bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Antiplatelet Therapy, Including Cilostazol, With Improved Survival in Patients With Moyamoya Disease in a Nationwide Study
Authors: Seo Woo‐Keun , Kim Jae‐Young , Choi Eun‐Hyeok , Kim Ye‐Sel , Chung Jong‐Won , Saver Jeffrey L. , Bang Oh Young , Kim Gyeong‐Moon
Published: February 2021

Background

Although antiplatelet agents are frequently prescribed in moyamoya disease in routine clinical practice, there are no large‐scale epidemiologic trials or randomized trial evidence to support their use in patients with moyamoya disease.

Methods and Results

Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, patients diagnosed with moyamoya disease between 2002 and 2016 were followed up for up to 14 years to assess, using time‐dependent Cox regression in all patients and in a propensity score–matched cohort, the association of antiplatelet therapy and individual antiplatelet agents with survival. Among 25 978 patients with newly diagnosed moyamoya disease, mean age was 37.6±19.9 years, 61.6% were women, and total follow‐up was 163 347 person‐years. Among 9154 patients who were prescribed antiplatelet agents at least once during the follow‐up period, the proportion prescribed cilostazol gradually increased from 5.5% in 2002 to 56.0% in 2016. Any antiplatelet use was associated with reduced risk of death (hazard ratio, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.70–0.84) in a multivariate model. Among individual antiplatelet agents, cilostazol was associated with greater reduction in mortality than the 5 other antiplatelet regimens. Subgroup analysis, according to the age group and history of ischemic stroke, and sensitivity analysis, using propensity score–matched analysis, revealed consistent results.

Conclusions

Antiplatelet therapy is associated with substantial improvement in survival in patients with moyamoya disease, and cilostazol is associated with greater survival benefit compared with other antiplatelet regimens. These results provisionally support the use of antiplatelet therapy in patients with moyamoya disease and the conduct of confirmatory randomized controlled trials.
Long-term stability of avalanche scaling and integrative network organization in prefrontal and premotor cortex
Authors: Miller Stephanie R. , Yu Shan , Pajevic Sinisa , Plenz Dietmar
Published: February 2021

Ongoing neuronal activity in the brain establishes functional networks that reflect normal and pathological brain function. Most estimates of these functional networks suffer from low spatiotemporal resolution and indirect measures of neuronal population activity, limiting the accuracy and reliability in their reconstruction over time. Here, we studied the stability of neuronal avalanche dynamics and corresponding reconstructed functional networks in the adult brain. Using chronically implanted high-density microelectrode arrays, the local field potential (LFP) of resting-state activity was recorded in prefrontal and premotor cortex of awake nonhuman primates. Avalanche dynamics revealed stable scaling exhibiting an inverted parabolic profile and collapse exponent of 2 in line with a critical branching process over many days and weeks. Functional networks were based on a Bayesian-derived estimator and demonstrated stable integrative properties characterized by nontrivial high neighborhood overlap between strongly connected nodes and robustness to weak-link pruning. Entropybased mixing analysis revealed significant changes in strong link weights over weeks. The long-term stability in avalanche scaling and integrative network organization in the face of individual link weight changes should support the development of noninvasive biomarkers to characterize normal and abnormal brain states in the adult brain.
Inferring the heritability of large-scale functional networks with a
multivariate ACE modeling approach
Authors: Ribeiro Fernanda L. , dos Santos Felipe R. C. , Sato João R. , Pinaya Walter H. L. , Biazoli Claudinei E.
Published: February 2021

Recent evidence suggests that the human functional connectome is stable at different timescales and is unique. These characteristics posit the functional connectome not only as an individual marker but also as a powerful discriminatory measure characterized by high intersubject variability. Among distinct sources of intersubject variability, the long-term sources include functional patterns that emerge from genetic factors. Here, we sought to investigate the contribution of additive genetic factors to the variability of functional networks by determining the heritability of the connectivity strength in a multivariate fashion. First, we reproduced and extended the connectome fingerprinting analysis to the identification of twin pairs. Then, we estimated the heritability of functional networks by a multivariate ACE modeling approach with bootstrapping. Twin pairs were identified above chance level using connectome fingerprinting, with monozygotic twin identification accuracy equal to 57.2% on average for whole-brain connectome. Additionally, we found that a visual (0.37), the medial frontal (0.31), and the motor (0.30) functional networks were the most influenced by additive genetic factors. Our findings suggest that genetic factors not only partially determine intersubject variability of the functional connectome, such that twins can be identified using connectome fingerprinting, but also differentially influence connectivity strength in large-scale functional networks.
The Palermo Convention and the Fight against Terrorism
Authors: Alix Julie
Published: February 2021

This paper addresses the international law enforcement models applied to organized crime and terrorism and their interconnections, arguing that the approach adopted by the Palermo Convention should serve as a model for the fight against terrorism from several points of view. More specifically, the Palermo Convention demonstrates the feasibility and relevance of a global cooperation instrument which, in the case of terrorism, is still lacking. Moreover, the Palermo Convention adopts a global approach combining a preventive and a repressive dimension, differently from the more traditional anti-terrorism conventions. A rapprochement in the legal framework for fighting organized crime and terrorism is desirable also in light of their frequent overlaps; arguably, this rapprochement should follow the UNTOC’s model rather than the one of administrative and military repression that is often applied in combating terrorism.
A taxonomic revision of the genus Sorbaria (Rosaceae) with a new infrageneric classification based on morphology, micromorphology, and palynology
Authors: SONG JUN-HO , HONG SUK-PYO
Published: February 2021

