bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A validation study for remote testing of cognitive function in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Barcellos Lisa F , Horton Mary , Shao Xiaorong , Bellesis Kalliope H , Chinn Terrence , Waubant Emmanuelle , Bakshi Nandini , Marcus Jackie , Benedict Ralph HB , Schaefer Catherine
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

Determine the validity and reliability of a remote, technician-guided cognitive assessment for multiple sclerosis (MS), incorporating the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and the California Verbal Learning Test, Second Edition (CVLT-II).

Methods:

In 100 patients, we compared conventional in-person testing to remote, web-assisted assessments, and in 36 patients, we assessed test–retest reliability using two equivalent, alternative forms.

Results:

In-person and remote-administered SDMT ( r = 0.85) and CVLT-II ( r = 0.71) results were very similar. Reliability was adequate and alternative forms of SDMT ( r = 0.92) and CVLT-II ( r = 0.81) produced similar results.

Conclusions:

Findings indicate remote assessment can provide valid, reliable measures of cognitive function in MS.
Measurement of white matter fiber-bundle cross-section in multiple sclerosis using diffusion-weighted imaging
Authors: Storelli Loredana , Pagani Elisabetta , Preziosa Paolo , Filippi Massimo , Rocca Maria A
Published: July 2020

Background:

When investigating white matter (WM) microstructure, the axonal fiber orientation should be considered. Constrained spherical deconvolution (CSD) is a diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) method that estimates distribution of fibers within each imaging voxel.

Objective:

To study fiber-bundle cross-section (FC) as measured by CSD in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients versus healthy controls (HCs).

Methods:

DWI and three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were obtained from 45 MS patients and 45 HCs. We applied fixel-based morphometry analysis to assess differences of FC in MS against HCs and voxel-based analysis of fractional anisotropy (FA).

Results:

We found a significant widespread reduction of WM FC in MS compared to HCs. The decrease in FA was less extensive, mainly located in regions with high lesion occurrence such as the periventricular WM and the corpus callosum. Progressive MS patients showed a significant FC reduction in the right anterior cingulum, bilateral cerebellum, and in several mesencephalic and diencephalic regions compared to relapsing-remitting MS patients.

Conclusion:

The CSD method can be applied in MS for a fiber-specific study of WM microstructure and quantification of FC. Fixel-based findings offered greater anatomical specificity and biological interpretability by identifying tract-specific differences and allowed substantial abnormalities to be detected.
Design-oriented axial stress–strain model for partially fiber-reinforced-polymer-confined normal-strength concrete
Authors: Yang Junlong , Wang Jizhong , Wang Ziru
Published: July 2020

Due to the influence of “arching action” in fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) partially confined concrete columns as a result of the unconfined regions, the confinement of the concrete columns wrapped with discrete FRP strips is less efficient when compared with full wrapping schemes. This study comprehensively investigates the difference of the the confinement mechanism between fully and partially FRP confined circular normal-strength concrete and thus presents a new design-oriented model to predict the stress–strain relationships of partially FRP confined normal-strength concrete. The formulas used to determine the strength and corresponding strain of several key points on the stress–strain curves are also proposed by the regression analysis according to a reliable test database from the relevant literature. Besides, another selected database including 100 FRP partially wrapped circular concrete columns is also collected for model verification. The results show that better performance can be achieved by the new model compared with the selected models in predicting the ultimate conditions of partially FRP confined concrete. Finally, some specimens are chosen to assess the performance of the new model in predicting the complete axial stress–strain curves. The comparisons reveal that satisfactory accuracy and good agreement can be achieved between the theoretical predictions and experimental observations.
“And you will wait …”: Carceral transportation in electronic monitoring as part of the punishment process
Authors: Eife Erin , Kirk Gabriela
Published: July 2020

Electronic monitoring, often accompanied with house arrest, is used extensively across the United States as a means of pretrial supervision and as a condition of probation and parole. In this article, we bridge the literatures of procedural punishment and carceral geography to detail how this previously understudied process of transport from jail to electronic monitoring serves not just as a necessary bureaucratic process, but as a key moment of punishment and power. Utilizing in-depth interviews with 60 people who were currently or recently on EM in Cook County, IL, we argue that this moment of transport is itself a punitive experience. We find that sheriff’s officers involved in the transport process punish individuals through the manipulation of time and space, verbal threats, and infantilization. This punishment in transport instills a subjugated status that sets the tone for the EM experience, aiding in reinforcing the home as the new carceral space.
Learning, development and the early childhood curriculum: A critical discourse analysis of the Early Years Foundation Stage in England
Authors: Wood Elizabeth
Published: July 2020

