bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A linguistic analysis of future narratives in adolescents with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and their pain‐free peers
Authors: Nimbley Emy , Caes Line , Jones Abigail , Fisher Emma , Noel Melanie , Jordan Abbie
Published: December 2020

Background

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that often develops after injury, with a typical onset in adolescence. The impact of chronic pain is far‐reaching, with many adolescents reporting atypical developmental trajectories compared with peers. Social Comparison Theory offers a framework for understanding how such comparisons influence well‐being, whereby a heightened sense of disparity places adolescents at risk of poor cognitive, affective and social outcomes. Using a novel linguistic analysis programme, this study aims to investigate cognitive, affective and social language used by adolescents with CRPS in comparison to their peers during a task reflecting on their futures.

Methods

A story completion task was completed by adolescents with CPRS (n = 49) and adolescents without pain (n = 48). This task involved asking adolescents to describe their imagined future. Narratives were analysed using a novel linguistic analysis programme, focusing on the cognitive, affective and social dimensions.

Results

Findings revealed significant group differences in how adolescents with CRPS described their imagined futures. Adolescents with CRPS used significantly fewer positive affect and more negative affect, anger and sadness words, and greater insight and discrepancy words. No significant groups differences were found for social words.

Conclusions

Substantial differences in cognitive and affective words were found between adolescents with and without CRPS. Findings provide novel insights into current understandings of cognitive, affective and social processes in adolescents living with chronic pain, particularly with regard to adolescent developmental trajectories, and may in turn highlight potential targets in psychosocial interventions for adolescents living with chronic pain.

Significance

Social comparisons are commonly undertaken by adolescents with CRPS in relation to peers, increasing risk for poor cognitive, affective and social outcomes. Findings promote the potential importance of targeting psychosocial factors in treatments for paediatric chronic pain.
Influence of site–city interaction on the response of structures considering soil stiffness, height, and number of buildings
Authors: Norouzi Amir Hossein , Gerami Mohsen , Vahdani Reza , Sivandi‐Pour Abbas
Published: December 2020

Simultaneous effects of soil and a number of adjacent structures sitting next to each other is perceived as the site–city interaction (SCI). To better analyze the seismic behavior of the structures, the inclusion of the SCI appears to be essential. Accordingly, the SCI is affected by a number of parameters such as soil profile, urban congestion, as well as dynamic properties of buildings and soil layers. In this study, considering four soil types according to Eurocode8 (EC8) and a series of structures in single and multiple configurations (buildings arranged in 3 × 3 and 5 × 5 groups) representing an ideal city, 3D dynamic analyses were conducted using SASSI2000 software. Then, the acceleration response of the structures placed in the middle of each configuration was compared with that of the single structures to evaluate the influence of soil properties particularly, its stiffness as well as number and height of the structures on the response of the base and top nodes of multi–degree‐of‐freedom structures incorporating the SCI effects. Based on the results, the inclusion of SCI reduced the acceleration values especially at top of the structure (7% and 15% for the bottom and top of the structure on average). In addition, as soil stiffness decreases and the number of buildings increases, the influence of SCI becomes profound. According to the complexities of the SCI, to acquire more accurate results, further parameters such as the type of seismic waves, irregularity of buildings, and faulting mechanism have to be taken into account.
A genome‐wide study of the relationship between chromosomal abnormalities and gene expression in colorectal tumors
Authors: Sugai Tamotsu , Osakabe Mitsumasa , Sugimoto Ryo , Eizuka Makoto , Tanaka Yoshihito , Yanagawa Naoki , Otsuka Koki , Sasaki Akira , Matsumoto Takayuki , Suzuki Hiromu
Published: December 2020

