bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methodological considerations for identifying questionable publishing in a national context: The case of Swedish Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Nelhans Gustaf , Bodin Theo
Published: March 2020

The overall scope of this study is an attempt at a methodological framework for matching publication lists at the national level against a combined set of blacklists for questionable publishing. Using the total verified set of publications from Swedish Higher Education Institutions (HEI) as a case, we examined the number, distribution, and proportion of publishing in questionable journals at the national level. Journal publication data was extracted from the national SwePub database and matched against three curated blacklists of questionable publishing. For the period 2012–2017, we identified 1,743 published papers in blacklisted journals, equal to an average of 0.5–0.9% of the total publications from Swedish HEIs. There was high variability between different HEI categories, with more established universities at the lower end of the spectrum, while university colleges and new universities had a much higher proportion (∼2%). There was a general decreasing trend during the study period (ρ = 0.83) for all categories of HEIs. The study presents a methodology to identify questionable publishing in academia that could be applied to other countries with similar infrastructure. Thus, it could serve as a starting point for the development of a general framework for cross-national quantitative estimation of questionable publishing.
Connected from the outside: The role of U.S. regions in promoting the integration of the European research system
Authors: Rabosio Emanuele , Righetto Lorenzo , Spelta Alessandro , Pammolli Fabio
Published: March 2020

Considerable efforts have been deployed by the European Union to create an integrated Research & Development area. In this paper, we focus on the structure and evolution of the European collaboration network as reflected by patent data. We study patent networks representing collaborations between inventors located in different geographic areas. Existing studies seem to indicate an increasing integration of the European research system, but none of them has investigated which regions contribute most to this integration. We analyze the patent coinventorship network to measure network-based distances between regions through multiple metrics, in order to evaluate the role of different areas for the integration of the EU R&D system. We study changes of the average closeness between European regions belonging to different countries. In particular, we perform a counterfactual exercise, simulating the impact on EU integration of the removal of countries and individual regions. Our findings reveal an important contribution from U.S. regions in favoring EU integration. In particular, the size and the density of the U.S. system, together with the presence of a few regional hubs, play a key role in reducing the distances between European regions.
Might Europe one day again be a global scientific powerhouse? Analysis of ERC publications suggests it will not be possible without changes in research policy
Authors: Rodríguez-Navarro Alonso , Brito Ricardo
Published: March 2020

Numerous EU documents praise the excellence of EU research without empirical evidence and in contradiction of academic studies. We investigated research performance in two fields of high socioeconomic importance, advanced technology and basic medical research, in two sets of European countries, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain (GFIS), and the UK, Netherlands, and Switzerland (UKNCH). Despite their historical and geographical proximity, research performance in GFIS is much lower than in UKNCH, and well below the world average. Funding from the European Research Council (ERC) greatly improves performance in both GFIS and UKNCH, but ERC-GFIS publications are less cited than ERC-UKNCH publications. We conclude that research performance in GFIS and in other EU countries is intrinsically low, even in highly selected and generously funded projects. The technological and economic future of the EU depends on improving research, which requires structural changes in research policy within the EU, and in most EU countries.
How common are explicit research questions in journal articles?
Authors: Thelwall Mike , Mas-Bleda Amalia
Published: March 2020

Although explicitly labeled research questions seem to be central to some fields, others do not need them. This may confuse authors, editors, readers, and reviewers of multidisciplinary research. This article assesses the extent to which research questions are explicitly mentioned in 17 out of 22 areas of scholarship from 2000 to 2018 by searching over a million full-text open access journal articles. Research questions were almost never explicitly mentioned (under 2%) by articles in engineering and physical, life, and medical sciences, and were the exception (always under 20%) for the broad fields in which they were least rare: computing, philosophy, theology, and social sciences. Nevertheless, research questions were increasingly mentioned explicitly in all fields investigated, despite a rate of 1.8% overall (1.1% after correcting for irrelevant matches). Other terminology for an article’s purpose may be more widely used instead, including aims, objectives, goals, hypotheses, and purposes, although no terminology occurs in a majority of articles in any broad field tested. Authors, editors, readers, and reviewers should therefore be aware that the use of explicitly labeled research questions or other explicit research purpose terminology is non-standard in most or all broad fields, although it is becoming less rare.
Geospatial analysis of severe road traffic accidents in Singapore in 2013–2014
Authors: Wee CPJ , He XPD , Win W , Ong MEH
Published: March 2020

INTRODUCTION Injury is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity. We aimed to investigate which areas in Singapore have a significantly higher incidence of road traffic accidents (RTA) resulting in severe injuries (Tier 1), which is defined as an Injury Severity Score (ISS) greater than 15, and to develop a spatiotemporal model. METHODS Data was obtained from the National Trauma Registry. The RTA locations were geomapped onto the Singapore map, and spatial statistical techniques were used to identify hotspots with the Getis-Ord Gi* algorithm. RESULTS From 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2014, there were 35,673 people who were injured as a result of RTAs and 976 Tier 1 RTA victims. A total of 920 people were included in the geospatial analysis. Another 56 were involved in RTAs that did not occur within Singapore or had missing location data and thus were not included. 745 (81.0%) were discharged alive, whereas 175 (19.0%) did not survive to discharge (median ISS 38.00, interquartile range 30.00–48.00). Most of the Tier 1 RTA victims were motorcycle riders (50.1%, n = 461), pedestrians (21.8%, n = 201) and cyclists (9.9%, n = 91). The majority were male and aged 20–40 years, and there was a peak occurrence at 0600–0759 hours. Nine hotspots were identified (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Information from studying hotspots of RTAs, especially those resulting in severe injuries, can be used by multiple agencies to direct resources efficiently.
Beyond Evidence
Authors: Schmidt Stiedenroth Kira
Published: March 2020

