bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A chronosequence study of soil properties and microclimate in the reclamation area of Batu Hijau Mine, West Sumbawa
Authors: Iskandar  , Suryaningtyas D T , Baskoro D P T , Budi S W , Gozali I , Maswahenu M
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to characterize soil physical and chemical properties, development of soil and microclimate condition according to the time sequence of revegetation. Sampling and observation were conducted in revegetation areas aged 2 to 8 years old and in the natural forest for comparison. Disturbed soil samples were taken from three depths while undisturbed soil samples were taken from two depths. Light intensity, air temperature, humidity and soil temperature were measured for microclimate analysis. The results showed that the soil had clay loam and loam texture with relatively high density and low permeability. Natural forest soil had lower density and higher permeability. Low soil fertility was indicated by low organic-C, total-N, available P and exchangeable K. Exchangeable-Ca and -Mg and cation exchange capacity of the soil in revegetation area were higher than in the natural forest soil. Only the content of organic-C and total-N in the first 5 cm layer of the soil increased along with the increasing revegetation age, while other parameters of soil properties showed no differences. Falcataria moluccana, Anthocephalus cadamba and Melochia umbelata were the dominant vegetation found in sapling, pole and tree. Light intensity, air temperature and soil temperature tended to decrease, while humidity increased with the increasing age of revegetation.
Composite Image with a Geographic Information System Approach
Authors: Kelik Nugroho Arief , Permadi Ipung
Published: December 2019

Geographic information systems are used for spatial data processing. Data processing results from the system can be used as a tool to determine the condition of an area. By using several components one of which is coloring in geographical conditions in the region. The process of combining several colors to form a composite image that can show the clarity of the object. The results obtained from this study reveal the clarity of objects in the Banyumas Regency region by using levels in the band composition in spatial imagery
Hydrothermal synthesis of single-crystal Cr-doped SrTiO3 for efficient visible-light responsive photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Jiang Daixun , Sun Xun , Wu Xilu , Shi Liang , Du Fanglin
Published: December 2019

Visible-light-driven Cr-doped SrTiO3 nanocubes were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method in alkaline KOH conditions. X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Raman spectra, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the samples, and the Cr-doped SrTiO3 possess cubic morphology with about 30–50 nm in size, and single-crystal feature. In addition, the Cr-doped SrTiO3 extended light-harvesting properties to visible-light region which was testified by UV–vis absorption spectra, and excellent charge transfer and separation efficiency were approved by photo fluorescence spectra (PL), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and photocurrent response measurements. Among the synthesized photocatalysts, SrTiO3 nanocubes doped with 2% Cr by molar ratio exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity, achieving 11.66 μmol of H2 evolution during 5 h visible-light irradiation. This study provides a facile and effective way to enhance the performance of SrTiO3-based photocatalysts.
Impact of ECAP on wear performance of Al–Mn magnesium alloy
Authors: K R Gopi , H Shivananda Nayaka
Published: December 2019

The current study examines the wear performance of deformed AM90 magnesium alloy using pin-on-disc wear test apparatus under varying load of 30 and 40 N with the sliding distance of 2500 m and 5000 m at constant sliding speed of 3 m s−1. The samples were processed through equal channel angular pressing were subjected to microstructural, wear studies and are characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy. Vickers microhardness was carried out to evaluate the relation between the wear behavior of homogenized and ECAP processed samples. Increment in number of ECAP passes increased the grain refinement as observed in the microstructure with reduction in grain size from ∼70 μm (homogenized sample) to ∼4 μm (ECAP 4 pass sample). Increase in wear resistance and hardness were observed for processed samples and the worn faces are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometer. The worn surfaces revealed the occurrence of wear debris, delamination, ploughing in the direction of sliding and the predominant wear mechanism was considered to be the combination of oxidation and abrasive wear.
Effect of laser fluence on structural and optical properties of CuxS films grown by pulsed laser deposition at different wavelengths
Authors: Rodríguez-Hernández P E , Quiñones-Galván J G , Meléndez-Lira M , Santos-Cruz J , Contreras-Puente G , de Moure-Flores F
Published: December 2019

CuxS thin films were grown onto soda-lime glass substrates by pulsed laser deposition at two different wavelengths: 1064 and 532 nm. X-ray diffraction, Raman and UV–vis spectroscopies were used to characterize the CuxS films. Results are presented as a function of laser fluence. XRD patterns indicate that covellite and chalcocite phases were obtained. Raman spectra showed that chalcocite is the predominant phase in the crystalline samples. Optical band gap values are between 2.29 and 2.74 eV for ablation with 1064 nm wavelength; meanwhile, for 532 nm band gap values varied from 2.24 to 2.66 eV; which are in the range of expected values for CuxS films. At 1064 nm and 4.4 J cm−2 sample presented the highest optical absorbance in the visible range, which corresponds to the highest thickness. These are the best growth parameters for CuxS films in order to be used as absorber films for solar cells applications.
N-doped graphene aerogels as efficient heterogeneous catalytic activators for peroxymonosulfate to remove 2-sec-butyl-4,6-dinitrphenol (DNBP) in aqueous solution
Authors: Zhao De-Ying , Wang Hui-Long , Qi Hui-Ping , Jiang Wen-Feng
Published: December 2019

