bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature‐sensing ink and system for quality management in distribution from production to consumption
Authors: Aida Kohei , Tada Yasuhiko , Mori Shunsuke , Ishida Tomotoshi , Tokuda Yuya , Kawasaki Masahiro
Published: February 2020

We have developed a new ink technology that is able to detect individual deviations of manufactured products such as biologics, foods, and beverages in the temperature control under distribution by changes in the ink color. With the combined use of this ink and Internet of things technologies, we will create a consistent quality control system for logistics service from production to consumption.
Intraspecific variability drives functional changes in lichen epiphytic communities across Europe
Authors: Hurtado Pilar , Prieto María , Aragón Gregorio , de Bello Francesco , Martínez Isabel
Published: February 2020

Traditional approaches in trait‐based community ecology typically expect that trait filtering across broad environmental gradients is largely due to replacement of species, rather than intraspecific trait adjustments. Recently, the role of intraspecific trait variability has been largely highlighted as an important contributor mediating the ability of communities to persist under changing conditions and determining the community‐level trait variation, particularly across limited environmental gradients. Unfortunately, few studies quantify the relative importance of species turnover versus intraspecific variability mediating the response of communities different from vascular plants. Here, we studied the functional changes in epiphytic lichen communities within 23 beech forests across large latitudinal (ca. 3,000 km) and environmental gradients in Europe to quantify the relative contribution of species turnover and intraspecific variability and the role of climate controlling community‐level trait changes. For 58 lichen species, we focused on a set of 10 quantitative functional traits potentially affected by climatic conditions and related to photosynthetic performance (n = 1,184 thalli), water use strategy (n = 1,018 thalli), and nutrient uptake (n = 1,179 thalli). Our results showed that intraspecific trait variability explained most of the functional changes in lichen communities in response to the latitudinal gradient. Further, such functional changes were determined by the covariation between intraspecific trait variability and species turnover, which varied in sign depending on the trait considered. Finally, different climatic predictors explained functional variation due to both intraspecific trait variability and species turnover. We propose that lichen communities cope with contrasting climatic conditions by adjusting the functional trait values of the most abundant species within the communities rather than by the replacement of the species. Consequently, intraspecific variability should be explicitly incorporated to understand the effect of environmental changes on lichen communities, even over large environmental variations, better. Our results challenge the universality of the hypothesis that species turnover chiefly drives functional trait changes across large environmental gradients and call for a wider test of such important assumptions in trait ecology in different organism types and ecosystems.
Invasive species interact with climatic variability to reduce success of natives
Authors: LaForgia Marina L. , Harrison Susan P. , Latimer Andrew M.
Published: February 2020

Plants have evolved resource‐conservative and resource‐acquisitive strategies to deal with variability in rainfall, but interactions with dominant invasive species may undermine these adaptations. To investigate the relative effect of invaders on species with these two strategies, we manipulated rainfall and invasive grass presence and measured demographic rates in three resource‐acquisitive and three resource‐conservative native annual forbs. We found that invasive grasses were harmful to all of the target species, but especially the resource‐acquisitive ones, and that these effects were stronger under experimental drought. Invasive grass presence under drought lowered per capita population growth rates of acquisitive natives through increased mortality and decreased seed set. While invasive grasses also decreased per capita growth rates of resource‐conservative natives, they did so by increasing mortality under experimental watering and by limiting the production of seed under experimental drought. Invasive species can thus interact with climatic fluctuations to make bad years worse for resource‐acquisitive natives and good years less good for resource‐conservative natives, and they may generally tend to undermine the acquisitive strategy more than the conservative one.
Forecasting Chinese carbon emissions based on a novel time series prediction method
Authors: Li Yan
Published: February 2020

Many calculation methods have been developed to forecast carbon emissions (CE). These methods can be classified into two categories: time series prediction and variables regression. However, time series prediction cannot fully use all CE‐related information and variables regression can only predict CE by knowing other variables in advance. To solve these problems, KLS is proposed in this paper which is a fusion of Kalman filter (KF), long short‐term memory (LSTM), and support vector machine (SVM). LSTM is used to predict CE as a time series, and 10 of 14 variables are selected by ridge regression (RR) to regress CE by SVM. Finally, KF is used to integrate the results of LSTM and SVM based on their variances. Overall, statistical filtering and deep learning algorithms are used in this paper, which achieved the fusion of time series prediction and variables regression. To confirm the effectiveness of KLS, we trained KLS model by CE from 1965 to 2005 and tested the model by the data from 2006 to 2014. The results showed KLS was more accurate than other four existing methods. Finally, we predicted the CE of China in next decade.
Long‐Term Outcomes After Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Cirrhosis: A Guide for the Hepatologist
Authors: Peeraphatdit Thoetchai (Bee) , Nkomo Vuyisile T. , Naksuk Niyada , Simonetto Douglas A. , Thakral Nimish , Spears Grant M. , Harmsen William S. , Shah Vijay H. , Greason Kevin L. , Kamath Patrick S.
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims

Hepatologists often determine whether transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is preferred for patients with cirrhosis and severe aortic stenosis. The goal of this cohort study is to compare outcomes following TAVR and SAVR in patients with cirrhosis to inform the preferred intervention.

