bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hausdorff–Young-type inequalities for vector-valued Dirichlet series
Authors: Carando Daniel , Marceca Felipe , Sevilla-Peris Pablo
Published: March 2020

We study Hausdorff–Young-type inequalities for vector-valued Dirichlet series which allow us to compare the norm of a Dirichlet series in the Hardy space

H

p

(
X
)

\mathcal {H}_{p} (X)

with the

q
q

-norm of its coefficients. In order to obtain inequalities completely analogous to the scalar case, a Banach space must satisfy the restrictive notion of Fourier type/cotype. We show that variants of these inequalities hold for the much broader range of spaces enjoying type/cotype. We also consider Hausdorff–Young-type inequalities for functions defined on the infinite torus

T

∞

\mathbb {T}^{\infty }

or the boolean cube

{
−
1
,
1

}

∞

\{-1,1\}^{\infty }

. As a fundamental tool we show that type and cotype are equivalent to a hypercontractive homogeneous polynomial type and cotype, a result of independent interest.
Maternal Supplementation of Inositols, Fucoxanthin, and Hydroxytyrosol in Pregnant Murine Models of Hypertension
Authors: Menichini Daniela , Alrais Mesk , Liu Chen , Xia Yang , Blackwell Sean C , Facchinetti Fabio , Sibai Baha M , Longo Monica
Published: March 2020

Background

Myoinositol (M) and D-chiro-inositol (D) are insulin sensitizer compounds, while fucoxanthin (F) and hydroxytyrosol (H) are antioxidant substances. We aim to investigate if the combination of these compounds, will improve the vascular responses in pregnant mouse models of hypertension: a genetic model, transgenic heterozygous mice lacking endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene (eNOS−/+); and environmental, wild-type (WT) mice. Those mouse models will allow a better understanding of the genetic/environmental contribution to hypertension in pregnancy.

Methods

eNOS−/+ and WT female were fed high fat diet for 4 weeks, then at 7–8 weeks of age were mated with WT male. On gestational day (GD) 1, they were randomly allocated to receive MDFH treatment or water as control: eNOS−/+ MDFH (n = 13), eNOS−/+ (n = 13), WT-MDFH (n = 14), and WT (n = 20). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was obtained at GD 18, then dams were sacrificed; fetuses and placentas collected, and 2 mm segments of carotid arteries isolated for vascular responses using the wire-myograph system. Responses to phenylephrine (PE), with/without the NOS inhibitor (N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME)), and to acetylcholine (Ach) and sodium nitroprussiate (SNP) were performed.

Results

SBP decreased in eNOS−/+ and WT dams after MDFH supplementation. In eNOS−/+, MDFH lower the contractile response to PE and l-NAME and improved Ach vasorelaxation. In WT dams, MDFH treatment did not affect PE response; MDFH treatment lowered the vascular PE response after incubation with l-NAME. No differences were seen in SNP relaxation in both models.

Conclusions

MDFH decreased SBP in both genetically and environmentally hypertensive dams and improved vascular responses mostly in the eNOS−/+ dams.
Uric Acid and Hypertension: An Update With Recommendations
Authors: Sanchez-Lozada Laura G , Rodriguez-Iturbe Bernardo , Kelley Eric E , Nakagawa Takahiko , Madero Magdalena , Feig Dan I , Borghi Claudio , Piani Federica , Cara-Fuentes Gabriel , Bjornstad Petter , Lanaspa Miguel A , Johnson Richard J
Published: March 2020

The association between increased serum urate and hypertension has been a subject of intense controversy. Extracellular uric acid drives uric acid deposition in gout, kidney stones, and possibly vascular calcification. Mendelian randomization studies, however, indicate that serum urate is likely not the causal factor in hypertension although it does increase the risk for sudden cardiac death and diabetic vascular disease. Nevertheless, experimental evidence strongly suggests that an increase in intracellular urate is a key factor in the pathogenesis of primary hypertension. Pilot clinical trials show beneficial effect of lowering serum urate in hyperuricemic individuals who are young, hypertensive, and have preserved kidney function. Some evidence suggest that activation of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) occurs in hyperuricemia and blocking the RAS may mimic the effects of xanthine oxidase inhibitors. A reduction in intracellular urate may be achieved by lowering serum urate concentration or by suppressing intracellular urate production with dietary measures that include reducing sugar, fructose, and salt intake. We suggest that these elements in the western diet may play a major role in the pathogenesis of primary hypertension. Studies are necessary to better define the interrelation between uric acid concentrations inside and outside the cell. In addition, large-scale clinical trials are needed to determine if extracellular and intracellular urate reduction can provide benefit hypertension and cardiometabolic disease.
A hidden Markov modeling approach for identifying tumor subclones in next-generation sequencing studies
Authors: Choo-Wosoba Hyoyoung , Albert Paul S , Zhu Bin
Published: March 2020

