bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The sperm epigenome does not display recurrent epimutations in patients with severely impaired spermatogenesis
Authors: Leitão Elsa , Di Persio Sara , Laurentino Sandra , Wöste Marius , Dugas Martin , Kliesch Sabine , Neuhaus Nina , Horsthemke Bernhard
Published: May 2020

Background

In the past 15 years, numerous studies have described aberrant DNA methylation of imprinted genes (e.g.MESTandH19) in sperm of oligozoospermic men, but the prevalence and genomic extent of abnormal methylation patterns have remained unknown.

Results

Using deep bisulfite sequencing (DBS), we screened swim-up sperm samples from 40 normozoospermic and 93 patients diagnosed as oligoasthenoteratozoospermic, oligoteratozoospermic or oligozoospermic, which are termed OATs throughout the manuscript, forH19andMESTmethylation. Based on this screening, we defined three patient groups: normal controls (NC), abnormally methylated oligozoospermic (AMO;n= 7) and normally methylated oligozoospermic (NMO;n= 86). Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) of five NC and five AMO samples revealed abnormal methylation levels of all 50 imprinting control regions in each AMO sample. To investigate whether this finding reflected epigenetic germline mosaicism or the presence of residual somatic DNA, we made a genome-wide inventory of soma-germ cell-specific DNA methylation. We found that > 2000 germ cell-specific genes are promoter-methylated in blood and that AMO samples had abnormal methylation levels at these genes, consistent with the presence of somatic cell DNA. The comparison between the five NC and six NMO samples revealed 19 differentially methylated regions (DMRs), none of which could be validated in an independent cohort of 40 men. Previous studies reported a higher incidence of epimutations at single CpG sites in the CTCF-binding region 6 ofH19in infertile patients. DBS analysis of this locus, however, revealed an association between DNA methylation levels and genotype (rs2071094), but not fertility phenotype.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that somatic DNA contamination and genetic variation confound methylation studies in sperm of infertile men. While we cannot exclude the existence of rare patients with slightly abnormal sperm methylation at non-recurrent CpG sites, the prevalence of aberrant methylation in swim-up purified sperm of infertile men has likely been overestimated, which is reassuring for patients undergoing assisted reproduction.
Functional effects of muscle PGC-1alpha in aged animals
Authors: Yang Steven , Loro Emanuele , Wada Shogo , Kim Boa , Tseng Wei-Ju , Li Kristina , Khurana Tejvir S. , Arany Zoltan
Published: May 2020

PGC-1 (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1) alpha is a potent transcriptional coactivator that coordinates the activation of numerous metabolic processes. Exercise strongly induces PGC-1alpha expression in muscle, and overexpression of PGC-1alpha in skeletal muscle activates mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and neovascularization, leading to markedly increased endurance. In light of these findings, PGC-1alpha has been proposed to protect from age-associated sarcopenia, bone loss, and whole-body metabolic dysfunction, although these findings have been controversial. We therefore comprehensively evaluated muscle and whole-body function and metabolism in 24-month-old transgenic mice that over-express PGC-1alpha in skeletal muscle. We find that the powerful effects of PGC-1alpha on promoting muscle oxidative capacity and protection from muscle fatigability persist in aged animals, although at the expense of muscle strength. However, skeletal muscle PGC-1alpha does not prevent bone loss and in fact accentuates it, nor does it have long-term benefit on whole-body metabolic composition or insulin sensitivity. Protection from sarcopenia is seen in male animals with overexpression of PGC-1alpha in skeletal muscle but not in female animals. In summary, muscle-specific expression of PGC-1alpha into old age has beneficial effects on muscle fatigability and may protect from sarcopenia in males, but does not improve whole-body metabolism and appears to worsen age-related trabecular bone loss.
High-yield grass Pennisetum sinese Roxb plantation and organic manure alter bacterial and fungal communities structure in an ecological agriculture farm
Authors: He Yan , Lu Lu , Peng Chao , Li Huilin , Zhang Jing , Li Run , Zhou Caiquan
Published: May 2020

Pennisetum sinese Roxb(P. sinese) is an efficient and economic energy crop for its high productivity, and has been well studied in its application in phytoremediation and fodder production. However, little is known about howP. sineseplantation and fermented manures ofP. sinese-feed livestock affect the composition of soil bacterial and fungal communities. In this study, 16S rRNA/ITS1 gene-based Illumina Miseq sequencing was employed to compare the bacterial and fungal community structure among soils that had been subjected to uncultivated control (CK), 2-yearP. sineseplantation (P), andP. sineseplantation combined with the use of organic manures (P-OM) in a “P. sinese—breeding industry” ecological agriculture farm. The results found microbial communities were altered byP. sineseplantation and fertilization. TheP. sineseplantation resulted in increasedActinobacteriaandPlanctomycetesabundance. Comparatively, significant increased abundance ofChloroflexi,Firmicutes,Nitrospirae, andEuryarchaeota, and genes related with nitrogen and carbon metabolic pathways based on PICRUSt prediction was observed in P-OM soil. Fungal compositions suggested a markedly increased abundance ofAscomycotain P soil. Potential organic matter decomposersCandida,Thermoascus, andAspergilluswere enriched inPsoil, indicating the enhanced role of fungi in litter decomposition. Redundancy analysis suggested that soil properties (NH4+-N, total nitrogen, organic matter content, and soil water content) significantly correlated with the changes of microbial compositions (P < 0.05). These results highlight the divergence of microbial communities occurs duringP. sinese-based plantation, implying functional diversification of soil ecosystem inP. sinesefields.
Survival strategy of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the nanopillar topography of dragonfly (Pantala flavescens) wing
Authors: Kamarajan Banu Pradheepa , Muthusamy Ananthasubramanian
Published: May 2020

