bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Full-length transcriptome sequencing and comparative transcriptomic analysis to uncover genes involved in early gametogenesis in the gonads of Amur sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii)
Authors: Zhang Xiujuan , Zhou Jiabin , Li Linmiao , Huang Wenzhong , Ahmad Hafiz Ishfaq , Li Huiming , Jiang Haiying , Chen Jinping
Published: April 2020

Background

Sturgeons (Acipenseriformes) are polyploid chondrostean fish that constitute an important model species for studying development and evolution in vertebrates. To better understand the mechanisms of reproduction regulation in sturgeon, this study combined PacBio isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq) with Illumina short-read RNA-seq methods to discover full-length genes involved in early gametogenesis of the Amur sturgeon,Acipenser schrenckii.

Results

A total of 50.04 G subread bases were generated from two SMRT cells, and herein 164,618 nonredundant full-length transcripts (unigenes) were produced with an average length of 2782 bp from gonad tissues (three testes and four ovaries) from seven 3-year-oldA. schrenckiiindividuals. The number of ovary-specific expressed unigenes was greater than those of testis (19,716 vs. 3028), and completely different KEGG pathways were significantly enriched between the ovary-biased and testis-biased DEUs. Importantly, 60 early gametogenesis-related genes (involving 755 unigenes) were successfully identified, and exactly 50% (30/60) genes of those showed significantly differential expression in testes and ovaries. Among these, the Amh and Gsdf with testis-biased expression, and the Foxl2 and Cyp19a with ovary-biased expression strongly suggested the important regulatory roles in spermatogenesis and oogenesis ofA. schrenckii, respectively. We also found the four novel Sox9 transcript variants, which increase the numbers of regulatory genes and imply function complexity in early gametogenesis. Finally, a total of 236,672 AS events (involving 36,522 unigenes) were detected, and 10,556 putative long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and 4339 predicted transcript factors (TFs) were also respectively identified, which were all significantly associated with the early gametogenesis ofA. schrenckii.

Conclusions

Overall, our results provide new genetic resources of full-length transcription data and information as a genomic-level reference for sturgeon. Crucially, we explored the comprehensive genetic characteristics that differ between the testes and ovaries ofA. schrenckiiin the early gametogenesis stage, which could provide candidate genes and theoretical basis for further the mechanisms of reproduction regulation of sturgeon.
Long noncoding RNAs involvement in Epstein-Barr virus infection and tumorigenesis
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Xiaohan , Hu Jingjin , Cao Pengfei , Yan Qijia , Zhang Siwei , Dang Wei , Lu Jianhong
Published: April 2020

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous γ-herpesvirus related to various types of cancers, including epithelial nasopharyngeal carcinoma, gastric carcinoma, and lymphoma. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are expressed extensively in mammalian cells and play crucial roles in regulating various cellular processes and multiple cancers. Cellular lncRNAs can be differentially expressed induced by EBV infection. The dysregulated lncRNAs probably modulate the host immune response and other biological functions. At present, lncRNAs have been found to be significantly increased or decreased in EBV-infected cells, exosomes and EBV-associated cancers, suggesting their potential function and clinical application as biomarkers. In addition, EBV-encoded lncRNAs, BART and BHLF1 lncRNAs, may play roles in the viral oncogenesis. Analysis of the specific lncRNAs involved in interactions with the EBV machinery will provide information on their potential mechanism of action during multiple steps of EBV tumorigenesis. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding EBV-related lncRNAs and their possible roles in the pathogenesis of EBV-associated cancers.
Intra-articular infiltration of adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction cells slows the clinical progression of moderate-severe knee osteoarthritis: hypothesis on the regulatory role of intra-articular adipose tissue
Authors: Lapuente Juan Pedro , Dos-Anjos Severiano , Blázquez-Martínez Alejandro
Published: April 2020

Background

The infiltration of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of autologous adipose tissue to treat osteoarthritis has been used for several years demonstrating its safety and noticeable efficacy. This article presents clinical data from patients afftected by moderate and severe knee osteoarthritis demonstrating safety and clinical efficacy of the treatment when this autologous cell product is injected in the knee joint and patients evaluated post-operatively after 1 year. However, what do we know about the mechanism that underlies this clinical improvement? This article proposes, for the first time in our opinion, a hypothesis of the mode of action that involves structural and molecular interactions between SVF and infrapatellar fat pad (IFP). As consequence, there would be a re-education of intra-articular adipose tissue, which we consider a key player for the clinical effect observed in the mid and long term mainly due to immuno-regulatory mechanisms.

Methods

This is a retrospective and not controlled study that evaluated 50 patients (100 joints) ranging from 50 to 89 years old, separated by age cohorts. Clinical efficacy was assessed using the Lequesne, WOMAC, and VAS scales, by ultrasound control and quantification of the biochemical profiles of synovial fluid.