Allele-specific copy number alteration (ASCNA) analysis is for identifying copy number abnormalities in tumor cells. Unlike normal cells, tumor cells are heterogeneous as a combination of dominant and minor subclones with distinct copy number profiles. Estimating the clonal proportion and identifying mainclone and subclone genotypes across the genome are important for understanding tumor progression. Several ASCNA tools have recently been developed, but they have been limited to the identification of subclone regions, and not the genotype of subclones. In this article, we propose subHMM, a hidden Markov model-based approach that estimates both subclone region and region-specific subclone genotype and clonal proportion. We specify a hidden state variable representing the conglomeration of clonal genotype and subclone status. We propose a two-step algorithm for parameter estimation, where in the first step, a standard hidden Markov model with this conglomerated state variable is fit. Then, in the second step, region-specific estimates of the clonal proportions are obtained by maximizing region-specific pseudo-likelihoods. We apply subHMM to study renal cell carcinoma datasets in The Cancer Genome Atlas. In addition, we conduct simulation studies that show the good performance of the proposed approach. The R source code is available online at https://dceg.cancer.gov/tools/analysis/subhmm. Expectation–Maximization algorithm; Forward–backward algorithm; Somatic copy number alteration; Tumor subclones.
Macrophage lineages in heart valve development and disease
Authors: Kim Andrew J , Xu Na , Yutzey Katherine E
Published: March 2020

Heterogeneous macrophage lineages are present in the aortic and mitral valves of the heart during development and disease. These populations include resident macrophages of embryonic origins and recruited monocyte-derived macrophages prevalent in disease. Soon after birth, macrophages from haematopoietic lineages are recruited to the heart valves, and bone marrow transplantation studies in mice demonstrate that haematopoietic-derived macrophages continue to invest adult valves. During myxomatous heart valve disease, monocyte-derived macrophages are recruited to the heart valves and they contribute to valve degeneration in a mouse model of Marfan syndrome. Here, we review recent studies of macrophage lineages in heart valve development and disease with discussion of clinical significance and therapeutic applications.
Assessing swells in La Réunion Island from terrestrial seismic observations, oceanographic records and offshore wave models
Authors: Rindraharisaona E J , Cordier E , Barruol G , Fontaine F R , Singh M
Published: March 2020

La Réunion Island in the southwest Indian Ocean is seasonally affected by austral swells among which some extreme events may have strong impacts on coastal infrastructures. The very limited number of sensors available on and around the island and in the whole SW Indian Ocean impedes any direct monitoring of the swell activity. In this study, we analyse direct observations of the ocean swell by combining terrestrial measurements of the microseismic noise with in situ oceanographic observations issued from two pressure gauges and an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP), together with swell numerical modelling. The reliability of the terrestrial seismic station to characterize the ocean activity in both the primary and secondary microseisms peaks (PM and SM, respectively), and also in the long period secondary microseismic peak (LPSM) for the case of La Réunion Island is presented and discussed here. By computing the hourly RMS of the PM and LP(SM) amplitudes, we establish a transfer function between the PM and (LP)SM amplitude and the maximum wave height, which appears to be valid for any PM and LPSM amplitudes >0.15 μm and >1.0 μm, respectively. The correlation coefficient between the PM amplitude and the wave height is >0.92. It suggests that the PM amplitude can be used as a robust proxy for the swell height and may help calibrating the wave heights from other independent observable. For some swell events, we observe LPSM that correlate well (>0.91) with the local wave height suggesting a generation by coastal swell reflection. From polarization and spectral analyses, directions and periods of swells are also well retrieved from seismic data. Finally, continuous measure of the SM amplitude shows that it can be used as precursor information for distant swells that may hit La Réunion Island a few days after their generation in the southern Indian Ocean.
Opportunity for HiAP through a Healthy Cities initiative in Taiwan: a multiple streams analysis
Authors: Lee Chiachi Bonnie , Huang Nuan-Ching , Kung Shiann-Far , Hu Susan C
Published: March 2020

Health in All Policies (HiAP) is an effective approach to promote population health through addressing comprehensive social determinants of health. In 1997, the World Health Organization designed a 20-step protocol for developing a Healthy Cities (HC) project to build healthy public policies. Taiwan adopted the concept of HC in 2002 and established the first demonstration project in Tainan City in 2003. This study explores the impact of the HC initiative on the development of HiAP, as well as how a window of opportunities for HiAP was opened through the HC movement, using Tainan City as an example. Tainan was selected as the case for this study because of its relative maturity in the development of an HC initiative. A theory-driven thematic analysis was conducted in the study with archived documents between 2003 and 2010. We first adopted a Multiple Streams Approach to examine how the city government opened a window for HiAP through the HC initiative and then drew on the Maturity Model to evaluate the stage of HiAP in the Tainan HC project. After analyzing all related documents, we concluded that HiAP in the Tainan HC project had reached Stage V Institutionalization after 7 years. Key contexts, factors, challenges and strategies were identified. This study suggests that the HC initiative can indeed contribute to the development of HiAP and that the window was opened for HiAP through a concurrence of the three streams of problem, policy and politics along with the HC movement process.
The vitamin B12 processing enzyme, mmachc, is essential for zebrafish survival, growth and retinal morphology
Authors: Sloan Jennifer L , Achilly Nathan P , Arnold Madeline L , Catlett Jerrel L , Blake Trevor , Bishop Kevin , Jones Marypat , Harper Ursula , English Milton A , Anderson Stacie , Trivedi Niraj S , Elkahloun Abdel , Hoffmann Victoria , Brooks Brian P , Sood Raman , Venditti Charles P
Published: March 2020

