bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncovering the complete biodiversity structure in spatial networks: the example of riverine systems
Authors: Altermatt Florian , Little Chelsea J. , Mächler Elvira , Wang Shaopeng , Zhang Xiaowei , Blackman Rosetta C.
Published: January 2020

Uncovering biodiversity as an inherent feature of ecosystems and understanding its effects on ecosystem processes is one of the most central goals of ecology. Studying organisms’ occurrence and biodiversity patterns in natural ecosystems has spurred the discovery of foundational ecological rules, such as the species–area relationship, and is of general scientific interest. Recent global changes add relevance and urgency to understanding the occurrence and diversity of organisms, and their respective roles in ecosystem processes. While information on ecosystem properties and abiotic environmental conditions are now available at unprecedented, highly‐resolved spatial and temporal scales, the most fundamental variable – biodiversity itself – is still often studied in a local perspective, and generally not available at a wide taxonomic breadth, high temporal scale and spatial coverage. This is limiting the capacity and impact of ecology as a field of science. In this forum article, we propose that complete biodiversity assessments should be inclusive across taxonomic and functional groups, across space, and across time to better understand emergent properties, such as ecosystem functioning. We use riverine ecosystems as a case example because they are among the most biodiverse ecosystems worldwide, but are also highly threatened, such that an in‐depth understanding of these systems is critically needed. Furthermore, their inherent spatial structure requires a multiscale perspective and consideration of spatial autocorrelation structures commonly ignored in biodiversity–ecosystem functioning studies. We show how recent methodological advances in environmental DNA (eDNA) provide novel opportunities to uncover broad biodiversity and link it to ecosystem processes, with the potential to revolutionize ecology and biodiversity sciences. We then outline a roadmap for using this technique to assess biodiversity in a complete and inclusive manner. Our proposed approach will help to get an understanding of biodiversity and associated ecosystem processes at spatial scales relevant for landscape ecology and environmental managers.
Molecular mapping and identification of candidate gene conferring organophosphate‐sensitive reaction in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)
Authors: Kawahigashi Hiroyuki , Mizuno Hiroshi , Ando Tsuyu , Yonemaru Jun‐ichi , Kasuga Shigemitsu
Published: January 2020

Some sorghum cultivars are sensitive to organophosphate insecticides, which cause red to purple injury spots and, in severe cases, leaf death. Sensitivity to organophosphates is conditioned by a single locus on chromosome 5. We constructed a high‐density genetic map around the locus, termed osr, using DNA markers, and delimited osr to a 377‐kb region on the short arm of chromosome 5. Sequence analysis of this region predicted 19 gene candidates. Four of the candidates are homologous to a disease resistance NBS‐LRR gene. mRNA‐Seq analysis of gene expression and SNPs from two resistant cultivars (‘JN43’ and ‘Greenleaf’) and one sensitive cultivar (‘Nakei MS3B’) suggest that one or more members of this NBS‐LRR gene family are osr. Our results suggested that the recessive allele of osr results in sensitivity to OP insecticides.
Plasticity of Phymatotrichopsis omnivora infection strategies is dependent on host and nonhost plant responses
Authors: Kankanala Prasanna , Jones Piet , Nandety Raja Sekhar , Jacobson Daniel A. , Mysore Kirankumar S.
Published: January 2020

Necrotrophic fungi constitute the largest group of plant fungal pathogens that cause heavy crop losses worldwide. Phymatotrichopsis omnivora is a broad host, soil‐borne necrotrophic fungal pathogen that infects over 2,000 dicotyledonous plants. The molecular basis of such broad host range is unknown. We conducted cell biology and transcriptomic studies in Medicago truncatula (susceptible), Brachypodium distachyon (resistant/nonhost), and Arabidopsis thaliana (partially resistant) to understand P. omnivora virulence mechanisms. We performed defence gene analysis, gene enrichments, and correlational network studies during key infection stages. We identified that P. omnivora infects the susceptible plant as a traditional necrotroph. However, it infects the partially resistant plant as a hemi‐biotroph triggering salicylic acid‐mediated defence pathways in the plant. Further, the infection strategy in partially resistant plants is determined by the host responses during early infection stages. Mutant analyses in A. thaliana established the role of small peptides PEP1 and PEP2 in defence against P. omnivora. The resistant/nonhost B. distachyon triggered stress responses involving sugars and aromatic acids. Bdwat1 mutant analysis identified the role of cell walls in defence. This is the first report that describes the plasticity in infection strategies of P. omnivora providing insights into broad host range.
Sleep‐related rhythmic movement disorder: A case report of head banging alopecia
Authors: Oska Sandra , Zarbo Allison , Jahnke Marla N.
Published: January 2020

We present a case of alopecia associated with sleep‐related rhythmic movement disorder (RMD) in an otherwise healthy 2‐year‐old boy. The alopecic patch he presented with on his scalp coincided with the location of repeated head banging in a video taken by the patient's mother. Alopecia secondary to RMD is an under recognized entity and should be included in the differential diagnosis of pediatric alopecia.
Dissatisfaction with life and absence of leisure time activity: clues to overt depression and occult suicide risk in elderly individuals without significant disabling disease
Authors: Yilmaz Nuryil , Karaca Sanem Nemmezi
Published: January 2020

Background

Depression is a major public health problem in all ages. Besides other chronic physical diseases, it is one of the most common psychiatric disorders observed in the elderly. In this study, it was aimed to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and related factors and to draw attention to occult suicide probability in elderly people without significant disabling disease.

