bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SN 2015an: a normal luminosity type II supernova with low expansion velocity at early phases
Authors: Dastidar Raya , Misra Kuntal , Valenti Stefano , Burke Jamison , Hosseinzadeh Griffin , Gangopadhyay Anjasha , Howell D Andrew , Singh Mridweeka , Arcavi Iair , Kumar Brijesh , McCully Curtis , Sanwal Pankaj , Pandey S B
Published: October 2019

We present the photometry and spectroscopy of SN 2015an, a type II Supernova (SN) in IC 2367. The recombination phase of the SN lasts up to 120 d, with a decline rate of 1.24 mag/100d, higher than the typical SNe IIP. The SN exhibits bluer colours than most SNe II, indicating higher ejecta temperatures. The absolute V-band magnitude of SN 2015an at 50 d is −16.83 ± 0.04 mag, pretty typical for SNe II. However, the 56Ni mass yield, estimated from the tail V-band light curve to be 0.021 ± 0.010 M⊙, is comparatively low. The spectral properties of SN 2015an are atypical, with low H α expansion velocity and presence of high-velocity component of H α at early phases. Moreover, the continuum exhibits excess blue flux up to 50 d, which is interpreted as a progenitor metallicity effect. The high-velocity feature indicates ejecta-circumstellar material interaction at early phases. The semi-analytical modelling of the bolometric light curve yields a total ejected mass of 12 M⊙, a pre-SN radius of 388 R⊙ and explosion energy of 1.8 foe.
New insights on the puzzling LMXB 1RXS J180408.9-342058: the intermediate state, the clocked type-I X-ray bursts, and much more
Authors: Marino A , Del Santo M , Cocchi M , D’Aì A , Segreto A , Ferrigno C , Di Salvo T , Malzac J , Iaria R , Burderi L
Published: October 2019

1RXS J180408.9–342058 is a low-mass X-ray binary hosting a neutron star, which shows X-ray activity at very different mass-accretion regimes, from very faint to almost the Eddington luminosity. In this work, we present a comprehensive X-ray study of this source using data from the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, NuSTAR, and INTEGRAL/JEM-X. In order to follow the spectral evolution, we analysed the 2015 outburst using Swift data and three NuSTAR observations. Besides the canonical hard and soft spectral states, we identified the rarely observed intermediate state. This was witnessed by the appearance of the accretion disc emission in the spectrum (at kTdisc ∼0.7 keV) and the simultaneous cooling of the hot corona. In addition, we also unveiled a hard tail above 30 keV in this state. In the hard state, a thermal Comptonization model with two seed photons populations (kTs,1 ∼ 1.5 keV and kTs,2 ∼ 0.4 keV, respectively) and a hot Comptonizing plasma, represents the physically best motivated scenario to describe the data. We also estimated a reflection fraction below 20 per cent in all states, while no constraints on the inclination and only lower limits on the inner disc radius could be inferred. Finally, we studied a number of type-I X-ray bursts displayed from the source, one of them at the Eddington limit (observed with JEM-X). Their characteristics, combined with the clocked behaviour observed during the intermediate state, point out H/He composition for the accreted material, which makes unlikely the helium dwarf nature for the companion.
The first view of δ Scuti and γ Doradus stars with the TESS mission
Authors: Antoci V , Cunha M S , Bowman D M , Murphy S J , Kurtz D W , Bedding T R , Borre C C , Christophe S , Daszyńska-Daszkiewicz J , Fox-Machado L , García Hernández A , Ghasemi H , Handberg R , Hansen H , Hasanzadeh A , Houdek G , Johnston C , Justesen A B , Kahraman Alicavus F , Kotysz K , Latham D , Matthews J M , Mønster J , Niemczura E , Paunzen E , Sánchez Arias J P , Pigulski A , Pepper J , Richey-Yowell T , Safari H , Seager S , Smalley B , Shutt T , Sódor A , Suárez J-C , Tkachenko A , Wu T , Zwintz K , Barceló Forteza S , Brunsden E , Bognár Z , Buzasi D L , Chowdhury S , De Cat P , Evans J A , Guo Z , Guzik J A , Jevtic N , Lampens P , Lares Martiz M , Lovekin C , Li G , Mirouh G M , Mkrtichian D , Monteiro M J P F G , Nemec J M , Ouazzani R-M , Pascual-Granado J , Reese D R , Rieutord M , Rodon J R , Skarka M , Sowicka P , Stateva I , Szabó R , Weiss W W
Published: October 2019

We present the first asteroseismic results for δ Scuti and γ Doradus stars observed in Sectors 1 and 2 of the TESS mission. We utilize the 2-min cadence TESS data for a sample of 117 stars to classify their behaviour regarding variability and place them in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram using Gaia DR2 data. Included within our sample are the eponymous members of two pulsator classes, γ Doradus and SX Phoenicis. Our sample of pulsating intermediate-mass stars observed by TESS also allows us to confront theoretical models of pulsation driving in the classical instability strip for the first time and show that mixing processes in the outer envelope play an important role. We derive an empirical estimate of 74 per cent for the relative amplitude suppression factor as a result of the redder TESS passband compared to the Kepler mission using a pulsating eclipsing binary system. Furthermore, our sample contains many high-frequency pulsators, allowing us to probe the frequency variability of hot young δ Scuti stars, which were lacking in the Kepler mission data set, and identify promising targets for future asteroseismic modelling. The TESS data also allow us to refine the stellar parameters of SX Phoenicis, which is believed to be a blue straggler.
xGASS: The impact of photometric bulges on the scatter of HI scaling relations
Authors: Cook Robin H W , Cortese Luca , Catinella Barbara , Robotham Aaron
Published: October 2019

