bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra rapid lispro lowers postprandial glucose and more closely matches normal physiological glucose response compared to other rapid insulin analogues: A phase 1 randomized, crossover study
Authors: Heise Tim , Linnebjerg Helle , Coutant David , LaBell Elizabeth , Zijlstra Eric , Kapitza Christoph , Bue‐Valleskey Juliana , Zhang Qianyi , Dellva Mary Anne , Leohr Jennifer
Published: May 2020

Aims

To compare the pharmacokinetic (PK) and glucodynamic (GD) characteristics of ultra rapid lispro (URLi; Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana), Fiasp® (Novo Nordisk, Bagsvaerd, Denmark), Humalog® (Eli Lilly and Company) and NovoRapid® (Novo Nordisk), in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Materials and Methods

This was a randomized, double‐blind, four‐period, crossover study, conducted in 68 patients with T1D. Patients received the same individualized subcutaneous dose of each study drug immediately prior to a liquid test meal. For comparison, 12 healthy subjects received the same test meal.

Results

URLi had a significantly faster insulin absorption compared to the other insulins tested. Early half‐maximal drug concentration was reached 13 minutes after administration of URLi, which was 6 minutes faster than Fiasp, 13 minutes faster than Humalog, and 14 minutes faster than NovoRapid (all P <0.0001). Early insulin exposure was significantly greater and late insulin exposure was reduced after URLi compared to the other insulins. URLi achieved the greatest numerical reduction in postprandial glucose (PPG) at 2 hours post‐meal (7 mg/dL vs Fiasp) and was significantly different from Humalog (21 mg/dL) and Novo Rapid (29 mg/dL). Additionally, glucose excursions over the first 3 hours post‐meal with URLi were comparable to those in healthy subjects.

Conclusions

URLi demonstrated the fastest insulin absorption and the greatest numeric PPG‐lowering effect compared to the other insulins tested. URLi more closely matched the early physiological glucose control observed in healthy subjects.
Designing a Winning Product Experience Strategy
Authors: McCullagh Kevin
Published: May 2020

Over the years, I've been struck by the lack of investment and rigor that goes into a product experience strategy compared with the resources devoted to brand and communications strategies.

An often under‐utilized design strategy can make all the difference in achieving brand coherence across products.
The Power of Design in Making AI More Human‐Friendly
Authors: Wang George
Published: May 2020

There's vast potential for design to influence how AI is designed and ultimately embedded in our lives.

An exploration of what artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning really mean—and the role design can play in making the technology better.
Comparative left ventricular mechanical deformation in acute apical variant stress cardiomyopathy and acute anterior myocardial infarction utilizing 2‐dimensional longitudinal strain imaging
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed , Sardana Mayank , Rasla Somwail , Escobar Jorge , Bote Josiah , Iskandar Aline , Tran Khanh‐Van , Tighe Dennis A. , Fitzgibbons Timothy P. , Aurigemma Gerard P.
Published: May 2020

Aims

Despite three decades of study, it is still challenging to discriminate acute apical variant stress cardiomyopathy (AVSCM) from acute left anterior descending‐myocardial infarction (LAD‐MI) at the time of presentation. A biomarker or practical imaging modality that can differentiate these two entities is highly desirable. Our objective was to characterize left ventricular (LV) mechanical deformation using 2‐dimensional (2D) echocardiographic strain imaging in an attempt to discriminate AVSCM from LAD‐MI at presentation.

Methods and Results

We studied 108 women (60 AVSCM, 48 ST segment elevation LAD‐MI). All underwent echocardiography within 48 hours of presentation. 2D longitudinal strain (LS) from an 18‐segment LV model was performed, with global LS (GLS) taken as the average of all 18 segments. GLS was abnormal, but did not differentiate AVSCM from LAD‐MI. Mean LS of the basal and mid‐anterior, basal, and mid‐anteroseptum segments were significantly lower in LAD‐MI vs AVSCM group (−14 ± 9% vs −20 ± 8%; −11 ± 7% vs −14 ± 6%; −9 ± 8% vs −14 ± 8%; −9 ± 7% vs −13 ± 5%, respectively, all P ≤ .05). Mean LS of the basal inferior and inferolateral segments was significantly higher in the LAD‐MI vs. AVSCM group (−19 ± 9% vs −13 ± 7%; −23 ± 11% vs −18 ± 7%, respectively, all P ≤ .05). Using ROC curve analysis, segmental strain ratio of average basal inferior and inferolateral segments LS to average mid‐ and basal anterior and anteroseptum segments LS of ≥1.58 was 90% specific for LAD‐MI [area under the curve (AUC) 0.87; P < .001].

Conclusion

Longitudinal strain patterns are useful in discriminating AVSCM from LAD‐MI patients at presentation and may be valuable in stratifying patients for invasive evaluation.
Decreasing risk of psychosis by sulforaphane study protocol for a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, clinical multi‐centre trial
Authors: Li Zhixing , Zhang Tianhong , Xu Lihua , Wei Yanyan , Tang Yingying , Hu Qiang , Liu Xiaohua , Li Xiaolong , Davis John , Smith Robert , Jin Hua , Wang Jijun
Published: May 2020

Aim

A growing number of studies suggest a role of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of psychosis. Sulforaphane (SFN), a natural compound extracted from cruciferous vegetables, has shown anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative effects which imply a potential effect on decreasing the risk of psychosis. However, there is no study testing the efficacy of SFN for this purpose. It's necessary to evaluate its efficacy on individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis.

