bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Planetary Boundary Layer Parameterizations and Urban Heat Island Comparison: Impacts and Implications for Tracer Transport
Authors: Lopez-Coto Israel , Hicks Micheal , Karion Anna , Sakai Ricardo K. , Demoz Belay , Prasad Kuldeep , Whetstone James
Published: August 2020

Accurate simulation of planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) is key to greenhouse gas emission estimation, air quality prediction, and weather forecasting. This paper describes an extensive performance assessment of several Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model configurations in which novel observations from ceilometers, surface stations, and a flux tower were used to study their ability to reproduce the PBLH and the impact that the urban heat island (UHI) has on the modeled PBLHs in the greater Washington, D.C., area. In addition, CO2 measurements at two urban towers were compared with tracer transport simulations. The ensemble of models used four PBL parameterizations, two sources of initial and boundary conditions, and one configuration including the building energy parameterization urban canopy model. Results have shown low biases over the whole domain and period for wind speed, wind direction, and temperature, with no drastic differences between meteorological drivers. We find that PBLH errors are mostly positively correlated with sensible heat flux errors and that modeled positive UHI intensities are associated with deeper modeled PBLs over the urban areas. In addition, we find that modeled PBLHs are typically biased low during nighttime for most of the configurations with the exception of those using the MYNN parameterization, and these biases directly translate to tracer biases. Overall, the configurations using the MYNN scheme performed the best, reproducing the PBLH and CO2 molar fractions reasonably well during all hours and thus opening the door to future nighttime inverse modeling.
Dynamic Origin of the Interannual Variability of West China Autumn Rainfall
Authors: Zhu Zhiwei , Lu Rui , Yan Huiping , Li Wenkai , Li Tim , He Jinhai
Published: August 2020

The dynamic origin of the interannual variability of West China autumn rainfall (WCAR), a special weather/climate phenomenon over western-central China in September and October, was investigated via observational diagnosis and numerical simulations. Here we found that the interannual variability of WCAR is closely related to the local horizontal trough, which is passively induced by two lower-level anticyclonic (high pressure) anomalies over East Asia. The anticyclonic anomaly over the south is a Gill-type response to the central and eastern Pacific diabatic cooling, while that over the north is part of the mid- to high-latitude barotropic Rossby wave train, which could be induced by either the thermal forcing of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean sea surface temperature (SST) cooling or that of the subtropical northern Atlantic Ocean SST warming. The quasi-barotropic high pressure anomaly over East Asia acts as an “invisible mountain” that steers the low-level anomalous southwesterly into a southeasterly and hinders the water vapor going farther to the north, leading to enhanced WCAR. However, the real mountain ranges in the region (the Qinglin and Ba Mountains) have no essential impact on the formation and interannual variability of WCAR.
Fast moving and deformational target tracking approach based on heterogeneous features fusion
Authors: Li Bo , Jing Qingyang
Published: August 2020

Aiming at the unstable performance on fast-moving and deformational target tracking in current kernel correlation filter (KCF), an innovative approach based on heterogeneous features fusion is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a histogram of oriented gradient is utilized to cater for motion state change in complex surveillance background. Combined with a colour-free template as a novel heterogeneous feature, the proposed approach improves the tracking performance on the fast-moving target in KCF. Subsequently, the optimized spatial regularization and quadruple block method are implemented in order to solve the difficulties of scale change and boundary effect in the cyclic matrix. The simulation results indicate that the proposed approach has better precision and success rate than other popular tracking algorithms when dealing with both fast motion and deformation on the platform of the object tracking benchmark and actual traffic datasets.
Designs, Application and Performances of Asphalt/Bituminous Trackbeds in European, Asian, and African Countries
Authors: Ramirez Cardona D. , Benedetto H. Di , Sauzeat C. , Calon N. , Rose J. G.
Published: August 2020

International rail authorities in several countries, primarily in Western Europe and Asia, have been actively involved with the development and application of asphalt trackbeds for more than 40 years. In this paper, representative activities and standards for trackbeds in countries involved with significant asphalt trackbed design and construction are described. The most common identified use of this technique consists of building asphalt subballast layers as a (partial) replacement for unbound granular material (UGM) subballast. This has been primarily associated with the construction of new high-speed lines (HSL), where the used asphalt mix is similar to those used for highway base courses. Most countries specify a layered design for the track support layers. This involves setting specific standards for individual layer thickness and bearing capacity depending on traffic characteristics. Some other identified uses include asphalt slab tracks and even sleeperless and ballastless track systems where the rail is embedded in an asphalt slab. The presented use cases in this paper account for the advantages and important considerations in relation to the use of asphalt in layered track designs. Even though some countries have adopted asphalt layers as a standard component of their track systems, more information is needed to develop a rational and optimized design method and maintenance protocols of asphalt subballast layers; thus, the importance of the data collected from instrumented track sections and information introduced in this paper.
Steeped in Shame: An Exploration of Family Sexual Socialization Among Black College Women
Authors: Leath Seanna , Pittman Jami C. , Grower Petal , Ward L. Monique
Published: August 2020

