bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vertical Changes in the Flux of Atmospheric Nitrate From a Forest Canopy to the Surface Soil Based on Δ17O Values
Authors: Inoue Takahiro , Nakagawa Fumiko , Shibata Hideaki , Tsunogai Urumu
Published: March 2021

To better understand the factors that control N retention and N export in forested watersheds, it is necessary to understand the relationships among atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition, internal N cycling within plant‐soil systems, and N leaching. The relative contributions of atmospheric nitrate (NO3−atm) and remineralized nitrate produced by microbial nitrification to total nitrate (NO3−) in stream water have been investigated in many studies. However, the dynamics of these two types of NO3− from the forest canopy to the soil are not well understood. Therefore, we determined the changes in the NO3− flux and the 17O excess (Δ17O) of NO3−, a robust tracer of NO3−atm, from bulk deposition to the soil water beneath oak and spruce trees as well as dwarf bamboo‐dominated canopy gaps in a natural coniferous‐broadleaved mixed forest in northern Japan. The Δ17O values in NO3− dramatically decreased after passing through the forest floor, indicating that the dominant source of NO3− leaching is nitrification in the forest floor. In contrast, a large decrease in NO3−atm flux was observed between bulk deposition and throughfall, especially for oak and spruce, suggesting that the forest canopy is an important sink for deposited NO3−atm. The retention of NO3−atm by the canopy was higher for oak (86.3 ± 10.1%) and spruce (87.7 ± 8.8%) than for Sasa in the canopy gap (49.9 ± 26.6%). Our study demonstrated that the Δ17O value of NO3− is a promising tool for quantifying the atmospheric nitrate dynamics in complex forest N cycling.
Changes in Fathers’ Body Mass Index, Sleep, and Diet From Prebirth to 12 Months Postbirth: Exploring the Moderating Roles of Parenthood Experience and Coparenting Support
Authors: Lo Brian K , Kang Augustine W , Haneuse Sebastien , Yu Xinting , Ash Tayla von , Redline Susan , Taveras Elsie M , Davison Kirsten K
Published: March 2021

Background

While research has examined prenatal to postnatal changes in women’s weight, sleep, and diet, much less is known about these changes among fathers.

Purpose

This study aimed to (a) examine changes in fathers’ body mass index (BMI), sleep, and diet from 1 month before birth to 5–6 months following birth, and from 5–6 months to 11–12 months following birth and (b) explore the moderating roles of parenthood experience and coparenting support.

Methods

169 fathers (mean age 35.5 years, 58.9% White) participated. Fathers completed an intake survey shortly after their infant’s birth to recall their height and weight, nighttime sleep hours, fruit and vegetable intake, soda intake, and fast food intake for the month prior to birth. When their child was 6 and 12 months old, fathers reported their weight, sleep, and diet again for the past 4 weeks (i.e., 4 week periods spanning 5–6 months and 11–12 months following birth). Generalized estimating equations were used to answer our research questions.

Results

Fathers reported higher BMI (Δ = 0.22 kg/m2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.06, 0.38; p = .008) and less nighttime sleep duration (Δ = −0.21 hr; 95% CI = −0.38, −0.05; p = .012) at 5–6 months following birth compared to 1 month prior to birth. Fathers’ diet remained stable over the three timepoints. No evidence was found to support the moderating roles of parenthood experience and coparenting support on fathers’ weight and behavior changes.

Conclusions

5–6 months following birth may be an important point of intervention for fathers to promote a return to prebirth BMI and sleep levels.
Distribution of Dermacentor andersoni (Acari: Ixodidae) in Grassland Regions of Alberta, Canada
Authors: Lysyk Timothy J , Dergousoff Shaun J , Rochon Kateryn , Chilton Neil B , Smith Anne M
Published: March 2021

The geographic distribution of the Rocky Mountain wood tick, Dermacentor andersoni Stiles, was determined in Alberta, Canada, by drag sampling at 86 and 89 sites during 2011 and 2012, respectively. Tick density and prevalence varied between years, averaging (range) 1.0 (0–26.2) and 5.9 (0–110) ticks/1,000 m2 in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Ticks were detected at 24.4% and 42.7% of the sites sampled in each respective year. Tick density and presence declined in a northerly direction to 51.6°N and in a westerly direction to ca. 113°W, except for a small area of high density at the edge of the Rocky Mountains in the southeastern portion of the province. Ticks were most abundant in the Dry Mixedgrass and Montane natural subregions and in areas with Brown Chernozemic, Regosol, and Solodized Solonetzic great soil groups. A logistic regression model indicated that tick presence was increased in the Dry Mixedgrass natural subregion and in regions with greater temperatures during the previous summer and normal winter precipitation but was reduced in areas with Dark Brown Chernozemic soils. The model will be useful for predicting tick presence and the associated risk of tick-borne diseases in the province.
Diabetes and Prostate Cancer Outcomes in Obese and Nonobese Men After Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Kelkar Sonia , Oyekunle Taofik , Eisenberg Adva , Howard Lauren , Aronson William J , Kane Christopher J , Amling Christopher L , Cooperberg Matthew R , Klaassen Zachary , Terris Martha K , Freedland Stephen J , Csizmadi Ilona
Published: March 2021

Background

The link between diabetes and prostate cancer progression is poorly understood and complicated by obesity. We investigated associations between diabetes and prostate cancer–specific mortality (PCSM), castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), and metastases in obese and nonobese men undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP).