Methods

This is a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multi‐centre trial. A total of 300 CHR subjects will be identified in the course of face‐to‐face interviews using the Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes. All participants will be randomly allocated to SFN group (n = 150) or placebo group (n = 150). The study duration includes an intervention for 52 consecutive weeks, and additional 1‐year follow‐up.

Results

The primary outcome is 2‐year conversion rate of psychosis. Secondary outcomes include 1‐year conversion rate of psychosis, the severity and duration of prodromal symptoms, predictive risk of psychosis conversion, neurocognitive functioning and peripheral blood biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and metabolism. Safety monitoring will be performed using scales for side effect, serious adverse events recording, and laboratory tests.

Conclusion

This trial is expected to clarify the efficacy of SFN in improving prodromal symptoms, and its role in decreasing the risk and conversion rate of psychosis among CHR subjects. The results will also provide solid evidence about the efficacy and safety of SFN in CHR population. Potential challenges and their solutions in performing the present trial are discussed.
Machine learning in space and time for modelling soil organic carbon change
Authors: Heuvelink Gerard B. M. , Angelini Marcos E. , Poggio Laura , Bai Zhanguo , Batjes Niels H. , van den Bosch Rik , Bossio Deborah , Estella Sergio , Lehmann Johannes , Olmedo Guillermo F. , Sanderman Jonathan
Published: May 2020

Spatially resolved estimates of change in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks are necessary for supporting national and international policies aimed at achieving land degradation neutrality and climate change mitigation. In this work we report on the development, implementation and application of a data‐driven, statistical method for mapping SOC stocks in space and time, using Argentina as a pilot. We used quantile regression forest machine learning to predict annual SOC stock at 0–30 cm depth at 250 m resolution for Argentina between 1982 and 2017. The model was calibrated using over 5,000 SOC stock values from the 36‐year time period and 35 environmental covariates. We preprocessed normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) dynamic covariates using a temporal low‐pass filter to allow the SOC stock for a given year to depend on the NDVI of the current as well as preceding years. Predictions had modest temporal variation, with an average decrease for the entire country from 2.55 to 2.48 kg C m−2 over the 36‐year period (equivalent to a decline of 211 Gg C, 3.0% of the total 0–30 cm SOC stock in Argentina). The Pampa region had a larger estimated SOC stock decrease from 4.62 to 4.34 kg C m−2 (5.9%) during the same period. For the 2001–2015 period, predicted temporal variation was seven‐fold larger than that obtained using the Tier 1 approach of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. Prediction uncertainties turned out to be substantial, mainly due to the limited number and poor spatial and temporal distribution of the calibration data, and the limited explanatory power of the covariates. Cross‐validation confirmed that SOC stock prediction accuracy was limited, with a mean error of 0.03 kg C m−2 and a root mean squared error of 2.04 kg C m−2. In spite of the large uncertainties, this work showed that machine learning methods can be used for space–time SOC mapping and may yield valuable information to land managers and policymakers, provided that SOC observation density in space and time is sufficiently large.

Highlights

We tested the use of machine learning for space–time mapping of soil organic carbon (SOC) stock.

Predictions for Argentina from 1982 to 2017 showed a 3% decrease of the topsoil SOC stock over time.

The machine learning model predicted a greater temporal variation than the IPCC Tier 1 approach.

Accurate machine learning SOC stock prediction requires dense soil sampling in space and time.
Peri‐ictal heart rate variability parameters as surrogate markers of seizure severity
Authors: Arbune Anca A. , Jeppesen Jesper , Conradsen Isa , Ryvlin Philippe , Beniczky Sándor
Published: May 2020

This study aims at defining objective parameters reflecting the severity of peri‐ictal autonomic changes and their relation to post‐ictal generalized electroencephalography (EEG) suppression (PGES), with the view that such changes could be detected by wearable seizure detection systems and prove useful to assess the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). To this purpose, we assessed peri‐ictal changes in heart rate variability (HRV) and correlated them with seizure duration, intensity of electromyography‐based ictal muscle activity, and presence and duration of post‐ictal generalized EEG suppression (PGES). We evaluated 75 motor seizures from 40 patients, including 61 generalized tonic‐clonic seizures (GTCS) and 14 other major motor seizure types. For all major motor seizures, HRV measurements demonstrated a significantly decreased parasympathetic activity and increased sympathetic activity in the post‐ictal period. The post‐ictal increased sympathetic activity was significantly higher for GTCS as compared with non‐GTCS. The degree of peri‐ictal decreased parasympathetic activity and increased sympathetic activity was associated with longer PGES (>20 s), longer seizure duration, and greater intensity of ictal muscle activity. Mean post‐ictal heart rate (HR) was an independent predictor of PGES duration, seizure duration, and intensity of ictal muscle contraction. Our results indicate that peri‐ictal changes in HRV are potential biomarkers of major motor seizure severity.
Soil acidification reduces the effects of short‐term nutrient enrichment on plant and soil biota and their interactions in grasslands
Authors: Xiao Hong , Wang Bing , Lu Shunbao , Chen Dima , Wu Ying , Zhu Yuhe , Hu Shuijin , Bai Yongfei
Published: May 2020

Soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents, and soil acidification have greatly increased in grassland ecosystems due to increased industrial and agricultural activities. As major environmental and economic concerns worldwide, nutrient enrichment and soil acidification can lead to substantial changes in the diversity and structure of plant and soil communities. Although the separate effects of N and P enrichment on soil food webs have been assessed across different ecosystems, the combined effects of N and P enrichment on multiple trophic levels in soil food webs have not been studied in semiarid grasslands experiencing soil acidification. Here we conducted a short‐term N and P enrichment experiment in non‐acidified and acidified soil in a semiarid grassland on the Mongolian Plateau. We found that net primary productivity was not affected by N or P enrichment alone in either non‐acidified or acidified soil, but was increased by combined N and P enrichment in both non‐acidified and acidified soil. Nutrient enrichment decreased the biomass of most microbial groups in non‐acidified soil (the decrease tended to be greatest with combined N and P enrichment) but not in acidified soil, and did not affect most soil nematode variables in non‐acidified or acidified soil. Nutrient enrichment also changed plant and microbial community structure in non‐acidified but not in acidified soil, and had no effect on nematode community structure in non‐acidified or acidified soil. These results indicate that the responses to short‐term nutrient enrichment were weaker for higher trophic groups (nematodes) than for lower trophic groups (microorganisms) and primary producers (plants). The findings increase our understanding of the effects of nutrient enrichment on multiple trophic levels of soil food webs, and highlight that soil acidification, as an anthropogenic stressor, reduced the responses of plants and soil food webs to nutrient enrichment and weakened plant–soil interactions.
‘All the single ladies’ as the ideal academic during times of COVID‐19?
Authors: Utoft Ea Høg
Published: May 2020

Much of what has hitherto been written about women’s lived experiences of the coronavirus pandemic takes their status as mothers and the spouses of men for granted. Skewed care demands on women researchers working from home may translate into individual career disadvantage and cumulative, large‐scale gender inequalities in the future, which is undeniably a serious issue. However, the narrative that single, childfree women must currently, by contrast, be unconcernedly enjoying a surge of productivity needs to be nuanced. Therefore, with this article, I autoethnographically discuss how living alone in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic provides its own set of circumstances and is hardly problem‐free, which affects how one can deal with issues of academic productivity and work–life balance. Also, I take issue with the premise that our productivity is the golden standard against which we and our worth should be measured while we are living through a global crisis.
Dual Therapy With Anti‐CGRP Monoclonal Antibodies and Botulinum Toxin for Migraine Prevention: Is There a Rationale?
Authors: Pellesi Lanfranco , Do Thien P. , Ashina Håkan , Ashina Messoud , Burstein Rami
Published: May 2020

Objective

To narratively review the pathophysiological rationale of dual therapy with anti‐calcitonin gene‐related peptide monoclonal antibodies and botulinum toxin type A in treatment‐resistant chronic migraine prevention.

Background

For the prevention of chronic migraine, several pharmacological therapies are available, including oral medications, botulinum toxin type A, and the newly approved monoclonal antibodies targeting calcitonin gene‐related peptide or its receptor. However, monotherapy does not yield benefits in some affected individuals, which raises the question of whether dual therapy with monoclonal antibodies and botulinum toxin type A hold promise in patients with treatment‐resistant chronic migraine.

Method

We searched MEDLINE for articles published from database inception to December 31st, 2019. Publications were largely selected from the past 10 years but commonly referenced and highly regarded older publications were not excluded.

Results

Preclinical data suggest that anti‐calcitonin gene‐related peptide monoclonal antibodies and botulinum toxin type A have synergistic effects within the trigeminovascular system. Of note, findings indicate that fremanezumab – an antibody targeting the calcitonin gene‐related peptide – mainly prevents the activation of Aδ‐fibers, whereas botulinum toxin type A prevents the activation of C‐fibers.

Conclusion

There is currently only indirect preclinical evidence to support a rationale for dual therapy with anti‐calcitonin gene‐related peptide monoclonal antibodies and botulinum toxin type A for chronic migraine prevention. Rigorous studies evaluating clinical efficacy, safety, and cost‐effectiveness are needed.
Multi‐wall carbon nanotubes by catalytic decomposition of carbon monoxide on Ni/MgO
Authors: Lee Hwanseok , Kim Taewoo , Cho Dae‐Seung , Yoon Sanghyeon , Shin Hyun‐Gyoo , Lee Heesoo
Published: May 2020

