bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bilateral Choroidal Neovascularization and Chorioretinal Anastomosis in Autosomal Recessive Bestrophinopathy
Authors: Zhang Youning , Danesh Jennifer , Green Kyle M. , Schmidt Ryan J. , Biegel Jaclyn , Gai Xiaowu , Lee Thomas C. , Kashani Amir H. , Nagiel Aaron
Published: October 2019

Purpose:

This case report discusses a case of bilateral chorioretinal anastomoses in autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy (ARB) unresponsive to antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy and its associated optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) findings.

Methods:

An observational case report is presented.

Results:

An 8-year-old girl initially presented at age 2 years with multifocal midperipheral yellow subretinal deposits with intraretinal and subretinal fluid. She was treated with intravitreal injections of bevacizumab in both eyes with minimal response. OCTA revealed the presence of choroidal neovascularization and chorioretinal anastomoses. Molecular diagnosis of ARB was achieved with the identification of compound heterozygous mutations in BEST1, including a silent exonic splicing mutation.

Conclusions:

Subretinal or intraretinal fluid in ARB may be exacerbated by the presence of chorioretinal anastomosis detected on OCTA. Silent exonic mutations that cause no amino acid change can be overlooked but are pathogenic in ARB.
Prognostic factors associated with long-term mortality in 1445 patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease: a 15-year follow-up study
Authors: Jhun Byung Woo , Moon Seong Mi , Jeon Kyeongman , Kwon O Jung , Yoo Heejin , Carriere Keumhee C. , Huh Hee Jae , Lee Nam Yong , Shin Sung Jae , Daley Charles L. , Koh Won-Jung
Published: October 2019

Limited data are available regarding the prognostic factors for patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD). We investigated the prognostic factors associated with long-term mortality in NTM-PD patients after adjusting for individual confounders, including aetiological organism and radiological form.

A total of 1445 patients with treatment-naïve NTM-PD who were newly diagnosed between July 1997 and December 2013 were included. The aetiological organisms were as follows:Mycobacterium avium(n=655),M. intracellulare(n=487),M. abscessus(n=129) andM. massiliense(n=174). The factors associated with mortality in NTM-PD patients were analysed using a multivariable Cox model after adjusting for demographic, radiological and aetiological data.

The overall 5-, 10- and 15-year cumulative mortality rates for the NTM-PD patients were 12.4%, 24.0% and 36.4%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, the following factors were significantly associated with mortality in NTM-PD patients: old age, male sex, low body mass index, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, pulmonary or extrapulmonary malignancy, chronic heart or liver disease and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The aetiological organism was also significantly associated with mortality:M. intracellularehad an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.40, 95% CI 1.03–1.91;M. abscessushad an aHR of 2.19, 95% CI 1.36–3.51; andM. massiliensehad an aHR of 0.99, 95% CI 0.61–1.64, compared toM. avium. Mortality was also significantly associated with the radiological form of NTM-PD for the cavitary nodular bronchiectatic form (aHR 1.70, 95% CI 1.12–2.59) and the fibrocavitary form (aHR 2.12, 95% CI 1.57–3.08), compared to the non-cavitary nodular bronchiectatic form.

Long-term mortality in patients with NTM-PD was significantly associated with the aetiological NTM organism, cavitary disease and certain demographic characteristics.
Diverse cardiopulmonary diseases are associated with distinct xenon magnetic resonance imaging signatures
Authors: Wang Ziyi , Bier Elianna A. , Swaminathan Aparna , Parikh Kishan , Nouls John , He Mu , Mammarappallil Joseph G. , Luo Sheng , Driehuys Bastiaan , Rajagopal Sudarshan
Published: October 2019

Background

As an increasing number of patients exhibit concomitant cardiac and pulmonary disease, limitations of standard diagnostic criteria are more frequently encountered. Here, we apply noninvasive129Xe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy to identify patterns of regional gas transfer impairment and haemodynamics that are uniquely associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), left heart failure (LHF) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Methods

Healthy volunteers (n=23) and patients with COPD (n=8), IPF (n=12), LHF (n=6) and PAH (n=10) underwent129Xe gas transfer imaging and dynamic spectroscopy. For each patient, three-dimensional maps were generated to depict ventilation, barrier uptake (129Xe dissolved in interstitial tissue) and red blood cell (RBC) transfer (129Xe dissolved in RBCs). Dynamic129Xe spectroscopy was used to quantify cardiogenic oscillations in the RBC signal amplitude and frequency shift.

Results

Compared with healthy volunteers, all patient groups exhibited decreased ventilation and RBC transfer (both p≤0.01). Patients with COPD demonstrated more ventilation and barrier defects compared with all other groups (both p≤0.02). In contrast, IPF patients demonstrated elevated barrier uptake compared with all other groups (p≤0.007), and increased RBC amplitude and shift oscillations compared with healthy volunteers (p=0.007 and p≤0.01, respectively). Patients with COPD and PAH both exhibited decreased RBC amplitude oscillations (p=0.02 and p=0.005, respectively) compared with healthy volunteers. LHF was distinguishable from PAH by enhanced RBC amplitude oscillations (p=0.01).

