bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification Modeling Method for Near-Infrared Spectroscopy of Tobacco Based on Multimodal Convolution Neural Networks
Authors: Zhang Lei , Ding Xiangqian , Hou Ruichun
Published: February 2020

The origin of tobacco is the most important factor in determining the style characteristics and intrinsic quality of tobacco. There are many applications for the identification of tobacco origin by near-infrared spectroscopy. In order to improve the accuracy of the tobacco origin classification, a near-infrared spectrum (NIRS) identification method based on multimodal convolutional neural networks (CNN) was proposed, taking advantage of the strong feature extraction ability of the CNN. Firstly, the one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1-D CNN) is used to extract and combine the pattern features of one-dimensional NIRS data, and then the extracted features are used for classification. Secondly, the one-dimensional NIRS data are converted into two-dimensional spectral images, and the structure features are extracted from two-dimensional spectral images by the two-dimensional convolutional neural network (2-D CNN) method. The classification is performed by the combination of global and local training features. Finally, the influences of different network structure parameters on model identification performance are studied, and the optimal CNN models are selected and compared. The multimodal NIR-CNN identification models of tobacco origin were established by using NIRS of 5,200 tobacco samples from 10 major tobacco producing provinces in China and 3 foreign countries. The classification accuracy of 1-D CNN and 2-D CNN models was 93.15% and 93.05%, respectively, which was better than the traditional PLS-DA method. The experimental results show that the application of 1-D CNN and 2-D CNN can accurately and reliably distinguish the NIRS data, and it can be developed into a new rapid identification method of tobacco origin, which has an important promotion value.
Lipemia Interferences in Biochemical Tests, Investigating the Efficacy of Different Removal Methods in comparison with Ultracentrifugation as the Gold Standard
Authors: Soleimani Neda , Mohammadzadeh Sahand , Asadian Fateme
Published: February 2020

Introduction. As a common interferer in clinical chemistry, lipemic specimens could be a source of significant analytical errors. Ultracentrifugation has been by far the only reliable, but an unavailable and expensive, method to eliminate the lipemic effect. Materials and Methods. Among the daily samples, those with triglyceride >400 mg/dL (4.6 mmol/L) and also turbid were selected, divided into three groups, based on triglyceride concentration, and three pooled serums were made for each group. Then all pooled serums were investigated by using a DIRUI biochemistry analyzer CS-800 for routine chemistry tests in different methods including direct measurement, serum blank, serum dilution, and measurement after ultracentrifugation. Results. According to our study, there were significant differences before and after ultracentrifugation in all lipemic levels and for all parameters except for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, and uric acid. Based on allowable inaccuracy for each parameter, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, total protein, iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), urea, and chloride are being influenced by all lipemic degree and neither serum dilution nor using serum blank is as effective as ultracentrifuge for elimination. Serum blank was a proper method of lipid removal for the measurement of glucose. Conclusion. Lipemia is a well-known interferer in clinical chemistry. One cannot avoid lipemia, but fortunately, severe lipemia is a rare phenomenon in the laboratory, and for assessment of some analytes in a lower degree of lipemia, use of serum blank eliminates the need for ultracentrifuge.
Pancreatic Cancer Risk in Relation to Lifetime Smoking Patterns, Tobacco Type, and Dose–Response Relationships
Authors: Molina-Montes Esther , Van Hoogstraten Lisa , Gomez-Rubio Paulina , Löhr Matthias , Sharp Linda , Molero Xavier , Márquez Mirari , Michalski Christoph W. , Farré Antoni , Perea José , O'Rorke Michael , Greenhalf William , Ilzarbe Lucas , Tardon Adonina , Gress Thomas M. , Barberà Victor M. , Crnogorac-Jurcevic Tatjana , Muñoz-Bellvis Luis , Domínguez-Muñoz Enrique , Balsells Joaquim , Costello Eithne , Iglesias Mar , Kleeff Jorg , Kong Bo , Mora Josefina , O'Driscoll Damian , Poves Ignasi , Scarpa Aldo , Yu Jingru , Ye Weimin , Hidalgo Manuel , Carrato Alfredo , Lawlor Rita , Real Francisco X. , Malats Nuria
Published: February 2020

Background:

Despite smoking being a well-established risk factor for pancreatic cancer, there is a need to further characterize pancreatic cancer risk according to lifespan smoking patterns and other smoking features, such as tobacco type. Our aim was to deeply investigate them within a large European case–control study.

Methods:

Tobacco smoking habits and other relevant information were obtained from 2,009 cases and 1,532 controls recruited in the PanGenEU study using standardized tools. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate pancreatic cancer risk by smoking characteristics and interactions with other pancreatic cancer risk factors. Fractional polynomials and restricted cubic splines were used to test for nonlinearity of the dose–response relationships and to analyze their shape.

Results:

Relative to never-smokers, current smokers [OR = 1.72; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.39–2.12], those inhaling into the throat (OR = 1.48; 95% CI, 1.11–1.99) or chest (OR = 1.33; 95% CI, 1.12–1.58), and those using nonfiltered cigarettes (OR = 1.69; 95% CI, 1.10–2.61), were all at an increased pancreatic cancer risk. Pancreatic cancer risk was highest in current black tobacco smokers (OR = 2.09; 95% CI, 1.31–3.41), followed by blond tobacco smokers (OR = 1.43; 95% CI, 1.01–2.04). Childhood exposure to tobacco smoke relative to parental smoking was also associated with increased pancreatic cancer risk (OR = 1.24; 95% CI, 1.03–1.49). Dose–response relationships for smoking duration, intensity, cumulative dose, and smoking cessation were nonlinear and showed different shapes by tobacco type. Effect modification by family history of pancreatic cancer and diabetes was likely.

