bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction in SLEDAI is associated with improved arterial stiffness in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Du Tian , Pang Haiyu , Ding Faming , Ye Yicong , Li Mengtao , Yang Xufei , Zhang Yang , Zeng Xiaofeng , Zhang Shuyang
Published: November 2020

Lipid abnormalities are an important cause of premature atherosclerosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This longitudinal study investigates the changes in lipid profile and arterial stiffness with SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) reduction.

Fifty one female SLE patients with baseline SLEDAI ≥ 6 and SLEDAI reduction >3 at 1-year follow-up were included. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and mean brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were measured and compared between baseline and 1-year follow-up. Correlations between inflammation biomarkers, SLEDAI, mean baPWV and lipid profile were assessed.

We observed significant decreases in ESR, mean baPWV, TG and TC to HDL-C ratio compared with baseline at 1-year follow up, while HDL-C, hsCRP, and NLR were not significantly changed. Significant correlations were found between the reductions in ESR and TG, and SLEDAI and mean baPWV, with adjustment to age, disease duration, blood pressure, and medications (prednisone, immunosuppressants and ARB/ACEI).

SLE patients experiencing SLEDAI reductions showed improvements in arterial stiffness. This finding may provide insight into the beneficial effects of reducing SLEDAI on atherosclerosis risk in SLE.
Effects of acupuncture for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Zang Xiaoming , Sun Mi , Xian Jin , Yu Huijuan , Zhang Xin , Zhang Changyun , Tan Qiwen
Published: November 2020

Background:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multisystem disease, which may develop gradually into nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis. As a classical method of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been used to treat NAFLD in clinical practice. However, there is no systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture on NAFLD. There is an urgent need to evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture for NAFLD.

Methods:

We will perform a comprehensive retrieval in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science), Epistemonikos, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed), and other databases from their inception to October 2020. We will select the qualified studies for data extraction and assess the quality and risk of bias, independently. The meta-analyses will be conducted by using the RevMan 5.3.

Results:

This study will provide a reliable basis for the treatment of NAFLD with acupuncture.

Conclusion:

The findings will be an available reference to evaluate whether acupuncture is an effective intervention for patient with NAFLD.

OSF registration number:

10.17605/OSF.IO/VFYXH.
The effect of meditative movement on the quality of life in patients recovering from COVID-19
Authors: Wang Yanhong , Luo Gongwen , Shen Mou , Ge Xin , Huang Yanyan , Wei Tian , Chen Xianchuan
Published: November 2020

Background:

The outbreak of a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)-infected pneumonia is currently ongoing all over the world. The treatment scheme is generally isolation treatment and symptomatic support treatment. While the majority of patients recover from this disease through methods above, COVID-19 Infection severely affect the physical and mental health of rehabilitation patients, as well as their living quality. Thus, meditative movement is needed to improve outcome of COVID-19 patients in recovery period.

Methods:

We will conduct systematic searches to identify all relevant studies without any language limitation from the following electronic databases from inception to October 2020: Medline, Ovid, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System and Wan fang Database. At the same time, we will search the following Clinical trial registries to identify records of on-going or completed but not yet published trials, including WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), Trials Register of Promoting Health Interventions (TRoPHI) and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR). No limits will be placed on language. The article will study the effect of meditative movement on the quality of life of convalescent patients. The main outcome will be the effect of meditative movement on the quality of life of patients in recovery period. The secondary results will select accompanying symptoms (including myalgia, cough, sputum, runny nose, pharyngalgia, anhelation, chest distress, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea), disappearance rate, negative COVID-19 results rate on 2 consecutive occasions (not on the same day), the quality of life improved, CT image improvement, average hospitalization time, occurrence rate of common type to severe form, clinical cure rate, and mortality. Data collection and management 3 authors will independently carry out data from eligible studies in a pretested and standardized Microsoft Excel sheet, with reciprocal validation of data extraction results. Data analysis and quantitative data synthesis will be performed using RevMan software (V.5.3).

Results:

The findings of the study will provide new and relatively high-quality evidence in meditative movement treatment for COVID-19.

Conclusion:

The conclusion of systematic review will provide evidence to judge whether meditative movement is an effective intervention for patient with COVID-19 in recovery period.

PROSPERO registration number:

CRD42020210256.
Acupuncture for diabetic neuropathic pain
Authors: Wang Liqin , Gao Zhaohong , Niu Xiangru , Yuan Meiqi , Li Yan , Wang Fei , Guo Chuang , Ren Zhen
Published: November 2020

Background:

Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, it severely affects the quality of life of Diabetic patients. Acupuncture is proofed to have favorable effects in treating DNP, however, evidence needs to be gathered and interpreted. We will make a comprehensive review of clinical trials concerning acupuncture in treating DNP and do meta-analysis if possible.

