bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study the elastic properties and the anisotropy of rocks using different machine learning methods
Authors: Nguyen‐Sy Tuan , To Quy‐Dong , Vu Minh‐Ngoc , Nguyen The‐Duong , Nguyen Thoi‐Trung
Published: July 2020

This paper aims to demonstrate that the elastic stiffnesses and the anisotropic parameters of rocks can be accurately predicted from geophysical features such as the porosity, the density, the compression stress, the pore pressure and the burial depth using relevant machine learning methods. It also suggests that the extreme gradient boosting method is the best method for this purpose. It is more accurate, extremely faster to train and more robust than the artificial neural networks and the support vector machine methods. Very high R‐squared scores was obtained for the predicted elastic stiffnesses of a relevant dataset that is available in the literature. This dataset contains different types of rocks, and the values of the features are in large ranges. An optimal set of parameters was obtained by considering an appropriate sensitivity analysis. The optimized model is very easy to implement in Python for practical applications.
Evaluating an emergency department‐based mental health liaison nurse service: A multi‐site translational research project
Authors: Wand Timothy , Collett Gemma , Cutten Alexa , Stack Amanda , Dinh Michael , Bein Kendal , Green Timothy , Berendsen Russell Saartje , Edwards James , White Kathryn
Published: July 2020

Objective

We aimed to translate and evaluate a model of mental health liaison nursing (MHLN) care that was embedded within EDs.

Methods

The 12 month mixed‐methods translational research study incorporated descriptive data on ED presentations, waiting times for MHLN intervention, time spent in ED and discharge arrangements across three EDs in New South Wales. The study involved an inner‐city ED (where the model was first established) and two rural sites. Surveys were conducted on a subset of ED patients (n = 58), and emergency and psychiatry staff (n = 52).

Results

Triage category 3 presentations accounted for 49% of the MHLN team workload. Response times and ED length of stay varied between city and rural sites, with rural sites demonstrating prompt response times and reduced ED length of stay. The model was strongly endorsed by patients and staff, with 95% of staff and 85% of patients across the three sites recommending the model be implemented in other emergency settings. The need for adequate resources to maintain designated levels of staffing and sustain this model of care was highlighted.

Conclusion

Findings from the present study indicate that a model of ED‐based MHLN care developed in a metropolitan setting was successfully translated to two rural sites. However, the model needs to adhere to certain key principles, and be adequately resourced in order to be sustainable and improve outcomes for ED patients and access to community care.
Caring soils for sustainable land uses
Authors: Ramos Juan‐Luis , Lansac Rocio
Published: July 2020

The aim of the article is to develop and explore the idea that soil health is an essential element in combating climate change and promoting food security. An important aspect of this is that soil, rather than simply serving to support plants and as a niche for animals and microbes, also functions as a natural reactor that, through a series of chemical and biological reactions, purifies water, replenish aquifers and maintains equilibria in surface waters. This topic is particularly timely given the recent announcement of the Mission program for Health of Soils by the European Commission. Within this realm, the article intends to catalyze and promote the debate around what defines sustainable agriculture in order to help shape its future.
Five‐year follow‐up observation of interventional therapy for lower extremity vascular disease in type 2 diabetes and analysis of risk factors for restenosis
Authors: Ding Hai‐Xia , Ma Hong‐Fang , Xing Na , Hou Lin , Zhou Chao‐Xi , Du Ya‐Ping , Wang Fu‐Jun
Published: July 2020

Background

The high incidence of type 2 diabetes, the low rate of compliance, and the complex mechanism of vascular disease caused by diabetes make its complications increase year by year. Our study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of lower extremity vascular diseases in type 2 diabetes and evaluate the long‐term efficacy of vascular intervention for these diseases.

Methods

From 2007 to 2014, 362 patients who underwent vascular intervention in our hospital due to lower extremity vascular diseases in type 2 diabetes were followed up for 5 years and their clinical characteristics were analyzed in this retrospective study.

Results

Compared with those before treatment, the values of blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride Ester (TG), and low density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) of patients were significantly lower 5 years after intervention (P < 0.01). We found that the levels of fibrinogen, blood glucose, HbA1c, TC, TG, LDL‐C, and small dense low‐density lipoprotein (sdLDL) in the vascular restenosis group were significantly higher than those in the vascular patency group (P < 0.001), whereas the level of HDL‐C in the vascular restenosis group was significantly lower compared with the vascular patency group.