In the present study, we presented a taxonomic revision of the genus Sorbaria (Sorbarieae; Amygdaloideae) with a new infrageneric classification. Moreover, we extensively reviewed various data for Sorbaria species, including previous anatomical, micromorphological, and palynological data. The new sectional classification was based on morphological, micromorphological, and palynological evidence, with two sections: sect. Sorbaria aut. and sect. Kirilowiana J.-H. Song & S.-P. Hong (sect. nov.). Overall, four species and five varieties (including two nomenclatural novelties) were recognized: S. sorbifolia (Linnaeus) A. Braun var. sorbifolia, S. sorbifolia var. glandulifolia J.-H. Song & S.-P. Hong, S. sorbifolia var. stellipila Maximowicz, S. pallasii (G. Don) Pojarkova, S. tomentosa (Lindley) Rehder var. tomentosa, S. tomentosa var. angustifolia (Wenzig) Rahn., S. kirilowii (Regel & Tiling) Maximowicz var. kirilowii, S. kirilowii var. arborea (C.K. Schneider) J.-H. Song & S.-P. Hong (comb. & stat. nov.), and S. kirilowii var. dubia (C.K. Schneider) J.-H. Song & S.-P. Hong (comb. nov.). Some illustrations and syntype were designated as the lectotype for several names. The classification was based on a comprehensive morphological examination of herbarium specimens, including field observations and observations of types, micromorphological, and palynological characteristics. In addition, we provided an identification key, diagnostic characteristics, full descriptions, comprehensive nomenclatural treatments and taxonomic notes (including complete synonymy), and distribution maps of Sorbaria species.
INTER-SEASONAL AND INTER-BASINS HYDROLOGICAL COUPLING IN SOUTH AMERICA
Authors: Zanin Paulo Rodrigo , Satyamurty Prakki
Published: February 2021

The inter-seasonal and inter-basins hydrological couplings between the Amazon and the La Plata basins are obtained with the help of ERA-5 atmospheric reanalysis, MERGE/CPTEC precipitation, GLEAM evapotranspiration and the GLDAS/Noah soil moisture datasets. The hypotheses formulated by Zanin and Satyamurty (2020a) about the hydrological processes interconnecting the Amazon Basin and the La Plata Basin are tested. A new method for finding the source-sink relationships among the boxes (regions) is presented. The precipitation recycling, frequency of source-sink behaviors, the soil moisture memory and the continental moisture transport between remote regions are evaluated. The main result of this study is that the amount of water precipitated over the Southeastern region of the Amazon Basin at the end of the South American Monsoon during autumn season, influences the amount of precipitation during winter season over the Central-western region of the La Plata Basin.
Environmental nationalist: Andrew McNaughton and Canada–US relations in the Cold War
Authors: Macfarlane Daniel
Published: February 2021

Prior to 1945, General Andrew George Latta McNaughton had already made a name for himself as an army general, engineer, inventor, and cabinet minister. After 1945, McNaughton occupied a number of key international roles for Canada: at the United Nations, on the Permanent Joint Board on Defence, and on the International Joint Commission. Even though he became one of Canada’s most important diplomatic actors during the early Cold War period, this aspect of his career has been mostly ignored by international historians. This article examines McNaughton’s key involvement in the evolution of a number of Canada–US water megaprojects, arguing that his nationalism underpinned his approach to bilateral relations, which combined deep technical expertise with a willingness to publicly assert the Canadian national interest. McNaughton’s approach should be studied not only to better understand North American environmental diplomacy in the Cold War but also to draw from it several lessons for contemporary times.
Platform Exploitation: When Service Agents Defect with Customers from Online Service Platforms
Authors: Zhou Qiang (Kris) , Allen B.J. , Gretz Richard T. , Houston Mark B.
Published: February 2021

