bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Centering Accessibility: A Review of Institutional Repository Policy and Practice
Authors: Anderson Talea , Leachman Chelsea
Published: November 2020

INTRODUCTION Libraries have proposed institutional repositories as a means of providing universal access to university research. However, in recent years, it has become clear that universities and libraries have neglected web accessibility in constructing services including open access publishing programs. METHODS To better understand accessibility practices in relation to institutional repositories, survey responses were collected from repository managers. The survey consisted of five multiple choice and two open-ended questions regarding remediation and accessibility practices used by repository managers. RESULTS & DISCUSSION While the importance of accessibility has been well documented, survey responses showed that few policies and practices have been put in place to ensure accessibility in institutional repositories. Key barriers to accessibility included lack of organizational resources, lack of time, inadequate training, and product restrictions. CONCLUSION These results suggest that accessibility should be prioritized in future creation of policies and allocation of library resources.
Evolutionary analysis of chloroplast tRNA of Gymnosperm revealed the novel structural variation and evolutionary aspect
Authors: Zhang Ting-Ting , Hou Yi-Kun , Yang Ting , Zhang Shu-Ya , Yue Ming , Liu Jianni , Li Zhonghu
Published: November 2020

Gymnosperms such as ginkgo, conifers, cycads, and gnetophytes are vital components of land ecosystems, and they have significant economic and ecologic value, as well as important roles as forest vegetation. In this study, we investigated the structural variation and evolution of chloroplast transfer RNAs (tRNAs) in gymnosperms. Chloroplasts are important organelles in photosynthetic plants. tRNAs are key participants in translation where they act as adapter molecules between the information level of nucleic acids and functional level of proteins. The basic structures of gymnosperm chloroplast tRNAs were found to have family-specific conserved sequences. The tRNAΨ -loop was observed to contain a conforming sequence, i.e., U-U-C-N-A-N2. In gymnosperms, tRNAIlewas found to encode a “CAU” anticodon, which is usually encoded by tRNAMet. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that plastid tRNAs have a common polyphyletic evolutionary pattern, i.e., rooted in abundant common ancestors. Analyses of duplication and loss events in chloroplast tRNAs showed that gymnosperm tRNAs have experienced little more gene loss than gene duplication. Transition and transversion analysis showed that the tRNAs are iso-acceptor specific and they have experienced unequal evolutionary rates. These results provide new insights into the structural variation and evolution of gymnosperm chloroplast tRNAs, which may improve our comprehensive understanding of the biological characteristics of the tRNA family.
Partial revision of the neustonic genusScapholeberisSchoedler, 1858 (Crustacea: Cladocera): decoding of the barcoding results
Authors: Garibian Petr G. , Neretina Anna N. , Taylor Derek J. , Kotov Alexey A.
Published: November 2020

Water fleas (Crustacea: Cladocera) are among the most intensively studied freshwater invertebrates. However, ecologically important daphniids that live on the surface layer (neuston) remain taxonomically confused. Here we attempt to reconcile genetic and morphological information for the neustonic genusScapholeberisSchoedler, 1858 (Cladocera: Daphniidae) and present the first revision of theScapholeberis kingiispecies group. We analyzed new and existing mitochondrial DNA sequences (сytochrome C oxidase subunit I gene region) together with morphology for all but one of the known species of the neustonic daphniids. Morphological comparisons of available populations, belonging to theScapholeberis kingiispecies group from several Australian, Asian and African localities, revealed, that they are almost identical according to parthenogenetic females. However, Australian populations can be reliably distinguished from Asian ones based on the morphology of gamogenetic females. Mitochondrial DNA data analyses revealed divergent lineages (>17% for the DNA barcoding COI region) for the three different species (Australia, Asia and Africa). Based on this set of data, we redescribedS. kingiiSars, 1888 from Australia, itsterra typica, and described a new species,S. smirnovisp.nov.from the Russian Far East, Korea and Japan. The status of populations from Ethiopia and the Republic of South Africa remained unclear, because in the African material and the putative type material, we found only parthenogenetic females. Our results provide an integrative revision of theS. kingiispecies group and improve the taxonomic scaffold used for barcoding and genomics for the remaining species groups in the daphniid genusScapholeberis.
Antibacterial activity of human defensins againstStaphylococcus aureusandEscherichia coli
Authors: Bolatchiev Albert
Published: November 2020

Background

The global problem of antibiotic resistance requires the search for and development of new methods of treatment. One of the promising strategies is the use of low doses of antimicrobial peptides, in particular, human defensins HNP-1, hBD-1, and hBD-3, in combination with antibacterial drugs already used in clinical practice. This approach may be used to increase the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics. However, this requires thorough study of the effectiveness of defensins in combination with antibiotics against a large number of bacterial strains with known phenotypes of antibiotic resistance. The aim of this work was to study the antibacterial effect of HNP-1, hBD-1 and hBD-3 in combination with rifampicin or amikacin against clinical isolates ofStaphylococcus aureus(n= 27) andEscherichia coli(n= 24) collected from hospitalized patients.

