bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidermal neural crest stem cell transplantation as a promising therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke
Authors: Salehi Mohammad Saied , Pandamooz Sareh , Safari Anahid , Jurek Benjamin , Tamadon Amin , Namavar Mohammad Reza , Dianatpour Mehdi , Dargahi Leila , Azarpira Negar , Fattahi Sadegh , Shid Moosavi Seyed Mostafa , Keshavarz Somaye , Khodabandeh Zahra , Zare Shahrokh , Nazari Somayeh , Heidari Mojdeh , Izadi Sadegh , Poursadeghfard Maryam , Borhani‐Haghighi Afshin
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Cell‐based therapy is considered as promising strategy to cure stroke. However, employing appropriate type of stem cell to fulfill many therapeutic needs of cerebral ischemia is still challenging. In this regard, the current study was designed to elucidate therapeutic potential of epidermal neural crest stem cells (EPI‐NCSCs) compared to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) in rat model of ischemic stroke.

Methods

Ischemic stroke was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 45 minutes. Immediately after reperfusion, EPI‐NCSCs or BM‐MSCs were transplanted via intra‐arterial or intravenous route. A test for neurological function was performed before ischemia and 1, 3, and 7 days after MCAO. Also, infarct volume ratio and relative expression of 15 selected target genes were evaluated 7 days after transplantation.

Results

EPI‐NCSCs transplantation (both intra‐arterial and intravenous) and BM‐MSCs transplantation (only intra‐arterial) tended to result in a better functional outcome, compared to the MCAO group; however, this difference was not statistically significant. The infarct volume ratio significantly decreased in NCSC‐intra‐arterial, NCSC‐intravenous and MSC‐intra‐arterial groups compared to the control. EPI‐NCSCs interventions led to higher expression levels of Bdnf, nestin, Sox10, doublecortin, β‐III tubulin, Gfap, and interleukin‐6, whereas neurotrophin‐3 and interleukin‐10 were decreased. On the other hand, BM‐MSCs therapy resulted in upregulation of Gdnf, β‐III tubulin, and Gfap and down‐regulation of neurotrophin‐3, interleukin‐1, and interleukin‐10.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the therapeutic effects of EPI‐NCSCs transplantation, probably through simultaneous induction of neuronal and glial formation, as well as Bdnf over‐expression in a rat model of ischemic stroke.
Co‐occurrence patterns in diagnostic data
Authors: Piceno Marie Ely , Rodríguez‐Navas Laura , Balcázar José Luis
Published: April 2020

We demonstrate how graph decomposition techniques can be employed for the visualization of hierarchical co‐occurrence patterns between medical data items. Our research is based on Gaifman graphs (a mathematical concept introduced in Logic), on specific variants of this concept, and on existing graph decomposition notions, specifically, graph modules and the clan decomposition of so‐called 2‐structures. The construction of the Gaifman graphs from a dataset is based on co‐occurrence, or lack of it, of items in the dataset. We may select a discretization on the edge labels to aim at one among several Gaifman graph variants. Then, the decomposition of the graph may provide us with visual information about the data co‐occurrences, after which one can proceed to more traditional statistical analysis.
Recent advances in supercritical fluid dyeing
Authors: Banchero Mauro
Published: April 2020

Supercritical fluid dyeing is a promising technology that was first proposed in the 1980s to overcome the high energy demand and water consumption of conventional textile coloration. This review covers its advances from 2014 to the present, from the successful industrial implementation of supercritical fluid dyeing of polyethylene terephthalate to the most recent results obtained for the dyeing of other synthetic and natural textiles. Specific attention is also dedicated to the most innovative applications of supercritical fluid dyeing such as the functionalisation of textile and non‐textile substrates, which may give rise to the development of other sustainable processes or novel advanced materials in the near future.
Comparison of a dual‐frequency bio‐impedance analyser with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry for assessment of body composition in geriatric patients
Authors: Gade Josephine , Astrup Arne , Vinther Anders , Zerahn Bo
Published: April 2020

Background and objectives

Measuring body composition is relevant in geriatric medical patients at high risk of sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass/strength) for diagnosis and monitoring efficacy of treatment interventions. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) and bio‐impedance analysis (BIA) are widely used in research/clinical practices, but their agreement is unknown in this population. Therefore, it was investigated how a dual‐frequency (DF)‐BIA compares to DXA regarding replicability, direct comparisons and monitoring of total/segmental body composition in geriatric medical patients.

Methods

Measurements were taken while admitted to the geriatric medical ward and repeated 12 weeks after discharge for monitoring. Total population and gender‐specific analyses were made.

Results

Thirty‐one participants were included (age: 82 ± 6 years, BMI: 26.2 ± 4.3), and ten lost to follow‐up. Replicability was high for both methods (R2; 0.956, 0.999, p < .0001, n = 31), however, with wide 5th–95th percentile ranges for individual agreement. Bland–Altman plots revealed significant fixed systematic and negative proportional biases for body composition variables—both for the direct comparisons (e.g., total LBM, 1.2 kg higher with DF‐BIA, p < .05, n = 31) and for monitoring (total LBM, kg; men [n = 15]: DXA [0.96 ± 2.61] vs. DF‐BIA [−0.35 ± 3.52] and women [n = 16]: DXA [−0.39 ± 1.51] vs. DF‐BIA [−1.05 ± 2.24]). Generally, correlations for direct comparisons were higher than for monitoring (R2; 0.870, 0.947 vs. 0.048, 0.717 [head region not included], n = 31).