Approach and Results

Prospectively collected data on 105 consecutive patients with cirrhosis and aortic stenosis who underwent TAVR (n = 55) or SAVR (n = 50) between 2008 and 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. Two control groups were included: 2,680 patients without cirrhosis undergoing TAVR and SAVR and 17 patients with cirrhosis who received medical therapy alone. Among the 105 patients with cirrhosis, the median Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 3.8% (1.5, 6.9), and the median Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was 11.6 (9.4, 14.0). The TAVR group had similar in‐hospital (1.8% vs. 2.0%) and 30‐day mortality (3.6% vs. 4.2%) as the SAVR group. During the median follow‐up of 3.8 years (95% confidence interval, 3.0‐6.9), there were 63 (60%) deaths. MELD score (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.05‐1.21; P = 0.002) was an independent predictor of long‐term survival. In the subgroup of patients with MELD score <12, the TAVR group had reduced survival compared with the SAVR group (median survival of 2.8 vs. 4.4 years; P = 0.047). However, in those with MELD score ≥12, survival after TAVR, SAVR, and medical therapy was similar (1.3 vs. 2.1 vs. 1.6 years, respectively; P = 0.53).

Conclusion

In select patients with cirrhosis, both TAVR and SAVR have acceptable and comparable short‐term outcomes. MELD score, but not Society of Thoracic Surgeons score, independently predicts long‐term survival after TAVR and SAVR. For patients with MELD score <12, SAVR is a preferred procedure; however, neither procedure appears superior to medical therapy in patients with MELD score ≥12.
Girls’ attendance at school after a menstrual hygiene intervention in northern Ethiopia
Authors: Belay Shewaye , Kuhlmann Anne K. Sebert , Wall L. Lewis
Published: February 2020

Objective

To evaluate the effect on school attendance of a menstrual hygiene intervention that distributes educational booklets to school children and menstrual hygiene kits to schoolgirls in northern Ethiopia.

Methods

Attendance was tracked for 8839 students in grades 7–12 during the 2015–2016 academic year when the intervention was implemented. Negative binomial regression was used to test whether student sex predicted post‐intervention school absences when controlling for grade‐level and pre‐intervention absences. Similar attendance data were analyzed for 3569 students in grades 7, 9, and 11 for the 2014–2015 academic year as a historical comparison.

Results

Over 12 211 educational booklets were distributed to students and 5991 menstrual hygiene kits were distributed to schoolgirls. After the intervention, girls had 24% fewer school absences than boys. Sex was not a predictor of absences during a similar time‐period in the prior school year.

Conclusion

This is one of the first large studies to show a positive relationship between a menstrual hygiene intervention and girls’ school attendance. These positive results suggest such interventions should be expanded to other schools in northern Ethiopia. Future research should explore whether similar interventions can also decrease the rate at which girls drop out of school around menarche.
Thermodynamic contribution of iodine atom to the binding of heterogeneously polyhalogenated benzotriazoles by the catalytic subunit of human protein kinase CK2
Authors: Marzec Ewa , Poznański Jarosław , Paprocki Daniel
Published: February 2020

A series of novel benzotriazole derivatives containing iodine atom(s) were synthesized. The binding of these compounds to the catalytic subunit of human protein kinase CK2 was evaluated using differential scanning fluorimetry. The obtained thermodynamic data were compared with those determined previously for the brominated and chlorinated benzotriazole analogues to get a deeper insight into the thermodynamic contribution of iodine substitution to the free energy of ligand binding. We have shown that iodine atom(s) attached to the benzene ring of benzotriazole enhance(s) its binding by the target protein. This effect is the strongest when two iodine atoms are attached at positions peripheral to the triazole ring, which according to the structures deposited in protein data bank may be indicative for the formation of the halogen bond between iodine and carbonyl groups of residues located in the hinge region of the protein. Finally, quantitative structure–activity relationship analysis pointed the solute hydrophobicity as the main factor contributing to the binding affinity.
Removal of chlorophyll and tannins from Anthocleista schweinfurthii Gilg leaves by electrocoagulation using iron electrodes: optimization using response surface methodology
Authors: Tsopjio Francine Nkouam , Tchamango Serge Raoul , Momeni Jean , Monde Gaye , Tsopmejio Jean Paul , Ngassoum Martin Benoît , Darchen André
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

An electrocoagulation process using iron electrodes was applied for chlorophyll and tannins removal from ethanol extract of aerial parts of Anthocleista schweinfurthii Gilg. A second‐order regression using Central Composite Design (CCD) was used to investigate the main effects of four independent variables, namely supporting electrolyte concentration (in g L−1), ethanol percentage (%), current intensity (in amps) and electrolysis time (in minutes) and their interactions. The chlorophyll removal (CR), total tannins content (TTC) and total phenols content (TPC) were analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM) and CCD. Crude and optimized extracts were characterized by UV‐visible spectrometry and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy.

