bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macropsychanthus magnus (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae: Diocleae), a new species from Costa Rica and Nicaragua

Authors: FONSECA-CORTÉS ANDRÉS
Published: May 2021

Macropsychanthus magnus a new species from Costa Rica and Nicaragua is described, illustrated, and its morphological relationships with related species are discussed. Macropsychanthus magnus is characterized by its papyraceus leaflets, with 12–15 pairs of secondary nerves, terminal or axilar inflorescences, flowers 1.8–2.4 cm long, standard 1.7–1.9 × 2.1–2.4 cm, wings 1.9–2.4 × 1.4–1.6 cm, cuspidate keels 1.7–1.9 cm long, turgid fruits with fuscous indumentum and two to four overgrown seeds. This new species is related with Macropsychanthus malacocarpus, from which it differs by its pendule flowers, wider standard, wider wings and rugose seeds. Until the date, this species is restricted to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. For these two countries, I present a key to the genera of the Dioclea clade and a key to the species of Macropsychanthus.
Contributions to the knowledge of Thysanoptera (Insecta) from Japan
Authors: MASUMOTO MASAMI , OKAJIMA SHÛJI
Published: May 2021

For the Thysanoptera fauna of Japan, Masumoto (2016) listed 405 species in 138 genera and four families, Aeolothripidae, Merothripidae, Thripidae and Phlaeothripidae. However, the species total included several undescribed species, and subsequently further genera and species have been described or recorded. Moreover, recently the present authors have found, through the study of collections in the Laboratory of Entomology, Tokyo University of Agriculture, seven more species of six genera that had previously not been known from Japan.
A revision of the genus Cheliplana de Beauchamp, 1927 (Rhabdocoela: Schizorhynchia), with the description of six new species
Authors: GOBERT STEFAN , DIEZ YANDER L. , MONNENS MARLIES , REYGEL PATRICK , STEENKISTE NIELS W. L. VAN , LEANDER BRIAN S. , ARTOIS TOM
Published: May 2021

A comprehensive morphological and taxonomic account of the members of the genus Cheliplana de Beauchamp, 1927 is presented. Six new species are described: Cheliplana asinaraensis n. sp., C. cubana n. sp., C. curacaoensis n. sp., C. hawaiiensis n. sp., C. longissima n. sp. and C. mauii n. sp. The new species are mainly distinguished from each other and from other representatives of Cheliplana by the organisation of the reproductive system and the structure of the cirrus. Furthermore, C. triductibus Van Steenkiste, Volonterio, Schockaert & Artois, 2008 is considered a junior synonym of Cheliplana deverticula Ax, 2008. The two subspecies of Cheliplana asica Marcus, 1952, C. asica asica and C. asica terminalis Brunet, 1968, are considered separate species. The systematic position of the genus Dactyloplana Armonies, 2018 is discussed, and its synonymy with Cheliplana is retained. As such, this brings the total number of species of Cheliplana to 49. Finally, we provide an identification key to the members of the genus, based on characters that enable identification to species level in the field.
Studies on Neotropical crickets: New species and notes on the classification of Field Crickets genera Anurogryllus and Gryllus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Gryllinae)
Authors: CADENA-CASTAÑEDA OSCAR J. , DÍAZ CARLOS JULIO ARANGO , LÓPEZ VÍCTOR HUGO GRANDE , CÁRDENAS ANDREA DEL PILAR FLORÉZ
Published: May 2021

In this contribution to the American Field and Short-tail crickets, two new species from the continental and insular area of Colombia are described. Anurogryllus (Urogryllus) edithsantosum n. sp. from the Meta department, is more related to some Caribbean species, and its genital structure fits the morphological current definition of the subgenus Urogryllus, although it has pseudepiphallic median lophi covered with hairs, as it happens in the species of the subgenus Pilosogryllus. The same way, Gryllus (Gryllus) providiensis n. sp. from Providencia Island, San Andres Archipelago is described, this new species has thick hairs on the pronotum as Gryllus (Gryllus) assimilis (widely distributed in America), as well as the color pattern of the cephalic capsule; but the new species is smaller in size, and has a particular organization in the harp veins of the tegmina, which only resembles Gryllus (Gryllus) marchena from the Galapagos Archipelago (Ecuador), from which it differs markedly in its morphology. Finally, the status of the Gryllus species, distributed in Latin America and the Caribbean, is reviewed, and it is recorded which species have acoustic records, and from here we start with the review of this peculiar genus in Latin America.
Immature stages, host plants and natural enemies of Henosepilachna implicata (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) with DNA sequence data and a new synonym and notes on some Indian species of Epilachnini
Authors: POORANI J. , BOOTH R. G. , GRACY R. GANDHI , ANURADHA C. , THANIGAIRAJ R. , SWATHI R. S.
Published: May 2021