Conclusion

DF‐BIA and DXA cannot be used interchangeably in geriatric medical patients. However, high replicability shows that both methods may be used for monitoring under standardized conditions. Results indicate gender‐specific differences, and segmental analysis can only be recommended with DXA using clear anatomical references.
Operationalization of Utilitarian and Egalitarian Objectives for Optimal Allocation of Health Care Resources
Authors: Hynninen Yrjänä , Vilkkumaa Eeva , Salo Ahti
Published: April 2020

Resources for health care interventions, such as tests and treatments, are limited. This makes it necessary to prioritize patient segments (defined in terms of their risk) by allocating resources so that the expected contribution to the chosen population‐level objective is maximized. In this article, we build a model for the optimal allocation of resources in view of two such objectives: maximizing the aggregate health of the population (utilitarian) and limiting differences in the health outcomes for different patient segments (egalitarian). In particular, we build a two‐phase optimization model that (i) first uses dynamic programming to determine what testing and treatment strategies maximize the expected health benefits for each patient segment at different cost levels, and (ii) then solves a binary linear programming problem to determine what resources should be given to each segment to maximize the chosen policy‐level objective subject to the overall resource constraint. Our model supports the specification of patient segments, the development of optimal testing and treatment strategies within each segment, and the allocation of available resources to these segments so that the policy‐objective will be maximized by implementing these strategies. In addition, the model can be used to guide the interpretation of test results and to assess the impacts of new tests and treatments. It also offers insights into the cost of equity by permitting comparisons between the optimal strategies under utilitarian and egalitarian objectives. We illustrate our approach with real data by optimizing the use of traditional risk scores and genetic tests in preventing coronary heart disease events.
COVID‐19 and gastrointestinal endoscopies: Current insights and emergent strategies
Authors: Perisetti Abhilash , Gajendran Mahesh , Boregowda Umesha , Bansal Pardeep , Goyal Hemant
Published: April 2020

A new coronavirus emerged in December 2019 in Wuhan city of China, named as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), and the disease was called coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19). The infection due to this virus spread exponentially throughout China and then spread across >205 nations, including the United States (US). Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopies are routinely performed in the US and globally. Previous reports of isolated infection outbreaks were reported with endoscopes acting as potential vectors. While multidrug‐resistant organisms have been reported to be spread by endoscopes, few cases of viruses such as hepatitis B and C are noted in the literature. COVID‐19 is predominately spread by droplet transmission, although recent evidence has showed that shedding in feces and feco‐oral transmission could also be possible. It is unclear if COVID‐19 could be transmitted by endoscopes, but it could theoretically happen due to contact with mucous membranes and body fluids. GI endoscopies involve close contact with oral and colonic contents exposing endoscopy staff to respiratory and oropharyngeal secretions. This can increase the risk of contamination and contribute to virus transmission. Given these risks, all major GI societies have called for rescheduling elective non‐urgent procedures and perform only emergent or urgent procedures based on the clinical need. Furthermore, pre‐screening of all individuals prior to endoscopy is recommended. This article focuses on the risk of COVID‐19 transmission by GI shedding, the potential role of endoscopes as a vector of this novel virus, including transmission during endoscopies, and prevention strategies including deferral of elective non‐urgent endoscopy procedures.
Communication ability and communication methods in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Kristoffersson Emma , Dahlgren Sandberg Annika , Holck Pernille
Published: April 2020

Aim

To investigate if communication ability and method were related to each other and to age, sex, gross motor function, or manual ability in children with cerebral palsy.

Method

This cross‐sectional study used data registered in the Swedish Cerebral Palsy Surveillance Program registry, involving 3000 children aged 0 to 18 years. Pearson’s χ2test and Spearman’s correlation were used to test associations between variables.

Results

Communication ability and method were related to each other and to age, gross motor function, and manual ability. Aided communication methods were more frequently used among older children. The more functional the communication was, the less use of unaided communication occurred. Different communication methods were used across all Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) levels. Speech was most common in more functional levels, used by 72% of the children.Forty‐five per cent were considered effective communicators in all environments. For classification of communication level and method, some recurring registration errors were made by the raters.

Interpretation

Some raters may need clarification on interpretations of CFCS instructions.Results indicate that children should be presented to aided augmentative and alternative communication and manual signs earlier and to a greater extent.

What this paper adds

Level of communicative ability varies depending on the primary method of communication used.

Communicative ability and communication methods are related to age, and gross and fine motor ability.

Different communication methods are found across all Communication Function Classification System levels.
Osteoclast stimulatory transmembrane protein (OC‐STAMP) is a promising molecular prognostic indicator for multiple myeloma
Authors: Wang Zi‐Long , Liu Yang , Zhou Ya‐Lan , Li Jin‐Lan , Sun Qiu‐Yu , Wu Li‐Xin , Wen Lei , Lai Yue‐Yun , Liu Yan‐Rong , Chang Ying‐Jun , Shi Hong‐Xia , Liu Kai‐Yan , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Lu Jin , Ruan Guo‐Rui
Published: April 2020

Background

Currently, the prognostic stratification and therapeutic evaluation systems for multiple myeloma (MM) lack specific molecular indicators. OC‐STAMP is a new gene and is also highly expressed in MM.