The therapeutic success of Asian medicine has been discussed mostly in relation to efficacy, effectiveness, and evidence thereof. By taking Unani medicine as an example, this article calls for the reconsideration of the dominance of biomedical frameworks in the anthropological study of Asian medicine by paying closer attention to emic dimensions of successful treatment and their relation to eminence. On the basis of ethnographic fieldwork among practitioners of Unani (Greco-Islamic) medicine in India and following a practice ontology approach, the author examines how private-practicing hakims (Unani physicians) enact successful treatment in their everyday practice. For them, therapeutic success is closely connected to professional authority, a legacy of the Greco-Islamic tradition, in which therapeutic success is also enacted through eminence. Approaching therapeutic success beyond the therapeutic outcome draws attention to further dimensions at stake, revealing that scientific evidence is not necessarily the dominant enactment of successful treatment in Asian medicine.
A new species of Argostemma (Rubiaceae) with free stamens in star-shaped corolla from the Philippines

Authors: HSU HAO WEI C. , ARANAS DENMARC R. , ALEJANDRO GRECEBIO JONATHAN D. , LIEDE-SCHUMANN SIGRID
Published: March 2020

Argostemma separatum, a new species with free stamens in star-shaped corolla from Mt. Halcon Oriental Mindoro, Philippines is here described and compared with Argostemma diversifolium, the only species of the genus with this type of flower. This species is distinct from A. diversifolium by its indumentum on stem, leaf blades and calyx, smaller leaf blades, fewer flowered inflorescences, shape of stipule and calyx, red tips on corolla lobes, and color of anthers. Based on the recent IUCN categories, the conservation status of A. separatum is Data Deficient (DD) since it was only collected at the type locality.
First report of the spider genus Desis (Araneae, Desidae) from China, with description of a new species
Authors: LIN YEJIE , LI SHUQIANG , CHEN HAIFENG
Published: March 2020

The spider genus Desis Walckenaer, 1837 is the type genus of the spider family Desidae Pocock, 1895. Desis spiders hide in silk sacs between rocks or shells during high tide and forage during low tide (Baehr et al. 2017). Four Desis species have been recorded from Asia: Desis gardineri Pocock, 1904 (India), Desis inermis Gravely, 1927 (India), Desis japonica Yaginuma, 1956 (Japan) and Desis martensi L. Koch, 1872 (Malaysia) (World Spider Catalog 2020). Until now, only one species of the family Desidae, Badumna tangae Zhu, Zhang & Yang, 2006, has been reported from China (Zhu et al. 2006). Here, we describe a new species of Desis and report the genus from China for the first time.
Philippine bats of the genus Kerivoula (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae): Overview and assessment of variation in K. pellucida and K. whiteheadi
Authors: SEDLOCK JODI L. , HEANEY LAWRENCE R. , BALETE DANILO S. , RUEDI MANUEL
Published: March 2020

Bats of the genus Kerivoula (Mammalia, Chiroptera) are widespread in the Philippines with four reported species, but have been poorly known due to a paucity of specimens. We provide the first molecular phylogeny for Philippine Kerivoula, which supports the existence of four distinct clades that we treat as species (K. hardwickii, K. papillosa, K. pellucida, and K. whiteheadi); these four overlap broadly geographically. Each of these may be recognized on the basis of cytochrome b sequences and external and craniodental morphology. Detailed examination of K. pellucida shows little geographic differentiation within the Philippines, but they differ subtly from those on the Sunda Shelf. We consider K. whiteheadi to be composed of four recognizable clades, each restricted to a geographic region within the Philippines. We consider K. bicolor, from peninsular Thailand, and K. pusilla, from Borneo, to be distinct from K. whiteheadi. Our data indicate the presence of two species within the Philippines currently lumped as K. hardwickii; further study of these is needed. A calibrated phylogeny suggests that Kerivoula began arriving in the Philippines about 10 MYA, with each of the four current lineages arriving independently.
Taxonomic update of the Neotropical genus Cryptocladocera Bezzi, 1923 (Diptera: Tachinidae), with remarks on tachinids with fissicorn antennae
Authors: DE SANTIS MARCELO DOMINGOS , ALVAREZ-GARCIA DEIVYS M. , PEREIRA THALLES PLATINY LAVINSCKY
Published: March 2020