Methods

The standard checkerboard assay was used to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antimicrobials. The combined microbicidal effects of two substances (defensin + conventional antibiotic) were assessed by the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI).

Results

The highest anti-staphylococcal activity (including methicillin-resistant strains) among defensins was demonstrated by hBD-3 that had MIC of 1 (0.5–4) mg/L (hereinafter, MIC values are presented as median and interquartile range). The MIC of HNP-1 againstS. aureuswas 4 (2–8) mg/L; the MIC of hBD-1 was 8 (4–8) mg/L. AgainstE. coli, the most effective was also found to be hBD-3 that had MIC of 4 (4–8) mg/L; the MIC of HNP-1 was 12 (4–32) mg/L. The combinations of HNP-1 + rifampicin and hBD-3 + rifampicin demonstrated synergistic effects againstS.aureus. AgainstE. coli, combinations of HNP-1 + amikacin and hBD-3 + amikacin also showed synergy of action.
Molecular Diversity Analysis of Indigenous Potato Cultivars Using RAPD Markers
Authors: Naznin Farhana , Haque Md. Ashraful , Rahman Md. Hasan Sofiur , Rahman Md. Hasan Atikur , Mehedi Md. Nazmul Hasan
Published: November 2020

The study was undertaken to identify genotypic diversity at molecular level of potato for varietal improvement program at the Advanced Plant Breeding Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bongobondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur, Bangladesh. Eight cultivars of potato viz. Lalpakri, Sindurkouta, Indurkani, Ausha, Patnai, Sadaguti, Shilbilati, Challisha were collected from Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), for studying genotyping divergence. Genomic DNA was extracted from young leaves of the cultivars and PCR reaction was performed. The PCR amplified DNA profile was visualized on agarose gel, staining with ethidium bromide. Three RAPD primers named OPA 01, OPA 03 and OPD 18 were used to evaluate the genetic diversity of potato varieties. All the primers were polymorphic and the primers produced the highest number of alleles. The genetic diversity value in Lalpakri with all cultivars except Sadaguti was found to have the highest genetic distance (1.0). The amount of genetic diversity within potato germplasm is quite distinct as revealed by the genetic similarity coefficients. The results indicate that, high level of genetic distance exists among the cultivars. The Primers OPA 01, OPA 03 and OPD 18 showed the highest level of genetic diversity and PIC value while the Lalpakri and Sadaguti cultivars had the highest genetic distance among other cultivars which could be used for further potato breeding program.
Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Analysis of the Ethanolic Extract of Rosehip Seed Press Cake
Authors: Tanor E. B. , Matamane R. P. , Hapazari I. , Magama S.
Published: November 2020

Aims: Rosehip seed press cake is a waste material in the industrial extraction of rosehip seed oil using cold press process. The current study seeks to evaluate the phytochemical profile, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and DPPH radical scavenging activity of the ethanolic extract of rosehip seed press cake using standard methods and DPPH assay.

Study Design:  This is an experimental laboratory report on the phytochemical properties and antioxidant potential of the ethanolic semi-solid extract (ESE) of rosehip seed press cake in order to assess its commercial viability as a food supplement.

Place and Duration of Study:  The work was conducted in the Department of Chemistry, National University of Lesotho, from August 2019 to March 2020. 

Methodology: Ethanol was used for the extraction of the semi-solid extract (ESE) from the rosehip seed press cake. The ESE was analysed for phytochemical constituents using standard methods. In vitro antioxidant activity of the ESE was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. For data analysis, mean and standard deviation were computed for each parameter that was quantitatively determined.

Results: Presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, sterols, glycosides, reducing sugars, proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, phenols and polyphenols in the ESE was confirmed. Total phenolics and flavonoids content were found to be 134.44 mg GAE/g DW and 73.23 mg QE/g DW, in the range of 200 to 3000 µg/ml respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of the extract was found to be in the range 10.32±3.89 and 76.06±3.48% within the concentration range and was very close to the scavenging activity of DPPH at concentrations ≥ 1500 µg/ml. The ESE showed an IC50 value of 1367.06 µg/ml relative to that of the positive control, ascorbic acid, being <200 µg/ml.

Conclusion: The ESE from the rosehip seed press cake was found to be very promising as a food supplement since 50% of the 16 screened phyto-constituents were present in high concentrations; 6.25% were detected in moderate concentrations and another 6.25% were present in low concentrations. Furthermore, the ESE exhibited antioxidant properties. Further studies are recommended to obtain more information on its composition and suitability additive in animal feed or as a food supplement.
Molecular Characterization of Ciprofloxacin Resistant Escherichia coli from Ghana
Authors: Attipoe Israel Mensah- , Opintan Japheth A. , Newman Mercy J. , Ashong Prince Pappoe-
Published: November 2020

Aim: This study aimed to characterize ciprofloxacin-resistance genes in clinical Escherichia coli isolates obtained from a six-month antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance from Ghana.