This article focuses on the national policy framework for early childhood education (birth to 5 years) in England – the Early Years Foundation Stage, specifically the use of child development theories as the underpinning knowledge base for practice. The aim is to understand what constructions of learning and development are foregrounded in policy, and their implications for curriculum, pedagogy and assessment. Critical Discourse Analysis methods are used to expose learning and development as messy constructs, and to propose three arguments. First, the evidence base for the Early Years Foundation Stage relies on selective appropriation of child development theories, and findings from government-funded research. These sustain normative discourses, reflecting a Piagetian ontology of ‘development leads learning’, through which children become ‘knowable’ and ‘measurable’. Second, the Early Years Foundation Stage shifts from developmental processes to learning outcomes as the basis for constructing curriculum, assessment of children’s outcomes and school readiness. Third, the Early Years Foundation Stage constitutes a discursive regime, which influences how practitioners must fulfil performance criteria that serve multiple purposes of assessing outcomes, evaluating standards and defining ‘quality’. From a critical perspective, this analysis questions the efficacy of the Early Years Foundation Stage in addressing the problems of equity and inclusion in diverse societies. The Early Years Foundation Stage exemplifies the policy technologies that can be discerned in international contexts, through which specific forms of curriculum coherence and control are produced. An alternative ‘learning leading development’ onto-epistemology is proposed, which offers potential for challenging the (il)logic of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Characterization of mechanical properties of stab-resistant angle-ply flexible composites
Authors: Wu Mengjin , Yan Ruosi , Xia Zhihui , Shi Bao , Wei Sainan , Zhang Wei , Jia Lixia
Published: July 2020

In this study, we fabricated para-aramid flexible angle-ply-laminated hybrid composites based on weft-knitted reinforcements. Here, four kinds of weft-knitted reinforcements with rib, interlock, punto di roma, and two-thread fleecy were prepared using para-aramid spun yarn. They were then compounded with silicone rubber and waterborne polyurethane–acrylate using the coating method. The layers were angle-plied to produce stab-resistant, weft-knitting-reinforced, flexible laminated hybrid composites. Tensile and tearing strengths of the para-aramid-knitted reinforcements were investigated. Relevant response analyses were chosen to evaluate the influence of three independent variables, including weft-knitted structures, matrix types, and ply orientations. The results showed that the mechanical properties of the composites were dependent on weft-knitted structures and matrix types. The fabric with high strength and the degree in approximate isotropy of stress in all composites was most suited for the reinforcement of the flexible stab-resistant composite. The optimum design with the best stab-resistant property was punto di roma/waterborne polyurethane–acrylate with a ply orientation angle of [0°/0°/0°/0°]. The interlaminar adhesion of flexible stab-resistant composite based on waterborne polyurethane–acrylate can be improved by increasing the surface roughness of fabric structure or modifying its surface.
The First, Comprehensive, Open-Source Culinary Medicine Curriculum for Health Professional Training Programs: A Global Reach
Authors: Hauser Michelle E. , Nordgren Julia R. , Adam Maya , Gardner Christopher D. , Rydel Tracy , Bever Alaina M. , Steinberg Emma
Published: July 2020

Providing a strong foundation in culinary medicine (CM)—including what constitutes a healthy diet and how to find, obtain, and prepare healthy and delicious food—is a cornerstone of educating health professionals to support patients in achieving better health outcomes. The Culinary Medicine Curriculum (CMC), published in collaboration with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, is the first, comprehensive, open-source guide created to support the implementation of CM at health professional training programs (HPTPs) worldwide. The CMC is modeled after the successful CM elective course for Stanford University School of Medicine students. Key goals of the CMC include presenting healthy food as unapologetically delicious, quick, and inexpensive; translating lessons learned to healthy eating on-the-go; practicing motivational interviewing on healthy dietary behavior changes; and demonstrating how to launch a CM course. The CMC highlights a predominantly whole food, plant-based diet as seen through the lenses of different world flavors and culinary traditions. It was developed, published, and distributed with the aim of expanding CM by reducing barriers to creating CM courses within most types of HPTPs and practice settings. During the first 2 months the CMC was available, it was downloaded 2379 times in 83 countries by a wide variety of health care professionals interested in teaching CM. The global interest in this first, freely available, evidence-based CMC underscores the demand for CM resources. Such resources could prove foundational in expediting development of CM courses and expanding the reach of CM and counseling on dietary behavior changes into patient care.
Right atrial appendage aneurysm in a fetus—Does precise prenatal diagnosis matter?
Authors: Ivanitskaya Olga , Sologub Yulia , Tsayuk Yulia , Zagray Alexey , Kim Aleksei
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Congenital malformations of the right atrium—aneurysms and diverticula—are rare heart defects with only a few cases having been described prenatally. Early diagnosis of these anomalies is extremely important due to the possibility of such serious complications such as supraventricular arrhythmia, thromboembolic events and sudden death.

Topic Description

Although each of these anomalies is well known, there are still significant discrepancies in diagnosis. At the same time, there is no essential difference in the postnatal management of patients with right atrial aneurysms or diverticula. Treatment mode varies between centers and is selected individually depending on the presence of symptoms.

Discussion

We discuss the problems of terminology, ultrasound criteria and prenatal differential diagnosis, anatomic and histological features and current limitations for the accurate diagnosis of right atrial aneurysms and diverticula in utero. As a clinical example, we describe a case of right atrial appendage aneurysm diagnosed in a fetus.