Life stages of Henosepilachna implicata (Mulsant), an economically important species of Epilachnini in India, are documented and illustrated. Mitochondrial DNA sequence data is provided for the first time for H. implicata with additional details on its host plants, distribution, and natural enemies. Its similarities and differences with other common pestiferous Henosepilachna spp. in India such as H. vigintioctopunctata (F.), H. septima (Dieke) and H. pusillanima (Mulsant) are discussed. Epilachna circularis Korschefsky, 1933 is found to be conspecific with H. implicata and is reduced to a junior synonym of the latter (new synonym). Notes are given on the distribution and natural enemies of some other species of Epilachnini of the Indian region.
A review of the Cyana phaedra (Leech, 1889) species-group, with description of a new species from China (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini)
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V.
Published: May 2021

The Cyana phaedra (Leech, 1889) species-group is reviewed. The group is closely related to the C. dohertyi (Elwes, 1890) species-group. A new species, C. leechi sp. nov. is described from Sichuan, southwestern China. Bizone phaedra var. moupinensis Leech, 1899 is upgraded to species level: C. moupinensis (Leech, 1899), stat. nov. The lectotype is designated for Bizone phaedra Leech, 1889.
Consequences of Ignoring Guessing Effects on Measurement Invariance Analysis
Authors: Cuhadar Ismail , Yang Yanyun , Paek Insu
Published: May 2021

Pseudo-guessing parameters are present in item response theory applications for many educational assessments. When sample size is not sufficiently large, the guessing parameters may be ignored from the analysis. This study examines the impact of ignoring pseudo-guessing parameters on measurement invariance analysis, specifically, on item difficulty, item discrimination, and mean and variance of ability distribution. Results show that when non-zero guessing parameters are ignored from the measurement invariance analysis, item discrimination estimates tend to decrease particularly for more difficult items, and item difficulty estimates decrease unless the items are highly discriminating and difficult. As the guessing parameter increases, the size of the decrease in item discrimination and difficulty tends to increase, and the estimated mean and variance of ability distribution tend to be inaccurate. When two groups have heterogeneous ability distributions, ignoring the guessing parameter affects the reference group and the focal group differently. Implications of result findings are discussed.
Parallel and sideways inverse perspective drawing of a cube top: By an adult who is blind
Authors: Carboni Selene , Kennedy John M , Wnuczko Marta
Published: May 2021

An adult, who is blind, with modest experience in drawing, drew a cube in parallel and sideways inverse perspective, with Y and T junctions common in drawings by sighted 9- to 11-year-old children. Drawing development may be similar in the blind and sighted.
Using a social media based intervention to enhance eye health awareness of members of a deprived community in India
Authors: Maitra Chandrani , Rowley Jennifer
Published: May 2021

Deprived communities in India experience a range of health challenges as the result of a mixture of lack of access to information technologies, and difficulties in accessing health information and provision. This article reports on an intervention centred on the use of the social media platform, WhatsApp, in order to promote eye health communication. The case study based research was conducted in the village of Chowbaga, close to Kolkata, in West Bengal, with women participants who had low levels of education and high levels of unemployment. The women were invited to participate in a WhatsApp intervention that comprised five educational sessions. Participants were recruited through the local school that their children attended. Shortly after the conclusion of the intervention, focus groups were conducted with the participants in order to develop an understanding of participants views of the beneficial characteristics of such a social media based intervention, and, more specifically, the benefits of WhatsApp in increasing awareness of eye problems within their community. This research demonstrates and summarises the benefits of WhatsApp as a communications medium for deprived communities, as well as its potential for increasing awareness of eye problems. In particular, participants were of the view that future access to WhatsApp and other mobile-based platforms empowered them to take better care of their own and their family’s health.
Gastric cancer detection using the serum pepsinogen test method
Authors: Trivanovic Dragan , Plestina Stjepko , Honovic Lorena , Dobrila-Dintinjana Renata , Vlasic Tanaskovic Jelena , Vrbanec Damir
Published: May 2021

Background:

Gastric cancer (GC) is the eighth most common cause of cancer deaths in Croatia and one of the most common causes of cancer deaths worldwide. A reliable diagnostic tool for the early detection of GC is essential.

Objective:

We previously suggested a pepsinogen test method to reduce the mortality from GC by allowing early detection. Here, we report an updated analysis from a prospective single-center clinical study to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the pepsinogen test method and to determine whether this test can be used as a part of routine laboratory assessment of high-risk patients.

Methods:

We present mature data of the pepsinogen test method in the Croatian population after a median follow-up of 36 months. Statistical analyses were performed using a Mann-Whitney U test, multiple logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) to evaluate the predictive power of the assayed biomarkers.

Results:

Of the 116 patients, 25 patients had GC and 91 demonstrated a nonmalignant pathology based on tissue biopsy. Cutoff values were pepsinogen I ⩽70 and pepsinogen I/II ratio ⩽3.0. Using ROC curve analysis, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were determined to be 87.22%, 78.12%, 90.10%, 71.43%, and 92.86%, respectively, for the diagnosis of GC. The area under the curve was 0.700 (95% confidence interval 0.57–0.83).