RESULTS

The RSM model obtained from the present study (R2 > 0.95) showed a good fit which suggests a good correlation between the predicted values and experimental results of CR and tannins removal. Under optimized conditions (supporting electrolyte concentration 2.4 g L−1; ethanol percentage 67%; current intensity 0.4 A and electrolysis time 75 min), CR of 98.23% and TTC of 58.83% were achieved while remaining 91.21% of TPC.

CONCLUSION

Ethanol percentage, current intensity and electrolysis time influences positively CR, TTC and TPC. According to the results, electrocoagulation is an appropriate technique indicated for extracting secondary metabolites while reducing the risks associated with the use of organic solvents. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Early weaning modulates eating behavior and promotes hypofunction of the serotonergic (5HT) system in juvenile male rats
Authors: Tavares Gabriel Araújo , do Amaral Almeida Larissa Cavalcanti , de Souza Julliet Araújo , de Souza Felipe Leitão , Feitosa Braz Glauber Rudá , Silva Bruna Times , da Silva Santos Andresa Mayara , Lagranha Cláudia Jacques , de Souza Sandra Lopes
Published: February 2020

Early life stress (ELS) has been associated with developmental impairments. Early weaning (EW) is a postnatal stress model consisting of interruption of lactation and maternal care. The 5HT‐system has been associated with neurobehavioral modulations promoted by ELS. Thus, the present work aims to investigate the effects of early weaning on feeding behavior and serotonergic system of juvenile male rats. For this, rats were submitted to early (PND15) or natural (PND30) weaning and had the body weight, food intake in circadian phases, and food intake in response to fenfluramine assessed. mRNA expression of serotoninergic receptors (5HT1A and 5HT2C) and transporter (SERT) was assessed in the hypothalamus and brainstem, as well as NPY and POMC mRNA expression in hypothalamus. The results show that early weaning promoted changes in the percentage of weight gain during lactation period and increase in body weight at PND40. It was also observed that EW promoted increase and decrease in food intake in light and dark phase, respectively, and leads to a decreased action of fenfluramine on inhibition of food intake. In addition, early weaning promoted increased NPY and SERT mRNA expression in the hypothalamus and 5HT2C in the brainstem. Together, the data indicate that the stress caused by early weaning impairs the eating behavior of juvenile male rats through hypofunction of the 5HT‐system.
Distinct modes of TNF signaling through its two receptors in health and disease
Authors: Atretkhany Kamar-Sulu N. , Gogoleva Violetta S. , Drutskaya Marina S. , Nedospasov Sergei A.
Published: February 2020

TNF is a key proinflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokine whose deregulation is associated with the development of autoimmune diseases and other pathologies. Recent studies suggest that distinct functions of TNF may be associated with differential engagement of its two receptors: TNFR1 or TNFR2. In this review, we discuss the relative contributions of these receptors to pathogenesis of several diseases, with the focus on autoimmunity and neuroinflammation. In particular, we discuss the role of TNFRs in the development of regulatory T cells during neuroinflammation and recent findings concerning targeting TNFR2 with agonistic and antagonistic reagents in various murine models of autoimmune and neuroinflammatory disorders and cancer.
Pyroptosis: The missing puzzle among innate and adaptive immunity crosstalk
Authors: Hachim Mahmood Y , Khalil Bariaa A , Elemam Noha M , Maghazachi Azzam A
Published: February 2020

Pyroptosis is a newly discovered programmed cell death with inflammasome formation. Pattern recognition receptors that identify repetitive motifs of prospective pathogens such as LPS of gram-negative bacteria are crucial to pyroptosis. Upon stimulation by pathogen-associated molecular patterns or damage-associated molecular patterns, proinflammatory cytokines, mainly IL-1 family members IL-1β and IL-18, are released through pyroptosis specific pore-forming protein, gasdermin D. Even though IL-1 family members are mainly involved in innate immunity, they can be factors in adaptive immunity. Given the importance of IL-1 family members in health and diseases, deciphering the role of pyroptosis in the regulation of innate and adaptive immunity is of great importance, especially with the recent progress in identifying the exact mechanism of such a pathway. In this review, we will focus on how the innate inflammatory mediators can regulate the adaptive immune system and vice versa via pyroptosis.
Current Status of Transvaginal Ultrasound Accuracy in the Diagnosis of Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis Before Surgery
Authors: Deslandes Alison , Parange Nayana , Childs Jessie T. , Osborne Brooke , Bezak Eva
Published: February 2020

