bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification models using circulating neutrophil transcripts can detect unruptured intracranial aneurysm
Authors: Poppenberg Kerry E. , Tutino Vincent M. , Li Lu , Waqas Muhammad , June Armond , Chaves Lee , Jiang Kaiyu , Jarvis James N. , Sun Yijun , Snyder Kenneth V. , Levy Elad I. , Siddiqui Adnan H. , Kolega John , Meng Hui
Published: October 2020

Background

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are dangerous because of their potential to rupture. We previously found significant RNA expression differences in circulating neutrophils between patients with and without unruptured IAs and trained machine learning models to predict presence of IA using 40 neutrophil transcriptomes. Here, we aim to develop a predictive model for unruptured IA using neutrophil transcriptomes from a larger population and more robust machine learning methods.

Methods

Neutrophil RNA extracted from the blood of 134 patients (55 with IA, 79 IA-free controls) was subjected to next-generation RNA sequencing. In a randomly-selected training cohort (n = 94), the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) selected transcripts, from which we constructed prediction models via 4 well-established supervised machine-learning algorithms (K-Nearest Neighbors, Random Forest, and Support Vector Machines with Gaussian and cubic kernels). We tested the models in the remaining samples (n = 40) and assessed model performance by receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curves. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) of 9 IA-associated genes was used to verify gene expression in a subset of 49 neutrophil RNA samples. We also examined the potential influence of demographics and comorbidities on model prediction.

Results

Feature selection using LASSO in the training cohort identified 37 IA-associated transcripts. Models trained using these transcripts had a maximum accuracy of 90% in the testing cohort. The testing performance across all methods had an average area under ROC curve (AUC) = 0.97, an improvement over our previous models. The Random Forest model performed best across both training and testing cohorts. RT-qPCR confirmed expression differences in 7 of 9 genes tested. Gene ontology and IPA network analyses performed on the 37 model genes reflected dysregulated inflammation, cell signaling, and apoptosis processes. In our data, demographics and comorbidities did not affect model performance.

Conclusions

We improved upon our previous IA prediction models based on circulating neutrophil transcriptomes by increasing sample size and by implementing LASSO and more robust machine learning methods. Future studies are needed to validate these models in larger cohorts and further investigate effect of covariates.
Leptin mediate central obesity on the severity of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in well-controlled type 2 diabetes and prediabetes
Authors: Lai Yun-Ru , Chen Meng Hsiang , Lin Wei Che , Chiu Wen-Chan , Cheng Ben-Chung , Chen Jung-Fu , Tsai Nai-Wen , Huang Chih-Cheng , Lu Cheng-Hsien
Published: October 2020

Background

Evidences support the view that central obesity is an independently cardiovascular risk. It is thought that leptin contributes to autonomic dysfunction and cardiovascular risks in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM). This raises the possibility that leptin might mediate the relationship between central obesity and the severity of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in patients with well-controlled T2DM and prediabetes.

Methods

The complete cardiovascular reflex tests and biomarkers were assessed for each patient. The severity of CAN was assessed using composite autonomic scoring scale (CASS). A single-level three-variable mediation model was used to investigate the possible relationships among central obesity [as indicated by waist circumference (WC)], leptin level, and severity of CAN (as indicated by CASS value).

Results

A total of 107 patients were included in this study: 90 with diabetes and 17 with prediabetes. The results demonstrate that increased WC is associated with increased severity of CAN (r = 0.242, P = 0.017). We further discovered that leptin level is positively correlated with WC (r = 0.504, P < 0.0001) and the CASS value (r = 0.36, P < 0.0001). Further mediation analysis shows that leptin level serves as mediators between higher WC and higher CASS.

Conclusions

Our results highlighted the relationship among leptin, central obesity, and severity of CAN. As the leptin level serves as mediator between central obesity and severity of CAN, a longitudinal study is needed to confirm that control of WC can decrease leptin levels and can be effective in reducing CAN progression.
Determinants of disease activity change over time in Enthesitis related arthritis: effect of structured outcome monitoring and clinical decision support
Authors: Tirelli Francesca , Xiao Rui , Brandon Timothy G. , Burnham Jon M. , Chang Joyce C. , Weiss Pamela F.
Published: October 2020

Background

We aimed to test if standardized point-of-care outcome monitoring and clinical decision support (CDS), as compared to standard care, improves disease activity and patient-reported pain in children with enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA).

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of outcomes of children with ERA after phased implementation of I) standardized outcome monitoring with CDS for polyarticular JIA, and II) CDS for ERA, compared to a pre-intervention group of historical controls. We used multivariable mixed-effects models for repeated measures to test whether implementation phase or other disease characteristics were associated with change over time in disease activity, as measured by the clinical juvenile arthritis disease activity score (cJADAS), and pain.

Results

One hundred fifty-two ERA patients (41% incident cases) were included with a median age of 14.9 years. Implementation of standardized outcome monitoring or ERA-specific CDS did not result in significant differences in cJADAS or pain over time compared to the pre-intervention cohort. Higher cJADAS at the index visit, pain and more tender entheses were significantly associated with higher cJADAS scores over time (all p < 0.01), while biologic use was associated with lower cJADAS (p = 0.02). Regardless of intervention period, incident ERA cases had a greater rate of cJADAS improvement over time compared to prevalent cases (p < 0.01), but pain persisted over time among both incident and prevalent cases.