Conclusion:

Pepsinogen tests are valuable for screening a population in need of further diagnosis and could help to avoid unnecessary invasive endoscopic procedures.
Barriers to Leading Small Groups among Generation Z and Younger Millennials: An Exploratory Factor Analysis and Implications for Recruitment and Training
Authors: Dunaetz David R. , Wong Diane T. , Draper Alexandria L. , Salsman Jacob P.
Published: May 2021

Small groups are an essential aspect of contemporary churches, playing an important role in community building, support, spiritual formation, and accountability. However, their number and impact are often limited due to a lack of people willing to lead a small group, a problem faced by each new generation. This exploratory study of 217 young adults in church small groups (median age = 24.0 years), including both leaders and non-leaders of small groups, examines potential barriers to small group leadership. An exploratory factor analysis found six barriers: Desire to lead a small group, Skills in group dynamics, Desire to positively influence others, Social support, Biblical foundations, and Stability. The hypothesis that some barriers would be greater than others was supported: Stability and Desire to lead a small group were the greatest barriers whereas Desire to positively influence others was the lowest. The hypothesis that these barriers would be greater for non-leaders of small groups than for leaders of small groups was supported for all six barriers. The difference between leaders and non-leaders was largest for Desire to lead a small group, Skills in group dynamics, Social support, and especially Biblical foundations. These results lead to important insights for recruiting and training Generation Z and younger Millennials to be small group leaders.
Dynamic interaction between valve-closure water hammer wave and centrifugal pump
Authors: Zhang Wenqi , Yang Shuai , Wu Dazhuan , Xu Zhongtian
Published: May 2021

Water hammer is a principal cause of pipeline and equipment failure in pumping systems. The numerical method and experiments are used to investigate the dynamic interaction between the valve-closure water hammer wave and pump, to study the pressure variation and fluid-induced force on the pump components. The impeller-volute interaction and impeller position are taken into consideration. Results show that the valve-closure water hammer wave generates a substantial fluid-induced force on the pump and leads to a pressure surge in the pipeline. Meanwhile, the impeller-volute interaction also causes pressure and force variation in the pipeline and pump. The force amplitude caused by this factor in the axial direction is similar to that caused by the water hammer wave but is much smaller in the radial direction. The different interaction position of the water hammer wave on the blades can weaken the force, by 13.11% and 13.18% for the impeller and volute when the blades are under the most optimal position, respectively.
Minimum contact stress modification for profile curve design defects in the beam-spring-cone docking mechanism
Authors: Lan Weibin , Fan Shouwen , Fan Shuai
Published: May 2021

A minimum contact stress modification method for profile curve design defects in a beam-spring-cone docking mechanism (BSCDM) based on genetic algorithm is presented in this paper, the profile curve and contact position of BSCDM are optimized. Under low-speed conditions, an improved elastic contact model of semi-space elastic bodies is established to modify and optimize the elliptic profile envelope curve based on Hertz contact theory and two kinds of complete elliptic integral, the improved contact model is used to solve elastic contact problems with the geometric characteristics of the ellipse surface, the optimal profile curve of the docking joint and the optimal docking contact point position are obtained. The results of numerical simulation and the experiment demonstrate the feasibility and validity of above models and methods.
Finite element analysis of the effects of load amplitude and phase on crack initiation location in fretting fatigue
Authors: Li Ling , Wei Ziming , Zhang Dong , Wang Jingjing , Shi Xiaohui
Published: May 2021

Fretting fatigue is a major form of fretting damage affected by various factors. In this paper, the Ruiz parameter is used to predict the variation in the initiation location of the fretting fatigue crack with the amplitude of load, providing a reference for the study of the initiation characteristics of fretting fatigue cracks. The influence of the phase difference between loads is also considered. Three numerical models are established using ABAQUS for simulation experiments. Four phase difference angles are involved, i.e. 0°, 90°, 180° and 270°. Results indicate that for 0° phase difference, the maximum of initiation parameter K is always observed at the trailing edge of the contact zone (near the loading side of the strain load) with the increase of load amplitude, such that the fretting fatigue crack initiates at the trailing edge. However, for 90°, 180°, and 270° phase differences, the maximum of initiation parameter K shifts from one edge of the contact to the other with the increase of load amplitude. In addition, it is observed that the maximum and minimum initiation parameter K values are obtained for 0° and 180° phase differences, respectively, while the values of K for 90° and 270° phase differences are approximately equal and between those for 0° and 180°.
Influences of eccentricity ratio on the internal flow and cavitation characteristics of progressing cavity pump
Authors: Wang Yiran , Yu Xiaodong , Han Xiaoxiao , Yan Hao , Li Qiang , Cheng Fei
Published: May 2021

A Progressing Cavity Pump (PCP) works by forming a progressive seal cavity through the eccentric rotation of rotor. PCP parameters, such as eccentricity ratio [Formula: see text], can influence its performance and cavitation characteristics. The internal correlation among clearance fluid, cavitation characteristics, and pump performance should be explored to reveal the variation laws of internal flow and cavitation characteristics in PCP under different [Formula: see text]. In this study, a contrast analysis on external characteristics (e.g. volume efficiency) of pump with different eccentricity ratios was carried out by combining an RNG [Formula: see text] turbulence model based on Singhal full-cavitation model and the model pump test method. Moreover, gas volume distribution of PCP was analyzed and the optimal value range of eccentricity ratio was proposed. Results demonstrate that the axial force and axial power of PCP basically remain the same, volume efficiency increases, and cavitation performance decreases with the increase of [Formula: see text], and the optimal value for [Formula: see text] ranges from 0.17 to 0.24. In addition, a revised NPSHQ is proposed to quantify the cavitation characteristics of PCP.
The Scams Among Us: Who Falls Prey and Why
Authors: Hanoch Yaniv , Wood Stacey
Published: May 2021