Most research on Black girls’ sexuality emphasizes reducing risk behaviors, with less attention to dimensions of healthy and normative sexual development, such as body positivity. To address this gap, we sought to explore the diversity of sexual messaging young Black women received during their formative years. Using consensual qualitative research methods, we explored how 50 Black college women (ages 18–24 years) described their sexual socialization within family contexts in relation to their current sexual beliefs and behaviors. The following themes emerged from the data: messages of discretion, negative messages about physical appearance, messages of deference, messages of abstinence, absence of sexual messages, messages of body positivity, messages of egalitarianism, messages of sex positivity, and messages of sexual distrust and dismissiveness. Black families’ sexual socialization processes were also influenced by ethnicity, social class, and religious orientation. Our findings situate Black women’s family sexual socialization practices within a sociohistorical framework and highlight the need to support Black girls’ healthy sexual development by eliminating fear, shame, or taboo around sexual exploration. Education and advocacy efforts should focus on communicating openly with youth to help them make more positive decisions about sex and bodily autonomy.
A Cure for PAINS? A Novel Approach to Management of Proton‐Associated Internal Nasal Valve Stenosis
Authors: Flukes Stephanie , Hanson Martin , Bott Matthew , Cohen Marc A.
Published: August 2020

Acquired internal nasal stenosis as a result of radiotherapy to the sinonasal region can be highly distressing for patients and difficult to correct surgically. We describe our experience using a controlled radial expansion balloon to dilate the area of stenosis, followed by stenting to the region. We achieved excellent results in 3 patients using this technique, with improvement in subjective nasal airflow across 100% of stenoses and complete resolution in 83%. This technique offers a simple and low‐morbidity option for the management of acquired anterior nasal stenosis and is of particular value in cases of irradiation, which has the potential for poor tissue healing.
Characterization of petroleum-based plastics and their absorbed trace metals from the sediments of the Marina Beach in Chennai, India
Authors: Suman Thodhal Yoganandham , Li Wei-Guo , Alif Shaji , Faris Valappil Rahman Panangala , Amarnath Duvvuru Joshua , Ma Jun-Guo , Pei De-Sheng
Published: August 2020

Background

Pollution by marine plastic debris becomes an increasing global concern. Characteristics of petroleum-based plastics pollution and its absorbed metals in Marina Beach, Chennai, in India are not reported yet. In this study, we first characterized the petroleum-based plastic debris and quantified the concentration of arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) in plastics from the Marina Beach.

Results

A total of 2275 samples of the sediments were collected from three different locations across the Marina Beach. Our results showed that plastics debris mainly were three shapes as fiber, sphere, and fragment. The plastic fragments were mechanically eroded and chemically weathered observed by the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Five types of polymers were identified, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), and polycarbonate (PC). Their absorbed trace metals, such as Cr, As, Pb, and Cu, were determined by the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The level of As was high in most plastics. However, the highest levels of Pb, Cu, and Cr were in the PA, PP, and PA, respectively, implying the adsorption preference of plastics from different sources.

Conclusion

Taken together, this study first characterized petroleum-based plastics and their absorbed trace metals in the sediments of the Marina Beach, indicating that petroleum-based plastics acted as the vectors for the transportation of metal elements in the marine biome.
Correction to: Enhancing SVM for survival data using local invariances and weighting
Authors: Sanz Hector , Reverter Ferran , Valim Clarissa
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Correction to: SpectralTAD: an R package for defining a hierarchy of topologically associated domains using spectral clustering
Authors: Cresswell Kellen G. , Stansfield John C. , Dozmorov Mikhail G.
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Microsatellite variation revealed panmictic pattern for Triatoma brasiliensis (Triatominae: Reduviidae) in rural northeastern Brazil: the control measures implications
Authors: Bezerra Claudia Mendonça , Belisário Carlota Josefovicz , D’Ávilla Pessoa Grasielle Caldas , Rosa Aline Cristine Luiz , Barezani Carla Patrícia , Ferreira Flávio Campos , Ramos Alberto Novaes , Gürtler Ricardo Esteban , Diotaiuti Liléia
Published: August 2020

Background

Triatoma brasiliensis Neiva, 1911 is the main vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in the caatinga of Northeastern Brazil. Despite of its epidemiological relevance, there are few studies on its genetic variability. Using microsatellite markers, we characterized the variability and dynamics of infestation and reinfestation of T. brasiliensis after residual insecticide spraying in five surveys conducted in a well-defined rural area located in the municipality of Tauá, Ceará, between 2009 and 2015. We evaluated: (1) general variability among local of captures; (2) variability along the time analysis (2009, 2010 and 2015); (3) and reinfestation process.

Results

On the analysis (1) global and pairwise FST values suggested absence of clusters among the area. AMOVA indicated that total variation is mainly represented by individual differences. Absence of clustering indicates a panmitic unit, with free gene flow. For (2), Pairwise FST indicated alterations in the genetic profile of the triatomines along the time. (3) Analysis of the reinfestation process showed that the domiciliary units investigated had different sources of infestation despite of its proximity.