Conclusions

Considering the prenatal diagnostic difficulties and similar management of such patients after birth, we suggest avoiding the use of exact terms in the fetus, leaving the precise diagnosis for the postnatal period.
Thiopurine S-methyltransferase genetic polymorphisms in adult patients with inflammatory bowel diseases in the Latvian population
Authors: Zalizko Polina , Stefanovics Juris , Sokolovska Jelizaveta , Paramonova Natalia , Klavina Evija , Erts Renars , Rovite Vita , Klovins Janis , Pukitis Aldis
Published: July 2020

Background:

Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) plays a significant role in the metabolism of thiopurines, and, for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), it is useful to perform TPMT genotyping prior to azathioprine (AZA) treatment. In this study, we determined TPMT gene polymorphisms in a cohort of IBD patients in Latvia.

Methods:

DNA samples were obtained from 244 IBD patients, and qPCR was performed for detection of rs1800462, rs1800460, and rs1142345 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Three common, non-functional TPMT alleles ( TPMT*2, *3B, and *3C) were identified (women, 51%; men, 49%). TPMT*2, *3A, *3B, and *3C allelic variants detected using qPCR were consistent with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) data.

Results:

Among patients, 78% had ulcerative colitis and 22% had Crohn’s disease, with 93.9% of the former carrying a wild-type homozygous TPMT*1/*1 genotype and 6.1% carrying heterozygous genotypes. The most frequent polymorphisms were TPMT*1/*3A (5.3%: two variants: TPMT*3B and TPMT*3C), TPMT*1/*3C (0.4%), and TPMT*1/*2 (0.4%). None of the patients carried a TPMT*3B polymorphism and no patients were homozygous for any mutation.

Conclusion:

This is the first study to identify TPMT gene polymorphisms in adult IBD patients in Latvia. The results indicate that the frequency of common TPMT alleles is similar to that of other European populations.
Dynamic transactional model: a framework for communicating public health messages via social media
Authors: Parackal M , Parackal S , Mather D , Eusebius S
Published: July 2020

Aims:

Social media, because of its broad coverage, is an attractive option for communicating public health messages. However, the lack of a theoretical framework, supporting the two-way communication of social media, is holding back its development and use. This study investigated the suitability of a dynamic transactional model (DTM) of communication for explaining the use of social media for communicating public health messages.

Methods:

The study was carried out on ‘Don’t know? Don’t drink’, a Facebook campaign against drinking alcohol during pregnancy that targeted women of childbearing age in New Zealand. The comments generated were analysed for two features of DTM, namely inter- and intra-transaction, by examining the plurality of topics and polarity of sentiments, using text-mining techniques.

Results:

The analysis of the textual data revealed nine independent topics, confirming the plurality of topics. The conversation contained both positive and negative terms, establishing the polarity of sentiment.

Conclusions:

This study verified the two DTM features (inter- and intra-transaction) in the comments produced by the ‘Don’t know? Don’t drink’ campaign implemented on Facebook. DTM exhibited the potential to be a theoretical framework for recommending and evaluating social media sites like Facebook for communicating public health messages.
An investigation of the status and maturity of hospitals’ health information governance in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Kwan Helen , Riley Merilyn , Prasad Natasha , Robinson Kerin
Published: July 2020

Background:

Health information governance (IG) in Australian hospitals was hitherto unexplored.

Objectives:

To determine hospitals’ health IG status and maturity in Victoria, Australia, identify drivers and barriers affecting IG adoption, examine electronic health data breach response plan usage and assess employees’ electronic data breach awareness.

Method:

Mixed-methods descriptive study utilising an online survey of directors – clinical/health information services and chief health information managers (HIMs) in Victorian hospitals, ≥50 beds.

Results:

Response rate: 42.9% ( n = 36). Fifty percent ( n = 17) of respondent-hospitals had an IG program. IG equally supported decision-making and risk identification and prevention. The greatest potential organisational damages from system disruption or failure were information loss (66.7%) and clinical risks (63.9%). HIMs in 15 (55.6%) hospitals had knowledge to monitor and detect electronic data breaches. Staff in 19 (70.4%) hospitals knew who to inform about a suspected breach. Most hospitals had mature health information-related IG practices, most (88.9%, n = 24) provided IG-related education, 77.8% ( n = 21) regularly reviewed data breach response plans. The strongest IG drivers were privacy-security compliance and changes to data capture or documentation practices (82.8%, n = 24); the greatest barriers were implementation complexity (57.1%, n = 16) and cost (55.6%, n = 15).