Methods: Eighty-three of 440 archived E. coli isolates were confirmed by biochemical reactions and resistance profiles by the disc diffusion method. These isolates were cultured from urine (42), stool (23), vaginal swabs (12), wounds (5) and heart valve (1) during AMR surveillance. Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) by E-test method was performed on all E. coli isolates that were resistant to ciprofloxacin by the disc diffusion method. Additionally, all isolates with reduced MIC to ciprofloxacin (>32 µg/ml) were selected for molecular assays.  Three chromosomal and nine plasmid-mediated resistance genes were screened in all Ciprofloxacin resistant E. coli (CRE) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Randomly selected amplified genes were commercially sequenced and analyzed.

Results: In total, 47/83 (56.6%) E. coli isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin and 29 (61.7%) had MIC values greater than 32 µg/ml. Chromosomal mediated genes (gyrA, gyrB and parC) were present in all 29 CRE isolates (100%). Distribution of the plasmid-mediated genes were as follows; qnrA 16/29 (55.1%), qnrB 16/29(55.1%), qnrC 22/29(75.8%), qnrS 26/29(89.6%), qepA 5/29(17.2%) and oqxB 19/29(65.5%). Genes encoding for altered aminoglycoside acetyltransferase [aac(6’)1bcr] were also present in all 29 CRE isolates. The majority (72.4%) of the CRE isolates had gyrA mutations at codons 83 and 87. In parC, the mutations were at codons 71 and 80. Five isolates had mutations at codon 56 and four each had mutations at positions 79 and 80.

Conclusion: In this study, fluoroquinolone resistance genes were identified in all CRE isolates, mostly with putative mutations in the Quinolone Resistance Determining Region (QRDR). These chromosomal and plasmid-mediated genes may be widespread in Ghana and associated with CRE from the AMR surveillance. Although new mutations points were identified in parC, they may not be linked to the CRE.
Biogas Yielding Potential of Maize Chaff Inoculated with Cow Rumen and Its Characterization
Authors: Iweka S. Chukwuka , Owuama K. C.
Published: November 2020

Human Life on earth is driven by energy and with the global challenge on best ways to manage waste, there is need to convert organic waste to bioenergy which will help reduce the rate of environmental pollution and over dependence on conventional source of energy. In this investigation maize chaff were inoculated with cow rumen using different concentration ratios (S/I) of 1:1, 1: 1.55, 1:3.5 for 25, 31 and 37 days Retention Time (RT) as design by Central Composite Face Centered Design to optimize the process and predict the best response. The result obtained shows that the mixture ratio of 0.65 (1:1.55) for 31 days gave the optimum yield while 0.65 mixing ratio for 37 days gave the maximum yield at 0.42L under mesophilic (20°C to 45°C) condition. The Flash point of the cummulative maximum yield was -164°C which is really flammable. The model F-value is 95.03, p-values is < 0.0001 which is less than 0.05 and both values indicate model terms are significant. Lack of Fit F-value of 0.43 implies the fitting effect is good. Its R2 value of 0.9855 is very close to 1 which is good. In addition, the biogas products were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The FTIR analyzes showed the presence of Alcohol and was further proven by 69% methane gotten as indicated by the GC-MS. Thus, the result shows high methane yield, flammability and suitability for maize chaff inoculated with cow rumen for energy production.
Relationship between Worship Time and Attendance in Orthodox Church, Southern Nigeria
Authors: Ezeanyim O. C. , Nwankwo C. O. , Umeozokwere A. O.
Published: November 2020

The perturbation in members worship attendance data with respect to service duration and a general impression among members, that worship attendance recorded at sessional services, was due to the worship duration, gave rise to this investigative research. There has never been a study in this relation of worship time and members attendance in the church.  This study therefore seeks to clarify thinking, in the service time and attendance relationships among the worshipers. To satisfy the needs of the relationships, a correlation analysis was conducted using available data from 62weekly service observations for an orthodox church in south-south Nigeria, by applying parametric and nonparametric correlation methods. The correlations coefficient were obtained by using the Pearson, Kendall and Spearman correlation methods which showed 63, 53 and 66% correlations respectively as well as a significant value of 0.000 result for each individual methods. The results show that there is a significant relationship that exists between both variables under consideration.  This insightful and informative research outcome will disabuse or soothe the minds of these members as well as guide the church leadership’s poise in membership growth, development and management of gospel dissemination across sub-Saharan Africa.
Parallelization, Massive
Authors: Gramacy Robert B.
Published: November 2020