We present a structural decomposition analysis of the galaxies in the extended GALEX Arecibo SDSS Survey (xGASS) using (gri) images from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Utilizing the 2D Bayesian light profile fitting code ProFit, we fit single- and double-component models taking advantage of a robust Markov chain Monte Carlo optimization algorithm in which we assume a Sérsic profile for single-component models and a combination of a Sérsic bulge and near-exponential disc (0.5 ≤ n ≤ 1.5) for double-component models. We investigate the effect of bulges on the atomic hydrogen (H i) content in galaxies by revisiting the H i-to-stellar mass scaling relations with the bulge-to-total ratio measured in the ProFit decompositions. We show that, at both fixed total and disc stellar mass, more bulge-dominated galaxies have systematically lower H i masses, implying that bulge-dominated galaxies with large H i reservoirs are rare in the local Universe. We see similar trends when separating galaxies by a bulge-to-total ratio based either on luminosity or stellar mass, however, the trends are more evident with luminosity. Importantly, when controlling for both stellar mass and star formation rate, the separation of atomic gas content reduces to within 0.3 dex between galaxies of different bulge-to-total ratios. Our findings suggest that the presence of a photometric bulge has little effect on the global H i gas reservoirs of local galaxies.
The extended main-sequence turn-off of the Milky Way open cluster Collinder 347
Authors: Piatti Andrés E , Bonatto Charles
Published: October 2019

We made use of the Gaia DR2 archive to comprehensively study the Milky Way open cluster Collinder 347, known until now as a very young object of solar metal content. However, the G versus GBP − GRP colour–magnitude diagram (CMD) of bonafide probable cluster members, selected on the basis of individual stellar proper motions, their spatial distribution, and placement in the CMD, reveals the existence of a Hyades-like age open cluster (log(t /yr) = 8.8) of moderately metal-poor chemical content ([Fe/H]  = −0.4 dex), with a present-day mass of 3.3 × 103 M⊙. The cluster exhibits an extended main-sequence turn-off (eMSTO) of nearly 500 Myr, while that computed assuming Gaussian distributions from photometric errors, stellar binarity, rotation, and metallicity spread yields an eMSTO of ∼340 Myr. Such an age difference points to the existence within the cluster of stellar populations with different ages.
The contribution of Centaur-emitted dust to the interplanetary dust distribution
Authors: Poppe A R
Published: October 2019

Interplanetary dust grains originate from a variety of source bodies, including comets, asteroids, and Edgeworth–Kuiper belt objects. Centaurs, generally defined as those objects with orbits that cross the outer planets, have occasionally been observed to exhibit cometary-like outgassing at distances beyond Jupiter, implying that they may be an important source of dust grains in the outer Solar system. Here, we use an interplanetary dust grain dynamics model to study the behaviour and equilibrium distribution of Centaur-emitted interplanetary dust grains. We focus on the five Centaurs with the highest current mass-loss rates: 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1, 166P/2001 T4, 174P/Echeclus, C/2001 M10, and P/2004 A1, which together comprise 98 per cent of the current mass loss from all Centaurs. Our simulations show that Centaur-emitted dust grains with radii s < 2 μm have median lifetimes consistent with Poynting–Robertson (P–R) drag lifetimes, while grains with radii s > 2 μm have median lifetimes much shorter than their P–R drag lifetimes, suggesting that dynamical interactions with the outer planets are effective in scattering larger grains, in analogy to the relatively short lifetimes of Centaurs themselves. Equilibrium density distributions of grains emitted from specific Centaurs show a variety of structure including local maxima in the outer Solar system and azimuthal asymmetries, depending on the orbital elements of the parent Centaur. Finally, we compare the total Centaur interplanetary dust density to dust produced from Edgeworth–Kuiper belt objects, Jupiter-family comets, and Oort cloud comets, and conclude that Centaur-emitted dust may be an important component between 5 and 15 au, contributing approximately 25 per cent of the local interplanetary dust density at Saturn.
Identifying microbial species by single-molecule DNA optical mapping and resampling statistics
Authors: Bouwens Arno , Deen Jochem , Vitale Raffaele , D’Huys Laurens , Goyvaerts Vince , Descloux Adrien , Borrenberghs Doortje , Grussmayer Kristin , Lukes Tomas , Camacho Rafael , Su Jia , Ruckebusch Cyril , Lasser Theo , Van De Ville Dimitri , Hofkens Johan , Radenovic Aleksandra , Frans Janssen Kris Pieter
Published: October 2019