The role of somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) that occur in colorectal tumors is poorly understood. SCNAs are correlated with corresponding gene expression changes that may contribute to neoplastic progression. Thus, we examined SCNAs and the expression of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) located at corresponding loci in colorectal neoplasia, a progression model of human neoplasm. We used 42 colorectal neoplastic samples, including adenomas, intramucosal cancers (IMC) and invasive colorectal cancers (CRC) that were microsatellite stable (MSS) using a genome‐wide SNP array and gene expression array (first cohort). In addition, validation analyses were examined (37 colorectal neoplasias). None of the mRNAs with a corresponding SCNA was found in the adenomas. However, three mRNAs, including ARFGEF2 at 20q13.13, N4BP2L2 at 13q13.1 and OLFM4 at 13q14.3 with a copy number (CN) gain at the corresponding locus were upregulated in IMCs of the first cohort. Moreover, upregulated expression of ARFGEF2 and OLFM4 was upregulated in the validation analysis. Finally, 28 mRNAs with gains of corresponding loci were pooled in invasive CRC of the first cohort. The mRNAs, including ACSS2 (20q11.22), DDX27 (20q13.13), MAPRE1 (20q11.21), OSBPL2 (20q11.22) and PHF20 (20q11.22‐q11.23) with CN gains of the corresponding loci were identified in 28 mRNAs. Four of these mRNAs (DDX27, MAPRE1, OSBPL2 and PHF20) were upregulated in the invasive CRC in the validation analysis. We conclude that specific 13q and 22q CN gains with gene expression changes in the corresponding loci may play an important role in IMC cells' progression into invasive CRC.
Agricultural production efficiency of Indian states: Evidence from data envelopment analysis
Authors: R. L. Manogna , Mishra Aswini Kumar
Published: December 2020

This paper aims to provide an analysis of the agricultural productivity of food grains across the states of India. Despite agriculture's diminishing role as a share of overall gross domestic product (GDP) in India, it plays a crucial role by providing a large proportion of jobs to the workforce. Acknowledging the central role of agriculture in the economy as well as the diversity between the states in terms of availability of resources, this study analyses the impact of various inputs like land area, fertilizers, electricity and labour use on the production efficiency of food grains at the state level from 2006 to 2017 using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI). The results highlight the variation in the performance of states with five out of selected 20 states experiencing efficiency under the CCR model of DEA and nine out of 20 states being efficient under the BCC model of DEA. MPI results indicate that 11 out of 20 states have progressed in terms of MPI during the period under consideration. The paper highlights the possibility of increasing agricultural production with optimizing the inputs by focusing on efficient resource deployment and enhanced production management. The paper investigates the relationship between various agricultural inputs and food grain production efficiency using DEA and provides a way to improve on the allocation of these resources across various Indian states.
Preparation of a novel bovine cancellous bone/poly‐amino acid composite with low immunogenicity, proper strength, and cytocompatibility in vitro
Authors: Luo Lin , Li Shuyang , Ji Mizhi , Ding Zhengwen , Yan Yonggang , Yin Jie , Xiong Yi
Published: December 2020

In this work, the delipidized and deproteinized bovine cancellous bone powder/poly–amino acid (DDBP/PAA) composite was fabricated by extrusion‐injection molding method for the first time. After about 70% clearance rate by the delipidization and deproteinization procedures, the residual antigens of galactosyl α–(1, 3)–galactosyl β–1,4–N–aeetylglueosaminyl (α–Gal) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II were basically eliminated by the extrusion–injection molding process, which may cause high titer of antibody and lead to hyperacute rejection or chronic immune toxicity. Meanwhile, the natural BMP II and apatite in bovine bone were kept in DDBP/PAA composite. After 26 weeks of immersion in simulated body fluid, the DDBP/PAA composite remained the intact appearance, 96.4% of weight, and 69.2% of compressive strength, and these showed sufficient degradation stability. The composite also exhibited excellent attachment and proliferation abilities of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs). The results herein suggested that the DDBP/PAA composite was expected to be a load–bearing transplant with some natural ingredients for hard tissue repair.
A novel p.Gly417Valfs*12 mutation in the MTTP gene causing abetalipoproteinemia: Presentation of the first patient in Mexico and analysis of the previously reported cases
Authors: Rodríguez Gutiérrez Perla Graciela , González García Juan Ramón , Castillo De León Yolanda Alicia , Zárate Guerrero Juan Rafael , Magaña Torres María Teresa
Published: December 2020

Background

Our aims were to describe the first Mexican patient with abetalipoproteinemia and to perform a comparative analysis of biochemical, clinical, and genetic characteristics of 100 cases reported in the literature.