Method:

The following databases will be searched from the inception to September 2020: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan-Fang Database, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database. RCTs that evaluated acupuncture for patients with DNP will be included. The primary outcome will be patient-reported pain intensity using validated scales or verbal reporting. The secondary outcomes including the Toronto clinical scoring system, Sensory Nerve Conduction Velocity, Motor Nerve Conduction Velocity, and quality of life. The study selection, data extraction, and study quality evaluation will be performed independently by 2 researchers. A meta-analysis will be performed using RevMan V5.3 statistical software if possible; otherwise, descriptive analysis or subgroup analysis will be conducted. The quality of evidence for outcomes will be assessed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results:

This study will evaluate the effect and safety of acupuncture in treating DNP.

Conclusions:

The evidence we generated from the present study will provide more options for DNP management in clinical practice.

Systematic review registration:

INPLASY202090043.
Diagnosis and differentiation of mature cystic teratoma of pancreas from its mimics
Authors: Zhou Xin he , Ma Ji Kong , Valluru Bimbadhar , Sharma Kalyan , Liu Ling , Hu Jin Bo
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

Mature cystic teratoma originating in the pancreas is very unusual, often observed as an incidental finding during routine examinations or recognized perioperatively as the patients present with very unspecific clinical symptoms. The confirmatory diagnosis of a pancreatic cystic teratoma is generally made by histopathology after surgical excision. So, the preoperative diagnosis is very challenging, especially differentiation from the other pancreatic pathologies.

Patient concerns:

A 23-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with a complaint of mild grade periumbilical abdominal pain. A pancreatic mass was revealed on a preliminary abdominal ultrasound examination. Her medical history was unremarkable with no long-standing illness or malignancy.

Diagnosis:

Mature cystic teratoma in the head of the pancreas.

Interventions:

Roux-enY choledochojejunostomy with gastrojejunostomy was performed, excising the tumor from the pancreatic head.

Outcomes:

The postoperative course was uneventful; the patient was asymptomatic and has no evidence of recurrence on a 2-year follow up.

Conclusions:

Pancreatic cystic teratoma is a benign, well-differentiated, and extremely rare congenital tumor. MRI is the choice of imaging modality and phase-GRE or fat suppression is the best technique for pre-operative diagnosis.
Association of elevated inflammatory markers and severe COVID-19
Authors: Ji Pan , Zhu Jieyun , Zhong Zhimei , Li Hongyuan , Pang Jielong , Li Bocheng , Zhang Jianfeng
Published: November 2020

Our study aimed to assess the existing evidence on whether severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with elevated inflammatory markers.

The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang, and China Science and Technology Journal databases were searched to identify studies published between January 1 and April 21, 2020 that assayed inflammatory markers in COVID-19 patients. Three reviewers independently examined the literature, extracted relevant data, and assessed the risk of publication bias before including the meta-analysis studies.

Fifty-six studies involving 8719 COVID-19 patients were identified. Meta-analysis showed that patients with severe disease showed elevated levels of white blood cell count (WMD: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.78–1.52), C-reactive protein (WMD: 38.85, 95% CI: 31.19–46.52), procalcitonin (WMD: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.06–0.11), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (WMD: 10.15, 95% CI: 5.03–15.46), interleukin-6 (WMD: 23.87, 95% CI: 15.95–31.78), and interleukin-10 (WMD: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.97–2.28). Similarly, COVID-19 patients who died during follow-up showed significantly higher levels of white blood cell count (WMD: 4.11, 95% CI: 3.25–4.97), C-reactive protein (WMD: 74.18, 95% CI: 56.63–91.73), procalcitonin (WMD: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.11–0.42), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (WMD: 10.94, 95% CI: 4.79–17.09), and interleukin-6 (WMD: 59.88, 95% CI: 19.46–100.30) than survivors.

Severe COVID-19 is associated with higher levels of inflammatory markers than a mild disease, so tracking these markers may allow early identification or even prediction of disease progression.
Predicting a rapid response to adalimumab treatment and favorable short-term outcomes through the high platelet count in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Sakemi Ryosuke , Miyakawa Maki , Tanaka Hiroki , Nasuno Masanao , Motoya Satoshi , Tanuma Tokuma , Ishii Manabu , Yanagisawa Hideyuki , Yamashita Masaki , Toita Nariaki , Suzuki Ryo , Kobayashi Toshihisa , Nojima Masanori , So Suketo
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to investigate the short-term effectiveness of adalimumab therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), especially its rapid response.

This retrospective, multicenter, cohort study involved 7 institutes in Japan, compiling data from patients with UC who had received at least 1 induction dose of 160 mg of adalimumab between June 2013 and May 2017. Patients should have a Lichtiger clinical activity index score of ≥5 at the initial adalimumab administration. Remission was defined as clinical activity index score of ≤4, whereas response was defined as a reduction of ≥50% from the baseline value. Rapid responders are defined as patients who achieved response at 2 weeks.

A total of 91 patients were included in this study: 37.4% and 45.1% achieved clinical response at 2 and 8 weeks, respectively, whereas clinical remission rates 12 weeks were 45.1%. Among the rapid responders, 82.4% achieved clinical remission at 12 weeks. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified a higher platelet count as an independent prognostic factor for a higher rate of rapid response. Receiver operating characteristic curve showed that a platelet counts cutoff value of ≥312 × 109/L was associated with a rapid response.