Methods

We included 4688 men from the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital cohort of men undergoing RP from 1988 to 2017. Diabetes prior to RP, anthropometric, and clinical data were abstracted from 6 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers electronic medical records. Primary and secondary outcomes were PCSM and metastases and CRPC, respectively. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (adj-HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for diabetes and PCSM, CRPC, and metastases. Adjusted hazard ratios were also estimated in analyses stratified by obesity (body mass index: nonobese <30 kg/m2; obese ≥30 kg/m2). All statistical tests were 2-sided.

Results

Diabetes was not associated with PCSM (adj-HR = 1.38, 95% CI = 0.86 to 2.24), CRPC (adj-HR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.67 to 1.64), or metastases (adj-HR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.70 to 1.46), among all men. Interaction terms for diabetes and obesity were statistically significant in multivariable models for PCSM, CRPC, and metastases (P ≤ .04). In stratified analyses, in obese men, diabetes was associated with PCSM (adj-HR = 3.06, 95% CI = 1.40 to 6.69), CRPC (adj-HR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.11 to 4.15), and metastases (adj-HR = 1.57, 95% CI = 0.88 to 2.78), though not statistically significant for metastases. In nonobese men, inverse associations were suggested for diabetes and prostate cancer outcomes without reaching statistical significance.

Conclusions

Diabetes was associated with increased risks of prostate cancer progression and mortality among obese men but not among nonobese men, highlighting the importance of aggressively curtailing the increasing prevalence of obesity in prostate cancer survivors.
Single Motherhood of Refugees in Poland and the Challenges of Socialization in the Face of Cultural Alienation
Authors: KoŚĆ-RyŻko Katarzyna
Published: March 2021

Maternity is an extremely important aspect of self-determination regardless of the culture of origin. In the case of refugee women (functioning without the support of close relatives, the family, and their own society with its cultural norms), it additionally plays a crucial role in the construction of self-image. Women are often taken care of their children, which largely determines their adaptation strategies focused primarily on providing offspring with safety, development conditions, and stability. No less important it is also for their self-perception and self-determination, which are to a large extent conditioned by the gender roles in their culture of origin. In the article, I discuss the most common dilemmas of mothers-refugees among whom I conduct research since 2014 (coming from former Soviet Republics: Chechnya, Dagestan, Tajikistan) and I analyse their impact on the upbringing of offspring. At the beginning of the article, I present the basic terminological issues related to socialization and enculturation. These processes are considered to be one of the most important and difficult challenges faced by refugee women living in Poland. In the following part, I analyse the relationship between the self-assessment of the parental and educational activities effectiveness made refugee mothers and their adaptation attitudes and acculturation strategies.
Intra-splenic ovarian cystadenoma
Authors: Sohn Jenny , Gundara Justin S
Published: March 2021

Splenic cysts are relatively common and usually involve post-traumatic or infective aetiologies. The management of splenic cysts varies in its aetiology, symptomology and size. Surgical intervention is warranted for symptomatic, larger sized cysts > 5 cm and can involve spleen-preserving laparoscopic cyst fenestrations, marsupialization or potentially a splenectomy. In this case report, we review a rare case of an ectopic ovarian cystadenoma presenting as a large recurrent splenic cyst.
Probabilistic outlier identification for RNA sequencing generalized linear models
Authors: Mangiola Stefano , Thomas Evan A , Modrák Martin , Vehtari Aki , Papenfuss Anthony T
Published: March 2021

Relative transcript abundance has proven to be a valuable tool for understanding the function of genes in biological systems. For the differential analysis of transcript abundance using RNA sequencing data, the negative binomial model is by far the most frequently adopted. However, common methods that are based on a negative binomial model are not robust to extreme outliers, which we found to be abundant in public datasets. So far, no rigorous and probabilistic methods for detection of outliers have been developed for RNA sequencing data, leaving the identification mostly to visual inspection. Recent advances in Bayesian computation allow large-scale comparison of observed data against its theoretical distribution given in a statistical model. Here we propose ppcseq, a key quality-control tool for identifying transcripts that include outlier data points in differential expression analysis, which do not follow a negative binomial distribution. Applying ppcseq to analyse several publicly available datasets using popular tools, we show that from 3 to 10 percent of differentially abundant transcripts across algorithms and datasets had statistics inflated by the presence of outliers.
Unexpected Binding of Tozuleristide “Tumor Paint” to Cerebral Vascular Malformations: A Potentially Novel Application of Fluorescence-Guided Surgery
Authors: Kobets Andrew J , Nauen David , Lee Amy , Cohen Alan R
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) is under investigation as a means to improve the extent of resection for primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Tozuleristide, known also as “Tumor Paint,” is an investigational tumor-targeting agent covalently conjugated to a derivative of the fluorescent dye indocyanine green.

OBJECTIVE

To report the finding of avid intraoperative fluorescence of tozuleristide on cerebral vascular malformations.

