bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adapting treatment approaches for dentigerous cysts in paediatric and adult patients: A case series
Authors: Dave Manas , Clarke Lisa , Grindrod Matthew , Kandiah Pathanjali , Petersen Helen J
Published: November 2020

Dentigerous cysts are common odontogenic cysts treated through surgical enucleation. This article presents paediatric and adult cases where surgical planning and treatment of dentigerous cysts were adapted according to various clinical challenges. Additionally, spontaneous regression of a dentigerous cyst associated with a maxillary canine is reported.
Aquagenic pruritus in an adolescent effectively managed with β‐alanine supplementation
Authors: Friedlander Mollie S. H. , Admani Shehla
Published: November 2020

Aquagenic pruritus is a rare debilitating condition, which can be idiopathic, iatrogenic, or associated with systemic disease. In idiopathic cases, treatment can be challenging as options are limited and of variable efficacy. Here, we report the case of a teenage boy with refractory idiopathic aquagenic pruritus effectively managed with administration of β‐alanine supplementation, a treatment gaining traction in lay media but not yet reported in the medical literature. This report adds to the limited options published for treatment of idiopathic aquagenic pruritus in pediatric patients.
Linear porokeratosis with bone abnormalities treated with compounded topical 2% cholesterol/2% lovastatin ointment
Authors: Blue Elliot , Abbott James , Bowen Anneli , Cipriano Sarah D.
Published: November 2020

We describe a case of linear porokeratosis with associated bone resorption in a 17‐year‐old female with marked improvement after 2% cholesterol/2% lovastatin ointment application. Porokeratosis is a heterogenous group of keratinization disorders characterized by a cornoid lamella, consisting of focal dyskeratotic cells in the granular layer and columns of parakeratosis. The pathogenesis of porokeratosis is not fully elucidated; however, germline mutations have recently been identified in the mevalonate pathway which can lead to a buildup of metabolites that could play a role in dysmaturation. There has only been one prior report of an affected distal digit with underlying bone resorption in association with linear porokeratosis.
Sequence analysis of 43‐year old samples of Plantago lanceolata show that Plantain virus X is synonymous with Actinidia virus X and is widely distributed
Authors: Hammond John , Adams Ian P. , Fowkes Aimee R. , McGreig Sam , Botermans Marleen , van Oorspronk Joanieke J. A. , Westenberg Marcel , Verbeek Martin , Dullemans Annette M. , Stijger Christina C. M. M. , Blouin Arnaud G. , Massart Sebastien , De Jonghe Kris , Heyneman Maaike , Walsh John A. , Fox Adrian
Published: November 2020

Plantain virus X was first recognized by the ICTV as a species in the genus Potexvirus in 1982. However, because no sequence was available for plantain virus X (PlVX), abolishing the species was proposed to the Flexiviridae working group of the ICTV in 2015. This initiated efforts to sequence the original isolates from Plantago lanceolata samples. Here we report the full‐genome sequencing of two original isolates of PlVX, which demonstrate that the virus is synonymous to Actinidia virus X, a species previously reported from kiwifruit (Actinidia sp.) and blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum). PlVX was previously noted to be widespread in the UK in P. lanceolata. This report additionally presents novel data on the distribution and diversity of PlVX, collected at the same site as the original UK isolates, and from three independent surveys, two in the Netherlands and one in Belgium. This study also includes two new host records for PlVX, Browallia americana and Capsicum annuum (sweet pepper), indicating the virus is more widespread and infects a broader range of hosts than previously reported. This stresses the importance of surveys of noncultivated species to gain insight into viral distribution and host range. This study also demonstrates the value of generating sequence data for isolates retained in virus collections. Additionally, it demonstrates the potential value in prepublication data sharing for giving context to virus detections such as the four independent studies here which, when combined, give greater clarity to the identity, diversity, distribution, and host range of plantain virus X.
Non‐structural carbohydrates and sugar export in grapevine leaves exposed to different light regimes
Authors: Dayer Silvina , Murcia Germán , Prieto Jorge A. , Durán Martin , Martínez Liliana , Píccoli Patricia , Perez Peña Jorge
Published: November 2020

Light is a main environmental factor that determines leaf microclimate within the vine, as well as its photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. This study aimed to examine the relationships between photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and the expression of related genes in leaves of grapevine grown under different radiation regimes. During the 2014/2015 growing season, an experiment was conducted on a Malbec vineyard (Vitis vinifera L.) in which four radiation exposure treatments were established on the leaves: (1) East, (2) West, (3) Sun, and (4) Shade (i.e., reduction in light intensity). Diurnal dynamics of photosynthesis and non‐structural carbohydrates were measured and leaf export rates were calculated. Transcript profiles of leaf sugar transporters (VvHT1, VvHT3, VvSUC27), a sucrose phosphate synthase enzyme (VvSPS), and invertases (VvGIN1, VvCWI) were also examined. We showed that East and Sun leaves had higher daily photosynthetic and export rates than West leaves, which was mainly explained by the environmental conditions (air and leaf temperature, VPDleaf‐air) and leaf water status. Shade leaves accumulated less starch and soluble sugars than exposed leaves, which correlated with a higher expression of hexose transporters and invertases. The hypotheses that these sugars in Shade leaves would play a role as signaling molecules and/or have increased sink strength and phloem unloading are discussed. These results allow us to understand the physiological and molecular behavior of leaves exposed to different radiation regimes, which can be used to design appropriate vineyard management practices.
Endogenous •NO accumulation in soybean is associated with initial stomatal response to water deficit
Authors: Casaretto Esteban , Signorelli Santiago , Gallino Juan P. , Vidal Sabina , Borsani Omar
Published: November 2020