Discovery of nanopillars on the surface of the insect wings had led to the understanding of its bactericidal property. Nanopillar topography is deterrent to only those bacteria that are attached, or in close contact with the nanopillars. The present study investigated the variation in the viability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains PAO1 (virulent) and ATCC 9027 (avirulent) on the wing surface of dragonfly (Pantala flavescens). Viability study indicated that only 0.2% ATCC 9027 survived when incubated with wing for 48 h in Phosphate buffered saline, while under the same conditions 43.47% PAO1 survived. Enumeration of Pseudomonas attached to wing surface suggested that, the number of PAO1 attached on the wing surface was three times lesser than ATCC 9027. Propensity of attachment of P. aeruginosa strains PAO1 and ATCC 9027 on the wing surface investigated using scanning probe microscope indicated that P. aeruginosa ATCC 9027 showed adhesion to 88% of regions and, PAO1 showed adhesion to only 48% regions tested on wing surface. PAO1 survived the bactericidal effect of wing surface by evading attachment. Three clinical isolates tested which showed viability similar to PAO1 strain, also showed lower propensity to attach to wing surface. Transcriptional level analyses using RT-PCR suggested that flagellar genes (fliE and fleS) were downregulated and genes responsible for reversible to irreversible attachment (gcbA and rsmZ) were upregulated in ATCC 9027 than PAO1 on wing surface, indicating relatively higher attachment of ATCC 9027 on wing surface. The study suggests that virulent strains of P. aeruginosa may evade attachment on wing surface. The results gain significance as bioinspired surfaces are being created towards developing antibacterial medical implants and other antibacterial surface applications.
Increased circulating vascular endothelial growth factor in acute myeloid leukemia patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Song Mingzhu , Wang Huiping , Ye Qianling
Published: May 2020

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the angiogenesis regulators, which plays an important role in tumor angiogenesis and tumor progression. Current studies have found that VEGF plays an important role in hematologic diseases including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the circulating levels of VEGF in AML were still controversial among published studies.

Methods

Three databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to February 2020. All articles included in the meta-analysis met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies will be screened and data extracted by two independent investigators. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Risk of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool were applied to evaluate the quality of the included studies. A random-effects model was applied to pool the standardized mean difference (SMD). Heterogeneity test was performed by theQstatistic and quantified usingI2. All statistical analysis was conducted in Stata 12.0 software.

Results

Fourteen case-control studies were finally included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was high in our included studies (I2= 91.1%,P< 0.001). Sensitivity analysis showed no significant change when any one study was excluded using random-effect methods (P> 0.05). Egger’s linear regression test showed that no publication bias existed (P> 0.05). Patients with AML, mainly those newly diagnosed and untreated, have higher VEGF levels (SMD = 0.85, 95% CI 0.28–1.42). Moreover, AML patients inn≥ 40 group, plasma group, Asia and Africa group, and age ≥ 45 group had higher circulating VEGF levels (allP< 0.05).

Conclusions

Compared to healthy controls, our meta-analysis shows a significantly higher level of circulating VEGF in AML patients, and it is associated with sample size, sample type, region, and age.
Novel wearable and contactless monitoring devices to identify deteriorating patients in the clinical setting: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Chan Peter Y. , McNeil John , Nguyen Tam , Ryan Nicholas , Hopper Ingrid
Published: May 2020

Background

With technological advances, there has been increasing interest in developing contactless and/or non-invasive wearable technologies that continuously monitor vital signs in the clinical setting, and in particular in the deteriorating patient. These devices as of yet have not been well validated in the clinical setting in the clinical ranges observed in a critically unwell patient. We will perform a systematic review of all novel wearable and contactless devices in the clinical setting with focus on degree of novelty and the range of vital signs captured.

Methods

Ovid MEDLINE including Epub Ahead of Print and In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) database (Ovid), CINAHL with Full Text, searches of the grey literature, cited references of eligible studies through Web of Science, and reference lists of eligible studies will be searched. Outcomes of interest will include the quality of studies in relation to reporting guidelines, limitations of non-invasive technology, and application in different clinical populations. We will perform a qualitative assessment of the novelty of the device and discuss its validation in deteriorating patients.