Methods

Individuals aged 65 and over, who were randomly selected from a family healthcare centre, were enrolled into the study. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used to assess prevalence of depression and Suicide Probability Scale (SPS) for risk of suicide.

Results

There were 323 elderly (F/M: 150/173). Mean age was 73.3 ± 6.1 years. The majority had chronic physical illnesses (77.7%). Mean GDS and SPS scores were 11.07 ± 4.6 and 62.91 ± 8.24, respectively. Prevalence of depression was 27.6%. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, living without a spouse (P = 0.047, Exp(B) = 1.744, 95% CI = 1.008–3.01), dissatisfaction with life (P ˂ 0.001, Exp(B) = 5.327, 95% CI = 3.02–9.36) and having no leisure time activity (P = 0.047, Exp(B) = 1.846, 95% CI = 1.009–3.37) were found to be the independent predictors of presence of depression, as indicated by GDS. In logistic regression analysis, dissatisfaction with life (P ˂ 0.001, Exp(B) = 2.631, 95% CI = 1.53–4.50) was found to be an independent predictor of high SPS scores.

Conclusion

In elderly individuals without overt disabling disease, dissatisfaction with life, absence of leisure time activities, and a life without a partner seem to significantly increase the likelihood of overt depression. On the other hand, there is occult increase in suicide risk in the presence of dissatisfaction with their lives in the elderly.
Single injection of triptorelin or buserelin acetate in saline solution induces ovulation in mares the same as a single injection of hCG
Authors: Dordas‐Perpinyà Marta , Normandin Laure , Dhier Thibault , Terris Hubert , Cochard Anaïs , Frilley Camille , Huiban Fanny , Bruyas Jean‐François
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of different doses of buserelin acetate and another GnRH agonist, triptorelin acetate, in saline solution in a single subcutaneous injection, to induce ovulation of growing pre‐ovulatory follicle in mare and compare it with the classical treatment of a single injection of hCG. The study is split into 3 experiments over different breeding seasons in the same stud with a random distribution of treatment. The first one was to compare the injection of 6 mg of buserelin with 1,500 IU of hCG; the second one consisted of comparing different doses of buserelin (6 mg and 3 mg); and the third one compared three different doses of buserelin (3, 2 and 1 mg), 0.1 mg of triptorelin with 1,500 IU of hCG as a control group. The results of all experiments showed the same efficacy between all treatments with mares ovulating between 24 and 48 hr after injection: experiment 1: hCG (78% n = 41) and buserelin 6 mg (90% n = 50); experiment 2: buserelin 6 mg (78,1% n = 192) and buserelin 3 mg (78% n = 341); and experiment 3: hCG (87% n = 106), buserelin 3 mg (84,7% n = 137), buserelin 2 mg (82,7% n = 104), buserelin 1 mg (87% n = 54) and triptorelin 0.1 mg (84,7% n = 72). In conclusion, this study contributes to erasing the dogma that has been established since 1975 that a single injection in solution without any long‐acting excipient of a GnRH agonist cannot induce ovulation in the mare. This study also shows that a injection of 0.1 mg of triptorelin in solution is a good alternative for ovulation induction and is comparable to small doses of buserelin acetate in solution (1 mg) and 1,500 IU of the gold standard trigger hCG, mainly in countries where human formulation of buserelin is not available.
Genome ancestry mosaics reveal multiple and cryptic contributors to cultivated banana
Authors: Martin Guillaume , Cardi Céline , Sarah Gautier , Ricci Sébastien , Jenny Christophe , Fondi Emmanuel , Perrier Xavier , Glaszmann Jean‐Christophe , D'Hont Angélique , Yahiaoui Nabila
Published: January 2020

Hybridizations between closely related species commonly occur in the domestication process of many crops. Banana cultivars are derived from such hybridizations between species and subspecies of the Musa genus that have diverged in various tropical Southeast Asian regions and archipelagos. Among the diploid and triploid hybrids generated, those with seedless parthenocarpic fruits were selected by humans and thereafter dispersed through vegetative propagation. Musa acuminata subspecies contribute to most of these cultivars. We analyzed sequence data from 14 M. acuminata wild accessions and 10 M. acuminata‐based cultivars, including diploids and one triploid, to characterize the ancestral origins along their chromosomes. We used multivariate analysis and single nucleotide polymorphism clustering and identified five ancestral groups as contributors to these cultivars. Four of these corresponded to known M. acuminata subspecies. A fifth group, found only in cultivars, was defined based on the ‘Pisang Madu’ cultivar and represented two uncharacterized genetic pools. Diverse ancestral contributions along cultivar chromosomes were found, resulting in mosaics with at least three and up to five ancestries. The commercially important triploid Cavendish banana cultivar had contributions from at least one of the uncharacterized genetic pools and three known M. acuminata subspecies. Our results highlighted that cultivated banana origins are more complex than expected – involving multiple hybridization steps – and also that major wild banana ancestors have yet to be identified. This study revealed the extent to which admixture has framed the evolution and domestication of a crop plant.
IgG3 anti‐Kell allotypic variation results in differential antigen binding and phagocytosis
Authors: Cen Selena Y. , Holton Mairead B. , Binnington Beth , Denomme Gregory A. , Howie Heather L. , Lebedev Jenna N. , Zimring James C. , Branch Donald R.
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Human immunoglobulin G (hIgG) includes four different subtypes (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4). Due to genetic variations, each IgG subtype contains different isoallotypes. It was previously shown that a Food and Drug Administration–approved monoclonal anti‐IgG failed to recognize 2 of 15 recombinant, human IgG3 anti‐Kell (K1) isoallotypes (rIgG3‐03 and rIgG3‐13) by indirect antiglobulin test (IAT).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We expressed and purified 15 recombinant human rIgG3 anti‐K1 isoallotypes and investigated their antigen binding and ability to induce phagocytosis using homozygous (KK) and heterozygous (Kk) K1‐positive red blood cells (RBCs) by gel IAT, flow cytometry, and a monocyte monolayer assay (MMA) with peripheral blood monocytes and cultured inflammatory (M1) and anti‐inflammatory (M2) macrophages.