Conclusions

Observed homogeneity can be explained by the great dispersal capacity of T. brasiliensis, overlapping the different environments. Persistent house infestation in Tauá may be attributed to the occurrence of postspraying residual foci and the invasion of triatomines from their natural habitats.
Probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917-derived outer membrane vesicles enhance immunomodulation and antimicrobial activity in RAW264.7 macrophages
Authors: Hu Rujiu , Lin Hua , Li Jing , Zhao Yuezhen , Wang Mimi , Sun Xiaoqin , Min Yuna , Gao Yupeng , Yang Mingming
Published: August 2020

Background

ProbioticEscherichia coliNissle 1917 (EcN) has been widely studied for the treatment of intestinal inflammatory diseases and infectious diarrhea, but the mechanisms by which they communicate with the host are not well-known. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are produced by Gram-negative bacteria and deliver microbial molecules to distant target cells in the host, which play a very important role in mediating bacteria-host communication. Here, we aimed to investigate whether EcN-derived OMVs (EcN_OMVs) could mediate immune regulation in macrophages.

Results

In this study, after the characterization of EcN_OMVs using electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking and proteomic analyses, we demonstrated by confocal fluorescence microscopy that EcN_OMVs could be internalized by RAW 264.7 macrophages. Stimulation with EcN_OMVs at appropriate concentrations promoted proliferation, immune-related enzymatic activities and phagocytic functions of RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, EcN_OMVs induced more anti-inflammatory responses (IL-10) than pro-inflammatory responses (IL-6 and TNF-α) in vitro, and also modulated the production of Th1-polarizing cytokine (IL-12) and Th2-polarizing cytokine (IL-4). Treatments with EcN_OMVs effectively improved the antibacterial activity of RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Conclusions

These findings indicated that EcN_OMVs could modulate the functions of the host immune cells, which will enrich the existing body of knowledge of EVs as an important mechanism for the communication of probiotics with their hosts.
Dissecting the genetic basis of wheat blast resistance in the Brazilian wheat cultivar BR 18-Terena
Authors: Goddard Rachel , Steed Andrew , Chinoy Catherine , Ferreira Jéssica Rosset , Scheeren Pedro Luiz , Maciel João Leodato Nunes , Caierão Eduardo , Torres Gisele Abigail Montan , Consoli Luciano , Santana Flavio Martins , Fernandes José Mauricio Cunha , Simmonds James , Uauy Cristobal , Cockram James , Nicholson Paul
Published: August 2020

Background

Wheat blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae Triticum (MoT) pathotype, is a global threat to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production. Few blast resistance (R) genes have been identified to date, therefore assessing potential sources of resistance in wheat is important. The Brazilian wheat cultivar BR 18-Terena is considered one of the best sources of resistance to blast and has been widely used in Brazilian breeding programmes, however the underlying genetics of this resistance are unknown.

Results

BR 18-Terena was used as the common parent in the development of two recombinant inbred line (RIL) F6 populations with the Brazilian cultivars Anahuac 75 and BRS 179. Populations were phenotyped for resistance at the seedling and heading stage using the sequenced MoT isolate BR32, with transgressive segregation being observed. Genetic maps containing 1779 and 1318 markers, were produced for the Anahuac 75 × BR 18-Terena and BR 18-Terena × BRS 179 populations, respectively. Five quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with seedling resistance, on chromosomes 2B, 4B (2 QTL), 5A and 6A, were identified, as were four QTL associated with heading stage resistance (1A, 2B, 4A and 5A). Seedling and heading stage QTL did not co-locate, despite a significant positive correlation between these traits, indicating that resistance at these developmental stages is likely to be controlled by different genes. BR 18-Terena provided the resistant allele for six QTL, at both developmental stages, with the largest phenotypic effect conferred by a QTL being 24.8% suggesting that BR 18-Terena possesses quantitative resistance. Haplotype analysis of 100 Brazilian wheat cultivars indicates that 11.0% of cultivars already possess a BR 18-Terena-like haplotype for more than one of the identified heading stage QTL.

Conclusions

This study suggests that BR 18-Terena possesses quantitative resistance to wheat blast, with nine QTL associated with resistance at either the seedling or heading stage being detected. Wheat blast resistance is also largely tissue-specific. Identification of durable quantitative resistances which can be combined with race-specific R gene-mediated resistance is critical to effectively control wheat blast. Collectively, this work facilitates marker-assisted selection to develop new varieties for cultivation in regions at risk from this emerging disease.
Predictors of suboptimal coronary blood flow after primary angioplasty and its implications on short-term outcomes in patients with acute anterior STEMI
Authors: Elakabawi Karim , Huang Xin , Shah Sardar Ali , Ullah Hameed , Mintz Gary S. , Yuan Zuyi , Guo Ning
Published: August 2020

Background

Suboptimal coronary blood flow after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a complex multifactorial phenomenon. Although extensively studied, defined modifiable risk factors and efficient management strategy are lacking. This study aims to determine the potential causes of suboptimal flow and associated impact on 30-day outcomes in patients presenting with anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

We evaluated a total of 1104 consecutive patients admitted to our hospital from January 2016 to December 2018 with the diagnosis of anterior wall STEMI who had primary PCI.