Discussion

While novel monitoring devices are often proposed as a solution to problems with infection, discomfort, and frequency of monitoring in the clinical setting it has not yet been established which devices have been validated in clinical settings in the pathological ranges of vital signs that reflect patient deterioration. It is equally unclear what additional value these devices might provide. This systematic review will synthesize published data regarding devices that have been tested and validated in patients AND in a clinical setting AND in reference ranges that reflect severe illness.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42019130091
Periodic solutions for a four-dimensional hyperchaotic system
Authors: Yang Jing , Wei Zhouchao , Moroz Irene
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we show a zero-Hopf bifurcation in a four-dimensional smooth quadratic autonomous hyperchaotic system. Using averaging theory, we prove the existence of periodic orbits bifurcating from the zero-Hopf equilibrium located at the origin of the hyperchaotic system, and the stability conditions of periodic solutions are given.
Pandemic spotlight on urban water quality
Authors: Hallema Dennis W. , Robinne François-Nicolas , McNulty Steven G.
Published: May 2020

Surface water improvements associated with the COVID-19 economic slowdown illustrate environmental resiliency and societal control over urban water quality.
CSF total and oligomeric α-Synuclein along with TNF-α as risk biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease: a study in LRRK2 mutation carriers
Authors: Majbour Nour K. , Aasly Jan O. , Hustad Eldbjørg , Thomas Mercy A. , Vaikath Nishant N. , Elkum Naser , van de Berg Wilma D. J. , Tokuda Takahiko , Mollenhauer Brit , Berendse Henk W. , El-Agnaf Omar M. A.
Published: May 2020

Background

Asymptomatic carriers of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene mutations constitute an ideal population for discovering prodromal biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease (PD). In this study, we aim to identify CSF candidate risk biomarkers of PD in individuals with LRRK2 mutation carriers.

Methods

We measured the levels of CSF total- (t-), oligomeric (o-) and phosphorylated S129 (pS129-) α-syn, total-tau (tTau), phosphorylated threonine 181 tau (pTau), amyloid-beta 40 (Aβ-40), amyloid-beta-42 (Aβ-42) and 40 inflammatory chemokines in symptomatic (n = 23) and asymptomatic (n = 51) LRRK2 mutation carriers, subjects with a clinical diagnosis of PD (n = 60) and age-matched healthy controls (n = 34). General linear models corrected for age and gender were performed to assess differences in CSF biomarkers between the groups. Markers that varied significantly between the groups were then analyzed using backward-elimination logistic regression analysis to identify an ideal biomarkers panel of prodromal PD.

Results

Discriminant function analysis revealed low levels of CSF t-α-syn, high levels of CSF o-α-syn and TNF-α best discriminated asymptomatic LRRK2 mutation carriers from both symptomatic PD and healthy controls. Assessing the discriminative power using receiver operating curve analysis, an area under the curve > 0.80 was generated.

Conclusions

The current study suggests that CSF t-, o-α-syn and TNF-α are candidate risk biomarkers for the detection of PD at the prodromal stage. Our findings also highlight the dynamic interrelationships between CSF proteins and the importance of using a biomarkers’ panel approach for an accurate and timely diagnosis of PD.
Successful treatment of acute B lymphoblastic leukemia relapse in the skin and testicle by anti-CD19 CAR-T with IL-6 knocking down: a case report
Authors: Liu Ze-Fa , Chen Li-Yun , Wang Jin , Kang Li-qing , Tang Hua , Zhou Yao , Zhou Hai-Xia , Sun Ai-Ning , Wu De-Pei , Xue Sheng-Li
Published: May 2020

Background

Extramedullary relapse is an important cause of treatment failure among patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This type of relapse is commonly observed in the central nervous system, while it is rare in the testicles and skin. Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cell (CAR-T) therapy targeting CD19 has shown to be a beneficial treatment approach for relapsed/refractory B cell acute lymphoblasticleukemia (r/r B-ALL). Yet, few studies have reported data regarding the treatment of extramedullary B-ALL relapse, especially both in skin and testicle, with CAR-T therapy.

Case presentation

Here we reported a single case of a patient with relapsed B-ALL in skin and testicle who was successfully treated by the shRNA-IL6-modified anti-CD19 CAR-T(ssCAR-T-19) therapy. A 29-year-old man with relapsed B-ALL in skin and testicle was enrolled in clinal trial involving the shRNA-IL6-modified anti-CD19 CAR-T(ssCAR-T-19) therapy (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03919240). The patient had toxicity consistent with the grade 1 cytokine release syndrome.

Conclusions

ssCART-19 therapy may be used to effectively eliminate infiltrating leukemia cells in the skin and testicle with mild toxicity, which could be a much safer approach to bridge allo-HSCT, thus further improving the patient’s outcome.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03919240, Registered 18 April 2019, retrospectively registered.
Academic benchmarks for leaders in Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery: A Canadian perspective
Authors: Fu Terence , Wu Vincent , Campisi Paolo , Witterick Ian J. , Chan Yvonne
Published: May 2020

Background

The present study summarizes the demographics, subspecialty training, and academic productivity of contemporary leaders in Canadian Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery (OHNS) training programs across Canada.

Methods

Demographic data regarding chairpersons (CPs) and program directors (PDs) were obtained from publicly-available faculty listings and online sources, and included employment institution, residency training, fellowship training status, gender, and years of post-graduate experience. Research productivity was measured using the h-index and number of publications, obtained from Scopus. Characteristics of CPs and PDs were compared using statistical analysis.