Single-molecule DNA mapping has the potential to serve as a powerful complement to high-throughput sequencing in metagenomic analysis. Offering longer read lengths and forgoing the need for complex library preparation and amplification, mapping stands to provide an unbiased view into the composition of complex viromes and/or microbiomes. To fully enable mapping-based metagenomics, sensitivity and specificity of DNA map analysis and identification need to be improved. Using detailed simulations and experimental data, we first demonstrate how fluorescence imaging of surface stretched, sequence specifically labeled DNA fragments can yield highly sensitive identification of targets. Second, a new analysis technique is introduced to increase specificity of the analysis, allowing even closely related species to be resolved. Third, we show how an increase in resolution improves sensitivity. Finally, we demonstrate that these methods are capable of identifying species with long genomes such as bacteria with high sensitivity.
A Comparison of Ventriculoperitoneal and Ventriculoatrial Shunts in a Population of 544 Consecutive Pediatric Patients
Authors: Rymarczuk George N , Keating Robert F , Coughlin Daniel J , Felbaum Daniel , Myseros John S , Oluigbo Chima , Yadav Bhupender , Sharma Karun , Magge Suresh N
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Although ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) remain the first-line option in most instances of pediatric hydrocephalus, the long-term efficacy of ventriculoatrial shunts (VAS) remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the long-term outcomes and adverse occurrences associated with both VPS and VAS at our institution.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively analyzed all cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting procedures performed over a 13-yr period at a single institution. A total of 544 pediatric shunt patients were followed for at least 90 d (VPS: 5.9 yr; VAS: 5.3 yr).

RESULTS

A total of 54% of VPS and 60% of VAS required at least 1 revision. VPS demonstrated superior survival overall; however, if electively scheduled VAS lengthening procedures are not considered true “failures,” no statistical difference is noted in overall survival (P = .08). VPS demonstrated significantly greater survival in patients less than 7 yr of age (P = .001), but showed no difference in older children (P = .4). VAS had a significantly lower rate of infection (P < .05) and proximal failure (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

VAS can be a useful alternative to VPS when the abdomen is unsuitable, particularly in older children. Although VPS demonstrates superior overall survival, it should be understood that elective VAS lengthening procedures are often necessary, especially in younger patients. If elective lengthening procedures are not considered true failures, then the devices show similar survival.
Comparison of Diagnosis and Prescribing Practices Between Virtual Visits and Office Visits for Adults Diagnosed With Sinusitis Within a Primary Care Network
Authors: Johnson Kristen M , Dumkow Lisa E , Burns Kayla W , Yee Megan A , Egwuatu Nnaemeka E
Published: October 2019

Background

Many antibiotics prescribed in the outpatient setting result from upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs); however, these infections are often viral. Virtual visits have emerged as a popular alternative to office visits for URTIs and may be an important target for antimicrobial stewardship programs.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study evaluated adult patients diagnosed with sinusitis treated within a single primary care network. The primary objective was to compare guideline-concordant diagnosis between patients treated via virtual visits vs in-office visits. Guideline-concordant bacterial sinusitis diagnosis was based on national guideline recommendations. Secondary objectives included comparing guideline-concordant antibiotic prescribing between groups and 24-hour, 7-day, and 30-day revisits.

Results

A total of 350 patients were included in the study, with 175 in each group. Patients treated for sinusitis were more likely to receive a guideline-concordant diagnosis in the virtual visit group (69.1% vs 45.7%; P < .001). Additionally, patients who completed virtual visits were less likely to receive antibiotics (68.6% vs 94.3%; P < .001). Guideline-concordant antibiotic selection was similar between groups (67.5% vs 64.8%; P = .641). The median duration of therapy in both groups was 10 days (P = .88). Patients completing virtual visits were more likely to revisit for sinusitis within 24 hours (8% vs 1.7%; P = .006) and within 30 days (14.9% vs 7.4%; P = .027).

Conclusions

In adult patients presenting with sinusitis, care at a virtual visit was associated with an increase in guideline-concordant diagnosis and a decrease in antibiotic prescribing compared with in-office primary care visits. Virtual visit platforms may be a valuable tool for antimicrobial stewardship programs in the outpatient setting.
Comparison of rates of hospitalization between single and dual virus detection in a Mexican cohort of children and adults with influenza-like illness
Authors: Noyola Daniel E , Hunsberger Sally , Valdés Salgado Raydel , Powers John H , Galindo-Fraga Arturo , Ortiz-Hernández Ana A , Ramirez-Venegas Alejandra , Moreno-Espinosa Sarbelio , Llamosas-Gallardo Beatriz , Guerrero M Lourdes , Beigel John H , Ruiz-Palacios Guillermo , Perez-Patrigeon Santiago ,   Mexico Emerging Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Network ILI-002 study group
Published: October 2019

Background

Molecular detection methods allow for the simultaneous detection of several infectious agents. This study assesses whether co-infection with two viruses as compared to one is associated with increased hospitalization in those with acute respiratory infections.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled a cohort of pediatric and adult participants with influenza-like illness during 2010-2014 in Mexico. Clinical information and respiratory samples were collected at enrollment. Respiratory viruses were detected with multiplex PCR and influenza specific RT-PCR assays. Participants were followed-up 14 and 28 days after inclusion. Severity of disease as measured by hospitalization with acute respiratory infections was compared between single and dual viral infections.

Results

Among 5,662 participants in the study, either one (n=3,285) or two (n=641) viruses were detected in 3,926 participants. Rhinovirus (n=1,433), influenza (n=888), and coronaviruses (n=703) were the most frequently detected viruses (either alone or in co-infection). Bocavirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), metapneumovirus, and rhinovirus cases were hospitalized more often than other viruses. Bocavirus+rhinovirus cases were hospitalized more often than those with rhinovirus alone (but not bocavirus alone). RSV cases were more likely to be hospitalized than cases with co-infections of RSV and parainfluenza virus or coronavirus. Metapneumovirus cases were hospitalized more often than those co-infected with metapneumovirus+coronavirus.