The nitrogen-doped graphene aerogels (NGAs) with interconnected hierarchical porous structures were facilely prepared via hydrothermal process in the mixed aqueous solution of ethylenediamine (EDA) and urea and post-freeze-drying treatment. A series of NGAs samples with different GO:urea:EDA mass ratios were obtained and characterized by Raman, FT-IR, XPS, TEM and SEM. The prepared NGAs were employed as metal-free carbocatalysts in the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for 2-sec-butyl-4,6-dinitrphenol (DNBP) degradation in aqueous solution. The resultant NGA-4 catalyst with GO:urea:EDA mass ratio of 3:2:4 exhibited the best catalytic activity in PMS activation for oxidative degradation of DNBP among the prepared NGAs samples. The effects of temperature, initial pH value, catalyst concentration and PMS dosage on the degradation of DNBP in NGA-4/PMS system were investigated. The catalytic degradation of DNBP followed the pseudo-first-order kinetic and the activation energy of the degradation reaction was calculated to be 31.3 kJ · mol−1. The quenching experiments clearly demonstrated that SO4
·− radicals served as predominant active species in the PMS activation catalytic process. The good applicability made the application of the prepared NGAs materials in PMS activation for removing organic pollutants more practical and feasible.
Effect of correction methods on image resolution of myocardial perfusion imaging using single photon emission computed tomography combined with computed tomography hybrid systems
Authors: Tantawy Hazem M , Abdelhafez Yasser G , Helal Nadia L , Kany Amr I , Saad Ibrahim E
Published: December 2019

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) gamma camera has been widely utilized for diagnosis and risk stratification of ischemic heart disease. Objective; The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of different correction methods on image resolution of MPI using the SPECT/CT hybrid system. Materials and Method; A total of 114 patients, 43 females and 71 males, patient’s raw data were processed and analyzed using Attenuation correction (AC), Scatter correction (SC), Both attenuation and scatter correction together (ACSC) and no-correction (NC). The short axis (coronal) slices resulted from the raw data reconstruction were chosen to draw the curve profile to identify the line spread function on the image to create the FWHM curve. Profile statistics were calculated to obtain the value of FWHM. Statistical analysis was made for the calculated FWHM values for AC, SC, ACSC, and NC to determine the best image resolution. Results; It turns out that applying the SC alone yields better FWHM value (8.13), compared to AC (8.77), and ACSC (8.72). Both AC and ACSC had better FWHM compared to NC (8.91). Conclusion; The study indicates that the intercomparison between the four avaliable correction conditions the image resolution has been significantly improved by using scatter correction, attenuation correction, and both methods together when compared with the non-corrected image. Also it was found that the scatter correction condition is superior in the image resolution than the other correction condition in the reconstruction of SPECT/CT myocardial perfusion images.
Self-defence against Armed Attacks by Non-State Actors
Authors: Müllerson Rein
Published: December 2019

Armed attacks in the sense of Article 51 and customary international law can be carried out not only by States, but also by non-State actors (NSA). Self-defensive responses to attacks by NSAs, due to their specific characteristics, may contain a combination of elements of anticipatory self-defence and defensive reprisals. If a State, from the territory of which an attack originates, is unable to prevent an NSA attacking a third State, it has to ask for and to accept the assistance of the victim State, other States, or relevant international organisations. The latter cannot use military force in self-defence in such circumstances without having first sought the consent of the territorial State. However, if a State is unwilling to prevent an NSA, operating from its territory, from attacking third States, it becomes an accessory-after-the-fact to armed attacks of the NSA. Self-defensive, either individual or collective, measures can be carried out on the territory of such a State even without its consent.
A reassessment of the Great Divergence debate: towards a reconciliation of apparently distinct determinants
Authors: Court Victor
Published: December 2019

This article looks at the most recent data to define when the Little and Great Divergence occurred. It sorts the deep determinants of economic development into three categories (biogeography, culture-institutions, and contingency-conjuncture) to provides a comprehensive review of these factors in the context of the Great Divergence, and it discusses the concepts of persistence and reversal of fortune. The paper concludes that the Great Divergence was never an inevitability but became an increasingly likely prospect as time progressed. Furthermore, biogeography, culture-institutions, and contingency-conjuncture are not contradictory hypotheses. Rather, there is a clear pattern of change over time of the relative importance of these three categories of determinants. Further research is needed to uncover the underlying causal link or latent variable that could explain the successive relative importance over time of biogeographical, cultural–institutional, and contingent–conjunctural determinants of the Great Divergence.
Incidental discovery of mucinous adenocarcinoma from a suspected inflammatory perianal mass
Authors: Cenac Leshae A , Xiao Philip , Asarian Armand
Published: December 2019