Drought is the main cause of productivity losses in soybean plants, triggering physiological and biochemical responses, stomatal closure being essential to prevent water losses and thus mitigate the negative effects of drought. Abscisic acid (ABA) is the main molecule involved in stomatal closure under drought conditions along with nitric oxide (•NO). However, the role of •NO in this process is not yet fully understood and contrasting findings about its role have been reported. Most of the assays in the literature have been carried out under in vitro conditions using •NO donors or scavengers, but little is known about the effects of endogenously produced •NO under drought conditions. This study is aimed to determine the pattern of endogenous •NO accumulation from the establishment of water stress and how this relates to stomatal closure and other biochemical and physiological responses. The analysis of soybean plant responses to drought revealed no correlation between whole‐leaf •NO accumulation and typical water‐deficit stress markers. Moreover, •NO accumulation did not explain oxidative damage induced by drought. However, endogenous •NO content correlated with the early stomatal closure. Analysis of stomatal behavior and endogenous •NO content in guard cells through epidermal peel technique showed a stomatal population with high variation in stomatal opening and •NO content under the initial stages of water stress, even when ABA responses are activated. Our data suggest that upon early stress perception, soybean plants respond by accumulating •NO in the guard cells to inhibit stomatal closure, potentially through the inhibition of ABA responses.
Modulation of cell cycle progression and chromatin dynamic as tolerance mechanisms to salinity and drought stress in maize
Authors: Kamal Khaled Y. , Khodaeiaminjan Mortaza , Yahya Galal , El‐Tantawy Ahmed A. , Abdel El‐Moneim Diaa , El‐Esawi Mohamed A. , Abd‐Elaziz Mohamed A. A. , Nassrallah Amr A.
Published: November 2020

Salinity and drought are the major abiotic stresses that disturb several aspects of maize plants growth at the cellular level, one of these aspects is cell cycle machinery. In our study, we dissected the molecular alterations and downstream effectors of salinity and drought stress on cell cycle regulation and chromatin remodeling. Effects of salinity and drought stress were determined on maize seedlings using 200 mM NaCl (induced salinity stress), and 250 mM mannitol (induced drought stress) treatments, then cell cycle progression and chromatin remodeling dynamics were investigated. Seedlings displayed severe growth defects, including inhibition of root growth. Interestingly, stress treatments induced cell cycle arrest in S‐phase with extensive depletion of cyclins B1 and A1. Further investigation of gene expression profiles of cell cycle regulators showed the downregulation of the CDKA, CDKB, CYCA, and CYCB. These results reveal the direct link between salinity and drought stress and cell cycle deregulation leading to a low cell proliferation rate. Moreover, abiotic stress alters chromatin remodeling dynamic in a way that directs the cell cycle arrest. We observed low DNA methylation patterns accompanied by dynamic histone modifications that favor chromatin decondensation. Also, the high expression of DNA topoisomerase 2, 6 family was detected as consequence of DNA damage. In conclusion, in response to salinity and drought stress, maize seedlings exhibit modulation of cell cycle progression, resulting in the cell cycle arrest through chromatin remodeling.
Minimizing hazard impacts of soil salinity and water stress on wheat plants by soil application of vermicompost and biochar
Authors: Hafez Emad M. , Omara Alaa El Dein , Alhumaydhi Fahad A. , El‐Esawi Mohamed A.
Published: November 2020

Soil water and nutrient status are two of the most important factors for plant development and crop yield. Vermicompost and biochar are supposed to amend soil attributes and increase the productivity. However, little is known about their mixture application on soil quality and nutrient uptake under natural conditions. The aim of this investigation was to understand the impact of soil amendments (control, vermicompost, biochar, and vermicompost + biochar) on yield, soil quality, physiological and biochemical attributes, as well as nutrient uptake of wheat plants grown at different irrigation water treatments (50%, 75%, and 100% of field capacity [FC]) in saline sodic soil. Vermicompost improved wheat growth and yield. Biochar‐treated plants had higher growth performance and yield than control plants in all traits and than vermicompost in some cases, thus confirming its potential for enhancing soil quality and increasing nutrient uptake, which stimulates soil chemical properties. When vermicompost was added in combination with biochar, further enhancement in the growth and yield was recorded, highlighting the beneficial effect of vermicompost on plant yield. Vermicompost–biochar mixture application followed by biochar as a singular application caused significant improvements in relative water content, chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, cytotoxicity, leaf K+ content with respect to nutrient uptake (N, P, and K), while reducing oxidative stress (i.e., activities of catalase [CAT] and ascorbate peroxidase [APX], and expression levels of CAT, APX, and Mn‐SOD genes), leaf Na+ content, and proline content. This resulted in increases in yield‐related traits and productivity owing to the enhancement in soil chemical characteristics and soil moisture content. Grain yield and nutrient uptake attained the highest values at 75% FC in wheat plants treated by the combination of vermicompost and biochar. In summary, this investigation revealed that the synergistic effect of vermicompost and biochar can not only enhance crop production but also eliminates the detrimental effects of soil salinity and water stress.
Beta–Negative Binomial Auto-Regressions for Modelling Integer-Valued Time Series with Extreme Observations
Authors: Gorgi Paolo
Published: November 2020