Online, pure-labor service platforms (e.g., Zeel, Amazon Home Services, Freelancer.com) represent a multibillion-dollar market. An increasing managerial concern in such markets is the opportunistic behavior of service agents who defect with customers off platform for future transactions. Using multiple methods across studies, the authors explain this platform exploitation phenomenon. In Study 1, they utilize a theories-in-use approach to clarify why and when platform exploitation occurs and derive some hypotheses. Study 2 empirically tests these hypotheses using data from a health care platform that connects nurses and patients. The results indicate that high-quality, long-tenured service agents may enhance platform usage, but customers also are more likely to defect with such agents. Platform exploitation also increases with greater customer–agent interaction frequency (i.e., building stronger relationships). This phenomenon decreases agents’ platform usage due to capacity constraints caused by serving more customers off platform. These effects are stronger as service price increases (because higher prices equate to more fee savings), as service repetitiveness increases, and as the agent’s on-platform customer pool comprises more repeat and more proximal customers. Finally, the authors use two scenario-based experiments to establish some managerial strategies to combat platform exploitation.
Affective Interpersonal Touch in Close Relationships: A Cross-Cultural Perspective
Authors: Sorokowska Agnieszka , Saluja Supreet , Sorokowski Piotr , Frąckowiak Tomasz , Karwowski Maciej , Aavik Toivo , Akello Grace , Alm Charlotte , Amjad Naumana , Anjum Afifa , Asao Kelly , Atama Chiemezie S. , Atamtürk Duyar Derya , Ayebare Richard , Batres Carlota , Bendixen Mons , Bensafia Aicha , Bizumic Boris , Boussena Mahmoud , Buss David M. , Butovskaya Marina , Can Seda , Cantarero Katarzyna , Carrier Antonin , Cetinkaya Hakan , Chabin Dominika , Conroy-Beam Daniel , Contreras-Graduño Jorge , Varella Marco Antonio Correa , Cueto Rosa María , Czub Marcin , Dronova Daria , Dural Seda , Duyar Izzet , Ertugrul Berna , Espinosa Agustín , Esteves Carla Sofia , Guemaz Farida , Haľamová Mária , Herak Iskra , Hromatko Ivana , Hui Chin-Ming , Jaafar Jas Laile , Jiang Feng , Kafetsios Konstantinos , Kavcic Tina , Kennair Leif Edward Ottesen , Kervyn Nicolas O. , Khilji Imran Ahmed , Köbis Nils C. , Kostic Aleksandra , Láng András , Lennard Georgina R. , León Ernesto , Lindholm Torun , Lopez Giulia , Manesi Zoi , Martinez Rocio , McKerchar Sarah L. , Meskó Norbert , Misra Girishwar , Monaghan Conal , Mora Emanuel C. , Moya-Garofano Alba , Musil Bojan , Natividade Jean Carlos , Nizharadze George , Oberzaucher Elisabeth , Oleszkiewicz Anna , Onyishi Ike Ernest , Özener Baris , Pagani Ariela Francesca , Pakalniskiene Vilmante , Parise Miriam , Pazhoohi Farid , Pejičić Marija , Pisanski Annette , Pisanski Katarzyna , Plohl Nejc , Popa Camelia , Prokop Pavol , Rizwan Muhammad , Sainz Mario , Salkičević Svjetlana , Sargautyte Ruta , Sarmany-Schuller Ivan , Schmehl Susanne , Shahid Anam , Shaikh Rizwana , Sharad Shivantika , Siddiqui Razi Sultan , Simonetti Franco , Tadinac Meri , Ugalde González Karina , Uhryn Olga , Vauclair Christin-Melanie , Vega Araya Luis Diego , Widarini Dwi Ajeng , Yoo Gyesook , Zadeh Zainab Fotowwat , Zaťková Marta , Zupančič Maja , Croy Ilona
Published: February 2021

Interpersonal touch behavior differs across cultures, yet no study to date has systematically tested for cultural variation in affective touch, nor examined the factors that might account for this variability. Here, over 14,000 individuals from 45 countries were asked whether they embraced, stroked, kissed, or hugged their partner, friends, and youngest child during the week preceding the study. We then examined a range of hypothesized individual-level factors (sex, age, parasitic history, conservatism, religiosity, and preferred interpersonal distance) and cultural-level factors (regional temperature, parasite stress, regional conservatism, collectivism, and religiosity) in predicting these affective-touching behaviors. Our results indicate that affective touch was most prevalent in relationships with partners and children, and its diversity was relatively higher in warmer, less conservative, and religious countries, and among younger, female, and liberal people. This research allows for a broad and integrated view of the bases of cross-cultural variability in affective touch.
The Resource-Based View and Its Use in Strategic Human Resource Management Research: The Elegant and Inglorious
Authors: Shaw Jason D.
Published: February 2021

Barney’s elaboration on the resource-based view had a major impact on research in strategic human resource management (SHRM) and beyond. In this article, I reflect on its influence and use in SHRM research and analyze the strengths and limitations of the original work. I also review various spinoffs and expansions of the original work as well as trends in empirical SHRM research.
Changing the Conversation on the Science–Practice Gap: An Adherence-Based Approach
Authors: Banks George C. , Barnes Christopher M. , Jiang Kaifeng
Published: February 2021

The science–practice gap has been recognized as a grand challenge for management scholars in the 21st century. Despite the generation of a considerable amount of knowledge, which is clearly relevant to practice, the science–practice gap continues to persist. We challenge past notions that areas of management have not sufficiently developed to be prescriptive. The Editorial leadership of the Journal of Management commissioned our team to change the conversation on the science–practice gap by changing the question to one which focuses on adherence. We introduce an adherence-based framework from the medical literature to advance the conversation on the science–practice gap in management. This includes a rubric that identifies five criteria to evaluate the prescriptive readiness of research (theoretical grounding, rigor, relevance, practical recommendations, and communication) that produce five levels of research advancement (exploratory, preliminary, option, guidelines, and standards). We identify how scholars and practitioners can overcome structural, social, and psychological barriers to adherence (make recommendations possible, easy, normative, rewarding, and sometimes required). While the science–practice gap may remain a persistent concern, an adherence-based approach can serve to change the nature of the conversation in order to reduce the gap in many areas of management.
Aortic root replacement in a patient with previous coronary artery bypass
Authors: Parra Juan F , Vinck Eric E , González Jessica N , Santos Hernando
Published: February 2021