Endometriosis is a common gynecologic condition affecting as many as 1 per 10 women. Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) has become a frontline tool in the diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) before surgery. The primary aim of this review was to determine the accuracy of TVUS for DIE. The secondary aim was to determine accuracy specifically when a sonographer performed the TVUS examination. A systematic review was performed, searching literature by following a population, intervention, comparator, and outcome outline. MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, and Google Scholar were searched in July 2018 and in November 2019. Including “sonographer” in the search terms yielded no results, so our terms were expanded. Two hundred and four articles were returned from the searches, and 35 were ultimately included in the final review. Analysis of the returned articles revealed the TVUS is a valuable diagnostic tool for DIE before surgery. Sensitivities ranged from 78.5% to 85.3%, specificities from 46.1% to 92.5%, and accuracies from 75.7% to 97%. Most authors reported site‐specific sensitivities and specificities, which varied greatly between locations. Site‐specific sensitivities ranged from 10% to 88.9% (uterosacral ligaments), 20% to 100% (bladder), 33.3% to 98.1% (rectosigmoid colon), and 31% to 98.7% (pouch of Douglas). Site‐specific specificities ranged from 75% to 99.6% (uterosacral ligaments), 96.4% to 100% (bladder), 86% to 100% (rectosigmoid colon), and 90% to 100% (pouch of Douglas). Transvaginal ultrasound is an accurate tool in the diagnosis of DIE; however, limited data exist as to whether this technique is accurate when performed by sonographers. More evidence surrounding the reliability between operators is also needed.
Treatment of Vestibular Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Byun Young Jae , Levy Dylan A. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Brennan Emily , Rizk Habib G.
Published: February 2020

Objective

To assess the efficacy of the various therapies used for the prevention of vestibular migraine (VM).

Methods

Primary studies were identified though PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library by two independent investigators for articles published through April 2019. The search identified randomized comparison or observational studies pertaining to vestibular migraine treatment. Meta‐analysis was performed on pre‐ and posttreatment Dizziness Handicap Inventory, vertigo frequency, and percentage of perceived improvement.

Results

Literature search identified 13 studies that reported sufficient outcome measures to be included in the analysis. Patients with VM had a mean age of 43.3 years with female‐to‐male gender ratio of 2.1:1. Classes of therapeutic agents included antiepileptic drugs, calcium channel blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, β‐blockers, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and vestibular rehabilitation. All treatment options that were analyzed demonstrated improvement in all of the outcome parameters, but due to significant heterogeneity and lack of standardized reporting on outcomes, establishment of preferred treatment modality could not be determined.

Conclusions

Various treatment modalities have been evaluated for preventative treatment of VM. Physician familiarity, patient comorbidities, and the side‐effect profiles of various interventions likely influence the selection of intervention. Future randomized controlled trials with restrictive inclusion criteria and generalizable standardized outcome measures will allow for more robust meta‐analyses and for more evidence‐based treatment of vestibular migraines. Laryngoscope, 131:186–194, 2021
European survey on national harmonization in clinical research
Authors: Magnin Annette , Iversen Valentina Cabral , Calvo Gonzalo , Čečetková Beata , Dale Ola , Demlová Regina , Blaskó György , Keane Fionnuala , Kovacs Gabor L. , Levy‐Marchal Claire , Monteiro Emilia C. , Palmisano Lucia , Pella Daniel , Portolés Antonio , Rascol Olivier , Schmid Caecilia , Tay Fabian , von der Leyen Heiko , Ohmann Christian
Published: February 2020

Background

Clinical trials remain key to the development of evidence‐based medical practice. However, they are becoming increasingly complex, mainly in a multinational setting. To address these challenges, the European Union (EU) adopted the Clinical Trial Regulation EU No. 536/2014 (CTR). Once in force, the CTR will lead to more consistent rules and simplification of procedures for conducting clinical trials throughout the EU. Existing harmonization initiatives and “research infrastructures” for clinical trials may facilitate this process. This publication offers a snapshot of the current level of harmonization activities in academic clinical research in Europe.

Methods

A survey was performed among the member and observer countries of the European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (ECRIN), using a standardized questionnaire. Three rounds of data collection were performed to maximize completeness and comparability of the received answers. The survey aimed to describe the harmonization of academic clinical research processes at national level, to facilitate the exchange of expertise and experience among countries, and to identify new fields of action.

Results

Most scientific partners already have in place various working groups and harmonization activities at national level. Furthermore, they are involved in and open to sharing their know‐how and documents. Since harmonization was mainly a bottom‐up approach up until now, the extent and topics dealt with are diverse and there is only little cross‐networking and cross‐country exchange so far.