Algorithms exploiting parallelization are all but essential to make full use of modern computing architectures, leveraging multicore, multinode, and specialized hardware such as graphical processing units (GPUs). Methodology for statistical computing has been slow to adapt, although there are some notable success stories. Except in cases where models have statistical independence built in, computational independence for the purposes of distribution across computing elements implies approximation which may have (at worst) deleterious and (at best) unknown effects on inference and prediction. In this article, we consider nonlinear regression by Gaussian process (GP) models as a representative exemplar of the situation. GPs are popular in geo/spatial statistics, computer surrogate modeling, and machine learning, for their smooth, accurate predictions with excellent coverage properties, but can suffer from cubic run times and quadratic storage limitations. Strong spatial interdependence in canonical GP setups makes parallelization hard, but careful divide and conquer can facilitate massive distribution across the full span of contemporary hardware capabilities without compromising accuracy and uncertainty quantification properties. The specific idea and general recipe are ripe for extension to other large‐scale modeling applications.
Stakeholder Development of an Online Program to Track Arthritis‐Related Patient‐Reported Outcomes Longitudinally: Live Yes! INSIGHTS
Authors: Schifferdecker Karen E. , Butcher Rebecca L. , Knight Erin , Creek Emily , Schrandt M. Suzanne , Marrow Laura , Jaffe Marie , Vinci Arlene , Eakin Guy
Published: November 2020

Objective

Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) are increasingly used in clinical settings but may not provide benefits to patients outside of health encounters. The Arthritis Foundation’s Live Yes! Network provides an opportunity for PROM use by individuals and the network that assists individuals with managing their arthritis between encounters. Our objective was to develop a patient‐reported outcomes platform for the network, Live Yes! INSIGHTS, using mixed methods and extensive stakeholder input.

Methods

A mixed methods longitudinal transformation design was used, starting with semistructured interviews to specify the main priorities of the program, literature review to identify potential PROMs, modified Delphi and nominal group technique to select final PROMs, and focus groups to guide program implementation, messaging, and use of results. We gathered input from 93 participants, including from individuals living with arthritis (74% of participants), caregivers, providers, researchers, and measurement experts.

Results

Our mixed methods study resulted in the selection of Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)‐29, PROMIS Emotional Support Short Form v2.0, and the Health Care Empowerment Questionnaire, to be deployed through a Qualtrics platform. Triangulation of data resulted in identification of potential risks and benefits, including confidentiality, ability to personally track and share data, and an opportunity to contribute to research.

Conclusion

An accessible measurement system backed by psychometrically strong PROMs, created with robust stakeholder engagement, and linked to a national patient network sets the stage for individuals with arthritis to better monitor and improve health outcomes both outside and inside health care settings and for the network to customize programming to meet needs.
Biomimetic Anti‐PD‐1 Peptide‐Loaded 2D FePSe3 Nanosheets for Efficient Photothermal and Enhanced Immune Therapy with Multimodal MR/PA/Thermal Imaging
Authors: Fang Xueyang , Wu Xianlin , Li Zhendong , Jiang Lijun , Lo Wai‐Sum , Chen Guanmao , Gu Yanjuan , Wong Wing‐Tak
Published: November 2020

Metal phosphorous trichalcogenides (MPX3) are novel 2D nanomaterials that have recently been exploited as efficient photothermal–chemodynamic agents for cancer therapy. As a representative MPX3, FePSe3 has the potential to be developed as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and photoacoustic imaging (PAI) agents due to the composition of Fe and the previously revealed PA signal. Here, a FePSe3‐based theranostic agent, FePSe3@APP@CCM, loaded with anti‐PD‐1 peptide (APP) as the inner component and CT26 cancer cell membrane (CCM) as the outer shell is reported, which acts as a multifunctional agent for MR and PA imaging and photothermal and immunotherapy against cancer. FePSe3@APP@CCM induces highly efficient tumor ablation and suppresses tumor growth by photothermal therapy under near‐infrared laser excitation, which further activates immune responses. Moreover, APP blocks the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway to activate cytotoxic T cells, causing strong anticancer immunity. The combined therapy significantly prolongs the lifespan of experimental mice. The multimodal imaging and synergistic therapeutic effects of PTT and its triggered immune responses and APP‐related immunotherapy are clearly demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo experiments. This work demonstrates the potential of MPX3‐based biomaterials as novel theranostic agents.
Monitoring winter wheat growth at different heights using aerial imagery
Authors: Miller Jarrod O. , Adkins James
Published: November 2020

Drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) provide another system to mount sensors for measuring plant characteristics. For winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) this can include evaluating stands and making nitrogen (N) recommendations. Timing these flights and adequate camera resolution (based on flying height), must be known before applying tasks. This study observed six winter wheat planting populations (222, 297, 371, 445, 494, and 544 seeds m–2) at three different heights above ground level (30, 60, and 120 m) over three growing seasons. Plant populations could be separated at all growth stages and heights flown but were easier to separate right after emergence (GS11). In the spring, additional tillering caused the higher populations (371–544 seeds m–2) to have similar normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI), much like the final yields. Comparing changes in NDVI between flights was also successful in separating high and low planting populations, with inverse relationships in the fall and spring. A random forest classification of tiller counts by NDVI measurements ranked change in NDVI between stages as the most important compared to single flights. As separation and classification was successful at the lowest camera resolution (120 m), it can be possible for scouts to collect whole field imagery for analyses prior to deciding on split N applications.
Detecting children's true and false denials of wrongdoing: Effects of question type and base rate knowledge
Authors: Domagalski Kirsten , Gongola Jennifer , Lyon Thomas D. , Clark Steven E. , Quas Jodi A.
Published: November 2020