Acute type A thoracic aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition that requires rapid diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention. Prior cardiac surgery is recognized as a predisposing risk factor. Here, we report a rare case and successful surgical repair of a late presenting acute type A thoracic aortic dissection four years after a three-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting. Resection of the aortic valve and aneurysmal tissue was required, reconstruction was done with a composite graft, and the native coronary ostia and aorto-saphenous buttons were preserved.
Process capabilities of commercially pure titanium grade 2 formed through warm incremental sheet forming
Authors: Kumar Pavan , Tandon Puneet
Published: February 2021

Commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) Grade-2 has many applications due to its good weldability, strength, ductility, formability, and superior corrosion resistance. Although, CP-Ti Grade-2 can be formed at room temperature, however, it has lower ductility at room temperature. Therefore, heat treatment or thermal activation is required to increase its ductility and formability. In this paper, the process capabilities of CP-Ti Grade-2 to form the components through warm incremental sheet forming (ISF) has been investigated. To identify the optimal temperature at which CP-Ti Grade-2 sheets can be incrementally formed, straight groove tests were performed experimentally at various temperatures. Two geometries, namely, varying wall angle truncated cone, and constant wall angle truncated cone were used as test cases to evaluate the formability of CP-Ti Grade-2, in terms of limiting wall angle. The formability was also assessed through forming limit diagram obtained by Finite Element (FE) simulation. With forming limit damage criterion, fracture in the formed component was predicted with FE simulation using Abaqus Explicit software. To assess the process capabilities of CP-Ti Grade-2 sheet formed through warm ISF, thickness distribution, forming forces, geometrical accuracy, and surface roughness were analyzed through both FE simulation and experimental work.
Ranking Veterinary Dispensaries in Odisha Using DEA and PCA
Authors: Ganesha H. S.
Published: February 2021

The idea of measuring efficiencies of service delivery of veterinary dispensaries (VDs) and ranking them is an unexplored territory. However, since governments spend considerable amounts of money on promoting service delivery of VDs to enable animal production and productivity, and thereby promote rural livelihoods, efficiency measurement and ranking of VDs based on efficiency are necessary in a futuristic ‘transparency in governance’ environment apart from guiding in better performance. Given the non-quantifiable nature of the production function of veterinary service delivery, a non-parametric method like data envelopment analysis (DEA) can be an answer. Hence, this study measures the efficiencies of 101 VDs belonging to 2 ecosystems in Odisha, India, using DEA and ranks them using principal component analysis (PCA) along with average efficiency based on multiple data models. Analysis of various variables in models revealed that the presence or absence of variables—institutions; vaccination; a weighted variable combining castration, insurance and training (CIT); large animals’ population; and breedable animals’ population—lead to differences in average efficiencies. PCA of efficiency scores reveals that vaccination, CIT and large animal population are significant in factor loadings on first principal component (PC). The study finds high correlation between ranking based on average efficiency and ranking based on PCA, suggesting that the two methods are comparable. Both the efficiency measures and ranking reveal that VDs of the coastal ecosystem performed better than those of the western ecosystem.
Using and Evaluating Daily Behavior Report Cards for Students With Challenging Behaviors
Authors: Riden Benjamin S. , Markelz Andrew M. , Taylor Jonté C.
Published: February 2021

Teachers who work with students who display challenging behaviors need to implement interventions to support them in the classroom. A daily behavior report card (DBRC) is one intervention that research suggests can reduce challenging behaviors and replace them with more socially appropriate behaviors. With step-by-step instructions, this column describes how to implement and evaluate DBRCs to support students displaying challenging behaviors.
Parents, carers, and policy labor: Policy networks and new media
Authors: Barnes Naomi
Published: February 2021

Based on literacy policy educational reform in Australia, this article explores the role of new media, policy labor and what small data analysis can reveal about parents and carers as networked policy actors. Using qualitative critical network (QCN) analysis, legacy and social media data, this article provides a snapshot of how policy actors interact online to labor for education reform. This article shows that parent and carer advocacy is central to the success of the universal synthetic phonics (USP) social media campaign in Australia. It also shows that analysis of the new media networks that connect policy actors should be a core part of understanding policy dynamics in the 21st century.
Development of a fuzzy-TOPSIS multi-criteria decision-making model for material selection with the integration of safety, health and environment risk assessment
Authors: Rahim Aamir AA , Musa S Numaya , Ramesh S , Lim Ming K
Published: February 2021

This study presents the development of a fuzzy-TOPSIS multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model for material selection with integrated safety, health, and environment risk assessment. As safety, health, and environment is very much linked to sustainable design and manufacturing, it is imperative that safety, health, and environment is taken into consideration in ensuring a comprehensive and holistic material selection process. This paper shows the possibility of fuzzy logic utilization in assessing safety, health, and environment risk and proposed a methodology based on fuzzy-TOPSIS MCDM model for material selection suitable for the manufacturing sector. This method has the capability of producing a ranking result with strong reasonings. The proposed method facilitates the designer to select, evaluate, and rank material alternatives based on given attributes from design requirements and weighting given by the decision-makers. Additionally, the other benefits of the proposed methodology are the elimination of a complex structure and/or a black-box algorithm. The fuzzy-TOPSIS approach capable of considering not only the uncertainty related to qualitative judgments but also the uncertainty that may reside in the measurement of quantitative or qualitative parameters that exist within the safety, health, and environment risks assessment. A numerical example of selecting material for automotive body panels using the proposed method has been discussed.
Routine Blood Chemistry Predicts Functional Recovery After Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: A Post Hoc Analysis
Authors: Leister Iris , Linde Lukas D. , Vo Anh Khoa , Haider Thomas , Mattiassich Georg , Grassner Lukas , Schaden Wolfgang , Resch Herbert , Jutzeler Catherine R. , Geisler Fred H. , Kramer John L. K. , Aigner Ludwig
Published: February 2021