Conclusions

Vascular intervention can significantly improve a series of biochemical indicators in patients with lower extremity vascular diseases caused by type 2 diabetes. Postoperative restenosis may be related to hypertension, duration of diabetes, rate of inferior knee disease, fibrinogen, and sdLDL. Good survival and limb salvage were achieved in the patients in this series with interventions and medical treatment provided by endocrinologists.
Fos‐expressing neuronal ensemble in rat ventromedial prefrontal cortex encodes cocaine seeking but not food seeking in rats
Authors: Kane Louisa , Venniro Marco , Quintana‐Feliciano Richard , Madangopal Rajtarun , Rubio F. Javier , Bossert Jennifer M. , Caprioli Daniele , Shaham Yavin , Hope Bruce T. , Warren Brandon L.
Published: July 2020

Neuronal ensembles in ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) play a role in both cocaine and palatable food seeking. However, it is unknown whether similar or different vmPFC neuronal ensembles mediate food and cocaine seeking. Here, we used the Daun02 inactivation procedure to assess whether the neuronal ensembles mediating food and cocaine seeking can be functionally distinguished. We trained male and female Fos‐LacZ rats to self‐administer palatable food pellets and cocaine on alternating days for 18 days. We then exposed the rats to a brief nonreinforced food‐ or cocaine‐seeking test to induce Fos and β‐gal in neuronal ensembles associated with food or cocaine seeking, respectively and infused Daun02 into vmPFC to ablate the β‐gal‐expressing ensembles. Two days later, we tested the rats for food or cocaine seeking under extinction conditions. Although inactivation of the food‐seeking ensemble did not influence food or cocaine seeking, inactivation of the cocaine‐seeking ensemble reduced cocaine seeking but not food seeking. Results indicate that the neuronal ensemble activated by cocaine seeking in vmPFC is functionally separate from the ensemble activated by food seeking.
Suburban Practices of Energy Descent
Authors: Alexander Samuel , Gleeson Brendan
Published: July 2020

This article proceeds on the basis that the cost of energy will rise in coming years and decades as the age of fossil energy abundance comes to an end. Given the close connection between energy and economic activity, we also assume that declining energy availability and affordability will lead to economic contraction and reduced material affluence. In overconsuming and overdeveloped nations, such resource and energy “degrowth” is desirable and necessary from a sustainability perspective, provided it is planned for and managed in ways consistent with basic principles of distributive equity. Working within that degrowth paradigm, we examine how scarcer and more expensive energy may impact the suburban way of life and how households might prepare for this very plausible, but challenging, energy descent future. The article examines energy demand management in suburbia and how the limited energy needed to provide for essential household services can best be secured in an era of expensive energy and climate instability. After reviewing various energy practices, we also highlight a need for an ethos of sufficiency, moderation, and radical frugality, which we argue is essential for building resilience in the face of forthcoming energy challenges and a harsher climate.
Investigation of the outcome of pregnancies complicated by increased fetal movements and their relation to underlying causes – A prospective cohort study
Authors: Sharp Imogen , Adeyeye Temidayo , Peacock Linda , Mahdi Amy , Farrant Kimberley , Sharp Andrew N. , Greenwood Susan L. , Heazell Alexander E. P.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Retrospective studies have reported an association between a single episode of significantly increased fetal movements (IFMs) and stillbirth after 28 weeks’ gestation. This prospective study aimed to report the outcome of pregnancies associated with maternal perception of IFMs and determine whether this symptom is associated with adverse pregnancy outcome, a pathological intrauterine environment or placental dysfunction.

Material and methods

Women reporting IFMs after 28 weeks’ gestation were recruited from St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester and Liverpool Women’s Hospital, UK, between 1 November 2017 and 1 May 2019. Demographic and clinical information were obtained and an ultrasound scan was performed to assess fetal biometry, liquor volume and umbilical artery Doppler. Maternal serum samples were collected for analysis of placentally derived biomarkers using ELISA. After delivery, maternal and fetal outcome data were collected and placentas and umbilical cord blood were obtained for analysis using immunohistochemistry and ELISA, respectively. Placental and serum samples were matched by gestation and maternal characteristics to participants with normal fetal activity.

Results

Seventy‐seven women presented with IFM, representing 0.45% of the maternity population; 64 women consented to participate in the study, of which 7 (10.9%) experienced adverse pregnancy outcome: birthweight <3rd centile, 2 (3.1%); pH ≤7.10, 1 (1.6%); neonatal intensive care unit admission, 4 (6.3%). Women had IFM for varying lengths of time before presenting: 17.2% had IFM for less than 1 hour and 29.7% reported IFM lasting longer than 24 hours. Four women (6.3%) had abnormalities of the fetal heart rate trace on assessment. Women with IFM had similar modes of birth to women giving birth in participating maternity units. There was no evidence of macroscopic placental or umbilical cord abnormalities, alterations in microscopic placental structure, placental endocrine dysfunction or intrauterine hypoxia or infection in women with IFM compared with controls.

Conclusions

This prospective study did not find evidence of an association between IFM and adverse pregnancy outcome. It also did not find evidence of underlying placental dysfunction, cord anomalies, intrauterine hypoxia or infection in pregnancies with IFM. Further work is required to determine the strength of association between IFM and adverse pregnancy outcome and its origins. At present, IFM cannot be used to identify fetuses at increased risk of adverse outcome.
Leucocyte ratios are biomarkers of mortality in patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis and acute‐on‐chronic liver failure
Authors: Bernsmeier Christine , Cavazza Anna , Fatourou Evangelia M. , Theocharidou Eleni , Akintimehin Abisoye , Baumgartner Benjamin , Dhar Ameet , Auzinger Georg , Thursz Mark , Bernal William , Wendon Julia A. , Karvellas Constantine J. , Antoniades Charalambos G. , McPhail Mark J. W.
Published: July 2020

Background

In patients with cirrhosis, progression to acute decompensation (AD) and acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) has been associated with poor prognosis. Differential leucocyte ratios might predict mortality in systemic inflammatory conditions.