Conclusions

In this study, detection of two viruses did not significantly increase hospitalizations compared with single virus infections. Larger studies will allow for distinguishing between sequential and simultaneous infection as well as for a better understanding of the role of each virus during the evolution of acute respiratory episodes.
A Novel and Reproducible Classification of the Vertebral Artery in the Subaxial Cervical Spine
Authors: Winter Fabian , Okano Ichiro , Salzmann Stephan N , Rentenberger Colleen , Shue Jennifer , Sama Andrew A , Girardi Federico P , Cammisa Frank P , Hughes Alexander P
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

An injury of the vertebral artery (VA) is one of the most catastrophic complications in the setting of cervical spine surgery. Anatomic variations of the VA can increase the risk of iatrogenic lacerations.

OBJECTIVE

To propose a novel and reproducible classification system that describes the position of the VA based on a 2-dimensional map on computed tomography angiographs (CTA).

METHODS

This cross-sectional retrospective study reviewed 248 consecutive CTAs of the cervical spine at a single academic institution between 2007 and 2018. The classification consists of a number that characterizes the location of the VA from the medio-lateral (ML) aspect of the vertebral body. In addition, a letter describes the VA location from the anterior-posterior (AP) aspect. The reliability and reproducibility were assessed by 2 independent raters on 200 VAs.

RESULTS

The inter- and intrarater reliability values showed the classification's reproducibility. The inter-rater reliability weighted κ-value for the ML aspect was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.93-0.93). The unweighted κ-value was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.86-1.00) for “at-risk” positions (ML grade ≥1), and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.75-1.00) for “high-risk” positions (ML grade ≥2). The weighted κ-value for the intrarater reliability was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.95-0.95). The unweighted κ-values for the intrarater reliability were 0.95 (95% CI: 0.91-0.99) for “at-risk” positions, and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.78-0.96) for “high-risk” positions.

CONCLUSION

The proposed classification is reliable, reproducible, and independent of individual anatomic size variations. The use of this novel grading system could improve the understanding and interdisciplinary communication about VA anomalies.
WHIRLY1 Regulates HSP21.5A Expression to Promote Thermotolerance in Tomato
Authors: Zhuang Kunyang , Gao Yangyang , Liu Zhuangbin , Diao Pengfei , Sui Na , Meng Qingwei , Meng Chen , Kong Fanying
Published: October 2019

Heat stress poses a major threat to plant productivity and crop yields. The induction of heat shock proteins (HSPs) by heat shock factors is a principal defense response of plants exposed to heat stress. In this study, we identified and analyzed the heat stress-induced Whirly1 (SlWHY1) gene in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). We generated various SlWHY1-overexpressing (OE) and SlWHY1-RNA interference (RNAi) lines to investigate the role of WHIRLY1 in thermotolerance. Compared with the wild type (WT), the OE lines showed less wilting, as reflected by their increased membrane stability and soluble sugar content and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation under heat stress. By contrast, RNAi lines with inhibited SlWHY1 expression showed the opposite phenotype and corresponding physiological indices under heat stress. The heat-induced gene SlHSP21.5A, encoding an endoplasmic reticulum-localized HSP, was upregulated in the OE lines and downregulated in the RNAi lines compared with the WT. RNAi-mediated inhibition of SlHSP21.5A expression also resulted in reduced membrane stability and soluble sugar content and increased ROS accumulation under heat stress compared with the WT. SlWHY1 binds to the elicitor response element-like element in the promoter of SlHSP21.5A to activate its transcription. These findings suggest that SlWHY1 promotes thermotolerance in tomato by regulating SlHSP21.5A expression.
Representation of Women in Pain Medicine Fellowships in the United States, 2017–2018
Authors: Doshi Tina L , Richter Hira C , Salisu Mariam , Samen Christelle
Published: October 2019

Objective

To quantify the representation of women trainees and faculty and to explore associations between them at Pain Medicine (PM) fellowship programs in the United States.

Setting

PM fellowship programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

Methods

All PM programs approved for at least four fellows as of December 2017 were identified. Websites of these programs were reviewed to determine the number and gender of current fellows and faculty, and programs were contacted to verify the information.

Results

A total of 56 PM programs were eligible; of these, 48 PM programs (86%) provided information about the gender distribution of fellows. Women comprised ∼25% of PM fellows. PM programs with a female rather than male fellowship program director (PD) had 2.40 times increased odds of a female trainee. Proportion of female faculty and division chief gender were not significantly associated with trainee gender composition. The adjusted odds of a faculty member being female was 1.99 times greater for PM programs with a female vs male PD and 3.13 times greater for programs with a female vs male division chief.

Conclusions

Women are underrepresented throughout all levels of academic pain medicine. The presence of women in leadership roles is associated with higher proportions of female trainees and faculty, highlighting the need for more female role models in academic pain medicine.
Near-infrared spectroscopy in evaluating psychogenic pseudosyncope—a novel diagnostic approach
Authors: Claffey P , Pérez-Denia L , Rivasi G , Finucane C , Kenny R A
Published: October 2019

Background

Psychogenic pseudosyncope (PPS), a conversion disorder and syncope mimic, accounts for a large proportion of ‘unexplained syncope’. PPS is diagnosed by reproduction of patients’ symptoms during head-up tilt (HUT). Electroencephalogram (EEG), a time consuming and resource intensive technology, is used during HUT to demonstrate absence of cerebral hypoperfusion during transient loss of consciousness (TLOC). Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a simple, non-invasive technology for continuous monitoring of cerebral perfusion. We present a series of patients for whom PPS diagnosis was supported by NIRS during HUT.