The paper introduces a general class of heavy-tailed auto-regressions for modelling integer-valued time series with outliers. The specification proposed is based on a heavy-tailed mixture of negative binomial distributions that features an observation-driven dynamic equation for the conditional expectation. The existence of a stationary and ergodic solution for the class of auto-regressive processes is shown under general conditions. The estimation of the model can be easily performed by maximum likelihood given the closed form of the likelihood function. The strong consistency and the asymptotic normality of the estimator are formally derived. Two examples of specifications illustrate the flexibility of the approach and the relevance of the theoretical results. In particular, a linear dynamic equation and a score-driven equation for the conditional expectation are studied. The score-driven specification is shown to be particularly appealing as it delivers a robust filtering method that attenuates the effect of outliers. Empirical applications to the series of narcotics trafficking reports in Sydney and the euro–pound sterling exchange rate illustrate the effectiveness of the method in handling extreme observations.
Functional Ensemble Survival Tree: Dynamic Prediction of Alzheimer’s Disease Progression Accommodating Multiple Time-Varying Covariates
Authors: Jiang Shu , Xie Yijun , Colditz Graham A.
Published: November 2020

With the exponential growth in data collection, multiple time-varying biomarkers are commonly encountered in clinical studies, along with a rich set of baseline covariates. This paper is motivated by addressing a critical issue in the field of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in which we aim to predict the time for AD conversion in people with mild cognitive impairment to inform prevention and early treatment decisions. Conventional joint models of biomarker trajectory with time-to-event data rely heavily on model assumptions and may not be applicable when the number of covariates is large. This motivated us to consider a functional ensemble survival tree framework to characterize the joint effects of both functional and baseline covariates in predicting disease progression. The proposed framework incorporates multivariate functional principal component analysis to characterize the changing patterns of multiple time-varying neurocognitive biomarker trajectories and then nest these features within an ensemble survival tree in predicting the progression of AD. We provide a fast implementation of the algorithm that accommodates personalized dynamic prediction that can be updated as new observations are gathered to reflect the patient’s latest prognosis. The algorithm is empirically shown to perform well in simulation studies and is illustrated through the analysis of data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) (http://adni.loni.usc.edu/). We provide implementation of our proposed method in an R package funest.
Single‐center experience with use of letermovir for treatment of CMV infection in stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Kachur Ekaterina , Roshdy Danya , Hamadeh Issam , Dodd Brandy , Shahid Zainab
Published: November 2020

The approval of letermovir provided a new option for cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis in CMV seropositive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) recipients. Data are limited on the use of letermovir for the treatment of CMV infection. We performed a single‐center retrospective review of allo‐HSCT recipients who received letermovir off‐label for treatment of CMV infection (CMV DNAemia and CMV disease) from November 2017 until November 2019. Fifteen patients were included, 14 of which received letermovir for treatment of CMV DNAemia. The median duration from transplant to CMV DNAemia was 41 days and median duration of letermovir therapy was 53 days (IQR, 43‐59). Median time to first undetectable CMV viral load from the start of letermovir was 16 days (IQR, 13‐21). No significant correlation was noted between the time to CMV DNA clearance and either CMV DNA at the time of starting letermovir (r = −.12, 95% CI: −0.63‐0.46; P = .69) or CMV DNA peak (r = .04, 95% CI: −0.51‐0.58, P = .87). Three patients had late reactivation of CMV after completion of letermovir (20%) after 87 days (IQR, 68‐103) of therapy cessation. Clinical failure or treatment intolerance occurred in two patients (14%). One patient failed to achieve an undetectable viral load. In another patient, letermovir was discontinued due to documented therapy‐related thrombocytopenia. Our analysis suggests that letermovir might have a potential role for the treatment of CMV infection in select patients with contraindication or intolerance to more validated therapies.
Prevalence and associated risk factors of Helicobacter pylori infection in the Wuwei cohort of north‐western China
Authors: Zhang Fuhua , Pu Ke , Wu Zhengqi , Zhang Zhiyi , Liu Xin , Chen Zhaofeng , Ye Yuwei , Wang Yuping , Zheng Ya , Zhang Jinhua , An Feng , Zhao Shijun , Hu Xiaobin , Li Youpeng , Li Qiang , Liu Min , Lu Hong , Zhang Hongling , Zhao Yue , Yuan Hao , Ding Xiangping , Shu Xiaochuang , Ren Qian , Gou Xi , Hu Zenan , Wang Jun , Wang Yuling , Guan Quanlin , Guo Qinghong , Ji Rui , Zhou Yongning
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and risk factors and to serotype the strains in Wuwei, located in north‐western China, which has a high incidence of gastric cancer.