Conclusions

There was no significant effect of point-of-care outcome monitoring or CDS interventions on disease activity or pain over time in children with ERA in this single center study. Future efforts to improve disease outcomes using standardized outcome monitoring and CDS will need to consider the importance of addressing pain as a target in addition to spondyloarthritis-specific disease activity metrics.
Chronic stress, epigenetics, and adipose tissue metabolism in the obese state
Authors: Xiao Yang , Liu Dongmin , Cline Mark A. , Gilbert Elizabeth R.
Published: October 2020

In obesity, endocrine and metabolic perturbations, including those induced by chronic activation of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis, are associated with the accumulation of adipose tissue and inflammation. Such changes are attributable to a combination of genetic and epigenetic factors that are influenced by the environment and exacerbated by chronic activation of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis. Stress exposure at different life stages can alter adipose tissue metabolism directly through epigenetic modification or indirectly through the manipulation of hypothalamic appetite regulation, and thereby contribute to endocrine changes that further disrupt whole-body energy balance. This review synthesizes current knowledge, with an emphasis on human clinical trials, to describe metabolic changes in adipose tissue and associated endocrine, genetic and epigenetic changes in the obese state. In particular, we discuss epigenetic changes induced by stress exposure and their contribution to appetite and adipocyte dysfunction, which collectively promote the pathogenesis of obesity. Such knowledge is critical for providing future directions of metabolism research and targets for treating metabolic disorders.
Evaluation of duplicated reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR analysis in genome unknown hexaploid oat (Avena sativa L.)
Authors: Yang Zheng , Wang Kai , Aziz Usman , Zhao Cuizhu , Zhang Meng
Published: October 2020

Background

Oat (Avena sativa L.), a hexaploid crop with unknown genome, has valuable nutritional, medicinal and pharmaceutical uses. However, no suitable RGs (reference genes) for qPCR (quantitative real-time PCR) has been documented for oat yet. Single-copy gene is often selected as RG, which is challengeable or impactable in unexplored polyploids.

Results

In this study, eleven candidate RGs, including four duplicated genes, were selected from oat transcriptome. The stability and the optimal combination of these candidate RGs were assessed in 18 oat samples by using four statistical algorithms including the ΔCt method, geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper. The most stable RGs for “all samples”, “shoots and roots of seedlings”, “developing seeds” and “developing endosperms” were EIF4A (Eukaryotic initiation factor 4A-3), UBC21 (Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme 21), EP (Expressed protein) and EIF4A respectively. Among these RGs, UBC21 was a four-copy duplicated gene. The reliability was validated by the expression patterns of four various genes normalized to the most and the least stable RGs in different sample sets.

Conclusions

Results provide a proof of concept that the duplicated RG is feasible for qPCR in polyploids. To our knowledge, this study is the first systematic research on the optimal RGs for accurate qPCR normalization of gene expression in different organs and tissues of oat.
Development of a novel and rapid phenotype-based screening method to assess rice seedling growth
Authors: Vlaminck Lena , Sang-Aram Chananchida , Botterman Deborah , Uy Christine Jewel C. , Harper Mary Kay , Inzé Dirk , Gheysen Godelieve , Depuydt Stephen
Published: October 2020

Background

Rice (Oryza sativa) is one of the most important model crops in plant research. Despite its considerable advantages, (phenotypic) bioassays for rice are not as well developed as forArabidopsis thaliana. Here, we present a phenotype-based screening method to study shoot-related parameters of rice seedlings via an automated computer analysis.

Results

The phenotype-based screening method was validated by testing several compounds in pharmacological experiments that interfered with hormone homeostasis, confirming that the assay was consistent with regard to the anticipated plant growth regulation and revealing the robustness of the set-up in terms of reproducibility. Moreover, abiotic stress tests using NaCl and DCMU, an electron transport blocker during the light dependent reactions of photosynthesis, confirmed the validity of the new method for a wide range of applications. Next, this method was used to screen the impact of semi-purified fractions of marine invertebrates on the initial stages of rice seedling growth. Certain fractions clearly stimulated growth, whereas others inhibited it, especially in the root, illustrating the possible applications of this novel, robust, and fast phenotype-based screening method for rice.

Conclusions

The validated phenotype-based and cost-efficient screening method allows a quick and proper analysis of shoot growth and requires only small volumes of compounds and media. As a result, this method could potentially be used for a whole range of applications, ranging from discovery of novel biostimulants, plant growth regulators, and plant growth-promoting bacteria to analysis of CRISPR knockouts, molecular plant breeding, genome-wide association, and phytotoxicity studies. The assay system described here can contribute to a better understanding of plant development in general.
Management of liver trauma in urban university hospitals in India: an observational multicentre cohort study
Authors: Sinha Yash , Khajanchi Monty U. , Prajapati Ramlal P. , Dharap Satish , Soni Kapil Dev , Kumar Vineet , Mahindrakar Santosh , Roy Nobhojit
Published: October 2020

Background

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) contribute to 90% of injuries occurring in the world. The liver is one of the commonest organs injured in abdominal trauma. This study aims to highlight the demographic and management profile of liver injury patients, presenting to four urban Indian university hospitals in India.