One common and unfortunately overlooked obstacle to the detection of sexual abuse is non‐disclosure by children. Non‐disclosure in forensic interviews may be expressed via concealment in response to recall questions or via active denials in response to recognition (e.g., yes/no) questions. In two studies, we evaluated whether adults' ability to discern true and false denials of wrongdoing by children varied as a function of the types of interview question the children were asked. Results suggest that adults are not good at detecting deceptive denials of wrongdoing by children, even when the adults view children narrate their experiences in response to recall questions rather than provide one word answers to recognition questions. In Study 1, adults exhibited a consistent “truth bias,” leading them toward believing children, regardless of whether the children's denials were true or false. In Study 2, adults were given base‐rate information about the occurrence of true and false denials (50% of each). The information eliminated the adults' truth bias but did not improve their overall detection accuracy, which still hovered near chance. Adults did, however, perceive children's denials as slightly more credible when they emerged in response to recall rather than recognition questions, especially when children were honestly denying wrongdoing. Results suggest the need for caution when evaluating adults' judgments of children's veracity when the children fail to disclose abuse.
Intradermal delivery of receptor‐binding domain of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein with dissolvable microneedles to induce humoral and cellular responses in mice
Authors: Kuwentrai Chaiyaporn , Yu Jinming , Rong Li , Zhang Bao‐Zhong , Hu Ye‐Fan , Gong Hua‐Rui , Dou Ying , Deng Jian , Huang Jian‐Dong , Xu Chenjie
Published: November 2020

The S1 subunit of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) spike protein contains an immunogenic receptor‐binding domain (RBD), which is a promising candidate for the development of a potential vaccine. This study demonstrated that intradermal delivery of an S‐RBD vaccine using a dissolvable microneedle skin patch can induce both significant B‐cell and significant T‐cell responses against S‐RBD. Importantly, the outcomes were comparable to that of conventional bolus injection.
Biosynthetic Intermediate Probes for Visualizing and Identifying the Biosynthetic Enzymes of Plant Metabolites
Authors: Gao Lei , Lei Xiaoguang
Published: November 2020

Plant metabolites play important roles in both plant physiology and drug discovery. Taking advantage of new emerging technologies such as next generation sequencing (NGS), whole genome assembly, bioinformatics, omics‐based strategies have been demonstrated as popular and powerful ways to elucidate complex metabolic pathways in plants. In this viewpoint, biosynthetic intermediates probes have been proposed as the potentinal tools to study the plant natural product biosynthesis via chemical proteomics appoaches or transcriptome analysis.
Health‐related quality‐of‐life impact of pembrolizumab versus best supportive care in previously systemically treated patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: KEYNOTE‐240
Authors: Ryoo Baek‐Yeol , Merle Philippe , Kulkarni Amit S. , Cheng Ann‐Lii , Bouattour Mohamed , Lim Ho Yeong , Breder Valeriy , Edeline Julien , Chao Yee , Ogasawara Sadahisa , Yau Thomas , Garrido Marcelo , Chan Stephen L. , Daniele Bruno , Norquist Josephine M. , Chen Erluo , Siegel Abby B. , Zhu Andrew X. , Finn Richard S. , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: November 2020

Background

Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important outcome measure and prognostic indicator in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). KEYNOTE‐240 (NCT02702401) assessed the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab plus best supportive care (BSC) versus placebo plus BSC in patients with HCC who previously received sorafenib. This study presents the results of a prespecified exploratory analysis of patient‐reported outcomes.

Methods

Patients completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐C30) and its HCC supplement (EORTC QLQ‐HCC18) electronically at baseline; at weeks 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, and 18; and then every 9 weeks until 1 year or end of treatment, and at the 30‐day safety follow‐up visit.

Results

The HRQoL population included 271 and 127 patients randomly assigned to pembrolizumab and placebo, respectively. From baseline to week 12, changes in both scores were similar between pembrolizumab and placebo; global health status/QoL scores were stable. The proportions of patients who improved, remained stable, or deteriorated across all functional domain and symptom scores were generally similar between pembrolizumab and placebo. Time to deterioration was similar between the 2 arms based on the prespecified analysis of EORTC QLQ‐HCC18 domains of abdominal swelling, fatigue, and pain.

Conclusion

Pembrolizumab preserved HRQoL during treatment for advanced HCC. Combined with efficacy and safety results from KEYNOTE‐240, these findings support a positive benefit/risk profile for pembrolizumab in a second‐line treatment setting for patients with HCC who previously received sorafenib.
Additional ultrasound radiologic considerations for the cytopathologist with respect to thyroid paragangliomas
Authors: Wiles Austin B.
Published: November 2020

How might we begin to consider thyroid paraganglioma against its likely cytomorphologic differential? A practical strategy is presented for rationally considering the possibility of thyroid paragangliomas by correlating cytologic results with some frequently available radiologic findings.
Diets with high carbohydrate contents were associated with refeeding hypophosphatemia: A retrospective study in Japanese inpatients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Yamazaki Tadahiro , Inada Shuji , Sawada Mika , Sekine Rie , Kubota Naoto , Fukatsu Kazuhiko , Yoshiuchi Kazuhiro
Published: November 2020

Objective

Refeeding hypophosphatemia (RH) is a potentially fatal complication in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), and its dietary preventive strategy is not well established. We aimed to examine the association between carbohydrate content in the diet and the occurrence of RH in inpatients with AN via retrospective medical chart review.