RESULTS

MMA results showed that differences in the Fc region of rIgG3 anti‐K1 led to distinctive phagocytic activity with both monocytes and M1 macrophages. rIgG3‐18 and rIgG3‐19 showed an enhanced ability to induce phagocytosis. Differences in Fc regions also led to variations in the number of antibodies bound to KK RBCs. Despite the differences in phagocytic activity, all 15 rIgG3 clones are predicted to induce clinically significant hemolysis if K1‐positive blood was transfused into patients.

CONCLUSION

These results argue that antiglobulin reagents that fail to detect isoallotype rIgG3‐03 or rIgG3‐13 could present a transfusion risk or lack of detection of a potentially clinically significant anti‐K1 in hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn.
Equine pastern vasculitis in a horse associated with a multidrug‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolate
Authors: Panzuti Pauline , Rocafort Ferrer Gloria , Mosca Marion , Pin Didier
Published: January 2020

Background

Equine pastern vasculitis is an uncommon disorder in horses. Underlying causes are difficult to assess, especially bacterial infections.

Clinical summary

A 13‐year‐old French saddle gelding horse presented for evaluation of a six weeks history of pastern dermatitis. Histopathological examination of skin biopsy samples revealed small vessel vasculitis. A pure growth of a multidrug‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MRPA) was obtained from a deep skin biopsy. Clinical remission was observed after a six week course of enrofloxacin and lesions did not recur.

Conclusions and clinical importance

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a pastern vasculitis associated with MRPA and successfully treated with a six week course of enrofloxacin.
Multicentric B‐cell lymphoma with presumed paraneoplastic generalized cutaneous sclerosis in a dog
Authors: Affolter Verena K. , O'Brien Danielle , Nagle Terry M. , Outerbridge Catherine A.
Published: January 2020

Background

Reports of dermal sclerosis in dogs include scleroderma or morphea of unknown cause, cicatricial alopecia and congenital/hereditary fibrosis.

Clinical Summary

A 12‐year‐old, male castrated chihuahua‐mix dog was evaluated for skin lesions of unknown duration. The dog had severe alopecia, skin thickening and marked peripheral lymphadenopathy. Lymph node cytological investigation, immunohistochemical investigation and clonality testing demonstrated an intermediate to large B‐cell lymphoma. The thickened skin had severe collagen deposition, effacing adnexal structures. The dog's lymphoma was treated but the skin lesions remained unchanged. The dog was euthanized.

Conclusions and clinical importance

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of multicentric B‐cell lymphoma in a dog with concurrent diffuse cutaneous sclerosis, similar to a human paraneoplastic reaction.
Nondestructive Inspection Results From Mockups of Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Canisters Using Shear-Horizontal Waves Generated by an Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer
Authors: Cho Hwanjeong , Choi Sungho , Lissenden Cliff J.
Published: January 2020

A robotic nondestructive inspection system developed for stainless steel dry storage canisters containing spent nuclear fuel was tested on a range of mockups in order to assess different aspects of the system. The nondestructive inspection was designed to be able to interrogate 100% of the canister weld lines, even if much of the surface is inaccessible because it uses ultrasonic shear-horizontal waves in what is basically a pulse-echo mode. The guided waves are sent and received by electromagnetic acoustic transducers, which are noncontact as well as tolerant of elevated temperature and gamma radiation. The nondestructive inspection targets stress corrosion cracks in the heat-affected zone of welds. The mockups enable determining the reflection and transmission ratios associated with the welds, the detectability of closed crack-like flaws, the detectability of branched cracks, B-scans along a weld line at elevated temperature, and full robotic system deployment. The test results demonstrate that the robotic system meets its functional requirements.
Decomposition Method to Detect Fatigue Damage Precursors in Thin Components Through Nonlinear Ultrasonic With Collinear Mixing Contributions
Authors: Bunget Gheorghe , Henley Stanley , Glass Chance , Rogers James , Webster Matthew , Farinholt Kevin , Friedersdorf Fritz , Pepi Marc , Ghoshal Anindya , Datta Siddhant , Chattopadhyay Aditi
Published: January 2020