Cobalamin C (cblC) deficiency, the most common inborn error of intracellular cobalamin metabolism, is caused by mutations in MMACHC, a gene responsible for the processing and intracellular trafficking of vitamin B12. This recessive disorder is characterized by a failure to metabolize cobalamin into adenosyl- and methylcobalamin, which results in the biochemical perturbations of methylmalonic acidemia, hyperhomocysteinemia and hypomethioninemia caused by the impaired activity of the downstream enzymes, methylmalonyl-CoA mutase and methionine synthase. Cobalamin C deficiency can be accompanied by a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, including progressive blindness, and, in mice, manifests with very early embryonic lethality. Because zebrafish harbor a full complement of cobalamin metabolic enzymes, we used genome editing to study the loss of mmachc function and to develop the first viable animal model of cblC deficiency. mmachc mutants survived the embryonic period but perished in early juvenile life. The mutants displayed the metabolic and clinical features of cblC deficiency including methylmalonic acidemia, severe growth retardation and lethality. Morphologic and metabolic parameters improved when the mutants were raised in water supplemented with small molecules used to treat patients, including hydroxocobalamin, methylcobalamin, methionine and betaine. Furthermore, mmachc mutants bred to express rod and/or cone fluorescent reporters, manifested a retinopathy and thin optic nerves (ON). Expression analysis using whole eye mRNA revealed the dysregulation of genes involved in phototransduction and cholesterol metabolism. Zebrafish with mmachc deficiency recapitulate the several of the phenotypic and biochemical features of the human disorder, including ocular pathology, and show a response to established treatments.
Prevalence and social determinants of tobacco use in Afghanistan
Authors: Alemi Qais , Stempel Carl , Montgomery Susanne
Published: March 2020

Background

Limited evidence exists on the prevalence and social determinants of tobacco use in Afghanistan—a fragile post-war context where the tobacco epidemic is on the rise. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and social determinants of tobacco use in Afghan men and women.

Methods

Data from the 2015 Afghanistan Demographic and Health Survey of 10 760 men and 29 461 women were used to generate weighted prevalence estimates for smoking, smokeless tobacco (SLT) products including chew and snuff tobacco, ‘any tobacco use’ and ‘dual tobacco use’. We also modelled associations with tobacco outcomes using binary logistic regressions.

Results

We found that for men, smoking cigarettes was the most prevalent form of tobacco use (21.9% [95% confidence interval {CI} 21.2–22.7]). Prevalence rates were far lower for women, with cigarette/pipe smoking at 3.4% (95% CI 3.2–3.7). For both sexes, tobacco use was inversely associated with education and positively associated with agricultural and skilled and unskilled manual labour occupations. Wealth increased the odds of smoking for men but decreased the odds for women. Media exposure had little influence on tobacco use among women; however, the effects were more varied for men.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate social inequalities in tobacco use among Afghan men and women, which calls for stronger tobacco control measures and continued monitoring of this growing epidemic.
Review of Analytical Methods to Detect Adulteration in Coffee
Authors: Wang Xiuju , Lim Loong-Tak , Fu Yucheng
Published: March 2020

As one of the most consumed beverages in the world, coffee plays many major socioeconomical roles in various regions. Because of the wide coffee varieties available in the marketplaces, and the substantial price gaps between them (e.g., Arabica versus Robusta; speciality versus commodity coffees), coffees are susceptible to intentional or accidental adulteration. Therefore, there is a sustaining interest from the producers and regulatory agents to develop protocols to detect fraudulent practices. In general, strategies to authenticate coffee are based on targeted chemical profile analyses to determine specific markers of adulterants, or nontargeted analyses based on the “fingerprinting” concept. This paper reviews the literature related to chemometric approaches to discriminate coffees based on nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, chromatography, infrared/Raman spectroscopy, and array sensors/indicators. In terms of chemical profiling, the paper focuses on the detection of diterpenes, homostachydrine, phenolic acids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, triacylglycerols, and deoxyribonucleic acid. Finally, the prospects of coffee authentication are discussed.
Evaluation of Cyantraniliprole, Spinetoram, and Chromobacterium subtsugae Extract in Bait for Killing and Reducing Oviposition of Rhagoletis indifferens (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Yee Wee L
Published: March 2020