Not a week goes by without stories about scams appearing in popular media outlets. Given the ease with which scams can be circulated, they have become one of the most common crimes globally, inflicting high emotional, financial, and psychological tolls on millions of individuals. Despite their profound and pervasive impact, researchers know relatively little about why some individuals fall victim to scams but others remain immune to the techniques utilized by scammers to lure potential victims. For example, research thus far provides mixed results about the impact of demographic characteristics (e.g., age) as well as personality variables (e.g., risk taking) on individuals’ susceptibility to scams. Even less is known about how the nature or type of scam affects an individual’s susceptibility. Gaining a deeper understanding of these issues is the key to being able to develop preventive programs and reduce the prevalence of victimization. Here, we discuss some promising directions, existing gaps in current knowledge, and the need for decision scientists to address this important problem.
Hybrid vibration energy harvesting based on piezoelectric polyline beams with electret coupling
Authors: Pan Jianan , Qin Weiyang , Zhao Chaoyang , Yang Yaowen
Published: May 2021

Aiming at harvesting vibration energy more efficiently, a hybrid energy harvester is proposed, which integrates the piezoelectric and electrostatic effects. It is composed of two piezoelectric polyline beams and an electret film. The two piezoelectric polyline beams stand closely, of which one is covered by an electret film, while the other is covered by a counter-electrode. Under base excitations, the electret film interacts with the electrode, by which the two polyline beams can excite each other and form a broad frequency band of large vibration, thereby generating a large output. The dynamical equations are derived and the simulations are carried out. For validation, the experiments are conducted. The experimental results prove that the hybrid harvester is more efficient in harvesting stochastic vibration energy. For PSD = 0.0041 g2/Hz, the two piezoelectric polyline beams can generate the power outputs of 47.9 and 23.6 µW, respectively.
Comparison of Postoperative Pain Management Outcomes in the United States and China
Authors: Wang Hui , Sherwood Gwen D. , Liang Shuang , Gong Zhiyi , Ren Liying , Liu Huaping , Van Iat Kio
Published: May 2021

To compare pain management outcomes in postoperative patients from an American hospital and a Chinese hospital. A convenience sample of 244 patients in the United States and 268 patients in China with similar surgical sites completed the American Pain Society Patient Outcome Questionnaire-Revised (APS-POQ-R) and the Pain Management Index (PMI) was calculated on their first postoperative day. Patients in the United States reported a higher score on the “perception of pain management” subscale of the APS-POQ-R and a higher proportion of adequate treatment as measured by the PMI (85.2% vs. 39.0%, p < .001). Patient education and degrees of pain relief predicted patient satisfaction with pain management (item in APS-POQ-R) in patients from both countries. A higher level of compliance with pain management guidelines has contributed to a higher level of perception in patients in the United States. Establishing procedure-specific protocols and clinical pathways may improve pain management outcomes for Chinese patients.
Esophageal Carcinosarcoma: Analysis of Clinical Features and Prognosis of 24 Cases and a Literature Review
Authors: Chen Shusen , Shi Yu , Lu Zhengjing , Wang Mingwei , Cong Longfei , Yang Baixia , Chen Xudong , Cai Jing , Yang Xi
Published: May 2021

Objective:

Esophageal carcinosarcoma (ECS) is a rare malignant tumor that accounts for only 0.5%-2.8% of all esophageal malignancies. As most current studies are case reports, the relationship between clinical features and prognosis remains controversial.

Methods:

We investigated the clinical features and prognosis of 24 patients with ECS in a single center from 2006 to 2018. There were 18 male and 6 female patients aged 52-82 years with a median age of 62.5 years. In addition, we included 9 studies on ECS from PubMed and a literature review.

Results:

The median follow-up time of the 24 patients was 70.5 (range, 10-156)months. The 3-year and 5-year survival rates were 83.3% and 70.8%, respectively. Among the 24 patients, none of the 10 (41.7%) stage T1 cancer patients had lymph node metastasis; however, lymph node metastasis was noted in 8 (57.1%) stage T2-4 cancer patients. The literature review revealed that 211 patients had a 5-year survival rate of 11.8%-68.2%, and 54.5%-95.8% study participants had early stage ECS. Although the information provided in the literature review is limited, it appears to be a characteristic of the early stage of the disease and predicts better prognosis when ECS is diagnosed, which is similar to the result of the current study.

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that ECS has a favorable prognosis, even among patients with early stage ECS who undergo radical esophagectomy with lymph node dissection. Because of the low incidence of ECS, further studies with more cases need to investigate this rare malignancy.
Shared Predictors of Academic Achievement in Children with ADHD: A Multi-Sample Study
Authors: Carrasco Kelly D. , Chuang Chi-Ching , Tripp Gail
Published: May 2021

Objective:

To identify common and shared predictors of academic achievement across samples of children with ADHD.