Conclusions

Currently, the ECRIN member countries offer a very solid base and collaborative spirit for further aligning processes and exchanging best practices for clinical research in Europe. They can support a smooth implementation of the EU CTR and may act as single contact with consolidated expertise in a country.
Advances in predicting patient exposure to medical device leachables
Authors: Saylor David M. , Chandrasekar Vaishnavi , Elder Robert M. , Hood Alan M.
Published: February 2020

Medical device materials contain chemicals that may pose toxicological concern(s) if released in sufficient quantities. Toxicological risk assessment approaches are increasingly being used in lieu of animal testing to address these concerns. Currently, these approaches rely primarily on in vitro extraction testing to estimate the potential for patients to be exposed to chemicals that may possibly leach out of device materials, but the clinical relevance of the test results is often ambiguous. Recent developments suggest physics‐based models can be used to provide more clinically relevant exposure estimates. However, the lack of data available to parameterize and validate these models presents a barrier to routine use. Herein, we provide an overview of these approaches, including considerations in developing and parameterizing exposure models, strategies that can be used to address the challenges associated with limited data, and potential future directions and improvements.
Saving teens from suicide requires bold new approaches
Authors: Ghani Shareh
Published: February 2020

More young girls are dying by suicide than ever before, new research shows, with the rate of suicides among girls ages 15 to 19 doubling from 2007 to 2015. The data points to a narrowing of the “gender gap” in teen suicides — and the need for new interventions for both girls and boys.
MH groups outraged over shared records in immigration cases
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2020

Officials from both the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association have expressed shock and outrage that the therapy records of children detained by immigration officials have been used against them by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in deportation cases.
Effects of pulsatile flow and straight length on low‐density lipoprotein transport in a curved arterial wall
Authors: Tamim Hossein , Abbassi Abbas , Fatouraee Nasser
Published: February 2020

Abnormal accumulation of macromolecules such as low‐density lipoproteins (LDLs) in the arterial wall causes narrowing and blockage of vessels, which leads to atherosclerosis. Effects of pulsatile nature of blood flows as well as the initial length on transport of the LDL species in the arterial boundary layer region are analyzed numerically in the present work. The set of governing equations consisting of continuity, Navier‐Stokes, and species transport is solved using a projection method based on the second‐order central difference discretization. The obtained results are in excellent agreement with the pertinent data. The computational results imply that the flow field and concentration distribution are time dependent but the variation of the filtration velocity can be ignored. The LDL concentration boundary layer thickness decreases in the outer part and increases in the inner part for both with or without straight length. Presence of initial straight length generates about 26% growth in the boundary layer thickness, although its effect on the LDL surface concentration (LSC) is negligible. The maximum LSC is related to the regions with minimum wall shear stress in the inner part of the curved artery, which have more potential for formation of atherosclerosis. A new numerical correlation between the LSC and boundary layer thickness is proposed and examined.
Preprocessing, analysis and quantification in single‐voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy: experts' consensus recommendations
Authors: Near Jamie , Harris Ashley D. , Juchem Christoph , Kreis Roland , Marjańska Małgorzata , Öz Gülin , Slotboom Johannes , Wilson Martin , Gasparovic Charles
Published: February 2020

Once an MRS dataset has been acquired, several important steps must be taken to obtain the desired metabolite concentration measures. First, the data must be preprocessed to prepare them for analysis. Next, the intensity of the metabolite signal(s) of interest must be estimated. Finally, the measured metabolite signal intensities must be converted into scaled concentration units employing a quantitative reference signal to allow meaningful interpretation. In this paper, we review these three main steps in the post‐acquisition workflow of a single‐voxel MRS experiment (preprocessing, analysis and quantification) and provide recommendations for best practices at each step.
Narrowing the Protein Deficit Gap in Critically Ill Patients Using a Very High‐Protein Enteral Formula
Authors: ApSimon Michele , Johnston Carrie , Winder Barb , Cohen Sarah S. , Hopkins Bethany
Published: February 2020

Background

Protein deficits have been associated with longer intensive care unit (ICU) stays and increased mortality. Current view suggests if protein goals are met, meeting full energy targets may be less important and prevent deleterious effects of overfeeding. We proposed a very‐high protein (VHP) enteral nutrition (EN) formula could provide adequate protein, without overfeeding energy, in the first week of critical illness.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of medical/surgical ICU patients receiving EN exclusively for ≥5 days during the first week of ICU admission. Twenty participants received standard EN; 20 participants received the VHP‐EN formula (1 kcal/mL, 37% protein). Protein and energy prescribed/received, gastrointestinal tolerance, and feeding interruptions were examined.

Results

Forty ICU patients [average Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score of 20.1] were included. Protein prescribed and received was significantly higher in the VHP group vs the standard EN group (135.5 g/d ± 22.9 vs 111.4 g/d ± 25; P = .003 and 112.2 g/d ± 27.8 vs 81.7 g/d ± 16.7, respectively; P = .002). Energy prescribed and received was similar between groups (1696 kcal/d ± 402 vs 1893 kcal/d ± 341, respectively; P = .101 and 1520 kcal/d ± 346 vs 1506 ± 380 kcal/d; P = .901). There were no differences in EN tolerance (P = .065) or feeding interruptions (P = .336).