Mucinous adenocarcinoma is a rare tumor that may be associated with longstanding perianal fistulas. It represents 6.9% of all anal cancers. The diagnosis of this malignancy can be delayed because the symptoms experienced by people with the disease are usually attributed to the fistula and not to malignant transformation. As a result, the diagnosis of perianal mucinous adenocarcinoma in the setting of chronic perianal fistulas requires a high index of clinical suspicion and specific histological features.
Syndromic and Systemic Diagnoses Associated With Isolated Sagittal Synostosis
Authors: Davis Amani A. , Haredy Mostafa M. , Huey Jennifer , Scanga Hannah , Zuccoli Giulio , Pollack Ian F. , Tamber Mandeep S. , Goldstein Jesse , Madan-Khetarpal Suneeta , Nischal Ken K.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Reports of systemic associations in patients with Isolated Sagittal Synostosis (ISS) are sparse. Craniofacial surgeons, and other providers, should be aware that a significant proportion of patients with ISS may have syndromic or systemic involvement. This study investigates the incidence of systemic disease and syndromic diagnosis in a cohort of patients presenting with ISS (ie, patients with sagittal synostosis without other sutural involvement).

Methods:

This study consists of a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with ISS between 2007 and 2017 at a single institution. Patients were divided according to onset (early <1 year, late >1 year) of ISS. Patient notes were examined for congenital anomalies, systemic conditions, and molecular testing. Only patients with isolated sagittal fusion—meaning, patients with sagittal synostosis and no other sutural involvement—were included.

Results:

Three hundred seventy-seven patients met the inclusion criteria: systemic conditions were identified in 188/377 (50%) of them. One hundred sixty-one patients with early onset (Group A), and 216 patients with late onset ISS (Group B) were identified. Systemic involvement was identified in 38% of Group A and 60% of Group B, which was statistically significant (P< 0.001). Forty-eight of 377 (13%) of patients had a syndromic diagnosis, and 79% of these were confirmed via genetic testing. Thirty-five percent of patients were diagnosed with central nervous system anomalies and 16% had craniofacial anomalies.

Conclusions:

Nearly 50% of the patients initially diagnosed with ISS were found to have some form of systemic involvement. This supports affording full pediatric and genetic evaluation with molecular testing to these children.
Near-circumferential Lower Body Lift: A Review of 40 Outpatient Procedures
Authors: Swanson Eric
Published: December 2019

Background:

Lower body lift surgery has increased in popularity. A circumferential body lift or belt lipectomy is often recommended to treat skin redundancy. A drawback for this procedure is the midline scar bridging the lower back causing elongation of the gluteal cleft. Autoaugmentation methods have not been shown to provide a net increase in buttock volume.

Methods:

A retrospective study was undertaken among 40 consecutive women and men undergoing near-circumferential outer thigh and buttock lifts, including 21 lower body lifts (with abdominoplasty). All procedures were performed by the author as outpatients, under total intravenous anesthesia, without muscle relaxation and without prone positioning. Most patients (80%) had liposuction. Fourteen patients had simultaneous inner thigh lifts. Buttock fat transfer was used in 13 patients. Most patients had simultaneous cosmetic procedures of the face or breasts.

Results:

Fourteen patients (35%) experienced complications. One patient developed a deep venous thrombosis, detected by routine ultrasound screening on the day after surgery. Local complications included 3 patients with seromas (8%), 2 wound dehiscences (5%), and 1 infection (3%). Three patients (8%) returned for secondary outer thigh lifts. There were no complications related to fat injections.

Conclusions:

The near-circumferential lower body lift may be performed in healthy outpatients with attention to safe anesthesia, normothermia, limited blood loss, and operating times <6 hours. A scar across the posterior midline may be avoided. Fat injection safely restores gluteal volume. Secondary surgery may be recommended to treat persistent skin laxity.
Total Nasal Reconstruction with a Nonlaminated Vascularized Free Temporal Fascia as the Lining
Authors: Akita Shinsuke , Yamaji Yoshihisa , Yamasaki Kazuki , Kosaka Kentaro , Tezuka Takafumi , Kubota Yoshitaka , Mitsukawa Nobuyuki
Published: December 2019

Various methods to generate the lining for a full-thickness nasal reconstruction have been reported. We used bilateral septal mucoperichondrial flaps, the distal portion of an expanded median forehead flap, and a nonlaminated vascularized free temporal fascia flap as a lining during total nasal reconstruction of a total full-thickness nasal defect in a 45-year-old woman with a nasal squamous cell carcinoma. In the first step of the two-stage surgery, a tissue expander was inserted into the forehead simultaneously with tumor resection. In the second step, the expanded median forehead flap, cartilage graft, bilateral septal mucoperichondrial flaps, and short pedicle vascularized free temporal fascia transfer were performed. Total nasal reconstruction could be completed without any skin graft or skin paddle of the free flap. Epithelialization of the mucosa on the transferred vascularized free temporal fascia without contracture deformity of the nasal cavity was confirmed by endoscopic examination after 8 years of follow-up. In the surgical procedure described, the facial skin, including the lining of the nostril rim, and the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity were reconstructed using facial skin and mucous membrane without long-term contracture, respectively.
Management of the glaucoma patient progressing at low normal intraocular pressure
Authors: Wang Sophia Y. , Singh Kuldev
Published: December 2019

Purpose of review

Patients with glaucoma with disease progression despite low or normal intraocular pressure (IOP) present special challenges to the treating clinician. Treatment goals may depend on whether patients have apparent low IOP with concurrent treatment or have low IOP at baseline without treatment. We review the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to these patients.