Approximately 40% of patients with UC showed a rapid response to adalimumab therapy after 2 weeks. Up to 80% of the rapid responders also achieved remission at 12 weeks. A higher platelet count was identified as an independent prognostic factor for a higher rapid response rate.
Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Jilin, China
Authors: Liu Han , Gao Jinying , Wang Yangyang , Jie Jing , Luo Jingjing , Xu You , Sun Hongying , Song Lei , Li Dan , Peng Liping , Hua Shucheng
Published: November 2020

Coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic. To add to the scarce information on this disease, here, we investigated the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 93 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Jilin, China from January 22 to March 15, 2020.

We retrospectively investigated the demographic information, recent exposure history, clinical symptoms or signs, comorbidity, chest computed tomographic (CT) scan or X-ray results, laboratory test results, diagnostic classification, treatment, length of hospitalization, complications, and outcomes.

Of the 93 patients, 54 were male and 39 female. More than half of these patients had a history of exposure to infected patients. The mean incubation period was 10.4 days in 87 patients, where the data was available. The 5 most common symptoms of illness onset were fever, cough, expectoration, fatigue, and dyspnea. One patient was asymptomatic. The imaging results were abnormal in majority of the patients. Almost one-third of the patients had lymphopenia. All patients received antiviral therapy, 84 patients were treated with antibiotics and 54 received different doses of the hormone for methylprednisolone. In addition, 72 patients used traditional Chinese medicine. Oxygen therapy, high nasal flow oxygen, non-invasive ventilator, invasive ventilator and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) were used symptomatically in different patients. Except 1 patient who died during treatment, all others were discharged.

The average incubation time is prolonged in the present analysis, as compared to that in other reports. A few patients symptoms improved but CT exacerbated. Therefore, we suggest that close follow-up observation is still required after discharge.
John (Jake) Macmillan. 13 September 1924—12 May 2014
Authors: Simpson Thomas J. , Willis Christine L.
Published: November 2020

Jake MacMillan, although by training and personal acclamation ‘first and foremost an organic chemist’, was one of the UK's most brilliant interdisciplinary scientists. A pioneer in the field of bioorganic chemistry, he was practising what we would now call synthetic biology 40 years before the term was coined. A young PhD student or post-doctoral research associate joining his group would mix with chemists, plant physiologists, fungal geneticists and enzymologists as well as being exposed to internationally leading natural product chemistry, advanced organic synthesis, mechanistic studies and state-of-the-art analytical methods, including emerging techniques such as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. His multidisciplinary approach to tackling major problems at the chemistry–biology interface was undoubtedly influenced by his early research career working in the famed Butterfield (later Akers) Laboratory set up by ICI as a basic research establishment in the grounds of a Victorian house, The Frythe. There, he isolated and elucidated the structure of the important antifungal agent griseofulvin, before initiating his life-long interest in the gibberellins. These diterpenoid natural products were originally isolated as phytotoxic fungal metabolites, before their role as essential plant-growth regulators present in all higher plants was established. He moved to Bristol in 1963 to commence an academic career as a lecturer at the relatively advanced age of 39. He became the world authority on the chemistry, biosynthesis and biology of the gibberellins, rising through the academic ranks to be awarded a personal chair in 1978.
Water-dispersible unadulterated α-mangostin particles for biomedical applications
Authors: Bumrung Jutamad , Chanchao Chanpen , Intasanta Varol , Palaga Tanapat , Wanichwecharungruang Supason
Published: November 2020

α-Mangostin, the extract from pericarp of

Garcinia mangostana
L

. or mangosteen fruit, has been applied in various biomedical products because of its minimal skin irritation, and prominent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immune-modulating activities. Owing to its low water solubility, the particle formulations are necessary for the applications of α-mangostin in aqueous media. The particle formulations are usually prepared using surfactants and/or polymers, usually at a larger amount of these auxiliaries than the amount of α-mangostin itself. Here, we show the self-assembly of α-mangostin molecules into water-dispersible particles without a need of any polymers/surfactants. Investigations on chemical structure, crystallinity and thermal properties of the obtained α-mangostin particles, in comparison to the conventional α-mangostin crystalline solid, confirm no formation of the new compound during the particle formation and suggest changes in intermolecular interactions among α-mangostin molecules and significantly more hydroxyl functionality positioned at the particles' surface. The ability of the water suspension of the α-mangostin to inhibit the growth of
Propionibacterium acnes
, the acne-causing bacteria, is similar to that of the solution of the conventional α-mangostin in 5% dimethyl sulfoxide. Moreover, at 12.7 ppm in an aqueous environment of RAW 264.7 cell culture, α-mangostin suspension exhibits five times higher anti-inflammatory activity than the conventional α-mangostin solution, with the same acceptable cytotoxicity of less than 20% cell death.
Postural stability in human running with step-down perturbations: an experimental and numerical study
Authors: Drama Özge , Vielemeyer Johanna , Badri-Spröwitz Alexander , Müller Roy
Published: November 2020