Conclusion:

These baseline Australian data show 50% of respondent-hospitals had no formal health IG program. Privacy-security compliance, and audits, needed improvement; however, most hospitals had well-developed medical record/health information IG-relevant schedules, policies and practices. HIMs, the professionals most engaged in IG, required upskilling in electronic data breach detection.
Mathematical modeling of optimal product supply strategies for manufacturer-to-group customers based on semi-real demand patterns
Authors: Zhuo Zhiyi , Chau Ka Yin , Huang Shizheng , Ip Yun Kit
Published: July 2020

Customer demand is the core of the vendor’s implementation of product supply strategies. There are three different patterns of demand: real demand, false demand, and semi-real demand. For this article, we study the product supply strategy formulated for manufacturer-to-group customers based on a semi-real demand pattern. Firstly, we construct two mathematical models in which the manufacturer obtains the best profit based on the two supply modes in the semi-real demand pattern. Secondly, we solve the optimal production volume and optimal pricing. Finally, numerical examples are used to verify the validity of the model. In accordance with the optimization principle, results of the analysis are extended to the range of optimal value of product profit in the demand model, so as to explore the mechanism of manufacturers for maximizing group customers’ product profits under the semi-real demand model.
Design Models for Single Patient Rooms Tested for Patient Preferences
Authors: van Oel Clarine J. , Mlihi Meloek , Freeke Arno
Published: July 2020

Using 3D design models, this study aims to better involve patients in the design of hospitals by investigating what physical environmental characteristics in hospital patient rooms are valued by patients. There is a plea for shared-decision-making and collaborative design processes with representatives from healthcare and the construction sector based on evidence and end users’ perspectives. Existing research is hampered by poor conceptualization of environmental design factors, as these are differently operationalized between medical and technological sciences. Architects communicate through visuals, whereas medical professionals and researchers tend to communicate in words. By using 3D-modeling to research the relationship between health and well-being on the one hand, and the affordances the built environment offers, this knowledge gap can be better addressed. Two hundred four respondents, 60% patients and 40% medical professionals, engaged in discrete choice experiments visualizing a single patient room. A main finding is that patients and medical professionals consistently choose for hospital rooms with the highest amount of daylight access. What this study adds is that the orientation of the windows matters as well. Horizontal windows, allowing for a panoramic view, were twice as much chosen than were vertical windows. Another important finding concerns patients’ preferences for an open door, suggesting patients prefer to stay “connected” to the outside world. This study is important as it shows, empirically, that patients may make different choices if in research the rooms are better conceptualized and thus visualized and if multiple design features are assessed as configuration rather than using a sequential, “one-design-characteristic-after-another” approach.
Physical Fitness and Bone Health in Young Athletes and Nonathletes
Authors: Henriques-Neto Duarte , Magalhães João P. , Hetherington-Rauth Megan , Santos Diana A. , Baptista Fátima , Sardinha Luís B.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Physical activity (PA) and physical fitness (PF) are crucial for bone health. However, children participating in competitive sports with high PA are at a greater risk of fracture from trauma or overuse. Given the importance of bone development during adolescence, associations between commonly used physical fitness tests with distal third radius (R-SoS) and midshaft tibia (T-SoS) speed of sound by quantitative ultrasound were assessed in adolescent athletes and nonathletes.

Hypothesis:

The relationship between physical fitness tests and R-SoS and T-SoS will differ depending on sex and athletic status.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Physical fitness of 285 boys (156 athletes) and 311 girls (74 athletes) aged 10 to 18 years was assessed through strength, speed, agility, and cardiorespiratory tests. Linear regression was used to assess the associations of physical fitness tests with R-SoS and T-SoS.

Results:

For boys, favorable associations were observed between physical fitness tests with R-SoS in athletes and T-SoS in both athletes and nonathletes ( P < 0.05). For nonathlete girls, favorable associations were found for handgrip (R-SoS and T-SoS, both P < 0.05), whereas the progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run, vertical jump, speed at 20 m and 40 m were only favorably associated with T-SoS. For athlete girls, the association between handgrip ( P = 0.03), vertical jump, and 4 × 10 m shuttle run ( P < 0.05) with T-SoS was significantly related to a bone outcome.

Conclusion:

The handgrip test and vertical jump were associated with T-SoS in boys and girls independent of sport status. These results suggest that physical fitness is associated with bone health in adolescents, particularly boys, and that the relationship between physical fitness and bone may differ depending on sex and athletic status.

Clinical Relevance:

Physical fitness tests are simple, easy-to-use tools for monitoring bone health and should be used by sport and health professsionals to promote healthy sport participation and prevent bone injuries.
Isolated Congenital Coronary Ostial Stenosis in a Young Infant: A Case Report
Authors: Miette Ambra , Nuri Halkawt Ali , Pomé Giuseppe , Marasini Maurizio , Santini Francesco
Published: July 2020

Coronary ostial stenosis is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly, frequently associated with hypoplasia of the proximal coronary artery. This condition is potentially life-threatening, as it may present with myocardial ischemia and sudden death. We present a case of left coronary ostial stenosis in a 48-day-old infant symptomatic for sudden cardiac arrest, who successfully underwent surgical angioplasty. Any cardiac arrest in a neonate or young infant should raise suspicion of coronary ostial stenosis/atresia, considering the difficulty in diagnosing this congenital heart defect.
Prevaluating Technical Efficiency Gains From Potential Mergers and Acquisitions in China’s Coal Industry
Authors: He Yan , Chiu Yung-ho , Zhang Bin
Published: July 2020