Recent findings

Apparent progression at low IOP should start with confirmation of IOP, made easier by devices enabling patient home self-tonometry. Suspected visual field progression should be confirmed by repeat testing prior to advancement of therapy. Trabeculectomy remains the most effective surgical method of achieving long-term success, particularly when there is a low starting IOP. Drainage tube implantation or the use of novel micro-incisional non-bleb-forming procedures are less likely to be successful in achieving low IOP goals.

Diagnostic testing is important in confirming progressive glaucomatous disease at low IOP levels. The most effective way of slowing the progression of glaucoma in a patient with low IOP is to lower the IOP further, sometimes to single digit levels, which is most often achievable with trabeculectomy.
Primary angle closure glaucoma genomic associations and disease mechanism
Authors: Liu Chang , Nongpiur Monisha E. , Khor Chiea-Chuen , Vithana Eranga N. , Aung Tin
Published: December 2019

Purpose of review

The genetic basis of primary angle closure (PAC) glaucoma is slowly being elucidated. In recent years, genome-wide association studies have identified eight new susceptibility loci for PAC. Our purpose in this review is to summarize our current knowledge of genetics in angle closure, to take a closer look at the eight novel loci and what we have learned about their function, and consider what they might teach us about angle closure disease.

Recent findings

Multiple novel loci associated with PAC glaucoma have been identified in large genome-wide association studies. Moreover, primary open angle glaucoma and PAC glaucoma are found to have partly overlapping genetic features.

The genetic basis of PAC glaucoma is being deciphered. Even though there is still much more to be uncovered, this process has already provided new insights in the pathogenesis of this blinding disease. A better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms through genomics may be valuable for the development of novel therapies.
Celecoxib reduces cortical spreading depression–induced macrophage activation and dilatation of dural but not pial arteries in rodents: implications for mechanism of action in terminating migraine attacks
Authors: Schain Aaron J. , Melo-Carrillo Agustin , Ashina Sait , Strassman Andrew M. , Burstein Rami
Published: December 2019

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly known as COX-1/COX-2 inhibitors, can be effective in treating mild to moderate migraine headache. However, neither the mechanism by which these drugs act in migraine is known, nor is the specific contribution of COX-1 vs COX-2. We sought to investigate these unknowns using celecoxib, which selectively inhibits the enzymatic activity of COX-2, by determining its effects on several migraine-associated vascular and inflammatory events. Using in vivo 2-photon microscopy, we determined intraperitoneal celecoxib effects on cortical spreading depression (CSD)-induced blood vessel responses, plasma protein extravasation, and immune cell activation in the dura and pia of mice and rats. Compared to vehicle (control group), celecoxib reduced CSD-induced dilatation of dural arteries and activation of dural and pial macrophages significantly, but not dilatation or constriction of pial arteries and veins, or the occurrence of plasma protein extravasation. Collectively, these findings suggest that a mechanism by which celecoxib-mediated COX-2 inhibition might ease the intensity of migraine headache and potentially terminate an attack is by attenuating dural macrophages' activation and arterial dilatation outside the blood–brain barrier, and pial macrophages' activation inside the blood–brain barrier.
Tibial Inlay Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Stannard James P.
Published: December 2019

Reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament is typically made through either tibial inlay or transtibial methods. Double-bundle reconstruction can be combined with either technique and has clear biomechanical advantages. On the basis of prior evidence and the author’s own surgical experiences, this technique paper provides the reasoning for using these methods. Further evidence and reasoning is given for when to use the inlay technique rather than the transtibial technique for posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Ordinary Responses to an Extraordinary Disaster: Sewol Ferry Sinking and the Victim Families' Experience
Authors: Jeong Ansuk , Cho Sunmi
Published: December 2019

Sewol Ferry sinking was a man-made disaster that happened on April 16, 2014, in South Korea, resulting in 304 deaths. In the 2 years following the disaster, the Special Investigation Commission on the Sewol Ferry Disaster conducted a qualitative study with the victim families to investigate their experience. One hundred forty-five interviews were conducted with parents, aunts, and grandparents of high school student victims by a team of clinical and community psychologists. Based on 54 in-depth interviews with parents and parent figures randomly selected out of the 145 interviews conducted, we aimed to understand the lived experience of the victim parents. The grounded theory yielded 59 codes and five categories, whose core variable was self-empowerment of the victim community. The community of victim families was supported by the engagement of other citizens, as well as the victim families themselves. The meanings implicated in the results, along with the practical implications in the community, are discussed.
Herbal medicines for the liver: from bench to bedside
Authors: Vargas-Pozada Eduardo E. , Muriel Pablo
Published: December 2019