Methods

We performed biochemical and molecular screenings in a Mexican girl with extremely low lipid levels and in her family. Further, we integrated and evaluated the characteristics of the cases with abetalipoproteinemia described in the literature.

Results

Our patient is a six‐year‐old girl who presented vomiting, chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive, malabsorption, acanthocytosis, anemia, transaminases elevation, and extremely low lipid levels. MTTP gene sequencing revealed homozygosity for a novel mutation p.Gly417Valfs*12 (G deletion c.1250). With the analysis of the reported cases, 60 clinical features (14 classical and 46 non‐classical) were observed, being the most common acanthocytosis (57.5%), malabsorption (43.7%), and diarrhea (42.5%); 48.8% of the patients presented only classic clinical features, while the remaining 51.2% developed secondary effects due to a fat‐soluble vitamin deficiency. An odds ratio analysis disclosed that patients diagnosed after 10 years of age have an increased risk for presenting clinical complications (OR = 18.0; 95% CI 6.0‐54.1, p < 0.0001). A great diversity of mutations in MTTP has been observed (n = 76, being the most common p.G865X and p.N139_E140) and some of them with possible residual activity.

Conclusion

The first Mexican patient with abetalipoproteinemia presents a novel MTTP mutation p.Gly417Valfs*12. Three factors that could modulate the phenotype in abetalipoproteinemia were identified: age at diagnosis, treatment, and the causal mutation.
Preoperative decolonization and periprosthetic joint infections—A randomized controlled trial with 2‐year follow‐up
Authors: Rohrer Felix , Wendt Malte , Noetzli Hubert , Risch Lorenz , Bodmer Thomas , Cottagnoud Philippe , Hermann Tanja , Limacher Andreas , Gahl Brigitta , Bruegger Jan
Published: December 2020

Preoperative decolonization, especially of Staphylococcus aureus carriers, has been proposed to reduce periprosthetic joint infections (PJI), but the evidence‐based consensus is still lacking and data on long‐term outcomes is scarce. In a previous randomized, single‐blinded trial, decolonization produced no significant reduction of surgical site infections in overall elective orthopedic surgery at 3‐month follow‐up. A 2‐year follow‐up was then performed to specifically detect the impact of decolonization on delayed‐onset PJI (3–24 months after surgery). Between November 2015 and September 2017, 613 of 1318 recruited patients underwent prosthetic surgery. Individuals were allocated into either the S. aureus carrier group (34%, 207 of 613 patients) or the noncarrier group (406 of 613 patients), according to nasal swab screening results. Both groups were then randomized into intervention and control arms. In the S. aureus group, the intervention consisted of daily chlorhexidine showers and application of mupirocin nasal ointment twice a day for 5 days before surgery. In noncarriers, only chlorhexidine showers were prescribed. Sample size calculation was based on the initial trial for overall and not for the prosthetic surgery group. No PJI was found at 2 years in either the carrier or in the noncarrier group. Therefore, no definite conclusion about the efficacy of preoperative decolonization to reduce PJI can be drawn. PJI proportions in this study were lower than described in the literature (mostly around 0.3%). Despite the insufficient sample size, this trial is the largest randomized trial on decolonization with a long‐term follow‐up, and results may be helpful for future meta‐analyses.
Relationship between Branched Structure and Viscoelastic Properties of Highly Branched Polyethylene Derived by Monte Carlo Molecular Simulation and the BoB‐Rheology Simulation Methods
Authors: Kitade Shinichi , Yokomizo Katsuyuki , Hattori Takaaki , Tobita Hidetaka
Published: December 2020