Method:

Two clinically referred samples from New Zealand (1 n = 88, 82% boys; 2 n = 121, 79% boys) and two community samples from the United States (3 n = 111, 65% boys; 4 n = 114, 69% boys), completed similar diagnostic, cognitive and academic assessments. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses identified significant predictors of word reading, spelling, and math computation performance in each sample.

Results:

Entered after IQ, semantic language, age at testing, and verbal working memory emerged as consistent predictors of achievement across academic subjects and samples. Visual-spatial working memory contributed to variance in math performance only. Symptom severity explained limited variance.

Conclusions:

We recommend evaluations of children with ADHD incorporate assessments of working memory and language skills. Classroom/academic interventions should accommodate reduced working memory and address any identified language weaknesses.
The role of stents in hemodialysis vascular access
Authors: Shaikh Aisha , Albalas Alian , Desiraju Brinda , Dwyer Amy , Haddad Nabil , Almehmi Ammar
Published: May 2021

Vascular access is the Achilles’ heel of dialysis therapy among patient with end stage kidney disease. The development of neointimal hyperplasia and subsequent stenosis is common in vascular access and is associated with significant morbidity. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty using balloon inflation was the standard therapy of these lesions. However, the balloon-based approaches were associated with poor vascular access patency rate necessitating new inventions. It is within this context that different types of stents were developed in order to improve the overall dialysis vascular access functionality. In this article, we review the available literature regarding the use of stents in treating dialysis vascular access stenotic lesions. Further, we review the major clinical trials of stent use in different anatomic locations and in different clinical scenarios.
The relational work of compassion and toxicity at a pupil referral unit
Authors: Bolton Sharon , Laaser Knut
Published: May 2021

This article contributes to the literature on compassion in organisations by exploring, through the sociology of relational work, how compassion emerges against the backdrop of what is described as structural toxicity; that is, structures, policies and practices that create the material stage upon which compassion may, or may not, materialise. Underfunding, social deprivation and draconian performance measures are all examples of structural toxicities that may trigger relational toxicity, that is conflict, suffering and disconnection at work but also where compassion may emerge in various forms. It is against this backdrop that we seek to address the conceptual and empirical gap in current understandings of compassion in organisations. Theorising from the empirical field, a case is presented in which compassion emerges as a product of the ongoing relational work of teachers in response to structural toxicities that trigger repeated instances of emotional pain and suffering but also joy and engagement with their work and each other.
Analysis of the best roughness surface based on the bearing area curve theory
Authors: He Peiyu , Lu Suwen , Wang Yun , Li Ruitao , Li Fuzhu
Published: May 2021

An in-depth study of friction and wear requires analysis of the surface morphologies and contact status of friction pairs in mechanical systems. The bearing area curve is introduced for the calculation of wear, and combined with the concept of repositioning. The application of fast calculation of wear amount and improved three-dimensional characterization of a bearing area curve is achieved by this new method. The best roughness surface is used as the target surface to extract the target bearing area curve. The influence of microtexture parameters on the bearing area curve is studied to determine the optimal microtexture parameters. The test results show that a matching texture surface has a short run-in time and the lowest friction coefficient after stabilization among the surfaces studied herein, and the presence of a texture changes the wear mechanism from the original adhesive wear to abrasive wear and improves the tribological performance. The best texture parameters and laser process parameters are determined, which provide new ideas for the optimal design of surface topography.
Incorporation of Celiomesenteric Trunk With Double Kissing Directional Branches During Fenestrated-Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair
Authors: Marcondes Giulianna B. , Tenorio Emanuel R. , Lima Guilherme B. , Mendes Bernardo , Saqib Naveed , Khan Sophia , Macedo Thanila A. , Lee Hansoo , Oderich Gustavo S.
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

Common celiomesenteric trunk (CMT) is a rare anatomical variation that occurs in 0.5% to 3.4% of the general population. Its presence may complicate planning and implantation of fenestrated and branched stent-grafts because the wide diameter and short length of the CMT to its bifurcation does not allow sufficient sealing for placement of bridging stents.

Case Report:

We report a patient with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) and CMT treated by fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (FB-EVAR) using double kissing directional branches to incorporate the celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery. Pitfalls of stent design and implantation are outlined.

Conclusion:

Double kissing directional branches should be considered as an alternative to incorporate vessels with early bifurcation such as a CMT.
The Association Between pH and Fluorescence as Noninvasive Diagnostic Tools in Chronic Wounds
Authors: Janowska Agata , Davini Giulia , Romanelli Marco , Oranges Teresa , Iannone Michela , Dini Valentina
Published: May 2021