Results

Overall, 245 patients (22.2%) had final post-PCI TIMI flow ≤2 in the LAD (suboptimal flow group) and 859 (77.8%) had final TIMI-3 flow (optimal flow group). The independent predictors of suboptimal flow were thrombus burden grade (Odds ratio (OR) 1.848; p < 0.001), age (OR 1.039 per 1-year increase; p < 0.001), low systolic blood pressure (OR 1.017 per 1 mmHg decrease; p < 0.001), total stent length (OR 1.021 per 1 mm increase; p < 0.001), and baseline TIMI flow ≤1 (OR 1.674; p = 0.018). The 30-day rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and cardiac mortality were significantly higher in patients with TIMI flow ≤2 compared to those with TIMI-3 flow (MACE: adjusted risk ratio [RR] 2.021; P = 0.025, cardiac mortality: adjusted RR 2.931; P = 0.031).

Conclusion

Failure to achieve normal TIMI-3 flow was associated with patient-related (age) and other potentially modifiable risk factors (thrombus burden, admission systolic blood pressure, total stent length, and baseline TIMI flow). The absence of final TIMI-3 flow carried worse short-term clinical outcomes.
Independent risk factors and long-term outcomes for acute kidney injury in pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hirano Daishi , Kakegawa Daisuke , Miwa Saori , Umeda Chisato , Takemasa Yoichi , Tokunaga Ai , Kawakami Yuhei , Ito Akira
Published: August 2020

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a frequent complication in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and an independent risk factor of the patient’s survival and a prognostic factor of progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the causes of these complications are diverse, usually overlapping, and less well understood.

Methods

This retrospective analysis was performed in 43 patients (28 boys, 15 girls; median age, 5.5 years) undergoing HSCT between April 2006 and March 2019. The main outcome was the development of AKI defined according to the Pediatric Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, End-stage Renal Disease (pRIFLE) criteria as ≥ 25% decrease in estimated creatinine clearance. The secondary outcome was the development of CKD after a 2-year follow-up.

Results

AKI developed in 21 patients (49%) within 100 days after HSCT. After adjusting for possible confounders, posttransplant AKI was associated with matched unrelated donor (MUD) (HR, 6.26;P = 0.042), but not total body irradiation (TBI). Of 37 patients who were able to follow-up for 2 years, 7 patients died, but none had reached CKD during the 2 years after transplantation.

Conclusions

Posttransplant AKI was strongly associated with HSCT from MUD. Although the incidence of AKI was high in our cohort, that of posttransplant CKD was lower than reported previously in adults. TBI dose reduced, GVHD minimized, and infection prevented are required to avoid late renal dysfunction after HSCT in children since their combinations may contribute to the occurrence of AKI.
Communication in high risk ante-natal consultations: a direct observational study of interactions between patients and obstetricians
Authors: Hilder Jo , Stubbe Maria , Macdonald Lindsay , Abels Peter , Dowell Anthony C.
Published: August 2020

Background

Effective communication is crucial to any doctor-patient consultation, not least in pregnancy where the outcome affects more than one person. While higher levels of patient participation and shared decision making are recognised as desirable, there is little agreement on how best to achieve this. Most previous research in this area is based on reported data such as interviews or surveys and there is a need for more fine-grained analysis of authentic interaction. This study aimed to identify the discourse characteristics and patterns that exemplify effective communication practices in a high-risk ante-natal clinic.

Methods

We video-recorded 20 consultations in a high-risk ante-natal clinic in a large New Zealand city with patients attending for the first time. Post-consultation interviews were conducted with the 20 patients and 13 obstetricians involved. Discourse analysis of the transcripts and videos of the consultations was conducted, in conjunction with thematic analysis of interview transcripts.

Results

Most patients reported high quality communication and high levels of satisfaction; the detailed consultation analysis revealed a range of features likely to have contributed. On the clinician side, these included clear explanations, acknowledgement of the patient’s experience, consideration of patient wishes, and realistic and honest answers to patient questions. On the patient side, these included a high level of engagement with technical aspects of events and procedures, and appropriate questioning of obstetricians.

Conclusions

This study has demonstrated the utility of combining direct observation of consultations with data from patient experience interviews to identify specific features of effective communication in routine obstetric ante-natal care. The findings are relevant to improvements needed in obstetric communication identified in the literature, especially in relation to handling psychosocial issues and conveying empathy, and may be useful to inform communication training for obstetricians. The presence of the unborn child may provide an added incentive for parents to develop their own health literacy and to be an active participant in the consultation on behalf of their child. The findings of this study can lay the groundwork for further, more detailed analysis of communication in ante-natal consultations.
First-step validation of a text message-based application for newborn clinical management among pediatricians
Authors: Data Santorino , Mukama Martin , McMillan Douglas , Singhal Nalini , Bajunirwe Francis
Published: August 2020

Background

Neonatal mortality is high in developing countries. Lack of adequate training and insufficient management skills for sick newborn care contribute to these deaths. We developed a phone application dubbed Protecting Infants Remotely by Short Message Service (PRISMS). The PRISMS application uses routine clinical assessments with algorithms to provide newborn clinical management suggestions. We measured the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of PRISMS by comparing its clinical case management suggestions with those of experienced pediatricians as the gold standard.