Methods

A total of 160 MM patients have been investigated with both quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT‐qPCR), flow cytometry (FCM) and cytogenetic FISH on the same mononuclear cells isolated from bone marrow specimens.

Results

We found that OC‐STAMP mRNA levels were significantly higher in newly diagnosed cases of MM than in healthy donors (median, 0.52% vs. 0.02%, P < .001). Moreover, the changes in the OC‐STAMP mRNA levels paralleled the disease stages and minimal residual disease, as detected by FCM. Furthermore, we found that patients with high OC‐STAMP mRNA levels were more likely to develop ≥3 bone lesions, be diagnosed with Durie‐Salmon stages III, and have the P53 (17p13) deletion. In addition, advanced stage patients with high OC‐STAMP mRNA levels had a lower 4‐year progression‐free survival (5.6% vs. 22.9%, P = .0055) and a worse 4‐year overall survival (25.8% vs. 48.8%, P = .0137) compared to patients with low mRNA levels of this indicator.

Conclusions

OC‐STAMP may be a promising molecular indicator to monitor treatment effects and participate in the prognostic stratification of MM.
Locke's equivocal category of substance
Authors: Wörner David
Published: April 2020

John Locke famously claimed that our idea of substance is but a confused idea of “something we know not what.” However, he also thought that the idea of substance is a fundamental part of our ideas of ourselves and the objects surrounding us—of objects we do know. Interpreting this apparently ambivalent stance has long been a major challenge for Locke scholarship. In this article, I argue that the leading interpretations of Locke's conception of substance have failed to resolve this tension because they have misconstrued the source of Locke's skepticism about our knowledge of what substance is. This skepticism, I argue, issues from an observation about the signification of the term “substance”: Locke maintained that the philosophical usage of the term is irremediably equivocal. This reading allows us to acknowledge that Locke could consistently hold that ordinary objects, such as persons, horses, or trees, are paradigmatic examples of substances. It also points to a better appreciation of how Locke's discussion of substance relates to the scholastic conceptions of substance he tried to overcome.
How pulse disturbances shape size‐abundance pyramids
Authors: Jacquet Claire , Gounand Isabelle , Altermatt Florian
Published: April 2020

Ecological pyramids represent the distribution of abundance and biomass of living organisms across body‐sizes. Our understanding of their expected shape relies on the assumption of invariant steady‐state conditions. However, most of the world’s ecosystems experience disturbances that keep them far from such a steady state. Here, using the allometric scaling between population growth rate and body‐size, we predict the response of size‐abundance pyramids within a trophic guild to any combination of disturbance frequency and intensity affecting all species in a similar way. We show that disturbances narrow the base of size‐abundance pyramids, lower their height and decrease total community biomass in a nonlinear way. An experimental test using microbial communities demonstrates that the model captures well the effect of disturbances on empirical pyramids. Overall, we demonstrate both theoretically and experimentally how disturbances that are not size‐selective can nonetheless have disproportionate impacts on large species.
Moving Beyond the Brag Sheet: A Meta‐Analysis of Biodata Measures Predicting Student Outcomes
Authors: Zhang Charlene , Kuncel Nathan R.
Published: April 2020

Measures of biographical data, or biodata, provide indicators of one's life history and past experiences. Biodata information is often available in various forms during processes of academic admissions to higher education. Such information can be used, in combination with other factors, to predict students’ future academic and extra‐curricular accomplishments. There is a scattered body of literature investigating relationships between standardized biodata measures and a number of student criteria in college. The current study uses meta‐analysis methods to summarize findings on how various biodata measures—overall scores or scale scores—predict student accomplishments, including grades, self‐ and other‐rated performances, persistence, and extracurricular accomplishments. Data from 46 independent samples, consisting of 38,478 students and resulting in 74 individual predictor–criterion relationships were analyzed. Results indicate, generally, that biodata measures predict substantially students’ academic and extra‐curricular accomplishments. Overall biodata scores correlate with grades at .39, persistence at .25, and point‐hour ratios at .35. Students’ accomplishments in leadership, visual and performing arts, music, and science were predicted best by biodata measures developed specifically to target those outcomes. This meta‐analytic study provides support for the predictive validity of biographical data inventories with respect to student outcomes and adds justification to the use of biodata in academic selection.
Examining Effectiveness and Validity of Accommodations for English Language Learners in Mathematics: An Evidence‐Based Computer Accommodation Decision System
Authors: Abedi Jamal , Zhang Yu , Rowe Susan E. , Lee Hansol
Published: April 2020