Postural stability is one of the most crucial elements in bipedal locomotion. Bipeds are dynamically unstable and need to maintain their trunk upright against the rotations induced by the ground reaction forces (GRFs), especially when running. Gait studies report that the GRF vectors focus around a virtual point above the centre of mass (VP
A
), while the trunk moves forward in pitch axis during the stance phase of human running. However, a recent simulation study suggests that a virtual point below the centre of mass (VP
B
) might be present in human running, because a VP
A
yields backward trunk rotation during the stance phase. In this work, we perform a gait analysis to investigate the existence and location of the VP in human running at 5 m s
−1
, and support our findings numerically using the spring-loaded inverted pendulum model with a trunk. We extend our analysis to include perturbations in terrain height (visible and camouflaged), and investigate the response of the VP mechanism to step-down perturbations both experimentally and numerically. Our experimental results show that the human running gait displays a VP
B
of ≈−30 cm and a forward trunk motion during the stance phase. The camouflaged step-down perturbations affect the location of the VP
B
. Our simulation results suggest that the VP
B
is able to encounter the step-down perturbations and bring the system back to its initial equilibrium state.
ACE inhibition and cardiometabolic risk factors, lungACE2andTMPRSS2gene expression, and plasma ACE2 levels: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Gill Dipender , Arvanitis Marios , Carter Paul , Hernández Cordero Ana I. , Jo Brian , Karhunen Ville , Larsson Susanna C. , Li Xuan , Lockhart Sam M. , Mason Amy , Pashos Evanthia , Saha Ashis , Tan Vanessa Y. , Zuber Verena , Bossé Yohan , Fahle Sarah , Hao Ke , Jiang Tao , Joubert Philippe , Lunt Alan C. , Ouwehand Willem Hendrik , Roberts David J. , Timens Wim , van den Berge Maarten , Watkins Nicholas A. , Battle Alexis , Butterworth Adam S. , Danesh John , Di Angelantonio Emanuele , Engelhardt Barbara E. , Peters James E. , Sin Don D. , Burgess Stephen
Published: November 2020

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and serine protease TMPRSS2 have been implicated in cell entry for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The expression ofACE2andTMPRSS2in the lung epithelium might have implications for the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severity of COVID-19. We use human genetic variants that proxy angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor drug effects and cardiovascular risk factors to investigate whether these exposures affect lungACE2andTMPRSS2gene expression and circulating ACE2 levels. We observed no consistent evidence of an association of genetically predicted serum ACE levels with any of our outcomes. There was weak evidence for an association of genetically predicted serum ACE levels withACE2gene expression in the Lung eQTL Consortium (p= 0.014), but this finding did not replicate. There was evidence of a positive association of genetic liability to type 2 diabetes mellitus with lungACE2gene expression in the Gene-Tissue Expression (GTEx) study (p= 4 × 10−4) and with circulating plasma ACE2 levels in the INTERVAL study (p= 0.03), but not with lungACE2expression in the Lung eQTL Consortium study (p= 0.68). There were no associations of genetically proxied liability to the other cardiometabolic traits with any outcome. This study does not provide consistent evidence to support an effect of serum ACE levels (as a proxy for ACE inhibitors) or cardiometabolic risk factors on lungACE2andTMPRSS2expression or plasma ACE2 levels.
Linear relationship of normal and tangential contact stiffness with load
Authors: Parel K. S. , Paynter R. J. , Nowell D.
Published: November 2020

Measurements with digital image correlation of normal and tangential contact stiffness for ground Ti-6Al-4V interfaces suggest a linear relationship between normal contact stiffness and normal load and a linear relationship between tangential contact stiffness and tangential load. The normal contact stiffness is observed approximately to be inversely proportional to an equivalent surface roughness parameter, defined for two surfaces in contact. The ratio of the tangential contact stiffness to the normal contact stiffness at the start of tangential loading is seen to be given approximately by the Mindlin ratio. A simple empirical model is proposed to estimate both the normal and tangential contact stiffness at different loads for a ground Ti-6Al-4V interface, on the basis of the equivalent surface roughness and the coefficient of friction.
Fluctuation theorem and extended thermodynamics of turbulence
Authors: Porporato Amilcare , Hooshyar Milad , Bragg Andrew D. , Katul Gabriel
Published: November 2020

Turbulent flows are out-of-equilibrium because the energy supply at large scales and its dissipation by viscosity at small scales create a net transfer of energy among all scales. This energy cascade is modelled by approximating the spectral energy balance with a nonlinear Fokker–Planck equation consistent with accepted phenomenological theories of turbulence. The steady-state contributions of the drift and diffusion in the corresponding Langevin equation, combined with the killing term associated with the dissipation, induce a stochastic energy transfer across wavenumbers. The fluctuation theorem is shown to describe the scale-wise statistics of forward and backward energy transfer and their connection to irreversibility and entropy production. The ensuing turbulence entropy is used to formulate an extended turbulence thermodynamics.
Extinction of herbivorous dinosaurs linked to Early Jurassic global warming event
Authors: Pol D. , Ramezani J. , Gomez K. , Carballido J. L. , Carabajal A. Paulina , Rauhut O. W. M. , Escapa I. H. , Cúneo N. R.
Published: November 2020