Insecticides mixed in sugar-protein baits or insecticides alone have been used to control tephritid fruit flies for many years. Here, effects of cyantraniliprole, spinetoram, and the biopesticide Chromobacterium subtsugae extract in sucrose-yeast extract bait or alone on kill and oviposition of western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens Curran (Diptera: Tephritidae), were evaluated in the laboratory. Flies were exposed to dry insecticide bait or insecticide alone in the presence or absence of a nontoxic food strip. Spinetoram alone caused greater mortality than cyantraniliprole alone, while cyantraniliprole in bait caused mortality as high as spinetoram bait and greater mortality than cyantraniliprole alone. Chromobacterium subtsugae extract alone but not in bait caused significant mortality compared with controls, but was much less effective than cyantraniliprole and spinetoram. Spinetoram alone reduced oviposition more than cyantraniliprole alone. However, cyantraniliprole bait reduced oviposition as much or more than spinetoram alone or spinetoram bait. Cyantraniliprole and spinetoram baits caused greater mortality when a nontoxic food strip was absent than present, but there was no corresponding reduction in oviposition. Chromobacterium subtsugae extract did not significantly reduce oviposition compared with controls. Potential benefits of using cyantraniliprole baits as an additional or alternative method to using more toxic spinosyn insecticides for controlling R. indifferens warrant study.
Resilience in liminality: how resilient moves are being negotiated by asylum-seeking families in the liminal context of asylum procedures
Authors: Groeninck Mieke , Meurs Patrick , Geldof Dirk , Van Acker Kaat , Wiewauters Claire
Published: March 2020

By elaborating on the concept of ‘resilient moves’, we try to show how resilience in the case of asylum-seeking families living in open, collective reception centres exists in a complicated relationship with vulnerability and is very much a matter of local negotiation rather than mere adaptation in the face of adversity. Building upon consecutive waves of resilience research, this approach inspired by practice theory focuses on the agency of acts performed by families themselves or facilitated by people and structures in various types of relationships to them. It also allows a repoliticization of resilience, explaining how denouncing vulnerability due to structural precarity might constitute resilience through resistance. An in-depth case example of an Afghan family residing for 4 years in a collective reception centre will provide illustrations of our findings and approach.
Incorporating unconventional and renewable energy into the international energy framework: the diminution of OPEC in a new energy world order
Authors: Roth Victoria
Published: March 2020

Nearing its 60th anniversary of foundation, the once unchallenged Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) faces a modern diminution of influence. This slipping grip of near-hegemonic control exerted over the petroleum industry, is partly reflective of the rising influence of unconventional energy sources, the rising popularity for alternative and renewable energy sources and a downstream consequence of its own exertion of power. With rising international demand for renewables as a means to provide global energy security, the role of the state remains paramount in meeting energy demands. The international framework falls short of enabling a framework that brings renewable energy past its domestic dependency and into an internationally traded commodity. Following the 1973 embargo against the USA, OPEC inadvertently spurred on the need for a diversified market of energy production to ensure global energy security free from the whims of oligarchic groups. The subsequent investment into alternative energy, including the rising technological advancements made in areas such as horizontal and seismic imaging technology (or, ‘fracking’), has led to the diversification of energy production sources and lessened reliance on external importers by the American energy consumption powerhouse. The lessening reliance on OPEC has had a consequential impact on the unofficial head of the organization, Saudi Arabia. From the proposed initial public offering of Saudi Aramco to Vision 2030, all signs point to looming economic troubles for the petroleum dependant state without adequate, and effective, diversification.
Phycobiliproteins from extreme environments and their potential applications
Authors: Puzorjov Anton , McCormick Alistair J
Published: March 2020

The light-harvesting phycobilisome complex is an important component of photosynthesis in cyanobacteria and red algae. Phycobilisomes are composed of phycobiliproteins, including the blue phycobiliprotein phycocyanin, that are considered high-value products with applications in several industries. Remarkably, several cyanobacteria and red algal species retain the capacity to harvest light and photosynthesise under highly selective environments such as hot springs, and flourish in extremes of pH and elevated temperatures. These thermophilic organisms produce thermostable phycobiliproteins, which have superior qualities much needed for wider adoption of these natural pigment–proteins in the food, textile, and other industries. Here we review the available literature on the thermostability of phycobilisome components from thermophilic species and discuss how a better appreciation of phycobiliproteins from extreme environments will benefit our fundamental understanding of photosynthetic adaptation and could provide a sustainable resource for several industrial processes.
Awareness as inference in a higher-order state space
Authors: Fleming Stephen M
Published: March 2020

Humans have the ability to report the contents of their subjective experience—we can say to each other, ‘I am aware of X’. The decision processes that support these reports about mental contents remain poorly understood. In this article, I propose a computational framework that characterizes awareness reports as metacognitive decisions (inference) about a generative model of perceptual content. This account is motivated from the perspective of how flexible hierarchical state spaces are built during learning and decision-making. Internal states supporting awareness reports, unlike those covarying with perceptual contents, are simple and abstract, varying along a 1D continuum from absent to present. A critical feature of this architecture is that it is both higher-order and asymmetric: a vast number of perceptual states is nested under ‘present’, but a much smaller number of possible states nested under ‘absent’. Via simulations, I show that this asymmetry provides a natural account of observations of ‘global ignition’ in brain imaging studies of awareness reports.
Tobacco Use Trajectories in Young Adults: Analyses of Predictors Across Systems Levels
Authors: Berg Carla J , Haardörfer Regine , Lanier Angela , Childs Donyale , Foster Bruce , Getachew Betelihem , Windle Michael
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Research is needed to examine trajectories of tobacco use beyond cigarette smoking, particularly during emerging middle young adulthood, and to identify distinct multilevel influences of use trajectories.