The liver is one of the most complex organs of the human body and is involved in various metabolic processes. Due to its anatomical proximity to the digestive tract, its blood flow, and its contribution to the detoxification process, the liver is susceptible to a wide variety of disorders. Hepatic diseases can be caused by alcoholism, viral infections, malnutrition and xenobiotics, which result in a high frequency of patients with liver disease and subsequent increase in the number of deaths from these diseases, for which adequate treatments are not yet available. Therefore, the search for new alternatives to treat these liver conditions is mandatory. In recent decades, there has been an increase in interest in medicinal herbs due to their safety and hepatoprotective properties that arise from their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifibrotic, antiviral, immunomodulatory and anticancer properties. Epidemiological and clinical studies have shown that the consumption of these compounds is associated with a decrease in the risk of developing liver diseases; thus, medicinal herbs have emerged as a viable option for the treatment of these hepatic pathologies. However, more basic and clinical studies are needed before reaching a final recommendation to treat human liver diseases. This review provides molecular and clinical information on some natural compounds and medicinal herbs that have hepatoprotective effects and could be useful for the treatment of hepatic disorders.
Molecular classification of cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Louis Corentin , Papoutsoglou Panagiotis , Coulouarn Cédric
Published: December 2019

Purpose of review

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) are heterogeneous tumors that arise from the malignant transformation of cholangiocytes along the biliary tree. CCA heterogeneity occurs at multiple levels and results in resistance to therapy and poor prognosis. Here, we review the molecular classification of CCA by focusing on the latest progresses based on genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic and proteomic profiles. In addition, we introduce the emerging field of radiogenomics.

Recent findings

Genome-wide integrative omics approaches have been widely reported by using large cohorts of CCA patients. Morphomolecular correlations have been established, including enrichment of FGFR2 gene fusions and IDH1/2 mutations in iCCA. A specific IDH mutant iCCA subtype displays high mitochondrial and low chromatin modifier expression linked to ARID1A promoter hypermethylation. Examples of translation of these classifications for the management of CCA have also been reported, with prediction of drug efficacy based on genetic alterations.

Although there is currently no international consensus on CCA morphomolecular classification, the recent initiatives developed under the umbrella of The European Network for the Study of Cholangiocarcinoma (ENSCCA) should favor new collaborative research. Identifying distinct molecular subgroups and developing appropriate targeted therapies will improve the clinical outcome of patients with CCA.
U.S. Optometrists' Reported Practices and Perceived Barriers for Low Vision Care for Mild Visual Loss
Authors: Malkin Alexis G. , Ross Nicole C. , Chan Tiffany L. , Protosow Kristin , Bittner Ava K.
Published: December 2019

SIGNIFICANCE

Identification of modifiable barriers to low vision rehabilitation (LVR) can inform efforts to improve practice management of patients with low vision (LV), through, for example, targeted educational programs for optometrists who do not practice LVR.

PURPOSE

Mild vision loss (20/25 to 20/70) is increasing in prevalence among the aging population, yet it is unclear whether near-reading complaints (the highest presenting chief complaint) are being addressed. Studies of LVR provision by U.S. optometrists are currently lacking. This study elucidated self-reported optometric practice patterns for patients with mild vision loss.

METHODS

Anonymous surveys were completed by 229 actively practicing optometrists across the United States. The survey inquired about the frequency of providing LVR for mild vision loss patients and the top barriers that prevent them from offering LVR management (including optical aids or referral).

RESULTS

Compared with those moderately actively practicing LVR, twice as many (2.08×) practitioners who do not practice any LVR reported that they never prescribe near-reading add power of 4 D or greater for mild vision loss (P < .001). Among those who do not practice LVR, 39 and 11% indicated that they never prescribe any LVR management strategies for patients with visual acuity of 20/25 to 20/40 and 20/50 to 20/70, respectively. The two most commonly reported barriers to LVR indicated by about half of respondents were “cost of the LV exam and/or devices” and that “patients are not interested or would not go to an LV exam.” Nearly a third of providers reported that “it is not feasible to stock magnifiers in office.”

CONCLUSIONS

A sizable group of non-LVR providers in the United States may not be addressing the near-vision needs of patients with mild vision loss. Several of the reported top barriers are potentially modifiable through the development of targeted educational programs for providers.
Machine-learning classification of neurocognitive performance in children with perinatal HIV initiating de novo antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Paul Robert H. , Cho Kyu S. , Belden Andrew C. , Mellins Claude A. , Malee Kathleen M. , Robbins Reuben N. , Salminen Lauren E. , Kerr Stephen J. , Adhikari Badri , Garcia-Egan Paola M. , Sophonphan Jiratchaya , Aurpibul Linda , Thongpibul Kulvadee , Kosalaraksa Pope , Kanjanavanit Suparat , Ngampiyaskul Chaiwat , Wongsawat Jurai , Vonthanak Saphonn , Suwanlerk Tulathip , Valcour Victor G. , Preston-Campbell Rebecca N. , Bolzenious Jacob D. , Robb Merlin L. , Ananworanich Jintanat , Puthanakit Thanyawee
Published: December 2019

Objective:

To develop a predictive model of neurocognitive trajectories in children with perinatal HIV (pHIV).