MolecuLight i:X is a noninvasive, portable device that captures images, measures wound areas, and allows the evaluation of the bacterial environment in real time. The aim of the study was to correlate the different fluorescence (light green, red, cyan) and dark red–purple–black color areas with average pH values in these areas and with average wound bed score (WBS). During a 4-week period, we enrolled 43 adult patients (23 females and 20 males) with clinically infected and uninfected chronic ulcers. In our study, the mean age was 68 years old. The etiologies were 21 venous ulcers, 3 arterial ulcers, 4 vasculitis, 7 pyoderma gangrenosum, 7 traumatic ulcers, and 1 neoplastic ulcer. The average area was 16.92 cm2 and the average WBS was 9.17. A total of 16 ulcers (37%) were positive for clinical signs and symptoms of infection and 27 ulcers were negative (63%). Thirty-six ulcers emitted a single fluorescence: cyan (n = 13), red (n = 1), light green (n = 14), and dark red-purple–black (n = 8). Six wounds showed a double fluorescence area: red and cyan (n = 1) and cyan and light green (n = 5). One ulcer emitted a triple fluorescence area: red, cyan, and light green. Overall in 43 ulcers, we found 43 fluorescence and 8 dark red–purple–black color. We found significant data between pH and fluorescence. pH values on wound bed confirm in a noninvasive way the correlation between fluorescence and bacterial burden. Moreover, MolecuLight i:X is able to detect objectively the bacterial proliferation, in contrast with pH which cannot distinguish different types of bacteria.
Breaking the Seizure Randomness Myth: Evidence for a Recurring Ebb and Flow of Seizure Risk on the Continuum of Time
Authors: Punia Vineet
Published: May 2021

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Relationship Timelines, Dyadic Interviews, and Visual Representations: Implementation of an Adapted Visual Qualitative Technique
Authors: Sexton Topper Patrina , Bauermeister José A.
Published: May 2021

Increasingly popular in qualitative and mixed-methods research design, visual timelines help organize participants’ life histories with an emphasis on temporality and the context in which important life events and experiences take place. Often, research using timelines focuses on individual participants. Yet, we know that life events, experiences, and decisions that individuals highlight in life history and narrative forms of research are relational in nature. Dyadic interviews allow for participant interaction, exploration of relationality, and the potential for increased breadth and depth in data collection. Recently, LGBTQ+ researchers have begun to evaluate dyadic approaches to timeline research. This paper describes a dyadic approach to timeline development designed to be combined with dyadic narrative interviews. We explain the data elicitation process, utility and value derived from the approach, and detail the development of post hoc linear, graphic timelines. This complementary approach leverages the strengths of dyadic narrative interviews and visual qualitative data synthesis and analysis to explore shared lives in context, highlighting their value as applied in research focused on a sample of sexual minority female couples (a community in which particular types of health disparities have been documented) from across the United States engaged in a series of clinically intensive shared decisions.
Mosaicism in Fragile X syndrome: A family case series
Authors: Saldarriaga Wilmar , González-Teshima Laura Yuriko , Forero-Forero Jose Vicente , Tang Hiu-Tung , Tassone Flora
Published: May 2021

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) has a classic phenotype, however its expression can be variable among full mutation males. This is secondary to variable methylation mosaicisms and the number of CGG triplet repeats in the non-coding region of the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 ( FMR1) gene, producing a variable expression of the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). Here we report a family with several individuals affected by FXS: a boy with a hypermethylated FMR1 mutation and a classic phenotype; a man with an FMR1 gene mosaicism in the range of premutation (PM) and full mutation (FM), who has a mild phenotype due to which FXS was initially disregarded; and the cases of four women with a FM and mosaicism. This report highlights the importance of DNA molecular testing for the diagnosis of FXS in patients with developmental delay, intellectual disability and/or autism due to the variable phenotype that occurs in individuals with FMR1 mosaicisms.
Do We Need the Replacement of YSI 2300? A View from the Clinical Laboratory
Authors: Spanou Loukia , Makris Konstantinos
Published: May 2021

In this issue of Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, Baumstark et al. evaluated the analytical performance of a bench-top laboratory glucose analyzer (SUPER-GL) intended for replacement for the YSI2300-STAT analyzer, that served for several decades as a comparator method in clinical and analytical studies of blood glucose monitoring systems (BGMS). The authors concluded that the SUPER-GL’s overall performance is comparable to that of YSI2300-STAT, and has the potential to be a candidate comparator analyzer. However, the question is if we need to recommend as a “comparator method,” a specific device, that measure glucose using the same analytical method with most BGMS. In this analysis we present our point of view hoping to generate a discussion on the necessity for such a replacement.
Association of plasma VEGF levels and the antidepressant effects of ketamine in patients with depression
Authors: Zheng Wei , Zhou Yan-Ling , Wang Cheng-Yu , Lan Xiao-Feng , Zhang Bin , Zhou Su-Miao , Yan Su , Yang Ming-Zhe , Nie Sha , Ning Yu-Ping
Published: May 2021

Aims:

Growing evidence suggests that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may be involved in the neuronal mechanisms underlying both depression aetiology and the response to ketamine treatments. The aim of this study was to examine whether changes in plasma VEGF levels are associated with the antidepressant effects of repeated ketamine infusions in patients with depression.

Methods:

Ninety-six patients with depression were enrolled and received six ketamine infusions during a 12-day period. Depressive symptom severity and plasma VEGF levels were measured by the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) respectively, at baseline, 13 days and 26 days.