Methods

Helicobacter pylori infection was analysed in 21 291 adults by 14C‐urea breath test, and H. pylori antibody were detected in 9183 serum samples by latex immunoturbidimetric method. The correlation of H. pylori infection with demographic–economic, lifestyle factors and medical history among the participants was determined by questionnaire. The antibodies against H. pylori urease, VacA and CagA in serum were determined by dot immunobinding assay.

Results

The infection rate of H. pylori was 53.0%, and 90.1% of strains were type I strains. The H. pylori infection rate was higher among farmers (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.19–1.50) and individuals who had a junior high school or higher education level (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.06–1.15), and was lower in older individuals (OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.83–0.90), individuals with high income (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.90–0.95), individuals with a habit of eating quickly (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87–0.99) and individuals who consumed more fruit and vegetables (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.85–0.95). Individuals with history of cholecystitis/cholecystolithiasis, hypertension and asthma were negatively correlated with H. pylori infection (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The prevalence of H. pylori infection is high in Wuwei. The major prevalent strain is type I strain. Age, education, occupation, household income, consumption of fruit and vegetables, and habit of eating quickly are independent risk factors for H. pylori infection, which is also associated with individuals with a history of extragastric diseases.
Development of ecosystem‐based flood mitigation approach – investigations by experiments and numerical simulation
Authors: Tariq Kamran , Pasha Ghufran Ahmed , Tanaka Norio , Ghani Usman , Ahmed Afzal
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this research was to understand how to minimise the destructive effects of floods by establishing a bio‐shield of natural vegetation. Experiments were conducted in a water flume to determine the flow properties under different vegetation conditions whereas; volume of fluid (VOF) multiphase approach with a standard k‐ɛ turbulence model was developed for a simulation. The study involved comparative analysis of flow structures and loss of energy in a single patch of finite length, layered (single or double layer with gaps) and continuous (full width) vegetation models. The results showed that, for a single patch, the increase in vegetation density and aspect ratio increased the backwater rise in front of vegetation, reduced velocity and enhanced energy dissipation. Furthermore, in the case of horizontally layered vegetation models (single and double horizontal layers), the loss of energy was higher in double horizontally layered vegetation layouts. Gaps between vegetation patches of a single horizontally layered vegetation model possessed high flow velocity, which was countered by providing a second horizontal layer of vegetation with an alternate gap. The findings from this research are critical in designing optimum vegetation layouts for flood mitigation.
Effect of waste landfill site on surface and ground water drinking quality
Authors: Amano Kofi Owusu Ansah , Danso‐Boateng Eric , Adom Ebenezer , Kwame Nkansah Desmond , Amoamah Ernest Sintim , Appiah‐Danquah Emmanuel
Published: November 2020

Drinking water quality of surface and underground water within 1.34 km from a waste landfill site in Kumasi, Ghana was investigated. Physico‐chemical properties and heavy metal concentrations were analysed to determine water quality and pollution indices. It was found that turbidity of 83% of hand dug wells, 50% of the streams and 33% of boreholes were higher than World Health Organisation (WHO) standards for drinking water. Water quality index (WQI) showed that 25% of the water sources are of excellent quality, while 50%, 15% and 5% are good quality, poor quality, very poor quality and unsuitable for drinking, respectively. Heavy metal pollution index (HPI) indicated that the water sources were above the critical limit for drinking water (HPI > 100). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed 75.30% and 70.88% of the total variance for the physico‐chemical parameters and heavy metals, respectively. The findings concluded that cadmium concentrations in all the water sources were extremely higher (0.0122–0.1090 mg/L) than WHO limit (0.003 mg/L), rendering them unwholesome for consumption.
Application of algae to free surface wetlands for effluent reuse
Authors: Yehia Shereen , El‐Saadi Aiman , Galal Mona M.
Published: November 2020

The main goal of this study is to assess the role of Algae in the treatment of wastewater and its capability to improve the performance of the free surface wetland as a green solution. It offers a non‐conventional water resource that participate in solving the water scarcity issue in Egypt. This study was carried out in Lake Manzala Water Research Station which is located at the tail end of Bahr El Baqar Drain in Northern Delta in ‏Egypt. A pilot scale wetland consisting of four parallel basins under natural climatic conditions were used for the experiment. The first cell was cultivated with Reeds (traditional plant used in wetlands), while the algae were cultivated in the three other basins. Three different microalgae and algae species (Chlorella, Spirulina and Azolla) were experimented and compared to assess for the finest removal efficiency for different contaminants as BOD, COD, TN, TP, TC, FC and heavy metals. A tailor‐made module was developed with Excel Visual Basic Application programming language to compare the efficiencies of the different treatment systems. Results showed that BOD and COD best removal results were reached by Chlorella with 88% and 84% removal efficiencies respectively. Results also showed that Azolla is the most efficient treatment media for drainage water containing high concentrations of TN while Spirulina was found to be the most efficient in extracting the heavy metals such as Aluminum (Al), Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn).
Assessment of Interacting Corrosion Defects in Thin-Walled Pipes
Authors: Soliman Ahmed A. , Megahed Mohammad M. , Saleh Ch. A. , Shazly Mostafa
Published: November 2020

