bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreased longitudinal systolic strain rate of the left atrial myocardium as one of the earliest markers of atrial cardiomyopathy in subjects with brief paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Hosseini Kaveh , Vasheghani‐Farahani Ali , Hosseinsabet Ali
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Brief paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (BPAF) is defined as episodes of atrial fibrillation (AF) lasting less than 30 seconds and can be a sign of atrial cardiomyopathy. We aimed to evaluate left atrial (LA) function in patients with BPAF.

Methods

This cross‐sectional prospective study consecutively recruited 42 patients with BPAF on 24 to 48 hour electrocardiography Holter monitoring. We selected 50 volunteers as the control group after 24 hours electrocardiography Holter monitoring. Two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography was performed to evaluate the longitudinal deformation variables of LA function.

Results

Strain rate during LA reservoir phase was lower (P = .018) in patients with BPAF (2.0 ± 0.4 second−1) than in controls (2.2 ± 0.5 second−1). This difference remained significant after adjustments for left ventricular ejection fraction, LA maximal volume, and diabetes (β = 0.222, P = .036). Strain during LA reservoir, conduit, and contraction phases and strain rate during the conduit and contraction phases were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

The reservoir function of the LA evaluated by two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography was lower in subjects than that without BPAF.
Free‐Breathing Volumetric Liver and Proton Density Fat Fraction Quantification in Pediatric Patients Using Stack‐of‐Radial MRI With Self‐Gating Motion Compensation
Authors: Zhong Xiaodong , Hu Houchun H. , Armstrong Tess , Li Xinzhou , Lee Yu‐Hsiu , Tsao Tsu‐Chin , Nickel Marcel D. , Kannengiesser Stephan A.R. , Dale Brian M. , Deshpande Vibhas , Kiefer Berthold , Wu Holden H.
Published: June 2020

Background

Stack‐of‐radial multiecho gradient‐echo MRI is promising for free‐breathing liver quantification and may benefit children.

Purpose

To validate stack‐of‐radial MRI with self‐gating motion compensation in phantoms, and to evaluate it in children.

Study Type

Prospective.

Phantoms

Four vials with different driven by a motion stage.

Subjects

Sixteen pediatric patients with suspected nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or steatohepatitis (five females, 13 ± 4 years, body mass index 29.2 ± 8.6 kg/m2).

Field Strength/Sequences

Stack‐of‐radial, and 2D and 3D Cartesian multiecho gradient‐echo sequences at 3T.

Assessment

Ungated and gated stack‐of‐radial proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and maps were reconstructed without and with self‐gating motion compensation. Stack‐of‐radial measurements of phantoms without and with motion were validated against reference 2D Cartesian results of phantoms without motion. In subjects, free‐breathing stack‐of‐radial and reference breath‐hold 3D Cartesian were acquired. Subject inclusion for statistical analysis and region of interest placement were determined independently by two observers.

Statistical Tests

Phantom results were fitted with a weighted linear model. Demographic differences between excluded and included subjects were tested by multivariate analysis of variance. PDFF and measurements were compared using Bland–Altman analysis. Interobserver agreement was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

Ungated stack‐of‐radial inside moving phantom vials showed a significant positive bias of 64.3 s−1 (P < 0.00001), unlike gated results (P > 0.31). Subject inclusion decisions for statistical analysis from two observers were consistent. No significant differences were found between four excluded and 12 included subjects (P = 0.14). Compared to breath‐hold Cartesian, ungated and gated free‐breathing stack‐of‐radial exhibited mean differences of 18.5 s−1 and 3.6 s−1. Mean PDFF differences were 1.1% and 1.0% for ungated and gated measurements, respectively. Interobserver agreement was excellent (ICC for PDFF = 0.99, ICC for = 0.90; P < 0.0003).

Data Conclusion

Stack‐of‐radial MRI with self‐gating motion compensation seems to allow free‐breathing liver and PDFF quantification in children.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
For the sake of my family: Understanding unethical pro‐family behavior in the workplace
Authors: Liu Zhaopeng , Liao Huiyao , Liu Yamei
Published: June 2020

Unethical behaviors are prevalent and costly in organizations, and much recent research attention has been paid to different forms of workplace unethical behaviors. We contend that the extant research has overlooked an important form of workplace‐related unethical behaviors: unethical behaviors that are conducted to benefit one's family but which violate societal and organizational moral rules, a construct we label as “unethical pro‐family behavior” (UPFB). Our paper systematically conceptualizes UPFB and develops a scale for it. Drawing upon social cognitive theory, we argue that employees with stronger family financial pressure are more likely to employ moral disengagement mechanisms to deactivate moral self‐regulation, resulting in higher levels of UPFB. Additionally, we argue that the proposed relationship is more pronounced when employees have high family motivation but is mitigated when employees have high organizational identification. Two studies are conducted for this paper. In Study 1 (N = 328 for Sample 1; N = 243 for Sample 2; N = 279 for Sample 3; N = 267 for Sample 4), we demonstrate that our UPFB scale has good construct validity and that our construct is differentiable from relevant constructs. In two time‐lagged survey samples in Study 2 (N = 255 for Sample 1; N = 233 for Sample 2), we find support for our hypotheses. Theoretical and practical implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Anterior pelvic plane tilt poorly estimates the sagittal body alignment due to internal rotation of innominate bone
Authors: Ueno Takuro , Kabata Tamon , Kajino Yoshitomo , Inoue Daisuke , Ohmori Takaaki , Yoshitani Junya , Ueoka Ken , Yamamuro Yuki , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: June 2020