METHODS

Our institution is participating in a phase 2/3 study of intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence detection of pediatric primary CNS tumors in patients receiving intravenous tozuleristide and imaged with the Canvas system. Our site enrolled 2 patients with intracranial lesions, suspected preoperatively of possibly being gliomas that proved to be cavernous vascular malformations after resection.

RESULTS

Each lesion had a dark blue mulberry appearance and each fluoresced avidly with tozuleristide. Each was completely resected, and the patients recovered without deficit. Pathological assessment showed cavernous angioma for both cases. Tozuleristide fluorescence is postulated to result from binding to matrix metalloproteinase-2 and annexin A2, and literature review demonstrates expression of both these ligands on multiple cerebrovascular lesions, including cavernous malformations.

CONCLUSION

This finding deserves further investigation to determine if tozuleristide “Tumor Paint” may have a wider role in the identification of non-neoplastic intracranial pathologies.
Characterization of the gut DNA and RNA Viromes in a Cohort of Chinese Residents and Visiting Pakistanis
Authors: Yan Qiulong , Wang Yu , Chen Xiuli , Jin Hao , Wang Guangyang , Guan Kuiqing , Zhang Yue , Zhang Pan , Ayaz Taj , Liang Yanshan , Wang Junyi , Cui Guangyi , Sun Yuanyuan , Xiao Manchun , Kang Jian , Zhang Wei , Zhang Aiqin , Li Peng , Liu Xueyang , Ulllah Hayan , Ma Yufang , Li Shenghui , Ma Tonghui
Published: March 2021

Trillions of viruses inhabit the gastrointestinal tract. Some of them have been well-studied on their roles in infection and human health, but the majority remains unsurveyed. It has been established that the composition of the gut virome is highly variable based on the changes of diet, physical state, and environmental factors. However, the effect of host genetic factors, for example ethnic origin, on the gut virome is rarely investigated. Here, we characterized and compared the gut virome in a cohort of local Chinese residents and visiting Pakistani individuals, each group containing twenty-four healthy adults and six children. Using metagenomic shotgun sequencing and assembly of fecal samples, a huge number of viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs) were identified for profiling the DNA and RNA viromes. National background contributed a primary variation to individuals’ gut virome. Compared with the Chinese adults, the Pakistan adults showed higher macrodiversity and different compositional and functional structures in their DNA virome and lower diversity and altered composition in their RNA virome. The virome variations of Pakistan children were not only inherited from that of the adults but also tended to share similar characteristics with the Chinese cohort. We also analyzed and compared the bacterial microbiome between two cohorts and further revealed numerous connections between viruses and bacterial host. Statistically, the gut DNA and RNA viromes were covariant to some extent (P < 0.001), and they both correlated the holistic bacterial composition and vice versa. This study provides an overview of the gut viral community in Chinese and visiting Pakistanis and proposes a considerable role of ethnic origin in shaping the virome.
Complete Genome Sequence ofStenotrophomonas rhizophilaKC1, a Quorum Sensing–Producing Algicidal Bacterium Isolated from MangroveKandelia candel
Authors: Zhang Qin , Wang Yan , Zhou Jin
Published: March 2021

This paper describes the isolation of an algicidal strain, Stenotrophomonas rhizophila KC1, from mangrove (Kandelia candel) and its genome, which was sequenced using next-generation sequencing technology. The genome is 5.93 Mb with a G+C content of 63.17%. A total of 3,352 functional proteins were assigned according to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes categories. A total of 11,586 protein-coding genes, 73 transfer RNA genes, and 17 ribosomal RNA genes were obtained. In silico genome annotation protocols identified 83 putative quorum sensing (QS) genes, and the algicidal potential of KC1 was related with the QS genes (for example LuxI-LuxR genes). Collectively, these data suggest that KC1 may be an antialgal bacterium whose behavior can be modulated by QS signaling. The annotated genome sequence of this strain may represent a valuable tool for studying algae-bacteria interactions and developing microbe-based methods for controlling harmful algae.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Cost-benefit Analysis of Cochlear Implants: A Societal Perspective
Authors: Neve Olaf M. , Boerman Jenneke A. , van den Hout Wilbert B. , Briaire Jeroen J. , van Benthem Peter P.G. , Frijns Johan H.M.
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

While the costs and outcomes of cochlear implantation (CI) have been widely assessed, most of these analyses were solely performed from the perspective of healthcare costs. This study assesses the costs and benefits of CI in the Netherlands from a broader societal perspective, including health outcomes, healthcare cost, educational cost, and productivity losses and gains.

Design:

The cost and benefits of CI were analyzed in this cost-benefit analysis, in which a monetary value is put on both the resources needed and the outcomes of CI. The costs and benefits were analyzed by prototypical instances of three groups, representing the majority of cochlear implant patients: prelingually deaf children implanted at the age of 1, adults with progressive profound hearing loss implanted at the age of 40 and seniors implanted at the age of 70 with progressive profound hearing loss. Costs and benefits were estimated over the expected lifetimes of the members of each group, using a Markov state transition model. Model parameters and assumptions were based on published literature. Probabilistic and one-way sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results:

In all three patient groups, the total benefits of CI exceeded the total cost, leading to a net benefit of CI. Prelingually deaf children with a bilateral CI had a lifetime positive outcome net benefit of €433,000. Adults and seniors with progressive profound hearing loss and a unilateral CI had a total net benefit of €275,000 and €76,000, respectively. These results ensue from health outcomes expressed in monetary terms, reduced educational cost, and increased productivity.