Methods

Eight consecutive patients with suspected PPS referred to a syncope unit underwent evaluation. During HUT, continuous beat-to-beat blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and NIRS-derived tissue saturation index (TSI) were measured. BP, HR and TSI at baseline, time of first symptom, presyncope and apparent TLOC were measured. Patients were given feedback and followed for symptom recurrence.

Results

Eight predominantly female patients (6/8, 75%) aged 31 years (16–54) were studied with (5/8, 63%) having comorbid psychiatric diagnoses, and (5/8, 63%) presenting with frequent episodes of prolonged TLOC with eyes closed (6/8, 75%). All patients experienced reproduction of typical events during HUT. Systolic BP (mmHg) increased from baseline (129.7 (interquartile range [IQR] 124.9–133.4)) at TLOC (153.0 (IQR 146.7–159.0)) (P-value = 0.012). HR (bpm) increased from baseline 78 (IQR 68.6–90.0) to 115.7 (IQR 93.5–127.9) (P-value = 0.012). TSI (%) remained stable throughout, 71.4 (IQR 67.5–72.9) at baseline vs. 71.0 (IQR 68.2–73.0) at TLOC (P-value = 0.484).

Conclusions

NIRS provides a non-invasive surrogate of cerebral perfusion during HUT. We propose HUT incorporating NIRS monitoring in the diagnostic algorithm for patients with suspected PPS.
Comparative evaluation of the physicochemical properties of nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen and natural bone ceramic/collagen scaffolds and their osteogenesis-promoting effect on MC3T3-E1 cells
Authors: Lei Xiongxin , Gao Jianping , Xing Fangyu , Zhang Yang , Ma Ye , Zhang Guifeng
Published: October 2019

The use of various types of calcium phosphate has been reported in the preparation of repairing materials for bone defects. However, the physicochemical and biological properties among them might be vastly different. In this study, we prepared two types of calcium phosphates, nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) and natural bone ceramic (NBC), into 3D scaffolds by mixing with type I collagen (CoL), resulting in the nHA/CoL and NBC/CoL scaffolds. We then evaluated and compared the physicochemical and biological properties of these two calcium phosphates and their composite scaffold with CoL. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and compressive tests were used to, respectively, characterize the morphology, composition, distribution and the effect of nHA and NBC to collagen. Next, we examined the biological properties of the scaffolds using cytotoxicity testing, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, biocompatibility testing, CCK-8 assays and RT-PCR. The results reflected that the Ca2+ released from nHA and NBC could bind chemically with collagen and affect its physicochemical properties, including the infrared absorption spectrum and compression modulus, among others. Furthermore, the two kinds of scaffolds could promote the expression of osteo-relative genes, but showed different gene induction properties. In short, NBC/CoL could promote the expression of early osteogenic genes, while nHA/CoL could upregulate late osteogenic genes. Conclusively, these two composite scaffolds could provide MC3T3-E1 cells with a biomimetic surface for adhesion, proliferation and the formation of mineralized extracellular matrices. Moreover, nHA/CoL and NBC/CoL had different effects on the period and extent of MC3T3-E1 cell mineralization.
Cardiac magnetic resonance predicts ventricular arrhythmias in scleroderma: the Scleroderma Arrhythmia Clinical Utility Study (SAnCtUS)
Authors: Mavrogeni Sophie , Gargani Luna , Pepe Alessia , Monti Lorenzo , Markousis-Mavrogenis George , De Santis Maria , De Marchi Daniele , Koutsogeorgopoulou Loukia , Karabela Georgia , Stavropoulos Efthymios , Katsifis Gikas , Bratis Konstantinos , Bellando-Randone Silvia , Guiducci Serena , Bruni Cosimo , Moggi-Pignone Alberto , Dimitroulas Theodoros , Kolovou Genovefa , Bournia Vasiliki-Kalliopi , Sfikakis Petros P , Matucci-Cerinic Marco
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Cardiac rhythm disturbances constitute the most frequent cardiovascular cause of death in SSc. However, electrocardiographic findings are not a part of risk stratification in SSc. We aimed to translate 24 h Holter findings into a tangible risk prediction score using cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

Methods

The Scleroderma Arrhythmia Clinical Utility Study (SAnCtUS) was a prospective multicentre study including 150 consecutive SSc patients from eight European centres, assessed with 24 h Holter and cardiovascular magnetic resonance, including ventricular function, oedema (T2 ratio) and late gadolinium enhancement (%LGE). Laboratory/clinical parameters were included in multivariable corrections. A combined endpoint of sustained ventricular tachycardia requiring hospitalization and sudden cardiac death at a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 1 (1.0–1.4) year was generated.