Design:

Machine learning analysis of baseline and longitudinal predictors derived from clinical measures utilized in pediatric HIV.

Methods:

Two hundred and eighty-five children (ages 2–14 years at baseline; Mage = 6.4 years) with pHIV in Southeast Asia underwent neurocognitive assessment at study enrollment and twice annually thereafter for an average of 5.4 years. Neurocognitive slopes were modeled to establish two subgroups [above (n = 145) and below average (n = 140) trajectories). Gradient-boosted multivariate regressions (GBM) with five-fold cross validation were conducted to examine baseline (pre-ART) and longitudinal predictive features derived from demographic, HIV disease, immune, mental health, and physical health indices (i.e. complete blood count [CBC]).

Results:

The baseline GBM established a classifier of neurocognitive group designation with an average AUC of 79% built from HIV disease severity and immune markers. GBM analysis of longitudinal predictors with and without interactions improved the average AUC to 87 and 90%, respectively. Mental health problems and hematocrit levels also emerged as salient features in the longitudinal models, with novel interactions between mental health problems and both CD4+ cell count and hematocrit levels. Average AUCs derived from each GBM model were higher than results obtained using logistic regression.

Conclusion:

Our findings support the feasibility of machine learning to identify children with pHIV at risk for suboptimal neurocognitive development. Results also suggest that interactions between HIV disease and mental health problems are early antecedents to neurocognitive difficulties in later childhood among youth with pHIV.
Social work involvement in palliative care heart failure research: a review of recent literature
Authors: O’Donnell Arden , Gonyea Judith G. , Leff Vickie
Published: December 2019

Purpose of review

The aim of the review is to examine the findings of empirical studies of palliative care interventions for patients with heart failure in which a social worker was identified as a key member of the interprofessional clinical team.

Recent findings

Our systematic review of the empirical literature from January 2016 to August 2019 found five palliative care interventions with heart failure patients that cited involvement of a social worker as a key team member. The reviewed studies highlighted social workers’ roles in the areas of psychosocial assessments and support, advance care planning, and patient-medical team communication.

Palliative social workers possess the knowledge and skills to provide expertise in psychological, social, and cultural care within palliative care domains of practice. Given this primary and critical role, more studies that include the assessment of outcomes linked to the social worker's role should be pursued. Our review unearthed several important studies that highlight the role of the palliative social workers in heart failure models of care.
Online interventions aimed at reducing psychological distress in cancer patients: evidence update and suggestions for future directions
Authors: Willems Roy A. , Bolman Catherine A.W. , Lechner Lilian , Mesters Ilse , Gunn Kate M. , Skrabal Ross Xiomara , Olver Ian
Published: December 2019

Purpose of review

A great proportion of people affected by cancer experience psychological distress. To reduce pressure on limited health-management resources available, evidence-based eHealth or online interventions can fill an important gap by making psychosocial care more easily accessible. However, evidence of their effectiveness is mixed. This present review provides an update on the effectiveness of online interventions in reducing psychological distress in patients with cancer by including studies published from January 2018 to September 2019.

Recent findings

Thirty-three publications describing online interventions were included in the review, including web-based, blended care, telehealth, mHealth, and other online interventions. There was great heterogeneity across studies. The evidence of online interventions’ effectiveness in reducing distress was mixed; there was partial support for reduction in psychological distress and depression, but limited evidence for reducing anxiety. Some important limitations should be taken into account when interpreting the results.

Online interventions for people affected by cancer, in general, are well received and seem to be a necessary component of comprehensive cancer care. However, these interventions should be more rigorously tested to provide more conclusive evidence about their effectiveness.
Cannabinoids as an Emerging Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Cohen Jacob , Wei Zelan , Phang Jonathan , Laprairie Robert B. , Zhang Yanbo
Published: December 2019

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a leading psychiatric disorder that mainly affects military and veteran populations but can occur in anyone affected by trauma. PTSD treatment remains difficult for physicians because most patients with PTSD do not respond to current pharmacological treatment. Psychotherapy is effective, but time consuming and expensive. Substance use disorder is often concurrent with PTSD, which leads to a significant challenge for PTSD treatment. Cannabis has recently received widespread attention for the potential to help many patient populations. Cannabis has been reported as a coping tool for patients with PTSD and preliminary legalization data indicate Cannabis use may reduce the use of more harmful drugs, such as opioids. Rigorous clinical studies of Cannabis could establish whether Cannabis-based medicines can be integrated into treatment regimens for both PTSD and substance use disorder patients.
The Endocannabinoid System and Synthetic Cannabinoids in Preclinical Models of Seizure and Epilepsy
Authors: Smolyakova Anna-Maria , Zagzoog Ayat , Brandt Asher L. , Black Tallan , Mohamed Kawthar , Laprairie Robert B.
Published: December 2019