The redox behavior of the catalyst and the catalytic decomposition of carbon monoxide (CO) were investigated in the synthesis process of multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) using Ni/MgO catalyst. The surface morphology of the heated Ni layer was observed by TEM to confirm the formation of NiO particles (50 nm or less) and NiO (222). The chemical reaction behavior of the catalyst in CO the atmosphere was displayed via TG‐DSC analysis, and the reduction of NiO was revealed due to the mass decrease of 2.71 wt% and the exothermic peak at around 400°C. The deposition of carbon was identified with an increase in mass and the exothermic peak near 600°C. Ni (111) and carbon (002) facets was taken place in a diffraction pattern of carbon deposited catalyst, indicating the reduction in NiO and the graphitic carbon deposition. The crystallinity of the graphitic carbon was analyzed as the ratios of 0.998 for ID/IG and 0.26 for sp3/sp2 in Raman and photoelectron spectra. The encapsulated Ni in MWCNT was observed through TEM‐EDS, verifying the activation of the catalyst by CO.
Psychobiological markers of allostatic load in depressed and nondepressed mothers and their adolescent offspring
Authors: Nelson Benjamin W. , Sheeber Lisa , Pfeifer Jennifer , Allen Nicholas B.
Published: May 2020

Background

A substantial body of research has emerged suggesting that depression is strongly linked to poor physical health outcomes, which may be partly due to increased allostatic load across stress response systems. Interestingly, health risks associated with depression are also borne by the offspring of depressed persons. Our aim was to simultaneously investigate whether maternal depression is associated not only with increased allostatic load across cardiac control, inflammation, cellular aging, but also if this is transmitted to adolescent children, possibly increasing the risk for early onset of psychiatric conditions and disease in these offspring.

Methods

A preregistered, case–control study of 180 low‐income mothers (50% mothers depressed, 50% mothers nondepressed) and their adolescent offspring was conducted to determine how depressed mothers and their adolescent offspring systematically differ in terms of autonomic, sympathetic, and parasympathetic cardiac control; inflammation; cellular aging; and behavioral health in offspring, which are indicators suggestive of higher allostatic load.

Results

Findings indicate that depressed mothers and their adolescent offspring differ in terms of comorbid mental and physical health risk profiles that are suggestive of higher allostatic load. Findings indicate that depressed mothers exhibit elevated resting heart rate and decreased heart rate variability, and adolescent offspring of depressed mothers exhibit greater mental health symptoms, elevated heart rate, and accelerated biological aging (shorter telomeres). These effects persisted after controlling for a range of potential covariates, including medication use, sex, age, and adolescents’ own mental health symptoms.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that maternal depression is associated with increased allostatic load in depressed women and their adolescent children, possibly increasing risk for early onset of psychiatric conditions and disease in these offspring. Future research is needed to delineate why some biological systems are more impacted than others and to explore how findings might inform preventative programs targeted at adolescent offspring of depressed mothers.
Thin‐layer drying kinetics of yam slices, physicochemical, and functional attributes of yam flour
Authors: Kamal Md. Mostafa , Ali Md. Rahmat , Shishir Mohammad Rezaul Islam , Mondal Shakti Chandra
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to investigate the effect of temperature (50–80°C) on the drying behavior of yam slices and to evaluate the physicochemical and functional properties of yam flour. The results revealed that higher temperature enhanced the drying rate and moisture diffusivity (2.01 × 10−10–4.25 × 10−10 m2 s−1) and the drying process occurred entirely in the falling rate period. Twelve thin‐layer drying models were employed to fit the drying data using statistical parameters; coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error, chi‐square (χ2), sum of squares residual, and mean bias error. The results suggested that logarithmic for 50°C (R2 =0 .9990) and parabolic for 60–80°C (R2 =0 .9977–0.9991) were the best models that can adequately explain the drying behavior of yam slices. Different physicochemical and functional properties of yam flour were significantly affected by the drying temperatures. However, the developed yam flour exhibited a satisfactory range of nutritional contents, such as protein (4.79–5.97%), fat (0.59–0.74%), ash (5.57–6.60%), fiber (0.83–1.96%), starch (65.59–73.93%), carbohydrate (85.69–87.53%), and total phenolics (10.68–11.88 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent/100 g (GAE/100 g). Therefore, the drying kinetic results and the physicochemical quality of developed yam flour could be useful for its industrial production.

Practical Applications

Yam is one of the leading root crops in the world and used as staple food in many countries. Postharvest storage and transport of the raw yam are one of the main problems in developing countries. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of drying temperature on the thin‐layer drying kinetics of yam slices and to evaluate a suitable drying model for describing the drying process together with the food compositions, total phenolics, and other functional and color characteristics. This study revealed a useful outcome that could convince the food producers for industrial production and consumers to consider the yam flour as a suitable alternative to rice, wheat, or corn flour for the formulation of high‐quality health food products, such as bakery, confectionery, snack, noodle, soup, and other products.
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease increases coronavirus disease 2019 disease severity in nondiabetic patients
Authors: Gao Feng , Zheng Kenneth I , Wang Xiao‐Bo , Yan Hua‐Dong , Sun Qing‐Feng , Pan Ke‐Hua , Wang Ting‐Yao , Chen Yong‐Ping , George Jacob , Zheng Ming‐Hua
Published: May 2020

Background and Aim

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has attracted increasing worldwide attention. While diabetes is known to aggravate COVID‐19 severity, it is not known whether nondiabetic patients with metabolic dysfunction are also more prone to more severe disease. The association of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) with COVID‐19 severity in nondiabetic patients was investigated here.