Conclusions:

Based on estimates from modeling, the increased healthcare costs due to CI were more than compensated by the value of the health benefits and by savings in educational and productivity costs. In particular, for children and working adults, the societal benefit was positive even without taking health benefits into account. Therefore, CI generates an advantage for both patients and society.
In Situ Placement Versus Anterior Transposition of the Ulnar Nerve for Distal Humerus Fractures Treated With Plate Fixation: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Dehghan Niloofar , Nauth Aaron , Hall Jeremy , Vicente Milena , McKee Michael D. , Schemitsch Emil H. ,   On behalf of the Canadian Orthopaedic Trauma Society
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

To compare clinical scores and electrodiagnostic evidence of ulnar neuropathy, between ulnar nerve mobilization and placement back in the cubital tunnel versus anterior transposition, during plate and screw fixation of a bicolumnar fracture of the distal humerus.

Design:

Multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Eight tertiary care centres in Canada.

Patients:

Fifty-eight patients with distal humerus fractures undergoing plate fixation of both columns were recruited and randomized.

Intervention:

All patients underwent bicolumnar plate fixation for an acute, displaced fracture of the distal humerus with identification, mobilization, and protection of the ulnar nerve as part of the surgical approach. At the conclusion of the procedure, they were randomized to either (1) replacing the nerve in situ in the cubital tunnel or (2) anterior transposition.

Main Outcome Measurements:

The primary outcome was the Gabel & Amadio rating scale for ulnar neuropathy. Secondary outcomes included a functional outcome score (Mayo Elbow Performance Score), disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand instrument, 2-point discrimination, nerve conduction testing, complications, and secondary surgeries.

Results:

Thirty-one patients were randomized to in situ placement and 27 to anterior transposition. The mean age was 53 years, and 60% were women. There was no difference between the 2 groups with regards to age, gender, body mass index, smoking, diabetes, injury characteristics, time to operation, length of operation, or surgical approach. There was no difference in outcome between the 2 groups at any time point with regards to Gabel & Amadio ulnar neuropathy scores, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand instrument, or 2-point discrimination. The incidence of ulnar nerve dysfunction, as measured by use of the Gabel & Amadio ulnar neuropathy score, was poor in both groups acutely; however, there was significant improvement at 12 months postoperatively (6.0–7.8, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

This study was unable to demonstrate any significant difference in outcomes when comparing ulnar nerve mobilization and in situ placement and anterior subcutaneous transposition after bicolumnar plate fixation of a distal humerus fracture. Either strategy for managing the ulnar nerve is acceptable and can be used at the discretion of the treating surgeon.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Severe Skin Infections Due to Serratia marcescens
Authors: Gadhiya Kinjal Prakash , Goldman John , Panupong Hansrivijit , Balchander Divya , Cook Ellen , Enriquez Kathryn , Smith Debi
Published: March 2021

Serratia marcescens is a gram-negative bacilli belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family associated with septic shock and high mortality. It rarely presents as soft tissue infections. Here, we describe a first and rare case report as well as a review of literature of bullous cellulitis from S. marcescens associated with a cat scratch in an immunocompromised patient.
Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Genes in Enterococcus faecalis Isolated From Human Dental Plaque
Authors: Bakhti Mehrnaz , Akhondnezhad Mona , Gholami Mehrdad , Nasrolahei Mohtaram , Goli Hamid Reza
Published: March 2021

Background

Enterococcus faecalis causing serious infections have many virulence factors to be involved in the pathogenesis. Its pathogenicity ranges from life-threatening diseases in compromised patients to less severe features, such as infection of acquired root canals with chronic periodontitis. The aim of the present study was to determine the antibiotic resistance patterns and virulence genes in E. faecalis isolated from human dental plaque.

Methods

The duration of this study was from October 2017 to March 2018. The samples were collected from dental plaques of 207 Iranian patients according to a standard protocol. Enterococcus faecalis strains were identified and confirmed by microbiological and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility was ascertained by disk agar diffusion, using the recommended protocol of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Finally, polymerase chain reaction for the detection of E. faecalis virulence genes (efaA, ahrC, and eep) was performed with specific primers.

Results

A total of 43 (76.7%) E. faecalis were identified of which 5 (11.6%), 4 (9.3%), and 1 (2.3%) isolates were resistant against linezolid, chloramphenicol, and teicoplanin, respectively, whereas all isolates were susceptible to penicillin G and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. Most of the E. faecalis isolates were contained efaA (65.1%), and the frequencies of eep and ahrC were 44.1% and 34.8%, respectively.