Cannabinoids are compounds that are structurally and/or functionally related to the primary psychoactive constituent of Cannabis sativa, ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabinoids can be divided into three broad categories: endogenous cannabinoids, plant-derived cannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids (SCs). Recently, there has been an unprecedented surge of interest into the pharmacological and medicinal properties of cannabinoids for the treatment of epilepsies. This surge has been stimulated by an ongoing shift in societal opinions about cannabinoid-based medicines and evidence that cannabidiol, a nonintoxicating plant cannabinoid, has demonstrable anticonvulsant activity in children with treatment-refractory epilepsy. The major receptors of the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS)—the type 1 and 2 cannabinoid receptors (CB1R, CB2R)—have critical roles in the modulation of neurotransmitter release and inflammation, respectively; so, it is not surprising therefore that the ECS is being considered as a target for the treatment of epilepsy. SCs were developed as potential new drug candidates and tool compounds for studying the ECS. Beyond the plant cannabinoids, an extensive research effort is underway to determine whether SCs that directly target CB1R, CB2R, or the enzymes that breakdown endogenous cannabinoids have anticonvulsant effects in preclinical rodent models of epilepsy and seizure. This research demonstrates that many SCs do reduce seizure severity in rodent models and may have both positive and negative pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions with clinically used antiepilepsy drugs. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the preclinical evidence for and against SC modulation of seizure and discuss the important questions that need to be addressed in future studies.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy: understanding the facts and debate
Authors: LoBue Christian , Schaffert Jeff , Cullum C. Munro
Published: December 2019

Purpose of review

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is hypothesized to be a progressive neurodegenerative disease leading to dementia after repetitive head impacts. This review summarizes the recent evidence on CTE to highlight the facts currently known and the areas that remain poorly understood.

Recent findings

Increasing evidence suggests that many of the prior assertions about CTE in relation to repetitive head trauma are premature. First, CTE lesions have been observed in individuals with no history of head trauma/impacts. In addition, attempts to characterize possible clinical markers of CTE have had several shortcomings, notably an absence of detailed clinical assessments during life, vague/nonspecific symptom reports, and crude methodology. Moreover, recent studies demonstrate that current CTE pathological criteria have limitations and are in need of refinement/validation.

CTE is still in the early stages of research as a neuropathological condition and no specific clinical criteria exist. Claims about CTE being a progressive disease entity and caused exclusively by head trauma/impacts are not well supported at present. Such assertions may have impeded our understanding of the frequency and significance of this disorder. Refining diagnostic criteria to reduce ambiguity in classifying cases will be essential before risk factors and/or possible clinical markers may be identified.
Accurate and reproducible prediction of ICU readmissions
Authors: Nguyen Dinh-Phong
Published: December 2019

Readmission in the intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with poor clinical outcomes and high costs. Traditional scoring methods to help clinicians deciding whether a patient is ready for discharge have failed to meet expectations, paving the way for machine learning based approaches. Freely available datasets such as MIMIC-III have served as benchmarking media to compare such tools. We used the OMOP-CDM version of MIMIC-III (MIMIC-OMOP) to train and evaluate a lightweight tree boosting method to predict readmission in ICU at different time points after discharge (3, 7 and 30 days), outperforming existing solutions with an AUROC of 0.805 for 3-days readmission.
Home Use of a Wireless Intracortical Brain-Computer Interface by Individuals With Tetraplegia
Authors: Simeral John D. , Hosman Thomas , Saab Jad , Flesher Sharlene N. , Vilela Marco , Franco Brian , Kelemen Jessica , Brandman David M. , Ciancibello John G. , Rezaii Paymon G. , Rosler David M. , Shenoy Krishna V. , Henderson Jaimie M. , Nurmikko Arto V. , Hochberg Leigh R.
Published: December 2019

Individuals with neurological disease or injury such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal cord injury or stroke may become tetraplegic, unable to speak or even locked-in. For people with these conditions, current assistive technologies are often ineffective. Brain-computer interfaces are being developed to enhance independence and restore communication in the absence of physical movement. Over the past decade, individuals with tetraplegia have achieved rapid on-screen typing and point-and-click control of tablet apps using intracortical brain-computer interfaces (iBCIs) that decode intended arm and hand movements from neural signals recorded by implanted microelectrode arrays. However, cables used to convey neural signals from the brain tether participants to amplifiers and decoding computers and require expert oversight during use, severely limiting when and where iBCIs could be available for use. Here, we demonstrate the first human use of a wireless broadband iBCI. Based on a prototype system previously used in pre-clinical research, we replaced the external cables of a 192-electrode iBCI with wireless transmitters and achieved high-resolution recording and decoding of broadband field potentials and spiking activity from people with paralysis. Two participants in an ongoing pilot clinical trial performed on-screen item selection tasks to assess iBCI-enabled cursor control. Communication bitrates were equivalent between cabled and wireless configurations. Participants also used the wireless iBCI to control a standard commercial tablet computer to browse the web and use several mobile applications. Within-day comparison of cabled and wireless interfaces evaluated bit error rate, packet loss, and the recovery of spike rates and spike waveforms from the recorded neural signals. In a representative use case, the wireless system recorded intracortical signals from two arrays in one participant continuously through a 24-hour period at home. Wireless multi-electrode recording of broadband neural signals over extended periods introduces a valuable tool for human neuroscience research and is an important step toward practical deployment of iBCI technology for independent use by individuals with paralysis. On-demand access to high-performance iBCI technology in the home promises to enhance independence and restore communication and mobility for individuals with severe motor impairment.
Explainable Deep Relational Networks for Predicting Compound-Protein Affinities and Contacts
Authors: Karimi Mostafa , Wu Di , Wang Zhangyang , Shen Yang
Published: December 2019