Results

Cross-sectional data was obtained from a total of 27 CPs and PDs from 13 accredited OHNS training programs across Canada active on July 1, 2019. All academic leaders completed at least 1 year of fellowship training. Head and neck oncology represented 77% of CPs and 59% of academic leaders overall, while pediatric otolaryngology represented 43% of PDs. Females represented 11% of academic leaders. There was a significant association between location of residency training and employment, with 56% (15/27) of physicians working where they had trained ( p = 0.001, Fisher's exact test; φ = 2.63, p = 0.001). On average, individuals with a graduate (Master's) degree had a significantly higher H-index (17.7 vs 7.4, p = 0.001) and greater number of publications (106 vs. 52, p = 0.02). Compared to PDs, CPs had a significantly higher average h-index score (14.5 vs. 8.14, p = 0.04) and accrued more years of post-graduate experience (29.7 vs. 21.3 years, p = 0.008). There were no differences in the proportions of CPs and PDs with graduate degrees. There appeared to be a decline in research productivity beginning 3 years after academic appointment.

Conclusions

This cross-sectional overview of academic leaders in Canadian OHNS programs demonstrates the following key findings: 1) all leaders completed fellowship training; 2) head and neck surgical oncology was the most common fellowship training subspecialty; 3) leaders were likely to be employed at the institution where they trained; 4) a Master's degree may be associated with increased research productivity; 5) there is a potential risk of decreased productivity after appointment to a leadership position; and 6) women are underrepresented in academic leadership roles.
Clinical evidence based review and recommendations of aerosol generating medical procedures in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Thamboo Andrew , Lea Jane , Sommer Doron D. , Sowerby Leigh , Abdalkhani Arman , Diamond Christopher , Ham Jennifer , Heffernan Austin , Cai Long M. , Phulka Jobanjit , Wu Yu Qi , Yeung Phillip , Lammers Marc
Published: May 2020

Background

Aerosol generating medical procedures (AGMPs) present risks to health care workers (HCW) due to airborne transmission of pathogens. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential for HCWs to recognize which procedures are potentially aerosolizing so that appropriate infection prevention precautions can be taken. The aim of this literature review was to identify potential AGMPs in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and provide evidence-based recommendations.

Methods

A literature search was performed on Medline, Embase and Cochrane Review databases up to April 3, 2020. All titles and abstracts of retrieved studies were evaluated and all studies mentioning potential AGMPs were included for formal review. Full text of included studies were assessed by two reviewers and the quality of the studies was evaluated. Ten categories of potential AGMPs were developed and recommendations were provided for each category.

Results

Direct evidence indicates that CO2 laser ablation, the use of high-speed rotating devices, electrocautery and endotracheal suctioning are AGMPs. Indirect evidence indicates that tracheostomy should be considered as potential AGMPs. Nasal endoscopy and nasal packing/epistaxis management can result in droplet transmission, but it is unknown if these procedures also carry the risk of airborne transmission.

Conclusions

During the COVID-19 pandemic, special care should be taken when CO2 lasers, electrocautery and high-speed rotating devices are used in potentially infected tissue. Tracheal procedures like tracheostomy and endotracheal suctioning can also result in airborne transmission via small virus containing aerosols.
A review of solvent action on oil paint
Authors: Baij Lambert , Hermans Joen , Ormsby Bronwyn , Noble Petria , Iedema Piet , Keune Katrien
Published: May 2020

The science of oil paint cleaning is an interdisciplinary and challenging field of study due to the complex nature of both paintings and cleaning materials. The topic requires an intimate and iterative collaboration between conservation scientists and paintings conservators. In such an interdisciplinary field, it can sometimes be difficult to interpret the practical applicability of the available literature. This review aims to bring both conservators and scientist up-to-date on the recent advances in the literature on oil paint cleaning and proposes a framework for experimental and theoretical investigations into solvent transport in oil paint. We define the physicochemical processes that occur simultaneously during cleaning as solvent action and investigate how these processes vary with the polymeric structure of the oil binding medium. The sections in this overview of the technical cleaning literature are divided into solubility, swelling and diffusion, leaching, solvent evaporation and retention and solvent-mediated chemical reactions. Models that have been used to predict varnish solubility or oil paint swelling, such as Teas chart, are critically reviewed from the perspective of the most recent developments in the various scientific disciplines involved. Technological developments in the field of modern materials for solvent- and water-based cleaning are also discussed. Finally, an outlook for the field of cleaning science is presented.
Investigating the longitudinal interrelationship between housework time and market earnings: disentangling between-person from within-person effects
Authors: Luo Meng Sha , Chui Ernest
Published: May 2020

The work-to-family hypothesis and the family-to-work hypothesis provide alternate explanations for the housework-earnings relationship. This study examines these competing theoretical perspectives and explores the longitudinal, cross-lagged relationship between housework time and market earnings. The data consist of five waves (2004–2015) of an ongoing open cohort study with 1827 married Chinese adults living in urban China. The random intercept cross-lagged panel model, which can separate stable, between-person differences from within-person processes, was applied. Overall, this study found that the bidirectional housework-earnings relationship mainly occurred at the between-person level: higher market earnings were related to less housework time. Few relationship was observed at the within-person level: over the 12-year investigation period from 2004 to 2015, women’s (but not men’s) within-person fluctuations in market earnings influenced their housework time 2 years later only from 2004 to 2006. Overall, this study partially lends support to the work-to-family hypothesis but fails to show evidence for the family-to-work hypothesis.
Evaluation of primary internal limiting membrane peeling in cases with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Abdullah Mohamed Esmail , Moharram Hossam Eldeen Mohammad , Abdelhalim Ahmed Shawkat , Mourad Khaled Mohamed , Abdelkader Mohamed Farouk
Published: May 2020

Background

Epiretinal membranes (ERMs) have been reported after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Peeling of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) can prevent post-PPV ERM formation but has a potential negative impact on macular structure and function.