This study investigated the influence of the rotation of innominate bone on anterior pelvic plane (APP) tilt, the angle formed by the APP, and coronal plane of the body to determine whether the provision of proper information about the sagittal balance of the body by the value of the APP tilt (APPT). In total, 244 patients (171 females, 73 males) who were candidates for total hip or knee arthroplasty, periacetabular osteotomy, or shelf arthroplasty were included. The rotational angle of the innominate bone was quantified using computed tomography images at the level of the anterior superior, and anterior inferior iliac spine, and ischiopubic portion. Clustering analysis was performed to identify subtypes of innominate bone rotation. High, intermediate, and low internal rotational alignment groups were identified in females, characterized by rotational angles. Males were treated as one group, and no intergroup differences were observed in sacral slope (SS) and pelvic incidence. However, intergroup differences in APPT were found, indicating a variation in APPT irrespective of sagittal body balance. A negligible relationship between SS and APPT was observed in the high‐internal‐rotation group, intermediate‐internal‐rotation group, and male group, whereas a moderate correlation found in the low‐internal‐rotation group (r = .59). The results could suggest surgeons that the value of the APPT provides no information on the sagittal balance; therefore, it may be ignored for acetabular component positioning during preoperative planning for total hip arthroplasty.
Effect of pH on properties of golden pompano skin collagen‐based fibril gels by self‐assembly in vitro
Authors: Shi Linfan , Tian Haohao , Wang Yanxia , Hao Gengxin , Chen Jun , Weng Wuyin
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Application of fish skin collagen has received increasing attention due to mammalian derived diseases and religious limitations. Collagen fibril gel could be formed in vitro through the self‐assembly process. The present study investigated the effect of pH on the self‐assembly in vitro of acid‐solubilized collagen (ASC) from golden pompano skin by determining the turbidity, rheological viscoelasticity, network structure, gel strength, and thermal stability of collagen fibril gel.

RESULTS

The isoelectric point of ASC was pH 5.27. The turbidity–time and rheological viscoelasticity results indicate that the collagen self‐assembly rate in vitro at pH 7.0 was the slowest. The rate was accelerated by increasing or decreasing the pH. Scanning electron microscopy images show that the fibril diameters of the collagen fibril gels and the collagenous fibril number in the collagen fiber increased with the pH. The gel strength of the collagen fibril gel prepared at pH 5.0 was 22.06 g and increased up to 220.46 g when pH increased to 8.0. No obvious peaks were observed in the differential scanning calorimetry curves of the collagen fibril gels prepared at pH 5.0, whereas high endothermic peak temperature (Tm) and enthalpy change (ΔH) were found in the collagen fibril gels prepared at pH 6.0–8.0.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that the physical properties of ASC fibril gels can be improved by increasing the fibril diameter controlled by pH. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Sanitizing after fresh‐cutting carrots reduces the wound‐induced accumulation of phenolic antioxidants compared to sanitizing before fresh‐cutting
Authors: Gastélum‐Estrada Alejandro , Hurtado‐Romero Alejandra , Santacruz Arlette , Cisneros‐Zevallos Luis , Jacobo‐Velázquez Daniel A
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

During the production of fresh‐cut products, crops are exposed to wounding stress, and as a stress response, phenolic antioxidants are synthesized. This stress response is elicited by extracellular adenosine triphosphate, released from wounded cells and recognized by receptors of unwounded cells. The phenolic antioxidants produced as a stress response are beneficial for human health. However, a common practice in the fresh‐cut industry is the application of washing/sanitizing procedures after cutting. These procedures could be highly detrimental, since they partially remove the wound signal that elicits the biosynthesis of phenolics in plants. In this study, the impact of different washing/sanitizing treatments post‐shredding on the wound‐induced accumulation of chlorogenic acid (CHA) in carrot was evaluated. Peeled carrots were shredded and dipped in aqueous solutions containing chlorine (100 ppm, 2 min), hydrogen peroxide (1.5%, 2 min) or water (2 min). The content of CHA in treated carrots was evaluated before and after 48 h of storage (19 ± 2 °C).