Conclusions

It was concluded that E. faecalis isolated from dental plaques might represent a reservoir of biofilm encoding genes. Further epidemiological studies are necessary to investigate the status of virulence factors in enterococci isolated from dental plaques.
Recovery From COVID-19 Pneumonia in a Heart Transplant Recipient
Authors: Bakhsh Abeer , AlSaeed Mohammed , Ibrahim Mohammed Abdulrahman , AlHebaishi Yahya , AlBarrak Mohammed , AlAmro Sahar , Ezzeddien Ahmed , AlKhushail Abduallah , Amro Ahmed
Published: March 2021

Solid-organ transplant patients have a high risk of severe infection related to acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-Cov-2). This case represents a 54-year-old woman known as a diabetic, hypothyroidism, and a recent heart transplant recipient who presented with a 1-week history of cough and fatigue. She was hypoxic on presentation to the hospital and progressively declined and required invasive mechanical ventilation. She had respiratory distress and hypoxia and chest x-ray showed progressive bilateral chest infiltrates. She had leukopenia of 3.5 cells *109/L and lymphopenia of 0.2 cells *109/L. The inflammatory markers were increased: C-reactive protein, 25 mg/L; ferritin, 1106 ng/mL; lactate dehydrogenase, 632 U/L; and interleukin-6, 87 pg/mL. She was treated for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Her treatment involved supportive care with mechanical ventilation, convalescent plasma transfusion, antiviral therapy with favipiravir, intravenous dexamethasone, and reduction of immune suppression medication. This case had a successful recovery through multidisciplinary team management. Solid-organ transplant recipients are a high-risk population who need an individualized care plan for the optimization of immunosuppressive medication and treatment of the COVID-19 infection.
Suspected Case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Infection Presenting as Acute Pancreatitis in a Child With Leukemia
Authors: Goldstein Rebecca , Kogan Diana , Fiorito Theresa M. , Glasser Chana L.
Published: March 2021

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with SARS-CoV-2 may present with fever, elevated inflammatory markers, and multiorgan involvement. Although the gastrointestinal system is commonly affected in MIS-C patients, associated necrotizing pancreatitis is rare. We present an 11-year-old boy with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in remission undergoing maintenance chemotherapy presenting with acute necrotizing pancreatitis. He developed fevers, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, respiratory distress, cytopenias, and coagulopathy, and was found to have markedly elevated inflammatory markers and positive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The patient met criteria for MIS-C and was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin with significant clinical improvement. This is the first known reported case of a child with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia who met criteria for MIS-C presenting as acute pancreatitis, and highlights the importance of considering a broader differential for pancreatitis in children given the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Fibromyalgia vs small fiber neuropathy: diverse keratinocyte transcriptome signature
Authors: Karl Franziska , Bischler Thorsten , Egenolf Nadine , Evdokimov Dimitar , Heckel Tobias , Üçeyler Nurcan
Published: March 2021

Damage to thinly myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers causes small fiber pathology, which is increasingly found in pain syndromes such as small fiber neuropathy (SFN) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The peripheral nerve endings of the small nerve fibers terminate within the epidermis, where they are surrounded by keratinocytes that may act as primary nociceptive transducers. We performed RNA sequencing of keratinocytes obtained from patients with SFN, FMS, and healthy controls. We found 141 deregulated protein coding genes between SFN patients and healthy controls and no differentially expressed genes between patients with FMS and healthy controls. When comparing patients with SFN with patients with FMS, we detected 167 differentially expressed protein coding genes (129 upregulated and 38 downregulated). Further analysis revealed enriched inflammatory pathways. Validation of selected candidates in an independent cohort confirmed higher expression of the proinflammatory mediators interleukin-8, C-X-C motif chemokine 3, endothelin receptor type A, and the voltage-gated sodium channel 1.7 in SFN compared with patients with FMS. We provide a diverse keratinocyte transcriptome signature between patients with SFN and patients with FMS, which may hint toward distinct pathomechanisms of small fiber sensitization in both entities and lay the basis for advanced diagnostics.
Outcomes of Asian Women Treated With Grisotti Flap Reconstruction for Centrally Located Breast Cancers
Authors: Teh Mei-Sze , Teoh Li-Ying , Jamaris Suniza , Lai Lee-Lee , See Mee-Hoong
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Breast conserving surgeries were previously contraindicated for central breast cancers because of poor cosmetic outcomes of central mastectomy without oncoplastic surgery. Grisotti flap is a breast-conserving surgery incorporating oncoplastic surgery technique for centrally located breast cancers. We present our experience and outcome from Breast Surgery Unit, University Malaya Medical Center.

Materials and Methods

A prospective analysis of 15 patients with central retroareolar breast cancer operated from 2012 to 2018 in University Malaya Medical Center. We assessed postoperative complications, margins, locoregional recurrence, and survival outcome. All patients received postoperative radiotherapy. Patients were followed-up 1 week, 1 month, 3 monthly for 1 year and 6 monthly for 5 years.

Results

Mean age of patients is 62 years. Mean follow-up is 51 months (15–84 months). All tumors were less than 5 cm (1–2.5 cm). Majority of the patients are stage 1 (6 patients/40%) and stage 2 (8 patients/ 53.3%). 2 patients had surgical site infection resolved with antibiotics. One patient had hematoma. None require reoperation. Tumor margins were clear in all patients. No locoregional recurrence. Overall survival is 100%. All are satisfied with their cosmetic outcomes.