Cryptocladocera Bezzi, 1923 is a Neotropical genus of Tachinidae with remarkable multifissicorn antennae, previously composed of four species. A new species from Brazil, Cryptocladocera arnaudi Santis & Alvarez-Garcia sp. nov., is described, illustrated and photographed herein. Cryptocladocera bezzii Arnaud, 1963 and Cryptocladocera mojingensis Arnaud, 1963 are proposed as junior synonyms of Cryptocladocera prodigiosa Bezzi, 1923, synn. nov. With these changes, Cryptocladocera is left with 3 species: C. arnaudi, C. pichilinguensis Arnaud, 1963 and C. prodigiosa. An updated key to the males of Cryptocladocera species is provided. Furthermore, C. prodigiosa is recorded for the first time for French Guiana and Brazil. Finally, the diversity and evolution of fissicorn antennae in tachinids are discussed.
Two new Stenoloba Staudinger, 1892 from Yunnan, southwestern China (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Bryophilinae)
Authors: SALDAITIS AIDAS , VOLYNKIN ANTON V.
Published: March 2020

Two new species of the genus Stenoloba Staudinger, 1892 are described from the northwestern Yunnan Province of China. Stenoloba herbacea sp. n. belongs to the Stenoloba nigrabasalis Chang, 1991 species-group and is most similar to Stenoloba ochribasis Kononenko & Ronkay, 2001 described from Laos. Stenoloba pontezi sp. n. belongs to the Stenoloba manleyi (Leech, 1889) species-group and is most similar to Stenoloba viridibasis Han & Kononenko, 2009 described from Yunnan. Adults, male and female genitalia of new species are illustrated.
A new genus and species of the tribe Oemini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae) from the Sundaic region, Southeastern Asia
Authors: NIISATO TATSUYA , VIVES EDUARD , HEFFERN DANIEL
Published: March 2020

A new genus and species of the subtribe Oemina of the tribe Oemini (Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae) is described from the Sundaic region, Southeastern Asia. Relationships with other oemine genera are discussed.
Anthobiomorphus, a new genus of Anthophagini Thomson, 1859 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Omaliinae), with description of two new species from China, India and Nepal
Authors: SHAVRIN ALEXEY V. , SMETANA ALEŠ
Published: March 2020

A new omaliine genus assigned to the Anthobium group of genera of the tribe Anthophagini Thomson, 1859, Anthobiomorphus Shavrin & Smetana, gen.n. is described. Two new species, A. rougemonti Shavrin & Smetana, sp.n. (China, Yunnan) and A. makranczyi Shavrin & Smetana, sp.n. (India: West Bengal and eastern Nepal) are described and illustrated. The main morphological features of the new genus and its taxonomic relationships with other related genera are briefly discussed. All available bionomic and distributional data and a key are presented.
Investigation on Machined Surface Quality During Cutting of GH4169 Under High-Pressure Cooling
Authors: Wu Ming-Yang , Chu Wei-Xu , Liu Ke-Ke , Wu Shu-Jie , Cheng Yao-Nan
Published: March 2020

The aerospace component material GH4169 has low thermal conductivity and poor machinability, resulting in difficulty to guarantee good surface quality after conventional cutting. High-pressure cooling assisted machining technology can effectively improve the problem. In order to study
the effect of high-pressure cooling assisted processing technology on the machined surface quality of GH4169, in this paper, Deform-3D was first used to construct a thermo-mechanical coupling finite element model for turning GH4169 under high-pressure cooling conditions, to analyze the turning
temperature and surface residual stress. Then, analysis was carried out on the residual stress, work hardening behavior, and metamorphic layer of the GH4169 machined surface, in combination with the turning experiment. The results show that, under the conditions of little feeding and highspeed
cutting, the GH4169 turning surface generates residual tensile stress along with both the feeding and turning directions. Moreover, the residual tensile stress gradually turns into the residual compressive stress along the depth direction. The application of high-pressure coolant can reduce
the residual tensile stress of the machined surface. As the cooling pressure increases, the residual tensile stress of the machined surface decreases. The coupling effect between thermal deformation and plastic deformation when turning GH4169 can cause the work hardening of the surface, and
the hardening degree decreases with the increase of cooling pressure. The high-pressure cooling assisted machining technology can effectively reduce surface plastic deformation, and promote the lessening of grain refinement degree of the material surface, thereby reducing the thickness of
the metamorphic layer.
Preparation of Lipid Nanovesicle Contrast Material and Its Application in Ultrasound Diagnosis of Breast Cancer Tumor
Authors: Li Siqin , Lv Huicheng
Published: March 2020

In this study, a kind of melanin lipid nanovesicle contrast agent (M-lvca) material with good light absorption and melanin doping is proposed. In this contrast material, lipid nanospheres containing melanin are obtained by ether titration. Then, it is prepared by freeze-drying. In the
experimental part, the shape, structure, particle size and absorption spectrum of the material are studied. In vitro agarose gel model, the ultrasound/photoacoustic analysis of the contrast agent is carried out to detect the effect of different concentration of contrast agent on phagocytosis
of cells. In the diagnosis of breast cancer, the enhancement boundary, the distribution of contrast agent, the enhancement shape, the range change after enhancement, and the penetration of blood vessels are detected. The experimental results show that the contrast agent has the characteristics
of microsphere shape, uniform distribution and strong light absorption ability in the wavelength range of 100 nm∼900 nm. In vitro ultrasound imaging/photoacoustic imaging test, the contrast agent has a good imaging ability. With the increase of the concentration, the imaging ability
will be further enhanced. In the diagnosis of breast cancer, there is a significant difference in the indexes related to ultrasound diagnosis of breast cancer after adding M-lvca contrast agent (P < 0.05). Only a few indexes such as enhancement intensity and perfusion defect have
no significant difference (P > 0.05). In this study, the proposed M-lvca material can improve the imaging effect of related indicators in the early diagnosis of breast cancer, which is helpful to improve the accuracy of breast cancer diagnosis.
Assimilation of GOES-R Geostationary Lightning Mapper Flash Extent Density Data in GSI EnKF for the Analysis and Short-Term Forecast of a Mesoscale Convective System
Authors: Kong Rong , Xue Ming , Fierro Alexandre O. , Jung Youngsun , Liu Chengsi , Mansell Edward R. , MacGorman Donald R.
Published: March 2020