Aim

To evaluate differential leucocyte ratios as prognostic biomarkers in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

Patients with AD and ACLF were recruited from four centres in three countries. Peripheral blood differential leucocytes were measured (three centres using flow cytometry) on hospital admission and at 48 hours. Ratios were correlated to model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD), chronic liver failure‐sequential organ failure (CLIF‐SOFA), suspected/culture‐positive bacterial infection and survival.

Results

Nine hundred twenty‐six patients (562 (61%) male, median age 55 (25‐94) years) were studied. Overall, 350 (37%) did not survive to hospital discharge. Neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and monocyte‐lymphocyte ratio (MLR) were elevated in patients with AD and ACLF who died during their hospital stay. On multivariate analysis NLR retained statistical significance independently of CLIF‐SOFA or MELD. NLR >30 was associated with an 80% 90‐day mortality in patients with ACLF but not AD. On sensitivity analysis for subgroups (alcohol‐related liver disease and suspected sepsis), NLR and MLR retained statistically robust accuracy for the prediction of mortality. Significant predictive accuracy was only observed in centres using flow cytometry.

Conclusion

Leucocyte ratios are simple and robust biomarkers of outcome in ACLF, which are comparable to CLIF‐SOFA score but dependent on leucocyte quantification method. NLR and MLR may be used as screening tools for mortality prediction in patients with acutely deteriorating cirrhosis.
Seasonal variations in the concentration of antimicrobial components in milk of dairy cows
Authors: Suzuki Naoki , Yuliza Purba Fika , Hayashi Yoshiaki , Nii Takahiro , Yoshimura Yukinori , Isobe Naoki
Published: July 2020

The incidence of bovine mastitis and the bulk milk somatic cell count (BMSCC) are influenced by season, which may be associated with innate immune functions, including antimicrobial components in mammary glands. Therefore, the present study was conducted to examine the effect of season on antimicrobial components in milk. Rectal temperature and plasma cortisol, thyroxine, and derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d‐ROMs) were measured as stress parameters. Concentrations of lactoferrin (LF), lingual antimicrobial peptide (LAP), psoriasin (S100A7), and Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in milk were measured as indicators of innate immune function. LF and LAP concentrations were significantly lower in summer than in winter and spring, respectively, whereas the concentration of S100A7 was significantly lower in winter than in spring and autumn. The rectal temperature was significantly higher in summer than in other seasons, whereas plasma cortisol, thyroxine, and d‐ROMs did not exhibit any seasonal variation. In conclusion, even though stress parameters were not changed, the concentration of antimicrobial components, such as LF and LAP, decreased in summer, which may explain the frequent occurrence of mastitis during this season.
Compositional knockoff filter for high‐dimensional regression analysis of microbiome data
Authors: Srinivasan Arun , Xue Lingzhou , Zhan Xiang
Published: July 2020

A critical task in microbiome data analysis is to explore the association between a scalar response of interest and a large number of microbial taxa that are summarized as compositional data at different taxonomic levels. Motivated by fine‐mapping of the microbiome, we propose a two‐step compositional knockoff filter to provide the effective finite‐sample false discovery rate (FDR) control in high‐dimensional linear log‐contrast regression analysis of microbiome compositional data. In the first step, we propose a new compositional screening procedure to remove insignificant microbial taxa while retaining the essential sum‐to‐zero constraint. In the second step, we extend the knockoff filter to identify the significant microbial taxa in the sparse regression model for compositional data. Thereby, a subset of the microbes is selected from the high‐dimensional microbial taxa as related to the response under a prespecified FDR threshold. We study the theoretical properties of the proposed two‐step procedure, including both sure screening and effective false discovery control. We demonstrate these properties in numerical simulation studies to compare our methods to some existing ones and show power gain of the new method while controlling the nominal FDR. The potential usefulness of the proposed method is also illustrated with application to an inflammatory bowel disease data set to identify microbial taxa that influence host gene expressions.
Joint penalized spline modeling of multivariate longitudinal data, with application to HIV‐1 RNA load levels and CD4 cell counts
Authors: Zhao Lihui , Chen Tom , Novitsky Vladimir , Wang Rui
Published: July 2020

Motivated by the need to jointly model the longitudinal trajectories of HIV viral load levels and CD4 counts during the primary infection stage, we propose a joint penalized spline modeling approach that can be used to model the repeated measurements from multiple biomarkers of various types (eg, continuous, binary) simultaneously. This approach allows for flexible trajectories for each marker, accounts for potentially time‐varying correlation between markers, and is robust to misspecification of knots. Despite its advantages, the application of multivariate penalized spline models, especially when biomarkers may be of different data types, has been limited in part due to its seemingly complexity in implementation. To overcome this, we describe a procedure that transforms the multivariate setting to the univariate one, and then makes use of the generalized linear mixed effect model representation of a penalized spline model to facilitate its implementation with standard statistical software. We performed simulation studies to evaluate the validity and efficiency through joint modeling of correlated biomarkers measured longitudinally compared to the univariate modeling approach. We applied this modeling approach to longitudinal HIV‐1 RNA load and CD4 count data from Southern African cohorts to estimate features of the joint distributions such as the correlation and the proportion of subjects with high viral load levels and high CD4 cell counts over time.
Facilitating knowledge construction in mobile learning contexts: A bi‐directional peer‐assessment approach
Authors: Hwang Gwo‐Jen , Chang Shao‐Chen
Published: July 2020