Results

Only T2 ratio and %LGE were significant predictors of ventricular rhythm disturbances, but not of supraventricular rhythm disturbances, after multivariable correction and adjustment for multiple comparisons. Using decision-tree analysis, we created the SAnCtUS score, a four-category scoring system based on T2 ratio and %LGE, for identifying SSc patients at high risk of experiencing ventricular rhythm disturbance at baseline. Increasing SAnCtUS scores were associated with a greater disease and arrhythmic burden. All cases of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (n = 7) occurred in patients with the highest SAnCtUS score (=4). Having a score of 4 conveyed a higher risk of reaching the combined endpoint in multivariable Cox regression compared with scores 1/2/3 [hazard ratio (95% CI): 3.86 (1.14, 13.04), P = 0.029] independently of left ventricular ejection fraction and baseline ventricular tachycardia occurrence.

Conclusion

T2 ratio and %LGE had the greatest utility as independent predictors of rhythm disturbances in SSc patients.
Apraxia in children and adults with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Guilleminault Christian , Huang Yu-Shu , Quo Stacey
Published: October 2019

Study Objectives

Early in life impairment of orofacial growth leads to sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Normal lingual gnosis and praxis are part of this early development related to the normal sensorimotor development of the tongue and surrounding oral musculature. The aim of this retrospective study was to explore if lingual praxia is impaired in both SDB children and adults and if there is an association to craniofacial morphology.

Methods

The ability to perform simple tongue maneuvers was investigated in 100 prepubertal SDB children and 150 SDB adults (shown with polysomnography). All individuals had a clinical investigation by specialists to assess any orofacial growth impairment and the elements potentially behind this impairment. In a subgroup of individuals both able and unable to perform the maneuvers, we also performed a blind recognition of forms placed in the mouth.

Results

A subgroup of pediatric and adult SDB patients presented evidence not only of orofacial growth impairment, but also apraxia independent of age and severity of OSA.

Conclusions

By 3 years of age, children should be able to perform requested tongue maneuvers and have oral form recognition. Abnormal gnosis–praxis was noted, independent of age in SDB children and adults, demonstrating that an abnormal functioning of the tongue in the oral cavity during early development can be detected. Both children and adults with SDB may present similar absences of normal oral development very early in life and a similar presentation of apraxia, suggesting that the distinction of SDB in children versus adults may not be relevant.
Avoidance of phenylthiocarbamide in mature Targhee and Rambouillet rams
Authors: Henslee Dillan , Yelich Joel , Taylor J Bret , Ellison Melinda
Published: October 2019

Shrub encroachment on grasslands is a worldwide issue and sheep are a potential tool for mitigating shrub encroachment. Many shrubs, however, contain bitter-tasting compounds that may deter grazers. Cattle and sheep commonly graze rangelands, but of the two, sheep have a greater tolerance for bitter compounds and would be expected to consume more bitter-tasting vegetation. We hypothesized that sheep could detect (i.e., taste) bitter-tasting compounds and the sensitivity to these compounds would vary from animal to animal. The objective of this study was to determine whether sheep could detect the bitter-tasting compound phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), and if so, what PTC concentration would elicit an avoidance response. Using a crossover study design, mature Rambouillet and Targhee rams (n = 30) were subjected in randomized order to various PTC concentrations mixed in the drinking water (PTC solution). In trials 1 and 2 (n = 15/trial), 0.20, 0.56, 1.57, 4.39, and 12.29 mM and 0.20, 0.43, 0.94, 2.03, and 4.39 mM of PTC were tested, respectively. On test days, PTC solution (trial 1: 1.5 kg; trial 2: 3.0 kg) and water (same amounts) were offered for ad libitum intake in a side-by-side presentation for 1 h in trial 1 and 2 h in trial 2. Each test day was followed by a rest day where PTC solution was replaced with water to limit potential carry over effects into the next test day. Consumption of PTC solution for each PTC concentration was expressed as the percentage of PTC solution intake of total morning fluid intake. There was no effect (P > 0.74) of sequence that rams received PTC solutions on PTC consumption during either trial. As PTC concentration increased, percentage of PTC solution intake decreased (P ≤ 0.01) for both trials. The greatest decrease in percentage of PTC solution intake occurred between 1.57 and 4.39 mM (58%) for trial 1 and 2.03 and 4.39 mM (72%) for trial 2. In trial 2, the least percentage of PTC solution intake was the 4.39 mM PTC concentration, which was different (P ≤ 0.05) from lesser PTC concentrations. All other PTC concentrations did not differ (P > 0.05) from each other in percentage intake. This research suggests rams could taste the PTC, and the concentration at which PTC solution was avoided varied across rams. It may be possible to select sheep, based on demonstrated avoidance of PTC, for targeted grazing applications to manipulate vegetation toward range management goals.
Serum lactoferrin concentration of primiparous sow during gestation and lactation, and comparison between sow-fed and formula-fed piglets1
Authors: Jahan Marefa , Francis Nidhish , Wang Bing
Published: October 2019