The recently launched Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite “R-series” (GOES-R) satellites carry the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) that measures from space the total lightning rate in convective storms at high spatial and temporal frequencies. This study assimilates, for the first time, real GLM total lightning data in an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) framework. The lightning flash extent density (FED) products at 10-km pixel resolution are assimilated. The capabilities to assimilate GLM FED data are first implemented into the GSI-based EnKF data assimilation (DA) system and tested with a mesoscale convective system (MCS). FED observation operators based on graupel mass or graupel volume are used. The operators are first tuned through sensitivity experiments to determine an optimal multiplying factor to the operator, before being used in FED DA experiments FEDM and FEDV that use the graupel-mass or graupel-volume-based operator, respectively. Their results are compared to a control experiment (CTRL) that does not assimilate any FED data. Overall, both DA experiments outperform CTRL in terms of the analyses and short-term forecasts of FED and composite/3D reflectivity. The assimilation of FED is primarily effective in regions of deep moist convection, which helps improve short-term forecasts of convective threats, including heavy precipitation and lightning. Direct adjustments to graupel mass via observation operator as well as adjustments to other model state variables through flow-dependent ensemble cross covariance within EnKF are shown to work together to generate model-consistent analyses and overall improved forecasts.
Testing a concurrent model of social anxiety in preadolescence
Authors: Rapee Ronald M. , Forbes Miriam K. , Oar Ella L. , Richardson Cele E. , Johnco Carly J. , Magson Natasha R. , Fardouly Jasmine
Published: March 2020

Social anxiety is a common mental disorder with an average age of onset in early adolescence. Current theories focus largely on risk factors that are present from early in life, but reasons for onset of the disorder as youth move into adolescence are rarely discussed. We recently proposed a model of the onset of certain mental disorders during the adolescent years based on characteristics of adolescent development. While this model will require longitudinal testing, the current article establishes concurrent associations between relevant variables in a cohort of 528 preadolescents ( M age = 11.2 years) at baseline. Youth with social anxiety disorder differed significantly from other youth on measures of social comparison (including physical appearance comparisons, self-rated attractiveness, and negative peer comparisons on social media) as well as positive peer connections (including self-reported school belonging, number of friends, victimization, and peer affiliation). A structural equation model showed that symptom levels of social anxiety were directly related to social comparisons and peer connections, as well as indirectly associated with pubertal development and social comparisons. This pattern was not moderated by sex of youth.
The K666N mutation in SF3B1 is associated with increased progression of MDS and distinct RNA splicing
Authors: Dalton W. Brian , Helmenstine Eric , Pieterse Lisa , Li Bing , Gocke Christopher D. , Donaldson Joshua , Xiao Zhijian , Gondek Lukasz P. , Ghiaur Gabriel , Gojo Ivana , Smith B. Douglas , Levis Mark J. , DeZern Amy E.
Published: March 2020

Key Points

The K666N mutation of SF3B1 has distinct clinicopathologic features in MDS. The K666N mutation of SF3B1 has a distinct RNA splicing profile.
Complex odor control based on ozonation/GAC advanced treatment: optimization and application in one full-scale water treatment plant
Authors: Xia Ping , Zhang Shuangyi , Yu Jianwei , Ye Hui , Zhang Dong , Jiang Lei , Wang Zheng , Yin Daqiang
Published: March 2020

Background

Taste and odor problem in drinking water is one major concern for consumers and water supply. Exploring the odor characteristics and the major odor causing compounds in the source water is the base for odor control in drinking water treatment plant (WTP). In this study, focusing on a newly constructed reservoir with Huangpu River as the source water, the occurrence of typical odorants and their variations were first identified. Correspondingly, the removal behavior in an ozone/GAC advanced treatment process was investigated.

Results

The results indicated that 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB), geosmin (GSM), and bis (2-chloroisopropyl) ether (BCIE) have major contribution to the musty/earthy and chemical/septic odors in the source water, respectively. Pre-ozonation alone (1 mg L−1) showed limited removal for 2-MIB and BCIE, at less than 30% and 20%, respectively, while combining with coagulation, sedimentation, and sand filtration, the removals were improved to higher than 50%. After post-ozonation, the desired removal was achieved at a 1.5 mg L−1 dosage with all the odorants decreased below the corresponding odor threshold concentrations (OTCs) in the effluents. Furthermore, at a 1 mg L−1 post-ozone addition, by combining with subsequent GAC process, the odor problem was solved as well.