Conclusions

Grisotti flap is a volume displacement technique, which provides satisfactory cosmetic outcome for centrally located breast cancer. This evolutionary thinking leads us to changes in existing techniques with the purpose of achieving oncological safety while reaching for better esthetic results. Our 5 years' experience in Asian population showed that this technique is oncologically safe with good cosmetic outcomes and could be used selectively. It provides a good alternative in patients who are otherwise subjected for mastectomy. This relatively simple technique is a worthwhile endeavor and should be offered when feasible.
Effect of a mobile‐based intervention on mental health in frontline healthcare workers against COVID‐19: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Serrano‐Ripoll Maria J. , Ricci‐Cabello Ignacio , Jiménez Rafael , Zamanillo‐Campos Rocío , Yañez‐Juan Aina M. , Bennasar‐Veny Miquel , Sitges Carolina , Gervilla Elena , Leiva Alfonso , García‐Campayo Javier , García‐Buades M. Esther , García‐Toro Mauro , Pastor‐Moreno Guadalupe , Ruiz‐Perez Isabel , Alonso‐Coello Pablo , Llobera Joan , Fiol‐deRoque Maria A.
Published: March 2021

Aim

To evaluate the impact of a psychoeducational, mobile health intervention based on cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness‐based approaches on the mental health of healthcare workers at the frontline against COVID‐19 in Spain.

Design

We will carry out a two‐week, individually randomized, parallel group, controlled trial. Participants will be individually randomized to receive the PsyCovidApp intervention or control App intervention.

Methods

The PsyCovidApp intervention will include five modules: emotional skills, lifestyle behaviour, work stress and burnout, social support, and practical tools. Healthcare workers having attended patients with COVID‐19 will be randomized to receive the PsyCovidApp intervention (intervention group) or a control App intervention (control group). A total of 440 healthcare workers will be necessary to assure statistical power. Measures will be collected telephonically by a team of psychologists at baseline and immediately after the 2 weeks intervention period. Measures will include stress, depression and anxiety (DASS‐21 questionnaire—primary endpoint), insomnia (ISI), burnout (MBI‐HSS), post‐traumatic stress disorder (DTS), and self‐efficacy (GSE). The study was funded in May 2020, and was ethically approved in June 2020. Trial participants, outcome assessors and data analysts will be blinded to group allocation.

Discussion

Despite the increasing use of mobile health interventions to deliver mental health care, this area of research is still on its infancy. This study will help increase the scientific evidence about the effectiveness of this type of intervention on this specific population and context.

Impact

Despite the lack of solid evidence about their effectiveness, mobile‐based health interventions are already being widely implemented because of their low cost and high scalability. The findings from this study will help health services and organizations to make informed decisions in relation to the development and implementation of this type of interventions, allowing them pondering not only their attractive implementability features, but also empirical data about its benefits.

Clinical trial registration

NCT04393818 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Approved funding

May 2020.
What is good service quality? Day service staff's perspectives about what it looks like and how it should be monitored
Authors: McEwen Jade , Bigby Christine , Douglas Jacinta
Published: March 2021

Background

Australian disability services must comply with quality standards defined by federal government. Standards are abstract, focus on paperwork and rarely describe what good service quality looks like in practice. This research explored frontline day service staff's perceptions of good service quality to identify ways that it may be better monitored.

Methods

Using a constructivist grounded theory methodology, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 9 frontline staff from 3‐day services. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed for themes using constant comparison and line‐by‐line coding.

Results

Five categories of good practice were identified: collaborative hands‐on leadership, well‐planned services, respect for people with intellectual disabilities and their carers, a culture of continuous improvement and professionalization of the support worker role.

Conclusions

Results align with research undertaken in accommodation services for people with intellectual disabilities, suggesting commonalities in frontline staff's perceptions of quality in both day and accommodation services.
Hydrogen sulphide reduces hyperhomocysteinaemia‐induced endothelial ER stress by sulfhydrating protein disulphide isomerase to attenuate atherosclerosis
Authors: Jiang Shan , Xu Wenjing , Chen Zhenzhen , Cui Changting , Fan Xiaofang , Cai Jun , Gong Yongsheng , Geng Bin
Published: March 2021

Hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHcy)‐impaired endothelial dysfunction including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays a crucial role in atherogenesis. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S), a metabolic production of Hcy and gasotransmitter, exhibits preventing cardiovascular damages induced by HHcy by reducing ER stress, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here, we made an atherosclerosis with HHcy mice model by ApoE knockout mice and feeding Pagien diet and drinking L‐methionine water. H2S donors NaHS and GYY4137 treatment lowered plaque area and ER stress in this model. Protein disulphide isomerase (PDI), a modulation protein folding key enzyme, was up‐regulated in plaque and reduced by H2S treatment. In cultured human aortic endothelial cells, Hcy dose and time dependently elevated PDI expression, but inhibited its activity, and which were rescued by H2S. H2S and its endogenous generation key enzyme‐cystathionine γ lyase induced a new post‐translational modification‐sulfhydration of PDI. Sulfhydrated PDI enhanced its activity, and two cysteine‐terminal CXXC domain of PDI was identified by site mutation. HHcy lowered PDI sulfhydration association ER stress, and H2S rescued it but this effect was blocked by cysteine site mutation. Conclusively, we demonstrated that H2S sulfhydrated PDI and enhanced its activity, reducing HHcy‐induced endothelial ER stress to attenuate atherosclerosis development.
Cerebrospinal fluid and serum protein markers in autism: A co‐twin study
Authors: Smedler Erik , Kleppe Johanna , Neufeld Janina , Lundin Karl , Bölte Sven , Landén Mikael
Published: March 2021