In this report, it is verified by the simulation what kind of difference can be caused in the molecular structure and the viscoelastic property by the difference in the manufacturing process of the high‐pressure low density polyethylene, that is, autoclave (or vessel) process and tubular process. The Monte Carlo simulation developed by Tobita is used as the molecular structure simulation. The molecular simulation is performed assuming a five tanks‐in‐series model, which allows one to investigate a wide variety of reactor operations, from the condition closer to the tubular process to the autoclave processes systematically. The branched structure is quantitatively evaluated by the parameter known as priority and seniority (segment depth). The viscoelastic simulation is based on the branch‐on‐branch rheology (BoB‐rheology) model developed by McLeish et al. It is found that the long‐chain branched structure of the molecule becomes more complicated in the autoclave process, and then, the strain hardening property of extensional viscosity becomes larger than that for the tubular process.
Controlled scalable synthesis of yolk‐shell antimony with porous carbon anode for superior Na‐ion storage
Authors: Dashairya Love , Das Debasish , Jena Sambedan , Mitra Arijit , Saha Partha
Published: December 2020

Antimony (Sb) anodes explored for high energy density sodium cells are prone to rapid capacity decay during (de)alloying owing to reversible phase transformation (Sb⇌Na3Sb) induced volume expansion necessitates rationale materials and electrode design. Herein, we design a yolk‐shell structure where surfactant‐stabilized and pH modulated Sb nanoparticles (SbNPs) are carefully coated with Stöber silica and resorcinol‐formaldehyde resin at room temperature. Upon pyrolysis under argon followed by careful etching of the intermediate layer from Sb@SiO2@C double core‐shell leads to the formation of Sb@void@C yolk‐shell possessing SbNPs confined within mesoporous conductive carbon shells with sufficient void space allowing Sb to realize its full potential and display superior sodium storage behavior. Moreover, binder‐free electrodes fabricated by electrophoretic deposition deliver superior performance in a sodium cell with improved rate capability. A full cell fabricated with Prussian blue type NaxFe[Fe(CN)6] cathode paired with Sb@void@PC anode delivers a practical energy density of ∼142 Whkg–1 operating at ∼1.95 V. The favorable results of yolk‐shell Sb@void@C anodes in sodium‐ion battery demonstrate the structural superiority for future energy storage applications
Current state of hypnotic use disorders: Results of a survey using the Japanese version of Benzodiazepine Dependence Self‐Report Questionnaire
Authors: Yamamoto Mai , Inada Ken , Enomoto Minori , Habukawa Mitsunari , Hirose Takahisa , Inoue Yuichi , Ishigooka Jun , Kamei Yuichi , Kitajima Tsuyoshi , Miyamoto Masayuki , Shinno Hideto , Nishimura Katsuji , Ozone Motohiro , Takeshima Masahiro , Suzuki Mayumi , Yamashita Hidehisa , Mishima Kazuo
Published: December 2020

Aims

Benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZ‐RAs) are frequently prescribed to treat insomnia; however, their long‐term use is not recommended. To introduce an appropriate pharmaco‐therapy, the current state and background factors of BZ‐RAs' dependence must be elucidated. In this study, we developed a Japanese version of the Benzodiazepine Dependence Self‐Report Questionnaire (Bendep‐SRQ‐J) and conducted a study of BZ‐RAs' use disorder.

Methods

The Bendep‐SRQ‐J was created with permission from the original developer. Subjects were inpatients and outpatients receiving BZ‐RAs between 2012 and 2013. Clinical data collected were Bendep‐SRQ‐J scores, sleep disorders for which BZ‐RAs were prescribed, physical comorbidities, psychotropic drugs, and lifestyle factors. Logistic analysis was performed to extract factors associated with severe symptoms.