Conclusion

COPD, IPF, LHF and PAH each exhibit unique129Xe MRI and dynamic spectroscopy signatures. These metrics may help with diagnostic challenges in cardiopulmonary disease and increase understanding of regional lung function and haemodynamics at the alveolar–capillary level.
Preliminary validation of the NTM Module: a patient-reported outcome measure for patients with pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial disease
Authors: Henkle Emily , Winthrop Kevin L. , Ranches Gregory P. , Plinke Wesley , Litvin Hana K. , Quittner Alexandra L.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) cause chronic, debilitating pulmonary disease. Patient-reported outcomes provide measures of symptoms, functioning and treatment response. Here we describe the preliminary validation of the recently developed NTM Module.

Methods

The study population included Northwest NTM Biobank patients in whomMycobacterium aviumcomplex (MAC) was isolated and who had ever met the 2007 American Thoracic Society/Infectious Diseases Society of America pulmonary disease criteria. The NTM Module was administered at enrolment and 12 months; a subset also completed the Quality of Life Questionnaire–Bronchiectasis (QOL-B). The NTM Module generates four domain scores (0–100; higher scores indicate better functioning) reflecting NTM-specific symptoms (NTM Symptoms, Body Image, Digestive Symptoms and Eating Problems). We described patient characteristics and mean scores, and evaluated psychometric properties, including response to treatment at 12 months, for each domain.

Results

Overall, 203 patients with pulmonary MAC disease were included. Average enrolment scores ranged from 76 (NTM Symptoms) to 84 (Eating Problems). Ceiling effects were observed for Body Image (26% of participants) and Eating Problems (52%). Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) ranged from 0.67 (Digestive Symptoms) to 0.89 (Eating Problems). The intraclass correlation for test–retest reproducibility (n=27) ranged from 0.72 (Body Image) to 0.94 (Eating Problems). Patients starting treatment (n=35) had statistically significant increases in scores for NTM Symptoms (+5, p=0.04), Digestive Symptoms (+7, p=0.002), Body Image (+7, p=0.03) and QOL-B Respiratory Symptoms (n=25, +10, p=0.006). NTM Symptoms scores increased by 15 points (p=0.002) in the 16 patients with scores ≤80 at enrolment.

Conclusion

The NTM Module generally performs well as a valid patient-reported outcome for pulmonary MAC disease and was responsive to MAC treatment.
Acute wheeze-specific gene module shows correlation with vitamin D and asthma medication
Authors: Katayama Shintaro , Stenberg Hammar Katarina , Krjutškov Kaarel , Einarsdottir Elisabet , Hedlin Gunilla , Kere Juha , Söderhäll Cilla
Published: October 2019

Background

Airway obstruction and wheezing in preschool children with recurrent viral infections are a major clinical problem, and are recognised as a risk factor for the development of chronic asthma. We aimed to analyse whether gene expression profiling provides evidence for pathways that delineate distinct groups of children with wheeze, and in combination with clinical information could contribute to diagnosis and prognosis of disease development.

Methods

We analysed leukocyte transcriptomes from preschool children (6 months–3 years) at acute wheeze (n=107), and at a revisit 2–3 months later, comparing them to age-matched healthy controls (n=66). RNA-sequencing applying GlobinLock was used. The cases were followed clinically until age 7 years. Differential expression tests, weighted correlation network analysis and logistic regression were applied and correlations to 76 clinical traits evaluated.

Findings

Significant enrichment of genes involved in the innate immune responses was observed in children with wheeze. We identified a unique acute wheeze-specific gene-module, which was associated with vitamin D levels (p<0.005) in infancy, and asthma medication and FEV1%/FVC (forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity) ratio several years later, at age 7 years (p<0.005). A model that predicts leukotriene receptor antagonist medication at 7 years of age with high accuracy was developed (area under the curve 0.815, 95% CI 0.668–0.962).

Interpretation

Gene expression profiles in blood from preschool wheezers predict asthma symptoms at school age, and therefore serve as biomarkers. The acute wheeze-specific gene module suggests that molecular phenotyping in combination with clinical information already at an early episode of wheeze may help to distinguish children who will outgrow their wheeze from those who will develop chronic asthma.
The Core-Shell Heterostructure CNT@Li2FeSiO4@C as a Highly Stable Cathode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Peng Tao , Guo Wei , Zhang Yingge , Wang Yangbo , Zhu Kejia , Guo Yan , Wang Yinghui , Lu Yang , Yan Hailong
Published: October 2019

The reasonable design of nanostructure is the key to solving the inherent defects and realizing a high performance of Li2FeSiO4cathode materials. In this work, a novel heterostructure CNT@Li2FeSiO4@C has been designed and synthesized and used as a cathode material for lithium-ion battery. It is revealed that the product has a uniform core-shell structure, and the thickness of the Li2FeSiO4layer and the outer carbon layer is about 19 nm and 2 nm, respectively. The rational design effectively accelerates the diffusion of lithium ions, improves the electric conductivity, and relieves the volume change during the charging/discharging process. With the advantages of its specific structure, CNT@Li2FeSiO4@C has successfully overcome the inherent shortcomings of Li2FeSiO4and shown good reversible capacity and cycle properties.
Repertoire-wide gene structure analyses: a case study comparing automatically predicted and manually annotated gene models
Authors: Wilbrandt Jeanne , Misof Bernhard , Panfilio Kristen A. , Niehuis Oliver
Published: October 2019

