for the community of users, and it could be run on a stand-alone personal computer.
A portable survivorship care plan: a tool that helps educate and improve knowledge in childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Murphy Patricia , Levine Alyssa , Lerma Tanya , Young Sabrina , Hwang Jimmy , Goldsby Robert
Published: April 2020

Purpose

There is a growing population of survivors of childhood cancer at risk for late effects that can affect their overall quality of life. There is evidence that they have inadequate knowledge about their diagnosis, treatment, and subsequent late effects. A randomized study was conducted to determine if a portable credit card–sized plastic card, the “Survivor Healthcare Passport,” improved the survivor’s knowledge of diagnosis, treatment, risks, and follow-up care. The study included 126 patients 2 years post-end of cancer treatment and took place at the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Survivorship Clinic.

Methods

Patients attending the UCSF Survivorship clinic were randomized to receive or not receive a passport at their first survivorship clinic visit. Each groups’ knowledge of diagnosis, treatment history, and follow-up needs was assessed at three time points with a questionnaire.

Results

Patients who received the passport distributed immediately after their visit demonstrated improved and sustained knowledge compared with survivors who did not receive the passport until more than 4 months later.

Conclusion

Enhancing a survivor’s knowledge is an important endeavor and a continual challenge for practitioners in survivorship clinics. This portable educational tool helps improve patient knowledge of their cancer, therapy, and follow-up needs. By providing a tangible card that is quick and easy to access, survivors have access to their treatment late effects and follow-up needs that can also be shared with other healthcare providers.
The Structure of the Convective Boundary Layer as Deduced from Topological Invariants
Authors: Licón-Saláiz José , Ansorge Cedrick , Shao Yaping , Kunoth Angela
Published: April 2020

We study the convective boundary layer (CBL) through low-order topological properties of updrafts and downdrafts, that is, based solely on the sign of the vertical velocity. The geometric representation of the CBL as a pair of two-dimensional cubical complexes, one each for updrafts and downdrafts, is exemplarily obtained from two simulations of the CBL, a realistic daily cycle and an idealized quasi-steady CBL growing into linear stratification. Each cubical complex is defined as a set of grid cells that have the same sign of vertical velocity, either positive or negative. Low-order topological invariants, namely the Betti numbers of the cubical complexes, are found to capture key aspects of the boundary-layer organization and evolution over the diurnal cycle. An unsupervised-learning algorithm is trained using the topological invariants in order to classify the spatio–temporal evolution of convection over a whole day. The successful classification of the CBL by using this approach illustrates the potential of such simplified representation of turbulent flow for data reduction and boundary-layer parametrization approaches.
Housing Ex-Offenders in the Netherlands: Balancing Neighbourhood Safety and Human Rights
Authors: van Tongeren J. H. S.
Published: April 2020

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognises stable housing as a prerequisite for an adequate standard of living. A home provides shelter and enables personal development, thus contributing to the individual’s well-being. Despite this, however, many struggle to find a place to live. In the Netherlands, people with a history of criminal or anti-social behaviour (‘ex-offenders’) are among those whose search for housing is most problematic. They are sometimes viewed as unreliable tenants or denied access to housing out of fear for recidivism. At the same time, Dutch local authorities—responsible for maintaining public order—may (aim to) prevent an ex-offender from (re) settling in their municipality. Recent legislation in the Netherlands furthermore allows local authorities to screen and exclude people from certain urban areas based on their past behaviour. How do Dutch private and administrative actors decide between ex-offenders’ housing rights on the one hand and other persons’ (feelings of) safety and public order on the other? And how do the laws and policies in the Netherlands concerning the housing of ex-offenders relate to the state’s human rights obligations? Using doctrinal legal research methods and applying a normative, human rights framework, this paper concludes that while there are no out-right violations of fundamental rights and freedoms, several approaches in the Netherlands do appear to be problematic and at odds with international obligations.
Speciation and sorption of phosphorus in agricultural soil profiles of redoximorphic character
Authors: Baumann Karen , Shaheen Sabry M. , Hu Yongfeng , Gros Peter , Heilmann Elena , Morshedizad Mohsen , Wang Jianxu , Wang Shan-Li , Rinklebe Jörg , Leinweber Peter
Published: April 2020