Purpose

To investigate the anatomical and functional outcomes of ILM peeling during PPV for primary RRD.

Methods

This was a prospective nonrandomized study that included 60 eyes of 60 patients with a primary macula-off RRD and less than grade C proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Eyes were allocated into 2 groups; Group A underwent PPV without ILM peeling and Group B had ILM peeling. At postoperative month 6, all patients underwent retinal imaging using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography and macular function was assessed using multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG). Baseline characteristics and postoperative anatomical and visual outcomes were recorded and statistically analyzed.

Results

We enrolled 30 eyes of 30 patients in each group. In Group A, mean age was 44.6 years, while the mean age of Group B patients was 49.9 years. Postoperative LogMAR visual acuity was significantly better in Group A than in Group B (p < 0.001). ERMs were demonstrated on OCT in 13.3% of Group A and none of Group B patients (p = 0.04). Retinal dimples were found in 53.3% of Group B and none of Group A eyes (p < 0.001). OCTA showed a greater vessel density of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) in Group A compared to Group B eyes (p = 0.046), while no difference was found regarding deep capillary vessel density (p = 0.7). Mean amplitude of mfERG P1 wave was significantly higher in Group A eyes than in Group B (p = 0.002). Both the SCP vessel density and P1 amplitude were positively correlated with visual acuity (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study suggests that ILM peeling prevents ERM development in eyes undergoing PPV for uncomplicated macula-off RRD, but potential damage to macular structure and function were found.

Trial registration Retrospectively registered on 09/24/2019 on ClinicalTrials.gov with an ID of NCT04139811.
Diagnostic accuracy of cardiac MRI, FDG-PET, and myocardial biopsy for the diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Roth Dominik , Kadoglou Nikolaos , Leeflang Mariska , Spijker Rene , Herkner Harald , Trivella Marialena
Published: May 2020

Background

CS constitutes a rare but potentially underdiagnosed and fatal disease. Its diagnosis remains difficult owing to the infrequent and indistinguishable symptoms and the lack of formal diagnostic criteria dependent upon the diagnostic techniques used. Early diagnosis and treatment, however, may help to counter its poor prognosis.

We aim to characterize and compare the diagnostic accuracy of cardiac MRI, FDG-PET and myocardial biopsy for the diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis and to advance and compare methods for complex diagnostic test accuracy reviews and meta-analysis.

Methods

Following a systematic review on DTA studies on the aforementioned topic, a four-part approach to meta-analysis will be used: (1) direct comparison of index tests with clinical reference standard, (2) indirect comparison of index tests with clinical reference standard, (3) addition of an alternative test to that indirect comparison (4) and Bayesian meta-analysis using results of part 3 as informative prior for comparisons analogous to part 1 and 2.

Discussion

The most widely recognized diagnostic algorithm for cardiac sarcoidosis is considered out of date, as it precedes the introduction of imaging techniques in diagnostic pathways. These novel imaging techniques, like CMR and FDG-PET scan, have emerged as promising diagnostic tools which may fill the current diagnostic gap. Thus, a systematic review and evaluation of CS diagnosis are much needed. Such an attempt is anticipated to alter the current diagnostic guidelines for CS by shedding more light on the role of sophisticated imaging techniques on prompt CS therapy and follow-up.

Trial registration

PROSPERO,CRD42019047126
Patients’ perspectives of endometriosis-related fatigue: qualitative interviews
Authors: DiBenedetti Dana , Soliman Ahmed M. , Gupta Catherine , Surrey Eric S.
Published: May 2020

Background

Endometriosis-related fatigue is common and negatively impacts multiple areas of many women’s lives, particularly in day-to-day activities, social activities, physical activities, mood and emotions, relationships with family or partners, and work or school. Multiple studies have documented fatigue as a significant symptom of endometriosis. Additional research is needed to better understand endometriosis-related fatigue and its impacts on patients.

Methods

This qualitative study consisted of individual in-person semistructured interviews conducted with 22 adult females reporting moderate to severe endometriosis-related pain. Women with self-reported, surgically confirmed endometriosis and moderate to severe endometriosis-related pain were recruited from qualitative research firms in two locations in the United States. Qualified subjects participated in semistructured interviews that lasted approximately 45 min each. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed for qualitative analysis.

Results

All 22 participants reported experiencing fatigue related to their endometriosis. While the degree of severity of their endometriosis-related fatigue varied, 21 of the 22 participants stated that it was at least “somewhat bothersome.” Most participants noted an impact from endometriosis-related fatigue on day-to-day activities, social activities, physical activities, mood and emotions, relationships with family or partner, and work or school.