Sauropods, the giant long-necked dinosaurs, became the dominant group of large herbivores in terrestrial ecosystems after multiple related lineages became extinct towards the end of the Early Jurassic (190–174 Ma). The causes and precise timing of this key faunal change, as well as the origin of eusauropods (true sauropods), have remained ambiguous mainly due to the scarce dinosaurian fossil record of this time. The terrestrial sedimentary successions of the Cañadón Asfalto Basin in central Patagonia (Argentina) document this critical interval of dinosaur evolution. Here, we report a new dinosaur with a nearly complete skull that is the oldest eusauropod known to date and provide high-precision U–Pb geochronology that constrains in time the rise of eusauropods in Patagonia. We show that eusauropod dominance was established after a massive magmatic event impacting southern Gondwana (180–184 Ma) and coincided with severe perturbations to the climate and a drastic decrease in the floral diversity characterized by the rise of conifers with small scaly leaves. Floral and faunal records from other regions suggest these were global changes that impacted the terrestrial ecosystems during the Toarcian warming event and formed part of a second-order mass extinction event.
Venice: A New Algorithm for Finding Marker Genes in Single-Cell Transcriptomic Data
Authors: Vuong Hy , Truong Thao , Phan Tan , Pham Son
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Most widely used tools for finding marker genes in single cell data (SeuratT/NegBinom/Poisson, CellRanger, EdgeR, limmatrend) use a conventional definition ofdifferentially expressed genes: genes with different mean expression values. However, in single-cell data, a cell population can be a mixture of many cell types/cell states, hence the mean expression of genes cannot represent the whole population. In addition, these tools assume that gene expression of a population belongs to a specific family of distribution. This assumption is often violated in single-cell data. In this work, we define marker genes of a cell population as genes that can be used to distinguish cells in the population from cells in other populations. Besides log-fold change, we devise a new metric to classify genes into up-regulated, down-regulated, and transitional states. In a benchmark for finding up-regulated and down-regulated genes, our tool outperforms all compared methods, including Seurat, ROTS, scDD, edgeR, MAST, limma, normal t-test, Wilcoxon and Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Our method is much faster than all compared methods, therefore, enables interactive analysis for large single-cell data sets in BioTuring Browser. Venice algorithm is available within Signac package:https://github.com/bioturing/signac1).
Enzyme specific isotope effects of the Nap and Nar nitrate reductases
Authors: Asamoto Ciara K. , Rempfert Kaitlin R. , Luu Victoria H. , Younkin Adam D. , Kopf Sebastian H.
Published: November 2020

Dissimilatory nitrate reduction (DNR) to nitrite is the first step in denitrification, the main process through which bioavailable nitrogen is removed from ecosystems. DNR fractionates the stable isotopes of nitrogen (14N,15N) and oxygen (16O,18O) and thus imparts an isotopic signature on residual pools of nitrate in many environments. Data on the relationship between the resulting isotopic pattern in oxygen versus nitrogen isotopes (18ε /15ε) suggests systematic differences exist between marine and terrestrial ecosystems that are not fully understood. DNR can be catalyzed by both cytosolic (Nar) and periplasmic (Nap) nitrate reductases, and previous work has revealed differences in their18ε /15ε isotopic signatures. In this study, we thus examine the18ε /15ε of six different nitrate-reducing microorganisms that encode Nar, Nap or both enzymes, as well gene deletion mutants of the enzymes’ catalytic subunits (NarG and NapA) to test the hypothesis that enzymatic differences alone could explain the environmental observations. We find that the distribution of the18ε /15ε fractionation ratios of all examined nitrate reductases form two distinct, non-overlapping peaks centered around a18ε /15ε proportionality of 0.55 and a18ε /15ε proportionality of 0.91, respectively. All Nap reductases studied to date cluster around the lower proportionality (0.55) and none exceed a18ε /15ε proportionality of 0.68. Almost all Nar reductases, on the contrary, cluster tightly around the higher proportionality (0.91) with no values below a18ε /15ε proportionality of 0.84 with the notable exception of the Nar reductases from the genusBacilluswhich fall around 0.62 and thus closely resemble the isotopic fingerprints of the Nap reductases. Our findings confirm the existence of two remarkably distinct isotopic end-members in the dissimilatory nitrate reductases that could indeed explain differences in coupled N and O isotope fractionation between marine and terrestrial systems, and almost but not fully match reductase phylogeny.
Involuntary Attrition in Indian Information Technology Firms (A)
Authors: Sohani Shrihari S , Varkkey Biju
Published: November 2020