Controlled drainage is considered as a soil management tool to improve water supply to crops and reduce nutrient losses from fields; however, its closure may affect phosphorus (P) mobilization in soil. To assess the P mobilization potential, three soil profiles with redoximorphic features were selected along a slight hill in Northern Germany. Soil samples from three depths of each profile were characterized for basic properties, total element content, oxalate- and dithionite-extractable pedogenic Al, Fe and Mn (hydr)oxides, P pools (sequential extraction), P species [PK-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy] and P sorption behavior. In topsoil (~ 10 cm depth), labile P (H2O-P + resin-P + NaHCO3-P) accounted for 26–32% of total P (Pt). PhosphorusK-edge XANES revealed that up to 49% of Ptwas bound to Al and/or Fe (hydr)oxides, but sequential fractionation indicated that > 30% of this P was occluded within sesquioxide aggregates. A low binding capacity for P was demonstrated by P sorption capacity and lowKfcoefficients (20–33 $${\text{mg}}^{{1 - n_{\text{f}} }} \,{\text{L}}^{{n_{\text{f}} }} \,{\text{kg}}^{ - 1}$$mg1-nfLnfkg-1) of the Freundlich equation. In the subsoil layers (~ 30 and ~ 65 cm depth), higher proportions of Al- and Fe-bound P along with other characteristics suggested that all profiles might be prone to P mobilization/leaching risk under reducing conditions even if the degree of P saturation (DPS) of a profile under oxic conditions was < 25%. The results suggest that a closure of the controlled drainage may pose a risk of increased P mobilization, but this needs to be compared with the risk of uncontrolled drainage and P losses to avoid P leaching into the aquatic ecosystem.
Investigation of the cytotoxicity of bioinspired coumarin analogues towards human breast cancer cells
Authors: Gkionis Leonidas , Kavetsou Eleni , Kalospyros Alexandros , Manousakis Dimitris , Garzon Sanz Miguel , Butterworth Sam , Detsi Anastasia , Tirella Annalisa
Published: April 2020

Coumarins possess a wide array of therapeutic capabilities, but often with unclear mechanism of action. We tested a small library of 18 coumarin derivatives against human invasive breast ductal carcinoma cells with the capacity of each compound to inhibit cell proliferation scored, and the most potent coumarin analogues selected for further studies. Interestingly, the presence of two prenyloxy groups (5,7-diprenyloxy-4-methyl-coumarin,4g) or the presence of octyloxy substituent (coumarin4d) was found to increase the potency of compounds in breast cancer cells, but not against healthy human fibroblasts. The activity of potent compounds on breast cancer cells cultured more similarly to the conditions of the tumour microenvironment was also investigated, and increased toxicity was observed. Results suggest that tested coumarin derivatives could potentially reduce the growth of tumour mass. Moreover, their use as (combination) therapy in cancer treatment might have the potential of causing limited side effects.

Graphic abstract
The innovation systems approach: an Austrian and Ostromian perspective
Authors: Lewis Paul
Published: April 2020

The innovation systems (IS) approach—developed by Richard Nelson, Christopher Freeman and Bengt-Ake Lundvall, amongst others—has become perhaps the dominant approach in the academic literature for the study of innovation. It has also exerted considerable influence on policy. This paper examines both the theory underpinning the IS approach, which bears considerable affinities with Austrian economics, and also its policy implications. It is argued that the work of Friedrich Hayek and Elinor Ostrom in particular can be used to draw attention to some potential difficulties with the way in which the IS approach is often used to guide policy. Ideas drawn from Austrian economics, as well as the work of Elinor Ostrom, are used to help develop and improve the IS approach, both theoretically and in terms of its approach to policy.
Kollektive Professionalisierungsprozesse in der Frühen Bildung – Entwicklung des Mandats, der Lizenzierung und der beruflichen Mobilität im Zeitraum 1975 bis 2018 in Westdeutschland
Authors: Grgic Mariana
Published: April 2020