Results

Of the 707 patients prescribed BZ‐RAs, 324 had voluntarily tapered or discontinued their drugs. Logistic analysis showed that the total number of drugs administered in the last 6 months correlated with both worsening of symptoms or conditions. This was more notable among younger patients, and the proportion of patients with severe symptoms or conditions increased with the increasing number of drugs.

Conclusion

Using the Bendep‐SRQ‐J, we elucidated the current state of BZ‐RA dependence. Nearly half of the patients were non‐compliant. The proportion of patients with severe symptoms or disease conditions increased with the increase in the number of drugs administered. These findings highlight the need for clinicians to be aware of the likelihood of benzodiazepine dependence, especially in young patients and patients prescribed multiple hypnotics.
Differential in complementary prisms
Authors: Berberler Zeynep Nihan , Kanli Akin
Published: December 2020

Let G = (V, E) be a graph of order n and let B(D) be the set of vertices in V\D that have a neighbor in the set D. The differential of a set D is defined as ∂(D) =  |B(D)|  −  |D| and the differential of a graph to equal the maximum value of ∂(D) for any subset D of V. A set D of vertices of a graph G is said to be a dominating set if every vertex in V\D is adjacent to a vertex in D. G is a dominant differential graph if it contains a ∂‐set which is also a dominating set. Let be the complement of a graph G. The complementary prism of G is the graph formed from the disjoint union of G and by adding the edges of a perfect matching between the corresponding vertices of G and . This paper is devoted to the computation of differential of complementary prisms . Particular attention is given to the complementary prims of special types of graphs and dominant differential complementary prisms are recognized. Furthermore, a sharp lower bound on the differential of the complementary prism of a graph G in terms of the order of G is presented and the graphs attaining this lower bound are characterized. Finally, the graphs G are characterized for which is small.
Robust fusion steady‐state estimators for networked stochastic uncertain systems with packet dropouts and missing measurements
Authors: Liu Wenqiang , Tao Guili
Published: December 2020

In this article, the robust fusion steady‐state filtering problem is investigated for a class of multisensor networked systems with mixed uncertainties. The uncertainties include state‐dependent and noise‐dependent multiplicative noises, missing measurements, packet dropouts, and uncertain noise variances, the phenomena of missing measurements and packet dropouts occur in a random way, and are described by two Bernoulli distributed random variables with known conditional probabilities. Using a model transformation approach, which consists of augmented approach, de‐randomization approach and fictitious noise approach, the original multisensor system under study is converted into a multi‐model multisensor system with only uncertain noise variances. According to the minimax robust estimation principle, based on the worst‐case subsystems with conservative upper bounds of uncertain noise variances, the robust local steady‐state Kalman estimators (predictor, filter, and smoother) are presented in a unified framework. Applying the optimal fusion algorithm weighted by matrices, the robust distributed weighted state fusion steady‐state Kalman estimators are derived for the considered system. The robustness of the proposed estimators is proved by using a combination method consisting of augmented noise approach, decomposition approach of non‐negative definite matrix, matrix representation approach of quadratic form, and Lyapunov equation approach, such that for all admissible uncertainties, the actual steady‐state estimation error variances of the estimators are guaranteed to have the corresponding minimal upper bounds. The accuracy relations among the robust local and fused steady‐state Kalman estimators are proved. An example with application to autoregressive moving average (ARMA) signal processing is proposed, which shows that the robust local and fusion signal estimation problems can be solved by the state estimation problems. Simulation example verifies the effectiveness and correctness of the proposed results.
Palladium Extraction from Nitrate Solutions with the Disulfide of Bis(2,4,4‐trimethylpentyl)dithiophosphinic Acid
Authors: Grigorieva Natalya A. , Fleitlikh Isaac Y. , Logutenko Olga A.
Published: December 2020