Methods

The study cohort comprised 65 patients with (i.e. cases) and 65 patients without MAFLD (i.e. controls). Each case was randomly matched with one control by sex (1:1) and age (±5 years). The association between the presence of MAFLD (as exposure) and COVID‐19 severity (as the outcome) was assessed by binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

In nondiabetic patients with COVID‐19, the presence of MAFLD was associated with a four‐fold increased risk of severe COVID‐19; the risk increased with increasing numbers of metabolic risk factors. The association with COVID‐19 severity persisted after adjusting for age, sex, and coexisting morbid conditions.

Conclusion

Health‐care professionals caring for nondiabetic patients with COVID‐19 should be cognizant of the increased likelihood of severe COVID‐19 in patients with MAFLD.
Development and assessment of an instrument measuring environmental health perception and behavior toward reproductive health of female adolescents
Authors: Kim Hyun Kyoung
Published: May 2020

Aim

This study is aimed to develop and test the measurement of environmental health perceptions and behavior concerning female adolescents' reproductive health.

Methods

The scales constructed through literature review, in ‐depth interview, and factor analysis based on the protection motivation theory. The sample comprised 384 female adolescents for exploratory factor analysis, aged 18‐22 years, and recruited in September‐November 2019 in South Korea. The construct was validated using factor analysis, convergent validity, and known‐group comparisons. Reliability was examined using Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency and half‐split reliability.

Results

The environmental health perception for female adolescents (EHP‐FA) comprises “Sensitivity,” “Susceptibility,” “Response efficacy,” and “Self‐efficacy.” The environmental health behavior for female adolescents (EHB‐FA), based on principal component analysis, yielded 19 items with five factors, including “Chemical reduction,” “Electromagnetic reduction,” “Food selection,” “Cosmetic selection,” “Dust & Gas reduction,” and explained 62.6% of the variance (Cronbach's α = .93).

Conclusion

The utility of EHP‐FA and EHB‐FA recommend assessment of female youth's environmental attention and health behavior in the community. Nursing professionals can use the scales to promote female adolescents' reproductive health.
Clinical and trichoscopic evaluation of trichloroacetic acid 35% vs phenol 88% peels in treatment of alopecia areata
Authors: Mahgoub Doaa , Mohye Eldeen Riham , Saadi Dina , El‐Samanoudy Solwan , Ibrahim Sarah
Published: May 2020

Background

Among alopecia areata (AA) treatments, contact irritants (anthralin) and topical immunotherapies (diphenylcyclopropenone) have been successfully used. Chemoexfoliation can potentially be utilized, acting as irritants and consecutively immunomodulators. Peels via therapeutic wounding provoke growth factors and cytokines that may induce hair regrowth.

Aim

To evaluate and compare trichloroacetic acid (TCA) 35% and phenol 88% peels effectiveness and tolerability in patchy AA.

Patients/Methods

This comparative, randomized, double‐blind study included 20 patients with multifocal patchy AA. In each patient, 2 patches were selected and randomized into group I (20 patches: TCA 35%) and group II (20 patches: phenol 88%). A session was performed every 3 weeks for 9 weeks. Response was assessed by two blinded observers as regards percentage of clinical improvement, severity of alopecia tool (SALT), and trichoscopic scaled scores for dystrophic and terminal hairs, respectively. Patients were scheduled for follow‐up visits over 6 months past treatment cessation.

Results

A total of 19 patients completed the study and showed significant reduction in SALT score. TCA‐ and phenol‐treated patches demonstrated significant improvement in the percentage of clinical improvement, trichoscopic scale of dystrophic and terminal hairs. However, TCA was superior to phenol as it showed significant more reduction in trichoscopic score of dystrophic hairs and significant higher increase in terminal hairs. Phenol yielded significant higher discomfort than TCA. No relapse was detected.

Conclusions

Trichloroacetic acid 35% and phenol 88% peels can be considered effective therapeutic modalities for patchy AA. TCA 35% represents a treatment of choice in terms of the efficacy and tolerability.
ECONOMETRICS MEETS SENTIMENT: AN OVERVIEW OF METHODOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS
Authors: Algaba Andres , Ardia David , Bluteau Keven , Borms Samuel , Boudt Kris
Published: May 2020

The advent of massive amounts of textual, audio, and visual data has spurred the development of econometric methodology to transform qualitative sentiment data into quantitative sentiment variables, and to use those variables in an econometric analysis of the relationships between sentiment and other variables. We survey this emerging research field and refer to it assentometrics, which is a portmanteau of sentiment and econometrics. We provide a synthesis of the relevant methodological approaches, illustrate with empirical results, and discuss useful software.
Diffusion MRI Reversibility in Ischemic Stroke Following Thrombolysis: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Lakomkin Nikita , Pan Jonathan , Stein Laura , Malkani Brijesh , Dhamoon Mandip , Mocco J
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) detects early infarction in acute stroke. With the substantial progress in stroke therapies, the frequency of posttreatment DWI reversibility in modern stroke cohorts is currently unknown. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic literature review examining the relationship between characteristics of patients with ischemic stroke and DWI reversibility following treatment with lytic therapy.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines, yielding a total of 422 unique articles. Studies that were nonclinical or did not report data pertaining to DWI reversibility in the context of an acute stroke series were excluded. Characteristics regarding presentation, diagnosis, intervention, and the timing of DWI reversibility were collected for each study.