Conclusions:

This study reveals differences in pancreatic cancer risk by tobacco type and other habit characteristics, as well as nonlinear risk associations.

Impact:

This characterization of smoking-related pancreatic cancer risk profiles may help in defining pancreatic cancer high-risk populations.
Total Antioxidant Capacity and Pancreatic Cancer Incidence and Mortality in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial
Authors: Zhong Guo-Chao , Pu Jian-Yuan , Wu Yi-Lin , Yi Zhu-Jun , Wan Lun , Wang Kang , Hao Fa-Bao , Zhao Yong , Gong Jian-Ping
Published: February 2020

Background:

Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) reflects an individual's overall antioxidant intake. We sought to clarify whether higher TAC is associated with lower risks of pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality in the U.S. general population.

Methods:

A total of 96,018 American adults were identified from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. A ferric-reducing ability of plasma score was used to reflect an individual's TAC intake from diet and/or supplements. Cox regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) for pancreatic cancer incidence, and competing risk regression was used to calculate subdistribution HRs for pancreatic cancer mortality. Restricted cubic spline regression was used to test nonlinearity.

Results:

A total of 393 pancreatic cancer cases and 353 pancreatic cancer–related deaths were documented. Total (diet + supplements) TAC was found to be inversely associated with pancreatic cancer incidence (HR quartile 4 vs. quartile 1 = 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.39–0.72; Ptrend = 0.0002) and mortality (subdistribution HR quartile 4 vs. quartile 1 = 0.52; 95% confidence interval 0.38–0.72; Ptrend = 0.0003) in a nonlinear dose–response manner (all Pnonlinearity < 0.01). Similar results were observed for dietary TAC. No association of supplemental TAC with pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality was found.

Conclusions:

In the U.S. general population, dietary but not supplemental TAC level is inversely associated with risks of pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality in a nonlinear dose–response pattern.

Impact:

This is the first prospective study indicating that a diet rich in antioxidants may be beneficial in decreasing pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality.
Nucleostemin Modulates Outcomes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via a Tumor Adaptive Mechanism to Genomic Stress
Authors: Wang Junying , McGrail Daniel J. , Bhupal Parnit K. , Zhang Wen , Lin Kuan-Yu , Ku Yi-Hsuan , Lin Tao , Wu Hongfu , Tsai Kyle C. , Li Kaiyi , Peng Cheng-Yuan , Finegold Milton J. , Lin Shiaw-Yih , Tsai Robert Y.L.
Published: February 2020

Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) are adapted to survive extreme genomic stress conditions imposed by hyperactive DNA replication and genotoxic drug treatment. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear, but may involve intensified DNA damage response/repair programs. Here, we investigate a new role of nucleostemin (NS) in allowing HCC to survive its own malignancy, as NS was previously shown to promote liver regeneration via a damage repair mechanism. We first established that a higher NS transcript level correlates with high-HCC grades and poor prognostic signatures, and is an independent predictor of shorter overall and progression-free survival specifically for HCC and kidney cancer but not for others. Immunostaining confirmed that NS is most abundantly expressed in high-grade and metastatic HCCs. Genome-wide analyses revealed that NS is coenriched with MYC target and homologous recombination (HR) repair genes in human HCC samples and functionally intersects with those involved in replication stress response and HR repair in yeasts. In support, NS-high HCCs are more reliant on the replicative/oxidative stress response pathways, whereas NS-low HCCs depend more on the mTOR pathway. Perturbation studies showed NS function in protecting human HCC cells from replication- and drug-induced DNA damage. Notably, NS depletion in HCC cells increases the amounts of physical DNA damage and cytosolic double-stranded DNA, leading to a reactive increase of cytokines and PD-L1. This study shows that NS provides an essential mechanism for HCC to adapt to high genomic stress for oncogenic maintenance and propagation. NS deficiency sensitizes HCC cells to chemotherapy but also triggers tumor immune responses.

Implications:

HCC employs a novel, nucleostemin (NS)-mediated-mediated adaptive mechanism to survive high genomic stress conditions, a deficiency of which sensitizes HCC cells to chemotherapy but also triggers tumor immune responses.
Immunmodulation bei chronisch-obstruktiver Lungenerkrankung: Aktuelle Konzepte und zukünftige Strategien
Authors: van Eeden Stephan F. , Hogg James C.
Published: February 2020