Aims and Methods

We examined (1) tobacco use trajectories over a 2-year period among 2592 young adult college students in a longitudinal cohort study and (2) predictors of these trajectories using variables from a socioecological framework, including intrapersonal-level factors (eg, sociodemographics, psychosocial factors [eg, adverse childhood experiences, depressive symptoms, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms], early-onset substance use), interpersonal factors (eg, social support, parental substance use), and community-level factors (eg, college type, rural vs. urban).

Results

About 64.5% were female and 65.0% were white. From age 18 to 26, 27%–31% of participants reported past 30-day use of any tobacco product. We identified four trajectory classes: Abstainers/Dabblers who never or infrequently used (89.2%); Adult users who began using frequently around age 20 and continued thereafter (5.9%); College Smokers who began using before 19 but ceased use around 25 (2.5%); and Teenage users who used during their teenage years but ceased use by 22 (1.9%). Multinomial regression showed that, compared to Abstainers/Dabblers, significant predictors (p < .05) of being (1) Adult users included being male, earlier onset marijuana use, attending public universities or technical colleges (vs. private universities), and living in urban areas; (2) College users included being male, earlier onset marijuana use, and parental alcohol or marijuana use; and (3) Teenage users included only earlier onset marijuana use.

Conclusion

Distinct prevention and intervention efforts may be needed to address the trajectories identified.

Implications

Among young adult college students, the largest proportion of tobacco users demonstrate the risk of continued and/or progression of tobacco use beyond college. In addition, specific factors, particularly sex, earlier onset marijuana use, parental use of alcohol and marijuana, and contextual factors such as college setting (type of school, rural vs. urban) may influence tobacco use outcomes. As such, prevention and cessation intervention strategies are needed to address multilevel influences.
Relationship of maternal high-fat diet during pregnancy and lactation to offspring health
Authors: Gawlińska Kinga , Gawliński Dawid , Filip Małgorzata , Przegaliński Edmund
Published: March 2020

A balanced maternal diet is essential for proper fetal development, and the consumption of a nutritionally inadequate diet during intrauterine development and early childhood is associated with a significantly increased risk of metabolic and brain disorders in offspring. The current literature indicates that maternal exposure to a high-fat diet exerts an irreversible influence on the general health of the offspring. This review of preclinical research examines the relationship between a maternal high-fat diet during pregnancy or lactation and metabolic changes, molecular alterations in the brain, and behavioral disorders in offspring. Animal models indicate that offspring exposed to a maternal high-fat diet during pregnancy and lactation manifest increased depressive-like and aggressive behaviors, reduced cognitive development, and symptoms of metabolic syndrome. Recently, epigenetic and molecular studies have shown that maternal nutrition during pregnancy and the suckling period modifies the development of neurotransmitter circuits and many other factors important to central nervous system development. This finding confirms the importance of a balanced maternal diet for the health of offspring.
A Review of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Techniques Targeting the Medial Branches of the Lumbar Dorsal Rami in the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Gilmore Christopher A , Patel Janus , Esebua Lasha-Giorgi , Burchell Michael
Published: March 2020

Objectives

The lumbar medial branch nerve has historically been a focus for ablative techniques in the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP) of facetogenic origin. Recent developments in the field of neuromodulation have been employed to target these nerves for analgesia and/or functional restoration in broader populations of CLBP patients. The objective of this article was to provide an introductory review of procedural techniques and devices employed for peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) of the lumbar medial branch of the dorsal ramus for the treatment of CLBP.

Methods

A literature search via PubMed.gov was performed through September 2019 with key words focusing on peripheral nerve stimulation for chronic low back pain. This was refined to include only those articles that focused specifically on stimulation of the lumbar medial branch of the dorsal ramus. References within selected articles and unpublished data currently in the peer review process were also utilized.

Results

Ninety articles from PubMed.gov were obtained. Two approaches to PNS of the medial branch of the dorsal ramus were identified.

Conclusions

Our review of the current literature regarding techniques for neuromodulation of the medial branch of the dorsal ramus revealed two dominant methods: a temporarily implanted percutaneous coiled-lead approach and a permanently implanted system. The two techniques share some similarities, such as targeting the medial branch of the dorsal ramus, and also have some differences, such as indwelling time, stimulation parameters, duration of treatment, image guidance, and degrees of invasiveness, but they are both demonstrating promising results in clinical trials.
What effects does international mobility have on scientists’ careers? A systematic review
Authors: Netz Nicolai , Hampel Svenja , Aman Valeria
Published: March 2020