Background

The location and modular structure of eukaryotic protein-coding genes in genomic sequences can be automatically predicted by gene annotation algorithms. These predictions are often used for comparative studies on gene structure, gene repertoires, and genome evolution. However, automatic annotation algorithms do not yet correctly identify all genes within a genome, and manual annotation is often necessary to obtain accurate gene models and gene sets. As manual annotation is time-consuming, only a fraction of the gene models in a genome is typically manually annotated, and this fraction often differs between species. To assess the impact of manual annotation efforts on genome-wide analyses of gene structural properties, we compared the structural properties of protein-coding genes in seven diverse insect species sequenced by the i5k initiative.

Results

Our results show that the subset of genes chosen for manual annotation by a research community (3.5–7% of gene models) may have structural properties (e.g., lengths and exon counts) that are not necessarily representative for a species’ gene set as a whole. Nonetheless, the structural properties of automatically generated gene models are only altered marginally (if at all) through manual annotation. Major correlative trends, for example a negative correlation between genome size and exonic proportion, can be inferred from either the automatically predicted or manually annotated gene models alike. Vice versa, some previously reported trends did not appear in either the automatic or manually annotated gene sets, pointing towards insect-specific gene structural peculiarities.

Conclusions

In our analysis of gene structural properties, automatically predicted gene models proved to be sufficiently reliable to recover the same gene-repertoire-wide correlative trends that we found when focusing on manually annotated gene models only. We acknowledge that analyses on the individual gene level clearly benefit from manual curation. However, as genome sequencing and annotation projects often differ in the extent of their manual annotation and curation efforts, our results indicate that comparative studies analyzing gene structural properties in these genomes can nonetheless be justifiable and informative.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Genome-wide identification and characterization of TALE superfamily genes in cotton reveals their functions in regulating secondary cell wall biosynthesis
Authors: Ma Qiang , Wang Nuohan , Hao Pengbo , Sun Huiru , Wang Congcong , Ma Liang , Wang Hantao , Zhang Xianlong , Wei Hengling , Yu Shuxun
Published: October 2019

Background

Cotton fiber length and strength are both key traits of fiber quality, and fiber strength (FS) is tightly correlated with secondary cell wall (SCW) biosynthesis. The three-amino-acid-loop-extension (TALE) superclass homeoproteins are involved in regulating diverse biological processes in plants, and some TALE members has been identified to play a key role in regulating SCW formation. However, little is known about the functions of TALE members in cotton (Gossypium spp.).

Results

In the present study, based on gene homology, 46, 47, 88 and 94 TALE superfamily genes were identified in G. arboreum, G. raimondii, G. barbadense and G. hirsutum, respectively. Phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis showed the evolutionary conservation of two cotton TALE families (including BEL1-like and KNOX families). Gene structure analysis also indicated the conservation of GhTALE members under selection. The analysis of promoter cis-elements and expression patterns suggested potential transcriptional regulation functions in fiber SCW biosynthesis and responses to some phytohormones for GhTALE proteins. Genome-wide analysis of colocalization of TALE transcription factors with SCW-related QTLs revealed that some BEL1-like genes and KNAT7 homologs may participate in the regulation of cotton fiber strength formation. Overexpression of GhKNAT7-A03 and GhBLH6-A13 significantly inhibited the synthesis of lignocellulose in interfascicular fibers of Arabidopsis. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) experiments showed extensive heteromeric interactions between GhKNAT7 homologs and some GhBEL1-like proteins. Yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) experiments identified the upstream GhMYB46 binding sites in the promoter region of GhTALE members and defined the downstream genes that can be directly bound and regulated by GhTALE heterodimers.

Conclusion

We comprehensively identified TALE superfamily genes in cotton. Some GhTALE members are predominantly expressed during the cotton fiber SCW thicking stage, and may genetically correlated with the formation of FS. Class II KNOX member GhKNAT7 can interact with some GhBEL1-like members to form the heterodimers to regulate the downstream targets, and this regulatory relationship is partially conserved with Arabidopsis. In summary, this study provides important clues for further elucidating the functions of TALE genes in regulating cotton growth and development, especially in the fiber SCW biosynthesis network, and it also contributes genetic resources to the improvement of cotton fiber quality.
Dynamic Electronic Tracking and Escalation to reduce Critical care Transfers (DETECT): the protocol for a stepped wedge mixed method study to explore the clinical effectiveness, clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of an electronic physiological surveillance system for use in children
Authors: Sefton Gerri , Carter Bernie , Lane Steven , Peak Matthew , Mateus Ceu , Preston Jen , Mehta Fulya , Hollingsworth Bruce , Killen Roger , Carrol Enitan D.
Published: October 2019

Background

Active monitoring of hospitalised adults, using handheld electronic physiological surveillance systems, is associated with reduced in-patient mortality in the UK. Potential also exists to improve the recognition and response to deterioration in hospitalised children. However, the clinical effectiveness, the clinical utility, and the cost-effectiveness of this technology to reduce paediatric critical deterioration, have not been evaluated in an NHS environment.