Results

There were no serious adverse effects. All the indexes studied showed a significant clinical improvement after 1-year follow-up for all ages and OA degree groups. This finding was correlated with the ultrasound observations and biochemical data, which show a marked decrease in catabolic and pro-inflammatory molecules (MMP-2, IL-1B, IL-6, and IL-8) and significant increase for anabolic and anti-inflammatory molecules (IGF-1 and IL-10).

Conclusions

We conclude that intra-articular SVF infiltration for knee OA treatment is safe and effective during 1 year. We propose that applied SVF cells cause a cascade of molecular and structural events that, through complex interactions between IFP and SVF, re-educating the intra-articular fatty tissue towards a homeostatic, protective, and anti-inflammatory function, which will ultimately promote the restructuring and regeneration of damaged tissues.
Incidence and risk factors for redisplacement after closed reduction and instant rigid cast immobilization for paediatric distal radius fractures: a case control study
Authors: Kong Lingde , Lu Jian , Zhou Yanqing , Tian Dehu , Zhang Bing
Published: April 2020

Background

The aim of this study is to record the incidence of redisplacement after closed reduction and instant rigid cast immobilization and to identify possible risk factors that may be associated with the redisplacement.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed paediatric patients who underwent closed reduction and instant rigid cast immobilization for simple distal radius fractures from 2014 to 2018. Patients were followed up at 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks after casting. Redisplacement was diagnosed on the basis of image findings. Risk factors for redisplacement were evaluated in three aspects, which included patient-related, fracture-related, and cast-related factors.

Results

A total of 123 children were included in this study. During follow-up, 31 patients (25.2%) showed redisplacement after closed reduction and cast immobilization. Twenty-two redisplacements happened within 1 week after treatment, 8 redisplacements happened between 1 and 2 weeks, and only one redisplacement happened after 2 weeks. In the multivariate analysis, associated ulna fracture (OR, 4.278; 95% CI, 1.773–10.320), initial translation ≥ 50% (OR, 9.148; 95% CI, 3.587–23.332), and 3-point index ≥ 0.40 (OR, 1.280; 95% CI, 1.159–1.401) were three independent factors that correlated with the incidence of redisplacement during follow-up.

Conclusions

About a quarter of paediatric patients would develop redisplacement after reduction and immobilization with instant rigid cast. Patients with associated ulna fracture, severe initial translation, and high 3-point index have a higher risk to develop redisplacement.
Molecular interplay between linc01134 and YY1 dictates hepatocellular carcinoma progression
Authors: Rong Zhonghou , Wang Zhiyi , Wang Xinxing , Qin Chengkun , Geng Wenmao
Published: April 2020

Background

Revealing the mechanical role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumorigenesis can contribute to novel therapeutic target for cancers. The regulatory role of linc01134 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been studied yet.

Materials and methods

qRT-PCR and western blot were conducted to measure relevant RNA and protein expressions. CCK-8, colony formation, EdU, flow cytometry, wound-healing, transwell assays and xenograft experiments were performed to determine the role of linc01134 in HCC. ChIP and luciferase reporter assays were performed to analyze the effects of Yin Yang-1 (YY1) on linc01134 transcription activity. Relevant mechanical experiments were performed to verify interaction between relative genes.

Results

YY1 enhanced linc01134 transcription by interacting with linc01134 promoter. Knockdown of linc01134 inhibited proliferation, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), yet promoting apoptosis in HCC cells. Mechanically, linc01134 acted as miR-324-5p sponge and interacted with insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) to increase the stability of YY1 mRNA expression. Up-regulated YY1 continuously stimulated linc01134 expression by enhancing linc01134 promoter activity, forming a positive feedback loop.

Conclusion

Linc01134/miR-324-5p/IGF2BP1/YY1 feedback loop mediates HCC progression, which possibly provide prognosis and treatment target of HCC.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomal microRNA-124-3p attenuates neurological damage in spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury by downregulating Ern1 and promoting M2 macrophage polarization
Authors: Li Ran , Zhao Kunchi , Ruan Qing , Meng Chunyang , Yin Fei
Published: April 2020

Background

Spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury (SCIRI) often leads to neurological damage and mortality. In this regard, understanding the pathology of SCIRI and preventing its development are of great clinic value.

Methods

Herein, we analyzed the role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMMSC)-derived exosomal microRNA (miR)-124-3p in SCIRI. A SCIRI rat model was established, and the expression of Ern1 and M2 macrophage polarization markers (Arg1, Ym1, and Fizz) was determined using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence assay, RT-qPCR, and western blot analysis. Targeting relationship between miR-124-3p and Ern1 was predicted using bioinformatic analysis and verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Macrophages were co-cultured with miR-124-3p-containing BMMSC-derived exosomes. M2 macrophages were identified using flow cytometry, and the expression of Arg1, Ym1, and Fizz was determined. In addition, SCIRI rats were injected with miR-124-3p-containing exosomes, spinal cord cell apoptosis was observed using TUNEL assay, and the pathological condition was evaluated with H&E staining.