Research indicates that the performance‐gap between English Language Learners (ELLs) and their non‐ELL peers is partly due to ELLs' difficulty in understanding assessment language. Accommodations have been shown to narrow this performance‐gap, but many accommodations studies have not used a randomized design and are based on relatively small sample sizes. Addressing such issues, we administered a standard‐based mathematics assessment to approximately 3,000 Grade 9 ELL and non‐ELL students under five different language‐based accommodations. Results indicate that many of these accommodations did not produce significant gains for the recipients. Some even had a negative impact. We believe several factors may explain these findings. First, newer assessments, including those developed for this study, may have been linguistically modified to the point that further modification has only a limited effect. Second, the language of instruction may have not adequately prepared students for the assessment. If the language of instruction (textbook, etc.) contains unnecessary linguistic complexity, then students may not have had the opportunity to learn the assessed content. A third factor is students’ unfamiliarity with these accommodations because they are seldom used in classroom instruction and teacher assessments. We discuss our findings and implications for policymakers, assessment developers, practitioners, and researchers.
Trimethylamine‐N‐oxide is elevated in the acute phase after ischaemic stroke and decreases within the first days
Authors: Schneider C. , Okun J. G. , Schwarz K. V. , Hauke J. , Zorn M. , Nürnberg C. , Ungerer M. , Ringleb P. A. , Mundiyanapurath S.
Published: April 2020

Background and purpose

Trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO) is a biomarker of the gut microbiome and correlates with the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, conflicting data exist on the specific role of TMAO in ischaemic stroke patients. We aimed to analyze the time course of TMAO levels in stroke patients compared with controls.

Methods

In this prospective, case‐control study, patients suffering from ischaemic stroke (onset <24 h) and control patients with less than two cardiovascular risk factors were enrolled. Plasma TMAO levels were analyzed on admission, after 48 h and after 3 months. The primary endpoint was the difference in TMAO levels on admission between stroke patients and controls.

Results

A total of 196 patients with ischaemic stroke and 100 controls were included between February 2018 and April 2019. Plasma TMAO levels on admission were significantly higher in stroke patients than in controls [median value 4.09 (2.87–6.49) vs. 3.16 (2.08–5.16) µmol/L, P = 0.001]. There was a significant decrease in TMAO levels in stroke patients after 48 h [median at 48 h, 3.49 (2.30–5.39) µmol/L, P = 0.027]. TMAO levels increased again 3 months after stroke [median 4.23 (2.92–8.13) µmol/L, P = 0.047]. In controls, TMAO levels did not change between admission and after 48 h [median at 48 h, 3.14 (1.63–4.61) µmol/L, P = 0.11]. An inverse correlation between TMAO values and kidney function was found (Spearman rho −0.334, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study emphasizes the importance of the time course of TMAO levels after ischaemic stroke. Future studies should define the time point of TMAO analysis, preferably in the acute phase (<24 h).
Dealers' incentives to reveal their names
Authors: Karam Arzé
Published: April 2020

This research investigates dealers' motivation to disclose their names when quoting on the NASDAQ over the years. NASDAQ enables dealers to quote limit orders either anonymously or with a feature that reveals their names. Results are consistent with dealers advertising by revealing their identities so as to develop and maintain their reputation for reliable pricing. Dealers strategically choose to reveal their identities when order flow is profitable. Post‐name disclosure analysis further suggests that named quotations are likely to be driven by informational considerations. This research contributes to our understanding of the use of non‐anonymity in electronic trading.
Influence of water quality, local knowledge and river–floodplain connectivity on commercial wild crayfish harvesting in the Atchafalaya River Basin
Authors: Vargas‐Lopez Ivan A. , Kelso William E. , Bonvillain Christopher P. , Keim Richard F. , Kaller Michael D.
Published: April 2020

Water quality and river connectivity influence fisheries, but their role is not understood in wild crayfish harvest, or how water quality and river connectivity are incorporated into crayfish harvest strategies. In Louisiana, wild harvesting practices were evaluated with field observations and interviews with individual harvesters. Field observations included trap locations, water quality, water stable isotopes (2016) and habitat components over two seasons (2015 and 2016). Traps were set in less turbid water (NTU < 69.4), in depths from 1 to 3 m or 3 to 3.6 m and in locations associated with river water inputs. Harvester interviews indicated the importance of tradition (35%‐47% respondents), depth (88% respondents) and water colour (>40% respondents; a surrogate for turbidity and connectivity) in harvesting initiation and trap locations. Harvesters appeared to follow lateral water movements onto and within the floodplain, likely based on local environmental knowledge.
Inter‐ and intra‐specific interactions affecting crustacean trap fisheries—Implications for management
Authors: Skerritt Daniel J. , Bannister R. Colin A. , Polunin Nicholas V. C. , Fitzsimmons Clare
Published: April 2020

The UK coastal trap fisheries target two key species, European lobster Homarus gammarus (L.) and brown crab Cancer pagurus L. Their stock status is assessed periodically using size‐based, yield‐per‐recruit analysis. Fishery trends are described using landings and, where available, effort data to estimate catch per unit of effort (CPUE), nominally proportional to abundance. Despite being caught together, assessments assume that concurrent capture of these species does not distort their individual CPUE estimates. Here, an in situ experiment tested impacts of inter‐specific and intra‐specific interactions by pre‐loading baited traps with different species and observing subsequent catches. Pre‐loaded European lobster significantly reduced brown crab catches, whereas, other species produced no such effects. The findings highlight the likely inconsistency of using CPUE as an index of abundance if landings data originate from a mixed‐species fishery in which species interactions and targeting behaviour of fishers are unknown or un‐quantified.
How will snow alter exposure of organisms to cold stress under climate warming?
Authors: Kearney Michael R.
Published: April 2020

Aim

The aim was to test the capacity of an ecologically focused microclimate model to capture the interaction between snow cover and soil temperature and use it to assess how historical and future climate warming affects exposure of organisms to stressfully cold conditions in shallow soil.