Das Berufsfeld der Kindertagesbetreuung hat in den letzten 50 Jahren eine starke Expansion erfahren, die einen seit 20 Jahren anhaltenden Fachkräftemangel verursacht hat. Gleichzeitig gab es einen Paradigmenwechsel hinsichtlich des gesellschaftlichen Auftrags von Kindertagesbetreuung sowie Ausbildungs- und Gesetzesreformen. Der Beitrag befasst sich mit Professionalisierungsprozessen auf kollektiver Ebene und untersucht auf Basis von professions- und segmentationstheoretischen Ansätzen die Entwicklung des Mandats, der Lizenzierung sowie der beruflichen Mobilität der Beschäftigten im Berufsfeld der Kindertagesbetreuung seit den 1970er-Jahren als spezifische Aspekte beruflicher Regulierung. Ergebnisse einer qualitativen Gesetzesanalyse und Auswertungen der Integrierten Erwerbsbiografien (IEB) des Instituts für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung deuten darauf hin, dass eine Homogenisierung des Bildungsmandats stattgefunden hat, aber gleichzeitig das Betreuungsmandat gestärkt wurde. Die berufliche Mobilität ist seit den 1970er-Jahren zurückgegangen, Prozesse der Verfachlichung haben stattgefunden. Allerdings kann der Teilarbeitsmarkt trotz Lizenzierung nur als mäßig geschlossen angesehen werden.
The Effect of Prognostic Communication on Patient Outcomes in Palliative Cancer Care: a Systematic Review
Authors: van der Velden Naomi C. A. , Meijers Maartje C. , Han Paul K. J. , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. , Smets Ellen M. A. , Henselmans Inge
Published: April 2020

Background

While prognostic information is considered important for treatment decision-making, physicians struggle to communicate prognosis to advanced cancer patients. This systematic review aimed to offer up-to-date, evidence-based guidance on prognostic communication in palliative oncology.

Methods

PubMed and PsycInfo were searched until September 2019 for literature on the association between prognostic disclosure (strategies) and patient outcomes in palliative cancer care, and its moderators. Methodological quality was reported.

Results

Eighteen studies were included. Concerning prognostic disclosure, results revealed a positive association with patients’ prognostic awareness. Findings showed no or positive associations between prognostic disclosure and the physician-patient relationship or the discussion of care preferences. Evidence for an association with the documentation of care preferences or physical outcomes was lacking. Findings on the emotional consequences of prognostic disclosure were multifaceted. Concerning disclosure strategies, affective communication seemingly reduced patients' physiological arousal and improved perceived physician’s support. Affective and explicit communication showed no or beneficial effects on patients’ psychological well-being and satisfaction. Communicating multiple survival scenarios improved prognostic understanding. Physicians displaying expertise, positivity and collaboration fostered hope. Evidence on demographic, clinical and personality factors moderating the effect of prognostic communication was weak.

Conclusion

If preferred by patients, physicians could disclose prognosis using sensible strategies. The combination of explicit and affective communication, multiple survival scenarios and expert, positive, collaborative behaviour likely benefits most patients. Still, more evidence is needed, and tailoring communication to individual patients is warranted.