RESULTS

After full‐text review, 10 studies were identified as meeting inclusion criteria. The number of patients with DWI reversal ranged from .9% to 50%, whereas the extent of reversal ranged from 1.8% to 72.7%. Studies reporting on younger patients describe greater rates of reversibility following stroke treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that early DWI signal may not represent the definitive DWI burden in recanalized populations. However, substantial heterogeneity exists regarding the rate of DWI reversal following recanalization. Additional studies are needed to elucidate the relationship among time to treatment, early reversal rates, and clinical outcomes. Physicians should use caution when basing clinical decisions on DWI lesion volumes, as these likely change to some degree with recanalization.
Use of the sport concussion assessment tools in the emergency department to predict persistent post‐concussive symptoms in children
Authors: Bressan Silvia , Clarke Cathriona J , Anderson Vicki , Takagi Michael , Hearps Stephen J C , Rausa Vanessa , Anderson Nicholas , Doyle Melissa , Dunne Kevin , Oakley Ed , Davis Gavin A , Babl Franz E
Published: May 2020

Aim

The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool v3 (SCAT3) and its child version (ChildSCAT3) are composite tools including a symptom scale, a rapid cognitive assessment (standardised assessment of concussion (SAC)) and the modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS). It is unclear whether their use for the acute assessment of paediatric concussion in the emergency department (ED) may help predict persistent post‐concussive symptoms (PPCS). We aim to assess the predictive value of the main SCAT3/ChildSCAT3 components for PPCS when applied in the ED.

Methods

A single‐site, prospective longitudinal cohort study of children aged 5–18 years assessed within 48 h of their concussion at the ED of a state‐wide tertiary paediatric hospital and followed up at the affiliated concussion clinic, between November 2013 and August 2017. PPCS was defined as ≥2 new or worsening symptoms at 1 month post‐injury using the Post‐Concussive Symptom Inventory.

Results

Of the 370 children enrolled, 213 (57.7% <13 years old) provided complete data. Of these, 34.7% had PPCS at 1 month post‐injury (38.2% of children <13 years and 30.0% ≥13 years of age,P= 0.272). The adjusted ORs from multiple logistic regression models, for number and severity of symptoms, and for the SAC and mBESS performance in both the ChildSCAT3/SCAT3, were all not significant. The area under the curve of receiver operator characteristic curves for all analysed ChildSCAT3/SCAT3 components was below 0.6.

Conclusions

Although SCAT3 and ChildSCAT3 are recommended tools to assist with concussion diagnosis and monitoring of patient recovery, their use in the ED does not seem to help predict PPCS.
Safety, feasibility and efficacy of side‐alternating vibration therapy on bone and muscle health in children and adolescents with musculoskeletal disorders: A pilot trial
Authors: Vesey Renuka M , Hofman Paul L , Derraik José GB , Colle Patrícia , Biggs Janene B , Munns Craig F , Cutfield Wayne S , Gusso Silmara
Published: May 2020

Aims

A pilot study was performed to establish the safety, feasibility and efficacy of vibration therapy (VT) on bone and muscle health in children and adolescents with a range of musculoskeletal disorders.

Methods

Seventeen participants (15.7 years ± 2.9 years), with conditions that impacted on their musculoskeletal health, completed 20 weeks of side‐alternating VT for 9 min/session, 4 times/week at 20 Hz. Data were collected at baseline and after 20 weeks of intervention. Assessments included whole‐body dual‐energyX‐ray absorptiometry, muscle function (force plate) and 6‐min walk test.

Results

Compliance with the prescribed VT training protocol was relatively high overall at 78% and there were no adverse events reported. After 20 weeks intervention, functional assessments showed time taken to perform the chair test was reduced by 15% (P = 0.018), leg balance improved with standard ellipse area decreasing by 88% (P = 0.006) and distance walked in the 6‐min walk test improved by 9% (P = 0.002). Participants displayed increased total body mass (1.94 kg; P = 0.018) with increased lean mass (1.20 kg; P = 0.019) but not fat mass (P = 0.19). There was no change in total body bone mineral density (P = 0.44) or bone mineral content (P = 0.07).

Conclusions

Twenty weeks of side‐alternating VT was a feasible protocol that was associated with improvements in physical function and no detrimental effects on lean mass, bone mass or density in children and adolescents with musculoskeletal disorders.
Evaluating the status of fern and lycophyte nothotaxa in the context of the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification (PPG I)
Authors: Liu Hong‐Mei , Schuettpelz Eric , Schneider Harald
Published: May 2020