Results:

Despite a significant improvement in MADRS scores after patients received six ketamine infusions ( p < 0.001), no changes in plasma VEGF levels were observed at 13 days when compared with baseline. Moreover, no significant difference in plasma VEGF levels at baseline and 13 days was found between ketamine responders and nonresponders. No association was found between the antidepressant effects of repeated ketamine treatments and plasma VEGF levels.

Conclusion:

This study indicated that VEGF may not be a potential predictor of antidepressant response to repeated intravenous administration of ketamine in patients with depression.
Posterior Displacement of L1 May be a Risk Factor for Proximal Junctional Kyphosis After Adult Spinal Deformity Correction
Authors: Xi Zhuo , Duan Ping-Guo , Mummaneni Praveen V. , Liu Jinping , Guinn Jeremy M.V. , Wang Minghao , Li Bo , Wu Hao-Hua , Rivera Joshua , Burch Shane , Berven Sigurd H. , Chou Dean
Published: May 2021

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

Overcorrection in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery may lead to proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) because of posterior spinal displacement. The aim of this paper is to determine if the L1 position relative to the gravity line (GL) is associated with PJK.

Methods:

ASD patients fused from the lower thoracic spine to sacrum by 4 spine surgeons at our hospital were retrospectively studied. Lumbar-only and upper thoracic spine fusions were excluded. Spinopelvic parameters, the L1 plumb line (L1PL), L1 distance to the GL (L1-GL), and Roussouly type were measured.

Results:

One hundred fourteen patients met inclusion criteria (63 patients with PJK, 51 without). Mean age and follow up was 65.51 and 3.39 years, respectively. There was no difference between the PJK and the non-PJK groups in baseline demographics, pre-operative and immediate post-operative pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch, sagittal vertical axis, or coronal Cobb. The immediate postoperative L1-GL was -7.24 cm in PJK and -3.45 cm in non-PJK ( P < 0.001), L1PL was 1.71 cm in PJK and 3.07 cm in non-PJK ( P = 0.004), and PT (23.76° vs 18.90°, P = 0.026) and TK (40.56° vs 31.39°, P < 0.001) were larger in PJK than in non-PJK. After univariate and multivariate analyses, immediate postoperative TK and immediate postoperative L1-GL were independent risk factors for PJK without collinearity.

Conclusions:

A dorsally displaced L1 relative to the GL was associated with an increased risk of PJK after ASD surgery. The postoperative L1-GL distance may be a factor to consider during ASD surgery.
Rapid screening for COVID-19 by applying artificial intelligence to chest computed tomography images: A feasibility study
Authors: Galván Pedro , Fusillo José , González Felipe , Vukujevic Oraldo , Recalde Luciano , Rivas Ronald , Ortellado José , Portillo Juan , Mazzoleni Julio , Hilario Enrique
Published: May 2021

Aim:

The aim of the study was to present the results and impact of the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 by telemedicine in public health in Paraguay.

Methods:

This is a descriptive, multi-centered, observational design feasibility study based on an AI tool for the rapid detection of COVID-19 in chest computed tomography (CT) images of patients with respiratory difficulties attending the country’s public hospitals. The patients’ digital CT images were transmitted to the AI diagnostic platform, and after a few minutes, radiologists and pneumologists specialized in COVID-19 downloaded the images for evaluation, confirmation of diagnosis, and comparison with the genetic diagnosis (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)). It was also determined the percentage of agreement between two similar AI systems applied in parallel to study the viability of using it as an alternative method of screening patients with COVID-19 through telemedicine.

Results:

Between March and August 2020, 911 rapid diagnostic tests were carried out on patients with respiratory disorders to rule out COVID-19 in 14 hospitals nationwide. The average age of patients was 50.7 years, 62.6% were male and 37.4% female. Most of the diagnosed respiratory conditions corresponded to the age group of 27–59 years (252 studies), the second most frequent corresponded to the group over 60 years, and the third to the group of 19–26 years. The most frequent findings of the radiologists/pneumologists were severe pneumonia, bilateral pneumonia with pleural effusion, bilateral pulmonary emphysema, diffuse ground glass opacity, hemidiaphragmatic paresis, calcified granuloma in the lower right lobe, bilateral pleural effusion, sequelae of tuberculosis, bilateral emphysema, and fibrotic changes, among others. Overall, an average of 86% agreement and 14% diagnostic discordance was determined between the two AI systems. The sensitivity of the AI system was 93% and the specificity 80% compared with RT-PCR.

Conclusion:

Paraguay has an AI-based telemedicine screening system for the rapid stratified detection of COVID-19 from chest CT images of patients with respiratory conditions. This application strengthens the integrated network of health services, rationalizing the use of specialized human resources, equipment, and inputs for laboratory diagnosis.
Subsoils—a sink for excess fertilizer P but a minor contribution to P plant nutrition: evidence from long-term fertilization trials
Authors: Siebers Nina , Wang Liming , Funk Theresa , von Tucher Sabine , Merbach Ines , Schweitzer Kathlin , Kruse Jens
Published: May 2021

Background

The phosphorus (P) stocks of arable subsoils not only influence crop production but also fertilizer P sequestration. However, the extent of this influence is largely unknown. This study aimed to (i) determine the extent of P sequestration with soil depth, (ii) analyze P speciation after long-term P fertilization, and (iii) compare soil P tests in predicting crop yields. We analyzed four long-term fertilizer trials in Germany to a depth of 90 cm. Treatments received either mineral or organic P, or a combination of both, for 16 to 113 years. We determined inorganic and organic P pools using sequential extraction, and P speciation using 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. In addition, we applied three P soil tests, double-lactate (DL), calcium acetate lactate (CAL), and diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT).