Results

In SCIRI, Ern1 was highly expressed and M2 polarization markers were poorly expressed. Silencing Ern1 led to elevated expression of M2 polarization markers. MiR-124-3p targeted and negatively regulated Ern1. Exosomal miR-124-3p enhanced M2 polarization. Highly expressed exosomal miR-124-3p impeded cell apoptosis and attenuated SCIRI-induced tissue impairment and nerve injury. miR-124-3p from BMMSC-derived exosomes ameliorated SCIRI and its associated nerve injury through inhibiting Ern1 and promoting M2 polarization.

Conclusion

In summary, exosomal miR-124-3p derived from BMMSCs attenuated nerve injury induced by SCIRI by regulating Ern1 and M2 macrophage polarization.
Correction to: Turtle remains from the late Miocene of the Cessaniti area, southern Italy—insights for a probable Tortonian chelonian dispersal from Europe to Africa
Authors: Georgalis Georgios L. , Insacco Gianni , Rook Lorenzo , Spadola Filippo , Delfino Massimo
Published: April 2020

In the Acknowledgements in the original published article [Georgalis et al. 2020], we thanked by mistake Antonella Cinzia Marra as follows: “We thank […] A.C. Marra (Messina) for discussion and field work at Cessaniti”. Under request of Antonella Cinzia Marra (University of Messina), the authors specify that the discussion and the field work at the Cessaniti Site she has been involved with were not related to this research.
Soil biotic and abiotic conditions negate invasive species performance in native habitat
Authors: Soti Pushpa G. , Purcell Matthew , Jayachandran Krish
Published: April 2020

Background

Most studies on plant invasion consider the enemy release hypothesis when analyzing native habitats. However, the lower performance of invasive species in the native habitats can be the result of unfavorable soil conditions in the native habitats. While soil biotic and abiotic factors have a potential to restrict the growth of invasive species in their native habitats, our understanding of belowground environment of invasive species in their native habitats is very limited. In this study, we analyzed soil characteristics associated with an exotic invasive plant, Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum), in its native habitat in Australia and the recipient habitat in South Florida. Rhizosphere soil samples from both habitats were analyzed for soil physical, chemical and biological characteristics.

Results

Soil characteristics in the recipient habitats were significantly different compared to those in the native habitats. Soil samples from the native habitat had low soil pH, and high concentrations of elements such as aluminum and zinc which are phytotoxic in acidic soil environments. Additionally, mycorrhizal fungi spores were more diverse in the recipient habitat in Florida compared to the native habitat in Australia.

Conclusion

Overall, our results indicate that growth of an invasive plant in its native habitats could be restricted by the toxic effects associated with strong soil acidity. Results from this study indicate that invasive plants not only escape from their natural herbivores but also from toxic soil environment in their native habitats.
Model order reduction assisted by deep neural networks (ROM-net)
Authors: Daniel Thomas , Casenave Fabien , Akkari Nissrine , Ryckelynck David
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we propose a general framework for projection-based model order reduction assisted by deep neural networks. The proposed methodology, calledROM-net, consists in using deep learning techniques to adapt the reduced-order model to a stochastic input tensor whose nonparametrized variabilities strongly influence the quantities of interest for a given physics problem. In particular, we introduce the concept ofdictionary-based ROM-nets, where deep neural networks recommend a suitable local reduced-order model from a dictionary. The dictionary of local reduced-order models is constructed from a clustering of simplified simulations enabling the identification of the subspaces in which the solutions evolve for different input tensors. The training examples are represented by points on a Grassmann manifold, on which distances are computed for clustering. This methodology is applied to an anisothermal elastoplastic problem in structural mechanics, where the damage field depends on a random temperature field. When using deep neural networks, the selection of the best reduced-order model for a given thermal loading is 60 times faster than when following the clustering procedure used in the training phase.
Magnetic observations from CryoSat-2: calibration and processing of satellite platform magnetometer data
Authors: Olsen Nils , Albini Giuseppe , Bouffard Jerome , Parrinello Tommaso , Tøffner-Clausen Lars
Published: April 2020

We describe and discuss the preprocessing and calibration steps applied to the magnetic data measured by the three “platform magnetometers” on-board the CryoSat-2 satellite. The calibration is performed by comparing the magnetometer sensor readings with magnetic field values for the time and position of the satellite as given by the CHAOS-6 geomagnetic field model. We allow for slow temporal variations of the calibration parameters by solving for scale values, offsets, and non-orthogonalities in monthly bins, and account for non-linearities as well as the magnetic disturbances caused by battery, solar panel and magnetorquer currents. Fully calibrated magnetic vector data, together with time and position, are provided as daily files in CDF data format at swarm-diss.eo.esa.int. The data show good agreement with Swarm satellite magnetic measurements during close encounters (rms difference between 1 and 5 nT for inter-satellite distances below 300 km).
Non-neoplastic indications and outcomes of the proximal and distal femur megaprosthesis: a critical review
Authors: Vaishya Raju , Thapa Sunil Singh , Vaish Abhishek
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Megaprosthesis or endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal and distal femur is a well-established modality for treatment of tumors. The indications for megaprosthesis have been expanded to the treatment of some non-neoplastic conditions of the knee and hip, with the severe bone loss associated with failed arthroplasty, communited fractures in the elderly with poor bone quality, and resistant non-union. Th aim of this study is to find out whether megaprosthesis of the knee and hip is successful in the treatment of non-neoplastic condtions. The study comprises a review of the indications, complications, and outcomes of megaprosthesis of the proximal and distal femur in non-neoplastic conditions of the knee and hip joints.