Cyclic loading of mechanical components promotes the formation of dislocation substructures in metals as precursors to crack nucleation leading to final failure of the metallic components. It is well known within the ultrasonic community that the acoustic nonlinearity parameter is a meaningful indicator of the microstructural damage accumulation. However, current nonlinear ultrasonic techniques suffer from response saturation and limited resolution after 50% fatigue life of the metallic medium. The present study investigates the feasibility of incorporating collinear wave mixing interactions into second harmonic assessments to improve the sensitivity of the nonlinear parameter to a microstructural accumulation of damage precursors (DP). To this end, a decomposition technique was explored to obtain higher harmonics from short time-domain pulses propagating through thin metallic components such as jet engine turbine blades. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the decomposition technique to measure the acoustic nonlinearity parameter as an early and continuous indicator of fatigue damage precursors throughout the service life of critical aircraft components. A micrographic study showed a strong correlation between the nonlinearity parameter and the increase in damage precursors throughout the life of the specimens.
A speech envelope landmark for syllable encoding in human superior temporal gyrus
Authors: Oganian Yulia , Chang Edward F.
Published: January 2020

Scientists find how syllable timing and stress are represented in human speech cortex.
Metagenomics as a Public Health Risk Assessment Tool in a Study of Natural Creek Sediments Influenced by Agricultural and Livestock Runoff: Potential and Limitations
Authors: Suttner Brittany , Johnston Eric R. , Orellana Luis H. , Rodriguez-R Luis M. , Hatt Janet K. , Carychao Diana , Carter Michelle Q. , Cooley Michael B. , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T.
Published: January 2020

Current agricultural and livestock practices contribute to fecal contamination in the environment and the spread of food- and waterborne disease and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Traditionally, the level of pollution and risk to public health are assessed by culture-based tests for the intestinal bacterium
Escherichia coli
. However, the accuracy of these traditional methods (e.g., low accuracy in quantification, and false-positive signal when PCR based) and their suitability for sediments remain unclear. We collected sediments for a time series metagenomics study from one of the most highly productive agricultural regions in the United States in order to assess how agricultural runoff affects the native microbial communities and if the presence of Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) in sediment samples can be detected directly by sequencing. Our study provided important information on the potential for using metagenomics as a tool for assessment of public health risk in natural environments.
Multiple Alternative Carbon Pathways Combine To Promote Candida albicans Stress Resistance, Immune Interactions, and Virulence
Authors: Williams Robert B. , Lorenz Michael C.
Published: January 2020

Candida albicans
is a fungal pathogen and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in people with defects, sometimes minor ones, in innate immunity. The phagocytes of the innate immune system, particularly macrophages and neutrophils, generally restrict this organism to its normal commensal niches, but
C. albicans
shows a robust and multifaceted response to these cell types. Inside macrophages, a key component of this response is the activation of multiple pathways for the utilization of alternative carbon sources, particularly amino acids, carboxylic acids, and
N
-acetylglucosamine. These carbon sources are key sources of energy and biomass but also independently promote stress resistance, induce cell wall alterations, and affect
C. albicans
interactions with macrophages. Engineered strains incapable of utilizing these alternative carbon pathways are attenuated in infection models. These data suggest that
C. albicans
recognizes nutrient composition as an indicator of specific host environments and tailors its responses accordingly.
Galacto-Oligosaccharides Modulate the Juvenile Gut Microbiome and Innate Immunity To Improve Broiler Chicken Performance
Authors: Richards Philip J. , Flaujac Lafontaine Geraldine M. , Connerton Phillippa L. , Liang Lu , Asiani Karishma , Fish Neville M. , Connerton Ian F.
Published: January 2020

Improvements in the growth rate of broiler chickens can be achieved through dietary manipulation of the naturally occurring bacterial populations while mitigating the withdrawal of antibiotic growth promoters. Prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are manufactured as a by-product of dairy cheese production and can be incorporated into the diets of juvenile chickens to improve their health and performance. This study investigated the key mechanisms behind this progression and pinpointed
L. johnsonii
as a key species that facilitates the enhancements in growth rate and gut health. The study identified the relationships between the GOS diet,
L. johnsonii
intestinal populations, and cytokine immune effectors to improve growth.
Propofol for endotracheal intubation in neonates: a dose-finding trial
Authors: de Kort Ellen H.M. , Prins Sandra A. , Reiss Irwin K.M. , Willemsen Sten P. , Andriessen Peter , van Weissenbruch Mirjam M. , Simons Sinno H.P.
Published: January 2020

Objective

To find propofol doses providing effective sedation without side effects in neonates of different gestational ages (GA) and postnatal ages (PNA).

Design and setting

Prospective multicentere dose-finding study in 3 neonatal intensive care units.

Patients

Neonates with a PNA <28 days requiring non-emergency endotracheal intubation.

Interventions

Neonates were stratified into 8 groups based on GA and PNA. The first 5 neonates in every group received a dose of 1.0 mg/kg propofol. Based on sedative effect and side effects, the dose was increased or decreased in the next 5 patients until the optimal dose was found.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was the optimal single propofol starting dose that provides effective sedation without side effects in each age group.

Results

After inclusion of 91 patients, the study was prematurely terminated because the primary outcome was only reached in 13% of patients. Dose-finding was completed in 2 groups, but no optimal propofol dose was found. Effective sedation without side effects was achieved more often after a starting dose of 2.0 mg/kg (28%) than after 1.0 mg/kg (3%) and 1.5 mg/kg (9%). Propofol-induced hypotension occurred in 59% of patients. Logistic regression analyses showed that GA and PNA did not predict effective sedation or the occurrence of hypotension.