Methods

Twelve different newborn case scenarios developed by pediatrics residents, based on real cases they had seen, were managed by pediatricians and PRISMS®. Each pediatrician was randomly assigned six of twelve cases. Pediatricians developed clinical case management plans for all assigned cases and then obtained PRISMS suggested clinical case managements. We calculated percent agreement and kappa (k) statistics to test the null hypothesis that pediatrician and PRISMS management plans were independent.

Results

We found high level of agreement between pediatricians and PRISMS for components of newborn care including: 10% dextrose (Agreement = 73.8%), normal saline (Agreement = 73.8%), anticonvulsants (Agreement = 100%), blood transfusion (Agreement =81%), phototherapy (Agreement = 90.5%), and supplemental oxygen (agreement = 69.1%). However, we found poor agreement with potential investigations such as complete blood count, blood culture and lumbar puncture. PRISMS had a user satisfaction score of 3.8 out of 5 (range 1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree) and an average PRISMS user experience score of 4.1 out of 5 (range 1 = very bad, 5 = very good).

Conclusion

Management plans for newborn care from PRISMS showed good agreement with management plans from experienced Pediatricians. We acknowledge that the level of agreement was low in some aspects of newborn care.
Do memories of the Ebola virus disease outbreak influence post-Ebola health seeking behaviour in Guéckédou district (epicentre) in Guinea? A cross-sectional study of children with febrile illness
Authors: Camara Bienvenu Salim , Okumura Junko , Delamou Alexandre
Published: August 2020

Background

The 2013–2015 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Guinea resulted in community mistrust that influenced health care service utilization. This study aimed to assess whether EVD-related memories affect post-outbreak health-seeking behaviours for children under 5 years of age with febrile illnesses in Guéckédou district, Guinea.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted by surveying caregivers of children under 5 years of age in the sub-district most affected by the EVD outbreak (Guèndembou) and the least affected sub-district (Bolodou) in Guéckédou district. Memories of the outbreak were referred to as EVD-related fears in the post-EVD period, which was based on a series of questions regarding current feelings.

Results

While the majority of caregivers sought care for their children with febrile illness in both districts, a statistically significantly higher proportion of caregivers in Guèndembou sought care, compared to caregivers in Bolodou.. More caregivers in Guèndembou (19.9%; n = 39) reported the death of family members or friends due to EVD compared to Bolodou (6.9%; n = 14; P < 0.001). The mean EVD fear score of caregivers was significantly higher in Guèndembou (3.0; SD: 3.0) than in Bolodou (2.0; SD: 1.1) (p < 0.001). Caregivers with a fear score above the median were 1.68 times more likely to seek care than those whose fear score was equal to or below the median; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Caregivers who reported family members’ or friends’ death due to EVD were also more likely to seek care (AOR = 2.12; 95%CI: 0.91–4.91), however, with no statistical significance. Only residing in the EVD-most affected sub-district of Guèndembou (AOR = 1.74; 95%CI: 1·09–2.79) was positively associated with seeking care.

Conclusions

This study reveals that community members in the rural district of Guéckédou still live with fear related to EVD nearly 2 years after the outbreak. It calls for more efforts in the health domain to preserve communities’ key values and address the psychosocial effect of EVD in rural Guinea.
Secondary signs on preoperative CT as predictive factors for febrile urinary tract infection after ureteroscopic lithotripsy
Authors: Kim Jin Woo , Lee You Jin , Ha Yun-Sok , Lee Jun Nyung , Kim Hyun Tae , Chun So Young , Kim Bum Soo
Published: August 2020

Background

Febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common complications after ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URS). We evaluated the effect of secondary signs on preoperative computed tomography (CT) for febrile UTI after URS.

Methods

In total, 182 patients who underwent URS for ureteral stones from January 2013 to December 2015 were retrospectively included in this study. These patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of postoperative febrile UTI after URS. We compared the clinical factors, stone factors, and secondary signs between the groups. Predictive factors for febrile UTI after URS were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

Febrile UTI occurred in 26 of the 182 patients. In univariate analysis, presence of comorbid chronic kidney disease (CKD) and stone size were significantly different between UTI and non-UTI groups. Among secondary signs, presence of hydroureter, perinephric fat stranding, periureteral fat stranding, and tissue rim sign were significantly different between the groups. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, comorbid CKD, stone size, perinephric fat stranding, and tissue rim sign were independent predictive factors for febrile UTI after URS.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that secondary signs including perinephric fat stranding and tissue rim sign on preoperative CT, CKD, and stone size are independent predictive factors for febrile UTI after URS.
Establishing a sensitive fluorescence-based quantification method for cyclic nucleotides
Authors: Gruteser Nadine , Kohlhas Viktoria , Balfanz Sabine , Franzen Arne , Günther Anne , Offenhäusser Andreas , Müller Frank , Nikolaev Viacheslav , Lohse Martin J. , Baumann Arnd
Published: August 2020

Background

Approximately 40% of prescribed drugs exert their activity via GTP-binding protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Once activated, these receptors cause transient changes in the concentration of second messengers, e.g., cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP). Specific and efficacious genetically encoded biosensors have been developed to monitor cAMP fluctuations with high spatial and temporal resolution in living cells or tissue. A well characterized biosensor for cAMP is the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based Epac1-camps protein. Pharmacological characterization of newly developed ligands acting at GPCRs often includes numerical quantification of the second messenger amount that was produced.