The case highlights the concern of involuntary attrition in Indian information technology firms. With rapidly changing technology landscape, firms are resorting to restructuring exercise resulting in job loss for middle-level professionals. The case focuses the spotlight on the grey area of employment laws and forces a rethink on the applicability of labor laws to the IT/ITES sector. The case encourages discussion on the lack of collectivisation in the industry. It also introduces the concept of self-directed learning as opposed to firm directed learning as essential to remain viable in the knowledge-based labour market.
Falcon Maritime India Private Limited (FMI): Hiring a CEO
Authors: Maheshwari Sunil Kumar , Bhat Ramesh
Published: November 2020

The case deals with the hiring of a CEO for a newly established business by an existing group. The Chairman of the Group was of the view that the Group should hire stars from various multinational companies and raise its professional level, even if it required changing the culture of the Group. The case discusses the business plan and risk of business and an approach of linking the incentive system with the cash flow requirements and risks of the business.
eFashion Inc. Warehouse (A)
Authors: Roy Debjit
Published: November 2020

Design of a warehouse includes estimating the number of storage location, establishing the number of tiers, aisles etc. Optimal warehouse design affects the order pick time and customer delivery performance. The participant will use concepts from inventory management to obtain the number of storage spaces and also learn to partition the warehouse space into a forward and a reserve area. Such partition will allow to minimize the throughput times.
COVID-19 and India: what next?
Authors: Behl Ramesh , Mishra Manit
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The study aims to carry out predictive modeling based on publicly available COVID-19 data for the duration April 01, 2020 to June 20, 2020 pertaining to India and five of its most infected states: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study leverages the susceptible, infected, recovered and dead (SIRD) epidemiological framework for predictive modeling. The basic reproduction number R0 is derived by an exponential growth method using RStudio package R0. The differential equations reflecting the SIRD model have been solved using Python 3.7.4 on the Jupyter Notebook platform. For visualization, Python Matplotlib 3.2.1 package is used.

Findings

The study offers insights on peak-date, peak number of COVID-19 infections and end-date pertaining to India and five of its states.

Practical implications

The results subtly indicate toward the amount of effort required to completely eliminate the infection. It could be leveraged by the political leadership and industry doyens for economic policy planning and execution.

Originality/value

The emergence of a clear picture about COVID-19 lifecycle is impossible without integrating data science algorithms and epidemiology theoretical framework. This study amalgamates these two disciplines to undertake predictive modeling based on COVID-19 data from India and five of its states. Population-specific granular and objective assessment of key parameters such as reproduction number (R0), susceptible population (S), effective contact rate (ß) and case-fatality rate (s) have been used to generate a visualization of COVID-19 lifecycle pattern for a critically affected population.
Service integration for improved diabetic and dental care: exploring an effective model for optimising health outcomes
Authors: Obeng Isaac S. , Ogamba Ikedinachi K.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study identifies and synthesizes existing literature on the integration of diabetic and dental services and explores a service integration model for optimising diabetic patient health outcomes and improving healthcare systems in low and middle-income countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Peer-reviewed literature that analysed the integration of health services regarding dental and medical services were reviewed. The articles were identified using the Academic Search Complete, Business Source Complete, CINAHL Complete, Google Scholar and MEDLINE databases and screened using the PRISMA guidelines.

Findings

A total of 40 full-text articles were examined for eligibility out of which 26 were selected for analysis. Diabetes was shown to contribute significantly to the global disease burden and this is also reflected in most low and middle-income countries. It is found that the integration of medical and dental services could help alleviate this burden. Hence, locally adapted Rainbow-Modified Integrated Care model is proposed to fill this integration gap.

Originality

The integration of dental and medical services has been proven to be useful in improving diabetic patient outcomes. Hence, the need to facilitate cross-professional collaboration between dentists and physicians cannot be overemphasised and this can be extended and locally adapted by different health systems across the world.

Practice Implications

The integration of dental and diabetic services using models such as the Rainbow Model of Integrated Care is recommended to optimise health outcomes of diabetic patients and enhancing service delivery, especially in resource-poor healthcare systems.
Committee strength in parliamentary democracies: A new index
Authors: ZUBEK RADOSLAW
Published: November 2020

Much recent research on coalitions and policy‐making in parliamentary democracies requires high‐quality data on the strength of legislative institutions. In this article, I introduce a new index of committee policing strength which improves on existing measures in important ways. I specify key index parameters using a binary rooted tree model and engage human coders to score formal rules. I obtain a novel time series of committee policing strength in 17 western and eastern European democracies since 1945. I validate the new estimates through convergent validation and discuss ways in which the new index contributes to future work.
Counter‐terrorism policies in the Middle East: Why democracy has failed to reduce terrorism in the Middle East and why protecting human rights might be more successful
Authors: Morris Nancy A. , LaFree Gary , Karlidag Eray
Published: November 2020

Most quantitative research examining predictors of country‐level terrorism have used worldwide samples which potentially obscures regional or country‐specific effects. This may be especially problematic for regions in which common predictors of political violence differ from what is expected based on worldwide patterns. In this paper we explore the possibility that this situation exists for several key predictors of terrorism in the Middle East since the 1980s. For much of the past thirty years US policy has focused on the promotion of democracy and reduction of state‐based human rights violations in the Middle East, yet very few studies have quantitatively examined the effects of these variables on terrorism among Middle Eastern countries. Using Global Terrorism Data for 18 Middle Eastern countries from 1980 to 2016, we find annual increases in state‐based human rights violations and increasing democratization are both related to increases in terrorist attacks.

