bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network Efficiency Mediates the Relationship Between Vascular Burden and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Shen Jun , Tozer Daniel J. , Markus Hugh S. , Tay Jonathan
Published: May 2020

Background and Purpose—

Cerebrovascular disease contributes to age-related cognitive decline, but the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain incompletely understood. We hypothesized that vascular risk factors would lead to cognitive impairment through the disruption of brain white matter network efficiency.

Methods—

Participants were 19 346 neurologically healthy individuals from UK Biobank that underwent diffusion MRI and cognitive testing (mean age=62.6). Global efficiency, a measure of network integration, was calculated from white matter networks constructed using deterministic diffusion tractography. First, we determined whether demographics (age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and education), vascular risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking, body mass index), and white matter hyperintensities were related to global efficiency using multivariate linear regression. Next, we used structural equation modeling to model a multiple regression. The dependent variable was a latent cognition variable using all cognitive data, while independent variables were a latent factor including all vascular risk factors (vascular burden), demographic variables, white matter hyperintensities, and global efficiency. Finally, we used mediation analysis to determine whether global efficiency explained the relationship between vascular burden and cognition.

Results—

Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were consistently associated with reduced global efficiency even after controlling for white matter hyperintensities. Structural equation models revealed that vascular burden was associated with cognition (
P
=0.023), but not after adding global efficiency to the model (
P
=0.09), suggesting a mediation effect. Mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect effect of global efficiency on cognition through vascular burden (
P
<0.001), suggesting a partial mediation effect.

Conclusions—

Vascular burden is associated with reduced global efficiency and cognitive impairment in the general population. Network efficiency partially mediates the relationship between vascular burden and cognition. This suggests that treating specific risk factors may prevent reductions in brain network efficiency and preserve cognitive functioning in the aging population.
Original and Modified Graeb Score Correlation With Intraventricular Hemorrhage and Clinical Outcome Prediction in Hyperacute Intracranial Hemorrhage
Authors: Bisson Daniel-Alexandre , Flaherty Mathew L. , Shatil Anwar S. , Gladstone David , Dowlatshahi Dar , Carrozzella Janice , Zhang Liying , Hill Michael D. , Demchuck Andrew , Aviv Richard I. ,   for the STOP-IT and SPOTLIGHT Investigators*, Thorpe Kevin E. , Khoury Jane C. , Sucharew Heidi J. , Al-Ajlan Fahad , Butcher Ken , Gubitz Gord , DeMasi Stephanie , Hall Judith , Gregg David , Mamdani Muhammad , Shamy Michel , Swartz Richard H. , Martin del Campo C. , Cucchiara Brett , Panagos Peter , Goldstein Joshua N. , Jauch Edward C. , Broderick Joseph P.
Published: May 2020

Background and Purpose—

The Graeb score is a visual rating scale of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) on noncontrast head CT. Little data exist in the hyperacute (<6 hour) period for reliability and predictive value of the modified Graeb Score (mGS) or the original Graeb Score (oGS) for clinical outcomes or their correlation with quantitative IVH volumes.

Methods—

A retrospective analysis of multicenter prospective intracranial hemorrhage study was performed. oGS and mGS inter-observer agreement and IVH volume correlation on the baseline noncontrast head CT were calculated by intraclass correlation coefficient and Pearson coefficient respectively. Predictors of poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale scores ≥4) at 3 months were identified using a backward stepwise selection multivariable analysis. oGS and mGS performance for modified Rankin Scale scores ≥4 was determined by receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results—

One hundred forty-one patients (65±12 years) with median (interquartile range) time to CT of 82.5 (70.3–157.5) minutes were included. IVH was observed in 43 (30%) patients. Inter-observer agreement was excellent for both oGS (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.80–0.95]) and mGS (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.84–0.99]). mGS (R=0.79;
P
<0.01) correlated better than oGS (R=0.71;
P
<0.01) with IVH volumes (
P
=0.02). Models of thresholded oGS and mGS were not different from a model of planimetric baseline intracranial hemorrhage and IVH volume for poor outcome prediction. Area under the curves were 0.70, 0.73, and 0.72, respectively.

Conclusions—

Excellent correlation for oGS and mGS with IVH volume was seen. Thresholded oGS and mGS are reasonable surrogates for planimetric IVH volume for hyperacute intracranial hemorrhage studies.
Association of Genetic Variants With Moyamoya Disease in 13 000 Individuals
Authors: Wang Xiaotong , Wang Yue , Nie Fangfang , Li Qian , Zhang Kaili , Liu Mengwei , Yang Luping , Zhang Qian , Liu Shan , Zeng Fanxin , Shang Mengke , Liang Man , Yang Yuetian , Liu Xiuping , Liu Wanyang
Published: May 2020

Background and Purpose—

A growing body of evidence indicates genetic components play critical roles in moyamoya disease (MMD). Firm conclusions from studies of this disease have been stymied by small sample sizes and a lack of replicative results. This meta-analysis was conducted to determine whether these genetic polymorphisms are associated with MMD.