Results

To quantify cellular cAMP concentrations, we bacterially over-expressed and purified Epac1-camps and applied the purified protein in a cell-free detection assay for cAMP in a multi-well format. We found that the biosensor can detect as little as 0.15 pmol of cAMP, and that the sensitivity is not impaired by non-physiological salt concentrations or pH values. Notably, the assay tolerated desiccation and storage of the protein without affecting Epac1-camps cyclic nucleotide sensitivity.

Conclusions

We found that determination cAMP in lysates obtained from cell assays or tissue samples by purified Epac1-camps is a robust, fast, and sensitive assay suitable for routine and high throughput analyses.
The new cultural norm: reasons why UK foundation doctors are choosing not to go straight into speciality training
Authors: Hollis Alexander Conor , Streeter Jack , Van Hamel Clare , Milburn Louise , Alberti Hugh
Published: August 2020

Background

The number of UK foundation doctors choosing to go straight into speciality training has fallen drastically over the last 10 years: We sought to explore and understand the reasons for this change.

Methods

We undertook semi-structured interviews with 16 foundation year two doctors, who had not applied to speciality training, from two regional foundation schools. Transcripts were thematically analysed.

Results

The reasons that foundation doctors are choosing not to go straight into speciality training centre around the themes of feeling undervalued, career uncertainty and a new cultural norm. They report major feelings of uncertainty regarding career choice at such an early stage of their profession and this challenge was magnified by a perceived lack of flexibility of training and the growing normality of taking time out from training. Trainees feel a lack of support in planning and undertaking an “FY3” year and being helped back into the workforce.

Trainees overwhelmingly reported that they feel undervalued by their employers. Importantly, however, not going into training directly was not always a reflection of dissatisfaction with training. Many trainees spoke very positively about their planned activities and often saw a break in training as an excellent way to recharge, develop skills and prepare for the rest of their careers in medicine.

Conclusions

Taking a year or more out of training after foundation years has become the new cultural norm for UK junior doctors and reasons for this include feeling undervalued, career uncertainty and the perception that this is now “normal”. Exploring these factors with participants has generated a number of recommendations related to improving the workplace environment, allowing more flexibility in training and supporting those who chose to take an FY3.
From SARS and MERS to COVID-19: a brief summary and comparison of severe acute respiratory infections caused by three highly pathogenic human coronaviruses
Authors: Zhu Zhixing , Lian Xihua , Su Xiaoshan , Wu Weijing , Marraro Giuseppe A. , Zeng Yiming
Published: August 2020

Within two decades, there have emerged three highly pathogenic and deadly human coronaviruses, namely SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. The economic burden and health threats caused by these coronaviruses are extremely dreadful and getting more serious as the increasing number of global infections and attributed deaths of SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV. Unfortunately, specific medical countermeasures for these hCoVs remain absent. Moreover, the fast spread of misinformation about the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic uniquely places the virus alongside an annoying infodemic and causes unnecessary worldwide panic. SARS-CoV-2 shares many similarities with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, certainly, obvious differences exist as well. Lessons learnt from SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, timely updated information of SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV, and summarized specific knowledge of these hCoVs are extremely invaluable for effectively and efficiently contain the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV. By gaining a deeper understanding of hCoVs and the illnesses caused by them, we can bridge knowledge gaps, provide cultural weapons for fighting and controling the spread of MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, and prepare effective and robust defense lines against hCoVs that may emerge or reemerge in the future. To this end, the state-of-the-art knowledge and comparing the biological features of these lethal hCoVs and the clinical characteristics of illnesses caused by them are systematically summarized in the review.
Long noncoding RNA MIR99AHG promotes gastric cancer progression by inducing EMT and inhibiting apoptosis via miR577/FOXP1 axis
Authors: Meng Qingyang , Wang Xiangjun , Xue Tongqing , Zhao Qiangfang , Wang Wei , Zhao Kun
Published: August 2020

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a vital role in the genesis and development of human cancer. LncRNA MIR99AHG has been reported to be upregulated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML); however, its function in gastric cancer (GC) is still not clear. Here we were aiming to screen the prognostic lncRNA candidates and to explore the function of MIR99AHG in GC.

Methods

We have preliminarily screened some candidate lncRNA biomarkers in GC tissues through analyzing microarray datasets. The expression level of MIR99AHG in GC cell lines and tissues was monitored via qPCR. Survival analysis was performed with the patients of our hospital and TCGA database cases. CCK-8 assay, trans-well assay and flow cytometry were performed to determine cell proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis. Meanwhile, a target of MIR99AHG was predicted and identified by luciferase reporter gene detection experiments.