Conclusion

To resolve the odor problem in the drinking water, the concentrations of the odorants at less than their OTCs need to be achieved. As 2-MIB and BCIE have low reactivity towards direct ozonation, a subsequent GAC is needed with a moderate dosage of post-ozonation (1 mg L−1). Thus, for the odor problem in the source water, the suggested operation is: 1 mg L−1 of pre-ozonation in combination with coagulation, sedimentation, and sand filtration, followed by a 1 mg L−1 dosage of post-ozonation and finished by a GAC process.
Cardiac specific transcription factor Csx/Nkx2.5 regulates transient-outward K+ channel expression in pluripotent P19 cell-derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Uchino Tomoko , Zheng Ming-Qi , Wang Yan , Ono Katsushige
Published: March 2020

The homeobox-containing gene Csx/Nkx2.5 codes several cardiac transcription factors and plays a critical role in early cardiogenesis. We investigated the effect of Csx/Nkx2.5 on the expression of cardiac ion channels using P19-derived cardiomyocytes. P19CL6 cells and P19CL6 cells with Csx/Nkx2.5 overexpression (P19CL6-Csx cells) were induced to differentiate into cardiomyocytes by treatment with dimethyl sulfoxide. Action potentials and membrane currents were measured by whole cell patch clamp at different differentiation stage: the early stage (1–5 days after beating had begun) and the late stage (10–15 days after beating). Expression of Csx/Nkx2.5 mRNA was increased as the differentiation stages advanced in both P19CL6 and P19CL6-Csx cells. In action potential configuration, maximal diastolic potentials in P19CL6-Csx cells exhibited more hyperpolarized potential (‒ 64.2 mV) than those in P19CL6 cells (‒ 54.8 mV,p < 0.01) in the early stage. In P19CL6 cells, among 6 different voltage-gated and ligand-operated K+channels expressed during the early stage, the transient-outward K+channel was most predominant. By overexpression of Csx/Nkx2.5, developmental decrease in the transient-outward K+channel was suppressed. Homeobox-containing gene Csx/Nkx2.5 modifies the amount of distinct ionic channels, during differentiation periods, predominantly changing the expression of the transient-outward K+channel.
Developing a composite outcome measure for frailty prevention trials – rationale, derivation and sample size comparison with other candidate measures
Authors: Witham Miles D. , Wason James , Dodds Richard , Sayer Avan A.
Published: March 2020

Background

Frailty is the loss of ability to withstand a physiological stressor and is associated with multiple adverse outcomes in older people. Trials to prevent or ameliorate frailty are in their infancy. A range of different outcome measures have been proposed, but current measures require either large sample sizes, long follow-up, or do not directly measure the construct of frailty.

Methods

We propose a composite outcome for frailty prevention trials, comprising progression to the frail state, death, or being too unwell to continue in a trial. To determine likely event rates, we used data from the English Longitudinal Study for Ageing, collected 4 years apart. We calculated transition rates between non-frail, prefrail, frail or loss to follow up due to death or illness. We used Markov state transition models to interpolate one- and two-year transition rates and performed sample size calculations for a range of differences in transition rates using simple and composite outcomes.

Results

The frailty category was calculable for 4650 individuals at baseline (2226 non-frail, 1907 prefrail, 517 frail); at follow up, 1282 were non-frail, 1108 were prefrail, 318 were frail and 1936 had dropped out or were unable to complete all tests for frailty. Transition probabilities for those prefrail at baseline, measured at wave 4 were respectively 0.176, 0.286, 0.096 and 0.442 to non-frail, prefrail, frail and dead/dropped out. Interpolated transition probabilities were 0.159, 0.494, 0.113 and 0.234 at two years, and 0.108, 0.688, 0.087 and 0.117 at one year. Required sample sizes for a two-year outcome in a two-arm trial were between 1040 and 7242 for transition from prefrailty to frailty alone, 246 to 1630 for transition to the composite measure, and 76 to 354 using the composite measure with an ordinal logistic regression approach.

Conclusion

Use of a composite outcome for frailty trials offers reduced sample sizes and could ameliorate the effect of high loss to follow up inherent in such trials due to death and illness.
Correction to: Health effects of nutrients and environmental pollutants in Baltic herring and salmon: a quantitative benefit-risk assessment
Authors: Tuomisto Jouni T. , Asikainen Arja , Meriläinen Päivi , Haapasaari Päivi
Published: March 2020

It was highlighted that the original article [1] contained a formatting error in the equations.
Association between the cytokine storm, immune cell dynamics, and viral replicative capacity in hyperacute HIV infection
Authors: Muema Daniel M. , Akilimali Ngomu A. , Ndumnego Okechukwu C. , Rasehlo Sipho S. , Durgiah Raveshni , Ojwach Doty B.A. , Ismail Nasreen , Dong Mary , Moodley Amber , Dong Krista L. , Ndhlovu Zaza M. , Mabuka Jenniffer M. , Walker Bruce D. , Mann Jaclyn K. , Ndung’u Thumbi
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Immunological damage in acute HIV infection (AHI) may predispose to detrimental clinical sequela. However, studies on the earliest HIV-induced immunological changes are limited, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed the plasma cytokines kinetics, and their associations with virological and immunological parameters, in a well-characterized AHI cohort where participants were diagnosed before peak viremia.