With the advancements in technology networks, mobile learning has been extensively applied in teaching contexts, enabling closer interaction between students and authentic environments. Previous studies have indicated that, when learning in real‐world contexts, students need to interact with real learning targets and peers as well as the digital learning content; thus, effective learning strategies or tools are generally required for helping them organize knowledge and for promoting peer interactions. As a result, the present study developed a bi‐directional peer‐assessment‐based concept mapping system, which not only engages students in assessing peers’ concept maps, but also encourages them to evaluate or respond to peers’ ratings and comments. To explore the effectiveness of this learning system, the study conducted an experiment in elementary science classes. A total of 101 fifth graders from four classes were recruited to participate in the study. Two classes were assigned to the experimental group and two to the control group. The experimental group adopted the bi‐directional peer‐assessment approach, while the control group adopted the conventional peer assessment approach for concept mapping. The results reveal that the bi‐directional peer‐assessment‐based concept mapping system can not only increase students’ learning achievement and the completeness of their concept mapping, but can also enhance their critical thinking tendency and the feedback quality of their peer assessment.
Automatic assessment of cognitive and emotional states in virtual reality‐based flexibility training for four adolescents with autism
Authors: Moon Jewoong , Ke Fengfeng , Sokolikj Zlatko
Published: July 2020

Tracking students’ learning states to provide tailored learner support is a critical element of an adaptive learning system. This study explores how an automatic assessment is capable of tracking learners’ cognitive and emotional states during virtual reality (VR)‐based representational‐flexibility training. This VR‐based training program aims to promote the flexibility of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in interpreting, selecting and creating multimodal representations during STEM‐related design problem solving. For the automatic assessment, we used both natural language processing (NLP) and machine‐learning techniques to develop a multi‐label classification model. We then trained the model with the data from a total of audio‐ and video‐recorded 66 training sessions of four adolescents with ASD. To validate the model, we implemented both k‐fold cross‐validations and the manual evaluations by expert reviewers. The study finding suggests the feasibility of implementing the NLP and machine‐learning driven automatic assessment to track and assess the cognitive and emotional states of individuals with ASD during VR‐based flexibility training. The study finding also denotes the importance and viability of providing adaptive supports to maintain learners’ cognitive and affective engagement in a highly interactive digital learning environment.
Conversion of Andean montane forests into plantations: Effects on soil characteristics, microorganisms, and microarthropods
Authors: Marian Franca , Ramírez Castillo Pablo , Iñiguez Armijos Carlos , Günter Sven , Maraun Mark , Scheu Stefan
Published: July 2020

Tropical montane forests in the Andes are subjected to deforestation and subsequent transformation into pastures. Abandoned pastures are frequently reforested by planting monoculture timber plantations, resulting in reduced aboveground diversity and changes in soil characteristics compared to primary forests. In this study, we evaluated differences in soil properties (litter layer thickness, pH, water content, and C‐to‐N ratio) between degraded primary montane forest and monoculture pine (Pinus patula)and alder (Alnus acuminata)plantations and their effects on density, diversity, and community structure of litter and soil‐living mesofauna, with focus on oribatid mites (Acariformes). The study was performed in a montane region in the southern Ecuadorian Andes (2,000–2,600 m a.s.l.). C‐to‐N ratios in the litter and upper 5 cm soil layer were higher in pine plantations, while other soil characteristics were similar between vegetation types. Surprisingly, microbial biomass and density of soil mesofauna in the litter layer did not differ between vegetation types, while density and species richness of oribatid mites were higher in pine plantations. Community structure of oribatid mites differed between vegetation types with only a few species overlapping. The results indicate that quality and diversity of litter were not the major factors regulating the mesofauna community. Instead, soil animals benefited from increased habitat structure in thicker litter layers and potentially increased availability of root‐derived resources. Overall, the results suggest that from a soil animal perspective, monoculture plantations are less detrimental than commonly assumed and enrichment of abandoned plantations with native tree species may help to restore tropical montane forests.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Dental anxiety and caries experience from late childhood through adolescence to early adulthood
Authors: Wong Hai Ming , Peng Si‐Min , Perfecto Antonio , McGrath Colman P. J.
Published: July 2020

Objective

To assess the association between dental anxiety and caries experience from late childhood through adolescence and into early adulthood (12, 15 and 18 years old, respectively).

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted among a population‐representative sample of Chinese in Hong Kong. A baseline survey was conducted at age 12 and follow‐up assessments were completed at ages 15 and 18. Caries experience was assessed as the number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT). Dental anxiety was assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). Participants’ socio‐economic status and oral health‐related behaviours were ascertained using a self‐complete questionnaire. Negative binomial regression was used to explore the association between dental anxiety and subsequent caries status, controlling for other factors.