With the slowdown of its economic growth, China’s domestic coal industry is facing more and more serious overcapacity. Multiple government departments have jointly proposed that the coal industry should undergo mergers and reorganization to ease this overcapacity, enhance industrial concentration, and optimize production layout. This study thus combines the resample slacks-based measure (SBM) model and potential merger gains model to pre-evaluate the gains from potential mergers and acquisitions (M&As) before making any final decision about them. With a focus on prevaluating efficiency gains before potential M&As instead of efficiency gains after them, we take China’s listed companies in the coal mining and washing industry as the research sample. The data used to evaluate the efficiency from potential M&As come from their annual financial reports from 2013 to 2016. Empirical results show that some mergers of listed coal companies lead to improved efficiency, but not all mergers can bring efficiency improvements. We also find that the most efficient companies are not necessarily the best M&A targets, and that companies suitable for M&As are those in the stage of expansion. In addition, the empirical results confirm that combinations between large coal companies and between cross-listing companies are more efficient.
Registered Reports With Developmental and Secondary Data: Some Brief Observations and Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Syed Moin , Donnellan M. Brent
Published: July 2020

Registered reports are a relatively new type of journal article format in which the decision to publish an article is based on sound conceptualization, methods, and planned analyses rather than the specific nature of the results. Registered reports are becoming increasingly instituted in journals across the sciences but mostly in experimental contexts. Relatively few of these journals pertain directly to developmental research with adolescents, emerging adults, and adults, which tend to use more complex methods, or at least methods that involve a greater degree of flexibility. This article describes lessons learned through editing a special issue focused on registered reports based on analyses of a single existing data set, the Emerging Adulthood Measured and Multiple Institutions 2 project. These observations should be helpful for researchers interested in preparing registered report submissions using developmental and secondary data.
Infective Endocarditis 2 Decades After Pulmonary Autograft Ross Procedure
Authors: Boyer Robin , Upple Charnpreet , Joolhar Fowrooz , Petersen Greti , Heidari Arash
Published: July 2020

Pulmonary autograft, or Ross procedure, is performed by supplanting a diseased aortic valve with the patient’s own pulmonary valve. Reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract is then completed using a pulmonary homograft. To our knowledge, infective endocarditis occurring decades after the Ross procedure has not been reported. Diligent echocardiographic examination can be crucial to ensure prompt treatment and avoid the 25% mortality rate associated with infective endocarditis. Clinical suspicion should remain high in those with a pulmonary autograft history. In this article, we report the case of a 39-year-old patient with infective endocarditis presenting 22 years after Ross procedure.
Thrower’s Exostosis of the Shoulder: A Systematic Review With a Novel Classification
Authors: Freehill Michael T. , Mannava Sandeep , Higgins Laurence D. , Lädermann Alexandre , Stone Austin V.
Published: July 2020

Background:

A variety of thrower’s exostoses are grouped under the term Bennett lesion, which makes understanding diagnosis and treatment difficult.

Purpose:

To identify all types of reported thrower’s and overhead athlete’s exostoses and categorize them into a classification system to allow a morphology-based classification.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review of all articles pertaining to Bennett lesions and thrower’s exostosis was performed. The classification and treatments were evaluated to describe the types, proposed causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Results:

A total of 27 studies were included in the systematic review. The anatomic locations referenced in the study demonstrated posteroinferior, posterior, and posterosuperior glenoid lesions. Aggregate radiographic data demonstrated 158 of 306 patients (52%) with a thrower’s exostosis of any type and location. Of these 158 patients with a radiographic lesion, 119 (75%) patients were symptomatic. The locations were posteroinferior in 110 patients (70%), directly posterior in 2 patients (1.3%), posterosuperior in 44 patients (28%), and unknown in 2 patients (1.3%). Avulsed lesions were present in 9 (5.7%) posteroinferior lesions, 0 direct posterior lesions, and 2 (1.3%) posterosuperior lesions. Treatment plans included both nonoperative and operative strategies, but operative intervention was more commonly reported for detached lesions. After operative intervention, only 61% of reported athletes returned to preinjury performance.

Conclusion:

Based on a comprehensive review of the literature, we identified several anatomic locations for a thrower’s exostosis beyond the classic Bennett lesion. We categorized the reported exostoses into a new classification system for description of location and type (subperiosteal or free fragment) of the thrower’s exostosis, which may be used to study future treatments. Current treatment strategies recommend that surgical treatment of thrower’s exostosis is considered only after exhausting nonoperative management because reported return to sport is variable after surgery. The effectiveness of excision or repair for both subperiosteal and detached lesions has not been established.
Disruptive technologies and nuclear weapons
Authors: Sokova Elena
Published: July 2020

The current security environment faces two major challenges. On the one hand, the international arms control and security architecture are deteriorating. Doctrinal innovations, first in Russia and then in the United States, allow for limited use of nuclear weapons, including potentially the low-yield varieties. On the other hand, advanced conventional weapons, cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies increase the risk of conflict, which could escalate to the nuclear level. As risks increase, the political will to pursue cooperative solutions to prevent arms race and war continues to diminish. Some nuclear states are even reluctant to recommit to the Reagan-Gorbachev statement that “A nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.”
Welcome to the grey zone: Future war and peace
Authors: Bressan Sarah , Sulg Mari-Liis
Published: July 2020