Corrosion in pipes is usually found in the form of closely spaced defects, which eventually reduce the pipe pressure carrying capacity and piping planned useful life. Codes and standards have been developed to evaluate the effect of such form of metal loss on the piping pressure carrying capacities. However, predictions of such codes are usually conservative, and hence, there is a need to assess their degree of conservatism. The present paper utilizes nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) in estimating pressure carrying capacities of defective pipes, and hence provides an evaluation of codes degree of conservatism. Shell elements with reduced thickness at the corrosion defect are adopted and their accuracy is assessed by comparison with those of solid elements as well as experimental test results. The influence of defects interaction is investigated by considering two neighboring defects in an inclined direction to each other. The influence of inclination angle, inclined proximity distance between the two defects, and the defect depth to wall thickness ratio are investigated. Comparisons were made with predictions of codes of practice in all cases. Code predictions were found to be conservative compared to FEA results. Furthermore, the interaction rule embedded in the codes for checking for interaction leads to inaccurate predictions for closely spaced defects as it does not include the effect of defect depth.
Selective valorization of lignin to phenol by direct transformation of C
sp2
–C
sp3
and C–O bonds
Authors: Yan Jiang , Meng Qinglei , Shen Xiaojun , Chen Bingfeng , Sun Yang , Xiang Junfeng , Liu Huizhen , Han Buxing
Published: November 2020

Selective valorization of lignin to phenol is achieved by direct transformation of C–C and C–O bonds.
Transcriptional priming as a conserved mechanism of lineage diversification in the developing mouse and human neocortex
Authors: Li Zhen , Tyler William A. , Zeldich Ella , Santpere Baró Gabriel , Okamoto Mayumi , Gao Tianliuyun , Li Mingfeng , Sestan Nenad , Haydar Tarik F.
Published: November 2020

Mouse and human cortical progenitors share marked similarities; crucial differences instruct species-specific differentiation.
Torn between type 1 and type 2 immunity
Authors: Yin Xiangyun , Eisenbarth Stephanie C.
Published: November 2020

DOCK8 uncovers a link between cell integrity and T
H
2 skewing.
Two mAbs take a stab at influenza's NActive site
Authors: Pham Minh C. , O’Connor Kevin C.
Published: November 2020

Two human-derived recombinant mAbs specific for IBV bind the neuraminidase active site by emulating the enzymatic substrate, which results in broad protection.
An evidence map of randomised controlled trials evaluating genetic therapies
Authors: Apaydin Eric A. , Richardson Andrea S. , Baxi Sangita , Vockley Jerry , Akinniranye Olamigoke , Ross Rachel , Larkin Jody , Motala Aneesa , Azhar Gulrez , Hempel Susanne
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Genetic therapies replace or inactivate disease-causing genes or introduce new or modified genes. These therapies have the potential to cure in a single application rather than treating symptoms through repeated administrations. This evidence map provides a broad overview of the genetic therapies that have been evaluated in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for efficacy and safety.

Eligibility criteria

Two independent reviewers screened publications using predetermined eligibility criteria. Study details and data on safety and efficacy were abstracted from included trials. Results were visualised in an evidence map.

Information sources

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov and grey literature to November 2018.

Risk of bias

Only RCTs were included in this review to reduce the risk of selection bias in the evaluation of genetic therapy safety and efficacy.

Included studies

We identified 119 RCTs evaluating genetic therapies for a variety of clinical conditions.

Synthesis of results

On average, samples included 107 participants (range: 1–1022), and were followed for 15 months (range: 0–124). Interventions using adenoviruses (40%) to treat cardiovascular diseases (29%) were the most common.

Description of the effect

In RCTs reporting safety and efficacy outcomes, in the majority (60%) genetic therapies were associated with improved symptoms but in nearly half (45%) serious adverse event (SAEs) were also reported. Improvement was reported in trials treating cancer, cardiovascular, ocular and muscular diseases. However, only 19 trials reported symptom improvement for at least 1 year.

Strengths and limitations of evidence

This is the first comprehensive evidence map of RCTs evaluating the safety and efficacy of genetic therapies. Evidence for long-term effectiveness and safety is still sparse. This lack of evidence has implications for the use, ethics, pricing and logistics of genetic therapies.

Interpretation

This evidence map provides a broad overview of research studies that allow strong evidence statements regarding the safety and efficacy of genetic therapies. Most interventions improve symptoms, but SAE are also common. More research is needed to evaluate genetic therapies with regard to the potential to cure diseases.
Parallel Tree Algorithms for AMR and Non-Standard Data Access
Authors: Burstedde Carsten
Published: November 2020

We introduce several parallel algorithms operating on a distributed forest of adaptive quadtrees/octrees. They are targeted at large-scale applications relying on data layouts that are more complex than required for standard finite elements, such as
hp
-adaptive Galerkin methods, particle tracking and semi-Lagrangian schemes, and in-situ post-processing and visualization. Specifically, we design algorithms to derive an adapted worker forest based on sparse data, to identify owner processes in a top-down search of remote objects, and to allow for variable process counts and per-element data sizes in partitioning and parallel file I/O. We demonstrate the algorithms’ usability and performance in the context of a particle tracking example that we scale to 21e9 particles and 64Ki MPI processes on the Juqueen supercomputer, and we describe the construction of a parallel assembly of variably sized spheres in space creating up to 768e9 elements on the Juwels supercomputer.
Error Analysis and Improving the Accuracy of Winograd Convolution for Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Barabasz Barbara , Anderson Andrew , Soodhalter Kirk M. , Gregg David
Published: November 2020