Methods

Blood cytokine levels were measured using Luminex and ELISA assays pre-infection, during the hyperacute infection phase (before or at peak viremia, 1–11 days after the first detection of viremia), after peak viremia (24–32 days), and during the early chronic phase (77–263 days). Gag-protease-driven replicative capacities of the transmitted/founder viruses were determined using a green fluorescent reporter T cell assay. Complete blood counts were determined before and immediately following AHI detection before ART initiation.

Results

Untreated AHI was associated with a cytokine storm of 12 out of the 33 cytokines analyzed. Initiation of ART during Fiebig stages I–II abrogated the cytokine storm. In untreated AHI, virus replicative capacity correlated positively with IP-10 (rho = 0.84, P < 0.001) and IFN-alpha (rho = 0.59, P = 0.045) and inversely with nadir CD4+ T cell counts (rho = − 0.58, P = 0.048). Hyperacute HIV infection before the initiation of ART was associated with a transient increase in monocytes (P < 0.001), decreased lymphocytes (P = 0.011) and eosinophils (P = 0.003) at Fiebig stages I–II, and decreased eosinophils (P < 0.001) and basophils (P = 0.007) at Fiebig stages III–V. Levels of CXCL13 during the untreated hyperacute phase correlated inversely with blood eosinophils (rho = − 0.89, P < 0.001), basophils (rho = − 0.87, P = 0.001) and lymphocytes (rho = − 0.81, P = 0.005), suggesting their trafficking into tissues. In early treated individuals, time to viral load suppression correlated positively with plasma CXCL13 at the early chronic phase (rho = 0.83, P = 0.042).

Conclusion

While commencement of ART during Fiebig stages I–II of AHI abrogated the HIV-induced cytokine storm, significant depletions of eosinophils, basophils, and lymphocytes, as well as transient expansions of monocytes, were still observed in these individuals in the hyperacute phase before the initiation of ART, suggesting that even ART initiated during the onset of viremia does not abrogate all HIV-induced immune changes.
Correction to: Optical monitoring of glutamate release at multiple synapses in situ detects changes following LTP induction
Authors: Kopach Olga , Zheng Kaiyu , Rusakov Dmitri A.
Published: March 2020

In the original publication of this article [1], text has been introduced erroneously to Figs. 4a and 5d due to a typesetting mistake.
Light-enhanced cognitive behavioural therapy for sleep and fatigue: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial during chemotherapy for breast cancer
Authors: Bean Helena R. , Stafford Lesley , Little Ruth , Diggens Justine , Ftanou Maria , Alexander Marliese , Francis Prudence A. , Bei Bei , Wiley Joshua F.
Published: March 2020

Background

Women with breast cancer experience a significantly higher prevalence of sleep disturbance and insomnia than the general population. The experience of persistent sleep disturbance places these women at a higher risk of psychological and physical morbidity and a reduced quality of life. Treatment for sleep in this population is not part of routine care and is often managed inadequately. This randomised controlled trial will examine the combined effects of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and bright light therapy (BLT) on the symptoms of insomnia, fatigue and mental health.

Method/design

Women diagnosed with breast cancer who receive intravenous chemotherapy treatment at a quaternary referral metropolitan cancer centre in Melbourne, Australia, will be recruited. Recruitment will occur after diagnosis and prior to completion of chemotherapy. Eligible women will be randomised to the combined CBT and BLT intervention (CBT+) or relaxation audio-enhanced treatment as usual (TAU+). The CBT+ group will receive one face-to-face session on sleep strategies, one subsequent telephone call, and seven email packages containing CBT-based information and strategies. CBT+ participants will also wear Luminette® light glasses for 20 min each morning for the 6-week duration of the intervention. Women in TAU+ will receive two relaxation audio tracks via email. Outcomes will be measured at multiple points throughout the 6 weeks. Primary outcomes will be symptoms of insomnia and sleep efficiency, measured using the Insomnia Severity Index and a self-reported sleep diary. Secondary outcomes include objective measures of sleep assessed using the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT, and sleep-related complaints, fatigue and mental health, all assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). Data will also be collected on potential treatment moderators and mechanisms and adherence to treatment. There will be 3-month follow-up measurements of insomnia symptoms, fatigue, sleep-related impairment, sleep disturbance, depression and anxiety.

Discussion

This is the first randomised controlled trial to combine CBT and BLT for the treatment of sleep disturbance in women with breast cancer. This novel design addresses the multiple causal factors for sleep complaints in this population. Results from this trial will advance knowledge in this field and may have important clinical implications for how best to treat sleep disturbance and insomnia in this population. If effective, the largely email-based format of the intervention would allow for relatively easy translation.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), ACTRN12618001255279. Retrospectively registered on 25 July 2018.
Patient satisfaction with primary care physician performance in a multicultural population
Authors: Hayek Samah , Derhy Shany , Smith Mathew Lee , Towne Samuel D. , Zelber-Sagi Shira
Published: March 2020

Background

A key component of the quality of health care is patient satisfaction, particularly in regard to Primary Care Physician (PCP), which represents the first contact with health care services. Patient satisfaction is associated with ethnic, regional and socio-demographic differences, due to differences in service quality, patient-doctor communication, and the patient’s perceptions. The aim of this study was to evaluate patients’ satisfaction related to primary care physicians’ (PCP) performance and to explore potential differences by ethnicity in a multicultural population.