Methods—

PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Wanfang, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were used to identify potentially relevant studies published until January 2020. The Review Manager 5.2 and Stata 15.0 software programs were used to perform the statistical analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran
Q
test and quantified using the
I

2

test.

Results—

Four thousand seven hundred eleven MMD cases and 8704 controls in 24 studies were included, evaluating 7 polymorphisms in 6 genes. The fixed-effect odds ratios (95% CI) in allelic model of
MMP-2
rs243865 were 0.60 (0.41–0.88) (
P
=0.008). In the country-based subgroup analysis, the fixed-effect odds ratios (95% CI) of
RNF213
rs112735431 in allelic model were China, 39.74 (26.63–59.31), Japan, 74.65 (42.79–130.24) and Korea, 50.04 (28.83–86.88; all
P
<0.00001). In the sensitivity analysis, the fixed-effect odds ratios (95% CI) of allelic and dominant models were the
RNF213
rs148731719 variant, 2.17 (1.36–3.48;
P
=0.001), 2.20 (1.35–3.61;
P
=0.002), the
TIMP-2
rs8179090 variant, 0.33 (0.25–0.43;
P
<0.00001), 0.88 (0.65–1.21;
P
=0.440) and the
MMP-3
rs3025058 variant, 0.61 (0.47–0.79;
P
=0.0002), 0.55 (0.41–0.75;
P
=0.0001), respectively.

Conclusions—

RNF213
rs112735431 and rs148731719 were positively, and
TIMP-2
rs8179090,
MMP-2
rs243865, and
MMP-3
rs3025058 were inversely associated with MMD using multiple pathophysiologic pathways. Studies in larger population should be conducted to clarify whether and how these variants are associated with MMD.
Washington's College Bound Scholarship Program and its Effect on College Entry, Persistence, and Completion
Authors: Long Mark C. , Goldhaber Dan , Gratz Trevor
Published: May 2020

Indiana, Oklahoma, and Washington have programs designed to address college enrollment and completion gaps by offering a promise of state-based college financial aid to lowincome middle school students in exchange for making a pledge to do well in high school, be a good citizen, not be convicted of a felony, and apply for financial aid to college. Using a tripledifference specification, we find that Washington's College Bound Scholarship shifted enrollment from out-of-state to in-state colleges at which the scholarship could be used. While we find suggestive evidence that the program increased the likelihood of attending a postsecondary institution and attaining a bachelor's degree within five years of high school, we discuss why the program might be more successful if it did not require students to sign a pledge.
A review of the genus Hemidactylus Goldfuss, 1820 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Angola, with the description of two new species
Authors: CERÍACO LUIS M. P. , AGARWAL ISHAN , MARQUES MARIANA P. , BAUER AARON M.
Published: May 2020

The genus Hemidactylus in Angola is represented by six species, all of them part of taxonomically and nomenclaturally challenging species complexes. We present a detailed taxonomic revision of the group in the region and describe two new species, Hemidactylus nzingae sp. nov. and Hemidactylus paivae sp. nov., both occuring in and potentially endemic to the highlands of Angola. Phylogenetic analysis using a combination of mitochondrial (ND2) and nuclear (MXRA5, PDC, RAG1) markers, as well as morphological and scalation data support the recognition of the new species. In addition, data support the revalidation of Hemidactylus bayonii Bocage, 1893, and Hemidactylus benguellensis Bocage, 1893. We also provide a redefinition of Hemidactylus longicephalus Bocage, 1873 with which we synonymize Hemidactylus mabouia molleri Bedriaga, 1892, from São Tomé in the Gulf of Guinea. Given that the type material of H. bayonii, H. benguellensis, H. longicephalus and H. mabouia molleri have all been lost or destroyed, we designate neotypes for all of these nomina for purposes of nomenclatural stability. The description of the new species and the revision and revalidation of the Angolan species already described contributes to a better understanding of the taxonomy and biogeography of West and Central African Hemidactylus, as well as to the general biogeographic and evolutionary patterns of Angolan fauna. A key to the Angolan species is also presented.
First record of genus Epicnemis Borgmeier, 1962 (Aenigmatiinae: Phoridae: Diptera) from China, with description of a new species
Authors: CHU MENG-YING , LIU GUANG-CHUN
Published: May 2020

The genus Epicnemis Borgmeier,1962 is firstly reported from Jiangxi Province, China, with description of a new species, E. linguiformis sp. nov. The new species is distinguished from others of the genus mainly by the structure of the processes on the epandrium.
Knowledge management and information management: A tale of two siblings
Authors: Payne Judy , Fryer Jonathan
Published: May 2020