Conclusions

The data presented here indicate that endometriosis-related fatigue has a pervasive impact on the functioning of women living with this condition. Future studies should measure any changes in fatigue that may be associated with treatment for endometriosis.
Reference values for and interpretation of the Singapore Caregiver Quality of Life Scale: a quantile regression approach
Authors: Cheung Yin Bun , Neo Shirlyn H. S. , Yang Grace M. , Teo Irene , Lee Geok Ling , Qu Debra L. M. , Koh Audrey R. X. , Thumboo Julian , Wee Hwee Lin
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The Singapore Caregiver Quality of Life Scale (SCQOLS) was recently developed and validated in two languages - English and Chinese. The total and domain scores are scaled to range from 0 to 100. However, the scale is not at the interval-ratio level of measurement. To facilitate interpretation, we established the percentiles of the scale’s total and domain scores among family caregivers of patients with advanced cancers and demonstrate the effect size in terms of differences in relation to caregiver and patient characteristics.

Methods

Data were drawn from a cross-sectional survey of family caregivers of patients with stage III or IV solid cancers in Singapore. Quantile regression was used to estimate the percentiles in relation to caregiver and patient characteristics.

Results

Participants in adjacent categories of patient’s performance status and caregiver’s having other family members to share caregiving duties differed by 3 to 5 points in median quality of life total score and most domain scores (each Bonferroni-adjusted P, P[B], < 0.05). Ethnicity was associated with the Physical Well-being and Experience & Meaning domain scores (each P[B] < 0.05), with variable direction and magnitude. Education was associated with Mental Well-being and Financial Well-being (each P[B] < 0.05). Equations and examples for calculation of the percentiles are provided.

Conclusion

Percentiles and effect size estimates are provided to facilitate interpretation of the SCQOLS.
Succinate dehydrogenase SDH1–1 positively regulates cotton resistance to Verticillium dahliae through a salicylic acid pathway
Authors: ZHANG Xiangyue , FENG Zili , ZHAO Lihong , LIU Shichao , WEI Feng , SHI Yongqiang , FENG Hongjie , ZHU Heqin
Published: May 2020

Background

Verticillium wilt, caused by the soil-borne fungus of Verticillium dahliae Kleb., is one of the most devastating diseases of cotton. The complex mechanism underlying cotton resistance to Verticillium wilt remains uncharacterized. Identifying an endogenous resistance gene may be helpful to control this disease. Previous studies revealed that succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) is involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced stress signaling pathway that is likely to be triggered by salicylic acid (SA). Here, through the metabolomics and differential expression analyses in wilt-inoculated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), we noticed that GhSDH1–1 gene in cotton may play an important role in the resistance to V. dahlia. Then we reported GhSDH1–1 gene and its functional analysis in relation to the resistance of cotton to V. dahliae.

Results

The GhSDH1–1 gene in cotton root was significantly up-regulated after V. dahlia inoculation, and its expression level peaked at 12 and 24 h post-infection. SA can also induce the up-regulation of GhSDH1–1. Additionally, the functional analysis showed that GhSDH1–1-silenced cotton was more susceptible to V. dahliae than the control because of the significant decrease in abundance of immune-related molecules and severe damage to the SA-signaling pathway. In Arabidopsis thaliana, high expression of GhSDH1–1 conferred high resistance to V. dahliae. Arabidopsis that overexpressed GhSDH1–1 had higher resistance to V. dahliae infection compared with the wild-type.

Conclusions

Our findings provide new insights into the role of GhSDH1–1; it positively regulates cotton resistance to Verticillium wilt. The regulatory mechanism of GhSDH1–1 is closely related to SA-related signaling pathway.
Does electricity consumption impacting financial development? Wavelet analysis
Authors: Matar Ali
Published: May 2020

The current study analyzes the time–frequency dependencies between financial development (FD) and electrical power consumption (EPC) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries (Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Bahrain) during the period 1980–2017. The practical examination is based on the wavelet squared coherence that allows assessing the co-movement between the selected variables of FD and EPC. The main objective of this study is to investigate the short- and long-term dependencies between FD for the GCC countries and EPC to provide helpful insights to policy makers, investors, and government to show them if FD is influenced by EPC in GCC countries. Most of previous related studies have employed co-integration, causality, and panel data techniques. However, this study will be the first study that uses the wavelet coherence analysis to examine the relationship between EPC and FD. The results show periodic changes in the model of the co-movements especially after 2008 for all countries at comparatively high frequencies. Besides, the results indicate strength of co-movement varies by country. Such as a high degree of co-movement between the electrical power consumption and financial development in United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, while low co-movement with Kuwait and Bahrain. The result as well document a comprehensive change in electrical power consumption and financial development co-movement after 2008 at comparatively low frequencies especially in Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. The results of the current study provide prospective importance implications for policy makers in improving energy plans for GCC countries that redound to EPC depression policies whereas conserving financial development.
Enhancing the Quality of Hierarchic Relations in the National Cancer Institute Thesaurus to Enable Faceted Query of Cancer Registry Data
Authors: Cui Licong , Abeysinghe Rashmie , Zheng Fengbo , Tao Shiqiang , Zeng Ningzhou , Hands Isaac , Durbin Eric B. , Whiteman Lori , Remennik Lyubov , Sioutos Nicholas , Zhang Guo-Qiang
Published: May 2020

PURPOSE

To audit and improve the completeness of the hierarchic (or is-a) relations of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Thesaurus to support its role as a faceted system for querying cancer registry data.