Location

Continental USA.

Time period

1980–2017.

Methods

A snow heat budget algorithm was developed and integrated with the general‐purpose microclimate model of the NicheMapR package. The gridMET daily historical weather grids were used as environmental forcing. The model was tested against hourly observations of soil temperature and snow cover for 590 Soil Climate Analysis Network/SNOw TELemetry sites across the USA. It was then used to simulate cold stress exposure of ectotherms and hibernation costs for endotherms.

Results

The model captured soil and snow observations to within c. 10%–15% of the range (r c. near 0.85). Air temperature exhibited a mean warming rate of 0.37°C per decade across sites, but in snow‐affected regions the predicted shallow‐soil warming rates were one‐third lower. Biophysical analyses predicted an increase in the activity time of ectotherms as a result of contemporary climate change but little change in cold stress at most sites. For endotherms, hibernation costs were predicted to decline in general. However, both reduced and increased cold stress was simulated to occur for ectotherms and endotherms under simulated air temperature warming of ≤3 °C.

Main conclusions

Many of the direct biological consequences of climate warming will be mediated through soil temperature. Microclimatic processes linked to snow cover mean that exposure to cold stress for both ectotherms and endotherms might stay constant, decrease or even increase under climate warming, depending on the local circumstances and species‐specific biology. The idiosyncratic and season‐specific decoupling of above‐ and below‐ground environments under climate warming will have important ecological consequences in snow‐affected regions and can now be computed mechanistically.
Precise and Accurate Determination of Lu and Hf Contents, and Hf Isotopic Compositions in Chinese Rock Reference Materials by MC‐ICP‐MS
Authors: Yang Ming , Yang Yue‐Heng , Evans Noreen J. , Xie Lie‐Wen , Huang Chao , Wu Shi‐Tou , Yang Jin‐Hui , Wu Fu Yuan
Published: April 2020

In this contribution, we report Hf isotopic data and Lu and Hf mass fractions for thirteen Chinese rock reference materials (GBW07 103–105, 109–113 and 121–125, that is GSR 1–3, 7–11 and 14–18, respectively) that span a broad compositional range. Powdered samples were spiked with a 176Lu‐180Hf enriched tracer and completely digested using conventional HF, HNO3 and HClO4 acid dissolution protocols. Fluoride salts were dissolved during a final H3BO3 digestion, and chemical purification was performed using a single Ln resin. All measurements were carried out on a MC‐ICP‐MS. This work provides the first comprehensive report of the Lu‐Hf isotopic composition of Chinese geochemical rock reference materials, and results indicate that they are of comparable quality to the well‐characterised and widely used USGS and GSJ rock reference materials.
Development and Re‐Evaluation of Tourmaline Reference Materials for In Situ Measurement of Boron δ Values by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Marger Katharina , Harlaux Matthieu , Rielli Andrea , Baumgartner Lukas P. , Dini Andrea , Dutrow Barbara L. , Bouvier Anne‐Sophie
Published: April 2020

Six tourmaline samples were investigated as potential reference materials (RMs) for boron isotope measurement by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The tourmaline samples are chemically homogeneous and cover a compositional range of tourmaline supergroup minerals (primarily Fe, Mg and Li end‐members). Additionally, they have homogeneous boron delta values with intermediate precision values during SIMS analyses of less than 0.6‰ (2s). These samples were compared with four established tourmaline RMs, that is, schorl IAEA‐B‐4 and three Harvard tourmalines (schorl HS#112566, dravite HS#108796 and elbaite HS#98144). They were re‐evaluated for their major element and boron delta values using the same measurement procedure as the new tourmaline samples investigated. A discrepancy of about 1.5‰ in δ11B was found between the previously published reference values for established RMs and the values determined in this study. Significant instrumental mass fractionation (IMF) of up to 8‰ in δ11B was observed for schorl–dravite–elbaite solid solutions during SIMS analysis. Using the new reference values determined in this study, the IMF of the ten tourmaline samples can be modelled by a linear combination of the chemical parameters FeO + MnO, SiO2 and F. The new tourmaline RMs, together with the four established RMs, extend the boron isotope analysis of tourmaline towards the Mg‐ and Al‐rich compositional range. Consequently, the in situ boron isotope ratio of many natural tourmalines can now be determined with an uncertainty of less than 0.8‰ (2s).
Homeodomain protein DLX4 facilitates nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression via up‐regulation of YB‐1
Authors: Ling Zeyi , Long Xiaoli , Li Jie , Feng Mingliang
Published: April 2020