Confusion has long existed between knowledge management (KM) and information management (IM). To the uninitiated, the difference between KM and IM is unclear – largely because there are no universally accepted definitions of ‘knowledge’ and ‘information’. But the confusion is not limited to the uninitiated. KM and IM specialists argue over the meaning of explicit and tacit knowledge, over the difference between information and data, and over the difference between codified knowledge and information. Why? And does any of this matter? This article explores the confusion between KM and IM by reflecting on the origins, development and current state of the two disciplines. The words we use to think and talk about KM and IM directly influence the way we practise KM and IM: and in some contexts, confusion between KM and IM has serious adverse effects on understanding and practice. The solution might lie in closer future development of the two disciplines – as long as practitioners appreciate that KM and IM are distinct but complementary, we talk to each other, and we pay attention to the words we use.
Dose and setting of rehabilitation received after stroke in Queensland, Australia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Grimley Rohan S , Rosbergen Ingrid CM , Gustafsson Louise , Horton Eleanor , Green Theresa , Cadigan Greg , Kuys Suzanne , Andrew Nadine E , Cadilhac Dominique A
Published: May 2020

Objective:

The aims of this study were to describe patterns and dose of rehabilitation received following stroke and to investigate their relationship with outcomes.

Design:

This was a prospective observational cohort study.

Setting:

A total of seven public hospitals and all subsequent rehabilitation services in Queensland, Australia, participated in the study.

Subjects:

Participants were consecutive patients surviving acute stroke between July 2016 and January 2017.

Methods:

We tracked rehabilitation for six months following stroke and obtained 90- to 180-day outcomes from the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry.

Measures:

Dose of rehabilitation – time in therapy by physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech pathology; modified Rankin Scale (mRS)- premorbid, acute care discharge and 90- to 180-day follow-up.

Results:

We recruited 504 patients, of whom 337 (median age = 73 years, 41% female) received 643 episodes of rehabilitation in 83 different services. Initial rehabilitation was predominantly inpatient (260/337, 77%) versus community-based (77/337, 21%). Therapy time was greater within inpatient services (median = 29 hours) compared to community-based (6 hours) or transition care (16 hours). Median (Quartile 1, Quartile 3) six-month cumulative therapy time was 73 hours (40, 130) when rehabilitation commenced in stroke units and continued in inpatient rehabilitation units; 43 hours (23, 78) when commenced in inpatient rehabilitation units; and 5 hours (2, 9) with only community rehabilitation. In 317 of 504 (63%) with follow-up data, improvement in mRS was most likely with inpatient rehabilitation (OR = 3.6, 95% CI = 1.7–7.7), lower with community rehabilitation (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 0.7–3.8) compared to no rehabilitation, after adjustment for baseline factors.

Conclusion:

Amount of therapy varied widely between rehabilitation pathways. Amount of therapy and chance of improvement in function were highest with inpatient rehabilitation.
Reactive planar non-prehensile manipulation with hybrid model predictive control
Authors: Hogan Francois R , Rodriguez Alberto
Published: May 2020

This article presents an offline solution and online approximation to the hybrid control problem of planar non-prehensile manipulation. Hybrid dynamics and underactuation are key characteristics of this task that complicate the design of feedback controllers. We show that a model predictive control approach used in tandem with integer programming offers a powerful solution to capture the dynamic constraints associated with the friction cone as well as the hybrid nature of contact. We introduce the Model Predictive Controller with Learned Mode Scheduling (MPC-LMS), which leverages integer programming and machine learning techniques to effectively deal with the combinatorial complexity associated with determining sequences of contact modes. We validate the controller design through a numerical simulation study and with experiments on a planar manipulation setup using an industrial ABB IRB 120 robotic arm. Results show that the proposed algorithm achieves closed-loop tracking of a nominal trajectory by reasoning in real-time across multiple contact modalities.
Organ pipes and bodies with organs: Listening to De Quincey’s First Opium War essays
Authors: Stanyon Miranda
Published: May 2020

War is prominent in sound studies, yet the sonic dimensions of the Opium Wars remain understudied. Analysing essays on the First Opium War by the English Opium-Eater, Thomas De Quincey (1785–1859), this article explores the dense relationships between opium, empire and sound in nineteenth-century Britain. It brings the tropes of the pipe as connector and organ as musical instrument, body part and instrument of the body politic into dialogue with Deleuze and Guattari’s theorisation of the ‘Body without Organs’, and suggests how the empires of China and Britain and their opium-taking subjects could be imagined as violently sounding bodies.
Lower Urinary Tract Injuries: A Guide for the Emergency Radiologist
Authors: Mojtabaie Parmiss , Redmond Ciaran E. , Lunt Christopher R. , Gibney Brian , Murray Nicolas , Louis Luck , Nicolaou Savvas
Published: May 2020

Traumatic lower urinary tract injuries are uncommon and mainly occur in patients with severe trauma and multiple abdominopelvic injuries. In the presence of other substantial injuries, bladder and urethral injuries may be overlooked and cause significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is important that radiologists are familiar with mechanisms and injuries that are high risk for bladder and urethral trauma. We review the imaging findings associated with these injuries and the appropriate modalities and techniques to further evaluate the patient and accurately diagnose these injuries. Computed tomography cystography and conventional retrograde urethrography are effective tools in identifying injuries to the lower urinary tract and play a crucial role in patient care and prognosis.
“In strength” not “by force”: Re-reading the circumcision of the uncircumcised ἐν ἰσχύι in 1 Macc 2:46
Authors: Soon Isaac T
Published: May 2020