Die chronisch-obstruktive Lungenerkrankung (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD) wird durch das langjährige aktive oder passive Einatmen schädlicher Partikel und Gase (vor allem, aber nicht nur, Zigarettenrauch) verursacht, wodurch es zu einer anhaltenden angeborenen und adaptiven Immunantwort in der Lunge kommt. Diese Immunantwort ist mit einer Störung der Gewebereparatur- und Remodelingprozesse verbunden und führt zu einer chronischen Entzündung mit übermäßiger Schleimproduktion in den zentralen Atemwegen und zu einer dauerhaften Zerstörung der kleinen Atemwege sowie der Gasaustausch-Oberfläche in der peripheren Lunge. Derzeit bestehen die Hauptziele der Behandlung bei COPD in einer Bronchodilatation zur Symptomkontrolle (durch inhalative kurz und lang wirksame β-Agonisten- und antimuskarinische Wirkstoffe) sowie in der Gabe unspezifischer breit wirksamer Entzündungshemmer (wie inhalative und orale Kortikosteroide, Phosphordiesterase-Hemmer und Makrolide). Diese bewirken eine symptomatische Linderung, haben jedoch, wenn überhaupt, nur einen sehr geringen Einfluss auf das Fortschreiten der Erkrankung oder die Mortalität. Mit zunehmendem Verständnis der Immunpathogenese der COPD wurden Immunmodulationstherapien verfügbar, die in der Lage sind, schädliche Immunmechanismen zu verändern oder zu stören, wodurch das unaufhaltsame Fortschreiten der Lungengewebezerstörung verlangsamt wird. In der vorliegenden kurzen Übersichtsarbeit sollen das aktuelle Wissen über die Immunpathogenese sowohl der Atemwegs- als auch der Parenchymschädigung sowie die gestörten Gewebereparaturprozesse erörtert werden, und es werden immunmodulierende Interventionen vorgeschlagen, die versuchen, die pathologischen Veränderungen zu stabilisieren oder in ihren Normalzustand zurückzuversetzen. Ziel der Immunmodulationstherapie ist es letztendlich, die mit der COPD verbundene Morbidität und Mortalität zu senken.
Morphofunctional Effects of C5 Convertase Blockade in Immune Complex-Mediated Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis: Report of Two Cases with Evidence of Terminal Complement Activation
Authors: Carrara Camillo , Podestà Manuel Alfredo , Abbate Mauro , Rizzo Paola , Piras Rossella , Alberti Marta , Daina Erica , Ruggenenti Piero , Remuzzi Giuseppe ,   on behalf of the EAGLE Study Group
Published: February 2020

A membranoproliferative pattern of glomerular injury is frequently observed in patients with complement-mediated disorders, such as C3 glomerulopathies (C3G) and primary immune complex-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN). The outcomes of C3G and ­IC-MPGN are poor, independently of immunosuppressive therapy. However, two 48-week treatment periods with the anti-C5 monoclonal antibody eculizumab, divided by a ­12-week washout period, achieved remission of proteinuria and stabilization/improvement of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), measured through iohexol plasma clearance, in 3 of 10 patients with biopsy-proven MPGN, nephrotic syndrome and terminal complement complex sC5b-9 plasma levels >1,000 mg/mL, at inclusion. Baseline and end-of-study kidney biopsies were available for 2 patients with IC-MPGN, and their baseline characteristics were similar. However, in 1 patient proteinuria and GFR did not improve during the study, whereas in the other proteinuria decreased from 4.84 to 2.12 g/24-h and GFR increased from 91.5 to 142.7 mL/min/1.73 m2. Glomerular inflammation improved and median (interquartile range) glomerular staining for C5b-9 decreased in both cases: from 23.6 to 18.2% (p = 0.021) in the patient who achieved remission and from 15.8 to 10.7% (p = 0.019) in the patient with persistent proteinuria. Chronic glomerular lesions progressed and C3 glomerular staining and electron-dense deposits did not change appreciably in either case. However, in the patient who achieved remission, ultrastructural evaluation revealed features of glomerular microangiopathy at inclusion, which fully recovered posttreatment. Podocyte foot process effacement was observed in both patients at inclusion, but recovered only in the patient with microangiopathy. Thus, in 2 patients with ­IC-MPGN, chronic glomerular changes progressed despite eculizumab-induced amelioration of glomerular inflammation and inhibition of sC5b-9 deposition, and independently of treatment effects on proteinuria and podocytes. The finding that the regression of microangiopathic changes was associated with improved clinical outcomes suggests that C5 blockade might have a therapeutic role in patients with IC-MPGN displaying microangiopathic endothelial injury.
Nivolumab for Metastatic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Oro-Ayude Marcos , Suh-Oh Hae Jin , Sacristán-Santos Victor , Vázquez-Bartolomé Patricia , Flórez Ángeles
Published: February 2020

Nivolumab is a programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) inhibitor. It is part of a group of drugs known as immune checkpoint blockers, which enable potent and durable T-cell responses against several tumors. We report the case of a patient with a metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, who is being treated with nivolumab. This patient achieved a complete response and continues treatment without progression signs, supporting the notion that PD-1 inhibition can induce long-term remission and is well tolerated in this type of patient.
Effect of Breathing Oxygen-Enriched Air on Exercise Performance in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Trial
Authors: Hasler Elisabeth Domenica , Saxer Stéphanie , Schneider Simon Raphael , Furian Michael , Lichtblau Mona , Schwarz Esther Irene , Bloch Konrad E. , Ulrich Silvia
Published: February 2020

Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience dyspnea and hypoxemia during exercise. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of breathing oxygen-enriched air on exercise performance and associated physiological changes in patients with COPD. Methods: In a randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind, cross-over trial, 20 patients with COPD (11 women, age 65 ± 6 years, FEV1 64 ± 19% pred., resting SpO2 ≥90%) performed 4 cycle ergospirometries to exhaustion using an incremental exercise test (IET) and a constant work rate (at 75% maximal workload with air) exercise test (CWRET), each with ambient (FiO2 0.21) and oxygen-enriched (FiO2 0.5) air. The main outcomes were the change in maximal workload in the IET and the change in exercise duration in the CWRET with oxygen versus air. Electrocardiogram, pulmonary gas exchange, thoracic volumes by inductance plethysmography, arterial blood gases, and cerebral and quadriceps muscle tissue oxygenation (CTO and MTO) were additionally measured. Results: In the IET, maximal workload increased from 96 ± 21 to 104 ± 28 W with oxygen. In the CWRET, exercise duration increased from 605 ± 274 to 963 ± 444 s with oxygen. At end-exercise with oxygen, CTO, MTO, PaO2, and PaCO2 were increased, while V’E/V’CO2 was reduced and thoracic volumes were similar. At the corresponding time to end of exercise with ambient air, oxygen decreased heart rate, respiratory rate, minute ventilation, and V’E/V’CO2, while oxygenation was increased. Conclusion: In COPD patients without resting hypoxemia, breathing oxygen-enriched air improves exercise performance. This relates to a higher arterial oxygen saturation promoting oxygen availability to muscle and cerebral tissue and an enhanced ventilatory efficiency. COPD patients may benefit from oxygen therapy during exercise training.
Serotonin Syndrome Presenting as a Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome
Authors: Malik Muhammad Taimur , Majeed Mohammad Faraz , Zand Ramin
Published: February 2020

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurological syndrome characterized by an altered level of consciousness, headaches, seizure, and visual changes. PRES has several different etiologies, including malignant hypertension, eclampsia, and certain medications. Here, we describe a 41-year-old woman who presented with altered mental status. She had a preliminary diagnosis of serotonin syndrome as she was on many different serotonin-sparing agents, but her imaging findings were consistent with PRES. After her medications were reviewed and the causative agent was removed, the patient’s neurological exam and imaging findings improved, and she returned to her baseline. To our knowledge, this is a unique case of PRES caused by serotonin syndrome secondary to venlafaxine usage.
Long-Term Effects of High-Dose Tolvaptan for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Nakatani Shinya , Ishimura Eiji , Machiba Yuri , Fujimoto Kenta , Uedono Hideki , Tsuda Akihiro , Mori Katsuhito , Emoto Masanori , Inaba Masaaki
Published: February 2020

Tolvaptan, a vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, was initially approved in Japan for treatment of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Recently, a retrospective study showed that the effect of tolvaptan on kidney function could be sustained for a long period. However, the long-term efficacy and safety of high-dose tolvaptan (120 mg/day) in individual cases remain unknown. We report here 2 Japanese ADPKD patients (males, 36 and 29 years old) treated with tolvaptan (120 mg/day) for 9 years, during which time determinations of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and total kidney volume (TKV) were performed. In these 2 patients, eGFR prior to therapy was 57.3 and 76.3 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively, and 30.2 and 43.5 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively, after 9 years of tolvaptan treatment, for a relatively constant annual decline of –3.01 and –3.64 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. As compared to the predicted (calculated) eGFR without tolvaptan treatment, eGFR actually measured was higher by 15.3 and 12.6 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively, after the 9-year therapy period. In addition, the rate of TKV increase was gradual, 2.4 and 4.7%, respectively, per year during the initial 3-year period, to 6.5 and 12.5%, respectively, per year in the following 6-year period. During the 9 years of treatment, neither patient showed tolvaptan-related adverse events. Our findings suggest that long-term administration of tolvaptan at a high dose is both safe and effective to preserve kidney function, though a gradual increase in TKV was seen in both of the present cases, particularly during the later phase.
Melbourne Mobile Stroke Unit and Reperfusion Therapy
Authors: Zhao Henry , Coote Skye , Easton Damien , Langenberg Francesca , Stephenson Michael , Smith Karen , Bernard Stephen , Cadilhac Dominique A. , Kim Joosup , Bladin Christopher F. , Churilov Leonid , Crompton Douglas E. , Dewey Helen M. , Sanders Lauren M. , Wijeratne Tissa , Cloud Geoffrey , Brooks Duncan M. , Asadi Hamed , Thijs Vincent , Chandra Ronil V. , Ma Henry , Desmond Patricia M. , Dowling Richard J. , Mitchell Peter J. , Yassi Nawaf , Yan Bernard , Campbell Bruce C.V. , Parsons Mark W. , Donnan Geoffrey A. , Davis Stephen M.
Published: February 2020

Background and Purpose—

Mobile stroke units (MSUs) are increasingly used worldwide to provide prehospital triage and treatment. The benefits of MSUs in giving earlier thrombolysis have been well established, but the impacts of MSUs on endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) and effect on disability avoidance are largely unknown. We aimed to determine the clinical impact and disability reduction for reperfusion therapies in the first operational year of the Melbourne MSU.

Methods—

Treatment time metrics for MSU patients receiving reperfusion therapy were compared with control patients presenting to metropolitan Melbourne stroke units via standard ambulance within MSU operating hours. The primary outcome was median time difference in first ambulance dispatch to treatment modeled using quantile regression analysis. Time savings were subsequently converted to disability-adjusted life years avoided using published estimates.

Results—

In the first 365-day operation of the Melbourne MSU, prehospital thrombolysis was administered to 100 patients (mean age, 73.8 years; 62% men). The median time savings per MSU patient, compared with the control cohort, was 26 minutes (
P
<0.001) for dispatch to hospital arrival and 15 minutes (
P
<0.001) for hospital arrival to thrombolysis. The calculated overall time saving from dispatch to thrombolysis was 42.5 minutes (95% CI, 36.0–49.0). In the same period, 41 MSU patients received EVT (mean age, 76 years; 61% men) with median dispatch-to-treatment time saving of 51 minutes ([95% CI, 30.1–71.9],
P
<0.001). This included a median time saving of 17 minutes ([95% CI, 7.6–26.4],
P
=0.001) for EVT hospital arrival to arterial puncture for MSU patients. Estimated median disability-adjusted life years saved through earlier provision of reperfusion therapies were 20.9 for thrombolysis and 24.6 for EVT.