Implications

Future research should examine the effect of prognostic communication on psychological well-being over time and treatment decision-making, and focus on individualising care.
Nano-selenium Supplementation Increases Selenoprotein (Sel) Gene Expression Profiles and Milk Selenium Concentration in Lactating Dairy Cows
Authors: Han Liqiang , Pang Kun , Fu Tong , Phillips Clive J. C. , Gao Tengyun
Published: April 2020

Supplementation with selenium is common for dairy cows, but the importance of selenium source is not clear. This study aimed to compare nano-selenium (Nano-Se) and sodium selenite supplements for dairy cows on lactation performance, milk Se levels and selenoprotein (Sel) gene expression. Twelve multiparous Holstein cows were randomly divided into two groups: a control group fed a basal diet plus 0.30 mg Se/kg of DM as sodium selenite or Nano-Se for 30 days. Dry matter intake, milk yield and composition were not affected by dietary Se source (P > 0.05); however, the milk total Se levels and milk glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were higher with Nano-Se supplementation than sodium selenite (P < 0.05). At the end of the experiment, Nano-Se supplementation significantly increased plasma Se levels and GSH-Px activity, compared with the sodium selenite supplement. The mRNA expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 1, 2 and 4; thioredoxin reductase 2 and 3; and selenoproteins W, T, K and F were markedly upregulated (P < 0.05) in the mammary gland of the Nano-Se group. Thus, the source of selenium plays an important role in the antioxidant status and in particular the Sel gene expression in the mammary glands of dairy cows, both being stimulated by nano sources.
Correction to: Multidimensional Poverty of Children in Mozambique
Authors: Mahrt Kristi , Rossi Andrea , Salvucci Vincenzo , Tarp Finn
Published: April 2020

The article Multidimensional Poverty of Children in Mozambique, written by Kristi Mahrt, Andrea Rossi, Vincenzo Salvucci and Finn Tarp, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 10 March 2020 without open access.
The Significance of Time, Place and Traumatic Experience on at-Risk Youths’ View of their Well-Being: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Exenberger Silvia , Reiber Stefanie
Published: April 2020

This preliminary study explores the perspectives of at-risk youths from different cultural backgrounds on their well-being. We propose that youths’ “well-being awareness” – i.e. what sources of well-being adolescents spontaneously become aware of when they are asked about – is strongly related to their socio-cultural context, their life experiences, and the time when they reflect about it. This study focused on the meaning of well-being sources, which were constructed by youths from different cultural backgrounds who faced different traumatic life experiences. We developed and applied a theoretical framework to understand youths’ well-being awareness. Focus group discussions were analyzed of 48 male youths aged 12–18 years. They either faced the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 (11 boys from South India), or severe intra-familial conflicts (17 European boys), or were unaccompanied minor refugees (20 boys of Asian and African origin). Youths were asked what makes them happy and sad and about their coping strategies, only followed by questions for clarification. First, the data were analyzed inductively based on grounded theory. Second, the gained well-being descriptions were deductively allocated to the most basic elements of human well-being according to White (2008): material, subjective and relational dimension. Through this allocation process the influence of the socio-cultural context (place), life-experience, and time on the meaning of well-being of each youth group became clear. Well-being should be viewed as a process: on the one hand youths conceptions of well-being are deeply rooted in their culture of origin, on the other hand the importance of well-being and its indicators change depending on youths’ traumatic experience and the time of asking about it.
Indications for Emergency Abdominal Surgeries in Older Patients: 7-Year Experience of a Single Centre
Authors: Lebowa Weronika , Skorus Urszula , Rapacz Kamil , Kenig Jakub
Published: April 2020