This article challenges the dominant reading of 1 Macc 2:46, both that (a) the syntagm ἐν ἰσχύι means coercion and that (b) the literary context of 1 Maccabees understands the circumcising of the uncircumcised in 2:46 as coercive. An analysis of the lexical semantics of ἐν ἰσχύι in ancient Greek literature shows that it never referred to coercion, but primarily referred to the means by which an action was accomplished (“by strength/might/power”). Admittedly, ἐν ἰσχύι can occur in coercive contexts (e.g. Wis 16:16). However, coercion is not a part of the syntagm itself, but arises out of the surrounding literary circumstances. Rather than as one who forces circumcision upon others, the literary context of 1 Macc 2:46 presents Mattathias as a liberator who reinstates circumcision for those who had been prevented from circumcising their children due to persecution. Josephus, our earliest reception of 1 Macc 2:46, is a witness to this reading.
Beyond Allyship: Motivations for Advantaged Group Members to Engage in Action for Disadvantaged Groups
Authors: Radke Helena R. M. , Kutlaca Maja , Siem Birte , Wright Stephen C. , Becker Julia C.
Published: May 2020

White Americans who participate in the Black Lives Matter movement, men who attended the Women’s March, and people from the Global North who work to reduce poverty in the Global South—advantaged group members (sometimes referred to as allies) often engage in action for disadvantaged groups. Tensions can arise, however, over the inclusion of advantaged group members in these movements, which we argue can partly be explained by their motivations to participate. We propose that advantaged group members can be motivated to participate in these movements (a) to improve the status of the disadvantaged group, (b) on the condition that the status of their own group is maintained, (c) to meet their own personal needs, and (d) because this behavior aligns with their moral beliefs. We identify potential antecedents and behavioral outcomes associated with these motivations before describing the theoretical contribution our article makes to the psychological literature.
The burden of prosthetic hip dislocations in the United States is projected to significantly increase by 2035
Authors: Pirruccio Kevin , Premkumar Ajay , Sheth Neil P
Published: May 2020

Introduction:

Prosthetic hip dislocation is a common, costly complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Despite this, the national burden of prosthetic hip dislocations remains uncharacterised in the United States, especially pertaining to injuries occurring years after the index procedure. This study examines historical and projected national estimates of prosthetic hip dislocations presenting to U.S. emergency departments between 2000 and 2035.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective epidemiological study using narratives in the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database (2000–2017) to identify an estimated 64,671 prosthetic hip implant dislocations presenting to U.S. emergency departments. Estimates for the prevalence of individuals living with a total hip implant were derived from the literature.

Results:

The national estimate of prosthetic hip dislocations presenting to U.S. emergency departments rose significantly ( p < 0.001) between 2000 ( n = 2395; 95% CI, 1264–3526) and 2017 ( n = 8094; 95% CI, 4276–11,912). These increases are likely driven by increased numbers of people living with THA overall, since between 2000 and 2017, the average incidence of prosthetic hip dislocation (0.14%; CI 0.08–0.21%) in patients living with hip implants has not changed significantly. Linear regression modeling (R2 = 0.7, p < 0.01) projected an increasing number of dislocations through 2035, predicting 10,446 national cases per year by this date.

Conclusions:

Driven by increases in THA, the annual volume of prosthetic hip dislocations presenting to U.S. emergency departments has increased significantly since 2000 and is projected to continue to rise sharply. Future advances in surgical technique, prosthesis design, and injury prevention policies aimed at decreasing the rate of THA dislocation would help alleviate this mounting national health burden.
Exercise training and cognitive performance in persons with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Gharakhanlou Reza , Wesselmann Leonie , Rademacher Annette , Lampit Amit , Negaresh Raoof , Kaviani Mojtaba , Oberste Max , Motl Robert W , Sandroff Brian M , Bansi Jens , Baker Julien S , Heesen Christoph , Zimmer Philipp , Javelle Florian
Published: May 2020

Background:

Cognitive impairment is common, debilitating, and poorly managed in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Exercise training might have positive effects on cognitive performance in pwMS, yet the overall magnitude, heterogeneity, and potential moderators remain unclear.

Objective:

This three-level meta-analysis aims to identify the effects of exercise training and those of exercise modalities on global and domain-specific cognitive performance in pwMS.

Methods:

MEDLINE, PsycInfo, SportDiscus, CENTRAL, and EMBASE were screened for randomized and non-randomized clinical trials from inception to 27 January 2020, yielding 3091 articles. Based on titles and abstracts, 75 articles remained in the selection process. After full-text evaluation, 13 studies were finally selected (PROSPERO pre-registered).

Results:

The pooled effect of exercise training on the global cognitive performance was null ( g = 0.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): –0.11 to 0.18) and no significant differences were displayed among domains. Heterogeneity within studies was null ([Formula: see text]= 0.0%) and between studies was low ([Formula: see text]= 25.1%). None of the moderators (exercise modalities, age, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), supervision, cognitive domains) reached significance. However, the exercise volume explained most of the overall heterogeneity (slope = 4.651 × 10−5, [Formula: see text] = 100%, [Formula: see text] = 52.34%).