This work presents data on palladium recovery from nitrate solutions with the disulfide of bis(2,4,4‐trimethylpentyl)dithiophosphinic acid (L) in toluene. Extraction of palladium with the disulfide is slow but it increases as the concentration of L in the organic phase increases. At a concentration of L equal to 0.01 mol/L, almost complete extraction of palladium (99.7 %) is achieved within 20 minutes. The extraction efficiency also increases with increasing temperature. Maximum palladium recovery occurs at an HNO3 concentration of 1.0 mol/L in the aqueous phase. Analysis of the interphase palladium distribution showed that the extraction of palladium with the disulfide in toluene is due to the formation of the complexes of variable composition [(Pd(NO3)2)n⋅L] in the organic phase where n=1–4. The disulfide can be used to recover palladium from nitric acid solutions containing metal impurities. The degree of palladium extraction in one‐stage is 98.2 %, therefore the extractant is highly selective toward Pd(II) in the presence of Ni(II), Cu(II), Co(II), Zn(II), and Fe(III). Almost complete palladium stripping from the organic phase is achieved with a mixture of thiourea and hydrochloric acid solutions.
A Highly Efficient Co3V2O8/MoS2/Carbon Cloth Nanocomposite Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Xu Qixin , Qin Weiwei , Tian Wenyu , Chu Jin‐Feng
Published: December 2020

As a clean energy source, water splitting can produce both hydrogen and oxygen, so it is significant to design high performance bifunctional electrocatalysts to improve the reaction efficiency, but remains a challenge. Herein, a Co3V2O8/MoS2/ carbon cloth (Co3V2O8/MoS2/CC) composite was prepared by two‐step hydrothermal growth of Co3V2O8/MoS2 on carbon cloth. This nanocomposite exhibited highly efficient electrocatalytic properties in both hydrogen evolution reactions and oxygen evolution reactions. When the current density reached 10 mA cm−2, it merely required the overpotentials of 98 mV and 259 mV, respectively. Moreover, at a two‐electrode system, we measured the performance of Co3V2O8/MoS2/CC acted as both anode and cathode, and the current density could achieve 10 mA cm−2 with the voltage of only 1.62 V.
Regulation of volatile fatty acid accumulation from waste: Effect of inoculum pretreatment
Authors: Jayakrishnan Unnikrishnan , Deka Deepmoni , Das Gopal
Published: December 2020

The study investigates the implications of waste feedstock, inoculum origin, and pretreatment on volatile fatty acids accumulation (VFA). The acidogenic fermentation of the feedstocks, rice mill effluent (RME), and brewery effluent (BE) was studied using untreated and pretreated (cyclic heat‐acid shock) brewery anaerobic sludge as inoculum. The pretreatment was successful in refining and stabilizing VFA production from the feedstocks. The fermentation of RME with pretreated sludge had an enhanced acetate yield of 0.37 ± 0.02 mgCOD/mgCOD, even to odd ratio of 20.97 ± 0.08 mg/mg and the highest butyrate yield of 0.39 ± 0.01 mgCOD/mgCOD compared to untreated system. The pretreated system had stability in COD and pH profile, while VFA content depends on the origin of inoculum. Pretreatment inhibited the carbon sinks and augmented acetate–butyrate type metabolism with stable performance. The fermentation of RME by pretreated sludge produced a higher even‐numbered VFAs and enhanced even to odd ratio in comparison with fermentation of BE, thereby affecting polymer composition and property.

Practitioner points

The pretreated system had stable acidification, chemical oxygen demand, and pH profile.

The pretreated system had higher acetate and butyrate yield compared to the untreated system.

Rice mill effluent acidified with pretreated sludge had the highest even to odd ratio, 20.97 mg/mg.

The even to odd ratio for acidification of brewery effluent was insignificant.

Pretreatment, the origin of sludge, and the effluent had a regulatory effect on acidification.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of pregnant women with COVID-19 and the risk of vertical transmission: a systematic review
Authors: Chi Jianhua , Gong Wenjian , Gao Qinglei
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This systematic review summarizes the clinical features and maternal–infant outcomes of 230 pregnant women (154 patients gave birth) infected with COVID-19 and their 156 infants, including the possibility and evidence of vertical transmission.