Conclusions—

The Melbourne MSU substantially reduced time to reperfusion therapies, with the greatest estimated disability avoidance driven by the more powerful impact of earlier EVT. These findings highlight the benefits of prehospital notification and direct triage to EVT centers with facilitated workflow on arrival by the MSU.
Transforming Growth Factor Beta-Activated Kinase 1–Dependent Microglial and Macrophage Responses Aggravate Long-Term Outcomes After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Wang Rongrong , Pu Hongjian , Ye Qing , Jiang Ming , Chen Jie , Zhao Jingyan , Li Sicheng , Liu Yaan , Hu Xiaoming , Rocha Marcelo , Jadhav Ashutosh P. , Chen Jun , Shi Yejie
Published: February 2020

Background and Purpose—

Microglia/macrophages (Mi/MΦ) can profoundly influence stroke outcomes by acquiring functionally dominant phenotypes (proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory; deleterious or salutary). Identification of the molecular mechanisms that dictate the functional status of Mi/MΦ after brain ischemia/reperfusion may reveal novel therapeutic targets for stroke. We hypothesized that activation of TAK1 (transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1), a key MAP3K upstream of multiple inflammation-regulating pathways, drives Mi/MΦ toward a proinflammatory phenotype and potentiates ischemia/reperfusion brain injury.

Methods—

Young adult mice were subjected to 1 hour of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by reperfusion. TAK1 was targeted by tamoxifen-induced Mi/MΦ-specific knockout or administration of a selective inhibitor 5Z-7-Oxozeaenol after MCAO. Neurobehavioral deficits and long-term gray matter and white matter injury were assessed up to 35 days after MCAO. Mi/MΦ functional status and brain inflammatory profiles were assessed 3 days after MCAO by RNA-seq, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry.

Results—

TAK1 Mi/MΦ-specific knockout markedly ameliorated neurological deficits in the rotarod and cylinder tests for at least 35 days after MCAO. Mechanistically, RNA-seq of purified brain Mi/MΦ demonstrated that proinflammatory genes and their predicted biological functions were downregulated or inhibited in microglia and macrophages from TAK1 Mi/MΦ-specific knockout mice versus WT mice 3 days after MCAO. Consistent with the anti-inflammatory phenotype of Mi/MΦ-specific knockout, oxozeaenol treatment mitigated neuroinflammation 3 days after MCAO, manifested by less Iba1
+
/CD16
+
proinflammatory Mi/MΦ and suppressed brain invasion of various peripheral immune cells. Oxozeaenol treatment beginning 2 hours after MCAO improved long-term sensorimotor and cognitive functions in the foot fault, rotarod, and water maze tests. Furthermore, Oxozeaenol promoted both gray matter and white matter integrity 35 days after MCAO.

Conclusions—

TAK1 promotes ischemia/reperfusion-induced inflammation, brain injury, and maladaptive behavior by enhancing proinflammatory and deleterious Mi/MΦ responses. Therefore, TAK1 inhibition is a promising therapy to improve long-term stroke outcomes.
Statistical distributions commonly used in measurement uncertainty in
laboratory medicine
Authors: Coskun Abdurrahman , Oosterhuis Wytze P.
Published: February 2020

Uncertainty is an inseparable part of all types of measurement. Recently, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) released a new standard (ISO 20914) on how to calculate measurement uncertainty (MU) in laboratory medicine. This standard can be regarded as the beginning of a new era in laboratory medicine. Measurement uncertainty comprises various components and is used to calculate the total uncertainty. All components must be expressed in standard deviation (SD) and then combined. However, the characteristics of these components are not the same; some are expressed as SD, while others are expressed as a ± b, such as the purity of the reagents. All non-SD variables must be transformed into SD, which requires a detailed knowledge of common statistical distributions used in the calculation of MU. Here, the main statistical distributions used in MU calculation are briefly summarized.
The effect of jet-lag on serum concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone and prolactin
Authors: Gungoren Merve Sibel , Topcu Deniz Ilhan , Zungun Cevdet
Published: February 2020

Introduction: This case report is about the importance of sleeping status for analysis of thyroid hormone stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin
(PRL) which arose from discordant results of a patient who was referred for serum TSH and PRL testing within 12-hour period after an intercontinental
flight.
Case description: An adult male patient was admitted to our laboratory for serum TSH and PRL tests and came back questioning the accuracy of
his previous results.
Further investigations: A new analysis with a new sample was offered. His new results were not consistent with his previous results.
What happened: It was revealed that the night before the first sampling, he travelled back to Turkey from The United States of America and came

to testing within 12 hours after the arrival.

Discussion: Sleeping status is one of the factors that can affect laboratory results. Intercontinental flights causing jet-lag can alter the secretions of

TSH and PRL which are predominantly modulated by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH).