Conclusion:

These results do not support the efficacy of exercise training on global or domain-specific cognitive performance in pwMS. Future studies are needed to determine whether higher training dose are beneficial.
The financing of SMEs in the Spanish tourism sector at the onset of the 2008 financial crisis: Lessons to learn?
Authors: Moya-Martínez Pablo , Del Pozo-Rubio Raúl
Published: May 2020

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are a powerful economic engine in many European countries. Moreover, tourism SMEs are particularly important in the economies of countries in southern Europe due to the climate and sociodemographic situation, among other reasons. In Spain, specifically, these enterprises are a vital economic asset. Nonetheless, neither the importance of SMEs in the tourism industry nor the main factors that influence their capital structure have been sufficiently studied. We used panel data methodology with a regression model to analyse the capital structure of SMEs in the tourism sector at the onset of the 2008 financial crisis. Our results show the significance of SMEs within the tourism industry as well as the need to take into account the main factors that influence their capital, which are type (micro, small or medium enterprise), profitability, number of employees and size (logarithm of total assets). Furthermore, despite the robustness of these companies, they have been affected by the crisis. This study is of great interest as it provides indicators to understand the strength of tourist SMEs to confront potential crises.
“Obscene, pornographic, or otherwise objectionable”: Biased definitions of sexual content in video game live streaming
Authors: Ruberg Bonnie
Published: May 2020

This article articulates and critiques the ways that Twitch, currently the most popular platform for video game live streaming, defines sexual content through its community guidelines, terms of service, and other policy documents. On Twitch, both streamers and viewers are prohibited from posting sexually explicit or suggestive content. This includes images that appear in games as well as on-camera performances. Twitch presents defining sexual content as a matter of common sense and community protection; however, what counts as “sexual content” is far from objective. This analysis reveals that Twitch’s definition of sexual content is in fact vague, subjective, and contradictory and enables discrimination. These policy documents reflect problematic social biases, such as those against women in gaming spaces. Twitch’s policies also reflect anxieties about the relationship between live streaming and webcam-based sex work. This article challenges the sexist cultural logics that shape these policy documents and, by extension, Twitch’s platform politics.
Between sexuality and professionalism: Experiences of gay workers at Blued, a Chinese gay social app company
Authors: Miao Weishan , Chan Lik Sam
Published: May 2020

Recent scholarship on gay social apps has largely focused on the experiences of their users. In this article, we take a production-side approach to examine the politics of sexuality and professionalism in Blued, a Chinese gay social app company. Based on ethnography at the company and in-depth interviews with its workers, we found that workers at Blued actively weaved their sexual identity into their professional identity. Also, its CEO made use of workers’ personal memory and collective hope as a motivating rhetoric, transgressing the boundary between the private and the public. Nonetheless, the collapse of the private–public division is not total, because such division was continuously re-established by the company’s corporate external positioning and workers’ pragmatic consideration of their career prospect. The case of Blued reveals a highly dynamic relationship between sexuality and professionalism, which sometimes reinforce and sometimes negate each other.
Using Positive Emotion Training With Maltreated Youths to Reduce Anger Bias and Physical Aggression
Authors: Dickerson Kelli L. , Skeem Jennifer L. , Montoya Lina , Quas Jodi A.
Published: May 2020

Maltreated youths often overinterpret anger in others’ emotional expressions, particularly expressions that are ambiguous, and this “anger bias” is associated with aggressive behavior. In the current experiment, we tested the effect of an emotion-training intervention on anger bias and subsequent aggression. Eighty-four youths, ages 8 to 17, who had been removed from home because of maltreatment and had screened positive for aggressive tendencies, served as participants. Over 4 days, youths completed positive emotion training, a computerized program in which youths classify emotional expressions. Youths in the treatment condition received feedback to encourage their recognition of happiness over anger in ambiguous expressions. Physical aggression up to 1 week posttraining was assessed on the basis of self- and staff reports. The intervention was effective in reducing youths’ anger bias and somewhat so in reducing aggression—the latter of—which occurred infrequently, limiting power. Results offer direction for developmental research and cost-effective interventions for maltreated youths at risk for aggression and future justice-system involvement.
Effects of Maternal Depression and Mother–Child Relationship Quality in Early Childhood on Neural Reactivity to Rejection and Peer Stress in Adolescence: A 9-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Kujawa Autumn , Arfer Kodi B. , Finsaas Megan C. , Kessel Ellen M. , Mumper Emma , Klein Daniel N.
Published: May 2020