Methods

We extensively reviewed the literature on non-neoplastic indications for megaprosthesis of the proximal and distal femur after performing a detailed search of the Pubmed database using the medical subject heading (MeSH) terms ‘proximal femur replacement’ or ‘distal femur replacement’ and ‘hip or knee megaprosthesis.’ The data obtained after the structured search were entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The frequency distribution of the demographic data, indications, complications, and outcome was calculated.

Result

We included ten studies (seven proximal femur replacement and three distal femur replacement) of 245 proximal femur and 54 distal femur mega prostheses for treatment of non-neoplastic conditions. Bone loss in failed arthroplasty, either due to periprosthetic fracture or deep infection, was the most common indication for megaprosthesis. Dislocation was the most common complication after proximal femur megaprosthesis, and infection was the leading cause of complications after distal femur megaprosthesis.

Conclusion

Megaprosthesis for treatment of non-neoplastic conditions around the distal and proximal femur is a viable option for limb salvage, with an acceptable long-term outcome. Although the complications and survival rates of megaprosthesis in non-neoplastic conditions are inferior to a primary arthroplasty of the hip and knee but are comparable or better than the mega prosthetic replacement in the neoplastic conditions. Proximal femoral megaprosthesis has higher dislocation rates and requirement for revision compared to distal femoral megaprosthesis. However, the proximal femoral megaprosthesis has lower rates of infection, periprosthetic fractures, and soft tissue complications, as compared to distal femoral megaprosthetic replacement. Both associated with aseptic loosening but not statistically significant.
Minimal clinically important difference of commonly used patient-reported outcome measures in total knee arthroplasty: review of terminologies, methods and proposed values
Authors: Maredupaka Siddhartha , Meshram Prashant , Chatte Manish , Kim Woo Hyun , Kim Tae Kyun
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The aim of this article was to highlight various terminologies and methods of calculation of minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and summarize MCID values of frequently used patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) evaluating total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Materials and methods

PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched through May 2019. Of 71 articles identified, 18 articles matched and underwent a comprehensive analysis for terminologies used to indicate clinical significance, method of calculation, and reported MCID values.

Results

MCID was the most common terminology (67% studies) and anchor-based methods were most commonly employed (67% studies) to calculate it. The analytical methods used to calculate and the estimated values of MCID for clinical use are highly variable. MCID values reported for WOMAC scores are 20.5 to 36.0, 17.6 to 33.0 and 12.9 to 25.0 for pain, function and stiffness sub-scales, respectively, and 4.7 to 10.0 for OKS.

Conclusion

There was lack of standardization in the methodology employed to calculate MCID in the available studies. MCID values reported in this review could be used for patients undergoing TKA, although caution is advised in their interpretation and application.
The music of marine seismic: A marine vibrator system based on folded surfaces
Authors: Orji Okwudili C. , Oscarsson-Nagel Mattias , Söllner Walter , Asgedom Endrias G. , Trætten Øystein , Voldsbekk Rune
Published: April 2020

Marine vibrators have bespoke geophysical benefits that are yet to be harnessed because of robustness and efficiency issues. We have developed a new marine vibrator source technology that is efficient and stable. The source technology overcomes the historical problems of inefficiency and robustness by using folded surface technology and resonance frequency tuning. We show measured output examples that demonstrate that the folded surface concept combined with small displacements can provide the required output levels. Our source system consists of a low-frequency module covering 1–10 Hz and a high-frequency module covering 10–125 Hz. The source control system has shown high stability and precision and can handle harmonic distortion. With the aid of synthetic data examples, we demonstrate that seismic data acquired using marine vibrators in either intermittent or continuous mode can be processed. Finally, we demonstrate the environmental friendliness of the source in comparison to air gun-based sources.
In-situ combustion front monitoring and tracking using InSAR
Authors: Bazargan Mohammad , Leezenberg Pieter Bas , Kovscek Anthony R.
Published: April 2020

Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) is used to locate the combustion front during field application of the in-situ combustion (ISC) enhanced oil recovery process. As the combustion front propagates through the reservoir during ISC, lateral surface deformation occurs on the order of 1–100 mm/year, depending on the reservoir depth and overlying strata, with a unique time derivative signature. Monitoring using InSAR benefits from the existence of a thin (tens of centimeters) high-temperature (600°C) combustion front to accurately determine the front position. This can inform reservoir and production engineering design decisions. Analytical and numerical examples of a homogeneous, isotropic, and horizontal reservoir show that regardless of the depth of the reservoir, the combustion front is positioned at the local maximum of the rate of surface deformation. These results are consistent with analytical solutions for distribution of point stress in the earth. This result is applied to the field case of Suplacu de Barcau, Romania, that has a long history of ISC. For the Suplacu Field, surface deformation rate data were generated using InSAR for the time periods of 12 March 2003 to 28 July 2010 and 29 October 2014 to 19 June 2017. The time derivative of surface deformation (surface velocity) suggests the advancement of the combustion front, consistent with reservoir engineering analyses in the literature. Importantly, the predicted positions of the combustion front match the available historical data for Suplacu in 2006 and 2010. We have also predicted the position of the combustion front in 2017 using the most recent InSAR data.
Clinical, Biochemical, and Radiological Profile of Normocalcemic Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Palermo Andrea , Naciu Anda Mihaela , Tabacco Gaia , Falcone Stefania , Santonati Assunta , Maggi Daria , D’Onofrio Luca , Briganti Silvia Irina , Castellitto Domenico , Casini Alessandro , Pedone Claudio , Lelli Diana , Fabbri Andrea , Bilezikian John P , Napoli Nicola , Pozzilli Paolo , Manfrini Silvia , Cesareo Roberto
Published: April 2020

Context

The clinical and radiological aspects of normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism (NHPT) are confounded by the differing methods used to rule out secondary hyperparathyroidism and by the small sample size.

Objective

To assess the clinical, biochemical, and radiological profile of NHPT compared with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and control subjects

Design

Multicentric cross-sectional study

Setting

Outpatient clinic

Patients

47 NHPT, 41 PHPT, and 39 age- and sex-matched control subjects.

Main Outcome Measures

Calcium metabolism and bone turnover markers (BTMs). Lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, one-third distal radius bone mineral density (BMD). Morphometric vertebral fracture (VF) assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Results

NHPT patients had significantly higher parathyroid hormone, 25(OH)-vitamin D levels and lower calcium × phosphorus product than controls (P < .001). Compared with PHPT, the NHPT group had significantly higher 25(OH) vitamin D levels (P = .016). NHPT had BTM levels similar to controls and PHPT. NHPT, PHPT, and controls have similar lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD. NHPT and controls had a similar radial BMD, while patients with PHPT had a lower radial BMD than both patients with NHPT (P = .031) and controls (P < .05). Using the control group as the reference, after adjustment for interacting factors, there was no increase in risk of moderate–severe VF in NHPT (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25-4.55), while PHPT had an increased risk (OR 3.81,95% CI 1.15-15.12). Seventy-nine percent of NHPT and 59% of PHPT patients fulfilled the criteria for asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism.

Conclusions

The biochemical phenotype of NHPT is intermediate between PHPT and controls. In contrast, the bone phenotype resembles controls with normal bone turnover, no significant BMD impairment, and no increased risk of VF.
Islet Amyloid in Patients With Diabetes Due to Exocrine Pancreatic Disorders, Type 2 Diabetes, and Nondiabetic Patients
Authors: Ueberberg Sandra , Nauck Michael A , Uhl Waldemar , Montemurro Chiara , Tannapfel Andrea , Clark Anne , Meier Juris J
Published: April 2020

Background

Amyloid deposits are a typical finding in pancreatic islets from patients with type 2 diabetes. Whether this is linked to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes is currently unknown. Therefore, we compared the occurrence of islet amyloid in patients with type 2 diabetes, diabetes secondary to pancreatic disorders, and nondiabetic individuals.

Patients and methods

Pancreatic tissue from 15 nondiabetic patients, 22 patients with type 2 diabetes, and 11 patients with diabetes due to exocrine pancreatic disorders (chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic carcinoma) were stained for insulin, amyloid, and apoptosis. β-cell area, amyloid deposits, and β-cell apoptosis were quantified by morphometric analysis.

Results

The proportion of islets containing amyloid deposits was significantly higher in both type 2 diabetes and diabetes due to exocrine pancreatic disorders than in healthy subjects. Islets with both amyloid and apoptosis were observed more frequently in type 2 diabetes and significantly more so in diabetes due to exocrine pancreatic disorders. In both diabetic groups, apoptotic ß-cells were found significantly more frequently in islets with more prominent amyloid deposits.

Conclusions

The occurrence of amyloid deposits in both type 2 diabetes and diabetes secondary to exocrine pancreatic disorders suggests that islet amyloid formation is a common feature of diabetes mellitus of different etiologies and may be associated with a loss of pancreatic ß-cells.
Effects of Basal Insulin on Lipid Profile Compared to Other Classes of Antihyperglycemic Agents in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Rigato Mauro , Avogaro Angelo , Vigili de Kreutzenberg Saula , Fadini Gian Paolo
Published: April 2020

Objective

The lipid profile represents a driver of cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes. The effect of chronic insulin therapy on cholesterol levels is unclear. We aim to evaluate the effect of basal insulin on lipid profile compared to other classes of antihyperglycemic agents in type 2 diabetic patients.

Design

We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials reporting changes of lipid parameters in type 2 diabetic patients randomly assigned to basal insulin or other classes of anti-hyperglycemic agents.