Main lesson: Travel history and sleeping status are important factors to be evaluated prior sampling for hormone analysis. Patients must be informed

about the importance of sampling timing.
A Performed Solution to the Pythagorean Problem: The Three Bodies Project
Authors: Warburton Edward C. , Laughlin Gregory
Published: February 2020

The authors describe an art-science collaboration to devise and perform a qualitatively accurate interpretation of an elliptic-hyperbolic solution to the classical astronomical “problem of three bodies,” in which three point masses execute trajectories dictated by Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation.
Shoring Up Sappho
Authors: de Kreij Mark , Colomo Daniela , Lui Andrew
Published: February 2020

P.Oxy. 2288, a 2nd-century fragment containing Sappho’s Ode to Aphrodite, has an underlying layer of papyrus that has intrigued scholars for decades. X-ray tomography of the papyrus and a study of the ink under the scanning electron microscope allow us to establish that the underlying layer most likely does not contain more of Sappho’s poetry. Rather, it appears that P.Oxy. 2288 is what remains of a much-used roll of Sappho book 1, reinforced at its beginning. In order to put this case in its historical context, the second part of the article contains a new examination of the literary, documentary, and papyrological evidence for ancient repairs and reinforcements of bookrolls.
Distribution pattern and habitat shifts during ontogeny of the blue swimming crab, Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Brachyura, Portunidae)
Authors: Hisam Fazrul , Hajisamae Sukree , Ikhwanuddin Mohammed , Pradit Siriporn
Published: February 2020

This study determined the distribution and ontogenetic habitat shifts of Portunus pelagicus in coastal habitats in Thailand. Samples were collected by gill nets and traps, at six study sites during May 2013 and September 2014. It was found that, in the bay, the catches from both gears were significantly influenced by depth ( and ) but not by season (). For offshore, the catch was significantly influenced by season () but not by depth (). The catches of berried females in the bay and in the offshore area were not influenced either by depth, or by season (). In addition, it is proven by this study that a habitat shift during ontogeny occurs as young crabs or small-sized crabs inhabit shallow waters, and migrate to deeper water when they grow larger.
Quantitative analysis of carapace pattern polymorphism in the grapsid crab Hemigrapsus penicillatus (De Haan, 1835) (Decapoda, Varunidae)
Authors: Kim Yongsu , Bae Sangryong , Kang Changku
Published: February 2020

Many shore crabs exhibit juvenile colour pattern polymorphism on their carapace, which helps avoid predation through camouflage. However, colour pattern polymorphism has been described only in a limited number of species, and its quantitative descriptions are rare. Here, we studied the Asian grapsid crab Hemigrapsus penicillatus to describe its polymorphic dichromatic carapace patterns. We specifically examined how dichromatic patterns and the degree of pattern polymorphism change as size increases and whether sexual/size differences exist in carapace patterns. Our results showed that H. penicillatus exhibits polymorphic forms in both the juvenile and adult stages. Additionally, compared with males, females were more likely to exhibit dichromatic carapace patterns and had a larger light-coloured area on their carapace. Estimation of the likelihood of the carapace being light or dark coloured suggested that certain areas on the carapace are less variable than other areas. We discuss potential adaptive explanations for our results.
Crustaceans from shrimp by-catch from the southeastern Gulf of California to the southeastern Mexican Pacific: implications in their community structure and reproduction
Authors: Tirado-Ibarra Jorge de Jesus , Jimenez-Gutierrez Stephanie , Acuña-Carvajal Cristina , Muñoz-Garcia Isabel , Martinez-Perez Francisco , Rodriguez-Dominguez Guillermo , Perez-Gonzalez Raul , Jimenez-Gutierrez Laura R.
Published: February 2020

In tropical countries, a large number of finfish species and invertebrates are captured as by-catch, including several species of crustaceans, due to the low selectivity of the fishing methods. By-catch presents and optimal opportunity to study populations of crustaceans. Here, the goal was to determine the community structure, specifically through the size structure, as well as the average sizes at first maturity of crustacean species present in the shrimp by-catch caught aboard a fishing vessel operating in the Mexican Pacific, from Sinaloa to Guerrero, Mexico. From the 18 crustaceans found in this study, the crabs Euphylax robustus and Achelous asper were the dominant species, whereas four species were considered casual (i.e., not frequent). Interestingly, more than 40% of the organisms analysed were in the juvenile stage, and 19% were ovigerous females. The results demonstrate the negative impact of the low selectivity of shrimp trawls on the communities of species of Crustacea.
A new species of Paramacrochiron (Copepoda, Cyclopoida) parasitic on the rhizostome medusa Versuriga anadyoneme (Maas, 1903) collected from Vietnam
Authors: Ohtsuka Susumu , Ha Tran Manh , Thu Pham The
Published: February 2020

A new species of the cyclopoid copepod genus Paramacrochiron, P. tridentatum, which is parasitic on the rhizostome medusa, Versuriga anadyoneme (Maas, 1903), is described from Vietnam. This is the tenth species within the genus. The new species is distinguishable from other congeners by the combination of the following features: (1) female second maxillipedal segment with 3 acutely pointed processes terminally; (2) female leg 4 endopod as long as or slightly longer than exopod; (3) male maxilliped with a small, acutely pointed process at subterminal corner of the first segment and a row of relatively coarse spinules along the inner margin of the second segment. The present study most probably implies a high species diversity of Paramacrochiron in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-West Pacific region.
A revision of Cylindromorphoidina: Comparative morphology, genera reassessment and description of new species (Coleoptera, Buprestidae, Agrilinae)
Authors: Migliore Letizia J. , Biffi Gabriel , Curletti Gianfranco
Published: February 2020