Method

This is a non-randomised stepped-wedge prospective mixed methods study. Participants will be in-patients under the age of 18 years, at a tertiary children’s hospital. Day-case, neonatal surgery and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) patients will be excluded.

The intervention is the implementation of Careflow Vitals and Connect (System C) to document vital signs and sepsis screening. The underpinning age-specific Paediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) risk model calculates PEWS and provides associated clinical decision support. Real-time data of deterioration risk are immediately visible to the entire clinical team to optimise situation awareness, the chronology of the escalation and response are captured with automated reporting of the organisational safety profile.

Baseline data will be collected prospectively for 1 year preceding the intervention. Following a 3 month implementation period, 1 year of post-intervention data will be collected.

The primary outcome is unplanned transfers to critical care (HDU and/or PICU). The secondary outcomes are critical deterioration events (CDE), the timeliness of critical care transfer, the critical care interventions required, critical care length of stay and outcome.

The clinical effectiveness will be measured by prevalence of CDE per 1000 hospital admissions and per 1000 non-PICU bed days.

Observation, field notes, e-surveys and focused interviews will be used to establish the clinical utility of the technology to healthcare professionals and the acceptability to in-patient families. The cost-effectiveness will be analysed using Health Related Group costs per day for the critical care and hospital stay for up to 90 days post CDE.

Discussion

If the technology is effective at reducing CDE in hospitalised children it could be deployed widely, to reduce morbidity and mortality, and associated costs.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN61279068, date of registration 03.06.19, retrospectively registered.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between sleep disorders and suicidal behaviour in patients with depression
Authors: Wang Xiaofen , Cheng Sixiang , Xu Huilan
Published: October 2019

Background

The potential link between sleep disorders and suicidal behaviour has been the subject of several reviews. We performed this meta-analysis to estimate the overall association between sleep disorders and suicidal behaviour and to identify a more specific relationship in patients with depression.

Methods

A systematic search strategy was developed across the electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library from inception to January 1, 2019 for studies that reported a relationship between sleep disorders and suicidal behaviour in depressed patients. The odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to measure the outcomes. Heterogeneity was evaluated by Cochran’s Q test and the I2 statistic. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was adopted to evaluate the methodological quality of each of the included studies, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess the quality of the evidence. We calculated the overall association between sleep disorders and suicidal behaviour and estimated more specific categories, including insomnia, nightmares, hypersomnia, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and completed suicide.

Results

A total of 18 studies were included in this study. Overall, sleep disorders were closely related to suicidal behaviour in patients with depression (OR = 2.45 95% CI: 1.33 4.52). The relatively increased risks of sleep disorders with suicidal ideation, suicide attempt and completed suicide ranged from 1.24 (95% CI: 1.00 1.53) to 2.41 (95% CI: 1.45 4.02). Nightmares were found to be highly correlated with the risk of suicidal behaviour (OR = 4.47 95% CI: 2.00 9.97), followed by insomnia (OR = 2.29 95% CI: 1.69 3.10). The certainty of the evidence was rated as very low for the overall outcome and the major depression subgroup and was rated as low for the depression subgroup.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis supports the finding that sleep disorders, particularly nightmares and insomnia, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour in depressed patients. Considering that all included studies were observational, the quality of the evidence is rated as very low. More well-designed studies are needed to confirm our findings and to better explain the mechanisms by which sleep disorders aggravate suicidal behaviour in depressed patients.
Mis-anaesthetized society: expectancies and recreational use of ketamine in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Chao-Ming , Wu Tat Leong , Ting Te-Tien , Chen Chuan-Yu , Su Lien-Wen , Chen Wei J.
Published: October 2019

Background

The popularity of ketamine for recreational use has been increasing in Asia, including Taiwan. Still, little known about the pattern of ketamine expectancies and whether such patterns are related to ketamine use. This study aimed to examine whether the positive and negative ketamine expectancies are differentially associated with ketamine-using behavior, and whether such relationship may differ by early-onset use of tobacco or alcohol.

Methods

Participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) among regular tobacco and alcohol users, aged 18 to 50, residing in Taipei from 2007 to 2010. Totally 1115 participants (with an age distribution skewed to the right, median = 26; interquartile range: 22–32) had information on substance use and completed a 12-item ketamine expectancies questionnaire (with 6 positive and 6 negative statements). Using two axes of High and Low expectancies, the four combinations of binary positive and binary negative ketamine expectancies were created. Each participant’s drug-using experience was categorized into illicit drug naïve, exclusive ketamine use, polydrug ketamine use, or other illicit drug use. Using the weights in the network output by RDS Analysis Tool, multivariable logistic regression analysis was then conducted.

Results

The weighted prevalence was 2.4% for exclusive ketamine use, 9.0% for polydrug ketamine use, and 9.1% for the other illicit drug use. Ketamine users (11.4%) had greater positive expectancies and lower negative expectancies, particularly the combination of High Positive with Low Negative, as compared to the illicit drug-naïve or other illicit drug users. After adjustment for early-onset tobacco (or alcohol) use and sociodemographic characteristics, High Positive, Low Negative, and their combination of High Positive-Low Negative expectancies remained strongly associated with ketamine uses, without evidence of moderation from early-onset use of tobacco or alcohol.