Methods

This is a retrospective registry-based study. Data of patients with liver injury either isolated or concomitant with other injuries was used using the ICD-10 code S36.1 for liver injury. The severity of injury was graded based on the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) grading for liver injuries.

Results

A total of 368 liver injury patients were analysed. Eighty-nine percent were males, with road traffic injuries being the commonest mechanism. As per WSES liver injury grade, there were 127 (34.5%) grade I, 96 (26.1%) grade II, 70 (19.0%) grade III and 66 (17.9%) grade IV injuries. The overall mortality was 16.6%. Two hundred sixty-two patients (71.2%) were managed non-operatively (NOM), and 106 (38.8%) were operated. 90.1% of those managed non-operatively survived.

Conclusion

In this multicentre cohort of liver injury patients from urban university hospitals in India, the commonest profile of patient was a young male, with a blunt injury to the abdomen due to a road traffic accident. Success rate of non-operative management of liver injury is comparable to other countries.
Re-TEVAR in treatment of stent graft-induced new entry between two non-overlapping stent-grafts: a case report
Authors: He Yiwei , Tang Shoujun , Zhang Yongheng , Liu Jianping , Zhou Haining
Published: October 2020

Background

Progress of the aortic disease after the stent graft treatment of aortic dissection implicates the potential risks of stent graft-induced new entry (SINE). Although rarely reported, it should be vigilant in patients who might incur serious complication in early period after the thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Thus, the development of aortic disease-specific stent grafts would assist in achieving positive patient outcomes when suffering SINE. However, it is an extremely rare for SINE between two non-overlapping stent-grafts.

Case presentation

We here reported a 59-year-old male patient with sudden onset of chest pain for 4 h. Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) revealed a huge SINE formed between two non-overlapping stent-grafts. The re-TEVAR surgery was performed and the patient experienced a good recovery.

Conclusion

The SINE between two non-overlapping stent-grafts treated by re-TEVAR operation was alternative and feasible. The short-term and medium-term follow-up results were satisfactory.
Prevention, recognition, and management of adverse events associated with gemtuzumab ozogamicin use in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Cortes Jorge E. , de Lima Marcos , Dombret Hervé , Estey Elihu H. , Giralt Sergio A. , Montesinos Pau , Röllig Christoph , Venditti Adriano , Wang Eunice S.
Published: October 2020

Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO), a humanized anti-CD33 monoclonal antibody conjugated to the cytotoxic antibiotic agent calicheamicin, is approved for the treatment of newly-diagnosed CD33 + AML in adults and children ≥ 1 month old, and relapsed or refractory CD33 + AML in adults and children ≥ 2 years old. GO treatment has been associated with an increased risk of hepatotoxicity and hepatic veno-occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (VOD/SOS), especially following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Other non-specific serious adverse events (SAEs) associated with GO treatment are myelosuppression, bleeding/thrombocytopenia, infusion-related reaction, and tumor lysis syndrome. This report summarizes an expert panel of physicians’ recommendations for the evaluation and management of SAEs following GO, emphasizing the prevention and management of VOD/SOS.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: SETDB1 promotes glioblastoma growth via CSF-1-dependent macrophage recruitment by activating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Han Shuai , Zhen Wei , Guo Tongqi , Zou Jianjun , Li Fuyong
Published: October 2020

Background

Glioblastoma is a common disease of the central nervous system (CNS), with high morbidity and mortality. In the infiltrate in the tumor microenvironment, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are abundant, which are important factors in glioblastoma progression. However, the exact details of TAMs in glioblastoma progression have yet to be determined.

Methods

The clinical relevance of SET domain bifurcated 1 (SETDB1) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR and Western blotting of glioblastoma tissues. SETDB1-induced cell proliferation, migration and invasion were investigated by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, wound healing and Transwell assay. The relationship between SETDB1 and colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1), as well as TAMs recruitment was examined by Western blotting, real-time PCR and syngeneic mouse model.

Results

Our findings showed that SETDB1 upregulated in glioblastoma and relative to poor progression. Gain and loss of function approaches showed the SETDB1 overexpression promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion in glioblastoma cells. However, knockdown SETDB1 exerted opposite effects in vitro. Moreover, SETDB1 promotes AKT/mTOR-dependent CSF-1 induction and secretion, which leads to macrophage recruitment in the tumor, resulted in tumor growth.

Conclusion

Our research clarified that SETDB1 regulates of tumor microenvironment and hence presents a potential therapeutic target for treating glioblastoma.
A commentary on podiatry during the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Chadwick Paul , Ambrose Lawrence , Barrow Ross , Fox Martin
Published: October 2020

Background

The arrival of the novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) has impacted the many aspects of modern life, especially, in the immediate term, the delivery of healthcare.

Context

This commentary examines the profession of podiatry and how it has adapted and responded to the emerging crisis. It focusses on but is not exclusive to the position in the United Kingdom (UK) and the edicts and direction from the UK Government.