Problems in mother–child relationships are thought to be key to the intergenerational transmission of depression. To evaluate neural and behavioral processes involved in these pathways, we tested effects of maternal depression and maternal-child relationship quality in early childhood on neural and interviewer-based indicators of social processes in adolescence. At age 3, children and mothers ( N = 332) completed an observational parenting measure and diagnostic interviews with mothers. At age 12, adolescents completed a task in which event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded in response to peer acceptance and rejection feedback and interviews to assess peer stress. Lower mother–child relationship quality at age 3 was associated with enhanced reactivity to rejection, as measured by N1, and greater peer stress at age 12. Indirect effects of maternal depression through mother–child relationship quality were observed for N1 and peer stress. Findings inform understanding of disruptions in social functioning that are likely to be relevant to the intergenerational transmission of depression.
Underbelly: Making online hate visible
Authors: Särmä Saara
Published: May 2020

Visual art forms are effective in making previously unseen issues and experiences visible. Here I present an installation called Underbelly and reflect on the phenomena it makes visible, namely hate mail and online misogyny. I argue that these silencing tactics should be taken seriously as questions of everyday security because they can prevent academics from doing our job, particularly as scholar-publicists.
Recombinant Human Platelet–Derived Growth Factor: A Systematic Review of Clinical Findings in Oral Regenerative Procedures
Authors: Tavelli L. , Ravidà A. , Barootchi S. , Chambrone L. , Giannobile W.V.
Published: May 2020

Aim:

The use of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor–BB (rhPDGF) has received Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of periodontal and orthopedic bone defects and dermal wound healing. Many studies have investigated its regenerative potential in a variety of other oral clinical indications. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy, safety, and clinical benefit of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor (rhPDGF) use for alveolar bone and/or soft tissue regeneration.

Material and Methods:

Comprehensive electronic and manual literature searches according to the PRISMA guidelines were performed to identify interventional and observational studies evaluating the regenerative applications of rhPDGF-BB. The primary outcomes were the safety, efficacy, and overall clinical benefit of rhPDGF use in oral regenerative procedures.

Results:

Sixty-three human clinical studies (mean ± SD follow-up period of 10.7 ± 3.3 mo) were included in the qualitative analysis. No serious adverse effects were reported in any of the 63 studies, aside from the postoperative complications routinely associated with surgical therapy. Use of rhPDGF was shown to be beneficial when combined with allografts, xenografts, and alloplasts (the latter tricalcium phosphate [β-TCP]) for the treatment of periodontal defects and gingival recession. The use of rhPDGF also led to favorable clinical outcomes when combined with allografts or xenografts for guided bone regeneration (GBR) and alveolar ridge preservation. While favorable clinical results support the use of the combination of rhPDGF plus allograft or xenograft for GBR, ARP, and sinus floor augmentation, current data support the use of rhPDGF and alloplasts (e.g., β-TCP) only in periodontal defects and gingival recession.

Conclusions:

Based on the clinical evidence, rhPDGF is safe and provides clinical benefits when used in combination with bone allografts, xenograft, or β-TCP for the treatment of intrabony and furcation periodontal defects and gingival recession or when used with allografts or xenograft for GBR and ARP (PROSPERO CRD42020142446).

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

Clinicians should be aware that rhPDGF is a safe and effective approach for the treatment of intrabony and furcation periodontal defects and gingival recession or when used with allografts or xenograft for bone regeneration and alveolar ridge preservation. With consideration of cost and patient preference, this result could lead to more appropriate therapeutic decisions.
Targeting aberrant DNA hypermethylation as a driver of ATL leukemogenesis by using the new oral demethylating agent OR-2100
Authors: Watanabe Tatsuro , Yamashita Satoshi , Ureshino Hiroshi , Kamachi Kazuharu , Kurahashi Yuki , Fukuda-Kurahashi Yuki , Yoshida Nao , Hattori Naoko , Nakamura Hideaki , Sato Akemi , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Sueoka-Aragane Naoko , Kojima Kensuke , Okada Seiji , Ushijima Toshikazu , Kimura Shinya , Sueoka Eisaburo
Published: May 2020

Adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL) is an aggressive hematological malignancy of CD4+ T cells transformed by human T-cell lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1). Most HTLV-1–infected individuals are asymptomatic, and only 3% to 5% of carriers develop ATL. Here, we describe the contribution of aberrant DNA methylation to ATL leukemogenesis. HTLV-1–infected T-cells and their uninfected counterparts were separately isolated based on CADM1 and CD7 expression status, and differentially methylated positions (DMPs) specific to HTLV–infected T cells were identified through genome-wide DNA methylation profiling. Accumulation of DNA methylation at hypermethylated DMPs correlated strongly with ATL development and progression. In addition, we identified 22 genes downregulated because of promoter hypermethylation in HTLV-1–infected T cells, including THEMIS, LAIR1, and RNF130, which negatively regulate T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling. Phosphorylation of ZAP-70, a transducer of TCR signaling, was dysregulated in HTLV-1–infected cell lines but was normalized by reexpression of THEMIS. Therefore, we hypothesized that DNA hypermethylation contributes to growth advantages in HTLV-1–infected cells during ATL leukemogenesis. To test this idea, we investigated the anti-ATL activities of OR-1200 and OR-2100 (OR21), novel decitabine (DAC) prodrugs with enhanced oral bioavailability. Both DAC and OR21 inhibited cell growth, accompanied by global DNA hypomethylation, in xenograft tumors established by implantation of HTLV-1–infected cells. OR21 was less hematotoxic than DAC, whereas tumor growth inhibition was almost identical between the 2 compounds, making it suitable for long-term treatment of ATL patient-derived xenograft mice. Our results demonstrate that regional DNA hypermethylation is functionally important for ATL leukemogenesis and an effective therapeutic target.
Predicting and preventing hospital readmission for exacerbations of COPD
Authors: Kong Chia Wei , Wilkinson Tom M.A.
Published: May 2020