Results

The levels of total (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) appeared to be significantly reduced by therapies with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) in comparison to basal insulin (mean difference [MD] –3.80; 95% CI [–6.30 to –1.30] mg/dL, P < .001 and –4.17; 95% CI [–6.04 to –2.30] mg/dL, P < .0001), whereas no difference was detected between basal insulin and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4-I) or standard therapy (sulfonylurea ± metformin). Thiazolidinediones (TZD) produced a significant improvement in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (MD 3.55; 95% CI: 0.55 to 6.56 mg/dL, P = .02) but were associated with an increase in TC and LDL-C (MD 16.20; 95% CI: 9.09 to 23.31 mg/dL, P < .001 and 5.19: 95% CI: –3.00 to 13.39 mg/dL, P = .21). Basal insulin was superior to standard therapy in triglyceride reduction (MD 3.8; 95% CI: 0.99 to 6.63 mg/dL, P = .008).

Conclusions

GLP-1RA were superior to basal insulin in the control of TC and LDL-C. Basal insulin effectively reduced serum triglycerides. TZD led to improvement in HDL-C. DPP4-I and standard therapy did not have any significant effect on lipid levels.
Intermediate Cervical Plexus Block: A Novel Intervention in the Management of Refractory Chronic Neck and Upper Back Pain Following Whiplash Injury: A Case Report
Authors: James Arul , Niraj G.
Published: April 2020

Chronic neck and upper back pain occurs in 40%–60% of patients that suffer whiplash injury. Increasing evidence points to a dysfunction of the cervical and thoracic muscles as the predominant cause of persistent pain in this cohort. Response to standard management including physiotherapy, psychotherapy, medications, and acupuncture are often inadequate. As a result, there is significant functional impairment leading to excessive health care costs. The authors present a novel treatment, intermediate cervical plexus block with depot steroids, in 3 patients presenting with refractory chronic neck and upper back pain from whiplash injury that produced durable analgesia and enabled return to employment.
Long-Term Outcomes of Pulmonary Metastasectomy for Uterine Malignancies: A Multi-institutional Study in the Current Era
Authors:   for the Thoracic Surgery Study Group of Osaka University (TSSGO), Kanzaki Ryu , Susaki Yoshiyuki , Takami Koji , Funakoshi Yasunobu , Sakamaki Yasushi , Kodama Ken , Yokouchi Hideoki , Ikeda Naoki , Kadota Yoshihisa , Iwasaki Teruo , Ose Naoko , Shintani Yasushi
Published: April 2020

Background

Information on pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) for uterine malignancies in the current era is limited. In the present study, we analyzed the clinical course and results of PM for uterine malignancies in the era of modern imaging diagnostics to clarify the role of PM in the current era in a multi-institutional setting.

Methods

Fifty-seven patients who underwent PM for uterine malignancies between 2006 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The short- and long-term outcomes, along with factors associated with the prognosis, were analyzed. Details of the clinical course after PM were described.

Results

The mean age of patients was 59.4 years. The primary tumor was located in the uterus corpus in 34 cases (60%) and in the uterus cervix in 23 cases (40%). The median disease-free interval (DFI) was 32 months. Forty patients (70%) received fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography before PM, and complete resection was achieved in 52 patients (91%). Postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients (7%). Of the 52 patients who underwent complete resection of pulmonary metastases, 28 experienced recurrence, and among these, 17 (60%) underwent local therapy, including six repeat PMs. Among the 52 patients who underwent complete resection, the 5-year relapse-free survival rate was 40.7% and the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 68.8%. The univariate analysis revealed that a DFI of ≤ 24 months was associated with significantly poorer OS.

Conclusions

PM for uterine malignancies is safe and provides favorable long-term outcomes in selected patients. Patients with a DFI of > 24 months have better OS and are good candidates for PM.
Evaluation of the rapid, multi-country, parallel process, multi-tasking approach to startup of short-term technical assistance to improve service delivery in newborn and child health in the context of USAID’s Zika response in four Eastern and Southern Caribbean countries
Authors: Aumakhan Bulbul , Coly Astou , Hager Salwan , Chitashvili Tamar , Massoud M. Rashad
Published: April 2020

Background: In 2018, the USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems (ASSIST) Project started a new partnership with four Eastern and Southern Caribbean countries impacted by the Zika virus: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  The goal of the project was to provide short-term technical assistance (STTA) to strengthen the health systems’ capacity to detect newborns and young children potentially affected by Zika and to address their health needs.  To meet these objectives, ASSIST developed an innovative approach based on its existing model for service delivery improvement. This novel approach is known as Rapid, Multi-country, Parallel Process, Multi-tasking Approach for a Project Startup (RMPP-MAPS).  An evaluation was conducted to document the STTA startup activities, to identify enabling and constraining factors, and to capture lessons learned.

Methods: An external consultant conducted remote in-depth interviews with individuals involved in the startup using semi-structured interview guides and retrieved data from the review of project documents.