Policy Implications

Our results suggest that counter‐terrorism policies that discourage state‐based acts of repression, and foster state‐based legitimacy hold more promise for reducing terrorism than policies that focus on the promotion of democracy in Middle Eastern countries.
Acinic cell carcinoma of the salivary gland in the adult and paediatric population: a survival analysis
Authors: Sideris Anders , Rao Amshuman , Maher Nigel , Parker Andrew , Crawford Julia , Smee Robert , Jacobson Ian , Gallagher Richard
Published: November 2020

Background

Acinic cell carcinoma (AcCC) is a rare malignant neoplasm of the salivary glands and generally considered to be a low‐grade tumour. Surgical treatment is often curative, but a more aggressive high‐grade variant has been associated with poorer survival and propensity for distant metastasis. No standard treatment guidelines exist and the approach to treatment is varied in the published series. The aim of this study is to present the experience of three major hospitals in Sydney, Australia, in treating AcCC of the salivary gland, with a focus on clinico‐pathological features of disease and their associations with survival outcomes.

Methods

Adult and paediatric cases of AcCC of the salivary gland during the time period 1979–2018 were retrospectively included. Demographic, clinico‐pathological, treatment and survival outcome data were extracted. Survival analysis was undertaken to assess the effect of clinical and pathological variables on overall and disease‐free survival.

Results

Thirty‐two cases were reviewed (29 adult and three paediatric). Thirty tumours (93.8%) were parotid gland primary tumours. Mean overall and disease‐free survival was 17.0 ± 0.7 and 16.0 ± 0.9 years, respectively. Features associated with poorer survival were cT staging >1, presence of preoperative clinical facial nerve deficit and local recurrence. Positive margins were associated with recurrence.

Conclusion

These data suggest that disease‐free and overall survival in AcCC of the salivary gland is excellent with surgery as the first‐line treatment. Poor survival outcomes are uncommon and may be associated with locally advanced disease in the presence of other well‐established high‐risk features.
Comparative performance of head ultrasound and MRI in detecting preterm brain injury and predicting outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Guillot Mireille , Sebastianski Meghan , Lemyre Brigitte
Published: November 2020

Aim

To systematically review the literature to compare the performance of head ultrasound (HUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in their ability to detect brain injury and their predictive value for neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Methods

This was a systematic review based on literature search in three electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library) and additional sources for studies on routine brain injury screening in preterm neonates published during 2000–May 2020. Studies were included if they reported on the comparative performance of HUS and MRI in detecting preterm brain injury and/or their predictive value for neurodevelopmental outcomes. Findings from the included studies underwent narrative synthesis.

Results

Forty‐six studies were included. In comparison with HUS, MRI detected more anomalies and provided more details on the severity and the extent of preterm brain injury, particularly for white matter injury and cerebellar haemorrhage. Neonatal neuroimaging predicted outcomes with high negative predictive value but relatively low positive predictive value. The prognostic value of neonatal neuroimaging varied according to several factors including modality and timing of imaging, and tools used for grading brain injury.

Conclusion

Compared with HUS, MRI offers a better characterisation of preterm brain injury and may enhance the ability to predict neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Clinical significance of CD28 gene‐related activating alterations in adult T‐cell leukaemia/lymphoma
Authors: Sakamoto Yuma , Ishida Takashi , Masaki Ayako , Takeshita Morishige , Iwasaki Hiromi , Yonekura Kentaro , Tashiro Yukie , Ito Asahi , Kusumoto Shigeru , Utsunomiya Atae , Iida Shinsuke , Ueda Ryuzo , Inagaki Hiroshi
Published: November 2020

Multiple oncogenic events are involved in the development of adult T‐cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATL). Because CD28 plays a pivotal role in T‐cell activation, we focused on alterations of the CD28 gene in ATL. We found multiple genetic abnormalities related to CD28 among the 144 patients enrolled in the present study. These involved gene fusions with the cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 or the inducible T‐cell co‐stimulator in 14 patients (10%), CD28‐activating mutations in 3 (2%), and CD28 copy number variations in 34 (24%). Patients with such CD28 gene alterations were significantly younger than those without. In patients not receiving allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, those with CD28 gene alterations tended to have a worse prognosis than those without. Finally, patients with chronic or smouldering ATL subtypes with CD28 gene alterations had a significantly worse prognosis than those without. These findings indicate that ATL, especially chronic or smouldering subtypes, have a more aggressive clinical course and are more refractory to conventional chemotherapies or mogamulizumab if they harbour CD28 gene alterations, likely because of continuous, prolonged, and enhanced CD28 activatory signalling. Novel treatment strategies to overcome the effects of these CD28 gene alterations are warranted.
Simplified AIT for allergy to several tree pollens—Arguments from the immune outcome analyses following treatment with SQ tree SLIT‐tablet
Authors: Würtzen Peter Adler , Grønager Pernille Milvang , Lund Gitte , Gupta Shashank , Andersen Peter Sejer , Biedermann Tilo , Ipsen Henrik
Published: November 2020