Conclusions

Effective sedation without side effects is difficult to achieve with propofol and the optimal dose in different age groups of neonates could not be determined. The sedative effect of propofol and the occurrence of hypotension are unpredictable and show large inter-individual variability in the neonatal population.
Case series of adenomatoid odontogenic tumour of jaws with variations in presentation
Authors: Chugh Ankita , Srivastava Isha , Khatana Shruti , Nalwa Aasma , Bharti Jyotsna Naresh
Published: January 2020

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumour (AOT) is a rare tumour of odontogenic origin with distinct clinicopathological appearance but is often clinically misdiagnosed as a cyst. The most common site is the anterior maxilla in the canine region. We present here two cases, one at its commonest location in the maxillary canine while the other is at the uncommon location of the anterior mandible. Its clinical features of painless slow growing swelling, association with impacted tooth and radiographic appearance of well defined predominantly radiolucent lesion are overlapping with other oral pathologies like dentigerous cyst, radicular cyst, calcifying odontogenic cyst, calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour, unicystic ameloblastoma etc. One must be aware and updated with the variation in appearance of AOT. Encapsulation of tumour causes less cumbersome enucleation of the tumour, a successful treatment as it reduces the chances of recurrence.
Slipping rib syndrome in an adolescent wrestler
Authors: Chhipa Irfan , Cheesman Quincy
Published: January 2020

Slipping rib syndrome is a commonly missed diagnosis of upper abdominal pain. It results from hypermobility of the anterior rib due to the disruption of the interchondral ligaments, most likely secondary to repetitive motions or some inciting event. The hypermobility leads to impingement of the intercostal nerves resulting in significant pain.

A 10-year-old adolescent male child was evaluated for 4 months of intermittent, left-sided, upper abdominal pain following a wrestling injury. His paediatrician referred him for further evaluation after a negative workup given the patient was still having intermittent bouts of short-lasting pain that would spontaneously resolve. Physical examination demonstrated a positive hooking manoeuvre with associated swelling and prominence over the lower left ribs.

In conclusion, a broad differential diagnosis, thorough clinical examination, and knowledge of slipping rib syndrome are important to appropriately diagnose and treat patients symptoms.
Effectiveness of phosphatidylcholine in alleviating steatosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiometabolic comorbidities (MANPOWER study)
Authors: Maev Igor V , Samsonov Aleksey A , Palgova Liudmila K , Pavlov Chavdar S , Vovk Elena I , Shirokova Elena N , Starostin Kirill M
Published: January 2020

Objective

The concept of using naturally occurring compounds such as polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC) as an adjunctive therapy to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alleviate or reverse hepatic steatosis appears a very attractive option for liver protection. We aim to evaluate if PPC adjunctive therapy can effectively improve the ultrasonographic features of NAFLD in routine clinical practice in Russian patients with cardiometabolic comorbidities.

Design

This 24-week, observational, prospective study was carried out in 174 medical sites across 6 federal districts of Russia. A total of 2843 adult patients with newly diagnosed NAFLD, who had a least one of four comorbidities, namely overweight/obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolaemia, and who received PPC as an adjunctive treatment to standard care, were enrolled. The assessment of liver ultrasonography was qualitative.

Results

Overall, 2263 (79.6%) patients had at least two metabolic comorbidities associated with NAFLD, and overweight/obesity was the most common comorbidity reported in 2298 (80.8%) patients. Almost all study participants (2837/2843; 99.8%) were prescribed 1.8 g of PPC administered three times daily. At baseline, the most frequently identified abnormalities on ultrasound were liver hyperechogenicity (84.0% of patients) and heterogeneous liver structure (62.9%). At 24 weeks, a significant (p<0.05) improvement in liver echogenicity and in liver structure was observed in 1932/2827 (68.3%) patients (95% CI 66.6% to 70.1%) and in 1207/2827 (42.7%) patients (95% CI 40.9% to 44.5%), respectively. The analysis of ultrasonographic signs by number of comorbidities revealed similar findings—liver echogenicity improved in 67.2%–69.3% and liver structure in 35.6%–45.3% of patients depending on the number of comorbidities.

Conclusion

This study showed that PPC adjunctive therapy may be useful in improving the ultrasonographic features of NAFLD in patients with associated cardiometabolic comorbidities. It also supports evidence regarding the role of PPC in the complex management of NAFLD.
Bluebelle pilot randomised controlled trial of three wound dressing strategies to reduce surgical site infection in primary surgical wounds
Authors: Blazeby Jane
Published: January 2020

Objective

Surgical site infection (SSI) affects up to 25% of primary surgical wounds. Dressing strategies may influence SSI risk. The Bluebelle study assessed the feasibility of a multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of different dressing strategies to reduce SSI in primary surgical wounds.

Design

A pilot, factorial RCT.

Setting

Five UK hospitals.

Participants

Adults undergoing abdominal surgery with a primary surgical wound.

Interventions

Participants were randomised to ‘simple dressing’, ‘glue-as-a-dressing’ or ‘no dressing’, and to the time at which the treatment allocation was disclosed to the surgeon (disclosure time, before or after wound closure).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Feasibility outcomes focused on recruitment, adherence to randomised allocations, reference assessment of SSI and response rates to participant-completed and observer-completed questionnaires to assess SSI (proposed primary outcome for main trial), wound experience and symptoms, and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L).

Results

Between March and November 2016, 1115 patients were screened; 699 (73.4%) were eligible and approached, 415 (59.4%) consented and 394 (35.3%) were randomised (simple dressing=133, glue=129 and ‘no dressing’=132). Non-adherence to dressing allocation was 2% (3/133), 6% (8/129) and 15% (20/132), respectively. Adherence to disclosure time was 99% and 86% before and after wound closure, respectively. The overall rate of SSI (reference assessment) was 18.1% (51/281). Response rates to the Wound Healing Questionnaire and other questionnaires ranged from >90% at 4 days to 68% at 4–8 weeks.