Conclusions

Positive and negative ketamine expectancies were associated in opposite directions with ketamine use, independent of early-onset use of tobacco or alcohol. Our results indicate ketamine expectancies as possible targets for future intervention and prevention of ketamine use, with a less confrontational feedback on decreasing an individual’s positive expectancies is essential in preventing young people from the initiation of ketamine use.
Engaging research ethics committees to develop an ethics and governance framework for best practices in genomic research and biobanking in Africa: the H3Africa model
Authors:   as members of the H3Africa Consortium, Tindana Paulina , Yakubu Aminu , Staunton Ciara , Matimba Alice , Littler Katherine , Madden Ebony , Munung Nchangwi Syntia , de Vries Jantina
Published: October 2019

In the past decade, there has been an increase in genomic research and biobanking activities in Africa. Research initiatives such as the Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) Consortium are contributing to the development of scientific capacity and infrastructure to support these studies on the continent. Despite this growth, genomic research and biobanking have raised important ethical challenges for key research stakeholders, including members of research ethics committees. One of these is the limited ethical and regulatory frameworks to guide the review and conduct of genomic studies, particularly in Africa. This paper is a reflection on a series of consultative activities with research ethics committees in Africa which informed the development of an ethics and governance framework for best practices in genomic research and biobanking in Africa. The paper highlights the engagement process and the lessoned learned.
Mosquitoes as a feasible sentinel group for anti-malarial resistance surveillance by Next Generation Sequencing of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Smith-Aguasca Rebecca , Gupta Himanshu , Uberegui Estefania , Maquina Mara , Saute Francisco , Paaijmans Krijn P. , Mayor Alfredo , Huijben Silvie
Published: October 2019

Background

Plasmodium falciparumdrug resistance surveillance is key to successful disease control and eradication. Contemporary methods that only allow determination of prevalence of resistance are expensive, time consuming and require ethical considerations. A newer method involving Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) permits obtaining frequency of resistance while allowing to detect minority variants in mixed infections. Here, NGS was tested forP. falciparumresistance marker detection in mosquito samples as a feasible and suitable alternative for molecular resistance surveillance.Anopheles funestuswere collected in southern Mozambique using CDC light traps and manual collections. DNA was extracted from either whole mosquito, head-thorax and abdomen separately or pools of five mosquitoes. These samples were screened forP. falciparumand if positive fork13,pfcrt,pfmdr1,pfdhpsandpfdhfrmutations related to anti-malarial drug resistance with Sanger sequencing and NGS.

Results

Among the 846 samples screened forP. falciparum, 122 were positive by 18S ssrDNA qPCR with an infection rate of 23.6%. No mutations were observed fork13andpfcrt72-76 and almost zero forpfmdr86, but quintuplepfdhfr/pfdhpsmutations were near fixation and about half of the isolates contained thepfmdr184F polymorphism. Similar allele frequencies of resistance markers were estimated with NGS in comparison with the prevalence of markers obtained with the gold standard Sanger sequencing.

Conclusions

Pooled deep sequencing ofP. falciparumisolates extracted from mosquitoes is a promising, efficient and cost-effective method to quantify allele frequencies at population level which allows to detect known and unknown markers of resistance in single and mixed infections in a timelier manner. Using mosquitoes as sentinel group and focusing on allele frequency opposed to prevalence, permits active surveillance across a more homogeneous geographical range.
Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on patients with disorders of consciousness after traumatic brain injury: study protocol for a randomized, double-blind controlled trial
Authors: Li Shilin , Dong Xiangli , Sun Weiming , Zhao Na , Yu Guohua , Shuai Lang
Published: October 2019

Background

Disorders of consciousness (DOC) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) raise the mortality of patients, restrict the rehabilitation of patients with TBI, and increase the physical and economic burden that TBI imposes on patients and their families. Thus, treatment to promote early awakening in DOC after TBI is of vital importance. Various treatments have been reported, but there is no advanced evidence base to support them. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown great potential in promoting neuroelectrochemical effects. This protocol is for a double-blind, randomized, controlled, clinical trial aiming to research the effects and safety of conventional rehabilitation combined with tDCS therapy in patients with DOC after TBI.

Methods/design

Eighty patients with DOC after TBI will be randomized into one of two groups receiving conventional rehabilitation combined with sham tDCS or conventional rehabilitation combined with active tDCS. The intervention period in each of the two groups will last 4 weeks (20 min per day, 6 days per week). Primary outcomes (Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS)) will be measured at baseline and the end of every week from the first to the fourth week. Secondary outcomes will be measured at baseline and the end of the fourth week. Adverse events and untoward effects will be measured during each treatment.