Podiatry roles during the pandemic

It describes the role of podiatry in the pandemic and highlights the deployment of podiatry resources to fight the pandemic beyond traditional podiatric practice. It also looks at the shift from conventional consultation to digital solutions for managing patients in an effort to achieve the goals of maintenance of foot health whilst reducing the spread of the virus. The commentary summarises the emerging data related to a possible foot related presentation of the coronavirus.

Conclusion

The podiatry profession proved its flexibility and adaptability during the pandemic, to adjust rapidly to ensure that patients were able to access treatment to reduce risk of infection, ulceration and amputation. Dermatological presentations on the feet have been associated with Covid‐19 in adolescents as is often the case in viral infections. CPD webinars to support clinicians and manage and prevent the spread of Covid‐19 have been widely disseminated along with algorithms to ensure that patients that need treatment are being treated appropriately. Podiatrists have embraced remote technology to ensure that patients are correctly and safely triaged and, signposted and given appropriate self‐care advice. MSK podiatrists have the ability to play an intrinsic role within the post discharge rehabilitation pathway.
Gut-liver crosstalk in sepsis-induced liver injury
Authors: Sun Jian , Zhang Jingxiao , Wang Xiangfeng , Ji Fuxi , Ronco Claudio , Tian Jiakun , Yin Yongjie
Published: October 2020

Sepsis is characterized by a dysregulated immune response to infection leading to life-threatening organ dysfunction. Sepsis-induced liver injury is recognized as a powerful independent predictor of mortality in the intensive care unit. During systemic infections, the liver regulates immune defenses via bacterial clearance, production of acute-phase proteins (APPs) and cytokines, and metabolic adaptation to inflammation. Increased levels of inflammatory cytokines and impaired bacterial clearance and disrupted metabolic products can cause gut microbiota dysbiosis and disruption of the intestinal mucosal barrier. Changes in the gut microbiota play crucial roles in liver injury during sepsis. Bacterial translocation and resulting intestinal inflammation lead to a systemic inflammatory response and acute liver injury. The gut-liver crosstalk is a potential target for therapeutic interventions. This review analyzes the underlying mechanisms for the gut-liver crosstalk in sepsis-induced liver injury.
Clonal tracing reveals diverse patterns of response to immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Gu Shengqing Stan , Wang Xiaoqing , Hu Xihao , Jiang Peng , Li Ziyi , Traugh Nicole , Bu Xia , Tang Qin , Wang Chenfei , Zeng Zexian , Fu Jingxin , Meyer Cliff , Zhang Yi , Cejas Paloma , Lim Klothilda , Wang Jin , Zhang Wubing , Tokheim Collin , Sahu Avinash Das , Xing Xiaofang , Kroger Benjamin , Ouyang Zhangyi , Long Henry , Freeman Gordon J. , Brown Myles , Liu X. Shirley
Published: October 2020

Background

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has improved patient survival in a variety of cancers, but only a minority of cancer patients respond. Multiple studies have sought to identify general biomarkers of ICB response, but elucidating the molecular and cellular drivers of resistance for individual tumors remains challenging. We sought to determine whether a tumor with defined genetic background exhibits a stereotypic or heterogeneous response to ICB treatment.

Results

We establish a unique mouse system that utilizes clonal tracing and mathematical modeling to monitor the growth of each cancer clone, as well as the bulk tumor, in response to ICB. We find that tumors derived from the same clonal populations showed heterogeneous ICB response and diverse response patterns. Primary response is associated with higher immune infiltration and leads to enrichment of pre-existing ICB-resistant cancer clones. We further identify several cancer cell-intrinsic gene expression signatures associated with ICB resistance, including increased interferon response genes and glucocorticoid response genes. These findings are supported by clinical data from ICB treatment cohorts.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates diverse response patterns from the same ancestor cancer cells in response to ICB. This suggests the value of monitoring clonal constitution and tumor microenvironment over time to optimize ICB response and to design new combination therapies. Furthermore, as ICB response may enrich for cancer cell-intrinsic resistance signatures, this can affect interpretations of tumor RNA-seq data for response-signature association studies.
Demonstrating the presence of Ehrlichia canis DNA from different tissues of dogs with suspected subclinical ehrlichiosis
Authors: Rodríguez-Alarcón Carlos A. , Beristain-Ruiz Diana M. , Olivares-Muñoz Angélica , Quezada-Casasola Andrés , Pérez-Casio Federico , Álvarez-Martínez Jesús A. , Tapia-Alanís Jane , Lira-Amaya José J. , Rivera-Barreno Ramón , Cera-Hurtado Orlando S. , Ibancovichi-Camarillo José A. , Soon-Gómez Luis , Adame-Gallegos Jaime R. , Figueroa-Millán Julio V.
Published: October 2020

Background

Nowadays,Ehrlichia canisreceives increasing attention because of its great morbidity and mortality in animals. Dogs in the subclinical and chronic phases can be asymptomatic, and serological tests show cross-reactivity and fail to differentiate between current and past infections. Moreover, there could be low parasitaemia, andE. canismight be found only in target organs, hence causing results to be negative by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on blood samples.