More than a third of patients hospitalised for acute exacerbation of COPD are readmitted to hospital within 90 days. Healthcare professionals and service providers are expected to collaboratively drive efforts to improve hospital readmission rates, which can be challenging due to the lack of clear consensus and guidelines on how best to predict and prevent readmissions. This review identifies these risk factors, highlighting the contribution of multimorbidity, frailty and poor socioeconomic status. Predictive models of readmission that address the multifactorial nature of readmissions and heterogeneity of the disease are reviewed, recognising that in an era of precision medicine, in-depth understanding of the intricate biological mechanisms that heighten the risk of COPD exacerbation and re-exacerbation is needed to derive modifiable biomarkers that can stratify accurately the highest risk groups for targeted treatment. We evaluate conventional and emerging strategies to reduce these potentially preventable readmissions. Here, early recognition of exacerbation symptoms and the delivery of prompt treatment can reduce risk of hospital admissions, while patient education can improve treatment adherence as a key component of self-management strategies. Care bundles are recommended to ensure high-quality care is provided consistently, but evidence for their benefit is limited to date. The search continues for interventions which are effective, sustainable and applicable to a diverse population of patients with COPD exacerbations. Further research into mechanisms that drive exacerbation and affect recovery is crucial to improve our understanding of this complex, highly prevalent disease and to advance the development of more effective treatments.
Detection of microRNA-335-5p on an Interdigitated Electrode Surface for Determination of the Severity of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Lu Bei , Liu Leiting , Wang Jingrui , Chen Yuan , Li Zhijiang , Gopinath Subash C. B. , Lakshmipriya Thangavel , Huo Zongwei
Published: May 2020

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) refers to the enlargement of the lower artery of the abdominal aorta, and identification of an early detection tool is urgently needed for diagnosis. In the current study, an interdigitated electrode (IDE) sensing surface was used to identify miRNA-335-5p, which reflects the formation of AAAs. The uniformity of the silica material was observed by 3D profilometry, and the chemically modified highly conductive surface improved the detection via the I-V mode. The targeted miRNA-335-5p was detected in a dose-dependent manner and based on linear regression and 3σ analyses, the sensitivity was determined to be 1 fM with a biotinylated probe. The high specificity was shown by discriminating the target sequence from noncomplementary and single- and triple-mismatched sequences. These outputs demonstrated the high-performance detection of miRNA-335-5p with good reproducibility for determination of the severity of AAA.
The capital market spillover effect of product market advertising: Evidence from stock price synchronicity
Authors: Chen Yajie , Zhong Qinlin , Jiang Fuxiu
Published: May 2020

We analyze whether product market advertising has a spillover effect on stock price synchronicity by transmitting firm-specific information to the capital market and attracting more investor attention. Using a sample of Chinese listed firms from 2009 to 2017, we find that firms with greater advertising expenditures have lower stock price synchronicity. The results are robust after we address endogeneity concerns. In accord with our hypothesis that product market advertising increases the amount of firm-level information capitalized into stock prices through the information channel, we find that the impact of advertising on synchronicity is more pronounced for firms with a higher degree of information asymmetry and firms in the consumer-product industry. Further tests show that product market advertising enhances the ability of current period returns to reflect future earnings, and thus rules out that the negative relationship between advertising and synchronicity is driven by noise trading. Our results imply that product market advertising plays an informative role and improves information efficiency in a capital market.
SCeQTL: an R package for identifying eQTL from single-cell parallel sequencing data
Authors: Hu Yue , Xi Xi , Yang Qian , Zhang Xuegong
Published: May 2020

Background

With the rapid development of single-cell genomics, technologies for parallel sequencing of the transcriptome and genome in each single cell is being explored in several labs and is becoming available. This brings us the opportunity to uncover association between genotypes and gene expression phenotypes at single-cell level by eQTL analysis on single-cell data. New method is needed for such tasks due to special characteristics of single-cell sequencing data.

Results

We developed an R package SCeQTL that uses zero-inflated negative binomial regression to do eQTL analysis on single-cell data. It can distinguish two type of gene-expression differences among different genotype groups. It can also be used for finding gene expression variations associated with other grouping factors like cell lineages or cell types.