In this article, we develop a scenario of war and peace in Europe’s neighbourhood in 2030 and analyse its implications. We show how the key drivers of shifting global powers, the failure to build an inclusive European project and patchy transnational governance lead to a situation of permanent grey, in which some actors exploit the ambiguity between war and peace to their advantage, while others fail to even realize what is happening. The consequences include different forms of violence and suffering outside of traditional battlefields. Questioning the analytical value of concepts such as grey zone, hybrid and political warfare, we argue that a positive future of peace and the necessary management of the grey zone absent effective global governance require a better and more honest understanding of violence and domination in both war and peacetime. With clearly delineated battlefields gone, so must be the illusion that universal peace existed outside of them.
COVID-19 Considerations in Pediatric Dentistry
Authors: Bahramian H. , Gharib B. , Baghalian A.
Published: July 2020

One of the most important current medical concerns across the globe is the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, which has been designated by the World Health Organization as a novel viral pneumonia named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 has substantially affected all aspects of human lives and forced most people to self-quarantine themselves and stay home in order to remain safe. As pediatric dentists as a part of the health care system deferring elective procedures, we are obliged to manage emergency situations such as cellulitis, severe tooth pain, and dental trauma. Therefore, we need to beware of the symptoms and risks of the emerging disease and, accordingly, change the policies in our offices to minimize the risk of transmission while checking up and treating our patients in the safest possible way.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

This article aims to acquaint clinicians treating pediatric patients with COVID-19 hazards and delineate the steps required for minimizing cross-infection in case of providing emergency treatment to children in dental offices.
Evolutionary chemical binding similarity approach integrated with 3D-QSAR method for effective virtual screening
Authors: Durai Prasannavenkatesh , Ko Young-Joon , Pan Cheol-Ho , Park Keunwan
Published: July 2020

Background

Despite continued efforts using chemical similarity methods in virtual screening, currently developed approaches suffer from time-consuming multistep procedures and low success rates. We recently developed a machine learning-based chemical binding similarity model considering common structural features from molecules binding to the same, or evolutionarily related targets. The chemical binding similarity measures the resemblance of chemical compounds in terms of binding site similarity to better describe functional similarities that arise from target binding. In this study, we have shown how the chemical binding similarity could be used in virtual screening together with the conventional structure-based methods.

Results

The chemical binding similarity, receptor-based pharmacophore, chemical structure similarity, and molecular docking methods were evaluated to identify an effective virtual screening procedure for desired target proteins. When we tested the chemical binding similarity method with test sets of 51 kinases, it outperformed the traditional structural similarity-based methods as well as structure-based methods, such as molecular docking and receptor-based pharmacophore modeling, in terms of finding active compounds. We further validated the results by performing virtual screening (using the chemical binding similarity and receptor-based pharmacophore methods) against a completely blind dataset for mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1), ephrin type-B receptor 4 (EPHB4) and wee1-like protein kinase (WEE1). The in vitro kinase binding assay confirmed that 6 out of 13 (46.2%) for MEK1 and 2 out of 12 (16.7%) for EPHB4 were newly identified only by the chemical binding similarity model.

Conclusions

We report that the virtual screening results could further be improved by combining the chemical binding similarity model with 3D-QSAR pharmacophore and molecular docking models. Not only the new inhibitors are identified in this study, but also many of the identified molecules have low structural similarity scores against already reported inhibitors and that show the revelation of novel scaffolds.
Genetic mapping of physiological traits associated with terminal stage drought tolerance in rice
Authors: Barik Saumya Ranjan , Pandit Elssa , Mohanty Shakti Prakash , Nayak Deepak Kumar , Pradhan Sharat Kumar
Published: July 2020

Background

Drought during reproductive stage is among the main abiotic stresses responsible for drastic reduction of grain yield in rainfed rice. The genetic mechanism of reproductive stage drought tolerance is very complex. Many physiological and morphological traits are associated with this stress tolerance. Robust molecular markers are required for detection and incorporation of these correlated physiological traits into different superior genetic backgrounds. Identification of gene(s)/QTLs controlling reproductive stage drought tolerance and its deployment in rainfed rice improvement programs are very important.

Results

QTLs linked to physiological traits under reproductive stage drought tolerance were detected by using 190 F7 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) mapping population of CR 143–2-2 and Krishnahamsa. Wide variations were observed in the estimates of ten physiological traits studied under the drought stress. The RIL population was genotyped using the bulk- segregant analysis (BSA) approach. A total of 77 SSR polymorphic markers were obtained from the parental polymorphisms survey of 401 tested primers. QTL analysis using inclusive composite interval mapping detected a total of three QTLs for the physiological traits namely relative chlorophyll content (qRCC1.1), chlorophyll a (qCHLa1.1), and proline content (qPRO3.1) in the studied RIL population. The QTL, qPRO3.1 is found to be a novel one showing LOD value of 13.93 and phenotypic variance (PVE) of 78.19%. The QTL was located within the marker interval of RM22-RM517 on chromosome 3. Another novel QTL, qRCC1.1 was mapped on chromosome 1 at a distance of 142.8 cM and found to control relative chlorophyll content during terminal drought stress. A third novel QTL was detected in the population that controlled chlorophyll a content (qCHLa1.1) under the terminal stress period. The QTL was located on chromosome 1 at a distance of 81.8 cM and showed 64.5% phenotypic variation.