The internationalization and specialization of science confront scientists with opportunities and sometimes even a need to become internationally mobile during their careers. Against this background, we systematically reviewed empirical studies on the effects that mobility across national borders has on the careers of scientists. Using several search channels, we identified 96 studies – published between 1994 and 2019 – that examine how international mobility influences eight dimensions of scientists’ careers. Listed in descending order of the number of identified studies, these dimensions comprise scientists’ (1) international networks, (2) scientific productivity, (3) occupational situation, (4) scientific impact, (5) competences and personality, (6) scientific knowledge, (7) access to research infrastructures and funds, and (8) symbolic capital. Existing research provides robust evidence of positive effects of international mobility on the broadening of scientists’ networks. Moreover, several solid studies examine the effect of international mobility on scientists’ productivity, impact, and occupational situation. Most of them find positive effects, but some also find no or negative effects. Studies on the other career dimensions are not only less frequent, but mostly also less robust. Our review reveals potential to advance research in the field by using less selective samples and more rigorous methodological approaches. Intending to spur further theory-driven empirical research, we develop a model integrating research on the identified career dimensions and derive various questions for future research. We conclude by highlighting policy implications of existing research.
Changes in plant function and root mycobiome caused by flood and drought in a riparian tree
Authors: Martínez-Arias Clara , Sobrino-Plata Juan , Macaya-Sanz David , Aguirre Natalie Marie , Collada Carmen , Gil Luis , Martín Juan Antonio , Rodríguez-Calcerrada Jesús
Published: March 2020

Under increasingly harsh climatic conditions, conservation of threatened species requires integrative studies to understand stress tolerance. Riparian Ulmus minor Mill. populations have been massively reduced by Dutch Elm disease (DED). However, resistant genotypes were selected to restore lost populations. To understand the acclimation mechanisms to the succession of abiotic stresses, ramets of five DED-tolerant U. minor genotypes were subjected to flood and subsequently to drought. Physiological and biochemical responses were evaluated together with shifts in root-fungal assemblages. During both stresses, plants exhibited a decline in leaf net photosynthesis and an increase in percentage loss of stem hydraulic conductivity and in leaf and root proline content. Stomatal closure was produced by chemical signals during flood and hydraulic signals during drought. Despite broad similarities in plant response to both stresses, root-mycobiome shifts were markedly different. The five genotypes were similarly tolerant to moderate drought, however, flood tolerance varied between genotypes. In general, flood did not enhance drought susceptibility due to fast flood recovery, nevertheless, different responses to drought after flood were observed between genotypes. Associations were found between some fungal taxonomic groups and plant functional traits varying with flood and drought (e.g. proline, chlorophyll and starch content) indicating that the thriving of certain taxa depends on host responses to abiotic stress.
Recent advances in the diagnosis and management of giant cell arteritis
Authors: Serling-Boyd Naomi , Stone John H.
Published: March 2020

Purpose of review

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) has classically been diagnosed by temporal artery biopsy and treated with high-dose, long-term glucocorticoid therapy. Noninvasive imaging increasingly is employed for diagnostic purposes, but further studies are needed to determine the role of imaging in monitoring longitudinal disease activity. Glucocorticoid-sparing therapy mitigates the numerous adverse effects of glucocorticoids. This review addresses new developments in these areas.

Recent findings

For diagnosis, when performed at a center with expertise in its use, temporal artery ultrasound has an estimated sensitivity and specificity of 78 and 79%, respectively. State-of-the-art time-of-flight positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has an estimated sensitivity and specificity of 71 and 91%, respectively. The sensitivities of both imaging modalities decrease following glucocorticoid administration. Tocilizumab is an effective glucocorticoid-sparing therapy, demonstrating sustained glucocorticoid-free remission in 56% of patients receiving weekly tocilizumab compared with 18% of patients receiving a 52-week prednisone taper. The traditional acute phase reactants are of no value in patients treated with interleukin-6 receptor (IL6-R) blockade, and thus, the development of new biomarkers is an important priority in the field.

Noninvasive imaging techniques are increasingly used in the absence of temporal artery biopsy to confirm diagnostic suspicions of GCA. Tocilizumab reduces the cumulative glucocorticoid exposure and increases the rate of sustained remission. Ongoing efforts are directed towards new methods to identify disease flares.
Duodenal neoplasms of gastric phenotype: reports of two cases and a brief review of literature
Authors: Zheng Xiaojuan
Published: March 2020

Duodenal neoplasms of gastric phenotype are uncommon epithelial neoplasms. Pyloric gland adenomas should be recognized as neoplasms with risk for transformation into invasive adenocarcinoma (Choi et al. 2018). Here we report the case histories of two male patients, who presented with duodenal polypoid lesion. Endoscopic polypectomy and endoscopic submucosal dissection were carried out, respectively. Histopathologically, both polyps showed features of neoplasms of gastric phenotype. The clinical and endoscopic features, pathologic features, immunophenotype, molecular pathogenesis, clinical management and prognosis of the two cases will be discussed. We will also briefly review the latest literatures on duodenal neoplasms of gastric phenotype.
Twitter
Authors: Paradis Noémie , Knoll Miriam A. , Shah Chirag , Lambert Carole , Delouya Guila , Bahig Houda , Taussky Daniel
Published: March 2020

Objective:

The objective of this study was to examine the correlation between Twitter mentions and the number of academic citations of radiation oncology articles.