Background

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to various degrees of lifelong functional deficits. Most individuals with incomplete SCI experience a certain degree of functional recovery, especially within the first-year postinjury. However, this is difficult to predict, and surrogate biomarkers are urgently needed.

Objective

We aimed to (1) determine if routine blood chemistry parameters are related to neurological recovery after SCI, (2) evaluate if such parameters could predict functional recovery, and (3) establish cutoff values that could inform clinical decision-making.

Methods

We performed a post hoc analysis of routine blood chemistry parameters in patients with traumatic SCI (n = 676). Blood samples were collected between 24 and 72 hours as well as at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 52 weeks postinjury. Linear mixed models, regression analysis, and unbiased recursive partitioning (URP) of blood chemistry data were used to relate to and predict walking recovery 1 year postinjury.

Results

The temporal profile of platelet counts and serum levels of albumin, alkaline phosphatase, and creatinine differentiated patients who recovered walking from those who remained wheelchair bound. The 4 blood chemistry parameters from the sample collection 8 weeks postinjury predicted functional recovery observed 1 year after incomplete SCI. Finally, URP defined a cutoff for serum albumin at 3.7 g/dL, which in combination with baseline injury severity differentiates individuals who regain ambulation from those not able to walk. Specifically, about 80% of those with albumin >3.7 g/dL recovered walking.

Conclusions

Routine blood chemistry data from the postacute phase, together with baseline injury severity, predict functional outcome after incomplete SCI.
A nest for new Lithuanians: Hostels, discipline and nation-building in Ober Ost and Russia, 1914–1919
Authors: Griffante Andrea
Published: February 2021

World War I represented a turning point not only for the emergence of the Lithuanian nation-state but also for the implementation of nation-building practices. Throughout wartime, the Lithuanian War Relief Committee profited from its position as a tool to develop a network of facilities devoted to children assistance. While having unprecedented rights to autonomously administer relief facilities, the Committee, as far as financial conditions allowed it, supported isolation in hostels as the favourite child relief format. Through formal and informal educational activities as well as the adoption of particular hygiene norms and, later, children relocation, the Lithuanian élite tried and transformed hostels and relief in veritable tools of nation-building aimed at transforming children in would-be conscious nationals. The goal to create prototypical Lithuanians, however, at least partially failed due by children’s alternative (if not opposite) agency.
The ludic lives of memoryscapes: Skateboarding post-Soviet peripheries
Authors: McDuie-Ra Duncan
Published: February 2021

Post-Soviet cities vary dramatically yet share common elements desired by skateboarders and filmers as ‘spots’; assemblages of objects, obstacles and surfaces offering the chance to perform difficult skateboard tricks in public space. Memoryscapes are desired as spots for their scale, smooth surfaces, in-built obstacles and aesthetic appeal on video. As more skateboarders travel to post-Soviet cities in Central Asia and the Caucuses, their reinterpretation of memoryscapes reveal the ludic lives of memoryscapes, the interplay between memory and place, and the tension between hegemonic memory practices of state and state-like agents and the seemingly apolitical reinterpretation by skaters. This article explores two contrasting post-Soviet memoryscapes as seen on skate video, Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) and Sukhumi (Abkhazia) to make three arguments. First, while battles are fought over public memory online and offline, skaters approach the landscape as ludic space; as playgrounds for unsanctioned performance, capture and circulation. Second, these memoryscapes are enrolled in global circulations of skate culture, giving memoryscapes an adjacent existence online detached from their intended meanings and counter-meanings. Third, in some cases the friction between ludic approaches and the power of memory unravels the singular focus on spots, even for skaters with limited knowledge of the context.
Next generation sequencing in patients with nephrolithiasis: how does it perform compared with standard urine and stone cultures?
Authors: Nottingham Charles U. , Assmus Mark A. , Peters Alexander W. , Large Tim , Agarwal Deepak K. , Rivera Marcelino E. , Krambeck Amy E.
Published: February 2021

Background:

Our aim was to compare microorganism detection between standard culture (Ctx) and next generation sequencing (NGS) in patients undergoing surgery for nephrolithiasis; we prospectively compared both urine and stone culture results using these two techniques.

Methods:

We prospectively compared microorganism detection of urine and stone cultures using Ctx versus NGS in patients undergoing surgery for nephrolithiasis. We analyzed preoperative voided urine (Voided) using both Ctx and NGS. Intraoperatively, renal stone (Stone) cultures were analyzed with Ctx and NGS. The primary outcome was concordance in microorganism detection between Voided Ctx and Stone NGS, as well as between Stone Ctx and Stone NGS.