Results

At baseline, 668 children participated; 279 (41.8%, comprising 57.0% females) completed all three phases of data collection. MDAS scores at age 18 were lower than at age 12. Caries experience increased as participants aged. At age 15 and 18, females had higher MDAS and DMFT scores than males. Reported frequency of snacking between meals was associated with MDAS scores at age 18. In regression analyses, dental anxiety at age 12 was not significantly associated with dental caries experience at age 15, controlling for socio‐demographic and oral‐health behaviour factors at age 12. Likewise, dental anxiety at age 15 was not significantly associated with dental caries experience at age 18, controlling for the same factors at age 15.

Conclusion

Dental anxiety assessed by MDAS in late childhood and adolescence appears not to predict dental caries experience later in life in this population.
COVID‐19 and diabetes: Insulin requirements parallel illness severity in critically unwell patients
Authors: Wu Linda , Girgis Christian M. , Cheung Ngai Wah
Published: July 2020

Objective

In the light of increased adverse outcomes for people with diabetes affected by COVID‐19, we have described the clinical course of a cohort of critically ill patients with COVID‐19 and diabetes.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed characteristics, glucometrics and inflammatory markers of patients with diabetes mellitus admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) with COVID‐19.

Results

Eight patients with diabetes were admitted to ICU with COVID‐19. All had type 2 diabetes, with three being newly diagnosed that admission. Mean HbA1c was 9.2%. Glucometric analysis indicated that extremely high insulin doses were required during peak inflammatory response to maintain glycaemic control with a mean peak insulin requirement of 201 units per day (2.2 units/kg/day).

Conclusions

Critically unwell patients with diabetes mellitus and COVID‐19 had high insulin requirements and poorer time in target range at the time of peak inflammatory response, and this improved as their illness resolved.
COG6‐CDG: Expanding the phenotype with emphasis on glycosylation defects involved in the causation of male disorders of sex development
Authors: Mandel Hanna , Cohen Kfir Nehama , Fedida Ayalla , Shuster Biton Efrat , Odeh Marwan , Kalfon Limor , Ben‐Harouch Shani , Fleischer Sheffer Vered , Hoffman Yoav , Goldberg Yael , Dinwiddie April , Dumin Elena , Eran Ayelet , Apel‐Sarid Liat , Tiosano Dov , Falik‐Zaccai Tzipora C.
Published: July 2020

COG6‐congenital disorder of glycosylation (COG6‐CDG) is caused by biallelic mutations in COG6. To‐date, 12 variants causing COG6‐CDG in less than 20 patients have been reported. Using whole exome sequencing we identified two siblings with a novel homozygous deletion of 26 bp in COG6, creating a splicing variant (c.518_540 + 3del) and a shift in the reading frame. The phenotype of COG6‐CDG includes growth and developmental retardation, microcephaly, liver and gastrointestinal disease, hypohydrosis and recurrent infections. We report two patients with novel phenotypic features including bowel malrotation and ambiguous genitalia, directing attention to the role of glycoprotein metabolism in the causation of disorders of sex development (DSD). Searching the glycomic literature, we identified 14 CDGs including males with DSD, a feature not previously accentuated. This study broadens the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of COG6‐CDG and calls for increasing awareness to the central role of glycosylation processes in development of human sex and genitalia.
Optimizing omentoplasty for management of chronic pelvic sepsis by intra‐operative fluorescence angiography: a comparative cohort study
Authors: Slooter M. D. , Blok R. D. , de Krom M. A. , Buskens C. J. , Bemelman W. A. , Tanis P. J. , Hompes R.
Published: July 2020

Aim

Pelviperineal wound complications frequently occur after salvage surgery for chronic pelvic sepsis despite using an omentoplasty. Sufficient perfusion of the omentoplasty following mobilization is essential for proper healing. This study investigated the impact on short‐term clinical outcomes of fluorescence angiography (FA) using indocyanine green for assessment of omental perfusion in patients undergoing salvage surgery.

Method

This was a comparative cohort study including consecutive patients who underwent combined abdominal and transanal minimally invasive salvage surgery with omentoplasty at a national referral centre for chronic pelvic sepsis between December 2014 and August 2019. The historical and interventional cohorts were defined based on the date of introduction of FA in April 2018. The primary outcome was pelviperineal non‐healing, defined by the presence of any degree of pelviperineal infection at the final postoperative evaluation.

Results

Eighty‐eight patients underwent salvage surgery with omentoplasty for chronic pelvic sepsis, of whom 52 did not have FA and 36 did have FA. The underlying primary disease was Crohn's disease (n = 50) or rectal cancer (n = 38), with even distribution among the cohorts (P = 0.811). FA led to a change in management in 28/36 (78%) patients. After a median of 89 days, pelviperineal non‐healing was observed in 22/52 (42%) patients in the cohort without FA and in 8/36 (22%) patients in the cohort with FA (P = 0.051). Omental necrosis was found during reoperation in 3/52 and 0/36 patients, respectively (P = 0.266).