RESULTS

The control carrots sanitized only before peeling and shredding showed 4000% higher content of CHA as compared with time 0 h samples. However, carrots treated with washing/sanitizing procedures post‐shredding including water, chlorine and hydrogen peroxide showed a decrease in the accumulation of CHA by 46.9%, 53.6% and 89.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrated that washing/sanitizing procedures applied after fresh‐cutting are potentially detrimental to the wound‐induced accumulation of health‐promoting compounds during storage of fresh produce. Thus, the fresh‐cut industry could consider avoiding washing procedures after cutting and implement alternative sanitizing procedures that avoid the partial removal of the wound signal, such as sanitizing only before cutting. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Measuring the economic contribution of beer festivals on local economies: The case of York, United Kingdom
Authors: Cabras Ignazio , Lorusso Marco , Waehning Nadine
Published: June 2020

This paper investigates the economic contribution of beer festivals on local economies by analysing the Knavesmire Beer Festival at York, United Kingdom. Using information collected via means of a survey questionnaire and applying Type I multipliers, we estimate the total expenditure generated by visitors within and outside festivals' premises, measuring its impact on the local economy in terms of jobs created and GVA contributions. Findings reveal the impact of the festival on the York economy and the wider brewing industry, providing empirical evidence and original results about the economic contribution that beer festivals can generate at a local level.
Predictors of Attrition Among Young Children Receiving Trauma‐Focused Therapy
Authors: Wamser‐Nanney Rachel
Published: June 2020

Findings from studies of predominately school‐aged children indicate that few children complete trauma‐focused treatment; however, researchers have not specifically examined risk factors for dropout among young trauma‐exposed children. The purpose of the present study was to investigate risk factors for attrition among young children receiving trauma‐focused therapy. Study participants were 189 treatment‐seeking children aged 3–5 years (M = 4.86 years, SD = 0.71; 54.1% female, 47.7% White) and their nonoffending legal guardian(s). Child and family characteristics, number of traumatic events, and pretreatment posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) were examined in relation to two attrition definitions: (a) clinician‐rated dropout and (b) whether the child received an adequate treatment dose (i.e., 12 or more sessions). Although 70.3% of children prematurely terminated therapy per their clinician, a nearly equivalent portion (67.4%) received an adequate treatment dose. Family characteristics were largely not associated with attrition, although residing farther from the clinic was related to clinician‐rated treatment dropout, OR = 0.96. As expected, higher levels of externalizing symptoms were associated with clinician‐rated dropout and inadequate dose status, ORs = .95 and .96, respectively, whereas lower levels of trauma‐related anger were related to clinician‐rated treatment completion, OR = 1.03, and lower levels of PTSS and sexual concerns corresponded with an increased likelihood the child received an inadequate treatment dose, ORs = 1.03 and 1.02, respectively. Thus, child and family factors appear to play a small role in predicting attrition; however, higher levels of externalizing problems and lower levels of PTSS may increase the risk for dropout.
Response to Zalta and Held's “Commentary on the Special Issue on Moral Injury: Leveraging Existing Constructs to Test the Heuristic Model of Moral Injury”
Authors: Litz Brett T.
Published: June 2020

Zalta and Held (2020) generated some interesting and potentially useful principles to distinguish moral distress and moral injury, leveraging ideas from our introduction to the Journal of Traumatic Stress special issue on moral injury. In this response, I provide feedback and commentary about the principles generated by Zalta and Held. I also attempt to modify and expand the various principles to accommodate any moral emotion and all possible dimensions of response to exposure to potentially morally injurious experiences.
Plant‐mediated methane transport in emergent and floating‐leaved species of a temperate freshwater mineral‐soil wetland
Authors: Villa Jorge A. , Ju Yang , Stephen Taylor , Rey‐Sanchez Camilo , Wrighton Kelly C. , Bohrer Gil
Published: June 2020

Methane flux from freshwater mineral‐soil (FWMS) wetlands and its variability among sites is largely modulated by plant‐mediated transport. However, plant‐mediated transport processes are rarely resolved in land surface models and are poorly parametrized for plants commonly found in FWMS wetlands. Here, relationships between methane flux and CO2 uptake, as well as plant conductance of methane were evaluated for three plant species and two characteristic functional types: emergent (narrow‐leaved cattail) and floating‐leaved (American lotus and water lily). We found significant but contrasting correlations between methane flux and CO2 uptake in cattails (r2 = 0.51, slope = −0.16, during morning) and water lily (r2 = 0.32, slope = 0.064, after midday). This relationship was not significant in American lotus, showing that stomata regulation of methane fluxes is species‐specific and not generalizable across the floating‐leaved plant functional type. Conductance of methane per leaf area showed distinct seasonal dynamics across species. Conductance was similar among the floating‐leaved species (6.2 × 10−3 m d−1 in lotus and 7.2 × 10−3 m d−1 in water lily) and higher than conductance in the emergent species (2.7 × 10−3 m d−1). Our results provide direct observations of plant conductance rates and identify the vegetation parameters (leaf area, stomatal conductance) that modify them. Our results further suggest that models of methane emissions from FWMS should parameterize plant‐mediated transport in different plant functional types, scaled by leaf area and with variable seasonal phenological dynamics, and consider possible species‐specific mechanisms that control methane transport through plants.
Evaluation of Molecular Fingerprints for Determining Dye Aggregation on Semiconductor Surfaces
Authors: Venkatraman Vishwesh
Published: June 2020