The subtribe Cylindromorphoidina Cobos, 1979, the only representative of tribe Aphanisticini in the Neotropical region, is currently composed of two genera, Eurynodes Théry, 1934 and Cylindromorphoides Kerremans, 1903. The genus Taphroceroides Hespenheide, 2007, originally proposed in Cylindromorphoidina, is currently placed in Brachyina (tribe Tracheini). A detailed morphological comparison of Taphroceroides species with members of Eurynodes and Cylindromorphoides shows similarities that strongly support their transference back to Cylindromorphoidina. A new morphological definition and classification of Cylindromorphoidina is presented along with the description of new species in the three genera: Eurynodes gemmatus sp. nov., E. capillatus sp. nov., Cylindromorphoides ferrugifrons sp. nov., Taphroceroides brunneus sp. nov., and T. brasiliensis sp. nov. Photographs and comments on the type series of previously described species are provided. New biological data and possible association of Cylindromorphoidina species with Bromeliaceae are reported. Finally, a distribution map is provided for all species of Cylindromorphoidina.
Two new species of Pontederia L. (Pontederiaceae Kunth) to South America

Authors: SOUSA DANILO J.L. , SIQUEIRA GABRIELA B. , GIULIETTI ANA MARIA
Published: February 2020

Two new species of Pontederia are here described and illustrated. Pontederia gigantea is similar to P. sagittata by its sagittate leaf blade, but the first one presents blue flowers while the second one has whitish to pinkish flowers. Besides that, P. gigantea is endemic to Brazil, occurring in small populations through the east coast, in the Atlantic Rainforest. Meanwhile, P. sagittata occurs in the south of Mexico and Honduras. Pontederia reflexa occurs disjunctly in South America, in Northeastern Brazil, where its distribution is linked to semiarid areas; and in Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazilian Pantanal. This species is related to the whitish-flowered species of Pontederia, and is differentiated from other species of Pontederia by the reflex and revolute spathe. An updated identification key to species of Pontederia and a map showing the geographic distribution of the new taxa are also provided.
A revision of Vaccinium bullatum (Ericaceae): floral morphology, distribution and typification

Authors: NURALIEV MAXIM S. , FRITSCH PETER W. , BEER ANTON S. , TONG YIHUA , AVERYANOV LEONID V. , KUZNETSOV ANDREY N. , KUZNETSOVA SVETLANA P.
Published: February 2020

A comprehensive morphological and taxonomic revision of Vaccinium bullatum, a species of Ericaceae from China and Vietnam, is presented. Typification of this species is performed and a specimen at P (P04022860) is designated as a second-step lectotype. The floral morphology of V. bullatum is described for the first time, based on the study of living plants in their natural habitat and dry collections. Sectional placement of the species is discussed in the light of new morphological data; its attribution to V. sect. Galeopetalum is partly corroborated. A full list of all available specimens examined, a distribution map, a drawing and colour photographs are included for the species.
Melinis maroccana (Melinidinae, Paniceae, Poaceae), a new combination for the Moroccan flora, and comments on related taxa

Authors: CRESPO MANUEL B. , ALONSO Mª ÁNGELES , MARTÍNEZ-AZORÍN MARIO
Published: February 2020

In the framework of a revision of the Iberian Paniceae Brown (1814: 582) for the Flora iberica project, we came across the aggregate of the “Natal grass”, Melinis repens (Willdenow 1797: 322) Zizka (1988: 55), a group of annual to short-lived perennial grasses being native and widely distributed in Tropical Africa, Arabian Peninsula, India, Cape Verde, and the Canary Islands. Only M. repens s.str. is currently naturalised in the Mediterranean basin, America, Australia, southeastern Asia and the Pacific Islands, where it was mostly introduced for ornamental use, forage or stabilization and cover on disturbed sites, and has become an invasive alien species (Kaufman 2012).
Trend Analysis of Multiple Extreme Hourly Precipitation Time Series in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Brown Vincent M. , Keim Barry D. , Black Alan W.
Published: February 2020

Annual trends in extreme hourly precipitation time series were examined at 50 first-order weather stations across the southeastern United States from 1960 to 2017. Results indicated that the magnitude of annual maximum 1-, 3-, 6-, 12-, and 18-h periods did not broadly change at the sites analyzed; however, the numerical value that defines a (station specific) 90th-percentile hourly accumulation significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased at 36% (18/50) of the stations. No station had a significant decreasing trend in annual 90th-percentile hourly event magnitude. Stations in Texas observed the largest increase in annual 90th-percentile hourly event magnitude, where parameter estimates showed increases of 0.20%–0.26% per year. Annual average dry-spell duration, defined as the average number of hours between measurable precipitation events, significantly decreased at 18% (9/50) of sites analyzed. Parameter estimates from regression performed on average dry-spell-duration time series showed decreases of roughly 0.11%–0.19% per year for the stations across southern Florida. Six stations across Georgia showed significant decreasing trends in the annual maximum consecutive hourly period with measurable precipitation (duration), demonstrating that the longest precipitation events that occurred at these stations have decreased in duration since 1960.
A 30-Yr Climatology of Meteorological Conditions Associated with Lightning Days in the Interior Western United States
Authors: Kalashnikov Dmitri A. , Loikith Paul C. , Catalano Arielle J. , Waliser Duane E. , Lee Huikyo , Abatzoglou John T.
Published: February 2020