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor in nasopharynx tissues and lacks effective treatment strategies. Dysregulation of distal‐less homeobox 4 (DLX4) participates in the development of tumors. Understanding the regulatory mechanism of DLX4 in NPC progression may address this issue. Here, we first identified an up‐regulation of DLX4 in NPC cell lines compared to normal epithelial cells. Data from colony formation and transwell assays showed that knockdown of DLX4 inhibited cell proliferation and invasion of NPC, respectively. Moreover, DLX4 knockdown blocked the cell cycle of NPC at G1 phase, suggesting the antitumor effect of DLX4 knockdown on NPC. The downstream target of DLX4 was identified as Y‐box binding protein 1 (YB‐1), whose expression was increased by over‐expression of DLX4, while decreased by knockdown of DLX4. The binding capacity between DLX4 and YB‐1 was verified by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and the result showed that DLX4 could not directly bind to the promoter of YB‐1. Mechanically, YB‐1 over‐expression reversed the effects of DLX4 knockdown on cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest and cell invasion of NPC. In conclusion, our findings indicated that DLX4 promoted NPC progression via up‐regulation of YB‐1, which would shed light on therapeutic schedule in NPC.
Isolated De Novo Headache as the Presenting Symptom of Listeria Meningitis: A Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Pérez‐Pereda Sara , González‐Quintanilla Vicente , Toriello‐Suárez María , de Malet Pintos‐Fonseca Ana , Sánchez Rodríguez Antonio , Gallo Valentín Daniel , Pascual Julio
Published: April 2020

Background

Headache is a frequent symptom at the onset of Listeria meningitis, accompanied by others such as fever, altered mental status and meningeal signs, but never reported so far as an isolated symptom.

Methods and Results

Two immunocompetent males, with no history of primary headaches, went to the emergency department because of headache. The first after a sudden severe, holocranial headache without other associated symptoms, and the second after a subacute, moderate oppressive headache in temples, which 8 days later added a mild left hemiparesis. None of them had fever or meningeal signs. The initial cranial CT was unremarkable in both cases. Lumbar puncture was diagnostic for Listeria meningitis serotype IVb.

Conclusions

Listeria meningitis may present as an isolated headache, with different clinical patterns, which should be taken into account when evaluating de novo unclassified headaches according to the ICHD‐3 criteria.
The histopathology of congenital haemangioma and its clinical correlations: a long‐term follow‐up study of 55 cases
Authors: El Zein Sophie , Boccara Olivia , Soupre Véronique , Vieira Andre F. , Bodemer Christine , Coulomb Aurore , Wassef Michel , Fraitag Sylvie
Published: April 2020

Aims

Congenital haemangiomas (CHs) can be subdivided into different subtypes [rapidly involuting CHs (RICHs), non‐involuting CHs (NICHs), and partially involuting CHs (PICHs)]. During the first few days of life, RICHs may be associated with transient but sometimes marked thrombocytopenia. We sought to assess the histological aspects and clinicopathological correlations of the three subtypes.

Methods and results

We assessed the histopathological features of 10 RICHs, 25 NICHs, and 20 PICHs, described the patients’ long‐term clinical outcomes, and assessed clinicopathological correlations. All CHs were located in the dermis and hypodermis, and comprised both capillary lobules (with three distinct histopathological patterns) and extralobular large vessels. Most of the extralobular vessels were abnormal veins and abnormal lymphatic vessels. We did not observe significant correlations between the CH subtype, the histopathological pattern, and the time of the histopathological assessment. Interestingly, unexpected intralobular expression of podoplanin was found in neonatal biopsies of five RICHs and PICHs. Four of these five patients had concomitant thrombocytopenia. The podoplanin staining intensity decreased over time as the thrombocytopenia resolved and the tumour shrank.

Conclusion

The histopathological features were similar in all three subtypes of CH, and were related to the time since disease onset; we consider that RICH, PICH and NICH form a single entity and differ only in their involuting potential. Along with the transient expression of intralobular podoplanin observed in some specimens from the newborn, the lobular architecture might lead to misdiagnosis of tufted haemangioma or kaposiform haemangioendothelioma.
Northward cooling of the Kuncha nappe and downward heating of the Lesser Himalayan autochthon distributed to the south of Mt. Annapurna, western central Nepal
Authors: Nakajima Toru , Sakai Harutaka , Iwano Hideki , Danhara Tohru , Hirata Takafumi
Published: April 2020

We investigated the tectonothermal history of the Lesser Himalayan sediments (LHS), which are tectonically overlain by the Higher Himalayan Crystalline. Fission‐track dating and the track length measurement of detrital zircons obtained from the Kuncha nappe and the Lesser Himalayan autochthonous sediments in western central Nepal revealed northward cooling of the nappe and possible downward heating of the autochthon by the overlying hot nappe. Nine zircon fission‐track (ZFT) ages of the nappe showed northward‐younging linear distribution from 11.6 Ma in the front at Tamghas, 6 Ma in the central at Naudanda, and 1.6 Ma in the northernmost point at Tatopani. Thermochronological invert calculation of the ZFT length elucidated that the Kuncha nappe gradually cooled down (30 °C/Myr) at the front and rapidly cooled down (120 °C/Myr) at the root zone. In contrast, the ZFT age of the Chappani Formation, located just beneath the Kuncha nappe in the central part, demonstrated a totally reset age of 6.8 Ma, whereas the Virkot Formation, structurally far from the nappe, yielded a partially reset age of 457.3 Ma. This suggests that the LHS underwent downward heating, resulting in a thermal print on the upper part of the LHS; however, the thermal effect was not sufficient to anneal ZFT totally in the deeper part. Presently, the nappe cover is eroded and denuded from this area. Detrital zircons from the Chappani Formation in Tansen area to the south of the Bari Gad Fault did not show any evidence of annealing, suggesting that nappe never covered the LHS distributed to the south of the fault.
Brexit as a Trigger and an Obstacle to Onwards and Return Migration
Authors: Sredanovic Djordje
Published: April 2020