Conclusions

Use of a VHP formula in ICU patients resulted in higher protein intakes without overfeeding energy or use of modular protein in the first 5 days of exclusive EN.
An investigation of post treatment on properties and structure of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene parts prepared by selective laser sintering for biomedical application
Authors: Zhao Yinglun , Yang Qi , Ma Haoyu , Wu Pingping , Huang Yajiang , Gong Pengjian
Published: February 2020

Combined with customization advantage of selective laser sintering (SLS) and excellent performance of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), it is possible to meet the requirements of artificial joints for biomedical application. However, high viscosity of UHMWPE melt limits the strength of UHMWPE sintered parts. Inspired from metal and ceramic materials, this work aims to improve the performance of UHMWPE parts prepared by SLS using post treatment methods, including heat treatment and hot isostatic pressure (HIP) treatment. Consequently, HIP treatment shows superiority on promoting the performance of UHMWPE sintered parts compared with heat treatment. With the condition of temperature and isostatic pressure, a novel definition of “bonding neck” is given to explain the enhancement of cohesion between each UHMWPE particle in different post treatment. Without any fortifier, the biological safety of artificial joints manufactured by SLS is further guaranteed. Under the isostatic pressure of 12 MPa and temperature of 185°C in HIP treatment, the mechanical strength, tribological performance and other properties are improved dramatically. The tensile strength of the specimen is up to 8.0 MPa, the elongation at break is 99.3%, the impact strength is 8.8 MPa, the friction coefficient is 0.11, the wear rate is 9.3 × 10−4 mm3/Nm and samples do not show cytotoxicity at the same time.
The relationship between social comparison and submissive behaviors in people with social anxiety: Paranoid social cognition as the mediator
Authors: Zaffar Warisha , Arshad Tehreem
Published: February 2020

Biased evaluation fears and paranoid thoughts lead to various safety behaviors that are the cardinal features and perpetuating factors of social anxiety. The present study aimed to emphasize evaluative and paranoid thoughts that predispose and maintain this growing psychological condition. A cross‐sectional research design was employed to explore the relationship between social comparison, paranoid social cognitions, and submissive behaviors in patients with social anxiety. Furthermore, predictive effects of social comparison and paranoid ideation on submissiveness, along with mediating factors, were assessed in a clinical sample. The study sample consisted of 100 treatment‐seeking female patients of social anxiety (M = 25.21 years), recruited through purposive sampling. The findings revealed significant correlations between social comparison, paranoid social cognitions, and submissive behaviors. Rank, a subscale of social comparison, and paranoid social cognitions turned out as predictive factors of submissive behaviors. A novel finding is that paranoid social cognitions mediate the relationship between social comparison and submissive behaviors in socially anxious individuals. Study results will assist clinicians to devise effective management plans for patients by comprehending possible causes of submissiveness and considering paranoid ideation as a manifestation of social anxiety.
A review of flow field forecasting: A high‐dimensional forecasting procedure
Authors: Caudle Kyle , Fleming Patrick S. , Hoover Randy C.
Published: February 2020

Forecasting, especially high‐dimensional forecasting, is becoming more and more sought after, particularly as computing resources increase in both size and speed. Flow field forecasting is a general purpose regression‐based forecasting method that has recently been expanded to high‐dimensional settings. In this article, we provide an overview of the flow field forecasting methodology, with a particular emphasis on environments where the number of candidate predictor variables is large, potentially larger than the number of observations.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Models > Time Series Models

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Classification and Regression Trees

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Data Reduction, Smoothing, and Filtering
Glucose transporter 1 in rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmunity
Authors: Zezina Ekaterina , Sercan‐Alp Oezen , Herrmann Matthias , Biesemann Nadine
Published: February 2020

Knowledge about metabolism of immune cells increased almost exponentially during the last two decades and thereby created the new area immunometabolism. Increased glucose uptake and glycolysis were identified as one of the major drivers in immune cells for rapid adaptation to changes in the microenvironment or external stimuli. These metabolic switches are crucial to generate macromolecules for immune cell proliferation and activation. Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), a ubiquitously expressed glucose transporter, is strongly upregulated after innate and adaptive immune cell activation. Deletion or inhibition of GLUT1 blocked T cell proliferation and effector function, antibody production from B cells and reduced inflammatory responses in macrophages. Increased glucose uptake and GLUT1 expression are not only observed in proinflammatory conditions, but also in murine models of autoimmunity as well as in human patients. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the most common autoimmune disease, is characterized by infiltration of immune cells, hyperproliferation of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes, and destruction of cartilage and bone. These processes create a hypoxic microenvironment in the synovium. Moreover, synovial samples including fibroblast‐like synoviocytes from RA patients showed increased lactate level and upregulate GLUT1. Similar upregulation of GLUT1 is observed in systemic lupus erythematosus and psoriasis patients as well as in murine autoimmune models. Inhibition of GLUT1 using either T cell specific knockouts or small molecule GLUT1/glycolysis inhibitors improved phenotypes of different murine autoimmune disease models like arthritis, lupus, and psoriasis. Thereby the therapeutic potential of immunometabolism and especially interference with glycolysis was proven.