Discussion

Patients with central nervous system lesions have received tDCS as a painless, non-invasive, easily applied and effective therapy for several decades, and there has been some evidence in recent years showing partial improvement on the level of consciousness of partial patients with DOC. However, reports mainly focus on the patients in a minimally conscious state (MCS), and there is a lack of large-sample clinical trials. This protocol presents an objective design for a randomized controlled trial that aims to study the effectiveness of conventional rehabilitation combined with tDCS therapy for DOC after TBI, to evaluate its safety, and to explore effective and economical therapeutic methods.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry,ChiCTR1800014808. Registered on 7 February 2018.
The complete mitochondrial genome and description of a new cryptic species of Benedenia Diesing, 1858 (Monogenea: Capsalidae), a major pathogen infecting the yellowtail kingfish Seriola lalandi Valenciennes in the South-East Pacific
Authors: Baeza J. Antonio , Sepúlveda Fabiola A. , González M. Teresa
Published: October 2019

Background

The monogenean Benedenia seriolae parasitizes fishes belonging to the genus Seriola, represents a species complex, and causes substantial impact on fish welfare in aquaculture systems worldwide. This study reports, for the first time, the complete mitochondrial genome of B. humboldti n. sp., a new cryptic species from the South-East Pacific (SEP).

Methods

The mitogenome of B. humboldti n. sp. was assembled from short Illumina 150 bp pair-end reads. The phylogenetic position of B. humboldti n. sp. among other closely related congeneric and confamiliar capsalids was examined using mitochondrial protein-coding genes (PCGs). Morphology of B. humboldti n. sp. was examined based on fixed and stained specimens.

Results

The AT-rich mitochondrial genome of B. humboldti is 13,455 bp in length and comprises 12 PCGs (atp8 was absent as in other monogenean genomes), 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNA genes. All protein-coding, ribosomal RNA, and transfer RNA genes are encoded on the H-strand. The gene order observed in the mitochondrial genome of B. humboldti n. sp. was identical to that of B. seriolae from Japan but different from that of B. seriolae from Australia. The genetic distance between B. humboldti n. sp. and B. seriolae from Japan was high. Minor but reliable differences in the shape of the penis were observed between Benedenia humboldti n. sp. and congeneric species.

Conclusions

Phylogenetic analyses based on PCGs in association with differences in the shape of the penis permitted us to conclude that the material from the South-East Pacific represents a new species of Benedenia infecting S. lalandi off the coast of Chile. The discovery of this parasite represents the first step to improving our understanding of infestation dynamics and to develop control strategies for this pathogen infecting the farmed yellowtail kingfish, Seriola lalandi, in the South-East Pacific.
Status of perceived social support and its associated factors among inmate prisoners in Northwest Amhara, Ethiopia
Authors: Dadi Abel Fekadu , Dachew Berihun Assefa , Tariku Amare , Habitu Yohannes Ayanaw , Demissie Getu Debalkie
Published: October 2019

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the level of social support and associated factors in selected prison institutions in Amhara region, Ethiopia.

Result

Prisoners that had good social support from their family, friends, and significant others were 64.7%, (95% CI 60.9%, 68.4%). The odds of social support was higher among those educated and rural prisoners. However, it was found to be lower among non-Orthodox Christian prisoners and prisoners who were discriminated. Social support is buffering tool for social difficulties and hardships faced by prisoners while they are in prison and very helpful to reduce mental health morbidities and their consequences, hence should be strengthened.
Circulating adult stem and progenitor cell numbers—can results be trusted?
Authors: Kröpfl Julia M. , Schmid Michelle , Di Marzio Yvonne , Schreiber Karine , Spengler Christina M.
Published: October 2019

Background

Within the last years, the interest in physical exercise as non-invasive stimulus influencing circulating hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (CPC) concentrations has constantly grown. Cell estimates are often derived by determining the subgroup of CPC as percent lymphocytes (LYM) or mononuclear cells (MNC) via flow cytometry and back calculation over whole blood (WB) cell counts. However, results might depend on the used cell isolation technique and/or gating strategy. We aimed to investigate MNC loss and apoptosis during the flow cytometry sample preparation process preceded by either density gradient centrifugation (DGC) or red blood cell lysis (RBCL) and the potential difference between results derived from back calculation at different stages of cell isolation and from WB.

Methods

Human blood was subjected to DGC and RBCL. Samples were stained for flow cytometry analysis of CPC (CD34+/CD45dim) and apoptosis analysis (Annexin V) of MNC and CPC subsets. MNC and LYM gating strategies were compared.

Results

Both DGC as well as RBCL yielded comparable CPC concentrations independent of the gating strategy when back calculated over WB values. However, cell loss and apoptosis differed between techniques, where after DGC LYM, and monocyte (MONO) concentrations significantly decreased (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively), while after RBCL LYM concentrations significantly decreased (p < 0.05) and MONO concentrations increased (p < 0.001). LYM apoptosis was comparable between techniques, but MONO apoptosis was higher after DGC than RBCL (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Investigated MNC counts (LYM/MONO ratio) after cell isolation and staining did not always mimic WB conditions. Thus, final CPC results should be corrected accordingly, especially when reporting live CPC concentrations after DGC; otherwise, the CPC regenerative potential in circulation could be biased. This is of high importance in the context of non-invasively induced CPC mobilization such as by acute physical exercise, since these cell changes are small and conclusions drawn from published results might affect further applications of physical exercise as non-invasive therapy.
An efficient protocol to generate placental chorionic plate-derived mesenchymal stem cells with superior proliferative and immunomodulatory properties
Authors: Huang Qilin , Yang Yi , Luo Chen , Wen Yi , Liu Ruohong , Li Shuai , Chen Tao , Sun Hongyu , Tang Lijun
Published: October 2019

Background

Placenta-derived MSCs (P-MSCs) represent a promising tool for cell-based therapeutic applications. However, the increasing demand for P-MSCs in clinical trials makes high quality and large number of P-MSCs mandatory. Here, we aim to develop an efficient protocol for P-MSC isolation and culture.