METHODS

We performed quality auditing of the 19.01d version of the NCI Thesaurus. Our hybrid auditing method consisted of three main steps: computing nonlattice subgraphs, constructing lexical features for concepts in each subgraph, and performing subsumption reasoning with each subgraph to automatically suggest potentially missing is-a relations.

RESULTS

A total of 9,512 nonlattice subgraphs were obtained. Our method identified 925 potentially missing is-a relations in 441 nonlattice subgraphs; 72 of 176 reviewed samples were confirmed as valid missing is-a relations and have been incorporated in the newer versions of the NCI Thesaurus.

CONCLUSION

Autosuggested changes resulting from our auditing method can improve the structural organization of the NCI Thesaurus in supporting its new role for faceted query.
Effects of a Communication Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial to Enable Goals-of-Care Discussions
Authors: Bickell Nina A. , Back Anthony L. , Adelson Kerin , Gonsky Jason P. , Egorova Natalia , Pintova Sofya , Lin Jenny J. , Kozuch Peter , Bagiella Emilia , Smith Cardinale B.
Published: May 2020

PURPOSE:

Patients with advanced cancer often have a poor understanding of cancer incurability, which correlates with more aggressive treatment near the end of life (EOL). We sought to determine whether training oncologists to elicit patient values for goals-of-care (GoC) discussions will increase and improve these discussions. We explored its impact on use of aggressive care at EOL.

METHODS:

We enrolled and used block randomization to assign 92% of solid tumor oncologists to 2-hour communication skills training and four coaching sessions. We surveyed 265 patient with newly diagnosed advanced cancer with < 2-year life expectancy at baseline and 6 months. We assessed prevalence and quality of GoC communication, change in communication skills, and use of aggressive care in the last month of life.

RESULTS:

Intervention (INT) oncologists’ (n = 11) skill to elicit patient values increased (27%-55%), while usual care (UC) oncologists’ (n = 11) skill did not (9%-0%; P = .01). Forty-eight percent (n = 74) INT v 51% (n = 56) UC patients reported a GoC discussion ( P = .61). There was no difference in the prevalence or quality of GoC communication between groups (global odds ratio, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.57 to 1.23). Within 6 months, there was no difference in deaths (18 INT v 16 UC; P = .51), mean hospitalizations (0.47 INT v 0.42 UC; P = .63), intensive care unit admissions (5% INT v 9% UC; P = .65), or chemotherapy (26% INT v 16% UC; P = .39).

CONCLUSION:

Use of a coaching model focused on teaching oncologists to elicit patient values improved that skill but did not increase prevalence or quality of GoC discussions among patients with advanced cancer. There was no impact on high care utilization at EOL.
Unilateral Bilevel Erector Spinae Plane Catheters for Flail Chest: A Case Report
Authors: Liu Robert , Clark Laura , Bautista Alexander
Published: May 2020

Providing effective analgesia for acute rib fractures is crucial in avoiding pulmonary complications. Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is an alternative treatment option to neuraxial techniques. ESP blocks have demonstrated pain relief in patients with rib fractures. However, the utilization of unilateral bilevel ESP catheters has not been described. We present a case of unilateral bilevel ESP catheters placed in a patient with flail chest secondary to a motor vehicle accident.
Extracomunitario?
Authors: Keen Catherine
Published: May 2020

This essay uses Bruno Latour’s model of diplomacy from An Inquiry into the Modes of Existence (AIME), alongside the networks/worknets of actor-network theory, to discuss how the medieval Italian writers Brunetto Latini and Dante Alighieri explore experiences of political exile in their vernacular writings. It examines how the two authors reflect on the pluralities of language and community that connect them to readerships both at home and in exile, focusing especially on Brunetto’s Rettorica and Dante’s Convivio. The essay investigates Brunetto’s rhetorical doctrine and Dante’s models of vernacular knowledge sharing by drawing on AIME’s notion of the diplomat, whose measured speech helps “renegotiate the new frontiers of self and other.” It is especially concerned with the modes of engagement Latour labels as the beings of politics [POL], law [LAW], and fiction [FIC].
Sound and Vision
Authors: Campbell Emma
Published: May 2020

As moralized works of natural history that are simultaneously scientific and religious, medieval bestiaries combine the modes Bruno Latour terms reference [REF] and religion [REL]. Bestiaries challenge the dualisms Latour identifies as central features of Modern thinking: they foreground the mediated nature of the world, they ground their descriptions in textual traditions and religious doctrine rather than direct observation, and they represent nature as articulate rather than mute. Latour’s modes help us understand the multimodal nature of bestiaries in ways that refuse the Modern preconceptions that often determine the reception of these texts today. Bestiaries in turn expose certain Modern biases that persist in Latour’s modes of existence, most notably in the crossing of the referential and religious modes [REF•REL]. This essay explores the larger implications of this problem by focusing on the operations of the religious mode [REL] in medieval bestiaries—a mode that includes reference [REF] but does not cross with it as a separate mode. Latour’s dismantling of the Modern opposition between world and words invites a reassessment of how we conceptualize the agency of language in the modes of existence.
Bruno Latour and the Loving Assumptions of [REL]
Authors: Bernau Anke
Published: May 2020