This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Metabolism

Translational, Genomic, and Systems Medicine > Translational Medicine

Physiology > Mammalian Physiology in Health and Disease
Quantum elliptic Calogero-Moser systems from gauge origami
Authors: Chen Heng-Yu , Kimura Taro , Lee Norton
Published: February 2020

Abstract

We systematically study the interesting relations between the quantum elliptic Calogero-Moser system (eCM) and its generalization, and their corresponding supersymmetric gauge theories. In particular, we construct the suitable characteristic polynomial for the eCM system by considering certain orbifolded instanton partition function of the corresponding gauge theory. This is equivalent to the introduction of certain co-dimension two defects. We next generalize our construction to the folded instanton partition function obtained through the so-called “gauge origami” construction and precisely obtain the corresponding characteristic polynomial for the doubled version, named the elliptic double Calogero-Moser (edCM) system.
Superfluids, vortices and spinning charged operators in 4d CFT
Authors: Cuomo Gabriel
Published: February 2020

Abstract

We include vortices in the superfluid EFT for four dimensional CFTs at large global charge. Using the state-operator correspondence, vortices are mapped to charged operators with large spin and we compute their scaling dimensions. Different regimes are identified: phonons, vortex rings, Kelvin waves, and vortex crystals. We also compute correlators with a Noether current insertion in between vortex states. Results for the scaling dimensions of traceless symmetric operators are given in arbitrary spacetime dimensions.
IL6-receptor antibody tocilizumab as salvage therapy in severe chronic graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Kattner Anna-Sophia , Holler Ernst , Holler Barbara , Klobuch Sebastian , Weber Daniela , Martinovic Danilo , Edinger Matthias , Herr Wolfgang , Wolff Daniel
Published: February 2020

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) remains the most relevant factor affecting survival after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). Besides corticosteroids (and ibrutinib in the USA), there is no established therapy for cGvHD. Tocilizumab, a humanized IgG1 IL6-receptor antibody, has shown efficacy in acute GvHD and cGvHD. We retrospectively analyzed the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab for the treatment of advanced cGvHD. Eleven patients with severe steroid refractory cGvHD (median age 49; range 21–62 years) that received at least two prior lines of therapy for cGvHD (range 2–8 regimens) were treated with tocilizumab (q4w, dosage 8 mg/kg IV) with a median number of 15 cycles (range 2–31). NIH consensus criteria grading for cGvHD were recorded prior to tocilizumab administration and after 3, 6, and 12 months of therapy. All patients received additional concomitant immunosuppression (IS) but no new IS within the last 4 weeks before start of tocilizumab and response assessment was terminated before start of any new IS. The median number of days between alloHSCT and initiation of tocilizumab therapy was 1033 days. Organs involved at initiation of tocilizumab therapy were skin (100%, all grade 3), eyes (82%), fascia (82%), mouth (64%), lungs (55%), and genitals (18%). Overall, 7/10 patients (70%) showed partial remission, 2/10 patients (20%) showed progressive cGvHD, 1/10 patient (10%) showed mixed response, and 1 patient died due to sepsis before first response assessment 1.5 months after initiation of treatment. Four patients required subsequent new immunosuppressive treatment. Two patients developed bacterial sepsis, one of whom died. The overall survival and relapse-free survival were 82% with an average follow-up of 22 months (range 1.5–52 months). Tocilizumab seems a promising treatment option in advanced cGvHD but further evaluation within a phase II trial is required.
Rechtsverträgliche und qualitätszentrierte Gestaltung für „KI made in Germany“
Authors: Knote Robin , Thies Laura Friederike , Söllner Matthias , Jandt Silke , Leimeister Jan Marco , Roßnagel Alexander
Published: February 2020

Künstlich intelligente (KI) Systeme erfreuen sich immer größerer Beliebtheit. Insbesondere smarte persönliche Assistenten (SPAs) von Amazon, Google und vielen weiteren verzeichnen ein stetiges Marktwachstum. Den vielfältigen Potenzialen dieser KI-Systeme stehen jedoch auch zahlreiche Risiken gegenüber. Berichte von Datenpannen und -lecks häufen sich und haben bei Nutzern eine zunehmende Skepsis zur Folge, was zu einem gespaltenen Bild von KI in der Gesellschaft beiträgt. Diesem Problem stellt sich das Forschungsprojekt AnEkA mit einem interdisziplinären Gestaltungsansatz. Auf Basis von Rechts- und Qualitätszielen werden Anforderungen an rechtsverträgliche und qualitativ hochwertige SPAs abgeleitet. Zusätzlich werden Gestaltungsalternativen identifiziert, die diese Anforderungen unter Berücksichtigung möglicher Zielkonflikte umsetzen. Ergebnis des Projekts sind Entwurfsmuster, die Entwicklern von SPAs dabei helfen sollen, rechtsverträgliche und qualitativ hochwertige SPAs und KI-Systeme im Allgemeinen zu entwickeln. Dadurch soll das Alleinstellungsmerkmal einer „KI made in Germany“ entstehen, welche sowohl die Bedürfnisse von Nutzern berücksichtigt und sie ebenfalls bestmöglich vor Risiken der Systemnutzung schützt. Dieser Beitrag erläutert das interdisziplinäre Vorgehen anhand eines Szenarios zur Nutzung von SPAs.
Real-world use of denosumab and bisphosphonates in patients with solid tumours and bone metastases in Germany
Authors: Diel Ingo , Ansorge Sonja , Hohmann David , Giannopoulou Christina , Niepel Daniela , Intorcia Michele
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Bisphosphonates and denosumab prevent bone complications in patients with bone metastases from solid tumours. This retrospective, longitudinal, cohort study provides data on their real-world use in this setting in Germany.