Conclusions

The SCeQTL method is capable for eQTL analysis on single-cell data as well as detecting associations of gene expression with other grouping factors. The R package of the method is available at https://github.com/XuegongLab/SCeQTL/.
High expressions of the cytoglobin and PGC-1α genes during the tissue regeneration of house gecko (Hemidactylus platyurus) tails
Authors: Novianti Titta , Juniantito Vetnizah , Jusuf Ahmad Aulia , Arida Evy Ayu , Sadikin Mohamad , Jusman Sri Widia A.
Published: May 2020

Background

The tissue regeneration process requires high oxygen and energy levels. Cytoglobin (Cygb) is a member of the globin family, which has the ability to bind oxygen, plays a role in dealing with oxidative stress, and carries oxygen into the mitochondria. Energy production for tissue regeneration is associated with mitochondria—especially mitochondrial biogenesis. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator (PGC)-1alpha protein helps to regulate mitochondrial biogenesis. House geckos (Hemidactylus platyurus) are reptiles that have the ability to regenerate the tissue in their tails. House geckos were selected as the animal models for this study in order to analyze the association of Cygb with oxygen supply and the association of PGC-1α with energy production for tissue regeneration.

Results

The growth of house gecko tails showed a slow growth at the wound healing phase, then followed by a fast growth after wound healing phase of the regeneration process. While Cygb mRNA expression reached its peak at the wound healing phase and slowly decreased until the end of the observation. PGC-1α mRNA was expressed and reached its peak earlier than Cygb.

Conclusions

The expressions of both the Cygb and PGC-1α genes were relatively high compared to the control group. We therefore suggest that Cygb and PGC-1α play an important role during the tissue regeneration process.
Genomic variation among closely related Vibrio alginolyticus strains is located on mobile genetic elements
Authors: Chibani Cynthia Maria , Roth Olivia , Liesegang Heiko , Wendling Carolin Charlotte
Published: May 2020

Background

Species of the genus Vibrio, one of the most diverse bacteria genera, have undergone niche adaptation followed by clonal expansion. Niche adaptation and ultimately the formation of ecotypes and speciation in this genus has been suggested to be mainly driven by horizontal gene transfer (HGT) through mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Our knowledge about the diversity and distribution of Vibrio MGEs is heavily biased towards human pathogens and our understanding of the distribution of core genomic signatures and accessory genes encoded on MGEs within specific Vibrio clades is still incomplete. We used nine different strains of the marine bacterium Vibrio alginolyticus isolated from pipefish in the Kiel-Fjord to perform a multiscale-comparative genomic approach that allowed us to investigate [1] those genomic signatures that characterize a habitat-specific ecotype and [2] the source of genomic variation within this ecotype.

Results

We found that the nine isolates from the Kiel-Fjord have a closed-pangenome and did not differ based on core-genomic signatures. Unique genomic regions and a unique repertoire of MGEs within the Kiel-Fjord isolates suggest that the acquisition of gene-blocks by HGT played an important role in the evolution of this ecotype. Additionally, we found that ~ 90% of the genomic variation among the nine isolates is encoded on MGEs, which supports ongoing theory that accessory genes are predominately located on MGEs and shared by HGT. Lastly, we could show that these nine isolates share a unique virulence and resistance profile which clearly separates them from all other investigated V. alginolyticus strains and suggests that these are habitat-specific genes, required for a successful colonization of the pipefish, the niche of this ecotype.

Conclusion

We conclude that all nine V. alginolyticus strains from the Kiel-Fjord belong to a unique ecotype, which we named the Kiel-alginolyticus ecotype. The low sequence variation of the core-genome in combination with the presence of MGE encoded relevant traits, as well as the presence of a suitable niche (here the pipefish), suggest, that this ecotype might have evolved from a clonal expansion following HGT driven niche-adaptation.
Host DNA contents in fecal metagenomics as a biomarker for intestinal diseases and effective treatment
Authors: Jiang Puzi , Lai Senying , Wu Sicheng , Zhao Xing-Ming , Chen Wei-Hua
Published: May 2020

Background

Compromised intestinal barrier (CIB) has been associated with many enteropathies, including colorectal cancer (CRC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We hypothesized that CIB could lead to increased host-derived contents including epithelial cells into the gut, change its physio-metabolic properties, and globally alter microbial community and metabolic capacities.

Results

Consistently, we found host DNA contents (HDCs), calculated as the percentage of metagenomic sequencing reads mapped to the host genome, were significantly elevated in patients of CRC and Crohn’s disease (CD). Consistent with our hypothesis, we found that HDC correlated with microbial- and metabolic-biomarkers of these diseases, contributed significantly to machine-learning models for patient stratification and was consequently ranked as a top contributor. CD patients with treatment could partially reverse the changes of many CD-signature species over time, with reduced HDC and fecal calprotectin (FCP) levels. Strikingly, HDC showed stronger correlations with the reversing changes of the CD-related species than FCP, and contributed greatly in classifying treatment responses, suggesting that it was also a biomarker for effective treatment.

Conclusions

Together, we revealed that association between HDCs and gut dysbiosis, and identified HDC as a novel biomarker from fecal metagenomics for diagnosis and effective treatment of intestinal diseases; our results also suggested that host-derived contents may have greater impact on gut microbiota than previously anticipated.