Conclusions

A definitive RCT of dressing strategies including ‘no dressing’ is feasible. Further work is needed to optimise questionnaire response rates.

Trial registration number

49328913; Pre-results.
Clozapine toxicity: a cautionary palliative care tale
Authors: Macfarlane Michael , Shahab Julita , Willis Derek
Published: January 2020

Objective

This case report presents an unusual case of clozapine toxicity secondary to reduced smoking habit mimicking a patient approaching end of life.

Methods

It is a cautionary tale for palliative care specialists, perhaps unaware of the effect of cigarette smoke on metabolism of this antipsychotic, to be aware of.

Results

Following specialist advice and change of antipsychotic medication, this patient’s condition improved to the point that he was discharged from the hospice.

Conclusion

Palliative care specialists should be aware that reducing cigarette consumption can alter metabolism of clozapine, potentially causing drug accumulation and toxicity with features which mimic deterioration towards end of life. Specialist advice should be sought in such a situation.
Internet-based self-sampling for
Chlamydia trachomatis
testing: a national evaluation in Sweden
Authors: Söderqvist Joakim , Gullsby Karolina , Stark Lisa , Wikman Maria , Karlsson Roger , Herrmann Bjőrn
Published: January 2020

Objective

Internet-based testing for
Chlamydia trachomatis
(CT) with self-sampling at home has gradually been implemented in Sweden since 2006 as a free-of-charge service within the public healthcare system. This study evaluated the national diagnostic outcome of this service.

Methods

Requests for data on both self-sampling at home and clinic-based sampling for CT testing were sent to the laboratories in 18 of 21 counties. Four laboratories were also asked to provide data on testing patterns at the individual level for the years 2013–2017.

Results

The proportion of self-sampling increased gradually from 2013, comprising 22.0% of all CT tests in Sweden in 2017. In an analysis of 14 counties (representing 83% of the population), self-sampling increased by 115% between 2013 and 2017 for women, compared with 71% for men, while test volumes for clinic-based sampling were fairly constant for both sexes (1.8% increase for women, 15% increase for men). In 2017 self-sampling accounted for 20.3% of all detected CT cases, and the detection rate was higher than, but similar to, clinic-based testing (5.5% vs 5.1%). The proportion of self-sampling men was also higher, but similar (33.7% vs 30.8%). Analysis of individual testing patterns in four counties over 5 years showed a higher proportion of men using self-sampling only (67%, n=10 533) compared with women (40%, n=8885).

Conclusions

Self-sampling has increased substantially in recent years, especially among women. This service is at least as beneficial as clinic-based screening for detection of CT, and self-sampling reaches men more than clinic-based testing.
Intercalated 2D+2D hydrogen-bonded sheets in co-crystals of cobalt salt with 1H,1′H-[3,3′]bipyridinyl-6,6′-dione
Authors: Mohan Midhun , Rana Love Karan , Maris Thierry , Duong Adam
Published: January 2020

Co-crystals of Co(II) salt and 1H,1′H-[3,3′]bipyridinyl-6,6′-dione 1 with the composition 1·Co(CHOO)2(H2O)4 were obtained by mixing both reactants. The single-crystal structure reveals that the metal salt and organic ratio is 1:1. The supramolecular organization of the two components in the co-crystal was mainly dictated by hydrogen bonds between 1 and Co(II) complex. Infrared and powder X-ray diffraction were used to confirm the homogeneity and the phase purity of the bulk crystalline sample of 1·Co(CHOO)2(H2O)4. TGA/DTA was recorded to evaluate the thermal stability of the co-crystals.
Electron acceleration at ELI-Beamlines: Towards high-energy and high-repetition rate accelerators
Authors: Lazzarini C. M. , Goncalves L. V. , Grittani G. M. , Lorenz S. , Nevrkla M. , Valenta P. , Levato T. , Bulanov S. V. , Korn G.
Published: January 2020

The high energy electron experimental platform * at ELI-Beamlines will give to the users high energy tunable electron beams with low energy spread and divergence, by employing laser-wakefield-acceleration scheme (LWFA) driven by PW-class laser system working at 10 Hz. The platform will offer great flexibility over electron beam parameter space and is foreseen to exploit different targets, acceleration and laser-guiding advanced schemes. In this paper we summarize about more compact accelerators that can be envisioned by the use of really short (near single-cycle) fem-mJ-level laser pulses interacting with nanoparticle and solid targets, as well as with specific near-critical density targets.