Results: Using RMPP-MAPS, the ASSIST Project successfully implemented the startup for complex STTA in four countries within less than four months, spanning mid-May to early September 2018. Project milestones included achieving buy-in from stakeholders, co-developing the technical scope and materials, and rapidly executing critical operational functions.  Dedicated project teams, country leaderships, and local champions were essential to overcoming the main challenges, which included a condensed timeframe, lack of in-country offices, and country-level factors such as a shortage of health care workers and a weak health infrastructure. 

Conclusions: The RMPP-MAPS is a feasible and resource-efficient mechanism of interest to implementers, donors, and low and middle-income countries facing temporal and financial limitations to rapidly addressing public health priorities.
Pollution Regulation of Competitive Markets
Authors: Anand Krishnan S. , Giraud-Carrier François C.
Published: April 2020

We develop a model of oligopolistic firms that produce partially differentiated products and generate pollution as a byproduct. We analyze and compare two types of pollution regulation: Cap-and-Trade and Taxes. Firms can respond to regulation by any combination of pollution abatement, output reduction, emissions trading (under Cap-and-Trade), or payment of pollution taxes (under Taxes). We prove that well-chosen regulation can, besides reducing pollution, actually improve firms’ profits relative to laissez-faire (unregulated markets), and simultaneously improve consumer surplus and welfare. Thus, regulation Pareto-dominates laissez-faire under a wide range of plausible conditions. These results are driven by an unintended consequence of pollution regulation: Competing firms can use the regulation to tacitly (and credibly) collude to reduce production and improve their profits. We show that the degree of competition plays a critical role in determining the economic consequences of pollution regulation. Our results suggest that the regulator’s primary consideration should be the impact of regulation on consumers rather than producers.

This paper was accepted by Vishal Gaur, operations management.
Contracting with Word-of-Mouth Management
Authors: Kamada Yuichiro , Öry Aniko
Published: April 2020

We propose a model for word-of-mouth (WoM) management where a firm has two tools at hand: offering referral rewards and offering a free contract. Current customers’ incentives to engage in WoM can affect the contracting problem of a firm in the presence of positive externalities of users. Formally, we consider a classic Maskin–Riley contracting problem for the receiver of WoM where the firm can pay the senders referral rewards and a sender experiences positive externalities if the receiver adopts. A free contract can incentivize WoM because the higher adoption probability increases the expected externalities that the sender receives. We characterize the optimal incentive scheme and show when the two tools serve as substitutes and complements to each other depending on whether the market is niche and whether the product is social. We show that offering a free contract is optimal only if the fraction of premium users in the population is small, which is consistent with the observation that companies that successfully offer “freemium” contracts oftentimes have a high percentage of free users.

This paper was accepted by Juanjuan Zhang, marketing.
Technical Note—Worst-Case Benefit of Restocking for the Vehicle Routing Problem with Stochastic Demands
Authors: Bertazzi Luca , Secomandi Nicola
Published: April 2020

In “Worst-Case Benefit of Restocking for the Vehicle Routing Problem with Stochastic Demands,” Bertazzi and Secomandi shed new light on an old yet timely problem in transportation. They analyze the benefit of planning replenishment trips in the vehicle routing problem with stochastic demands, taking as a benchmark their execution only upon stock-outs. Their worst-case investigation provides a theoretical explanation of a phenomenon that has been observed in prior numerical studies.
Fluctuation Bounds for the Max-Weight Policy with Applications to State Space Collapse
Authors: Sharifnassab Arsalan , Tsitsiklis John N. , Golestani S. Jamaloddin
Published: April 2020

We consider a multihop switched network operating under a max-weight scheduling policy and show that the distance between the queue length process and a fluid solution remains bounded by a constant multiple of the deviation of the cumulative arrival process from its average. We then exploit this result to prove matching upper and lower bounds for the time scale over which additive state space collapse (SSC) takes place. This implies, as two special cases, an additive SSC result in diffusion scaling under non-Markovian arrivals and, for the case of independent and identically distributed arrivals, an additive SSC result over an exponential time scale.
Survey of lipoedema symptoms and experience with compression garments
Authors: Paling Ilka , Macintyre Lisa
Published: April 2020

Lipoedema is an incurable chronic disease causing limb deformity, painful skin and excessive ecchymosis. Compression garments are frequently recommended to manage symptoms, but the existing products are not designed specifically for lipoedema, and are for other medical conditions. A structured questionnaire was prepared in Online Surveys in October 2018 to investigate lipoedema symptoms and the use of compression garments to manage them. Some 279 people with lipoedema completed the survey; 70% wore compression garments in all four compression classes, of which class 2 was most common (58% of wearers). The top three reasons for wearing compression garments were to feel supported (73%), reduce lipoedema pain (67%) and improve mobility (54%). Most people with lipoedema who wore compression garments found compression helpful in managing their symptoms, but overall satisfaction was low. Problems with existing compression garments were so severe in some cases that the garments were not worn at all or used less often. The information collected in this survey might be useful for the design and development of compression garments specifically for lipoedema.
Label-free redox imaging of patient-derived organoids using selective plane illumination microscopy
Authors: Favreau Peter F. , He Jiaye , Gil Daniel A. , Deming Dustin A. , Huisken Jan , Skala Melissa C.
Published: April 2020