Popular deep neural networks (DNNs) spend the majority of their execution time computing convolutions. The Winograd family of algorithms can greatly reduce the number of arithmetic operations required and is used in many DNN software frameworks. However, the performance gain is at the expense of a reduction in floating point (FP) numerical accuracy. In this article, we analyse the worst-case FP error and derive an estimation of the norm and conditioning of the algorithm. We show that the bound grows exponentially with the size of the convolution. Further, the error bound of the modified algorithm is slightly lower but still exponential. We propose several methods for reducing FP error. We propose a canonical evaluation ordering based on Huffman coding that reduces summation error. We study the selection of sampling “points” experimentally and find empirically good points for the most important sizes. We identify the main factors associated with good points. In addition, we explore other methods to reduce FP error, including mixed-precision convolution, and pairwise summation across DNN channels. Using our methods, we can significantly reduce FP error for a given block size, which allows larger block sizes to be used and reduced computation.
SMAUG
Authors: Xi Sam (Likun) , Yao Yuan , Bhardwaj Kshitij , Whatmough Paul , Wei Gu-Yeon , Brooks David
Published: November 2020

In recent years, there has been tremendous advances in hardware acceleration of deep neural networks. However, most of the research has focused on optimizing accelerator microarchitecture for higher performance and energy efficiency on a per-layer basis. We find that for overall single-batch inference latency, the accelerator may only make up 25–40%, with the rest spent on data movement and in the deep learning software framework. Thus far, it has been very difficult to study end-to-end DNN performance during early stage design (before RTL is available), because there are no existing DNN frameworks that support end-to-end simulation with easy custom hardware accelerator integration. To address this gap in research infrastructure, we present SMAUG, the first DNN framework that is purpose-built for simulation of end-to-end deep learning applications. SMAUG offers researchers a wide range of capabilities for evaluating DNN workloads, from diverse network topologies to easy accelerator modeling and SoC integration. To demonstrate the power and value of SMAUG, we present case studies that show how we can optimize overall performance and energy efficiency for up to 1.8×–5× speedup over a baseline system, without changing any part of the accelerator microarchitecture, as well as show how SMAUG can tune an SoC for a camera-powered deep learning pipeline.
Strategies to Improve Poultry Food Safety, a Landscape Review
Authors: Ricke Steven C.
Published: November 2020

Food safety remains a significant public health issue for the poultry industry. Foodborne pathogens can be in contact at all phases of poultry production, from initial hatch to processing and ultimately to retail and meal preparation. Salmonella and Campylobacter have been considered the primary foodborne pathogens associated with poultry. Both organisms are major causative agents of human foodborne illness. Limiting these pathogens in poultry production requires identifying their sources and routes of transmission. This involves the ability to isolate and precisely identify them using methodologies capable of discernment at the genome level. Interventions to reduce their occurrence in poultry production employ two basic strategies: prevention of establishment and elimination of already-established pathogens. This review provides an overview of current findings and prospects for further research on poultry food safety issues.
Uterine Excitability and Ion Channels and Their Changes with Gestation and Hormonal Environment
Authors: Wray Susan , Arrowsmith Sarah
Published: November 2020

We address advances in the understanding of myometrial physiology, focusing on excitation and the effects of gestation on ion channels and their relevance to labor. This review moves through pioneering studies to exciting new findings. We begin with the myometrium and its myocytes and describe how excitation might initiate and spread in this myogenic smooth muscle. We then review each of the ion channels in the myometrium: L- and T-type Ca2+ channels, KATP (Kir6) channels, voltage-dependent K channels (Kv4, Kv7, and Kv11), twin-pore domain K channels (TASK, TREK), inward rectifier Kir7.1, Ca2+-activated K+ channels with large (KCNMA1, Slo1), small (KCNN1–3), and intermediate (KCNN4) conductance, Na-activated K channels (Slo2), voltage-gated (SCN) Na+ and Na+ leak channels, nonselective (NALCN) channels, the Na K-ATPase, and hyperpolarization-activated cation channels. We finish by assessing how three key hormones— oxytocin, estrogen, and progesterone—modulate and integrate excitability throughout gestation.
New Robust Regularized Shrinkage Regression for High-Dimensional Image Recovery and Alignment via Affine Transformation and Tikhonov Regularization
Authors: Likassa Habte Tadesse , Xian Wen , Tang Xuan
Published: November 2020