Methods

Adults with bone metastases from breast, prostate or lung cancer who were newly initiated on a bisphosphonate or denosumab between 1 July 2011 and 31 December 2015 were identified from a German healthcare insurance claims database. Primary outcomes included persistence, compliance, discontinuation and switch rates at 12 months.

Results

This study included 1130 patients with bone metastases: 555 (49%) had breast cancer, 361 (32%) prostate cancer and 242 (21%) lung cancer. Mean age was 65 years for patients with breast or lung cancer and 74 years for those with prostate cancer. Across all tumour types, compared with any bisphosphonate, 12-month persistence was higher with denosumab (breast cancer 78% vs 54–58%, prostate cancer 58% vs 50%, lung cancer 68% vs 34–60%), median time to discontinuation was longer with denosumab and switch rates were lower for denosumab (breast cancer 5% vs 14–19%, prostate cancer 2% vs 11%, lung cancer 3% vs 7–12%). Compliance at 12 months was longer for denosumab than for any bisphosphonate in breast cancer (75% vs 42–48%) and in prostate cancer (47% vs 36%).

Conclusions

Patients initiated on denosumab following a diagnosis of bone metastases from breast, prostate or lung cancer had greater medication persistence, longer time to discontinuation, improved compliance and lower switch rates than those initiated on a bisphosphonate.
Small area estimation under a measurement error bivariate Fay–Herriot model
Authors: Burgard Jan Pablo , Esteban María Dolores , Morales Domingo , Pérez Agustín
Published: February 2020

The bivariate Fay–Herriot model is an area-level linear mixed model that can be used for estimating the domain means of two correlated target variables.
Under this model, the dependent variables are direct estimators calculated from survey data and the auxiliary variables are true domain means obtained from external data sources. Administrative registers do not always give good auxiliary variables, so that statisticians sometimes take them from alternative surveys and therefore they are measured with error.
We introduce a variant of the bivariate Fay–Herriot model that takes into account the measurement error of the auxiliary variables and we give fitting algorithms to estimate the model parameters. Based on the new model, we introduce empirical best predictors of domain means and we propose a parametric bootstrap procedure for estimating the mean squared error. We finally give an application to estimate poverty proportions and gaps in the Spanish Living Condition Survey, with auxiliary information from the Spanish Labour Force Survey.
Engineering a defined culture medium to grow Piscirickettsia salmonis for its use in vaccine formulations
Authors: Fuentealba Pablo , Latorre Yesenia , González Ernesto , Martínez Irene , Soto Carmen , Altamirano Claudia
Published: February 2020

Piscirickettsia salmonis is a facultative Gram-negative intracellular bacterium that produces piscirickettsiosis, disease that causes a high negative impact in salmonid cultures. The so-far-unidentified nutritional requirements have hindered its axenic culture at laboratory and industrial scales for the formulation of vaccines. The present study describes the development of a defined culture medium for P. salmonis. The culture medium was formulated through rational design involving auxotrophy test and statistical designs of experiments, considering the genome-scale metabolic reconstruction of P. salmonis reported by our group. The whole optimization process allowed for a twofold increase in biomass and a reduction of about 50% of the amino acids added to the culture medium. The final culture medium contains twelve amino acids, where glutamic acid, threonine and arginine were the main carbon and energy sources, supporting 1.65 g/L of biomass using 6.5 g/L of amino acids in the formulation. These results will contribute significantly to the development of new operational strategies to culture this bacterium for the production of vaccines.
Transnational Legal Communication: Towards Comprehensible and Consistent Law
Authors: Osiejewicz Joanna
Published: February 2020

Transnational legal communication seeks to identify transnational legal regimes and attempts to establish channels and technics for comprehensible communication of the legal information to specified groups of recipients. It also strives to conclude about possible inconsistencies in law. The approach is based on the cooperation of scientists within the area of law and applied linguistics and the coordination of their efforts, in order to conduct research from various perspectives, share conclusions and develop more complete approaches as well as achieve and mutually use more multilateral research results. It strives to reconcile legal research and linguistics research despite of their very different paradigms. The paper aims to explain the nature of legal communication and to establish its general research questions and objectives. The study is going to find an answer to the question what methods are to be used to communicate law comprehensively to its recipients and to draw conclusions on the consistency of legal regimes to be communicated. It accentuates that the solidarity necessary to achieve the objective of comprehensible and consistent law goes beyond the particular interests of individual sciences and is the foundation of the existence of the transnational legal communication community, non-depending on the place of living and the scope of practical knowledge.