Methods

We evaluated by PCR the prevalence ofE. canisin blood, liver, spleen, lymph node and bone marrow samples of 59 recently euthanised dogs that had ticks but were clinically healthy.

Results

In total, 52.55% of the blood PCRs forE. caniswere negative, yet 61.30% yielded positive results from tissue biopsies and were as follows: 63.15% from bone marrow; 52.63% from liver; 47.36% from spleen; and 15.78% from lymph node. In addition, 33% had infection in three tissues (spleen, liver and bone marrow).

Conclusions

Our results show the prevalence ofE. canisfrom tissues of dogs that were negative by blood PCR.Ehrlichia canisDNA in tissue was 30% lower in dogs that tested negative in PCR of blood samples compared to those that were positive. However, it must be taken into account that some dogs with negative results were positive forE. canisin other tissues.
Modelling the impact of climate change on the distribution and abundance of tsetse in Northern Zimbabwe
Authors: Longbottom Joshua , Caminade Cyril , Gibson Harry S. , Weiss Daniel J. , Torr Steve , Lord Jennifer S.
Published: October 2020

Background

Climate change is predicted to impact the transmission dynamics of vector-borne diseases. Tsetse flies (Glossina) transmit species of Trypanosoma that cause human and animal African trypanosomiasis. A previous modelling study showed that temperature increases between 1990 and 2017 can explain the observed decline in abundance of tsetse at a single site in the Mana Pools National Park of Zimbabwe. Here, we apply a mechanistic model of tsetse population dynamics to predict how increases in temperature may have changed the distribution and relative abundance of Glossina pallidipes across northern Zimbabwe.

Methods

Local weather station temperature measurements were previously used to fit the mechanistic model to longitudinal G. pallidipes catch data. To extend the use of the model, we converted MODIS land surface temperature to air temperature, compared the converted temperatures with available weather station data to confirm they aligned, and then re-fitted the mechanistic model using G. pallidipes catch data and air temperature estimates. We projected this fitted model across northern Zimbabwe, using simulations at a 1 km × 1 km spatial resolution, between 2000 to 2016.

Results

We produced estimates of relative changes in G. pallidipes mortality, larviposition, emergence rates and abundance, for northern Zimbabwe. Our model predicts decreasing tsetse populations within low elevation areas in response to increasing temperature trends during 2000–2016. Conversely, we show that high elevation areas (> 1000 m above sea level), previously considered too cold to sustain tsetse, may now be climatically suitable.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, the results of this research represent the first regional-scale assessment of temperature related tsetse population dynamics, and the first high spatial-resolution estimates of this metric for northern Zimbabwe. Our results suggest that tsetse abundance may have declined across much of the Zambezi Valley in response to changing climatic conditions during the study period. Future research including empirical studies is planned to improve model accuracy and validate predictions for other field sites in Zimbabwe.
Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) is found where few are looking: assessing mosquito diversity and density outside inhabited areas using diverse sampling methods
Authors: Epopa Patric Stephane , Millogo Abdoul Azize , Collins Catherine Matilda , North Ace R. , Benedict Mark Quentin , Tripet Frederic , OʼLoughlin Samantha , Dabiré Roch K. , Ouédraogo Georges Anicet , Diabaté Abdoulaye
Published: October 2020

Background

One of the promising current approaches to curb malaria lies in genetic vector control, the implementation of which will require an improved understanding of the movement of genetic constructs among mosquito populations. To predict potential gene flow from one area to another, it is important to begin to understand mosquito dynamics outside of the commonly-sampled village areas, and thus how genes may move between villages. This study assessed the presence and relative abundance of mosquitoes in a 6-km corridor between two villages in western Burkina Faso.

Methods

The area surrounding the villages was mapped and the road between them was used as the basis of a transect along which to sample. Five collection points were placed along this transect. To investigate both larval and adult mosquito presence, multiple sampling approaches were used surrounding each point: searching for larval sites in an area of 500 m radius, swarm sampling, human landing catches (HLC), CDC light traps and backpack aspiration catches of potential resting sites. Sampling took place twice: in September and October 2015.

Results

Adult mosquitoes from six species of Anopheles and three other genera were found along the whole transect. Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) was the most abundant followed by Anopheles nili and Anopheles coustani. Larvae of Anopheles spp. were found in small pools of surface water along the whole transect, though their presence increased with human proximity. HLC and aspiration were the most efficient methods of collecting adult mosquitoes along the whole transect, indicating that there are both host-seeking and resting mosquitoes well away from core village areas. In contrast, swarms of male mosquitoes, thought to be the principle mating locations of Anopheles spp. mosquitoes in West Africa, were only found close to the core village areas.