In this work, a new robust regularized shrinkage regression method is proposed to recover and align high-dimensional images via affine transformation and Tikhonov regularization. To be more resilient with occlusions and illuminations, outliers, and heavy sparse noises, the new proposed approach incorporates novel ideas affine transformations and Tikhonov regularization into high-dimensional images. The highly corrupted, distorted, or misaligned images can be adjusted through the use of affine transformations and Tikhonov regularization term to ensure a trustful image decomposition. These novel ideas are very essential, especially in pruning out the potential impacts of annoying effects in high-dimensional images. Then, finding optimal variables through a set of affine transformations and Tikhonov regularization term is first casted as mathematical and statistical convex optimization programming techniques. Afterward, a fast alternating direction method for multipliers (ADMM) algorithm is applied, and the new equations are established to update the parameters involved and the affine transformations iteratively in the form of the round-robin manner. Moreover, the convergence of these new updating equations is scrutinized as well, and the proposed method has less time computation as compared to the state-of-the-art works. Conducted simulations have shown that the new robust method surpasses to the baselines for image alignment and recovery relying on some public datasets.
Identification of Crucial lncRNAs, miRNAs, mRNAs, and Potential Therapeutic Compounds for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Zeng Zhi , Lin Xia , Xia Tingting , Liu Wenxiu , Tian Xiaohui , Li Manchao
Published: November 2020

Background. This study was aimed at mining crucial long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) based on the coexpression and the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) theories and investigating the underlying therapeutic drugs that may function by reversing the expression of lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs. Methods. RNA (GSE106724, GSE114419, GSE137684, and GSE138518) or miRNA (GSE84376 and GSE138572) expression profile datasets of PCOS patients were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) using four RNA datasets was conducted to construct the lncRNA‐mRNA coexpression networks, while the common differentially expressed miRNAs in two miRNA datasets and module RNAs were used to establish the ceRNA network. A protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network was created to explore the potential interactions between genes. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed to explore the functions of genes in networks. Connectivity Map (CMap) and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) analyses were performed to identify potential therapeutic agents for PCOS. Results. Three modules (black, magenta, and yellow) were identified to be PCOS‐related after WGCNA analysis, in which KLF3‐AS1‐PLCG2, MAPKAPK5‐AS1‐MAP3K14, and WWC2‐AS2‐TXNIP were important coexpression relationship pairs. WWC2‐AS2‐hsa‐miR‐382‐PLCG2 was a crucial ceRNA loop in the ceRNA network. The PPI network showed that MAP3K14 and TXNIP could interact with hub genes PLK1 (degree = 21) and TLR1 (degree = 18), respectively. These genes were enriched into mitosis (PLK1), immune response (PLCG2 and TLR1), and cell cycle (TXNIP and PLK1) biological processes. Ten small molecule drugs (especially quercetin) were considered to be therapeutical for PCOS. Conclusion. Our study may provide a novel insight into the mechanisms and therapy for PCOS.
Tunnelling‐Induced Settlement and Treatment Techniques for a Loess Metro in Xi’an
Authors: Li Heng , Ma Enlin , Lai Jinxing , Wang Lixin , Xu Shuoshuo , Wang Ke , Liu Tong
Published: November 2020

Techniques including pre‐grouting, long pipe roof, and parameter optimization were employed to ensure the safety of loess metro tunnelling under an existing glass building. Their effects were proved through monitoring the settlement of building and surface during tunnelling. Besides, division of settlement monitoring according to processes, a new method, was conducted to control settlement in time. The highest surface settlement after construction was 16 mm only, meeting the requirement. The result indicates that it is practicable to control the tunnelling settlement strictly in extremely difficult geological areas. The settlement regularities were also studied through numerical simulation; their deformation is larger compared with in situ results while their change trends coincide during most processes. Soil excavations cause settlement primarily, accounting for more than 60%. It is suggested that dual slurry pre‐grouting and process‐based measurement should be employed before each excavation in water‐rich loess areas.
In Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and In Vivo Anticolitis Effects of Combretin A and Combretin B on Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice
Authors: Marius Mbiantcha , Amadou Dawe , Donatien Atsamo Albert , Gilbert Ateufack , William Yousseu Nana , Rauf Khalid , Arif Mehreen , Adeline Fanta Yadang Sabine , Saint Njoku Isaac , Dar Hamza , Rehman Naeem Ur , Ahmad Izhar
Published: November 2020

Combretum fragrans (Combretaceae) is a Cameroonian medicinal plant containing various secondary metabolites and traditionally used for the treatment of several pathologies. Two cycloartane-type triterpenes, Combretin A and Combretin B, were isolated from this plant. This study was aimed at evaluating the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticolitis effects of these compounds. In vitro anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated by inhibition of cyclooxygenase, 5-lipoxygenase, and denaturation of the protein; antioxidant properties were assessed by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), (2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)) ABTS•+, capacity tests ferric reducing antioxidant (FRAP), and trapping nitric oxide. For in vivo analysis, we used the model of ulcerative colitis induced by Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS). Studies of the anti-inflammatory activity showed that Combretin A and Combretin B had maximal inhibitory activity on cyclooxygenase (71.92% and 89.59%), 5-lipoxygenase (76.68% and 91.21%), and protein denaturation (63.93% and 87.78%). Antioxidant activity on DPPH, ABTS•+, ferric reducing antioxidant capacity (FRAP), and nitric oxide scavenging showed that Combretin A and Combretin B showed good antioxidant activities. These compounds significantly reduced the signs of DSS-induced colitis in the treated animals by preventing the weight loss of the animals, by significantly reducing the disease activity index, improving the condition of the stool, preventing the reduction of the length of the colon, and preventing the degradation of the colon. This study revealed that Combretin A and Combretin B have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and curative properties against colitis experimentally induced by DSS in rats.
Study of the Mechanism Underlying the Antihypertensive Effects of Eucommia ulmoides and Tribulus terrestris Based on an Analysis of the Intestinal Microbiota and Metabonomics
Authors: Qi Ying-Zi , Yang Xue-Song , Jiang Yue-Hua , Shao Lin-Lin , Jiang Ling-Yu , Yang Chuan-Hua
Published: November 2020