Method

We performed a chart review to collect data of patients with AN hospitalized at the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine of the University of Tokyo Hospital between April 1, 2012, and February 29, 2020. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the cutoff point of the percentage of carbohydrate content in the diet for the occurrence of RH. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed with occurrence of RH as the dependent variable and the carbohydrate content of more than the identified cutoff point as the independent variable adjusting for the risk factors for RH.

Results

The percentage of carbohydrate content that is higher than the cutoff point obtained from the ROC analysis (58.4%) was significantly associated with the occurrence of RH, even after adjusting for variables associated with RH in univariate logistic regression analysis (age and body mass index) as well as the average daily calorie intake (odds ratio, 5.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.60–18.1; p = .0066).

Discussion

We identified that diets with higher carbohydrate contents were associated with RH in inpatients with AN, even after adjusting for known risk factors. Our findings may promote the development of dietary preventive strategies against RH in inpatients with AN.
Fluid‐preserved fishes are one solution for assessing historical change in fish trophic level
Authors: Welicky Rachel L. , Rolfe Terry , Leazer Karrin , Maslenikov Katherine P. , Tornabene Luke , Holtgrieve Gordon W. , Wood Chelsea L.
Published: November 2020

There are few resources available for assessing historical change in fish trophic dynamics, but specimens held in natural history collections could serve as this resource. In contemporary trophic ecology studies, trophic and source information can be obtained from compound‐specific stable isotope analysis of amino acids of nitrogen (CSIA‐AA‐N).

We subjected wholeSebastes ruberrimusandClupea pallasiito formalin fixation and 70% ethanol preservation. We extracted tissue samples from each fish pre‐fixation, after each chemical change, and then in doubling time for 32–64 days once placed in the final preservative. All samples were subjected to CSIA‐AA‐N, and their glutamic acid and phenylalanine profiles and associated trophic position were examined for differences over time by species.

Glutamic acid and phenylalanine values were inconsistent in direction and magnitude, particularly during formalin fixation, but stabilized similarly (in 70% ethanol) among conspecifics. In some cases, the amino acid values of our final samples were significantly different than our initial pre‐preservation samples. Nonetheless, significant differences in glutamic acid, phenylalanine, and estimated trophic position were not detected among samples that were in 70% ethanol for >24 hr.

Our results suggest that the relative trophic position of fluid‐preserved specimens can be estimated using CSIA‐AA‐N, and CSIA‐AA‐N estimates for fluid‐preserved specimens should only be reported as relative differences. Timelines of trophic position change can be developed by comparing specimens collected at different points in time, revealing trophic information of the past and cryptic ecosystem responses.
Time and space‐resolved 3D temperature/out‐of‐plane displacement measurements for investigating the fire behaviour of composite materials
Authors: Leplat Gillian , Le Sant Yves , Reulet Philippe , Batmalle Thomas
Published: November 2020

Fire‐induced decomposition of composite materials involves complex and coupled multi‐physics phenomena experienced for instance in standard tests (cone calorimeter, FAR 25.856(b):2003 and ISO 2685:1998(e)). It is proposed to address this issue in a simplified laboratory facility using a gas burner embedded with coupled measurement techniques to assess all desired physical quantities. A focus is given in this study on non‐intrusive (no coating required) digital image correlation (DIC) and infra‐red thermography (IRT) measurements. Out‐of‐plane displacement and temperature of the unexposed surface were accurately measured as a function of time to investigate the 3D fire behaviour of a composite laminate used in the aircraft industry. Those complementary measurements are carried out on a purpose‐made experimental set‐up in order to provide relevant and correlated information from FOLKI‐D algorithm and to identify the damage mechanisms.
The difference of regulatory effect of two Inonotus obliquus extracts on high‐fat diet mice in relation to the fatty acid elongation function of gut microbiota
Authors: Yu Jian , Xiang Hongyu , Xie Qiuhong
Published: November 2020