Methods

An electronic search of PubMed, Embase, Medline, MedRxiv, CNKI, and the Chinese Medical Journal Full Text Database following PRISMA guidelines was performed through April 18, 2020. Search terms included COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, pregnant women, infants, and vertical transmission.

Results

A total of 230 women with COVID-19 (154 deliveries, 66 ongoing pregnancies, and 10 abortions) and 156 newborns from 20 eligible studies were included in this systematic review. A total of 34.62% of the pregnant patients had obstetric complications, and 59.05% of patients displayed fever. Lymphopenia was observed in 40.71% of patients. A total of 5.19% of women received mechanical ventilation. Seven women were critically ill. One mother and two newborns died. A total of 24.74% of newborns were premature. Five newborns’ throat swab tests of SARS-CoV-2 were positive, all of which were delivered by cesarean section. For eight newborns with negative throat swab tests, three had both elevated IgM and IgG against SARS-CoV-2. Nucleic acid tests of vaginal secretions, breast milk, amniotic fluid, placental blood, and placental tissues were negative.

Conclusion

Most pregnant patients were mildly ill. The mortality of pregnant women with COVID-19 was lower than that of overall COVID-19 patients. Cesarean section was more common than vaginal delivery for pregnant women with COVID-19. Premature delivery was the main adverse event for newborns. The vertical transmission rate calculated by SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid tests was 3.91%. Serum antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 should be tested more frequently, and multiple samples should be included in pathogenic testing.
Endoscopic vacuum therapy for in- and outpatient treatment of colorectal defects
Authors: Kühn Florian , Wirth Ulrich , Zimmermann Julia , Beger Nicola , Hasenhütl Sandro M. , Drefs Moritz , Heiliger Christian , Burian Maria , Werner Jens , Schiergens Tobias S.
Published: December 2020

Background

Evidence for endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) for colorectal defects is still based on small patient series from various institutions, employing different treatment algorithms and methods. As EVT was invented at our institution 20 years ago, the aim was to report the efficacy and safety of EVT for colorectal defects as well as to analyze factors associated with efficacy, therapy duration, and outpatient treatment.

Methods

Cohort study with analysis of prospectively collected data of patients receiving EVT for colorectal defects at a tertiary referral center in Germany (n = 281).

Results

The majority of patients had malignant disease (83%) and an American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of III/IV (81%). Most frequent indications for EVT were anastomotic leakage after sigmoid or rectal resection (67%) followed by rectal stump leakage (20%). EVT was successful in 256 out of 281 patients (91%). EVT following multi-visceral resection (P = 0.037) and recent surgical revision after primary surgery (P = 0.009) were risk factors for EVT failure. EVT-associated adverse events occurred in 27 patients (10%). Median treatment duration was 25 days. Previous chemo-radiation (P = 0.006) was associated with a significant longer duration of EVT. Outpatient treatment was conducted in 49% of patients with a median hospital stay reduction of 15 days and 98% treatment success. Younger patient age (P = 0.044) was associated with the possibility of outpatient treatment. Restoration of intestinal continuity was achieved in 60% of patients where technically possible with a 12-month rate of 52%.

Conclusions

In patients with colorectal defects, EVT appears to be a safe and effective, minimally invasive option for in- and outpatient treatment.
Economic Recovery in the Age of COVID-19
Authors: Skidelsky Robert
Published: December 2020

With the world on the brink of yet another steep recession, and with ecological disaster looming, we can no longer afford the luxury of an economic policy which concentrates on the fight against inflation, leaves unemployment to emergency measures, distribution of wealth and income to the market, and ignores ecological challenges.
A Plactic Algebra Action on Bosonic Particle Configurations
Authors: Meinel Joanna
Published: December 2020