Materials and Methods:

We reviewed all 178 clinical manuscripts of the 2 most important radiation oncology journals and “Brachytherapy,” and all clinical manuscripts relating to radiation oncology from the top 10 impact factor oncology journals, published between January and February 2018. We collected the record of citations utilizing Scopus and Google Scholar platforms and the number of times an article was tweeted about using the “Altmetric Bookmarklet.” χ2 test was used to compare distributions between groups and the Pearson coefficient was used for correlations between the Twitter metrics and academic citations.

Results:

Overall, 71% of all articles were tweeted about at least once. There was a significant correlation between the number of tweets and the number of citations in Google Scholar (r=0.55, P<0.001) and in Scopus (r=0.59, P<0.001). The 11% of articles with a prepublication Twitter “buzz” (defined as an article with ≥10 tweets before publication) had 3.6 times more citations in Scopus (mean: 14.8 vs. 4.2, P<0.001) and 2.9 times more citations in Google Scholar (17.8 vs. 6.0, P<0.001) when compared with papers with no “buzz.”

Conclusions:

Presence on Twitter was correlated with the number of academic citations of an article in radiation oncology. This suggests that Twitter is being utilized by the oncology community as a platform to discuss and disseminate high impact scientific articles. The correlation between Twitter and increasing the number of citations of an article through larger dissemination and exposure requires further studies.
Fine particulate matter exposure and lipid levels among children in Mexico city
Authors: McGuinn Laura A. , Coull Brent A. , Kloog Itai , Just Allan C. , Tamayo-Ortiz Marcela , Osorio-Yáñez Citlalli , Baccarelli Andrea A. , Wright Rosalind J. , Téllez-Rojo Martha M. , Wright Robert O.
Published: March 2020

Background:

Studies have identified associations between air pollution and lipid levels in adults, suggesting a mechanism by which air pollution contributes to cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about the association between early life air pollution exposure and lipid levels in children.

Methods:

Participants included 465 mother–child pairs from a prospective birth cohort in Mexico City. Daily particulate matter <2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5) predictions were estimated using a satellite-based exposure model and averaged over trimesters, the entire pregnancy, and the first year of life. We assessed associations with several lipid measures at 4–6 years of age, including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-HDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG). Linear regression models were used to estimate change in lipid levels with each interquartile range increase in PM2.5. We additionally assessed if associations between PM2.5 and lipid levels varied across lipid quantiles using quantile regression. Models were adjusted for maternal education, body mass index, and age, child’s age at study visit, prenatal environmental tobacco smoke, and season of conception.

Results:

PM2.5 exposure during the third trimester was associated with increases in childhood total cholesterol, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C, and decreases in HDL-C and triglycerides. There was additionally an increasing trend in the effect estimate across higher quantiles of total cholesterol, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C during the third trimester and entire pregnancy period. There were no consistent associations for first year of life exposures.

Conclusion:

In this longitudinal birth cohort in Mexico City, associations between prenatal PM2.5 and childhood lipid (total cholesterol, LDL-C, non-HDL-C) levels were greater for children at higher lipid quantiles.
Prospective cohort study of respiratory effects at ages 14 to 26 following early life exposure to arsenic in drinking water
Authors: Khan Md Alfazal , Hira-Smith Meera , Ahmed Syed Imran , Yunus Mohammad , Hasan S. M. Tafsir , Liaw Jane , Balmes John , Raqib Rubhana , Yuan Yan , Kalman David , Roh Taehyun , Steinmaus Craig , Smith Allan H.
Published: March 2020

Background:

We previously reported chronic respiratory effects in children who were then 7–17 years of age in Matlab, Bangladesh. One group of children had been exposed to high concentrations of arsenic in drinking water in utero and early childhood (average 436 µg/L), and the other group of children were never known to have been exposed to >10 µg/L. The exposed children, both males and females, had marked increases in chronic respiratory symptoms.

Methods:

The current study involves a further follow-up of these children now 14–26 years of age with 463 located and agreeing to participate. They were interviewed for respiratory symptoms and lung function was measured. Data were collected on smoking, body mass index (BMI), and number of rooms in the house as a measure of socioeconomic status.

Results:

Respiratory effects were still present in males but not females. In the high exposure group (>400 µg/L in early life) the odds ratio (OR) among male participants for dry cough in the last 12 months was 2.36 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.21, 4.63, P = 0.006) and for asthma OR = 2.51 (95% CI = 1.19, 5.29, P = 0.008). Forced vital capacity (FVC) was reduced in males in the early life high-exposure group compared with those never exposed (−95ml, P = 0.04), but not in female participants.

Conclusions:

By the age range 14–26, there was little remaining evidence of chronic respiratory effects in females but pronounced effects persisted in males. Mechanisms for the marked male female differences warrant further investigation along with further follow-up to see if respiratory effects continue in males.
Recent developments in pediatric retina
Authors: Cai Sophie , Therattil Anthony , Vajzovic Lejla
Published: March 2020

Purpose of review

Pediatric retina is an exciting, but also challenging field, where patient age and cooperation can limit ease of diagnosis of a broad range of congenital and acquired diseases, inherited retinal degenerations are mostly untreatable and surgical outcomes can be quite different from those for adults. This review aims to highlight some recent advances and trends that are improving our ability to care for children with retinal conditions.