Obesity is a disease that causes metabolic disorders in the human body and is closely related to intestinal microbes. This experiment compares the therapeutic effects of two Inonotus obliquus extracts on high‐fat diet (HFD) mice and explores the effects and mechanisms of intestinal flora and its metabolites. The energy intake (EI), weight gain (BWG), fecal flora diversity, fecal and urine metabolites, and fecal triglycerides (TG) of mice were measured at 4 temporal points. We found that due to the difference in energy intake between the two groups in the early stage of the experiment, the ethanol extract of Inonotus obliquus (IOE) had a stronger effect on the accumulated BWG than the polysaccharide (IOP) of Inonotus obliquus at the end of the experiment. Moreover, the difference caused by IOE and IOP intake was the largest in the second week, in four temporal points. Compared with IOP, IOE in the second week can reduce EI, fecal short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) and TG, reduce host metabolism, increase fecal Akkermansia and fatty acid elongation, and increase host substrate phosphorylation. The change trend of the fatty acid elongation P value from 2 to 14 weeks is consistent with the overall difference trend between the two groups. The difference in the regulating effect of the two Inonotus obliquus extracts on HFD mice is related to the fatty acid elongation function of the intestinal flora, which leads to the reduction of IOE and the effect of BWG is better than IOP. It provides a theoretical reference for the development of functional food using the extract of Inonotus obliquus.
Assessment of Arrhenius activation energy in stretched flow of nanofluid over a rotating disc
Authors: Kotresh Madhukesh Javali , Ramesh Gosikere Kenchappa , Shashikala Varun Kumar Ravikumar , Prasannakumara Ballajja Chandrappa
Published: November 2020

The study of shape effects in nanofluids plays a vital role in the fluid flow as well as heat propagation. Hence, the different shape factors of molybdenum disulfide MoS2 on a stretchable disc with rotation under the effect of the magnetic field, chemical response, and activation energy are examined. The set of partial differential equations is converted into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by using von Karman's transformations, and the obtained ODEs are solved by using Runge‐Kutta‐Fehlberg 45 and shooting techniques. The numerical computations are made by utilizing well‐known maple 17 software. The different physical parameter effects on velocity, temperature, and concentration curves, as well as skin friction and Sherwood numbers, are analyzed through graphs. It is noted that the larger values of solid volume fraction enhances the drag coefficient and reduces the rate of heat transfer. It is further observed that the curve of a viscous fluid is always lesser than curve of a nanofluid.
A parameter allocation approach for flow simulation using the WetSpa‐Python model
Authors: Bahremand Abdolreza , Ahmadyousefi Sajad , Sheikh Vahedberdi , Komaki Chooghi Bairam
Published: November 2020

Hydrologic models are simplified representations of natural hydrologic systems. Since these models rely on assumptions and simplifications to capture some aspects of hydrological processes, calibration of parameters is unavoidable. However, utilizing the philosophy of a recent modelling framework proposed by Bahremand (2016), we show how calibration of most model parameters can be avoided by allocating or presetting these parameters utilizing knowledge gained from sensitivity analyses, field observations and a priori specifications as a part of a parameter allocation procedure. This paper details the simulation of daily river flow of the Shemshak‐Roudak watershed performed using the Python version of the WetSpa model. The WetSpa‐Python model is a distributed model of hydrological processes applied at the watershed scale. The model was applied to the Shemshak‐Roudak watershed of Iran with parameter allocation. Model calibration involved only two parameters. Straightforward methods were proposed for allocating model parameters, including three baseflow‐related parameters and the determination of maximum active groundwater storage using a mass curve technique. Also, the Budyko curve was used to constrain a correction factor for potential evapotranspiration. The WetSpa‐Python model was extended to include the influence of snowmelt. A failure to include snow in the hydrological processes of the WetSpa‐Python model creates a significant discrepancy between the observed and simulated hydrographs during the spring. The results of daily simulations for 12 years (2002–2014) are in good agreement with observations of discharge (Kling‐Gupta Efficiency = 0.84). These results demonstrate that it is feasible to simulate hydrographs with limited calibration given a knowledge of hydrological processes and an understanding of relationships between catchment characteristics and model parameters.
New insights into hidradenitis suppurativa diagnosis via salivary infrared biosignatures: A pilot study
Authors: Derruau Stéphane , Gobinet Cyril , Untereiner Valérie , Sockalingum Ganesh D. , Nassif Aude , Viguier Manuelle , Piot Olivier , Lorimier Sandrine
Published: November 2020

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease which can lead to a prolonged physical disability. HS diagnosis is exclusively clinical with the absence of biomarkers. Our study aims at assessing the HS‐diagnostic potential of infrared spectroscopy from saliva, as a biofluid reflecting the body's pathophysiological state. Infrared spectra from 127 patients (57 HS and 70 non‐HS) were processed by multivariate methods: principal component analysis coupled with Kruskal–Wallis or Mann–Whitney tests to identify discriminant spectral wavenumbers and linear discriminant analysis to evaluate the performances of HS‐diagnostic approach. Infrared features, mainly in the 1300 cm−1‐1600 cm−1 region, were identified as discriminant for HS and prediction models revealed diagnostic performances of about 80%. Tobacco and obesity, two main HS risk factors, do not seem to alter the infrared diagnosis. This pilot study shows the potential of salivary “liquid biopsy” associated to vibrational spectroscopy to develop a personalized medical approach for HS patients' management.
Comparable Initial Engagement of Intracellular Signaling Pathways by Parathyroid Hormone Receptor Ligands Teriparatide, Abaloparatide, and Long‐Acting PTH
Authors: Sato Tadatoshi , Verma Shiv , Khatri Ashok , Dean Thomas , Goransson Olga , Gardella Thomas J , Wein Marc N
Published: November 2020