The majority of patients undergoing emergency laparotomy are older adults that carry the highest mortality. More research into the development of targeted interventions is required. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyse the indications for emergency abdominal surgery in patients aged ≥ 65 admitted to the Department of General Surgery. The study included consecutive patients aged ≥ 65 who underwent emergency abdominal surgery within 48 h after admission at one institution. In 2010–2017, 986 patients were enrolled in the study (female 57%, male 43%). Patients were divided into three age groups, 65–70, 71–84 and ≥ 85, with 255 patients (25.9%), 562 patients (57.0%) and 169 patients (17.1%) in each group, respectively. In the first and second age groups, the most common indications for surgery were acute cholecystitis, non-malignant ileus, colorectal cancer complications and acute appendicitis. In the oldest patients, the most common indications were complications of colorectal cancer, acute cholecystitis, non-malignant ileus and complications of diverticulosis. In the women, the biggest differences in indications between age groups were colorectal cancer (p = 0.025) and peptic ulcer disease complications (p = 0.005); in the men, the biggest difference was seen for complicated diverticulitis (p = 0.001). The most frequent comorbidities were heart diseases (81.0%), followed by endocrine (33.6%) and vascular diseases (22.7%). The three most common indications for emergency surgery in older patients at our institution were acute cholecystitis, colorectal cancer complications and non-malignant bowel obstruction, affecting 59.5% of this group of patients. Elective surgery and endoscopic screening have the potential to prevent major part of these acute diseases. However, further prospective research is necessary on this field, particularly among frail, older patients.
Diagnostic Criteria for Primary Autoimmune Cerebellar Ataxia—Guidelines from an International Task Force on Immune-Mediated Cerebellar Ataxias
Authors: Hadjivassiliou Marios , Graus Francesc , Honnorat Jerome , Jarius Sven , Titulaer Maarten , Manto Mario , Hoggard Nigel , Sarrigiannis Ptolemaios , Mitoma Hiroshi
Published: April 2020

Aside from well-characterized immune-mediated ataxias with a clear trigger and/or association with specific neuronal antibodies, a large number of idiopathic ataxias are suspected to be immune mediated but remain undiagnosed due to lack of diagnostic biomarkers. Primary autoimmune cerebellar ataxia (PACA) is the term used to describe this later group. An International Task Force comprising experts in the field of immune ataxias was commissioned by the Society for Research on the Cerebellum and Ataxias (SRCA) in order to devise diagnostic criteria aiming to improve the diagnosis of PACA. The proposed diagnostic criteria for PACA are based on clinical (mode of onset, pattern of cerebellar involvement, presence of other autoimmune diseases), imaging findings (MRI and if available MR spectroscopy showing preferential, but not exclusive involvement of vermis) and laboratory investigations (CSF pleocytosis and/or CSF-restricted IgG oligoclonal bands) parameters. The aim is to enable clinicians to consider PACA when encountering a patient with progressive ataxia and no other diagnosis given that such consideration might have important therapeutic implications.
Characterization and potential strategies for the valorisation of the Southwest Atlantic butterfish (Stromateus brasiliensis)
Authors: Ramilo-Fernández Graciela , Sotelo Carmen G.
Published: April 2020

The waste of fish resources constitutes a serious environmental problem that must be avoided. The valorisation of by-catch species and decreasing the discard rate constitute a more efficient and sustainable use of these marine biomasses. In this work, we characterize and propose different potential uses for Stromateus brasiliensis, another frequently discarded (≥ 90%) and poorly studied by-catch species captured in the South Atlantic Ocean (FAO 41) by trawler fishing fleets. Furthermore, in the case of this species, freezing and frozen storage of the whole fish is the only strategy currently employed for its exploitation. The results revealed that muscle from S. brasiliensis presented a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (20.34%) and that the concentrations of both total diacyl glyceryl ethers (2.41%) and heavy metals (Hg 0.038, Pb 0.006 and Cd 0.018 mg/kg) were below the established limits for safe human consumption. Likewise, the protein hydrolysates proved to be a good source of amino acids for human consumption or animal feeding. Minced muscle blocks could be made by a mechanical separation process of the flesh, and the composition of minced muscle did not differ much from that of the whole fish. Furthermore, this process allows the incorporation of cryoprotectants and antioxidants to extend the frozen shelf life of this fatty fish. An extraction process from mechanically mixed skin and bones yielded a good source of collagen that should not be neglected.
Architecture of the herpesvirus genome-packaging complex and implications for DNA translocation
Authors: Yang Yunxiang , Yang Pan , Wang Nan , Chen Zhonghao , Su Dan , Zhou Z. Hong , Rao Zihe , Wang Xiangxi
Published: April 2020