Conclusion

After introduction of FA to assess perfusion of the omentoplasty, halving of the pelviperineal non‐healing rate was observed in patients undergoing salvage surgery for chronic pelvic sepsis.
Motivating role of type H vessels in bone regeneration
Authors: Zhang Jiankang , Pan Jian , Jing Wei
Published: July 2020

Coupling between angiogenesis and osteogenesis has an important role in both normal bone injury repair and successful application of tissue‐engineered bone for bone defect repair. Type H blood vessels are specialized microvascular components that are closely related to the speed of bone healing. Interactions between type H endothelial cells and osteoblasts, and high expression of CD31 and EMCN render the environment surrounding these blood vessels rich in factors conducive to osteogenesis and promote the coupling of angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Type H vessels are mainly distributed in the metaphysis of bone and densely surrounded by Runx2+ and Osterix+ osteoprogenitors. Several other factors, including hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α, Notch, platelet‐derived growth factor type BB, and slit guidance ligand 3 are involved in the coupling of type H vessel formation and osteogenesis. In this review, we summarize the identification and distribution of type H vessels and describe the mechanism for type H vessel‐mediated modulation of osteogenesis. Type H vessels provide new insights for detection of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie the crosstalk between angiogenesis and osteogenesis. As a result, more feasible therapeutic approaches for treatment of bone defects by targeting type H vessels may be applied in the future.
Effects of exercise programmes on pain, disease activity and function in ankylosing spondylitis: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Hu Xinmiao , Chen Jialing , Tang Wenjuan , Chen Wenjian , Sang Yan , Jia Lina
Published: July 2020

Background

To evaluate the effects of exercise programmes on pain, function and disease activity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Materials and methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, CNKI and Wanfang from inception to February 2020. Randomized controlled trials comparing exercises with nonexercise interventions in AS patients were applied. Studies that assessed the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), C‐reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were included. Outcomes of home‐based exercise intervention were also reported independently.

Results

Ten studies met the inclusion criteria in all, including 534 patients (278 exercise, 256 control). Compared with the nonexercise group, exercise group had statistically significant improvements in pain (weighted mean difference [WMD]: −1.02 [95% CI: −1.50 to −0.55]) (I2: 31%, P <.0001), BASDAI (WMD: −0.85 [95% CI: −1.09 to −0.61]) (I2: 20%, P <.00001), and BASFI (WMD: −0.66 [95% CI: −0.95 to −0.38]) (I2: 0%, P <.00001), but not in CRP and ESR. What's more, home‐based exercise programmes had positive impacts on BASFI, BASDAI and pain.

Conclusions

For patients with AS, exercise programmes improve pain, function and disease activity. To confirm the results, more well‐designed randomized controlled trials with large number of patients are required.
Past, Present and Future of Home video‐electroencephalographic telemetry: A review of the development of in‐home video‐electroencephalographic recordings
Authors: Brunnhuber Franz , Slater Jeremy , Goyal Sushma , Amin Devyani , Thorvardsson Gardar , Freestone Dean R. , Richardson Mark P.
Published: July 2020

Video‐electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring is an essential tool in epileptology, conventionally carried out in a hospital epilepsy monitoring unit. Due to high costs and long waiting times for hospital admission, coupled with technological advances, several centers have developed and implemented video‐EEG monitoring in the patient's home (home video‐EEG telemetry [HVET]). Here, we review the history and current status of three general approaches to HVET: (1) supervised HVET, which entails setting up video‐EEG in the patient's home with daily visiting technologist support; (2) mobile HVET (also termed ambulatory video‐EEG), which entails attaching electrodes in a health care facility, supplying the patient and carers with the hardware and instructions, and then asking the patient and carer to set up recording at home without technologist support; and (3) cloud‐based HVET, which adds to either of the previous models continuous streaming of video‐EEG from the home to the health care provider, with the option to review data in near real time, troubleshoot hardware remotely, and interact remotely with the patient. Our experience shows that HVET can be highly cost‐effective and is well received by patients. We note limitations related to long‐term electrode attachment and correct camera placing while the patient is unsupervised at home, and concerns related to regulations regarding data privacy for cloud services. We believe that HVET opens significant new opportunities for research, especially in the field of understanding the many influences in seizure occurrence. We speculate that in the future HVET may merge into innovative new multisensor approaches to continuously monitoring people with epilepsy.
Retrospective observational study on hospital readmission for status epilepticus in the United States over 2016
Authors: Amengual‐Gual Marta , Sánchez Fernández Iván , Vasquez Alejandra , Loddenkemper Tobias
Published: July 2020

Objective

Describe hospital readmission for status epilepticus (SE) in the United States, and study potential risk factors for readmission.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's 2016 Nationwide Readmissions Database. We studied patients of all ages admitted to the hospital due to SE.

Results

We included 32 327  patients admitted for SE in 2016. 8.4% of these patients were readmitted for SE at least one more time within 2016 (cross‐sectional analysis). The incidence rate was 18 readmissions for SE per 1000 patient‐months. Among the survivors of the index admission for SE who had at least 6 months of follow‐up within this database (16 043  patients), the cumulative probability of having a readmission for SE at 1, 3, and 6 months from the index admission was approximately 3.5%, 7.5%, and 11%, respectively (time‐to‐event analysis). Patients with refractory epilepsy were more likely to have a readmission for SE compared to patients without refractory epilepsy (hazard ratio [HR] 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23‐1.82, adjusted P =.0006), and pediatric patients were more likely to have a readmission for SE compared to adult patients (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.26‐1.87, adjusted P = .0003) during 6‐month follow‐up.