Predicting compound-protein affinity is beneficial for accelerating drug discovery. Doing so without the often-unavailable structure data is gaining interest. However, recent progress in structure-free affinity prediction, made by machine learning, focuses on accuracy but leaves much to be desired for interpretability. Defining inter-molecular contacts underlying affinities as a vehicle for interpretability, our large-scale interpretability assessment finds previously-used attention mechanisms inadequate. We thus formulate a hierarchical multi-objective learning problem whose predicted contacts form the basis for predicted affinities. And we solve the problem by embedding protein sequences (by hierarchical recurrent neural networks) and compound graphs (by graph neural networks) with joint attentions between protein residues and compound atoms. We further introduce three methodological advances to enhance interpretability: (1) structure-aware regularization of attentions using protein sequence-predicted solvent exposure and residue-residue contact maps; (2) supervision of attentions using known inter-molecular contacts in training data; and (3) an intrinsically explainable architecture where atomic-level contacts or “relations” lead to molecular-level affinity prediction. The first two and all three advances result in DeepAffinity+ and DeepRelations, respectively. Our methods show generalizability in affinity prediction for molecules that are new and dissimilar to training examples. Moreover, they show superior interpretability compared to state-of-the-art interpretable methods: with similar or better affinity prediction, they boost the AUPRC of contact prediction by around 33, 35, 10, and 9-fold for the default test, new-compound, new-protein, and both-new sets, respectively. We further demonstrate their potential utilities in contact-assisted docking, structure-free binding site prediction, and structure-activity relationship studies without docking. Our study represents the first model development and systematic model assessment dedicated to interpretable machine learning for structure-free compound-protein affinity prediction.
Graded, multi-dimensional intragroup and intergroup variations in primary progressive aphasia and post-stroke aphasia
Authors: Ingram Ruth U. , Halai Ajay D. , Pobric Gorana , Sajjadi Seyed , Patterson Karalyn , Lambon Ralph Matthew A.
Published: December 2019

Language impairments caused by stroke (post-stroke aphasia) and neurodegeneration (primary progressive aphasia) have overlapping symptomatology, nomenclature and are classically divided into categorical subtypes. Surprisingly, primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and post-stroke aphasia (PSA) have rarely been directly compared in detail. Rather previous studies have compared certain subtypes (e.g., semantic variants) or have focussed on a specific cognitive/linguistic task (e.g., reading). This study assessed a large range of linguistic and cognitive tasks across the full spectra of PSA and PPA. We applied varimax-rotated principal component analysis to explore the underlying structure of the variance in the assessment scores. Similar phonological, semantic and fluency-related components were found for PSA and PPA. A combined principal component analysis across the two aetiologies revealed graded intragroup and intergroup variations on all four extracted components. Classification analysis was employed to test, formally, whether there were any categorical boundaries for any subtypes of PPA or PSA. Semantic dementia proved to form a true diagnostic category (i.e., within group homogeneity and distinct between group differences), whereas there was considerable overlap and graded variations within and between other subtypes of PPA and PSA. These results suggest that (a) a multi-dimensional rather than categorical classification system may be a better conceptualisation of aphasia from both causes, and (b) despite the very different types of pathology, these broad classes of aphasia have considerable features in common.
Dopamine Genotype Interacts with Inter-Individual Licking Received on Later-Life Licking Provisioning in Female Rat Offspring
Authors: Lauby Samantha C. , Ashbrook David G. , Malik Hannan R. , Chatterjee Diptendu , Pan Pauline , Fleming Alison S. , McGowan Patrick O.
Published: December 2019

In most mammals, mothers exhibit natural variations in care that propagate between generations of female offspring. However, there is limited information on genetic variation that influences this propagation. We assessed early-life maternal care received by individual female rat offspring in relation to genetic polymorphisms linked to dopaminergic activity, maternal care provisioning, and dopaminergic activity in the maternal brain. We also conducted a systematic analysis of other genetic variants potentially related to maternal behavior in our Long-Evans rat population. We found that dopamine receptor 2 (rs107017253) variation interacted with the relationship between early-life maternal care received and dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens which, in turn, were associated with later-life maternal care provisioning. We also discovered and validated new variants that were predicted by our systematic analysis. Our findings suggest that genetic variation influences the relationship between maternal care received and maternal care provisioning, similar to findings in human populations.