Dye aggregation plays an important role in determining the photovoltaic performance of dye sensitized solar cells. Compared with the spectra observed in solution, it is, apriori, difficult to ascertain whether a dye is likely to show hypsochromic (H) or bathochromic (J) aggregation, until after adsorption onto the semiconductor electrode. Herein, we show that molecular fingerprint‐based methods provide a fast and efficient way to discriminate between H‐ and J‐aggregating dyes. The efficacy of the fingerprint‐based classification models is demonstrated with a diverse set of over 3000 organic dyes dissolved in different solvents. Requiring only the structure of the dye and the polarity of the solvent used, the machine learning model achieves close to 80 % classification accuracies that are comparable with models based on a combination of fragment counts and topological indices. For interested researchers, we have bundled the prediction tools as an R package.
Mean‐field backward stochastic differential equations driven by G‐Brownian motion and related partial differential equations
Authors: Sun Shengqiu
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we study mean‐field backward stochastic differential equations driven by G‐Brownian motion (G‐BSDEs). We first obtain the existence and uniqueness theorem of these equations. In fact, we can obtain local solutions by constructing Picard contraction mapping for Y term on small interval, and the global solution can be obtained through backward iteration of local solutions. Then, a comparison theorem for this type of mean‐field G‐BSDE is derived. Furthermore, we establish the connection of this mean‐field G‐BSDE and a nonlocal partial differential equation. Finally, we give an application of mean‐field G‐BSDE in stochastic differential utility model.
Technische Chemie
Authors: Freund Hannsjörg , Güttel Robert , Horn Raimund , Krewer Ulrike , Sauer Jörg
Published: June 2020

Die (elektro)chemische Stoffwandlung wird sich ändern, wenn Unternehmen die Wertschöpfungskette auf eine regenerative Energie‐ und Rohstoffbasis umstellen. Reaktoren müssen dynamische Änderungen tolerieren, und die ablaufenden Prozesse müssen auf unterschiedlichen Skalen messbar sein.
Bio‐ und Chemokatalyse in Bielefeld
Authors: Gröger Harald
Published: June 2020

Im Dezember 2019 fand in Bielefeld die dreitägige „13th International CeBiTec Symposium: Multi‐Step Syntheses in Biology & Chemistry – An International Young Investigator Conference“ statt. Dabei tauschten sich mehr als 60 Forscher aus Akademia und Industrie über aktuelle Entwicklungen in der Enzymkatalyse und chemoenzymatischen Synthese aus sowie über Chemokatalyse und Selbstautomatisierung von Reaktionen. 20 der 27 Vorträgen kamen von Nachwuchswissenschaftlern. Abgerundet wurde die Konferenz von mehreren Poster‐Sessions.
Digitalisierung: Assistenzsystem statt Laufzettel
Authors: Landgraf Evelyn
Published: June 2020

Für Aufgaben in produzierenden Betrieben sind oft noch Papierchecklisten vorgesehen. Wie sich diese ersetzen und dabei Abläufe optimieren lassen, zeigt der Wareneingang bei einem Basischemikalienhersteller.
Regionales Fonds‐Stipendiatentreffen in Göttingen
Authors: Legendre Christina , Becker Daniel
Published: June 2020

Mitte Februar 2020 trafen sich Stipendiaten des Fonds der Chemischen Industrie aus Niedersachsen und Thüringen an der Universität Göttingen. Die Veranstaltung hatten Dietmar Stalke, Professor für anorganische Chemie, und sein Arbeitskreis mit Stipendiaten der Fakultät organisiert. 15 Nachwuchswissenschaftler, die der FCI mit Liebig‐ oder Kekulé‐Stipendien fördert, tauschten sich aus und präsentierten ihre Arbeit.
Programmieren, drucken, messen
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke
Published: June 2020

Etwa 200 000 Euro vergab der Fonds der Chemischen Industrie für Digitalisierungsprojekte in der Lehrerausbildung. Anfang des Jahres erhielten Hochschulen Projektmittel und investieren in Virtual‐Reality‐Ausrüstung, 3‐D‐Drucker oder leistungsstarke Tablets.
Three‐dimensional analysis of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and tumor budding
Authors: Yoshizawa Tadashi , Hong Seung‐Mo , Jung DongJun , Noë Michaël , Kiemen Ashley , Wu Pei‐Hsun , Wirtz Denis , Hruban Ralph H , Wood Laura D , Oshima Kiyoko
Published: June 2020

Advances in tissue clearing and microscopy make it possible to study human diseases in three dimensions (3D). High‐grade tumor budding is known to be associated with poor prognosis in various cancers; however, little is known about the 3D architecture of tumor budding. Using tissue clearing, we analyzed the 3D structure of tumor budding and E‐cadherin expression in 31 extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas. A total of 31 thick slabs (up to 5 mm) were harvested from surgically resected tumor tissue, including 27 hilar and 4 distal cholangiocarcinomas. Twenty‐eight cases were adenocarcinoma, and three were undifferentiated carcinoma. After clearing, the tissues were immunolabeled with antibodies to cytokeratin 19 and to E‐cadherin, and then visualized using light‐sheet and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Tumor budding was evaluated in hematoxylin and eosin–stained sections (2D) using standard pathological criteria. Of the 31 cancers, 13 showed low‐grade tumor budding and 18 showed high‐grade tumor budding. First, 3D analysis revealed that the neoplastic cells in tumor buds of adenocarcinoma were typically not individual islands of cells, but rather tips of attenuated protrusions connected to the main tumor. Second, adenocarcinomas with low‐grade tumor budding were composed predominantly of tubules that only focally form cords at the periphery. By contrast, adenocarcinomas with high‐grade tumor budding predominantly formed cords in both centers and peripheries of the tumors. Third, adenocarcinoma with low‐grade tumor budding was characterized by a few short protrusions with few branches, whereas adenocarcinoma with high‐grade tumor budding was characterized by longer protrusions with more branching. Finally, immunolabeling of E‐cadherin was stronger in the center of the adenocarcinoma but decreased at the tips of protrusions. E‐cadherin loss was more extensive in the protrusions of high‐grade tumor budding than in the protrusions of low‐grade tumor budding. Our findings suggest that tumor buds as seen in 2D are, in fact, cross‐sections of attenuated but contiguous protrusions extending from the main tumor. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of dextran cryogels for separation processes of binary dye and pesticide mixtures from aqueous solutions
Authors: Ari Betul , Yetiskin Berkant , Okay Oguz , Sahiner Nurettin
Published: June 2020