Results

MIR99AHG was strongly up-regulated in human GC and contributed to cancer progression. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that up-regulating MIR99AHG expression was positively correlated with unfavorable overall survival (P < 0.01) of patients from our hospital and TCGA database. Knockdown of MIR99AHG expression inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, migration and promoted cell apoptosis. Moreover, MIR99AHG worked as an oncogenic gene though competing for endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-577.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that MIR99AHG contributes to malignant phenotypes of GC and may become a promising therapeutic target.
Comparative evaluation of two commercial real-time PCR kits (QuantiFast™ and abTES™) for the detection of Plasmodium knowlesi and other Plasmodium species in Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Nuin Nor Afizah , Tan Angelica F. , Lew Yao Long , Piera Kim A. , William Timothy , Rajahram Giri S. , Jelip Jenarun , Dony Jiloris F. , Mohammad Rashidah , Cooper Daniel J. , Barber Bridget E. , Anstey Nicholas M. , Chua Tock H. , Grigg Matthew J.
Published: August 2020

Background

The monkey parasite Plasmodium knowlesi is an emerging public health issue in Southeast Asia. In Sabah, Malaysia, P. knowlesi is now the dominant cause of human malaria. Molecular detection methods for P. knowlesi are essential for accurate diagnosis and in monitoring progress towards malaria elimination of other Plasmodium species. However, recent commercially available PCR malaria kits have unpublished P. knowlesi gene targets or have not been evaluated against clinical samples.

Methods

Two real-time PCR methods currently used in Sabah for confirmatory malaria diagnosis and surveillance reporting were evaluated: the QuantiFast™ Multiplex PCR kit (Qiagen, Germany) targeting the P. knowlesi 18S SSU rRNA; and the abTES™ Malaria 5 qPCR II kit (AITbiotech, Singapore), with an undisclosed P. knowlesi gene target. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated using 52 P. knowlesi, 25 Plasmodium vivax, 21 Plasmodium falciparum, and 10 Plasmodium malariae clinical isolates, and 26 malaria negative controls, and compared against a validated reference nested PCR assay. The limit of detection (LOD) for each PCR method and Plasmodium species was also evaluated.

Results

The sensitivity of the QuantiFast™ and abTES™ assays for detecting P. knowlesi was comparable at 98.1% (95% CI 89.7–100) and 100% (95% CI 93.2–100), respectively. Specificity of the QuantiFast™ and abTES™ for P. knowlesi was high at 98.8% (95% CI 93.4–100) for both assays. The QuantiFast™ assay demonstrated falsely-positive mixed Plasmodium species at low parasitaemias in both the primary and LOD analysis. Diagnostic accuracy of both PCR kits for detecting P. vivax, P. falciparum, and P. malariae was comparable to P. knowlesi. The abTES™ assay demonstrated a lower LOD for P. knowlesi of ≤ 0.125 parasites/µL compared to QuantiFast™ with a LOD of 20 parasites/µL. Hospital microscopy demonstrated a sensitivity of 78.8% (95% CI 65.3–88.9) and specificity of 80.4% (95% CI 67.6–89.8) compared to reference PCR for detecting P. knowlesi.

Conclusion

The QuantiFast™ and abTES™ commercial PCR kits performed well for the accurate detection of P. knowlesi infections. Although the QuantiFast™ kit is cheaper, the abTES™ kit demonstrated a lower LOD, supporting its use as a second-line referral-laboratory diagnostic tool in Sabah, Malaysia.
Greenness, civil environment, and pregnancy outcomes: perspectives with a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Kyung Ju , Moon Hyemi , Yun Hyo Ri , Park Eun Lyeong , Park Ae Ran , Choi Hijeong , Hong Kwan , Lee Juneyoung
Published: August 2020

Background

Various maternal conditions, especially in utero conditions and prenatal exposure to environments with air pollution and greenness, have been reviewed to address the enhancement and prevention of susceptibility to health risks, including low birthweight, preterm delivery, and preeclampsia. This study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively investigate the associations between pregnancy outcomes and the characteristics of surrounding living environment, including greenness, air pollution, and civilization.

Methods

A secondary search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, K-eArticles, and CINAHL databases was conducted without language restrictions to identify the relevant publications from the time of inception of the databases to April 2019.

Results

A total of 89 studies were identified, and 10 were included in the quantitative synthesis. The greenness of the environment within 100-, 250- and 500-m buffers, after adjusting for the air quality and civilization factors, was weakly but positively associated with birthweight. The pooled regression slope was 0.00134 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.000, 0.0020). The greenness of the environment was also associated with a significant decrease in the incidence of poor pregnancy outcomes, namely, low birthweight, small for gestational age (odds ratio [OR] 0.94; 95% CI, 0.92, 0.97), and preterm delivery (OR 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97, 0.99).