No robust biomarkers have yet been identified for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autistic traits. Familial factors likely influence biomarkers such as protein concentrations. Comparing twins with ASD or high autistic traits to the less affected co‐twin allows estimating the impact of familial confounding. We measured 203 proteins in cerebrospinal fluid (n = 86) and serum (n = 127) in twins (mean age 14.2 years, 44.9% females) enriched for ASD and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Autistic traits were assessed by using the parent‐report version of the Social Responsiveness Scale‐2. In cerebrospinal fluid, autistic traits correlated negatively with three proteins and positively with one. In serum, autistic traits correlated positively with 15 and negatively with one. Also in serum, six were positively—and one negatively—associated with ASD. A pathway analysis of these proteins revealed immune system enrichment. In within twin pair analyses, autistic traits were associated with serum B‐cell activating factor (BAFF) only, whereas Cystatin B (CSTB) remained significantly associated with ASD. These associations did not remain significant when only considering monozygotic twins. For the remainder, the within‐pair analysis indicated familial confounding, including shared environment and genes, influencing both autism and protein levels. Our findings indicate proteins involved in immunity as putative biomarkers of autistic traits and ASD with partial genetic confounding. Although some results are in line with previous studies in general, further studies are needed for replication.

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Improved outcomes using unmanipulated haploidentical hematopoietic stem cells combined with third‐party umbilical cord blood transplantation for non‐malignant diseases in children: The experience of a single center
Authors: Tang Xiangfeng , Yu Zhang , Ping Liu , Lu Wei , Jing Yuanfang , Cao Xiuyan
Published: March 2021

Background

Unmanipulated haploid HSCT for SAA has resulted in improved outcomes over recent years. However, studies related to unmanipulated haploid HSCs combined with tp‐UCB transplantation for other types of NMD are rare. Accordingly, we present the outcomes of 109 pediatric patients with life‐threatening NMD undergoing unmanipulated haploid HSCs combined with tp‐UCB transplantation.

Procedure

We retrospectively investigated 109 pediatric patients with life‐threatening NMD treated with unmanipulated haploid HSCs combined with tp‐UCB transplantation in a single center.

Results

The median days of neutrophil and platelet engraftment were +13 and +22 days, respectively. None of the cases experienced PGF. The incidence rates for grade I‐II, III‐IV aGVHD and cGVHD were 44.9%, 24.8%, and 9.3%, respectively. The incidence rates of CMV and EBV viremia were 46.7% and 39.4%, respectively. The median follow‐up duration was 997 days. In total, 106 patients survived, including 104 cases with FFS and 2 cases with SGF. Three patients died. The 5‐year TRM, OS, and FFS were 2.8%, 97.2%, and 96.2%, respectively.

Conclusion

The results of unmanipulated haploid HSCs combined with tp‐UCB in pediatric patients with life‐threatening NMD were promising. However, further research is now needed to determine specific factors that might influence the engraftment of HSCs.
Network and Application Performance Measurement Challenges on Android Devices
Authors: Hoque Mohammad A. , Rao Ashwin , Tarkoma Sasu
Published: March 2021

Modern mobile systems are optimized for energy-efficient computation and communications, and these optimizations affect the way they use the network, and thus the performance of the applications. Therefore, understanding network and application performance are essential for debugging, improving user experience, and performance comparison. In recent years, several tools have emerged that analyze network performance of mobile applications in situ with the help of the VPN service. However, there is a limited understanding of how these measurement tools and system optimizations affect the network and application performance. This paper first demonstrates that mobile systems employ energy-aware system hardware tuning, affecting network latency and throughput. We next show that the VPN-based tools, such as Lumen, PrivacyGuard, and Video Optimizer, aid in ambiguous network performance measurements and degrade the application performance. Our findings suggest that sound Internet traffic measurement on Android devices requires a good understanding of the device, networks, measurement tools, and applications.
A New Upper Bound on Cache Hit Probability for Non-anticipative Caching Policies
Authors: Panigrahy Nitish K. , Nain Philippe , Neglia Giovanni , Towsley Don
Published: March 2021

Caching systems have long been crucial for improving the performance of a wide variety of network and web based online applications. In such systems, end-to-end application performance heavily depends on the fraction of objects transfered from the cache, also known as the cache hit probability. Many cache eviction policies have been proposed and implemented to improve the hit probability. In this work, we propose a new method to compute an upper bound on hit probability for all non-anticipative caching policies, i.e. for policies that have no knowledge of future requests. At each object request arrival, we use hazard rate (HR) function based ordering to classify the request as a hit or not. Under some statistical assumptions, we prove that our proposed HR based ordering model computes the maximum achievable hit probability and serves as an upper bound for all non-anticipative caching policies. We also provide simulation results to validate its correctness and to compare it to Belady's upper bound. We find it to almost always be tighter than Belady's bound.
The SPACE of Developer Productivity
Authors: Forsgren Nicole , Storey Margaret-Anne , Maddila Chandra , Zimmermann Thomas , Houck Brian , Butler Jenna
Published: March 2021