Results:

We prospectively evaluated 84 patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of Voided Ctx predicting Stone Ctx were 66.7%, 73.7%, 54.5%, and 82.4%, respectively. Concordance of Voided Ctx microorganisms to Stone microorganisms decreased when NGS was used for the Stone compared with Ctx. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of Voided NGS to predict Stone Ctx microorganisms were 85.2%, 24.6%, 34.8%, and 77.8%, respectively. The concordance of Voided NGS to Stone microorganisms improved when the Stone was analyzed via NGS compared with Ctx.

Conclusion:

NGS has a higher detection rate of microorganisms than standard culture for both preoperative urine and stone cultures. Voided NGS was the most sensitive in predicting a positive Stone sample, but the specificity and PPV were, overall, low. Further correlation of NGS microorganism detection with patient outcomes will determine which clinical situations may benefit most from NGS versus standard culture in patients with urinary-tract stones.
Concussion in cricket: Clinical findings using Sport Concussion Assessment Tool and recovery timeframes
Authors: Lallenec Laura M , Saw Anna E , Kountouris Alex , Saw Richard , Orchard John
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To retrospectively review data of concussed and non-concussed elite cricket athletes following head impact to describe which clinical features on the day of injury are associated with concussion diagnosis. A secondary aim was to describe the recovery time of concussed athletes.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

This study reviewed five seasons of Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) data and clinical records for elite male and female cricket athletes who sustained a head impact during a cricket match or training.

Results

Data from 30 concussed and 37 non-concussed athletes were compared. Symptoms of ‘don’t feel right’ and ‘feeling slowed down’ had the strongest clinical utility for a concussion diagnosis post head impact. Concussed athletes reported a significantly lower ‘percent of normal’ (median 60%, IQR 60–90%) compared to athletes who sustained a non-concussive head impact (median 99%, IQR 95–100%, p = 0.003). No other component of the SCAT distinguished concussed from non-concussed athletes on day of injury. Concussed athletes typically experienced symptom resolution within 2–8 days and completed a graded return to play protocol within 4–14 days. No differences in SCAT findings or recovery times were observed between genders.

Conclusion

The SCAT may be used as a clinical tool to assist in diagnosis of concussionin elite cricket athletes. The components of the SCAT with the greatest clinical utility on day of injury were athlete-reported symptoms and ‘percent of normal’. Concussed cricket athletes typically complete their graded return to play protocol within 14 days however individualised management is paramount.
The COVID-19 Pandemic as an Opportunity for Operational Innovation at 2 Student-Run Free Clinics
Authors: Ruiz Colón Gabriela D.M. , Mulaney Bianca , Reed Ruby E. , Ha Sierra K. , Yuan Victoria , Liu Xichong , Cao Siqi , Ambati Vardhaan S. , Hernandez Belinda , Cáceres Wendy , Charon Mina , Singh Baldeep
Published: February 2021

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent county shelter-in-place order forced the Cardinal Free Clinics (CFCs), Stanford University’s 2 student-run free clinics, to close in March 2020. As student-run free clinics adhering to university-guided COVID policies, we have not been able to see patients in person since March of 2020. However, the closure of our in-person operations provided our student management team with an opportunity to innovate. In consultation with Stanford’s Telehealth team and educators, we rapidly developed a telehealth clinic model for our patients. We adapted available telehealth guidelines to meet our patient care needs and educational objectives, which manifested in 3 key innovations: reconfigured clinic operations, an evidence-based social needs screen to more effectively assess and address social needs alongside medical needs, and a new telehealth training module for student volunteers. After 6 months of piloting our telehealth services, we believe that these changes have made our services and operations more robust and provided benefit to both our patients and volunteers. Despite an uncertain and evolving public health landscape, we are confident that these developments will strengthen the future operations of the CFCs.
Jatropha Neopauciflora Pax Latex Exhibits Wound-Healing Effect in Normal and Diabetic Mice
Authors: Hernandez-Hernandez Ana Bertha , Alarcon-Aguilar Francisco Javier , Garcia-Lorenzana Mario , Rodriguez-Monroy Marco Aurelio , Canales-Martinez Maria Margarita
Published: February 2021

Jatropha neopauciflora is an endemic species of Mexico. Its latex is used to treat wounds, scarring, oral infections, and loose teeth. To date, there are no studies that validate at a morphological level a wound-healing use in diabetes. The present research aimed to evaluate the wound-healing capacity of the latex of J. neopauciflora in the skin of healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Also, a chemical analysis of the latex through molecular exclusion chromatography and HPLC were performed. Male mice ( Mus musculus) of 7-week-old CD1 strain were used. Groups of healthy and diabetic mice were formed. A longitudinal cut of 1 cm was performed on the depilated skin. All treatments were topically applied to the wound area twice a day for ten days. At the end of the experiments, the skin sections were obtained from the wound area and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin. Then we counted the number of active fibroblasts in all the experimental groups. In normal mice, the latex accelerated the wound-healing process and decreased the number of active fibroblasts, similarly to Recoveron. In diabetic mice, the latex and Recoveron increased the number of active fibroblasts. In normal and diabetic mice, a thin and orderly epidermis was observed. Molecular exclusion chromatography exhibited 58 fractions, 14 of which were subjected to HPLC, to detect catechin, a flavonoid with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. J. neopauciflora latex can be useful for wound treatment in patients with diabetes mellitus because it accelerates and promotes the wound-healing process.
ZNF674-AS1 antagonizes miR-423-3p to induce G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in non-small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Liu Yu , Huang Risheng , Xie Deyao , Lin Xiaoming , Zheng Liangcheng
Published: February 2021

Background

ZNF674-AS1, a recently characterized long noncoding RNA, shows prognostic significance in hepatocellular carcinoma and glioma. However, the expression and function of ZNF674-AS1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are unclear.