Recent findings

Studies have demonstrated the feasibility of multimodal imaging even in nonsedated infants, with portable optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography in particular offering structural insights into diverse pediatric retinal conditions. Encouraging long-term outcomes of subretinal voretigene neparvovec-rzyl injection for RPE65 mutation-associated Leber congenital amaurosis have inspired research on the optimization of subretinal gene delivery and gene therapy for other inherited retinal degenerations. In retinopathy of prematurity, machine learning and smartphone-based imaging can facilitate screening, and studies have highlighted favorable outcomes from intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections. A nomogram for pediatric pars plana sclerotomy site placement may improve safety in complex surgeries.

Multimodal imaging, gene therapy, machine learning and surgical innovation have been and will continue to be important to advances in pediatric retina.
Utilization of imaging for staging in bladder cancer: is there a role for MRI or PET-computed tomography?
Authors: Cipollari Stefano , Carnicelli Giorgia , Bicchetti Marco , Campa Riccardo , Pecoraro Martina , Panebianco Valeria
Published: March 2020

Purpose of review

Accurate staging of bladder cancer is essential to guide appropriate management. In this review, we discuss the principles, applications and performance of multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) and PET-computer tomography (PET-CT) for local and distant staging of bladder cancer.

Recent findings

Bladder mpMRI has a high diagnostic performance in local staging of bladder cancer, superior to other imaging modalities. It can accurately differentiate muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) from non-MIBC (NMIBC), as well as ≤T2 from ≥T3 stages. mpMRI can be used to assess pelvic lymph nodes, although its sensitivity is relatively low. For the assessment of the upper urinary tract, CT urography is the imaging modality of choice. magnetic resonance urography is a viable alternative to CT in selected cases. Although PET-CT is accurate for nodal and distant staging of bladder cancer, there is no clear evidence on its superior diagnostic performance compared with contrast-enhanced CT.

mpMRI is the most accurate imaging modality for local staging of bladder cancer, capable to accurately distinguish MIBC from NMIBC. Nodal and distant staging relies primarily on contrast-enhanced CT.
Prognostic Value and Clinical Predictors of Lymph Node Metastases in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Liu Mengqi , Ji Shunrong , Luo Guopei , Xu Wenyan , Liu Wensheng , Hu Qiangsheng , Sun Qiqing , Ye Zeng , Qin Yi , Fan Guixiong , Yu Xianjun , Xu Xiaowu
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To investigate the correlation between lymph node metastasis (LNM) and various clinicopathological features of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) and its impact on prognosis.

Methods

We searched the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database (2004–2015) for patients with surgically treated pNETs. Factors correlated with LNMs were analyzed by logistic regression and by Cox analysis.

Results

For tumors of 1 to 4 cm, age (P < 0.001, P = 0.014), grade (P < 0.001, P < 0.001), LNMs (P = 0.008, P < 0.001), and size (P = 0.038, P = 0.002) predicted overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). For tumor greater than 4 cm, age (P < 0.001, P = 0.001) and grade (P = 0.011, P = 0.048) were independent prognostic factors of OS and DSS. Lymph node metastasis modestly predicted DSS (P = 0.028) but not OS (P = 0.218).

Conclusions

In pNETs greater than 4 cm, LNM is not a predictor of OS and modestly predicts DSS, and lymphadenectomy may be unhelpful in these patients. For pNETs 1 to 4 cm, LNM predicts poor OS and DSS, which supports lymphadenectomy in these patients. Pancreas-sparing resection with only limited peripancreatic node sampling needs to be questioned.
Overexpression of Nrf2 Protects Against Lipopolysaccharide and Cerulein-Induced Pancreatitis In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Fu Xu , Li Peiwu , Yin Wen , Ma Li , Zhang Bei , Zhen Lingling , Meng Yanfei , Han Li , Wang Yingzhen
Published: March 2020

Objectives

In this study, we focused on the function of nuclear factor E2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) in acute pancreatitis (AP), which has been shown to have protective effects in gliomas, hepatocytes, and astrocytes.

Methods

Acute pancreatitis cell line and animal model were induced by administration of lipopolysaccharide and cerulein into the cell supernatant or intraperitoneal injection. Oxidative stress status was evaluated by measuring the level of amylase, C-reactive protein, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and myeloperoxidase. Morphological alterations in the pancreas were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining, the wet-to-dry weight ratio, and the pathology injury scores. Western blot, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence staining were performed to analyze the expression of Nrf2, Heme oxygenase 1, and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1.

Results

Overexpression of Nrf2 inhibits oxidative stress and inflammatory responses by inducting the expression of superoxide dismutase as well as reducing the level of amylase, malondialdehyde, and myeloperoxidase in the AR42J rat pancreatic acinar cells in AP. Importantly, overexpression of Nrf2 displayed the same protective effect in vivo. Data from an AP rat model showed that Nrf2 could relieve pancreatic damage.

Conclusions

These results indicated that Nrf2 has a protective role in lipopolysaccharide and cerulein-induced cytotoxicity, providing potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of AP.