Conclusions

The three novel QTLs, qRCC1.1, qCHLa1.1 and qPRO3.1 controlling relative chlorophyll content, chlorophyll a and proline content, respectively were identified in the mapping population derived from CR 143–2-2 and Krishnahamsa. These 3 QTLs will be useful for enhancement of terminal drought stress tolerance through marker-assisted breeding approach in rice.
Genome-wide analysis of the bZIP gene family in Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.)
Authors: Zhang Yao , Gao Weilin , Li Hongtai , Wang Yongkang , Li Dengke , Xue Chaoling , Liu Zhiguo , Liu Mengjun , Zhao Jin
Published: July 2020

Background

Among several TF families unique to eukaryotes, the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family is one of the most important. Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is a popular fruit tree species in Asia, and its fruits are rich in sugar, vitamin C and so on. Analysis of the bZIP gene family of jujube has not yet been reported. In this study, ZjbZIPs were identified firstly, their expression patterns were further studied in different tissues and in response to various abiotic and phytoplasma stresses, and their protein-protein interactions were also analyzed.

Results

At the whole genome level, 45 ZjbZIPs were identified and classified into 14 classes. The members of each class of bZIP subfamily contain a specific conserved domain in addition to the core bZIP conserved domain, which may be related to its biological function. Relative Synonymous Codon Usage (RSCU) analysis displayed low values of NTA and NCG codons in ZjbZIPs, which would be beneficial to increase the protein production and also indicated that ZjbZIPs were at a relative high methylation level. The paralogous and orthologous events occurred during the evolutionary process of ZjbZIPs. Thirty-four ZjbZIPs were mapped to but not evenly distributed among 10 pseudo- chromosomes. 30 of ZjbZIP genes showed diverse tissue-specific expression in jujube and wild jujube trees, indicating that these genes may have multiple functions. Some ZjbZIP genes were specifically analyzed and found to play important roles in the early stage of fruit development. Moreover, some ZjbZIPs that respond to phytoplasma invasion and abiotic stress environmental conditions, such as salt and low temperature, were found. Based on homology comparisons, prediction analysis and yeast two-hybrid, a protein interaction network including 42 ZjbZIPs was constructed.

Conclusions

The bioinformatics analyses of 45 ZjbZIPs were implemented systematically, and their expression profiles in jujube and wild jujube showed that many genes might play crucial roles during fruit ripening and in the response to phytoplasma and abiotic stresses. The protein interaction networks among ZjbZIPs could provide useful information for further functional studies.
Changes in D-dimer after initiation of antiretroviral therapy in adults living with HIV in Kenya
Authors: Teasdale Chloe A. , Hernandez Cecilia , Zerbe Allison , Chege Duncan , Hawken Mark , El-Sadr Wafaa M.
Published: July 2020

Background

Increased coagulation biomarkers are associated with poor outcomes among people living with HIV (PLHIV). There are few data available from African cohorts demonstrating the effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on coagulation biomarkers.

Methods

From March 2014 to October 2014, ART-naïve PLHIV initiating non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based ART were recruited from seven clinics in western Kenya and followed for up to 12 months. Demographics, clinical history and blood specimens were collected. Logistic regression models adjusted for intrasite clustering examined associations between HIV viral load and D-Dimer at baseline. Mixed linear effects models were used to estimate mean change from baseline to 6 months overall, and by baseline viral load, sex and TB status at enrollment. Mean change in D-dimer at 6 months is reported on the log10 scale and as percentage change from baseline.

Results

Among 611 PLHIV enrolled, 66% were female, median age was 34 years (interquartile range (IQR) 29–43 years), 31 (5%) participants had tuberculosis and median viral load was 113,500 copies/mL (IQR: 23,600-399,000). At baseline, 311 (50.9%) PLHIV had elevated D-dimer (> 500 ng/mL) and median D-dimer was 516.4 ng/mL (IQR: 302.7–926.6) (log baseline D-dimer: 2.7, IQR: 2.5–3.0). Higher baseline D-dimer was significantly associated with higher viral load (p < 0.0001), female sex (p = 0.02) and tuberculosis (p =  0.02). After 6 months on ART, 518 (84.8%) PLHIV had achieved viral load < 1000 copies/mL and median D-dimer was 390.0 (IQR: 236.6–656.9) (log D-dimer: 2.6, IQR: 2.4–2.8). Mean change in log D-dimer from baseline to 6 months was − 0.12 (95%CI −0.15, − 0.09) (p < 0.0001) indicating at 31.3% decline (95%CI −40.0, − 23.0) in D-dimer levels over the first 6 months on ART. D-dimer decline after ART initiation was significantly greater among PLHIV with tuberculosis at treatment initiation (− 172.1, 95%CI −259.0, − 106.3; p < 0.0001) and those with log viral load > 6.0 copies/mL (− 91.1, 95%CI −136.7, − 54.2; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