Methods

In this work, we investigated the expression of ZNF674-AS1 in 83 pairs of NSCLC specimens and adjacent noncancerous lung tissues. The clinical significance of ZNF674-AS1 in NSCLC was analyzed. The role of ZNF674-AS1 in NSCLC growth and cell cycle progression was explored.

Results

Our data show that ZNF674-AS1 expression is decreased in NSCLC compared to normal tissues. ZNF674-AS1 downregulation is significantly correlated with advanced TNM stage and decreased overall survival of NSCLC patients. Overexpression of ZNF674-AS1 inhibits NSCLC cell proliferation, colony formation, and tumorigenesis, which is accompanied by a G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Conversely, knockdown of ZNF674-AS1 enhances the proliferation and colony formation of NSCLC cells. Biochemically, ZNF674-AS1 overexpression increases the expression of p21 through downregulation of miR-423-3p. Knockdown of p21 or overexpression of miR-423-3p blocks ZNF674-AS1-mediated growth suppression and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. In addition, ZNF674-AS1 expression is negatively correlated with miR-423-3p in NSCLC specimens.

Conclusions

ZNF674-AS1 suppresses NSCLC growth by downregulating miR-423-3p and inducing p21. This work suggests the therapeutic potential of ZNF674-AS1 in the treatment of NSCLC.
Avibactam potentiated the activity of both ceftazidime and aztreonam against S. maltophilia clinical isolates in vitro
Authors: Lin Qiuxia , Zou Hua , Chen Xian , Wu Menglu , Ma Deyu , Yu Hanbing , Niu Siqiang , Huang Shifeng
Published: February 2021

Background

Treatment options for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. maltophilia) infections were limited. We assessed the efficacy of ceftazidime (CAZ), ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI), aztreonam (ATM), and aztreonam-avibactam (ATM-AVI) against a selection of 76 S. maltophilia out of the 1179 strains isolated from the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University during 2011–2018.

Methods

We investigated the antimicrobial resistance profiles of the 1179 S. maltophilia clinical isolates from the first affiliated hospital of Chongqing Medical University during 2011–2018, a collection of 76 isolates were selected for further study of microbiological characterization. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of CAZ, CAZ-AVI, ATM and ATM-AVI were determined via the broth microdilution method. We deemed that CAZ-AVI or ATM-AVI was more active in vitro than CAZ or ATM alone when CAZ-AVI or ATM-AVI led to a category change from “Resistant” or “Intermediate” with CAZ or ATM alone to “Susceptible” with CAZ-AVI or ATM-AVI, or if the MIC of CAZ-AVI or ATM-AVI was at least 4-fold lower than the MIC of CAZ or ATM alone.

Results

For the 76 clinical isolates included in the study, MICs of CAZ, ATM, CAZ-AVI and ATM-AVI ranged from 0.03–64, 1–1024, 0.016–64, and 0.06–64 μg/mL, respectively. In combined therapy, AVI was active at restoring the activity of 48.48% (16/33) and 89.71% (61/68) of S. maltophilia to CAZ and ATM, respectively. Furthermore, CAZ-AVI showed better results in terms of the proportion of susceptible isolates (77.63% vs. 56.58%, P < 0.001), and MIC50 (2 μg/mL vs. 8 μg/mL, P < 0.05) when compared to CAZ. According to our definition, CAZ-AVI was more active in vitro than CAZ alone for 81.58% (62/76) of the isolates. Similarly, ATM-AVI also showed better results in terms of the proportion of susceptible isolates (90.79% vs.10.53%, P < 0.001) and MIC50 (2 μg/mL vs. 64 μg/mL, P < 0.001) when compared to ATM. According to our definition, ATM-AVI was also more active in vitro than ATM alone for 94.74% (72/76) of the isolates.

Conclusions

AVI potentiated the activity of both CAZ and ATM against S. maltophilia clinical isolates in vitro. We demonstrated that CAZ-AVI and ATM-AVI are both useful therapeutic options to treat infections caused by S. maltophilia.
The ‘Tommy Atkins’ mango genome reveals candidate genes for fruit quality
Authors:   Mango Genome Consortium, Bally Ian S. E. , Bombarely Aureliano , Chambers Alan H. , Cohen Yuval , Dillon Natalie L. , Innes David J. , Islas-Osuna María A. , Kuhn David N. , Mueller Lukas A. , Ophir Ron , Rambani Aditi , Sherman Amir , Yan Haidong
Published: February 2021

Background

Mango, Mangifera indica L., an important tropical fruit crop, is grown for its sweet and aromatic fruits. Past improvement of this species has predominantly relied on chance seedlings derived from over 1000 cultivars in the Indian sub-continent with a large variation for fruit size, yield, biotic and abiotic stress resistance, and fruit quality among other traits. Historically, mango has been an orphan crop with very limited molecular information. Only recently have molecular and genomics-based analyses enabled the creation of linkage maps, transcriptomes, and diversity analysis of large collections. Additionally, the combined analysis of genomic and phenotypic information is poised to improve mango breeding efficiency.