Conclusions

This preliminary study indicates that Anopheles spp. mosquitoes are both present and breeding in low human-density areas along transit axes and provides both a relative evaluation of methods for use in these areas and evidence that gene flow between Sahelian population centres is likely. More robust and structured studies are nevertheless needed to come with stronger conclusions.
Magnetic resonance imaging compared to ultrasonography in giant cell arteritis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yip Ashley , Jernberg Elizabeth Torrey , Bardi Mohammad , Geiger Julia , Lohne Frode , Schmidt Wolfgang Andreas , Myklebust Geirmund , Diamantopoulos Andreas P.
Published: October 2020

Background

There has been a shift in recent years to using ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as first-line investigations for suspected cranial large vessel vasculitis (LVV) and is a new recommendation by the EULAR 2018 guidelines for imaging in LVV. This cross-sectional study compares the performance of US and MRI and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for detecting vasculitis in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods

Patients with new-onset or already diagnosed GCA were recruited. The common temporal arteries and supra-aortic large vessels were evaluated by US and MRI/MRA. Blinded experts read the images and applied a dichotomous score (vasculitis: yes/no) in each vessel.

Results

Thirty-seven patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) were recruited. Two patients were excluded. Of the remaining patients, nine had new-onset disease and 26 had established disease. Mean age was 71 years, and median C-reactive protein (CRP) was 7.5 mg/L. The median time between US and MRI was 1 day. Overall, US revealed vasculitic changes more frequently than MRI (p < 0.001). US detected vascular changes in 37% of vessels compared to 21% with MRI. Among patients with chronic disease, US detected vascular changes in 23% of vessels compared to 7% with MRI in (p < 0.001). The same was true for patients with new-onset disease. US detected vasculitic changes in 22% of vessels and MRI detected disease in 6% (p = 0.0004). Compared to contrast-enhanced MRA, US was more sensitive in detecting vasculitic changes in the large arteries, including the axillary, carotid, and subclavian arteries.

Conclusion

US more frequently detects vasculitic changes in the large arteries compared to contrast-enhanced MRA. When evaluating the cranial vessels, US performs similarly to MRI. This data supports the recommendation that US be considered as a first-line evaluation in patients suspected to have GCA.
Using vision-based object detection for link quality prediction in 5.6-GHz channel
Authors: Kudo Riichi , Takahashi Kahoko , Inoue Takeru , Mizuno Kohei
Published: October 2020

Various smart connected devices are emerging like automated driving cars, autonomous robots, and remote-controlled construction vehicles. These devices have vision systems to conduct their operations without collision. Machine vision technology is becoming more accessible to perceive self-position and/or the surrounding environment thanks to the great advances in deep learning technologies. The accurate perception information of these smart connected devices makes it possible to predict wireless link quality (LQ). This paper proposes an LQ prediction scheme that applies machine learning to HD camera output to forecast the influence of surrounding mobile objects on LQ. The proposed scheme utilizes object detection based on deep learning and learns the relationship between the detected object position information and the LQ. Outdoor experiments show that LQ prediction proposal can well predict the throughput for around 1 s into the future in a 5.6-GHz wireless LAN channel.
Global existence of classical solutions to the two-dimensional compressible Boussinesq equations in a square domain
Authors: Huang Xucheng , Shang Zhaoyang , Zhang Na
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we consider the initial boundary value problem of two-dimensional isentropic compressible Boussinesq equations with constant viscosity and thermal diffusivity in a square domain. Based on the time-independent lower-order and time-dependent higher-order a priori estimates, we prove that the classical solution exists globally in time provided the initial mass$\|\rho _{0}\|_{L^{1}}$∥ρ0∥L1of the fluid is small. Here, we have no small requirements for the initial velocity and temperature.
Stakeholder perceptions about sustainability governance in the German biogas sector
Authors: Horschig Thomas , Schaubach Kay , Sutor Catharina , Thrän Daniela
Published: October 2020

Background

Since the steady growth of the German biogas sector, its sustainability is subject to constant scrutiny, especially economic and environmental sustainability. Public concerns about sustainability of biogas started with the issue of energy crop cultivation in the 2010s. To steer sustainability in the biogas sector, a broad variety of regulations and acts were enacted, mainly via top-down legislation making. But in order to govern sustainability in every step of the value chain, involvement of numerous stakeholders in the biogas sector is necessary. This paper will address the question: What are the perceptions of the relevant stakeholders in the biogas sector regarding various sustainability issues and what are their expectations?

Methods

Following an instrumental approach, three steps were initially undertaken for the systematic analysis of the stakeholder landscape, namely (1) stakeholder identification, (2) stakeholder categorization, and (3) investigation of stakeholder relationships. In addition, a theoretical mapping was performed to identify those actors, who most likely impact the implementation of biogas value chains, or are strongly affected by this implementation. These were then subject to surveys via questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to gather information on their sustainability governance perception.

Results

Results indicate that key players are farmers and biogas associations due to anchoring in agricultural sector, along with environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and policy makers. Furthermore, the surveyed stakeholders agree on regulating sustainability at national level, while tending toward neutral or even disagreeing for the regulation of sustainability at local and international level. They also agree that certification and standards can be an effective tool for compliant sustainability governance.