Significance

Hospital readmissions for SE in the United States are frequent. Independent factors associated with readmission in this database were refractory epilepsy and pediatric age.
Peri‐ictal hypoxia is related to extent of regional brain volume loss accompanying generalized tonic‐clonic seizures
Authors: Allen Luke A. , Harper Ronald M. , Vos Sjoerd B. , Scott Catherine A. , Lacuey Nuria , Vilella Laura , Winston Joel S. , Whatley Benjamin P. , Kumar Rajesh , Ogren Jennifer , Hampson Jaison S. , Rani Sandhya , Winston Gavin P. , Lemieux Louis , Lhatoo Samden D. , Diehl Beate
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Hypoxia, or abnormally low blood‐oxygen levels, often accompanies seizures and may elicit brain structural changes in people with epilepsy which contribute to central processes underlying sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The extent to which hypoxia may be related to brain structural alterations in this patient group remains unexplored.

Methods

We analyzed high‐resolution T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine brain morphometric and volumetric alterations in people with generalized tonic‐clonic seizures (GTCS) recorded during long‐term video‐electroencephalography (VEEG), recruited from two sites (n = 22), together with data from age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (n = 43). Subjects were sub‐divided into those with mild/moderate (GTCS‐hypox‐mild/moderate, n = 12) and severe (GTCS‐hypox‐severe, n = 10) hypoxia, measured by peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) during VEEG. Whole‐brain voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and regional volumetry were used to assess group comparisons and correlations between brain structural measurements as well as the duration and extent of hypoxia during GTCS.

Results

Morphometric and volumetric alterations appeared in association with peri‐GTCS hypoxia, including volume loss in the periaqueductal gray (PAG), thalamus, hypothalamus, vermis, cerebellum, parabrachial pons, and medulla. Thalamic and PAG volume was significantly reduced in GTCS patients with severe hypoxia compared with GTCS patients with mild/moderate hypoxia. Brainstem volume loss appeared in both hypoxia groups, although it was more extensive in those with severe hypoxia. Significant negative partial correlations emerged between thalamic and hippocampal volume and extent of hypoxia, whereas vermis and accumbens volumes declined with increasing hypoxia duration.

Significance

Brain structural alterations in patients with GTCS are related to the extent of hypoxia in brain sites that serve vital functions. Although the changes are associative only, they provide evidence of injury to regulatory brain sites related to respiratory manifestations of seizures.
COMMEMORATIONS AND NATIONAL IDENTITY: THE 1967 CENTENARY OF KÄTHE KOLLWITZ IN THE GDR
Authors: Zell David J.
Published: July 2020

The article examines how the political capital of cultural anniversaries may promote national identity in an authoritarian state. It investigates whether the 1967 centenary of Käthe Kollwitz (1867–1945) helped the GDR to build a distinct national identity in common with the aims of similar commemorations in the GDR. The twin themes of demarcation from the FRG and appropriation of the German cultural heritage dominated the ideological framework for commemorations throughout GDR history. Primary sources on both sides of the Cold War appear to have accepted the work and life of Kollwitz as essentially linked to the GDR. This reduced the need for the GDR authorities to amplify this framework when planning events. Yet a closer analysis of how she was portrayed reveals discrepancies between the theory and practice of this commemoration. The article examines two types of anniversary activity. Firstly, a film in which various narratives proposing a politicised construct of Kollwitz as an anti‐fascist, communist, and pacifist appear to conflict with a domesticated paradigm of Kollwitz as ‘grieving mother’. Secondly, an anniversary exhibition that concentrates rather on framing the narrative of ‘Kämpferin für das Proletariat’. Despite these inconsistencies, Kollwitz's position as an existing socialist role model who contributed to the construct of GDR national identity was confirmed by the commemoration rather than noticeably strengthened.
Intracellular dynamics of polydnavirus innexin homologues
Authors: Hasegawa D. K. , Zhang P. , Turnbull M. W.
Published: July 2020

Polydnaviruses associated with ichneumonid parasitoid wasps (Ichnoviruses) encode large numbers of genes, often in multigene families. The Ichnovirus Vinnexin gene family, which is expressed in parasitized lepidopteran larvae, encodes homologues of Innexins, the structural components of insect gap junctions. Here, we have examined intracellular behaviours of the Campoletis sonorensis Ichnovirus (CsIV) Vinnexins, alone and in combination with a host Innexin orthologue, Innexin2 (Inx2). QRT‐PCR verified that transcription of CsIV vinnexins occurs contemporaneously with inx2, implying co‐occurrence of Vinnexin and Inx2 proteins. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that epitope‐tagged VinnexinG (VnxG) and VinnexinQ2 (VnxQ2) exhibit similar subcellular localization as Spodoptera frugiperda Inx2 (Sf‐Inx2). Surface biotinylation assays verified that all three proteins localize to the cell surface, and cytochalasin B and nocodazole that they rely on actin and microtubule cytoskeletal networks for localization. Immunomicroscopy following co‐transfection of constructs indicates extensive co‐localization of Vinnexins with each other and Sf‐Inx2, and live‐cell imaging of mCherry‐labelled Inx2 supports that Vinnexins may affect Sf‐Inx2 distribution in a Vinnexin‐specific fashion. Our findings support that the Vinnexins may disrupt host cell physiology in a protein‐specific manner through altering gap junctional intercellular channel communication, as well as indirectly by affecting multicellular junction characteristics.
Sub‐epidermal moisture measurement: an evidence‐based approach to the assessment for early evidence of pressure ulcer presence
Authors: Budri Aglecia Moda Vitoriano , Moore Zena , Patton Declan , O'Connor Tom , Nugent Linda , Avsar Pinar
Published: July 2020