Results

This study sequenced, de novo assembled, analyzed, and annotated the genome of the monoembryonic mango cultivar ‘Tommy Atkins’. The draft genome sequence was generated using NRGene de-novo Magic on high molecular weight DNA of ‘Tommy Atkins’, supplemented by 10X Genomics long read sequencing to improve the initial assembly. A hybrid population between ‘Tommy Atkins’ x ‘Kensington Pride’ was used to generate phased haplotype chromosomes and a highly resolved phased SNP map. The final ‘Tommy Atkins’ genome assembly was a consensus sequence that included 20 pseudomolecules representing the 20 chromosomes of mango and included ~ 86% of the ~ 439 Mb haploid mango genome. Skim sequencing identified ~ 3.3 M SNPs using the ‘Tommy Atkins’ x ‘Kensington Pride’ mapping population. Repeat masking identified 26,616 genes with a median length of 3348 bp. A whole genome duplication analysis revealed an ancestral 65 MYA polyploidization event shared with Anacardium occidentale. Two regions, one on LG4 and one on LG7 containing 28 candidate genes, were associated with the commercially important fruit size characteristic in the mapping population.

Conclusions

The availability of the complete ‘Tommy Atkins’ mango genome will aid global initiatives to study mango genetics.
Validation of the modified Skåne emergency department assessment of patient load (mSEAL) model for emergency department crowding and comparison with international models; an observational study
Authors: Wretborn Jens , Starkenberg Håkan , Ruge Thoralph , Wilhelms Daniel B. , Ekelund Ulf
Published: February 2021

Background

Emergency Department crowding is associated with increased morbidity and mortality but no measure of crowding has been validated in Sweden. We have previously derived and internally validated the Skåne Emergency Department Assessment of Patient Load (SEAL) score as a measure of crowding in Emergency Departments (ED) in a large regional healthcare system in Sweden. Due to differences in electronic health records (EHRs) between health care systems in Sweden, all variables in the original SEAL-score could not be measured reliably nationally. We aimed to derive and validate a modified SEAL (mSEAL) model and to compare it with established international measures of crowding.

Methods

This was an observational cross sectional study at four EDs in Sweden. All clinical staff assessed their workload (1–6 where 6 is the highest workload) at 5 timepoints each day. We used linear regression with stepwise backward elimination on the original SEAL dataset to derive and internally validate the mSEAL score against staff workload assessments. We externally validated the mSEAL at four hospitals and compared it with the National Emergency Department Overcrowding Score (NEDOCS), the simplified International Crowding Measure in Emergency Department (sICMED), and Occupancy Rate. Area under the receiver operating curve (AuROC) and coefficient of determination was used to compare crowding models. Crowding was defined as an average workload of 4.5 or higher.

Results

The mSEAL score contains the variables Patient Hours and Time to physician and showed strong correlation with crowding in the derivation (r2 = 0.47), internal validation (r2 = 0.64 and 0.69) and in the external validation (r2 = 0.48 to 0.60). AuROC scores for crowding in the external validation were 0.91, 0.90, 0.97 and 0.80 for mSEAL, Occupancy Rate, NEDOCS and sICMED respectively.

Conclusions

The mSEAL model can measure crowding based on workload in Swedish EDs with good discriminatory capacity and has the potential to systematically evaluate crowding and help policymakers and researchers target its causes and effects. In Swedish EDs, Occupancy Rate and NEDOCS are good alternatives to measure crowding based on workload.
Executive dysfunctions mediate between altered sensory processing and daily activity performance in older adults
Authors: Engel-Yeger Batya , Rosenblum Sara
Published: February 2021

Background

Sensory processing is essential for the interaction with the environment and for adequate daily function. Sensory processing may deteriorate with aging and restrict daily activity performance. Aging may also affect Executive functions (EFs) which are critical for daily activity performance. Yet, most studies refer separately to the impacts of sensory processing or EFs and use clinical evaluations that do not necessarily reflect functional restrictions in real life. This study aims to describe the prevalence of altered sensory processing in the elderly as expressed in daily life scenarios and explore whether EFs mediate between altered sensory processing and daily activity performance in older adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 167 healthy independently functioning people aged 65 and above who were living in the community, had sufficient cognitive status and no symptoms of depression (based on the GDS and the MMSE). All participants completed a socio-demographic-health questionnaire, the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Adult Version and the Daily Living Questionnaire.

Results

Altered sensory processing, and mainly by the reduced ability to register and modulate sensory input from daily environment, were prevalent in older adults. Their impacts on daily activity performance were mediated by executive dysfunctions.

Conclusions

Executive dysfunctions may worsen the negative effects of altered sensory processing on daily activity performance in older adults. The interaction between EFs and sensory processing should receive growing attention in intervention and prevention programs for older adults, with the emphasis on their expressions and implications on peoples’ function in real life context.