Results

The results suggested that plants are capable of mobilizing P from deeper soil layers when there is a negative P budget of the topsoil. However, fertilization mostly only showed insignificant effects on P pools, which were most pronounced in the topsoil, with a 1.6- to 4.4-fold increase in labile inorganic P (Pi; resin-P, NaHCO3–Pi) after mineral fertilization and a 0- to 1.9-fold increase of organic P (Po; NaHCO3–Po, NaOH–Po) after organic P fertilization. The differences in Po and Pi speciation were mainly controlled by site-specific factors, e.g., soil properties or soil management practice rather than by fertilization. When modeling crop yield response using the Mitscherlich equation, we obtained the highest R2 (R2 = 0.61, P < 0.001) among the soil P tests when using topsoil PDGT. However, the fit became less pronounced when incorporating the subsoil.

Conclusion

We conclude that if the soil has a good P supply, the majority of P taken up by plants originates from the topsoil and that the DGT method is a mechanistic surrogate of P plant uptake. Thus, DGT is a basis for optimization of P fertilizer recommendation to add as much P fertilizer as required to sustain crop yields but as low as necessary to prevent harmful P leaching of excess fertilizer P.
Learning curves for drug response prediction in cancer cell lines
Authors: Partin Alexander , Brettin Thomas , Evrard Yvonne A. , Zhu Yitan , Yoo Hyunseung , Xia Fangfang , Jiang Songhao , Clyde Austin , Shukla Maulik , Fonstein Michael , Doroshow James H. , Stevens Rick L.
Published: May 2021

Background

Motivated by the size and availability of cell line drug sensitivity data, researchers have been developing machine learning (ML) models for predicting drug response to advance cancer treatment. As drug sensitivity studies continue generating drug response data, a common question is whether the generalization performance of existing prediction models can be further improved with more training data.

Methods

We utilize empirical learning curves for evaluating and comparing the data scaling properties of two neural networks (NNs) and two gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) models trained on four cell line drug screening datasets. The learning curves are accurately fitted to a power law model, providing a framework for assessing the data scaling behavior of these models.

Results

The curves demonstrate that no single model dominates in terms of prediction performance across all datasets and training sizes, thus suggesting that the actual shape of these curves depends on the unique pair of an ML model and a dataset. The multi-input NN (mNN), in which gene expressions of cancer cells and molecular drug descriptors are input into separate subnetworks, outperforms a single-input NN (sNN), where the cell and drug features are concatenated for the input layer. In contrast, a GBDT with hyperparameter tuning exhibits superior performance as compared with both NNs at the lower range of training set sizes for two of the tested datasets, whereas the mNN consistently performs better at the higher range of training sizes. Moreover, the trajectory of the curves suggests that increasing the sample size is expected to further improve prediction scores of both NNs. These observations demonstrate the benefit of using learning curves to evaluate prediction models, providing a broader perspective on the overall data scaling characteristics.

Conclusions

A fitted power law learning curve provides a forward-looking metric for analyzing prediction performance and can serve as a co-design tool to guide experimental biologists and computational scientists in the design of future experiments in prospective research studies.
Association of meat consumption with NAFLD risk and liver-related biochemical indexes in older Chinese: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Peng Hewei , Xie Xiaoxu , Pan Xinting , Zheng Jing , Zeng Yidan , Cai Xiaoling , Hu Zhijian , Peng Xian-E
Published: May 2021

Background

Non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease and an unhealthy lifestyle can lead to an increased risk of NAFLD. The present study aims to evaluate the association of meat consumption with NAFLD risk and liver-related biochemical indexes in middle-aged and elderly Chinese.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in individuals who were 45 years or older and underwent a physical examination from April 2015 to August 2017 in Southeast China. To evaluate associations between meat intake and NAFLD risk, inverse probability of treatment weighting and subgroup analyses were performed with logistic regressions. Spearman’s rank correlation was carried out to examine the relationship between meat consumptions and liver-related biochemical indexes.

Results

High consumptions of red meat (28.44–49.74 and > 71.00 g/day) (ORadjusted = 1.948; P < 0.001; ORadjusted = 1.714; P = 0.002) was positively associated with NAFLD risk on inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis, adjusting for smoking, tea intake, weekly hours of physical activity and presence of hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes. Exposure–response relationship analysis presented that red meat intake was positively associated with NAFLD risk. Significant associations of red meat intakes with serum levels of γ-glutamyl transferase, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, total triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were found (rs = 0.176; P < 0.001; rs = 0.128; P < 0.001; rs = 0.060; P = 0.016; rs = 0.085; P = 0.001; rs = − 0.074; P = 0.003).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the reduction of meat consumption may decrease NAFLD risk and should warrant further investigations.