This paper aims to discuss the literature pertaining to early pressure‐shear induced tissue damage detection, with emphasis on sub‐epidermal moisture measurement (SEM). The current method for pressure detection is visual skin assessment (VSA); however, this method is fraught with challenges. Advances in early detection of pressure ulcers are reported in the literature and mainly involve measuring inflammation markers on weight‐bearing anatomical areas in order to capture the first signs of tissue damage. One novel technique currently in use is SEM measurement. This biophysical marker is the product of plasma that leaks as a response to local inflammation arising due to pressure‐shear induced damage over bony prominences. The early detection of tissue damage is beneficial in two different ways. First, it enables early intervention when the damage is still microscopic and reversible and, therefore, has the potential to prevent further aggravation of healthy surrounding tissue. This arises by avoiding the causation of the problem and stopping the knock‐on effect of inflammation, especially when the rapid pressure ulceration pathway of deformation is in place. Second, when the slow ischaemic‐reperfusion related mechanism is undergoing, cell death can be avoided when the problem is identified before the cell reaches the “death threshold,” completely averting a pressure ulcer.
Vertically Stacked 2H‐1T Dual‐Phase MoS2 Microstructures during Lithium Intercalation: A First Principles Study
Authors: Parida Shayani , Mishra Avanish , Chen Jie , Wang Jin , Dobley Arthur , Carter C. Barry , Dongare Avinash M.
Published: July 2020

Layered transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have shown promise to replace carbon‐based compounds as suitable anode materials for Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) owing to facile intercalation and de‐intercalation of lithium (Li) during charging and discharging, respectively. While the intercalation mechanism of Li in mono‐ and bi‐layer TMDs has’ been thoroughly examined, mechanistic understanding of Li intercalation‐induced phase transformation in bulk or films of TMDs is still largely unexplored. This study investigates possible scenarios during sequential Li intercalation and aims to gain a mechanistic understanding of the phase transformation in bulk MoS2 using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The manuscript examines the role of concentration and distribution of Li‐ions on the formation of dual‐phase 2H‐1T microstructures that have been observed experimentally. The study demonstrates that lithiation would proceed in a systematic layer‐by‐layer manner wherein Li‐ions diffuse into successive interlayer spacings to render local phase transformation of the adjacent MoS2 layers from 2H‐to‐1T phase in the multilayered MoS2. This local phase transition is attributed to partial ionization of Li and charge redistribution around the metal atoms and is followed by subsequent lattice straining. In addition, the stability of single‐phase vs. multiphase intercalated microstructures, and the origins of structural changes accompanying Li‐ion insertion are investigated at atomic scales.
SIRT2, a direct target of miR‐212‐5p, suppresses the proliferation and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Du Feng , Li Zhijun , Zhang Guohua , Shaoyan Si , Geng Dejun , Tao Zhougen , Qiu Kunhua , Liu Silei , Zhou Yu , Zhang Yichao , Gu Jianwen , Wang Gang , Li Lianyong , Wu Wei
Published: July 2020

The aberrant expression of human sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) has been detected in various types of cancer; however, the biological roles, underlying mechanisms and clinical significance of SIRT2 dysregulation in human colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. The results of this study demonstrate that compared with paired normal tissues, SIRT2 expression is significantly decreased in CRC tissues. SIRT2 loss has been correlated with clinicopathological characteristics, including distant metastasis, lymph node metastasis and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage; this loss serves as an independent factor that indicates a poor prognosis for patients with CRC. Further gain‐ and loss‐of‐function analyses have demonstrated that SIRT2 suppresses CRC cell proliferation and metastasis both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, miR‐212‐5p was identified to directly target the SIRT2 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR), leading to SIRT2 down‐regulation. The ectopic expression of SIRT2 reverses the effect of miR‐212‐5p overexpression on CRC cell colony formation, invasion, migration and proliferation. Clinically, an inverse correlation was found between miR‐212‐5p and SIRT2 expression. High miR‐212‐5p expression has been found to result in a poor prognosis and aggressive clinicopathological characteristics in patients with CRC. Taken together, these results suggest that SIRT2, targeted by miR‐212‐5p, acts as a tumour suppressor in CRC and that the miR‐212‐5p/SIRT2 axis is a promising prognostic factor and potential therapeutic target in CRC.