In this article, using in‐depth interviews with EU27 citizens residing in the UK and Britons residing in Belgium, I analyse the role of the Brexit process as both a trigger of and an obstacle to onward and return migration. Brexit implicates a reduction in the freedom of movement and settlement for both groups and has been linked to the increase of xenophobia and potential economic instability in the UK. In this context, both EU27 citizens in the UK and Britons in Belgium can consider onward or return migrations. However, the Brexit process introduces also obstacles to such migrations, including the loss of EU freedom of movement for UK citizens and complications for transnational and citizenship‐divergent families. I argue that the realization of migration plans is mediated both by individual resources and by imaginations on the future of the UK and the EU.
Evidence of repertoire sharing and stability despite a high turnover rate in a duetting neotropical wren
Authors: Quirós‐Guerrero Esmeralda , João Janeiro Maria , Cresswell Will , Templeton Christopher N.
Published: April 2020

In songbirds, the spatial pattern of song sharing among individuals is influenced by the song learning and dispersal strategies within each species. In birds where females and males sing and create joint acoustic displays (duets), the processes defining the patterns of song sharing become more complex as there might be different selection pressures shaping the behaviour of each sex. To provide further insight into the vocal development and the dispersal strategy of duetting tropical species, we investigated the patterns of individual and pair repertoire sharing, as well as the stability of these repertoires, in a colour‐marked population of riverside wrens, Cantorchilus semibadius, located in the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. Using data collected over a five‐year period, we found considerable variation in the sharing levels of phrase and duet type repertoires among neighbouring individuals coupled with a general decline of repertoire sharing as distance increased between birds’ territories. These results are consistent with a pattern predicted in age‐restricted learners that establish preferentially near their tutors. Furthermore, we found no evidence of individuals changing their phrase type repertoires over time, including after remating events. Duet type repertoires were also stable when pairs remained together. However, we observed a surprisingly high turnover rate. When individuals remated, even though the majority of the previous duet type repertoire remained, several new duet types were included. Taken together, our findings suggest that riverside wrens might create their individual repertoires by copying their same‐sex parent and neighbouring individuals before dispersal. Additionally, we speculate that even though birds were able to create new duet types after changing partners, a substantial portion of their duet type repertoire might also be copied from their parents and neighbouring pairs during the initial critical period of song learning.
Gradual and rapid shifts in the composition of assemblages of hydroids (Cnidaria) along depth and latitude in the deep Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Fernandez Marina O. , Collins Allen G. , Marques Antonio C.
Published: April 2020

Aim

Despite growing knowledge on deep‐sea benthic fauna, patterns of changes in species composition combining both bathymetric and latitudinal variation are still poorly known. In the first synthesis on the beta diversity patterns of assemblages of hydroids across an entire ocean basin, our aim was to infer limits and gradients of species distribution along depth and latitude.

Location

Atlantic Ocean and adjacent polar seas.

Taxon

Hydrozoa.

Methods

Hydroids from 50 to 5,330 m deep were studied primarily based on museum collections. Identifications were made by the authors, improving uniformity within the dataset by avoiding variations in taxonomic interpretation. Data totalled 3,699 records belonging to 432 species, at 1,444 unique sites. Records were assigned to three depth strata (50–200, 201–1,000 and 1,001–5,330 m) and eight latitudinal bands of 20° each, totalling 24 sample areas. We conducted non‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination, clustering and PERMANOVA analyses of species compositions and abundances per area to examine differences and relationships in hydroid assemblages among areas.

Results

Assemblages primarily differentiate between those to the north and south of 40°S, regardless of depth, with southern ones separated between Patagonian and Antarctic. Northwards of 40°S, assemblages differentiate gradually along both depth and latitude, although a faunal turnover occurs at 1,000 m deep. Also, assemblages at 1,001–5,330 m deep tend to be more similar to each other than assemblages at shallower strata, suggesting significant connectivity over great distances in the deep sea. We note the problem of largely unequal hydroid sampling in the Atlantic Ocean across depths and latitudes, especially in the southern hemisphere and below 1,000 m deep.

Main Conclusions

Assemblages of hydroids differentiate gradually along latitude and depth, with more rapid shifts in species composition occurring at 40°S, 60°S and at 1,000 m deep. Greater similarity was found among deeper water assemblages.
Novel Doppler‐guided subxyphoid approach to avoid coronary artery damage during left ventricular epicardial lead placement or ablation
Authors: Fisher John D. , Lentz Linnea , Asleson Andrea , McVenes Rick , Yang Zhongping
Published: April 2020

Background

Subxyphoid active left ventricular epicardial (LVE) lead implants or VT ablation are attractive but remain a challenge due to concerns of coronary artery damage. We aimed to see if Doppler‐guided positioning could permit safe LVE lead placement without coronary angiography. We evaluated the feasibility of a Doppler flow‐guided subxyphoid epicardial screw‐in lead fixation in a swine model.