Multiple analogs of parathyroid hormone, all of which bind to the PTH/PTHrP receptor PTH1R, are used for patients with osteoporosis and hypoparathyroidism. Although ligands such as abaloparatide, teriparatide (hPTH 1‐34 [TPTD]), and long‐acting PTH (LA‐PTH) show distinct biologic effects with respect to skeletal and mineral metabolism endpoints, the mechanistic basis for these clinically‐important differences remains incompletely understood. Previous work has revealed that differential signaling kinetics and receptor conformation engagement between different PTH1R peptide ligands. However, whether such acute membrane proximal differences translate into differences in downstream signaling output remains to be determined. Here, we directly compared short‐term effects of hPTH (1‐34), abaloparatide, and LA‐PTH in multiple cell‐based PTH1R signaling assays. At the time points and ligand concentrations utilized, no significant differences were observed between these three ligands at the level of receptor internalization, β‐arrestin recruitment, intracellular calcium stimulation, and cAMP generation. However, abaloparatide showed significantly quicker PTH1R recycling in washout studies. Downstream of PTH1R‐stimulated cAMP generation, protein kinase A regulates gene expression via effects on salt inducible kinases (SIKs) and their substrates. Consistent with no differences between these ligands on cAMP generation, we observed that hPTH (1‐34), abaloparatide, and LA‐PTH showed comparable effects on SIK2 phosphorylation, SIK substrate dephosphorylation, and downstream gene expression changes. Taken together, these results indicate that these PTH1R peptide agonists engage downstream intracellular signaling pathways to a comparable degree. It is possible that differences observed in vivo in preclinical and clinical models may be related to pharmacokinetic factors. It is also possible that our current in vitro systems are insufficient to perfectly match the complexities of PTH1R signaling in bona fide target cells in bone in vivo. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Deactivation of implantable cardioverter defibrillator in Japanese patients with end‐stage heart failure
Authors: Nakazawa Mayui , Suzuki Tsuyoshi , Shiga Tsuyoshi , Suzuki Atsushi , Hagiwara Nobuhisa
Published: November 2020

Background

Despite the effectiveness of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in the prevention of sudden cardiac death, shock therapy causes patients to experience pain and psychological distress, which contradicts the purpose of palliative care. It is difficult to predict the time course for heart failure (HF) patients, unlike that for cancer patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the deactivation status of ICD therapy in Japanese patients with end‐stage HF.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 51 ICD patients who died due to worsening HF at Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital from 2010 to 2019. The frequency of ICD therapy delivered before death and information about the discussion of deactivation and do not attempt resuscitation (DNAR) decisions were reviewed using medical charts.

Results

Of 51 patients, 12 (24%) patients deactivated ICD therapy and seven patients underwent deactivation within 24 hours of a DNAR order. The median time from deactivation to death was 3 days (range, 0‐56). Of 39 patients with DNAR orders, 27 (69%) did not undergo deactivation. A relatively high proportion of patients (n = 14, 27%) experienced ICD shocks within 1 month of death. The frequency of electrical storms within 1 month of death was also high (n = 12, 24%).

Conclusions

Our study showed that only one‐fourth of Japanese patients with end‐stage HF underwent deactivation of ICD therapy. A relatively high frequency of shock therapy was observed in the last month before death.
Tai Chi as a method of improving pain management in patients with fibromyalgia
Authors: Wood Rebecca Carole
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition defined by widespread body pain and hyperalgesia, lasting over 3 months. Pharmacotherapy is the usual initial management; however, this is frequently insufficient, resulting in persistent symptoms. Tai Chi is considered a meditative movement, combining deep breathing with gentle movements to foster a healthy relationship of body and mind. This research aims to investigate the impact of Tai Chi on pain management in patients with FM, with the aim of producing an educational resource.

Methods

A literature review was conducted on online databases for research papers, using the keywords ‘Fibromyalgia’, ‘Tai Chi’, ‘meditative movement’ and ‘Pain’. The results were critically analysed; research papers that were relevant and carried adequate validity were selected.

Results

Efficacy of Tai Chi compared to aerobic exercise was investigated in one randomized controlled trial (RCT), using the revised fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQR) to quantify outcomes. FIQR scores improved significantly in the Tai Chi group (P = .03). A supporting meta‐analysis suggests that Tai Chi expresses significant positive effects on improving FIQR, whereas another RCT indicates that Tai Chi reduced symptoms and improved quality of life (P = .001).

Conclusions

Overall, research indicates that Tai Chi can significantly improve pain management in FM. However, it fails to consider the challenges of implementing Tai Chi within the community. Currently there is insufficient funding within the National Health Service (NHS), which compromises Tai Chi interventions. Nevertheless, Tai Chi has been shown to empower patients to adopt behaviours that facilitate a bio‐psycho‐social wellbeing, which improves symptom management. An intervention such as an educational resource may benefit patients with FM by improving access to Tai Chi.