A 30-yr climatology of lightning days and associated synoptic meteorological patterns are characterized across the interior western United States (WUS). Locally centered composite analyses show preferred synoptic meteorological patterns with positive 500-hPa geopotential height anomalies located to the northeast and negative sea level pressure anomalies to the northwest and collocated with local lightning days. Variations in preferred patterns for local lightning days are seen across the interior WUS. Areas not commonly affected by the North American monsoon system including the western Great Basin and northern Rocky Mountains show higher-amplitude anomalies of geopotential height, moisture, and midtropospheric instability patterns suggesting the importance of episodic midlatitude dynamics to lightning days in such locations. By contrast, locations closer to the core of the North American monsoon show weaker anomalies, likely reflecting the prevalence of favorable mesoscale dynamics key to lightning production during warm-season months in locations in the interior Southwest. Meteorological patterns for select locations are explored in more detail and two case studies of notably active lightning events are presented. Results from this observational analysis provide a foundation for evaluating meteorological conditions on lightning days in climate model simulations for the interior WUS.
Transhumant Pastoral Economy and Human Security in Nigeria: Whither Civil Society Organisations?
Authors: Nwangwu Chikodiri , Mbah Peter O , Ike Chinedu C , Otu Otu Akanu , Ezugworie Chikwado
Published: February 2020

The limited access to land in most African states has engendered a fierce competition, especially among various agricultural user groups. The two major groups of agricultural land users are transhumant pastoralists and sedentary peasant farmers. The internecine conflict between these agro-user groups has grave implications for human security in Nigeria and beyond. Explanation of the conflict has centred on climate change and environmental security, population growth and urbanisation, and insecurity. However, the transnational character of this conflict, often made possible by relevant regional protocols, has not received adequate scholarly attention. This paper argues that networking of regional bodies and other stakeholders is the panacea for tackling the tension-soaked relationship between these land users.
An Environment of Excellence: A Case Study Examining a High-Performing African American Urban School’s Learning Climate and Approach to Critical Cultural Care
Authors: Watson-Vandiver Marcia J. , Wiggan Greg
Published: February 2020

Studies on urban education and reform often focus on school failure, without exploring the positive impacts of curricula and pedagogy on student achievement. In addition, existing studies often ignore two central components: school learning climates and care. This case study investigates student, teacher, and administrator experiences in a high-performing urban school in the South. Findings reveal that Ella Baker Academy (pseudonym) is uniquely characterized by a family environment, caring teachers, and individualized student attention. The results of this study are crucial given the lack of research on effective school-based practices that promote high achievement in African American urban students.
Producing ‘luxury’ housing: Developers’ strategies and housing advertisements in Hong Kong (1961–2011)
Authors: Choi Wing Yee Kimburley , Chan Annie HN , Chan Anita KW
Published: February 2020

Building on insights from critical luxury studies, this paper examines how developers produce ‘luxury’ in Hong Kong’s high-priced housing by using textual analysis on a sample of newspaper advertisements for private housing from 1961 to 2011. Findings show how advertisers and developers actively injected new elements of luxury to maximise profits. We argue that Hong Kong’s property oligarchy has successfully created luxury housing in previously unremarkable locations by producing various exclusivist aspirations, thus promoting excess and reinforcing housing and socio-spatial inequalities. Our discussion deepens understanding of Hong Kong’s housing hierarchy by looking beyond location-based exclusivity and contributes to critical luxury studies by underscoring the strategies of property conglomerates in the production of luxury housing.
Roles and responsibilities of behavioral science faculty in inpatient medicine
Authors: Sudano Laura E , Reitz Randall
Published: February 2020

Objective

Behavioral science faculty in family medicine residencies work on inpatient medicine teaching service settings. However, there is limited research on the roles and responsibilities that behavioral science faculty fill while working in such settings.

Method

Using a modified sequential explanatory study, researchers clarified the roles and responsibilities of behavioral science faculty. Participants completed a web-based survey ( N = 60) on roles and a semistructured interview ( N = 24) about the responsibilities on inpatient medicine teaching service.

Results

Results suggest that behavioral science faculty assume the roles of educator, patient care supporter, evaluator, mentor/advisor, and scholar/researcher and perform multiple responsibilities.

Conclusions

Implications for this research inform the hiring process and training for behavioral science faculty and resident education.
Physician and behavioral health provider diagnostic agreement in a general hospital setting
Authors: Lawrence Tyler J , Harsh Jennifer S , Lyden Liz
Published: February 2020

Objective

Behavioral health providers are often employed in inpatient settings. However, it is unclear if there is mental health diagnosis agreement between referring physicians and behavioral health providers. The purpose of this study is to assess for referring physician and behavioral health provider mental health diagnostic agreement in a general hospital setting.

Method

An analysis of 60 consecutive inpatient referrals to a behavioral health provider in a general hospital setting was conducted. The initial referral diagnosis from referring internal medicine physicians was compared with the diagnosis made by the behavioral health provider.

Results

Kappa statistics indicated good diagnostic agreement for substance abuse (.79), anxiety disorders (.82), adjustment disorders (.88), relational conflict (.88), and “other” (.74). There was less agreement for depressive disorders (.55).

Conclusions

Diagnostic agreement was good overall, suggesting that referrals to inpatient behavioral health providers are often appropriate. Results indicated that depression was underdiagnosed by physicians in the study sample. This is problematic given that depression can be successfully treated through the use of medication and psychotherapy.