Lactoferrin (LF) is a sialylated iron-binding glycoprotein, occurring in several biological secretions like milk, saliva, and seminal fluids and is a major component of a mammalian innate immune system. It plays multiple protective roles against large group of microorganisms and performs anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. The concentration of serum LF in gilt (primiparous sow) and their piglets remains unknown. We determined serum LF concentration in gilts during gestation and lactation to that of 19-d-old piglets, including sow-fed and formula-fed piglets using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that the concentration of serum LF in gilts varied during gestation (0.77 ± 0.10 µg/mL) and lactation (0.62 ± 0.11 µg/mL). The mean concentration of serum LF in gilts (0.72 ± 0.06 µg/mL) was significantly higher than that of piglets (0.42 ± 0.07 µg/mL, P = 0.004). Additionally, a marginal significant difference (P =0.06) was observed for serum LF concentration in sow-fed piglets (0.42 ± 0.03 µg/mL) at 19 d old compared to that of formula-fed piglets (0.33 ± 0.04 µg/mL) at 37 d old. This study provides noble information regarding the serum LF concentration in the healthy gilts and piglets and thereby the data can be used as a standard reference point for future studies on the role of LF in pig reproduction.
The systematic cultural adaptation of a UK public health cancer awareness raising programme for Malaysia: the Be Cancer Alert Campaign
Authors: Schliemann Désirée , Su Tin Tin , Paramasivam Darishiani , Somasundaram Saunthari , Ibrahim Tamin Nor Saleha Binti , Dahlui Maznah , Loh Siew Yim , Donnelly Michael
Published: October 2019

We used a cultural adaptation framework and local partnership working in Malaysia to translate and implement an established cancer awareness-raising mass media campaign.
Early Effects of Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, and 5-Fluorouracil on Neuronal Morphology and Hippocampal-Dependent Behavior in a Murine Model
Authors: Anderson Julie E , Trujillo Madison , McElroy Taylor , Groves Thomas , Alexander Tyler , Kiffer Frederico , Allen Antiño R
Published: October 2019

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women. Fortunately, BC survival rates have increased because the implementation of adjuvant chemotherapy leading to a growing population of survivors. However, chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairments (CICIs) affect up to 75% of BC survivors and may be driven by inflammation and oxidative stress. Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairments can persist 20 years and hinder survivors’ quality of life. To identify early effects of CMF administration in mice, we chose to evaluate adult female mice at 2-week postchemotherapy. Mice received weekly IP administration of CMF (or saline) for 4 weeks, completed behavioral testing, and were sacrificed 2 weeks following their final CMF injection. Behavioral results indicated long-term memory (LTM) impairments postchemotherapy, but did not reveal short-term memory deficits. Dendritic morphology and spine data found increases in overall spine density within CA1 basal and CA3 basal dendrites, but no changes in DG, CA1 apical, or CA3 apical dendrites. Further analysis revealed decreases in arborization across the hippocampus (DG, CA1 apical and basal, CA3 apical and basal). These physiological changes within the hippocampus correlate with our behavioral data indicating LTM impairments following CMF administration in female mice 2-week postchemotherapy. Hippocampal cytokine analysis identified decreases in IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-3, IL-10, and TNF-α levels.
Placental growth factor negatively regulates retinal endothelial cell barrier function through suppression of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase and antioxidant defense systems
Authors: Huang Hu , Lennikov Anton , Saddala Madhu Sudhana , Gozal David , Grab Dennis J. , Khalyfa Abdelnaby , Fan Lijuan
Published: October 2019

We report that placental growth factor (PlGF) negatively affects the endothelial cell (EC) barrier function through a novel regulatory mechanism. The PlGF mAb promotes (but recombinant protein disrupts) EC barrier function, thus affecting the barrier‐forming protein levels, membrane distribution, and EC monolayer impedance by the electrical cell‐impedance sensing system, Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. RNA sequencing‐based transcriptome analysis identified the up‐regulation of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and the antioxidant defense protein by PlGF blockade. The PlGF and PlGF/VEGF dimers (but not VEGF‐A) down‐regulated the protein expression of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and peroxiredoxin (PRDX). G6PD inhibition and gene silencing (small interfering RNA) abolished the beneficial effects of PlGF inhibition on EC barrier function and PRDX3/6 protein expression. VEGF receptor (VEGFR)1 or VEGFR2 blockade prevented the inhibitory effect of PlGF on G6PD protein expression and EC barrier function. The PRDX6 played dual roles in EC barrier function through glutathione peroxidase and phospholipase A2 activity. In sum, PlGF negatively regulates EC barrier function through the activation of VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 and the suppression of the G6PD/PPP and the antioxidant pathways.—Huang, H., Lennikov, A., Saddala, M. S., Gozal, D., Grab, D. J., Khalyfa, A., Fan, L. Placental growth factor negatively regulates endothelial cell barrier function through suppression of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase and antioxidant defense systems. FASEB J. 33, 13695‐13709 (2019). www.fasebj.org
International Anal Neoplasia Society Guidelines for the Practice of Digital Anal Rectal Examination
Authors: Hillman Richard John , Berry-Lawhorn J. Michael , Ong Jason J. , Cuming Tamzin , Nathan Mayura , Goldstone Stephen , Richel Olivier , Barrosso Luis F. , Darragh Teresa M. , Law Carmella , Bouchard Céline , Stier Elizabeth A. , Palefsky Joel M. , Jay Naomi
Published: October 2019

Objective

The aim of the study was to develop recommended techniques and quality assurance metrics for the practice of Digital Anal Rectal Examination (DARE).

Materials and Methods

The International Anal Neoplasia Society undertook a literature review and, using the AGREE II technique, developed guidelines for performing DARE.

Results

A consensus was formed regarding the optimum conditions and characteristics of DARE. Several Quality Assurance metrics were developed.