Conclusions

This study revealed a clear expectation gap regarding the transfer of the current energy legislation in a bio-economy and how sustainability shall be steered then (mandatory/voluntary and local (national) level/international level). The surveyed stakeholders expect transparent and clear rules from the government to steer sustainability that they currently do not perceive with regard to the expectation gap. In order to integrate the different stakeholders in the bio-economy development instead of confronting them with opaque legislation making, it is important to clearly communicate not only the opportunities but also the requirements that come along with the implementation of a bio-economy.
Distributions associated with simultaneous multiple hypothesis testing
Authors: Yu Chang , Zelterman Daniel
Published: October 2020

We develop the distribution for the number of hypotheses found to be statistically significant using the rule from Simes (Biometrika 73: 751–754, 1986) for controlling the family-wise error rate (FWER). We find the distribution of the number of statistically significantp-values under the null hypothesis and show this follows a normal distribution under the alternative. We propose a parametric distributionΨI(·) to model the marginal distribution ofp-values sampled from a mixture of null uniform and non-uniform distributions under different alternative hypotheses. TheΨIdistribution is useful when there are many different alternative hypotheses and these are not individually well understood. We fitΨIto data from three cancer studies and use it to illustrate the distribution of the number of notable hypotheses observed in these examples. We model dependence in sampledp-values using a latent variable. These methods can be combined to illustrate a power analysis in planning a larger study on the basis of a smaller pilot experiment.
Glycine mitigates fertilizer requirements of agricultural crops: case study with cucumber as a high fertilizer demanding crop
Authors: Zargar Shooshtari Fateme , Souri Mohammad Kazem , Hasandokht Mohammad Reza , Jari Sepideh Kalateh
Published: October 2020

Background

Different approaches have been used to improve mineral nutrient status of plants in absence of chemical fertilization and toward safer products and improved human health. Amino acids have been proposed with such roles in different recent studies. In this study, glycine was applied as foliar (250, 500 and 1000 ppm) or as soil (250 and 500 mg/plant) to cucumber plants compared to unfertilized control and NPK fertilization, under greenhouse conditions.

Results

The results showed that all glycine treatments increased leaf area and the economic life of plants compared to control. Soil application of glycine at higher concentration of 500 mg/plant was able to produce the same or better records than NPK fertilization, particularly regarding leaf mineral concentration, plant economic life and total yield. Leaf macro- micro-nutrients were most increased under 500 mg soil-glycine application. Foliar spray of 500 ppm glycine resulted in better records than the other two levels, as spray of 1000 ppm glycine showed adverse and toxic effects including leaf necrosis. Fruit firmness was increased only by NPK and soil application of 500 mg glycine, whereas fruit vitamin C was increased by NPK fertilization, soil application of glycine at both levels (250, 500 mg) and foliar application of glycine at 500 ppm compared to control plants.

Conclusion

The results indicate that soil application of 500 mg glycine/plant was able to improve leaf mineral and physiological characteristics towards higher yield and quality.
Using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory questionnaire to quantify the health benefits of lymphoedema treatment in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Halliday Edwin , Gittins Jayne , Ahsan Syed Farhan
Published: October 2020

Background

Lymphoedema is a common side effect after treatment for head and neck cancer. Our treatment protocol involves staging the degree of lymphoedema and then offering treatment comprising skin care, manual lymphatic drainage, simple lymphatic drainage, compression and elastic therapeutic tape. The Glasgow Benefit Inventory is a validated post-interventional questionnaire applicable to otorhinolaryngology interventions which measures changes in health status. The aim of this study was to quantify the health benefits of lymphoedema treatment using the Glasgow Inventory Benefit questionnaire, in patients with a history of treated head and neck cancer.

Methods

Any patient who had undergone treatment with curative intent of a primary head and neck malignancy who had been referred for lymphoedema treatment within a 6 month period was eligible for inclusion. Patients completed a questionnaire after finishing the course of lymphoedema treatment.

Results

A total of 15 patients completed the questionnaire. Ten patients (67%) demonstrated some level of improvement in quality of life, while two (13%) reported no benefit and three (20%) reported negative improvements. The average score for the total Glasgow Benefit Inventory scale was + 7.2. The greatest benefit was demonstrated with the physical benefit subscale (+ 13.1). The average general benefit score was + 9.0.

Conclusions

Lymphoedema treatment involves techniques which can fairly easily be taught to patients to complete at home. In this study, there were mild improvements in patient reported quality of life using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory in the majority of patients. Clinical interest has increased in lymphoedema recently, but there is still limited information about the effectiveness of treatments and future research should look to address these issues.
Health Outcomes at 1 Year After Thermal Ablation for Cervical Precancer Among Human Papillomavirus– and Visual Inspection With Acetic Acid–Positive Women in Honduras
Authors: Slavkovsky Rose C. , Bansil Pooja , Sandoval Manuel A. , Figueroa Jacqueline , Rodriguez Doris M. , Lobo Jose Saul , Jeronimo Jose A. , de Sanjosé Silvia
Published: October 2020

PURPOSE

This study aims to assess the detection of cervical intraepithelial lesions grades 2 and 3 (CIN2-3) at 1 year after treatment with thermal ablation among human papillomavirus (HPV)–positive and visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA)–positive women.

METHODS

All women screened and triaged for cervical cancer at four government health facilities in Honduras who were eligible for ablative treatment were enrolled and treated with thermal ablation. Women with confirmed CIN2-3 and a subset of women with CIN1/normal diagnoses at baseline were evaluated at 12 months. Follow-up procedures included HPV testing ( careHPV), VIA, directed biopsy (if VIA-positive), and Papanicolaou test (if HPV positive, VIA negative). Outcomes at 1 year included histologic or cytologic assessment of CIN lesions among those with any abnormal test.