Background

The SQ tree SLIT‐tablet (containing birch extract) proved clinically significant effects during the pollen season for birch as well as alder/hazel. Immune outcomes of this treatment for allergens from multiple birch homologous trees need further investigation. We hypothesize that birch pollen extract AIT modulates a highly cross‐reactive immune response and that this may be the basis for the observed clinical cross‐protection.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 397 birch allergic patients during SQ tree SLIT‐tablet or placebo treatment (1:1) for up to 40 weeks. Serum IgE and IgG4 specific to birch, and birch homologous tree pollens from alder, hazel, hornbeam, beech and chestnut were measured by ImmunoCAP. IgE‐Blocking Factor (IgE‐BF) for alder, birch and hazel during treatment was measured by Advia Centaur and blocking effects for birch and all these birch homologous tree pollens were further investigated by basophil activation (BAT). Antibody readouts were investigated in patient subsets. T‐cell responses (proliferation) to allergen extracts and peptide pools (group 1 allergens) were investigated in T‐cell lines from 29 untreated birch pollen‐allergic individuals.

Results

Significant Pearson correlations between serum IgE towards birch, alder, hazel, hornbeam and beech were observed (r‐values > .86). T‐cell reactivity was observed throughout the birch homologous group. Almost identical kinetics for changes in IgE towards birch, alder and hazel were observed during treatment and similar species‐specific changes were seen for serum‐IgG4. IgG4 reactivity towards birch and alder, hazel, hornbeam and beech correlated significantly at end‐of‐treatment (r‐values > .72). Treatment resulted in similar IgE‐BF kinetics for alder, birch, and hazel and blocking of BAT for multiple trees in most actively treated patients investigated.

Conclusions

Systematic analyses of T‐cell and antibody cross‐reactivities before and during birch pollen extract AIT provide the immunological basis for the observed clinical effect of SQ tree SLIT‐tablet treatment of tree pollen allergy induced by multiple trees in the birch homologous group.
Basal cell carcinomas of the scalp after radiotherapy for tinea capitis in childhood: A genetic and epigenetic study with comparison with basal cell carcinomas evolving in chronically sun‐exposed areas
Authors: Cardoso José Carlos , Ribeiro Ilda Patrícia , Caramelo Francisco , Tellechea Oscar , Barbosa de Melo Joana , Marques Carreira Isabel
Published: November 2020

Background

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has been mostly associated with sun exposure, but ionizing radiation is also a known risk factor. It is not clear if the pathogenesis of BCC, namely at a genomic and epigenetic level, differs according to the underlying triggering factors.

Objective

The present study aims to compare genetic and epigenetic changes in BCCs related to ionizing radiation and chronic sun exposure.

Methods

Tumor samples from BCCs of the scalp in patients submitted to radiotherapy to treat tinea capitis in childhood and BCCs from sun‐exposed areas were analysed through array comparative genomic hybridization (array‐CGH) and methylation‐specific multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MS‐MLPA) to detect copy number alterations and methylation status of specific genes.

Results

Genomic characterization of tumor samples revealed several copy number gains and losses in all chromosomes, with the most frequent gains observed at 2p, 6p, 12p, 14q, 15q, 18q, Xp and Yp, and the most frequent losses observed at 3q, 14q, 16p, 17q, 22q, Xp, Yp and Yq. We developed a statistical model, encompassing gains in 3p and 16p and losses in 14q and 20p, with potential to discriminate BCC samples with sporadic aetiology from BCC samples that evolve after radiotherapy in childhood for the treatment of tinea capitis, which presented statistical significance (P = 0.003). Few methylated genes were detected through MS‐MLPA, most frequently RARB and CD44.

Conclusions

Our study represents a step forward in the understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of BCC and suggests potential differences according to the underlying ris

k factors.
Analytical stress intensity factors and Jk‐integrals of periodic and collinear interface cracks between dissimilar orthotropic materials
Authors: Tafreshi Azam
Published: November 2020

This paper introduces an analytical expression for the stress intensity factors at the crack tips of a row of periodic and collinear cracks between infinite dissimilar orthotropic materials. The analytical Jk‐integrals of these traction‐free cracks have been presented for different material combinations, ‘crack length’/‘interval width’ ratios (λ) and various in‐plane loading conditions. Some of the analytical Jk‐integrals have been compared with the numerical values computed using the boundary element crack shape sensitivities which are in good agreement. For any in‐plane loading condition of a bimaterial plate with periodic and collinear interface cracks, the normalised J1‐integral is almost independent of λ, but there is a slight variation in the normalised J2‐integral with respect to λ. This is provided that the normalising factor is the strain energy release rate of a homogeneous plate made from one of the materials with the same ratio of λ and subject to the same loading condition.