Conclusions

Digital Anal Rectal Examination is a cheap and potentially universally available technique, which has the potential to facilitate the early diagnosis of anal cancers, when they are most amenable to treatment. These guidelines provide a basis for teaching the technique and may be used as for evaluation research.
Put an End to Missed Opportunities
Authors: Daniels Stefani
Published: October 2019

The ongoing transformation of America's health care system is bringing disruption in every sector of our industry. Hospital case management programs are similarly undergoing dramatic changes as care coordination for our most vulnerable patients becomes the focus of many hospital case management programs. As a result, case management leaders and human resource directors are disrupting legacy assumptions and expanding eligibility for the role of the hospital case manager.
Methodology for tDCS integration with fMRI
Authors: Esmaeilpour Zeinab , Shereen A. Duke , Ghobadi-Azbari Peyman , Datta Abhishek , Woods Adam J. , Ironside Maria , O’Shea Jacinta , Kirk Ulrich , Bikson Marom , Ekhtiari Hamed
Published: October 2019

Integration of tDCS with fMRI holds promise for investigation the underlying mechanism of stimulation effect. There are 118 published tDCS studies (up to 1st Oct 2018) that used fMRI as a proxy measure of neural activation to answer mechanistic, predictive, and localization questions about how brain activity is modulated by tDCS. FMRI can potentially contribute as: a measure of cognitive state-level variance in baseline brain activation before tDCS; inform the design of stimulation montages that aim to target functional networks during specific tasks; and act as an outcome measure of functional response to tDCS. In this systematic review we explore methodological parameter space of tDCS integration with fMRI. Existing tDCS-fMRI literature shows little replication across these permutations; few studies used comparable study designs. Here, we use a case study with both task and resting state fMRI before and after tDCS in a cross-over design to discuss methodological confounds. We further outline how computational models of current flow should be combined with imaging data to understand sources of variability in responsiveness. Through the case study, we demonstrate how modeling and imaging methodology can be integrated for individualized analysis. Finally, we discuss the importance of conducting tDCS-fMRI with stimulation equipment certified as safe to use inside the MR scanner, and of correcting for image artifacts caused by tDCS. tDCS-fMRI can address important questions on the functional mechanisms of tDCS action (e.g. target engagement) and has the potential to support enhancement of behavioral interventions, provided studies are designed rationally.
A method for complete characterization of complex germline rearrangements from long DNA reads
Authors: Mitsuhashi Satomi , Ohori Sachiko , Katoh Kazutaka , Frith Martin C , Matsumoto Naomichi
Published: October 2019

Many genetic/genomic disorders are caused by genomic rearrangements. Standard methods can often characterize these variations only partly, e.g. copy number changes. We describe full characterization of complex chromosomal rearrangements, based on whole-genome-coverage sequencing of long DNA reads from four patients with chromosomal translocations. We developed a new analysis pipeline, which filters out rearrangements seen in humans without the same disease, reducing the number of loci per patient from a few thousand to a few dozen. For one patient with two reciprocal chromosomal translocations, we find that the translocation points have complex rearrangements of multiple DNA fragments involving 5 chromosomes, which we could order and orient by an automatic algorithm, thereby fully reconstructing the rearrangement. Some important properties of these rearrangements, such as sequence loss, are holistic: they cannot be inferred from any part of the rearrangement, but only from the fully-reconstructed rearrangement. In this patient, the rearrangements were evidently caused by shattering of the chromosomes into multiple fragments, which rejoined in a different order and orientation with loss of some fragments. Our approach promises to fully characterize many congenital germline rearrangements, provided they do not involve poorly-understood loci such as centromeric repeats.
A validation of machine learning-based risk scores in the prehospital setting
Authors: Spangler Douglas , Hermansson Thomas , Smekal David , Blomberg Hans
Published: October 2019

Background

The triage of patients in pre-hospital care is a difficult task, and improved risk assessment tools are needed both at the dispatch center and on the ambulance to differentiate between low- and high-risk patients. This study develops and validates a machine learning-based approach to predicting hospital outcomes based on routinely collected prehospital data.

Methods

Dispatch, ambulance, and hospital data were collected in one Swedish region from 2016 - 2017. Dispatch center and ambulance records were used to develop gradient boosting models predicting hospital admission, critical care (defined as admission to an intensive care unit or in-hospital mortality), and two-day mortality. Model predictions were used to generate composite risk scores which were compared to National Early Warning System (NEWS) scores and actual dispatched priorities in a similar but prospectively gathered dataset from 2018.

Results

A total of 38203 patients were included from 2016-2018. Concordance indexes (or area under the receiver operating characteristics curve) for dispatched priorities ranged from 0.51 – 0.66, while those for NEWS scores ranged from 0.66 - 0.85. Concordance ranged from 0.71 – 0.80 for risk scores based only on dispatch data, and 0.79 – 0.89 for risk scores including ambulance data. Dispatch data-based risk scores consistently outperformed dispatched priorities in predicting hospital outcomes, while models including ambulance data also consistently outperformed NEWS scores. Model performance in the prospective test dataset was similar to that found using cross-validation, and calibration was comparable to that of NEWS scores.

Conclusions

Machine learning-based risk scores outperformed a widely-used rule-based triage algorithm and human prioritization decisions in predicting hospital outcomes. Performance was robust in a prospectively gathered dataset, and scores demonstrated adequate calibration. Future research should investigate the generality of these results to prehospital triage in other settings, and establish the impact of triage tools based on these methods by means of randomized trial.