* Originally developed as H.E.L.L., within the Particle acceleration by Laser program (RP3).
Non-abelian Galois cohomology via descent cohomology
Authors: Mesablishvili Bachuki
Published: January 2020

It is shown that the descent cohomology theory of monads includes Serre’s non-abelian Galois cohomology theory as a special case.
Comparison of two notions of weak crossed product
Authors: Guccione Jorge A. , Guccione Juan J.
Published: January 2020

We compare the restriction to the context of weak Hopf algebras of the notion of crossed product with a Hopf algebroid introduced in [Cleft extensions of Hopf algebroids, Appl. Categor. Struct. 14(5–6) (2006) 431–469] with the notion of crossed product with a weak Hopf algebra introduced in [Crossed products for weak Hopf algebras with coalgebra splitting, J. Algebra 281(2) (2004) 731–752].
Sixth norm of a Steinhaus chaos
Authors: Mahatab Kamalakshya
Published: January 2020

We prove that for the Steinhaus Random Variable [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] denotes the number of prime factors of [Formula: see text].
Dynamic Competition of Polycomb and Trithorax in Transcriptional Programming
Authors: Kuroda Mitzi I. , Kang Hyuckjoon , De Sandip , Kassis Judith A.
Published: January 2020

Predicting regulatory potential from primary DNA sequences or transcription factor binding patterns is not possible. However, the annotation of the genome by chromatin proteins, histone modifications, and differential compaction is largely sufficient to reveal the locations of genes and their differential activity states. The Polycomb Group (PcG) and Trithorax Group (TrxG) proteins are the central players in this cell type–specific chromatin organization. PcG function was originally viewed as being solely repressive and irreversible, as observed at the homeotic loci in flies and mammals. However, it is now clear that modular and reversible PcG function is essential at most developmental genes. Focusing mainly on recent advances, we review evidence for how PcG and TrxG patterns change dynamically during cell type transitions. The ability to implement cell type–specific transcriptional programming with exquisite fidelity is essential for normal development.
Engineer to Operations Research to Criminology: Quite a Trajectory
Authors: Blumstein Alfred
Published: January 2020

In reflecting on my career trajectory, I find it very intriguing: from high school science to Cornell's first class in engineering physics and then on to early involvement in the new field of operations research on military and air transportation, which led to significant leadership roles there. I was then a naïve recruit in criminology in a role that involved quantitative analysis and concern for the total criminal justice system with an emphasis on dimensions of criminal careers and their use in analysis for sentencing, incarceration, and related policies. The analytic issues emphasized included racial disproportionality in prison, drug policy, and facilitating redemption from the long-term punitive effects of crime involvement. In the process, I had the opportunity to provide leadership to the Heinz College of Carnegie Mellon University, an important academic institution concerned with facilitating rational public policy; the National Consortium on Violence Research (NCOVR), a multi-university research and education program; and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, an important state-level criminal justice policy and funding agency.
Effect of Oil Content and Emulsifier Type on the Properties and Antioxidant Activity of Sea Buckthorn Oil-in-Water Emulsions
Authors: Zheng Hongxia , Mao Like , Yang Jingyi , Zhang Chenyu , Miao Song , Gao Yanxiang
Published: January 2020

Sea buckthorn oil-in-water emulsions were prepared through high pressure homogenization, and the effects of droplet size, oil content, and emulsifier type on emulsion properties and the overall antioxidant activity of the emulsions were evaluated. Emulsions with different droplet size were obtained by varying homogenization pressure, and higher oil content resulted in bigger droplet size of the emulsions. Among three tested emulsifiers, sodium caseinate and sugar ester were able to form emulsions with much smaller particle size than soy protein isolate. The emulsions with bigger droplets tended to cream in an accelerated centrifugation test. The antioxidant property of the emulsions was expressed as their DPPH radical scavenging activity. The emulsions processed at lower pressure or contained higher oil content had higher DPPH radical scavenging activity. The soy protein isolate-stabilized emulsion presented higher antioxidant activity than sodium caseinate- and sugar ester-stabilized ones. Upon storage, the antioxidant activity of the emulsions was decreased due to the changes in emulsion stability and the degradation of antioxidants. The knowledge obtained in this study would be useful in developing healthy food containing sea buckthorn oil.
MSCs Contribute to the Conversion of Ly6Chigh Monocytes into Ly6Clow Subsets under AMI
Authors: Lu Wenbin , Ma Genshan , Sheng Zulong , Wang Qingjie , Chen Lijuan , Qi Junhua , Shi Ronghui , Ji Jingjing , Ji Zhenjun , Dai Qiming
Published: January 2020