The combination of Eucommia ulmoides and Tribulus terrestris (ET) has been widely utilized in clinical practice for thousands of years, but the mechanism underlying its efficacy has not been elucidated to date. This study attempted to investigate the role played by the intestinal microbiota and fecal metabolism in the response of elderly spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs) to ET administration as a treatment for hypertension. Fourteen male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs, 18 months old) were randomly divided into an ET group and an SHR group, and 7 Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats of the same age were employed as the control group. The ET group was intragastrically administered 1.0 g/kg/d ET for 42 days, and SHRs and WKY rats were administered an equal amount of normal saline intragastrically. The intestinal microbiota and fecal metabolism were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing and the GC‐MS (gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry)/MS assay. ET treatment decreased blood pressure steadily, improved the colonic tissue morphology, and changed the structure and composition of the imbalanced microbiota in SHRs. Specifically, ET treatment increased the abundance of Eubacterium, which might be one of the target microbes for ET, and had a negative correlation with the levels of α‐tocopherol, chenodeoxycholic acid, and deoxycholic acid according to the Spearman correlation analysis. The change in the intestinal microbiota affected the fecal metabolic pattern of SHRs. Eight potential biomarkers were determined to be primarily enriched in ABC transporters, phenylalanine metabolism, central carbon metabolism in cancer, purine metabolism, and protein digestion and absorption. The correlation analysis demonstrated that the abundance of Eubacterium and the decreased levels of α‐tocopherol, chenodeoxycholic acid, and deoxycholic acid in the ET group were highly correlated. Our results suggest that ET has a good antihypertensive effect, which may be driven by the intestinal microbiota and their beneficial metabolites. The results of this study may help to elucidate the antihypertensive mechanism of ET.
Vibration Feedforward Compensation for Magnetically Suspended Control and Sensitive Gyroscope with Spherical Rotor
Authors: Liu Qiang , Li Heng , Peng Cong , Sheng Sha , Yin Zhaojing , Liu Zhiguo
Published: November 2020

Magnetically suspended control and sensitive gyroscope (MSCSG) with two capabilities including attitude control and attitude measurement is promising in meeting the requirements of novel spacecraft. When the momentum vector of a high-speed rotor suspended in five directions is tilted by Lorentz force-type magnetic bearing, the instantaneous large control moment is obtained. The spacecraft attitude can be sensed by a high-speed rotor without deflection interference torque. In this paper, a novel MSCSG with sphere rotor is presented, and its spherical structure and working principle are introduced. The magnetic bearing-rotor dynamic model is established based on Newton’s second law and the gyrokinetic equations. The generating mechanism of three interferences, including bearing dynamic reaction force, deflection torque, and centrifugal force, is analyzed. The feedforward compensation control against three interferences for MSCSG is adopted, and the loading sequence of three interferences is simulated. The optimal sequence of bearing dynamic reaction force, deflection torque, and centrifugal force is used. The radial and axial vibration displacement amplitudes are reduced from 20.8 μm and 31.7 μm to 9.4 μm and 14.9 μm, respectively. The experimental results are in good agreement with the simulation, which indicates the MSCSG rotor unbalance vibration is suppressed effectively by the feedforward compensation method.
Effect of Binary Oxide Flux on Weld Shape, Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Resistance of 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel Welds
Authors: Albaijan Ibrahim , Hedhibi Abdeljlil Chihaoui , Touileb Kamel , Djoudjou Rachid , Ouis Abousoufiane , Alrobei Hussein
Published: November 2020

Duplex stainless steel (DSSs) is characterized by excellent corrosion resistance with high strength. Twelve single‐component fluxes (TiO2, Fe2O3, Cr2O3, ZnO, ZrO2, CaO, Mn2O3, V2O5, MoO3, SrO, MgO, and LaO2) were tested in the initial experiment using activated Tungsten inert gas (ATIG) technic, and then three couples of oxides were selected as binary fluxes (Fe2O3‐Cr2O3, ZnO‐Mn2O3, and V2O5‐Mn2O3) for the rest of the study. The results show that the depth weld of binary oxides (Fe2O3‐Cr2O3, ZnO‐Mn2O3) was increased by 3.7 times in comparison with tungsten inert gas (TIG) weld bead. The hardness and the tensile strength of welds carried out with Fe2O3‐Cr2O3 and ZnO‐Mn2O3 binary fluxes were close to those of the parent metal. Weld bead executed with ZnO‐Mn2O3 oxides has more capability to withstand sudden loads. Potentiodynamic polarization tests were performed. The metal welded with flux composed of Fe2O3‐Cr2O3 has been found the most resistant to corrosion.