Hybridization has long been recognized as common in ferns, but the products of this arguably evolutionary important process have often been ignored in classifications. For example, the recently published Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification (PPG I) covered all hierarchical ranks from class to genus but did not include intergeneric hybrids (nothogenera). Here, we provide for the first time a comprehensive evaluation of previously proposed nothogenera in the context of a current phylogeny‐based pteridophyte classification (i.e., PPG I). We find that several nothogenera nested in the orders Osmundales and Polypodiales are supported in the framework of PPG I, but others are superfluous. Five new nothogenera are introduced here for the first time. We also explore the distribution of nothospecies across the pteridophyte phylogeny for the first time. We are unable to reject the hypothesis that species richness and nothospecies diversity are correlated, despite the finding that some temperate lineages contribute more nothospecies than expected whereas several tropical lineages lack them. This pattern could be the consequence of either fundamental differences in modes of speciation in temperate and tropical zones or unequal efforts to record nothospecies. In general, we emphasize the need to take nothogenera into account when proposing generic classifications, but the information provided by the existence of such hybrids needs to be carefully evaluated. Our results underscore the need to report and study hybrids in ferns and lycophytes, especially in biodiversity rich areas.
Hydrous olivine alteration on Mars and Earth
Authors: Váci Zoltán , Agee Carl B. , Herd Christopher D. K. , Walton Erin , Tschauner Oliver , Ziegler Karen , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Greenberg Eran , Monique‐Thomas Sylvia
Published: May 2020

Hydrous alteration of olivine macrocrysts in a Martian olivine phyric basalt, NWA 10416, and a terrestrial basalt from southern Colorado are examined using SEM, EPMA, TEM, and µXRD techniques. The olivines in the meteorite contain linear nanotubes of hydrous material, amorphous areas, and fluid dissolution textures quite distinct from alteration identified in other Martian meteorites. Instead, they bear resemblance to terrestrial deuteric alteration features. The presence of the hydrous alteration phase Mg‐laihunite within the olivines has been confirmed by µXRD analysis. The cores of the olivines in both Martian and terrestrial samples are overgrown by unaltered rims whose compositions match those of a separate population of groundmass olivines, suggesting that the core olivines are xenocrysts whose alteration preceded crystallization of the groundmass. The terrestrial sample is linked to deep crustal metasomatism and the “ignimbrite flare‐up” of the Oligocene epoch. The comparison of the two samples suggests the existence of an analogous relatively water‐rich magmatic reservoir on Mars.
Influence of Paleolithic range contraction, admixture and long‐distance dispersal on genetic gradients of modern humans in Asia
Authors: Branco Catarina , Ray Nicolas , Currat Mathias , Arenas Miguel
Published: May 2020

Cavalli‐Sforza and coauthors originally explored the genetic variation of modern humans throughout the world and observed an overall east‐west genetic gradient in Asia. However, the specific environmental and population genetics processes causing this gradient were not formally investigated and promoted discussion in recent studies. Here we studied the influence of diverse environmental and population genetics processes on Asian genetic gradients and identified which could have produced the observed gradient. To do so, we performed extensive spatially‐explicit computer simulations of genetic data under the following scenarios: (a) variable levels of admixture between Paleolithic and Neolithic populations, (b) migration through long‐distance dispersal (LDD), (c) Paleolithic range contraction induced by the last glacial maximum (LGM), and (d) Neolithic range expansions from one or two geographic origins (the Fertile Crescent and the Yangzi and Yellow River Basins). Next, we estimated genetic gradients from the simulated data and we found that they were sensible to the analysed processes, especially to the range contraction induced by LGM and to the number of Neolithic expansions. Some scenarios were compatible with the observed east‐west genetic gradient, such as the Paleolithic expansion with a range contraction induced by the LGM or two Neolithic range expansions from both the east and the west. In general, LDD increased the variance of genetic gradients among simulations. We interpreted the obtained gradients as a consequence of both allele surfing caused by range expansions and isolation by distance along the vast east‐west geographic axis of this continent.
Optimizing surveillance and management of emerald ash borer in urban environments
Authors: Bushaj Sabah , Büyüktahtakın İ. Esra , Yemshanov Denys , Haight Robert G.
Published: May 2020

Emerald ash borer (EAB), a wood‐boring insect native to Asia, was discovered near Detroit in 2002 and has spread and killed millions of ash trees throughout the eastern United States and Canada. EAB causes severe damage in urban areas where it kills high‐value ash trees that shade streets, homes, and parks and costs homeowners and local governments millions of dollars for treatment, removal, and replacement of infested trees. We present a multistage, stochastic, mixed‐integer programming model to help decision‐makers maximize the public benefits of preserving healthy ash trees in an urban environment. The model allocates resources to surveillance of the ash population and subsequent treatment and removal of infested trees over time. We explore the multistage dynamics of an EAB outbreak with a dispersal mechanism and apply the optimization model to explore surveillance, treatment, and removal options to manage an EAB outbreak in Winnipeg, a city of Manitoba, Canada.

Recommendation to Resource Managers

Our approach demonstrates that timely detection and early response are critical factors for maximizing the number of healthy trees in urban areas affected by the pest outbreak.

Treatment of the infested trees is most effective when done at the earliest stage of infestation. Treating asymptomatic trees at the earliest stages of infestation provides higher net benefits than tree removal or no‐treatment options.

Our analysis suggests the use of branch sampling as a more accurate method than the use of sticky traps to detect the infested asymptomatic trees, which enables treating and removing more infested trees at the early stages of infestation.