Background. Ly6Chigh monocytes are inflammatory cells that accumulate in an infarcted myocardium, and Ly6Clow monocytes are believed to be reparative and curb myocardial remodeling. NR4A1 is a novel target for modulating the inflammatory phenotype of monocytes during atherogenesis. Objectives. We aimed to investigate whether MSCs can contribute to the heterogeneity of Ly6Chigh monocytes differentiated into Ly6Clow monocytes and whether this regulation is related to nuclear receptor NR4A1. Methods. Ly6Chigh/low monocytes were first cocultured with MSCs. C57BL/6CX3CR1-/- mice and C57BL/6 wild-type mice were then used to construct AMI models, and survival functions in the two groups were further compared. Ly6Chigh/low monocytes in circulation and in MI tissue of C57BL/6CX3CR1-/- AMI mice with or without MSC transplantation were determined by flow cytometry at day 1 and day 3. NR4A1 expression was further determined by Western blot. Apoptosis of cardiac myocytes in the infarct border zone at day 3 and day 7 was identified by TUNEL kits. Angiogenesis in the AMI heart at day 7 and day 21 was determined through immunohistochemistry by CD31. Results. We first demonstrated that the percentage of Ly6Clow monocytes increased greatly after 3 days of coculture with MSCs (12.8%±3.77% vs. 3.69%±0.74%, p<0.001). The expression of NR4A1 in Ly6Chigh/low monocytes was also significantly elevated at that time (1.81±0.46 vs. 0.43±0.09, p<0.001). Following AMI, the percentage of circulating Ly6Clow monocytes in C57BL/6CX3CR1-/- mice was significantly lower than that in C57BL/6 wild-type mice (4.36%±1.27% vs. 12.17%±3.81%, p<0.001). The survival rate of C57BL/6CX3CR1-/- mice (25%) was significantly lower than that of C57BL/6 wild-type mice (56.3%) after AMI (χ2=4.343, p=0.037). After MSCs were transplanted, we observed a significant increase in Ly6Clow monocytes both in circulation (16.7%±3.67% vs. 3.22%±0.44%, p<0.001) and in the MI heart (3.31%±0.69% vs. 0.42%±0.21%, p<0.001) of C57BL/6CX3CR1-/- mice. Western blot analysis further showed that the expression level of NR4A1 in the MI hearts of C57BL/6CX3CR1-/- mice increased significantly under MSC transplantation (0.39±0.10 vs. 0.11±0.04, p<0.001). We also found significantly decreased TUNEL+ cardiac myocytes (15.45%±4.42% vs. 22.78%±6.40%, p<0.001) in mice with high expression levels of NR4A1 compared to mice with low expression levels. Meanwhile, we further identified increased capillary density in the infarct zones of mice with high expression levels of NR4A1 (0.193±0.036 vs. 0.075±0.019, p<0.001) compared to mice with low expression levels 21 days after AMI. Conclusions. MSCs can control the heterogeneity of Ly6Chigh monocyte differentiation into Ly6Clow monocytes and further reduce inflammation after AMI. The underlying mechanism might be that MSCs contribute to the increased expression of NR4A1 in Ly6Chigh/low monocytes.
A New Complex Network Model with Multiweights and Its Synchronization Control
Authors: An Xin-lei , Zhang Li
Published: January 2020

Based on the weighted complex network model, this paper establishes a multiweight complex network model, which possesses several different weights on the one edge. According to the method of network split, the complex network with multiweights is split into several different complex networks with single weight. Some new static characteristics, such as node weight, node degree, node weight strength, node weight distribution, edge weight distribution, and diversity of weight distribution are defined. Then, by using Lyapunov stability theory, the adaptive feedback synchronization controller is designed, and the complete synchronization of the new complex network model is investigated. Two numerical examples of a triweight network model with the same and diverse structure are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the control strategies. The synchronization design can achieve good results in the same and diverse structure network models with multiweights, which enrich complex network and control theory, so has certain theoretical and practical significance.
Online Measuring and Size Sorting for Perillae Based on Machine Vision
Authors: Zhao Bo , Wang Ye , Fu Jun , Zhao Rongqiang , Li Yashuo , Dong Xin , Lv Chengxu , Jiang Hanlu
Published: January 2020

Perillae has attracted an increasing interest of study due to its wide usage for medicine and food. Estimating quality and maturity of a perillae requires the information with respect to its size. At present, measuring and sorting the size of perillae mainly depend on manual work, which is limited by low efficiency and unsatisfied accuracy. To address this issue, in this study, we develop an approach based on the machine vision (MV) technique for online measuring and size sorting. The geometrical model and the corresponding mathematical model are built for perillae and imaging, respectively. Based on the built models, the measuring and size sorting method is proposed, including image binarization, key point determination, information matching, and parameter estimation. Experimental results demonstrate that the average time consumption for a captured image, the average measuring error, the variance of measuring error, and the overall sorting accuracy are 204.175 ms, 1.48 mm, 0.07 mm, and 93%, respectively, implying the feasibility and satisfied accuracy of the proposed approach.
Surgical Management of a Large Chronic Prepatellar Bursitis: 2-Stage Technique
Authors: Senthilkumaran Sriskandarasa , Hamilton Steven W.
Published: January 2020

Treatment of a large chronic prepatellar bursitis can be difficult to manage surgically because of a high rate of local complications and a significant chance of recurrence. We present a 2-stage technique using negative pressure dressings which produced a good outcome with no recurrence at one year after surgery.
Myeloid Sarcomas Causing Unilateral Cranial Nerve Palsies in a Patient with Relapsed Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia
Authors: Mendez-Hernandez A. , Andrade X. A. , Upadhyay S. , Parra-Rodriguez L. M. , Caldeira E. , Paz L. H. , Mann H. , Zia M. , Sumoza L.
Published: January 2020

Myeloid sarcomas (MS) are a rare manifestation of myeloid malignancies and can often be misdiagnosed, leading to a delay in treatment. The objective of this clinical case is to highlight the challenges of the clinical presentation and to emphasize the importance of this manifestation ensuring timely diagnosis and therapy. Here, we present a 43-year-old man who was diagnosed with acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) after being evaluated for unintentional weight loss, subcutaneous nodules, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. The patient underwent chemotherapy with complete remission and presented 4 months later with dysphagia and cranial nerve palsies. Appropriate imaging and biopsy led to a diagnosis of myeloid sarcoma, and a decision was made to begin reinduction chemotherapy for AML achieving a second complete remission although his neurological deficits did not improve. Our case illustrates the protean presentation of myeloid sarcomas; clinicians should have a high suspicion for MS and remain vigilant when unexplained signs and symptoms arise in the background of a myeloid malignancy although challenges still remain when presentation is de novo. Advancements in understanding the pathophysiology of MS have been performed but remain not completely understood. High clinical suspicion, appropriate imaging, biopsy techniques, and expertise are paramount for timely diagnosis and treatment.