Genome packaging is a fundamental process in a viral life cycle and a prime target of antiviral drugs. Herpesviruses use an ATP-driven packaging motor/terminase complex to translocate and cleave concatemeric dsDNA into procapsids but its molecular architecture and mechanism are unknown. We report atomic structures of a herpesvirus hexameric terminase complex in both the apo and ADP•BeF3-bound states. Each subunit of the hexameric ring comprises three components—the ATPase/terminase pUL15 and two regulator/fixer proteins, pUL28 and pUL33—unlike bacteriophage terminases. Distal to the nuclease domains, six ATPase domains form a central channel with conserved basic-patches conducive to DNA binding and trans-acting arginine fingers are essential to ATP hydrolysis and sequential DNA translocation. Rearrangement of the nuclease domains mediated by regulatory domains converts DNA translocation mode to cleavage mode. Our structures favor a sequential revolution model for DNA translocation and suggest mechanisms for concerted domain rearrangements leading to DNA cleavage.
Multiple Imputation Ensembles (MIE) for Dealing with Missing Data
Authors: Aleryani Aliya , Wang Wenjia , de la Iglesia Beatriz
Published: April 2020

Missing data is a significant issue in many real-world datasets, yet there are no robust methods for dealing with it appropriately. In this paper, we propose a robust approach to dealing with missing data in classification problems: Multiple Imputation Ensembles (MIE). Our method integrates two approaches: multiple imputation and ensemble methods and compares two types of ensembles: bagging and stacking. We also propose a robust experimental set-up using 20 benchmark datasets from the UCI machine learning repository. For each dataset, we introduce increasing amounts of data Missing Completely at Random. Firstly, we use a number of single/multiple imputation methods to recover the missing values and then ensemble a number of different classifiers built on the imputed data. We assess the quality of the imputation by using dissimilarity measures. We also evaluate the MIE performance by comparing classification accuracy on the complete and imputed data. Furthermore, we use the accuracy of simple imputation as a benchmark for comparison. We find that our proposed approach combining multiple imputation with ensemble techniques outperform others, particularly as missing data increases.
The Calderón problem for quasilinear elliptic equations
Authors: Uhlmann Gunther , Muñoz Claudio
Published: April 2020

In this paper we show uniqueness of the conductivity for the quasilinear Calderón's inverse problem. The nonlinear conductivity depends, in a nonlinear fashion, of the potential itself and its gradient. Under some structural assumptions on the direct problem, a real-valued conductivity allowing a small analytic continuation to the complex plane induce a unique Dirichlet-to-Neumann (DN) map. The method of proof considers some complex-valued, linear test functions based on a point of the boundary of the domain, and a linearization of the DN map placed at these particular set of solutions.
Venom-Induced Consumption Coagulopathy Following Hump-Nosed Pit Viper (Genus: Hypnale) Envenoming in Sri Lanka: Uncertain Efficacy of Fresh Frozen Plasma
Authors: Namal Rathnayaka R.M.M.K. , Ranathunga P.E. Anusha Nishanthi , Kularatne S.A.M.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Hump-nosed pit vipers ( Hypnale spp) cause the highest number of venomous snakebites in Sri Lanka. Bites commonly cause local envenoming leading to local pain, swelling, and necrosis of the site of the bite. Acute kidney injury is the most common systemic manifestation, and some patients develop venom-induced consumption coagulopathy (VICC). Genus Hypnale comprises 3 species. Of them, H hypnale is found in Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats region of India. The other 2 ( H nepa and H zara) are endemic species in Sri Lanka.

Methods

This study included 500 patients with hump-nosed viper bites studied prospectively over 4.5 y starting June 2014. All patients were assessed and the data were collected by the principal investigator (primary data). A subgroup of patients who developed VICC is described. There were 2 groups, including proven (patients with the specimen of the snake) and probable (specimen of snake not available) bites.