High-throughput drug screening of patient-derived organoids offers an attractive platform to determine cancer treatment efficacy. Here, selective plane illumination microscopy (SPIM) was used to determine treatment response in organoids with endogenous fluorescence from the metabolic coenzymes NAD(P)H and FAD. Rapid 3-D autofluorescence imaging of colorectal cancer organoids was achieved. A quantitative image analysis approach was developed to segment each organoid and quantify changes in endogenous fluorescence caused by treatment. Quantitative analysis of SPIM volumes confirmed the sensitivity of patient-derived organoids to standard therapies. This proof-of-principle study demonstrates that SPIM is a powerful tool for high-throughput screening of organoid treatment response.
One-way Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen steering via quantum interference from incoherent pumping
Authors: Shen Kang , Wang Fei
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we investigate the effects of incoherent pumping on quantum correlations in a

Λ

-type atomic system driven by coherent and incoherent fields simultaneously. With the adiabatic elimination treatment, we show that the stable “one-way” Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen (EPR) steering is generated without the requirement of good cavity limitation. More interestingly, the asymmetrical EPR steering is simply controlled by the polarized angle of the incoherent field. The internal mechanisms can be understood based on dressed-state representation, in which the population differences are strongly modified by the quantum interference from incoherent pumping. The phase-sensitive quantum correlations in the present scheme may find potential applications in quantum information processing.
An especial configuration for an Nd:YAG end-pumped zigzag slab gain module based on crystalline polytetrafluoroethylene and a specific optical system for pump-beam delivery
Authors: Majidof Mohammad Mahdi , Latifi Hamid , Tanhaee Ehsan , Nabavi Seyed Hassan
Published: April 2020

This work experimentally introduces a new single-crystal Nd:YAG end-pumped zigzag slab (EPZS) gain module based on a thin polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheet as a total internal reflection (TIR) protection layer. In this gain module, a specific optical pump-beam delivery (OPBD) system is used to improve the output beam quality (BQ) of the slab amplifier from 9.4 in a typical OPBD system to 4.7 with the total pump power of 2400 W. The average logarithmic small-signal gain (g0l) in the 0.06% Nd:YAG EPZS gain module at the laser beam incident angle of 7.1° was obtained around 0.64 for the two OPBD systems mentioned above.
Programming multi-level quantum gates in disordered computing reservoirs via machine learning
Authors: Marcucci Giulia , Pierangeli Davide , Pinkse Pepijn W. H. , Malik Mehul , Conti Claudio
Published: April 2020

Novel machine learning computational tools open new perspectives for quantum information systems. Here we adopt the open-source programming library TensorFlow to design multi-level quantum gates, including a computing reservoir represented by a random unitary matrix. In optics, the reservoir is a disordered medium or a multi-modal fiber. We show that trainable operators at the input and the readout enable one to realize multi-level gates. We study various qudit gates, including the scaling properties of the algorithms with the size of the reservoir. Despite an initial low slop learning stage, TensorFlow turns out to be an extremely versatile resource for designing gates with complex media, including different models that use spatial light modulators with quantized modulation levels.
Invar-based refractometer for pressure assessments
Authors: Silander Isak , Forssén Clayton , Zakrisson Johan , Zelan Martin , Axner Ove
Published: April 2020

Gas modulation refractometry (GAMOR) is a methodology that can mitigate fluctuations and drifts in refractometry. This can open up for the use of non-conventional cavity spacer materials. In this paper, we report a dual-cavity system based on Invar that shows better precision for assessment of pressure than a similar system based on Zerodur. This refractometer shows for empty cavity measurements, up to

10
4

s, a white noise response (for

N

2

) of 3 mPa

s

1

/

2

. At 4303 Pa, the system has a minimum Allan deviation of 0.34 mPa (0.08 ppm) and a long-term stability (24 h) of 0.7 mPa. This shows that the GAMOR methodology allows for the use of alternative cavity materials.
Ultraviolet hyperspectral microscopy using chromatic-aberration-based iterative phase recovery
Authors: Kaza Nischita , Ojaghi Ashkan , Robles Francisco E.
Published: April 2020

Ultraviolet (UV) microscopy has recently re-emerged as an important
label-free, molecular imaging technique. This stems from the unique UV
absorption properties of many endogenous biomolecules that play a
critical role in cell structure and function. However, broadband
hyperspectral imaging in this spectral region is challenging due to
strong chromatic aberrations inherent in UV systems. Here we apply an
intensity-based, two-stage, iterative phase-recovery algorithm that
leverages the same chromatic aberrations to overcome this challenge.
Importantly, knowledge of samples’ dispersion or absorption properties
is not required. We demonstrate that the computationally retrieved
phase can be applied to digitally refocus images across a large
bandwidth. This enables hyperspectral UV imaging with a simple
microscope for quantitative molecular analysis. We validate this
method through simulations and through experiments with red blood
cells.