RESULTS

Among the 319 women treated with thermal ablation, baseline histologic diagnoses were available for 317. Two (0.6%) had invasive cancer, 36 (11.4%) had CIN3, 40 (12.6%) had CIN2, and 239 (75.4%) had CIN1/normal histology. Among the 127 women eligible for follow-up, 118 (92.9%) completed all study procedures at 1 year. Overall, 98 (83.1%) had no evidence of CIN2-3 or persistent low-grade infection, 13 (11.2%) had CIN1/atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, six (5.1%) had CIN2/high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, and 1 (0.8%) had a persistent CIN3. No adverse events associated with thermal ablation at 1 year were registered.

CONCLUSION

A high proportion of women had no evidence of CIN2-3 at 1 year after thermal ablation treatment. Thermal ablation is an alternative to cryotherapy that may facilitate greater treatment coverage and prevent unnecessary deaths from cervical cancer.
Cell-to-Medium Concentration Ratio Overshoot in the Uptake of Statins by Human Hepatocytes in Suspension, but Not in Monolayer: Kinetic Analysis Suggesting a Partial Loss of Functional OATP1Bs
Authors: Lee Wooin , Koyama Satoshi , Morita Kiyoe , Kiriake Aya , Kikuchi Ryota , Chu Xiaoyan , Lee Nora , Scialis Renato J. , Shen Hong , Kimoto Emi , Tremaine Larry , Ishiguro Naoki , Lotz Ralf , Maeda Kazuya , Kusuhara Hiroyuki , Sugiyama Yuichi
Published: October 2020

Suspended human hepatocytes (SHH) have long been used in assessing hepatic drug uptake, while plated human hepatocytes in short-term monolayer culture (PHH) have gained use in recent years. This study aimed to cross-evaluate SHH and PHH in measuring the hepatic uptake mediated by organic anion transporting polypeptide 1Bs (OATP1Bs). We compared the time courses of cell-to-medium (C/M) concentration ratios and initial uptake clearance values of the OATP1B substrates (pitavastatin, rosuvastatin, cerivastatin, pravastatin, dehydropravastatin, and SC-62807) between SHH and PHH. For all compounds except cerivastatin, the C/M ratios in SHH displayed an apparent overshoot (an initial increase followed by a decrease) during the 180-min uptake experiment, but not in PHH. Based on the literature evidence suggesting the possible internalization of OATP1Bs in primary hepatocytes, separate experiments measured the drug uptake after varying lengths of pre-incubation in the drug-free medium. The initial uptake clearances of pitavastatin and rosuvastatin declined in SHH beyond an apparent threshold time of 20-min drug-free pre-incubation, but not in PHH. Kinetic modeling quantitatively captured the decline in the active uptake clearance in SHH, and more than half of the active uptake clearances of pitavastatin and rosuvastatin were prone to loss during the 180-min uptake experiment. These results suggested a partial, time-delayed loss of the functional OATP1Bs in SHH upon prolonged incubation. Our results indicate that PHH is more appropriate for experiments where a prolonged incubation is required, such as estimation of unbound hepatocyte-to-medium concentration ratio (Kp,uu) at the steady-state.
Androgen Suppresses In Vivo and In Vitro LH Pulse Secretion and Neural Kiss1 and Tac2 Gene Expression in Female Mice
Authors: Esparza Lourdes A , Terasaka Tomohiro , Lawson Mark A , Kauffman Alexander S
Published: October 2020

Androgens can affect the reproductive axis of both sexes. In healthy women, as in men, elevated exogenous androgens decrease gonad function and lower gonadotropin levels; such circumstances occur with anabolic steroid abuse or in transgender men (genetic XX individuals) taking androgen supplements. The neuroendocrine mechanisms by which endogenous or exogenous androgens regulate gonadotropin release, including aspects of pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion, remain unknown. Because animal models are valuable for interrogating neural and pituitary mechanisms, we studied effects of androgens in the normal male physiological range on in vivo LH secretion parameters in female mice and in vitro LH secretion patterns from isolated female pituitaries. We also assessed androgen effects on hypothalamic and gonadotrope gene expression in female mice, which may contribute to altered LH secretion profiles. We used a nonaromatizable androgen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), to isolate effects occurring specifically via androgen receptor (AR) signaling. Compared with control females, DHT-treated females exhibited markedly reduced in vivo LH pulsatility, with decreases in pulse frequency, amplitude, peak, and basal LH levels. Correlating with reduced LH pulsatility, DHT-treated females also exhibited suppressed arcuate nucleus Kiss1 and Tac2 expression. Separate from these neural effects, we determined in vitro that the female pituitary is directly inhibited by AR signaling, resulting in lower basal LH levels and reduced LH secretory responses to gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulses, along with lower gonadotropin gene expression. Thus, in normal adult females, male levels of androgen acting via AR can strongly inhibit the reproductive axis at both the neural and pituitary levels.