Methods

A national cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted, among a random sample of the Israeli population aged ≥25 years. Satisfaction level from performance of PCP was assessed using a validated questionnaire (30 items; 6 different domains).

Results

The final sample included (n = 827 Jews; n = 605 Arabs, mean age 54.7(±14.9). In the adjusted logistic regression models, Arabs reported lower general satisfaction related to PCPs’ performance as compared to Jews (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 0.63; (95% CI: 0.40–0.98). Arabs reported lower satisfaction related to PCPs’ performance across the following domains: communication skills (AOR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22–0.82); interpersonal manners (AOR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.24–0.58); and time spent with the patients (AOR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.43–0.85).

Conclusions

Jews and Arabs were very satisfied with PCPs’ performance. However, there are ethnic differences in the extent of satisfaction level related to the performance of PCP. Satisfaction from PCPs’ performance may be achieved by improving the communication skills of the PCP, encouraging interpersonal interaction between the PCP and the patient, and devoting more time to the patient during the visits.
Evaluation of three-dimensional iterative image reconstruction in virtual monochromatic imaging at 40 kilo-electron volts: phantom and clinical studies to assess the image noise and image quality in comparison with other reconstruction techniques
Authors: Ishikawa Takuya , Suzuki Shigeru , Katada Yoshiaki , Takayanagi Tomoko , Fukui Rika , Yamamoto Yuzo , Tanigaki Koji
Published: March 2020

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the image quality in virtual monochromatic imaging (VMI) at 40 kilo-electron volts (keV) with three-dimensional iterative image reconstruction (3D-IIR).

Methods:

A phantom study and clinical study (31 patients) were performed with dual-energy CT (DECT). VMI at 40 keV was obtained and the images were reconstructed using filtered back projection (FBP), 50% adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASiR), and 3D-IIR. We conducted subjective and objective evaluations of the image quality with each reconstruction technique.

Results:

The image contrast-to-noise ratio and image noise in both the clinical and phantom studies were significantly better with 3D-IIR than with 50% ASiR, and with 50% ASiR than with FBP (all, p < 0.05). The standard deviation and noise power spectra of the reconstructed images decreased in the order of 3D-IIR to 50% ASiR to FBP, while the modulation transfer function was maintained across the three reconstruction techniques. In most subjective evaluations in the clinical study, the image quality was significantly better with 3D-IIR than with 50% ASiR, and with 50% ASiR than with FBP (all, p < 0.001). Regarding the diagnostic acceptability, all images using 3D-IIR were evaluated as being fully or probably acceptable.

Conclusions:

The quality of VMI at 40 keV is improved by 3D-IIR, which allows the image noise to be reduced and structural details to be maintained.

Advances in knowledge:

The improvement of the image quality of VMI at 40 keV by 3D-IIR may increase the subjective acceptance in the clinical setting.
Using the T11 vertebra to minimise the CT-KUB scan field
Authors: Uldin Hasaam , McGlynn Eunan , Cleasby Morgan
Published: March 2020

Objectives:

Computed tomography scans of the kidney, ureters, and bladder (CT-KUB) are crucial in investigating urinary calculi but impart a substantial radiation doses. Radiation can be limited by minimising the scanning field to the necessary area (i.e. from the kidneys to urethra). Before auditing, the superior limit of CT-KUB scans had not been formally clarified at our trust. Consistently ensuring the upper limit of scans is at or below T10 has been shown to be a viable method of performing CT-KUB scans. This study aimed to assess the overscan length of CT-KUB investigations and modify practice accordingly to minimise it. There were two standards that were set for CT-KUB scanning. First, the mean percentage overscan length (i.e. percentage of the scan above the kidneys) should be <15%. Second, all scans should include the superior borders of both kidneys.

Methods:

90 consecutive CT-KUB scans for ureteric calculus were retrospectively investigated using IMPAX software in the first phase of data collection. After these data were analysed, a newly devised protocol using T11 as the superior scan limit was delivered to radiographers in the department. and 105 in the second phase (re-audit). The analysis parameters were: percentage overscan length, distance between diaphragm and upper border of kidneys, vertebral level at which the scan commenced, and whether both kidneys were fully included.

Results:

In the first phase, overscan of >15% was present in 94.4% of scans. The mean percentage overscan length was 28.2%. The superior vertebral limit of 59% of scans was at T10 or below and a lower superior vertebral limit correlated with decreasing overscan. 99% of scans fully included both kidneys. In the second phase (3 months later), the mean overscan percentage reduced to 10.6% (standard deviation = 4.4%). Excessive overscan affected 35.2% of scans. The superior vertebral limit of 8% of scans was at T10 or below. 100% of scans fully included both kidneys.