In this large Kenyan cohort of PLHIV, women, those with tuberculosis and higher viral load had elevated baseline D-dimer. ART initiation and viral load suppression among ART-naïve PLHIV in Kenya were associated with significant decrease in D-dimer at 6 months in this large African cohort.
Quantification of epicardial fat using 3D cine Dixon MRI
Authors: Henningsson Markus , Brundin Martin , Scheffel Tobias , Edin Carl , Viola Federica , Carlhäll Carl-Johan
Published: July 2020

Background

There is an increased interest in quantifying and characterizing epicardial fat which has been linked to various cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation. Recently, three-dimensional single-phase Dixon techniques have been used to depict the heart and to quantify the surrounding fat. The purpose of this study was to investigate the merits of a new high-resolution cine 3D Dixon technique for quantification of epicardial adipose tissue and compare it to single-phase 3D Dixon in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Methods

Fifteen patients referred for clinical CMR examination of known or suspected heart disease were scanned on a 1.5 T scanner using single-phase Dixon and cine Dixon. Epicardial fat was segmented by three readers and intra- and inter-observer variability was calculated per slice. Cine Dixon segmentation was performed in the same cardiac phase as single-phase Dixon. Subjective image quality assessment of water and fat images were performed by three readers using a 4-point Likert scale (1 = severe; 2 = significant; 3 = mild; 4 = no blurring of cardiac structures).

Results

Intra-observer variability was excellent for cine Dixon images (ICC = 0.96), and higher than single-phase Dixon (ICC = 0.92). Inter-observer variability was good for cine Dixon (ICC = 0.76) and moderate for single-phase Dixon (ICC = 0.63). The intra-observer measurement error (mean ± standard deviation) per slice for cine was − 0.02 ± 0.51 ml (− 0.08 ± 0.4%), and for single-phase 0.39 ± 0.72 ml (0.18 ± 0.41%). Inter-observer measurement error for cine was 0.46 ± 0.98 ml (0.11 ± 0.46%) and for single-phase 0.42 ± 1.53 ml (0.17 ± 0.47%). Visual scoring of the water image yielded median of 2 (interquartile range = [Q3-Q1] 2–2) for cine and median of 3 (interquartile range = 3–2) for single-phase (P < 0.05) while no significant difference was found for the fat images, both techniques yielding a median of 3 and interquartile range of 3–2.

Conclusion

Cine Dixon can be used to quantify epicardial fat with lower intra- and inter-observer variability compared to standard single-phase Dixon. The time-resolved information provided by the cine acquisition appears to support the delineation of the epicardial adipose tissue depot.
Antibody-mediated pure red cell aplasia related with epoetin-beta pegol (C.E.R.A.) as an erythropoietic agent: case report of a dialysis patient
Authors: Shingu Yasuki , Nakata Tomohiro , Sawai Shinji , Tanaka Hisaya , Asai Osamu , Tamagaki Keiichi , Nakatani Kimihiko
Published: July 2020

Background

Erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) are used to treat anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease, enabling maintenance of stable hemoglobin levels and eliminating the need for multiple transfusions. Epoetin-beta pegol (C.E.R.A.) is a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator created by integrating a large methoxy-polyethylene-glycol-polymer chain into the erythropoietin molecule, which provides it with a longer half-life. On rare occasions, cases of antibody-mediated pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) related to ESAs are reported. They are characterized by abrupt onset of severe transfusion-dependent anemia, despite ESA therapy. We herein report a case of antibody-mediated PRCA in a dialysis patient receiving C.E.R.A.

Case presentation

A 44-year-old man with end-stage renal failure had been receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis for 2 years. C.E.R.A. was administered subcutaneously as a sole ESA once a month at the hospital since 4 years ago for the treatment of renal anemia and his hemoglobin level was well controlled at 12 g/dl. From 10 months before diagnosis, however, his hemoglobin level suddenly declined, necessitating frequent transfusions. Based on the results of a bone marrow examination and detection of anti-C.E.R.A. antibodies, the patient was diagnosed with antibody-mediated PRCA. After successful elimination of the antibodies using oral prednisolone plus cyclosporine, the patient was re-administrated C.E.R.A. intravenously, as there are few reports of antibody-mediated PRCA related to ESA using that administration route. He responded to the C.E.R.A., and his anemia dramatically improved, eliminating the need for blood transfusions.

Conclusions

This is the first reported case of recovery from an antibody-mediated PRCA with C.E.R.A. after its re-administration following a reversal of the antibody. It has been suggested that the additional large pegylation chain makes C.E.R.A. less likely to trigger antibody generation than other ESAs. Following successful treatment of antibody-mediated PRCA using immunosuppressive therapy, C.E.R.A. can be re-administered intravenously to treat renal anemia.