Results

Thirty (n=500; 6%) patients developed VICC; of them, 17 (3%) were proven cases, and 13 (2%) were probable cases. In both groups, 24 (80%) recovered, 2 (7%) progressed to chronic kidney disease, 1 (3%) died of severe hemostatic dysfunction, and 3 (10%) were lost to follow-up. Systemic bleeding was observed in 16 patients (53%), including hematuria (microscopic and gross) in 8 (27%) and venipuncture bleeding in 5 (17%). Eleven (37%) developed local bleeding at the site of the bite. Fresh frozen plasma was administered to 20 patients (67%), among whom only 11 (55%) experienced early correction of VICC. In both groups, 15 (50%) developed acute kidney injury, and 2 (7%) progressed to chronic kidney disease. Microangiopathic hemolysis was observed in 18 patients (60%) and thrombocytopenia in 16 (53%). Thrombotic microangiopathy was detected in 13 patients (43%), of whom 10 (33%) developed hemolytic uremic syndrome and 2 (7%) had thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Of patients with VICC in the proven group, 94% (n=16) was caused by H hypnale and 1 (6%) was caused by H zara. In the proven group, median international normalized ratio was 3.7 (interquartile range 1.6–5.0); in the probable group, it was 5.0 (interquartile range 2.1–5.4).

Conclusions

We found that 6% of patients develop hemostatic dysfunction after hump-nosed viper bites. However, which patients will develop coagulopathy or die of envenoming is unpredictable. Reliable and accessible treatments are unmet essential needs because antivenoms for these bites are currently not available in the country. Therapy with fresh frozen plasma has doubtful efficacy in early correction of VICC and needs further evaluation.
Elviniid trilobites from the Elvinia Zone (late Cambrian, Furongian) of Mendoza, western Argentina
Authors: Tortello M. Franco
Published: April 2020

In the 1950s, Carlos Rusconi reported the biostratigraphically important Furongian trilobites Elvinia Walcott and Irvingella Ulrich and Resser from an exotic limestone block (La Cruz Olistolith) of the San Isidro area, Precordillera of Mendoza, western Argentina. Although several local species were erected by Rusconi at that time, most of them were later listed as junior synonyms of E. roemeri (Shumard) or I. major Ulrich and Resser, and this was followed in subsequent studies. A systematic revision of all the available specimens of Elvinia and Irvingella from the Rusconi collection at the Museo de Ciencias Naturales y Antropológicas J.C. Moyano (Mendoza) is provided herein. The occurrence of E. roemeri is supported by the present study, while the associated Irvingella species include I. jorusconii Rusconi, I. platycephala Rusconi, and Irvingella sp. The latter represent “advanced” forms in terms of morphological development in the Irvingella lineage, and these, together with E. roemeri, are typical of the uppermost part of the Elvinia Zone (uppermost Steptoean). Irvingella jorusconii, I. platycephala, and Irvingella sp. appear to be endemic to the Argentinian Precordillera, but are related to species from central Texas and northwest Canada.
How Parties React to Voter Transitions
Authors: ABOU-CHADI TARIK , STOETZER LUKAS F.
Published: April 2020

This letter investigates how voter transitions between parties affect parties’ policy positioning. While a growing literature investigates the role of election results as signals for parties’ policy adaption, it has mostly focused on vote changes of individual parties. However, parties do not know only whether they have won or lost in an election; they also have detailed information on which parties they won votes from and which parties they lost votes to. We make two arguments about how voter transitions should affect the strategic policy choices of political parties. First, when a party has lost votes to another party it will adapt its policy positions toward that party. Second, parties that have overall lost more votes become more likely to adapt their positions. Making use of a data set on individual voter transitions and party positions we can demonstrate that voter transitions indeed affect parties’ competitive behavior.