We present mechanically strong macroporous, squeezable dextran cryogels as a column filling material for the removal and separation of binary organic dye and pesticide mixtures from aquatic medium. Dextran cryogels were prepared from aqueous solutions of dextran of various molecular weights (MWs) in the presence of 20 to 50 mol% divinyl sulfone (DVS) as a cross‐linker at −18°C. The cryogels have interconnected irregular pores of 100 μm in sizes, and exhibit 69‐84% reversible squeezability without damaging the 3D dextran network. Their total open pore volumes (6.3‐10 mL g−1), weight swelling ratios in water (1380%‐2200%), and mechanical parameters could easily be adjusted by both DVS mol% and MW of dextran. Dextran cryogel with the highest modulus (3.8 ± 0.5 MPa), compressive stress (8 ± 2 MPa) and plateau stress (0.46 ± 0.04 MPa) was obtained at 50 mol% DVS using dextran with a MW of 15 to 25 kg·mol−1. Dextran cryogels are hydrolysable at pH = 1 and 9 but stable at 7.4 independent on both the degree of cross‐linking and MW of dextran. At below 50 mol% DVS, they are blood compatible and possess slight thrombogenic effect with blood clotting index value of 98% ± 5%. They are also capable to separate binary dye and pesticide mixtures from aqueous solutions via ionic interactions.
Optomechanical investigating the impact of grafting polyamide‐6 fibers with PMMA on its intrinsic optical properties
Authors: Hamza Ahmed A. , Sokkar Taha Z. N. , El‐Bakary Mohamed A. , Sewidan Muhamed A.
Published: June 2020

An optomechanical characterization was carried out to investigate the influence of grafting polyamide‐6 fibers with poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) on their structural relationship properties. Intrinsic optical properties of the modified sample were determined using a method based on the cold drawing process. The Mach‐Zehnder interferometer attached with mechanical drawing device was used to determine the refractive indices and birefringence of the polyamide‐6 samples at different draw ratios. A graphical method was used to determine the intrinsic birefringence of modified polyamide‐6 with PMMA and it was found to be 0.0673 which is less than pure polyamide‐6. The resulting data was used to estimate some structural parameters such as the orientation function, optical orientation angle and structural constant. The drawing effect is more significant on the modified sample than on the pure sample. It was found that the grafting process produced a material with new properties that can be used in different applications.
Bronchoalveolar lavage T cell cytokine profiles and their association with lung function in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae ‐associated bronchiolitis obliterans
Authors: Xu Weihan , Yang Haiming , Liu Hui , Tang Xiaolei , Xu Hui , Li Huimin , Zhao Shunying
Published: June 2020

Background

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) infection may progress to bronchiolitis obliterans (BO), with an underlying chronic inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytokine profiles in pulmonary T‐lymphocytes and their associations with lung function in patients with BO following M. pneumoniae infection.

Methods

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples were obtained from 10 controls and 18 children with M. pneumoniae‐associated BO. We analyzed the BAL T cells for interferon (IFN)‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐9, IL‐17, CD25, and Foxp3 by intercellular flow cytometry. The associations with T‐cell subpopulations and lung function parameters were determined.

Results

In BAL fluid, significantly increased proportions of T‐helper 1 (Th1), Th17, and Tc1 cells were found in M. pneumoniae‐associated BO patients when compared with controls. The percentages of Th17 cells showed correlations with forced expiratory volume in 1 second % predicted value (r = −0585; P < .05) and forced expiratory flow at 25% to 75% (FEF25%‐75%) % predicted value (r = −.618; P < .01). Higher proportions of Tc1 (r = −.488; P < .05) and Tc17 (r = −.542; P < .05) were significantly correlated with a reduced FEF25%‐75% % predicted value in M. pneumoniae‐associated BO patients.