Conclusions

The greenness of the environment had a positive effect on the pregnancy outcomes, despite poor air quality and civilization. Following urbanization, planning for greenness management, environmental medicine, and public health is important and thus should be proposed as preventive methods as way of increasing birthweight and life expectancy.
The involvement of exosomes in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ariston Gabriel Abakundana Nsenga , Wang Fang , Jiao Qinlian , Yvette Umwali , Yang Xuemei , Al-Ameri Samed Ahmed , Du Lutao , Wang Yun-shan , Wang Chuanxin
Published: August 2020

At the moment, pancreatic cancer is among the deadliest gastrointestinal diseases, and pancreatic cancer growth is a complex biological process that is based on different kinds of genes. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles containing microRNAs (miRNAs), messenger RNA (mRNA), and proteins, they act as the most prominent mediator of intercellular communication, and they regulate, instruct, and re-educate their surrounding microenvironment and target specific organs. Due to accumulative evidence proved that exosomes are involved in metastasis, cell proliferation, EMT, angiogenesis, and TME of pancreatic cancer, exosomes are crucial potential candidates to detect pancreatic cancer early. This review aims to convey the current understanding of the main functions employed by exosomes in early diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Comprehensive elaboration of the cGAS-STING signaling axis in cancer development and immunotherapy
Authors: Zheng Juyan , Mo Junluan , Zhu Tao , Zhuo Wei , Yi Yueneng , Hu Shuo , Yin Jiye , Zhang Wei , Zhou Honghao , Liu Zhaoqian
Published: August 2020

Cellular recognition of microbial DNA is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism by which the innate immune system detects pathogens. Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and its downstream effector, stimulator of interferon genes (STING), are involved in mediating fundamental innate antimicrobial immunity by promoting the release of type I interferons (IFNs) and other inflammatory cytokines. Accumulating evidence suggests that the activation of the cGAS-STING axis is critical for antitumor immunity. The downstream cytokines regulated by cGAS-STING, especially type I IFNs, serve as bridges connecting innate immunity with adaptive immunity. Accordingly, a growing number of studies have focused on the synthesis and screening of STING pathway agonists. However, chronic STING activation may lead to a protumor phenotype in certain malignancies. Hence, the cGAS-STING signaling pathway must be orchestrated properly when STING agonists are used alone or in combination. In this review, we discuss the dichotomous roles of the cGAS-STING pathway in tumor development and the latest advances in the use of STING agonists.
A nomogram based on a patient-reported outcomes measure: predicting the risk of readmission for patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Han Qiang , Ren Jia , Tian Jing , Yang Hong , Zhang Qing , Wang Ruoya , Zhao Jinghua , Han Linai , Li Chenhao , Yan Jingjing , Wang Ke , Zheng Chu , Han Qinghua , Zhang Yanbo
Published: August 2020

Background

Health-related quality of life, as evaluated by a patient-reported outcomes measure (PROM), is an important prognostic marker in patients with chronic heart failure. This study aimed to use PROM to establish an effective readmission nomogram for chronic heart failure.

Methods

Using a PROM as a measurement tool, we conducted a readmission nomogram for chronic heart failure on a prospective observational study comprising of 454 patients with chronic heart failure hospitalized between May 2017 to January 2020. A Concordance index and calibration curve were used to evaluate the discriminative ability and predictive accuracy of the nomogram. A bootstrap resampling method was used for internal validation of results.

Results

The median follow-up period in the study was 372 days. After a final COX regression analysis, the gender, income, health care, appetite-sleep, anxiety, depression, paranoia, support, and independence were identified and included in the nomogram. The nomogram showed moderate discrimination, with a concordance index of 0.737 (95% CI 0.673–0.800). The calibration curves for the probability of readmission for patients with chronic heart failure showed high consistency between the probability, as predicted, and the actual probability.

Conclusions

This model offers a platform to assess the risk of readmission for different populations with CHF and can assist clinicians with personalized treatment recommendations.
Cardiac metastases from primary myxoid liposarcoma of the thigh: a case report
Authors: Ikuta Kunihiro , Sakai Tomohisa , Koike Hiroshi , Okada Tohru , Imagama Shiro , Nishida Yoshihiro
Published: August 2020

Background

Myxoid liposarcoma is well known to have an unusual proclivity for extrapulmonary metastasis. However, cardiac metastasis of myxoid liposarcoma is very rare, even in patients with advanced disease.

Case presentation

A 40-year-old man was diagnosed with myxoid liposarcoma of the right thigh and treated with wide resection. Two years after the surgery, a low-density area in the left ventricle was found on follow-up chest computed tomography, and was suspected of being metastatic disease. He underwent surgical treatment, and the lesion was pathologically confirmed as metastasis of myxoid liposarcoma. Fifteen months later, he complained of slight dyspnea and developed metastatic disease in the right atrium. He was treated with surgical excision, followed by radiotherapy. Although there was no recurrence in the heart since the second cardiac metastasectomy, multiple metastases occurred in the abdominal cavity, lungs, and muscles. He finally died of the disease 2 years after the second cardiac metastasectomy.

Conclusion

We experienced a case of primary myxoid liposarcoma in the thigh, accompanied by ectopic and metachronous cardiac metastases. Although this condition is rare, we should follow-up patients with myxoid liposarcoma, considering the possibility of cardiac metastasis.