Developer productivity is about more than an individual's activity levels or the efficiency of the engineering systems relied on to ship software, and it cannot be measured by a single metric or dimension. The SPACE framework captures different dimensions of productivity, and here we demonstrate how this framework can be used to understand productivity in practice and why using it will help teams better understand developer productivity and create better measures to inform their work and teams.
Precision Marketing Method of E‐Commerce Platform Based on Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Bei , Wang Luquan , Li Yuanyuan
Published: March 2021

In user cluster analysis, users with the same or similar behavior characteristics are divided into the same group by iterative update clustering, and the core and larger user groups are detected. In this paper, we present the formulation and data mining of the correlation rules based on the clustering algorithm through the definition and procedure of the algorithm. In addition, based on the idea of the K‐mode clustering algorithm, this paper proposes a clustering method combining related rules with multivalued discrete features (MDF). In this paper, we construct a method to calculate the similarity between users using Jaccard distance and combine correlation rules with Jaccard distances to improve the similarity between users. Next, we propose a clustering method suitable for MDF. Finally, the basic K‐mode algorithm is improved by the similarity measure method combining the correlation rule with the Jaccard distance and the cluster center update method which is the ARMDKM algorithm proposed in this paper. This method solves the problem that the MDF cannot be effectively processed in the traditional model and demonstrates its theoretical correctness. This experiment verifies the correctness of the new method by clustering purity, entropy, contour, and other indicators.
Random Fixed Point Theorems and Applications to Random First-Order Vector-Valued Differential Equations
Authors: El-Ghabi Adil , Khchine Abdelmjid , Taoudi Mohamed Aziz
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we establish several random fixed point theorems for random operators satisfying some iterative condition w.r.t. a measure of noncompactness. We also discuss the case of monotone random operators in ordered Banach spaces. Our results extend several earlier works, including Itoh’s random fixed point theorem. As an application, we discuss the existence of random solutions to a class of random first-order vector-valued ordinary differential equations with lack of compactness.
Entropy Analysis on a Three-Dimensional Wavy Flow of Eyring–Powell Nanofluid: A Comparative Study
Authors: Riaz Arshad , Zeeshan Ahmed , Bhatti M. M.
Published: March 2021

The thermal management of a system needs an accurate and efficient measurement of exergy. For optimal performance, entropy should be minimized. This study explores the enhancement of the thermal exchange and entropy in the stream of Eyring–Powell fluid comprising nanoparticles saturating the vertical oriented dual cylindrical domain with uniform thermal conductivity and viscous dissipation effects. A symmetrical sine wave over the walls is used to induce the flow. The mathematical treatment for the conservation laws are described by a set of PDEs, which are, later on, converted to ordinary differential equations by homotopy deformations and then evaluated on the Mathematica software tool. The expression of the pressure rise term has been handled numerically by using numerical integration by Mathematica through the algorithm of the Newton–Cotes formula. The impact of the various factors on velocity, heat, entropy profile, and the Bejan number are elaborated pictorially and tabularly. The entropy generation is enhanced with the variation of viscous dissipation but reduced in the case of the concentration parameter, but viscous dissipation reveals opposite findings for the Newtonian fluid. From the abovementioned detailed discussion, it can be concluded that Eyring–Powell shows the difference in behavior in the entropy generation and in the presence of nanoparticles due to the significant dissipation effects, and also, it travels faster than the viscous fluid. A comparison between the Eyring-Powell and Newtonian fluid are also made for each pertinent parameter through special cases. This study may be applicable for cancer therapy in biomedicine by nanofluid characteristics in various drugs considered as a non-Newtonian fluid.
Study of Nonlinear Deformation of FCC‐AuCuSi under Pressure by the Statistical Moment Method
Authors: Hoc Nguyen Quang , Tinh Bui Duc , Hien Nguyen Duc , Coman Gelu
Published: March 2021

In this work, we build the model and derive the theory of nonlinear deformation for substitutional alloy AB with interstitial atom C and face‐centered cubic structure under pressure from the statistical moment method. The calculation results for FCC‐AuCuSi are presented. We obtain the values of density of deformation energy, maximum real stress, limit of elastic deformation, and the stress‐strain curve and compare the calculated results with experiments and other calculations.
God and Morality
Authors: Swinburne Richard
Published: March 2021

I’m not going to discuss whether or not there is a God (that’s something I’ve argued for a lot over the years), but simply whether if there is a God, that makes any difference to morality. I shall argue first that the existence and actions of God would make no difference to the fact that there are moral truths—and on this you may already agree with me. But I shall go on to argue that the existence and actions of God would make a great difference1 to the content of morality, to the seriousness of morality, and our knowledge of morality—and on all that I may need to convince you. I assume a standard Western account of the nature of God, as essentially eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, perfectly good, creator and sustainer of the universe and all that it contains (from moment to moment), the kind of God affirmed by Christianity, Judaism, and Islam as well as some other religions.