Conclusions

Our comprehensive cytokines analysis of BAL T cells revealed correlations of IL‐17‐producing and IFN‐γ‐producing T cells with lung function, suggesting that increased T‐cell subpopulations may play a role in M. pneumoniae‐associated BO progression.
Gut bacterial microbiome composition and statin intake—A systematic review
Authors: Dias Andreia M. , Cordeiro Gonçalo , Estevinho Maria M. , Veiga Rui , Figueira Luis , Reina‐Couto Marta , Magro Fernando ,   the Clinical Pharmacology Unit, São João Hospital University Centre
Published: June 2020

Recently, the gut microbiome has become an important field of interest. Indeed, the microbiome has been associated to numerous drug interactions and it is thought to influence the efficacy of pharmacologic treatments. Although statins are widely prescribed medications, there remains considerable variability in its therapeutic response. In this context, we aimed to investigate how statins modulate the gut microbiome and, reversely, how can the microbiome influence the course of anti‐hypercholesterolemic treatment. We conducted a systematic review by searching four online databases, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies addressing gut microbiome changes following statin treatment and those assessing statins’ response and associating it with patients’ microbiome were included. Due to the limited number of results, we decided to include studies enrolling both humans and animals. We summarized information from three human and seven animal studies and aimed to assess the influence of gut microbiome composition on statin response (Outcome 1) and to evaluate the impact of statin treatment on the gut microbiome (Outcome 2). An association between a certain microbiome composition that promoted the lipid‐lowering effect of statins was found. However, what kind of microorganisms and how they can exert this effect remains uncertain. Furthermore, statins might have a role in the modulation of the gut microbiome, but then again, it is still unknown whether this change is directly caused by the drug or another metabolic mechanism. Even though gut microbiota may have several potential therapeutic implications, its use as a personalized predictive biomarker requires further studies.
Twenty years of exceptional success: The molecular education and research consortium in undergraduate computational chemistry (MERCURY)
Authors: Shields George C.
Published: June 2020

The molecular education and research consortium in undergraduate computational chemistry (MERCURY) consortium, established in 2000, has contributed greatly to the scientific development of faculty and undergraduates. The MERCURY faculty peer‐reviewed publication rate from 2001 to 2019 of 1.7 papers/faculty/year is 3.4 times the rate of the physical science faculty at primarily undergraduate institutions. We have worked with over 1000 students on research projects since 2001, and 75% of our undergraduate research students have been under‐represented in chemistry, either female or students of color. Approximately half of our alumni attend graduate school for the purpose of obtaining advanced degrees in STEM fields, and two‐thirds are female and/or students of color. We have had more than 1600 attendees at 18 MERCURY conferences, including 111 invited speakers, 61 of whom have been female and/or faculty of color. In this paper, the research accomplishments, transformational outcomes, and scientific productivity of the MERCURY faculty are highlighted.
A simple network of nodes moving on the circle
Authors: Cheliotis Dimitris , Kontoyiannis Ioannis , Loulakis Michail , Toumpis Stavros
Published: June 2020

Two simple Markov processes are examined, one in discrete and one in continuous time, arising from idealized versions of a transmission protocol for mobile networks. We consider two independent walkers moving with constant speed on the discrete or continuous circle, and changing directions at independent geometric (respectively, exponential) times. One of the walkers carries a message that wishes to travel as far and as fast as possible in the clockwise direction. The message stays with its current carrier unless the two walkers meet, the carrier is moving counter‐clockwise, and the other walker is moving clockwise. Then the message jumps to the other walker. Explicit expressions are derived for the long‐term average clockwise speed and number of jumps made of the message, via the solution of associated boundary value problems. The tradeoff between speed and cost (measured as the rate of jumps) is also examined.
Nonparametric covariate hypothesis tests for the cure rate in mixture cure models
Authors: López‐Cheda Ana , Jácome Maria Amalia , Van Keilegom Ingrid , Cao Ricardo
Published: June 2020

In lifetime data, like cancer studies, there may be long term survivors, which lead to heavy censoring at the end of the follow‐up period. Since a standard survival model is not appropriate to handle these data, a cure model is needed. In the literature, covariate hypothesis tests for cure models are limited to parametric and semiparametric methods. We fill this important gap by proposing a nonparametric covariate hypothesis test for the probability of cure in mixture cure models. A bootstrap method is proposed to approximate the null distribution of the test statistic. The procedure can be applied to any type of covariate, and could be extended to the multivariate setting. Its efficiency is evaluated in a Monte Carlo simulation study. Finally, the method is applied to a colorectal cancer dataset.
EFFORT: Energy efficient framework for offload communication in mobile cloud computing
Authors: Malik Saif U. R. , Akram Hina , Gill Sukhpal Singh , Pervaiz Haris , Malik Hassan
Published: June 2020

There is an abundant expansion in the race of technology, specifically in the production of data, because of the smart devices, such as mobile phones, smart cards, sensors, and Internet of Things (IoT). Smart phones and devices have undergone an enormous evolution in a way that they can be used. More and more new applications, such as face recognition, augmented reality, online interactive gaming, and natural language processing are emerging and attracting the users. Such applications are generally data intensive or compute intensive, which demands high resource and energy consumption. Mobile devices are known for the resource scarcity, having limited computational power and battery life. The tension between compute/data intensive application and resource constrained mobile devices hinders the successful adaption of emerging paradigms. In the said perspective, the objective of this article is to study the role of computation offloading in mobile cloud computing to supplement mobile platforms ability in executing complex applications. This article proposes a systematic approach (EFFORT) for offload communication in the cloud. The proposed approach provides a promising solution to partially solve energy consumption issue for communication‐intensive applications in a smartphone. The experimental study shows that our proposed approach outperforms its counterparts in terms of energy consumption and fast processing of smartphone devices. The battery consumption was reduced to 19% and the data usage was reduced to 16%.
Fetal cardiac evaluation services for low‐risk pregnancies: how can we improve?
Authors: Yagel S. , Moon‐Grady A. J.
Published: June 2020