Methods

The modified explant culture (MEC) method by combining an initial mild enzymatic reaction with the subsequent explant culture was developed to simultaneously produce various P-MSCs from the different regions of the placenta in serum-free medium (SFM). Its isolation efficiencies, cell yield, and proliferative capacity were compared with the conventional explant culture (EC) method. Furthermore, we determined whether functional properties of P-MSCs are affected by the used tissue-harvesting sites in terms of their proliferation, migration, and the immunomodulatory effect on macrophage.

Results

The MEC method achieved higher yield and shorter time in primary cell confluence in SFM compared with the conventional method. The harvested cells possessed the MSC characteristics and demonstrated significantly stronger proliferation ability. Importantly, MSCs derived from chorionic plate (CP-MSCs) were found to exhibit superior properties to the other P-MSCs in proliferation and migration capacity, maintaining the fetal origin over serial passages. Notably, CP-MSCs show stronger ability in regulating macrophage polarization from M1 to M2.

Conclusion

Our study developed an efficient and high-yield technique to produce high-quality P-MSCs from the placenta, hence serving as an optimal source of MSCs for clinical application.
New fractional inequalities of midpoint type via s-convexity and their application
Authors: Almutairi Ohud , Kılıçman Adem
Published: October 2019

In this study, we introduced new integral inequalities of Hermite–Hadamard type via s-convexity and studied their properties. The absolute form of the first and second derivatives for the new inequalities is considered to be s-convex. As an application, the inequalities were applied to the special means of real numbers. We give the error estimates for the midpoint formula.
Fractional Hermite–Hadamard type inequalities for interval-valued functions
Authors: Liu Xuelong , Ye Gouju , Zhao Dafang , Liu Wei
Published: October 2019

We introduce the concept of interval harmonically convex functions. By using two different classes of convexity, we get some further refinements for interval fractional Hermite–Hadamard type inequalities. Also, some examples are presented.
Ordinary and degenerate Euler numbers and polynomials
Authors: Kim Taekyun , Kim Dae San , Kim Han Young , Kwon Jongkyum
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we study some identities on Euler numbers and polynomials, and those on degenerate Euler numbers and polynomials which are derived from the fermionic p-adic integrals on $\mathbb{Z}_{p}$

Z
p

. Specifically, we obtain a recursive formula for alternating integer power sums and representations of alternating integer power sum polynomials in terms of Euler polynomials and Stirling numbers of the second kind, as well as various properties about Euler numbers and polynomials. In addition, we deduce representations of degenerate alternating integer power sum polynomials in terms of degenerate Euler polynomials and degenerate Stirling numbers of the second kind, as well as certain properties on degenerate Euler numbers and polynomials.
Existence and stability results for multi-time scale stochastic fractional neural networks
Authors: Wang Dehua , Ding Xiao-Li , Ahmad Bashir
Published: October 2019

We apply the tools of functional analysis to investigate the existence and uniqueness of solutions for multi-scale stochastic fractional neutral networks. By constructing a descent Lyapunov functional, the asymptotic stability of the solution of the given problem is also studied. Finally, we present two examples to illustrate the effectiveness of the theory.
First record of Burmeister’s porpoise (Phocoena spinipinnis) in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Authors: Weir Caroline R. , Rutherford Susan
Published: October 2019

The Burmeister’s porpoise Phocoena spinipinnis is a small, poorly-studied, and Near Threatened cetacean species, with a limited geographic range comprising the Pacific and Atlantic coastal temperate waters of five South American countries. Here we describe a stranding of a freshly-dead adult male Burmeister’s porpoise that was discovered opportunistically on the eastern coast of the Falkland Islands (51°40.9′S, 57°43.2′W) on 29 June 2019. Unfortunately the carcass was removed by an unknown source prior to any scientific sampling, but the morphological features revealed in photographs taken of the dead animal were sufficient to verify the species identification. This is the first known record of Burmeister’s porpoise in the Falklands, confirming a sixth range state for the species and expanding its known distribution range eastwards from the previous nearest documented occurrence in Tierra del Fuego by at least 600 km across the Patagonian Shelf.
Applying the Stress Process Model to Stress–Burnout and Stress–Depression Relationships in Biomedical Doctoral Students: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study
Authors: Hish Alexander J. , Nagy Gabriela A. , Fang Caitlin M. , Kelley Lisalynn , Nicchitta Christopher V. , Dzirasa Kafui , Rosenthal M. Zachary
Published: October 2019