Conclusion:

Excessive overscanning was due to inconsistent technique in capturing CT-KUB scans. Before this audit, the superior limit of CT-KUB scans had not been formally clarified at our trust. By successfully standardising the process with a reproducible method, the overscan target was comfortably met. Therefore, patient dose was minimised without compromising scan quality.

Advances in knowledge:

This audit has successfully shown a feasible standardised protocol for CT-KUB investigations which can be used to minimise overscanning of patients.
A comparison of arterial spin labelling with catheter angiography in evaluating arteriovenous malformations: a systematic review
Authors: Ramachandran Sanjeev , Mukherjee Deyashini , Delf Jonathan , Bown Matthew James , Kandiyil Neghal
Published: March 2020

Objectives:

To compare the performance of arterial spin labelling (ASL) in evaluating arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) against the current gold standard of catheter angiography.

Methods:

We systematically reviewed the published literature using EMBASE and Medline. We included studies that compared ASL to catheter angiography in the assessment of AVMs in three outcome domains: detection, angioarchitectural and haemodynamic features.

Results:

From 314 unique citations, 19 studies representing 289 patients with intracranial AVMs met our inclusion criteria. We did not pool data due to marked heterogeneity in study outcome measures. Seven studies showed high diagnostic performance of ASL in identifying arterial feeders, with sensitivity ranging from 84.6 to 100% and specificity ranging from 93.3 to 100%. Six studies showed strong ability in detecting arteriovenous shunting, with sensitivity ranging from 91.7 to 100% and specificity ranging from 90 to 100%. Seven studies demonstrated that ASL could identify nidal location and size as well as catheter angiography, while five studies showed relatively poorer performance in delineating venous drainage. Two studies showed 100% sensitivity of ASL in the identification of residual or obliterated AVMs following stereotactic radiosurgery.

Conclusions:

Despite limitations in the current evidence base and technical challenges, this review suggests that ASL has a promising role in the work-up and post-treatment follow-up of AVMs. Larger scale prospective studies assessing the diagnostic performance of ASL are warranted.

Advances in knowledge:

ASL demonstrates overall validity in the evaluation of intracranial AVMs.
Susceptibility-weighted MR sequence for the evaluation of ovarian masses with torsion
Authors: Takeuchi Mayumi , Matsuzaki Kenji , Harada Masafumi
Published: March 2020

Objective:

Adnexal torsion is a rare gynecologic emergency caused by twisting of an adnexal mass. Twisted vascular pedicle is the most specific imaging finding for adnexal torsion, however, identification of twisted vascular pedicle can be challenging. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of susceptibility-weighted MR sequence (SWS) for the diagnosis of adnexal torsion.

Methods:

MR imaging including SWS (SWAN: susceptibility-weighted angiography) of surgically proven four benign ovarian masses with torsion (one acute and three subacute to chronic torsions) were retrospectively evaluated. Three cystic masses and one solid mass were included in this study.

Results:

High signal intensity venous thrombus within the twisted vascular pedicle on T  1-weighted imaging (T  1WI) was detected in three lesions with subacute to chronic torsion (75%) but not in one lesion with acute torsion, whereas susceptibility-induced signal voids within the twisted vascular pedicle on SWAN were detected in all four lesions (100%).

Conclusion:

The demonstration of venous thrombus in the twisted vascular pedicle by SWS may be diagnostic for adnexal torsion.

Advances in knowledge:

SWS can detect blood products sensitively and can reveal venous thrombus in the twisted vascular pedicle, which may be helpful for the diagnosis of adnexal torsion.
Risk Assessment of Unusual Transactions in Internal Control Procedures
Authors: Zemskov Vladimir
Published: March 2020

Th e article deals with the problems associated with assessing the risks of unusual operations in the internal control procedures of an economic entity. Th e author analyzes such concepts as «termination of activity», «change of type of activity» and «bankruptcy» as unusual operations, which, when certain conditions occur, can have a negative impact on the achievement of the goals of an economic entity.
The Main Thing in the Law on Digital Financial Assets
Authors: Smirnov E.
Published: March 2020

Last summer, the Russian Parliament adopted Federal Law No. 259-FZ, which established the procedure for regulating relations that arise during the issuance, accounting and circulation of digital fi nancial assets, as well as during the circulation of digital currency in the Russian Federation.
Communicative Functions Lucid Dreams in Short Story by Valery Bryusov “And Now, — When I’ve Awoke... Notes of Psychopaologist”
Authors: Sergeev O.
Published: March 2020

I’ve made a conclusion about the main theme of Bryusov′s short stories in this scientific essay: it’s concern with dreams as a common communication at same the narrative’ level. It is a literary device here. The basin of this study is a classical approach to such terms as “communication” and “communicativity”. N. Schedrin and F. Dostoevsky use them in their worship to literature. The new approach in this old theme is a problem and perversion of interfere situations, laid in the basis of plot and characters’ structures. New aspects in this article determined by paradoxes of irrational forces: they attack protagonist and lead him to emotional catastrophe, madness and crime. Central object in the study is lucid dreams. I work with this term as a synonym of the dreams on the conscious level. We used to read about unconscious dreams of literature characters, otherwise in this essay I’ve bear in mind both levels in their mutual communicative interferences.