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2020; 55:747-757
Reliability and prognostic value of radiomic features are highly dependent on choice of feature extraction platform
Authors: Fornacon-Wood Isabella , Mistry Hitesh , Ackermann Christoph J. , Blackhall Fiona , McPartlin Andrew , Faivre-Finn Corinne , Price Gareth J. , O’Connor James P. B.
Published: June 2020

Objective

To investigate the effects of Image Biomarker Standardisation Initiative (IBSI) compliance, harmonisation of calculation settings and platform version on the statistical reliability of radiomic features and their corresponding ability to predict clinical outcome.

Methods

The statistical reliability of radiomic features was assessed retrospectively in three clinical datasets (patient numbers: 108 head and neck cancer, 37 small-cell lung cancer, 47 non-small-cell lung cancer). Features were calculated using four platforms (PyRadiomics, LIFEx, CERR and IBEX). PyRadiomics, LIFEx and CERR are IBSI-compliant, whereas IBEX is not. The effects of IBSI compliance, user-defined calculation settings and platform version were assessed by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients and confidence intervals. The influence of platform choice on the relationship between radiomic biomarkers and survival was evaluated using univariable cox regression in the largest dataset.

Results

The reliability of radiomic features calculated by the different software platforms was only excellent (ICC > 0.9) for 4/17 radiomic features when comparing all four platforms. Reliability improved to ICC > 0.9 for 15/17 radiomic features when analysis was restricted to the three IBSI-compliant platforms. Failure to harmonise calculation settings resulted in poor reliability, even across the IBSI-compliant platforms. Software platform version also had a marked effect on feature reliability in CERR and LIFEx. Features identified as having significant relationship to survival varied between platforms, as did the direction of hazard ratios.

Conclusion

IBSI compliance, user-defined calculation settings and choice of platform version all influence the statistical reliability and corresponding performance of prognostic models in radiomics.

Key Points

• Reliability of radiomic features varies between feature calculation platforms and with choice of software version.

• Image Biomarker Standardisation Initiative (IBSI) compliance improves reliability of radiomic features across platforms, but only when calculation settings are harmonised.

• IBSI compliance, user-defined calculation settings and choice of platform version collectively affect the prognostic value of features.
Quantifying the Inter- and Intra-Annual Variations in Regional Water Consumption and Scarcity Incorporating Water Quantity and Quality
Authors: Yin Fei , Xu Chang-xin
Published: June 2020

Water stress due to poor water quality has been becoming severe in many places across the world. Comprehensive water utility and water scarcity assessments require information integrating both water quantity and quality. While massive attentions have been paid to water quantity scarcity evaluations, little effort has been made to assess inter-annual variations of regional water scarcity resulting from both water quantity and quality. The study, taking water-abundant while stressed Jiangsu province (JSP) in eastern China as the study area, investigated (i) the development in green, blue and grey water footprint (WFs) for crop production, over 1986–2016, (ii) the inter-annual evolutions in blue and grey WFs for industry and households over 2010–2016 and (iii) the associated inter- and intra-annual variations in water scarcities resulting from water quantity and quality. Results showed that the annual total WF of crop production in JSP increased by 18% between 1986 and 2016. Grey WF accounted for 77% of the total WF at an annual average level. Crop production occupied 61% and household accounted for 34% in the total grey WF related to N. The monthly blue water scarcity levels in JSP increased by 4 (October 2016) – 62 (February 2012) folders when water quality effects were taken into account. The wetter the year, the lower the blue water scarcity of water quality and quantity. As a sensitive and crucial region with both severe water pollution scarcity and the role of water source region in the huge South-to-North water transfer project, it is of great necessity to enhance the water pollution management and increase information transparency among water authorities and consumers.
Alendronate use and bone mineral density gains in women with moderate-severe (stages 3B–5) chronic kidney disease: an open cohort multivariable and propensity score analysis from Funen, Denmark
Authors: Ali M. Sanni , Ernst Martin , Robinson Danielle E. , Caskey Fergus , Arden Nigel K. , Ben-Shlomo Yoav , Nybo Mads , Rubin Katrine H. , Judge Andrew , Cooper Cyrus , Javaid M. K. , Hermann Anne P. , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel
Published: June 2020

Bisphosphonates are contraindicated in moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease patients. However, they are used to prevent fragility fractures in patients with impaired kidney function, despite a lack of evidence on their effects on bone density in these patients. We demonstrated that Alendronate had a positive effect on bone in these patients.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the association between alendronate use and bone mineral density (BMD) change in subjects with moderate-severe chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

We created a cohort of CKD stage 3B–5 patients by linking all DXA-based measurements in the Funen area, Denmark, to biochemistry, national health registries and filled prescriptions. Exposure was dispensation of alendronate and the outcome was annualized percentage change in BMD at the femoral neck, total hip and lumbar spine. Individuals were followed from first BMD to the latest of subsequent DXA measurements. Alendronate non-users were identified using incidence density sampling and matched groups were created using propensity scores. Linear regression was used to estimate average differences in the annualized BMD.