In An Inquiry into the Modes of Existence, which addresses itself to the profound challenge of how to “compose” a common world in the Anthropocene, Bruno Latour proposes that the mode of religion [REL] offers a model for all the others—that of reprise. Emerging from the practice of biblical exegesis, reprise refers to an open-ended process of meaning making opposed to the rigid certainties of fundamentalism. [REL] also contributes a concept of radical transformation through love (“conversion”). For Latour, two events from the Virgin Mary’s life—the Annunciation and the Assumption—illustrate reprise and conversion, both of which are necessary in coming to terms with monogeism, the knowledge that there is only one world. This essay examines Latour’s proposed relationship between reprise and conversion through a consideration of late medieval Marian devotion. Focusing on vernacular accounts of Mary’s Assumption, it argues that reprise leads to violent as well as loving conversions; indeed, violence can proceed in the name of love. The essay concludes that composition, reprise, and conversion come together in ways that trouble late medieval accounts of the Assumption, the mode of religion, and life in the Anthropocene.
Binocular Vision
Authors: Guynn Noah D.
Published: May 2020

This essay deploys Bruno Latour’s An Inquiry into the Modes of Existence and Bert States’s Great Reckonings in Little Rooms to analyze the pyrotechnics used in mystery plays to symbolize supernatural truths. On the one hand, these effects cultivated aesthetic immersion, allowing audiences to perceive stage illusions as real. On the other hand, they drew attention to their own artfulness, inviting spectators to marvel at human achievement and contemplate the possibility of misfire. This paradox encapsulates the theological ambiguities of medieval religious theater, which asked spectators to suspend disbelief in the name of conversion even as they maintained skepticism about sacred simulacra. Latour’s metaphysics allows us to see how mystery plays deployed multiple modes of existence, each of which mediated the others but could not reduce or explain them. States’s theater phenomenology shows us how mystery plays used self-given realities like flame to shuttle between human and nonhuman standpoints. If Latour rejects phenomenology for its refusal to consider the agency of the nonhuman, States’s focus on reality as resistance offers an implicit retort. I propose a rapprochement by showing that theater phenomenologists and medieval effects masters are both willing to embrace the ontological work of nonhuman actants.
VAPYRIN-like is required for development of the moss Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Rathgeb Ursina , Chen Min , Buron Flavien , Feddermann Nadja , Schorderet Martine , Raisin Axelle , Häberli Gabrielle-Yasymi , Marc-Martin Sophie , Keller Jean , Delaux Pierre-Marc , Schaefer Didier G. , Reinhardt Didier
Published: May 2020

The VAPYRIN (VPY) gene in Medicago truncatula and Petunia hybrida is required for arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. The moss Physcomitrella patens has a close homolog (VPY-like, VPYL), although it does not form AM. Here, we explore the phylogeny of VPY and VPYL in land plants, and study the expression and developmental function of VPYL in P. patens. We show that VPYL is expressed primarily in the protonema, the early filamentous stage of moss development, and later in rhizoids arising from the leafy gametophores and in adult phyllids. Knockout mutants have specific phenotypes in branching of the protonema and in cell division of the leaves (phyllids) in gametophores. The mutants are responsive to auxin and strigolactone, which are involved in regulation of protonemal branching, indicating that hormonal signaling in the mutants is not affected in hormonal signaling. Taken together, these results suggest that VPYL exerts negative regulation of protonemal branching and cell division in phyllids. We discuss VPY and VPYL phylogeny and function in land plants in the context of AM symbiosis in angiosperms and development in the moss.
The FOXJ1 target Cfap206 is required for sperm motility, mucociliary clearance of the airways and brain development
Authors: Beckers Anja , Adis Christian , Schuster-Gossler Karin , Tveriakhina Lena , Ott Tim , Fuhl Franziska , Hegermann Jan , Boldt Karsten , Serth Katrin , Rachev Ev , Alten Leonie , Kremmer Elisabeth , Ueffing Marius , Blum Martin , Gossler Achim
Published: May 2020

Cilia are complex cellular protrusions consisting of hundreds of proteins. Defects in ciliary structure and function, many of which have not been characterised molecularly, cause ciliopathies, a heterogeneous group of human syndromes. Here we report on the FOXJ1 target gene Cfap206, orthologues of which so far have only been studied in Chlamydomonas and Tetrahymena. In mouse and Xenopus, Cfap206 was co-expressed with and dependent on Foxj1. CFAP206 protein localised to the basal body and to the axoneme of motile cilia. In Xenopus crispant larvae ciliary beat frequency of skin multiciliated cells was enhanced and bead transport across the epidermal mucociliary epithelium was reduced. Likewise, Cfap206 knockout mice revealed ciliary phenotypes. Electron tomography of immotile knockout mouse sperm flagella indicated a role in radial spokes formation reminiscent of FAP206 function in Tetrahymena. Male infertility, hydrocephalus and impaired mucociliary clearance of the airways in the absence of laterality defects in Cfap206 mutant mice suggests that Cfap206 may represent a candidate for the subgroup of human primary ciliary dyskinesia caused by radial spoke defects.