Although doctoral students in the biomedical sciences have been recognized as a population at particular risk for mental health problems such as burnout and depression, little research has been conducted to identify candidate targets for intervention. To this end, we used the stress process model to evaluate potential mediators of stress–burnout and stress–depression relationships in biomedical doctoral students. A cross-sectional sample ( n = 69) completed validated self-report measures of stress; symptoms of burnout and depression; and perceptions of mastery, social support, and advisor support. In linear regression models, we found that academic stressors were most predictive of burnout, whereas family/monetary stressors were most predictive of depression. In mediation models, we found that the relationship between stress and burnout was partially mediated by mastery and advisor support, while the stress–depression relationship was partially mediated by mastery. These findings represent a first step in identifying interventional targets to improve mental health in this at-risk population. Whereas certain stressors are inherent to the doctoral training environment, psychosocial interventions to enhance one’s sense of mastery and/or to improve advisor relationships may mitigate the influence of such stressors on burnout and depression.
Exercise Intolerance, Mortality, and Organ System Impairment in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer
Authors: Ness Kirsten K. , Plana Juan C. , Joshi Vijaya M. , Luepker Russell V. , Durand Jean B. , Green Daniel M. , Partin Robyn E. , Santucci Aimee K. , Howell Rebecca M. , Srivastava Deo Kumar , Hudson Melissa M. , Robison Leslie L. , Armstrong Gregory T.
Published: October 2019

PURPOSE

Exercise intolerance, associated with heart failure and death in general populations, is not well studied in survivors of childhood cancer. We examined prevalence of exercise intolerance in survivors exposed or not to cardiotoxic therapy, and associations among organ system function, exercise intolerance, and mortality.

METHODS

Participants consisted of 1,041 people who had survived cancer ≥ 10 years (and had or did not have exposure to anthracyclines and/or chest-directed radiation) and 285 control subjects. Exercise intolerance was defined as peak oxygen uptake < 85% predicted from maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing; organ functions were ascertained with imaging or clinical testing. Multivariable regression of the data was performed to compare exercise capacity between survivors exposed or unexposed to cardiotoxic therapy and control subjects, and to evaluate associations between treatment and organ function, and organ function and exercise intolerance. Propensity score methods in time-to-event analyses evaluated associations between exercise intolerance and mortality.

RESULTS

Survivors (mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 35.6 ± 8.8 years) had lower mean (± SD) peak oxygen uptake (exposed: 25.74 ± 8.36 mL/kg/min; unexposed: 26.82 ± 8.36 mL/kg/min) than did control subjects (32.69 ± 7.75 mL/kg/min; P for all < .001). Exercise intolerance was present in 63.8% (95% CI, 62.0% to 65.8%) of exposed survivors, 55.7% (95% CI, 53.2% to 58.2%) of unexposed survivors, and 26.3% (95% CI, 24.0% to 28.3%) of control subjects, and was associated with mortality (hazard ratio, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.09 to 14.14). Global longitudinal strain (odds ratio [OR], 1.71; 95% CI, 1.11 to 2.63), chronotropic incompetence (OR, 3.58; 95% CI, 1.75 to 7.31); forced expiratory volume in 1 second < 80% (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.65 to 4.09), and 1 SD decrease in quadriceps strength (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.82) were associated with exercise intolerance. Ejection fraction < 53% was not associated with exercise intolerance.

CONCLUSION

Exercise intolerance is prevalent among childhood cancer survivors and associated with all-cause mortality. Treatment-related cardiac (detected by global longitudinal strain), autonomic, pulmonary, and muscular impairments increased risk. Survivors with impairments may require referral to trained specialists to learn to accommodate specific deficits when engaging in exercise.
Lucretius, Englishman
Authors: Potkay Adam
Published: October 2019

My design in this essay is twofold: first, I show the underappreciated poetic mastery of Dryden’s Lucretius translations. Second, I connect what Dryden does at the level of the poetic line with how he subtly refashions Epicurean philosophy for his era. Dryden’s Lucretius is less dogmatic and more accommodating than his Roman original, particularly with regard to the mortality of the soul.
High-speed locomotion in the Saharan silver ant, Cataglyphis bombycina
Authors: Pfeffer Sarah Elisabeth , Wahl Verena Luisa , Wittlinger Matthias , Wolf Harald
Published: October 2019

The diurnal thermophilic Saharan silver ant, Cataglyphis bombycina, is the fastest of the North African Cataglyphis desert ant species. These highly mobile ants endure the extreme temperatures of their sand dune environment with outstanding behavioural, physiological and morphological adaptations. Surprisingly, C. bombycina has comparatively shorter legs than its well-studied sister species Cataglyphis fortis from salt pan habitats. This holds despite the somewhat hotter surface temperatures and the more yielding sand substrate. Here, we report that C. bombycina employs a different strategy in reaching high running speeds, outperforming the fastest known runs of the longer-legged C. fortis ants. Video analysis across a broad range of locomotor speeds revealed several differences to C. fortis. Shorter leg lengths are compensated for by high stride frequencies, ranging beyond 40 Hz. This is mainly achieved by a combination of short stance phases (down to 7 ms) and fast leg swing movements (up to 1400 mm s−1). The legs of one tripod group exhibit almost perfect synchrony in the timings of their lift-offs and touch-downs, and good tripod coordination is present over the entire walking speed range (tripod coordination strength values around 0.8). This near synchrony in leg movement may facilitate locomotion across the yielding sand dune substrate.