Results

Use of alendronate was rare in this group of patients: propensity score matching (PSM) resulted in 71 alendronate users and 142 non-users with stage 3B–5 CKD (as in the 1 year before DXA). Whilst alendronate users gained an average 1.07% femoral neck BMD per year, non-users lost an average of 1.59% per annum. The PSM mean differences in annualized BMD were + 2.65% (1.32%, 3.99%), + 3.01% (1.74%, 4.28%) and + 2.12% (0.98%, 3.25%) at the femoral neck, total hip and spine BMD, respectively, all in favour of alendronate users.

Conclusion

In a real-world cohort of women with stage 3B–5 CKD, use of alendronate appears associated with a significant improvement of 2–3% per year in the femoral neck, total hip and spine BMD. More data are needed on the anti-fracture effectiveness and safety of bisphosphonate therapy in moderate-severe CKD.
Molecular Landscape of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Prognostic and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Marando Ludovica , Huntly Brian J. P.
Published: June 2020

Purpose of Review

The field of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been revolutionized in recent years by the advent of high-throughput techniques, such as next-generation sequencing. In this review, we will discuss some of the recently identified mutations that have defined a new molecular landscape in this disease, as well as their prognostic, predictive, and therapeutic implications.

Recent Findings

Recent studies have shown how many cases of AML evolve from a premalignant period of latency characterized by the accumulation of several mutations and the emergence of one or multiple dominant clones. The pattern of co-occurring mutations and cytogenetic abnormalities at diagnosis defines risk and can determine therapeutic approaches to induce remission. Besides the genetic landscape at diagnosis, the continued presence of particular gene mutations during or after treatment carries prognostic information that should further influence strategies to maintain remission in the long term.

The recent progress made in AML research is a seminal example of how basic science can translate into improving clinical practice. Our ability to characterize the genomic landscape of individual patients has not only improved our ability to diagnose and prognosticate but is also bringing the promise of precision medicine to fruition in the field.
Seventh to eleventh century CE glass from Northern Italy: between continuity and innovation
Authors: Bertini Camilla , Henderson Julian , Chenery Simon
Published: June 2020

Previous analytical studies show that most of Northern Italian glass has been heavily recycled and that mixing of natron and plant ash glass was occurring (Verità and Toninato 1990; Verità et al. 2002; Uboldi and Verità 2003; Andreescu-Treadgold and Henderson 2006; Silvestri and Marcante 2011). The re-use of “old Roman glass” has been interpreted as stagnation in glass trade from the primary production areas. However, the reintroduction of plant ash glass on sites such as Torcello, Nogara, and in Lombardy at the same time as it was reintroduced in the Levant, strongly indicates long-distance contacts with the Levant at least from the eighth century CE. This paper addresses the key issue of recycling by focusing on the compositional nature of glass traded and reworked in Northern Italy after the seventh century CE set in a broad Mediterranean context by analysing major, minor, and trace elements in eighty-nine glass samples (seventh to the eleventh century AD) from the glass workshop of Piazza XX Settembre, Comacchio. Five major previously proposed compositional groups of glass have been identified from Comacchio (Levantine Apollonia and Jalame types, HIMT, Foy-2, and plant ash glass). The impact of recycling and mixing practices in Comacchio glass is also discussed with the help of known recycling markers and selected ratios (major and trace elements). The mixing between Levantine, HIMT, and plant ash glass is highlighted and end-members of potential natron to natron mixing compositional groups have been identified. The compositional nature of plant ash glass from Northern Italy is discussed in light of their trace element content and production areas.
Predictors of pathological response and clinical outcome following chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancer — a systematic review
Authors: Amaral Erica , Bernardes Maria , Ribeiro Sara , Rosa Beatriz , Pereira Ana , Martins Sandra F.
Published: June 2020

Background Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and is associated with a high lethality rate. Treatment is multidisciplinary, and neoadjuvant chemoradiation is recommended in locally advanced rectal cancer. About 15% of patients answer favorably to neoadjuvant chemoradiation, so it is important to determine the predictors of response.

Objective To review the results of studies that analyzes the predictors of complete pathological response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

Search methods We searched for eligible articles in data bases Pubmed and Scopus, between the 12th and the 20th of March 2020. The following key words were used: “predictors of response”, “chemoradiation” and "locally advanced rectal cancer”.

Selection criteria Inclusion criteria: Studies including patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiation as treatment, studies including predictors of response to neodjuvant chemoradiation, overall survival as an outcome and regarding language restrictions, only articles in English were accepted, only studies published until the 31st of December 2019 were accepted.

Main results Fourteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Thirteen are cohort studies and one is a clinical trial. Four groups of predictors were defined: blood markers, tumors, histopathological and patients’ characteristics.

Author's conclusions During the analysis of the articles, there were several predictors identified as potential candidates for clinical practice, such as high pre neoadjuvant chemoradiation Carcinoembryonic Antigen levels and small post neoadjuvant chemoradiation tumor size. Nevertheless, it is difficult to make definitive conclusions about the most reliable predictors. That is why it is crucial to initiate further studies with standardized cut-off values and a methodology homogenization.