Methods

Acute subxyphoid access to the pericardial space was performed in an anesthetized swine model using a deflectable sheath and a modified needle‐derived Doppler flow meter. The audio signal and visual display from the Doppler flow meter were recorded. Coronary angiography was performed to verify the catheter location. A SelectSecure Model 3830 lead (Medtronic) was used to assess pacing in the procedure.

Results

In both of two swine, the deflectable catheter was inserted into pericardial space via subxyphoid access. The tip of the deflectable catheter with the Doppler was directed to several locations, from quiet (no nearby coronary artery expected) to typical rhythmic pulsatile sound locations which were maximal when superimposed on a coronary artery. Repeated coronary angiograms confirmed the expected findings. A 3830 active lead was fixed into a quiet location for LVE pacing, and confirmed by angiography as distant from a coronary artery.

Conclusions

Doppler‐guided subxyphoid epicardial screw‐in lead placement is feasible once the catheter tip is directed and stabilized in a desired LVE location. This obviates the need for repeated (or any) coronary angiography. The Doppler‐guided subxyphoid epicardial procedure may also be applicable for epicardial ventricular arrhythmia ablation procedures.
The association of hypertension, hypertension duration, and control with incident heart failure in black and white adults
Authors: Mefford Matthew T. , Goyal Parag , Howard George , Durant Raegan W. , Dunlap Nancy E. , Safford Monika M. , Muntner Paul , Levitan Emily B.
Published: April 2020

Associations between hypertension and some cardiovascular diseases are stronger in black vs white adults. We examined associations of hypertension, hypertension duration, and control with incident heart failure (HF) in black and white REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke study participants (n = 25 770) who were followed for incident HF hospitalization (n = 947) from enrollment in 2003‐2007 through 2015. Hypertension was defined, using updated US guidelines, as systolic or diastolic blood pressure (BP) ≥130/80 mm Hg or antihypertensive medication use. Duration was assessed at baseline, and control was defined as treated BP < 130/80 mm Hg. Compared with no hypertension, hypertension was associated with higher risk of incident HF (HRwhites 1.90 [95% CI 1.49, 2.41], HRblacks 2.36 [95% CI 1.53, 3.65]), HF with preserved ejection fraction (HRwhites 2.01 [95% CI 1.34, 3.01], HRblacks 2.70 [95% CI 1.25, 2.53]), and HF with reduced/mid‐range ejection fraction (HRwhites 1.69 [95% CI 1.23, 2.33], HRblacks 2.29 [95% CI 1.26, 4.15]). Hypertension duration <10 years and ≥10 years were associated with higher risk for incident HF compared with no hypertension. Although risk of incident HF was highest among participants with uncontrolled BP, even controlled BP vs no hypertension was associated with increased risk of HF (HRwhites 1.93 [95% CI 1.44, 2.58], HRblacks 2.01 [95% CI 1.22, 3.29]). Interactions with race were not statistically significant. The risk of HF associated with hypertension, even with shorter duration or controlled BP, suggests that both prevention and therapeutic management of hypertension are important in reducing HF risk.
MicroRNA regulatory networks in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia
Authors: Yin Jiayu , Qian Zhiyuan , Chen Yuqi , Li Yi , Zhou Xiang
Published: April 2020

Sarcopenia is an age‐related disease characterized by disturbed homeostasis of skeletal muscle, leading to a decline in muscle mass and function. Loss of muscle mass and strength leads to falls and fracture, and is often accompanied by other geriatric diseases, including osteoporosis, frailty and cachexia, resulting in a general decrease in quality of life and an increase in mortality. Although the underlying mechanisms of sarcopenia are still not completely understood, there has been a marked improvement in the understanding of the pathophysiological changes leading to sarcopenia in recent years. The role of microRNAs (miRNAs), especially, has been clearer in skeletal muscle development and homeostasis. miRNAs form part of a gene regulatory network and have numerous activities in many biological processes. Intervention based on miRNAs may develop into an innovative treatment strategy to conquer sarcopenia. This review is divided into three sections: firstly, the latest understanding of the pathogenesis of sarcopenia is summarized; secondly, increasing evidence for the involvement of miRNAs in the regulation of muscle quantity or quality and muscle homeostasis is highlighted; and thirdly, the possibilities and limitations of miRNAs as a treatment for sarcopenia are explored.
Progress in the application of organoids to breast cancer research
Authors: Yang Liping , Liu Baoer , Chen Haodong , Gao Rui , Huang Kanghua , Guo Qiuyi , Li Feng , Chen Weicai , He Jinsong
Published: April 2020

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women. Breast cancer research is currently based mainly on animal models and traditional cell culture. However, the inherent species gap between humans and animals, as well as differences in organization between organs and cells, limits research advances. The breast cancer organoid can reproduce many of the key features of human breast cancer, thereby providing a new platform for investigating the mechanisms underlying the development, progression, metastasis and drug resistance of breast cancer. The application of organoid technology can also promote drug discovery and the design of individualized treatment strategies. Here, we discuss the latest advances in the use of organoid technology for breast cancer research.