Our results also emphasize the importance of allocating a sufficient budget for tree removal to manage emerald ash borer infestations in urban environments. Tree removal becomes a less useful option in small‐budget solutions where the optimal policy is to spend most of the budget on treatments.
Positron emission tomography evaluation of oxime countermeasures in live rats using the tracer O‐(2‐[18F]fluoroethyl)‐O‐(p‐nitrophenyl)methylphosphonate [18F]‐VXS
Authors: Hayes Thomas R. , Blecha Joseph E. , Chao Chih‐Kai , Huynh Tony L. , VanBrocklin Henry F. , Zinn Kurt R. , Taylor Palmer W. , Gerdes John M. , Thompson Charles M.
Published: May 2020

Oxime antidotes regenerate organophosphate‐inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Although they share a common mechanism of AChE reactivation, the rate and amount of oxime that enters the brain are critical to the efficacy, a process linked to the oxime structure and charge. Using a platform based on the organophosphate [18F]‐VXS as a positron emission tomography tracer for active AChE, the in vivo distribution of [18F]‐VXS was evaluated after an LD50 dose (250 μg/kg) of the organophosphate paraoxon (POX) and following oximes as antidotes. Rats given [18F]‐VXS tracer alone had significantly higher radioactivity (two‐ to threefold) in the heart and lung than rats given LD50 POX at 20 or 60 min prior to [18F]‐VXS. When rats were given LD50 POX followed by 2‐PAM (cationic), RS194b (ionizable), or monoisonitrosoacetone (MINA) (neutral), central nervous system (CNS) radioactivity returned to levels at or above untreated naive rats (no POX), whereas CNS radioactivity did not increase in rats given the dication oximes HI‐6 or MMB‐4. MINA showed a significant, pairwise increase in CNS brain radioactivity compared with POX‐treated rats. This new in vivo dynamic platform using [18F]‐VXS tracer measures and quantifies peripheral and CNS relative changes in AChE availability after POX exposure and is suitable for comparing oxime delivery and AChE reactivation in rats.
Anesthetic concerns for pediatric patients in the era of COVID‐19
Authors: Soneru Codruta N. , Nunez Karyn , Petersen Timothy R. , Lock Richard
Published: May 2020

After a novel human coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), was reported in China in December 2019, the disease quickly reached pandemic level. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The caseload has increased exponentially, with WHO reporting 182 000 global cases by March 17, 2020, and over 2.6 million by 23 April. The clinical situation is complex, with children presenting different clinical features compared to adults. Several articles with recommendations on the anesthetic management of adult patients with COVID‐19 have been published, but no specific recommendations for pediatric anesthesiologists have been made yet. This article addresses specific concerns for the anesthetic management of the pediatric population with COVID‐19.
Pediatric psoriasis and association with cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Phan Kevin , Lee Geoffrey , Fischer Gayle
Published: May 2020

Background/Objectives

There is an increasing volume of evidence which supports the link between psoriasis and cardiometabolic risk including obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and myocardial infarction. Although one‐third to one‐half of psoriasis cases start during childhood, it is unclear whether childhood psoriasis is similarly associated with a cardiometabolic risk profile.

Methods

Electronic database searches were performed to identify studies comparing the proportion of pediatric psoriasis cases with controls in terms of dichotomous outcomes including the proportion of patients with overweight BMI, obese BMI, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, ischemic heart disease, or heart failure; continuous outcomes recorded include BMI, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.

Results

A statistically significant association was found between pediatric psoriasis and overweight/obesity as well as waist:height ratio >0.5, in addition to metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and cardiac ischemia and failure. The association with obesity is dependent on the severity of disease, where moderate‐severe psoriasis patients have higher odds of obesity compared to mild psoriasis.

Conclusions

Our systematic review and pooled meta‐analysis demonstrate a significant association between childhood psoriasis and obesity, central adiposity, and other cardiometabolic comorbidities. Clinicians should consider the assessment of comorbidities in children with psoriasis, which may allow for early lifestyle interventions and education.
Antibody‐mediated rejection with the presence of glomerular crescents in a pediatric kidney transplant recipient: A case report
Authors: Karava Vasiliki , Gakiopoulou Hara , Zampetoglou Argyroula , Marinaki Smaragdi , Havaki Sofia , Bitsori Maria , Stefanidis Constantinos J. , Mitsioni Andromach
Published: May 2020

Glomerular crescents in kidney transplantation are indicative of severe glomerular injury and constitute a hallmark of RPGN. Their concurrence with ABMR has been rarely described only in adult patients. We report a case of 10‐year‐old boy with compound heterozygous Fin‐major Finnish‐type congenital nephrotic syndrome, who had received a deceased‐donor kidney transplant 5 years before onset of acute kidney injury and nephrotic range proteinuria without hematuria. Kidney allograft biopsy illustrated 6 glomeruli with global sclerosis and 6 with remarkable circumferential or segmental cellular crescents. Negative glomerular immunofluorescence for immune‐complex deposits and the absence of serum ANCA eliminated the presence of immune‐mediated and ANCA‐positive pauci‐immune crescentic glomerulonephritis. Diagnosis of ABMR was based on the high levels of HLA class II DSA and the histological evidence of glomerulitis, peritubular capillaritis, and acute tubular injury with positive linear peritubular capillary C4d staining. The patient despite plasmapheresis and enhanced immunosuppressive treatment progressed to end‐stage renal disease. We conclude that glomerular crescents may represent a finding of AMBR and possibly a marker of poor allograft prognosis in pediatric patients.