We study an action of the plactic algebra on bosonic particle configurations. These particle configurations together with the action of the plactic generators can be identified with crystals of the quantum analogue of the symmetric tensor representations of the special linear Lie algebra $\mathfrak {s} \mathfrak {l}_{N}$
s

l

N

. It turns out that this action factors through a quotient algebra that we call partic algebra, whose induced action on bosonic particle configurations is faithful. We describe a basis of the partic algebra explicitly in terms of a normal form for monomials, and we compute the center of the partic algebra.
Respiratory viral testing and antibacterial treatment in patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Klompas Michael , Imrey Peter B. , Yu Pei-Chun , Rhee Chanu , Deshpande Abhishek , Haessler Sarah , Zilberberg Marya D. , Rothberg Michael B.
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Viruses are more common than bacteria in patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia. Little is known, however, about the frequency of respiratory viral testing and its associations with antimicrobial utilization.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

The study included 179 US hospitals.

Patients:

Adults admitted with pneumonia between July 2010 and June 2015.

Methods:

We assessed the frequency of respiratory virus testing and compared antimicrobial utilization, mortality, length of stay, and costs between tested versus untested patients, and between virus-positive versus virus-negative patients.

Results:

Among 166,273 patients with pneumonia on admission, 40,787 patients (24.5%) were tested for respiratory viruses, 94.8% were tested for influenza, and 20.7% were tested for other viruses. Viral assays were positive in 5,133 of 40,787 tested patients (12.6%), typically for influenza and rhinovirus. Tested patients were younger and had fewer comorbidities than untested patients, but patients with positive viral assays were older and had more comorbidities than those with negative assays. Blood cultures were positive for bacterial pathogens in 2.7% of patients with positive viral assays versus 5.3% of patients with negative viral tests (P < .001). Antibacterial courses were shorter for virus-positive versus -negative patients overall (mean 5.5 vs 6.4 days; P < .001) but varied by bacterial testing: 8.1 versus 8.0 days (P = .60) if bacterial tests were positive; 5.3 versus 6.1 days (P < .001) if bacterial tests were negative; and 3.3 versus 5.2 days (P < .001) if bacterial tests were not obtained (interaction P < .001).

Conclusions:

A minority of patients hospitalized with pneumonia were tested for respiratory viruses; only a fraction of potential viral pathogens were assayed; and patients with positive viral tests often received long antibacterial courses.
Negros Bleeding-heartGallicolumba keayiprefers dense understorey vegetation and dense canopy cover, and species distribution modelling shows little remaining suitable habitat
Authors: MYNOTT HOLLY , ABRAHAMS MARK , KERHOAS DAPHNE
Published: December 2020

The Philippines is a global biodiversity hotspot, with a large number of threatened bird species, one of which is the ‘Critically Endangered’ Negros Bleeding-heartGallicolumba keayi. The aim of this study was to investigate the habitat preference of the Negros Bleeding-heart and undertake species distribution modelling to locate areas of conservation importance based on identified suitable habitat. A survey of 94 point-counts was undertaken and eight camera traps were deployed from May to August 2018 in the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park, Panay, Philippines. Habitat variables (canopy cover, understorey cover, ground cover, elevation, presence of rattanCalamusorDaemonoropsspp. and pandanPandanussp., tree diameter at breast height, and branching architecture were measured in 5 m-radius quadrats. To identify areas of potentially suitable habitat for the Negros Bleeding-heart, species distribution was modelled in MaxEnt using tree cover and elevation data on Panay and Negros. Using a Generalised Linear Model, Negros Bleeding-heart presence was found to be significantly positively associated with dense understorey cover and dense canopy cover. Species distribution modelling showed that the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park is currently the most suitably located protected area for Negros Bleeding-heart conservation, while protected areas in Negros require further law enforcement. It is imperative that protection is continued in the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park, and more survey effort is needed to identify other critical Negros Bleeding-heart populations, around which deforestation and hunting ban enforcement is strongly recommended.
Electron Dropout Events and Flux Enhancements Associated With Geomagnetic Storms Observed by PROBA‐V/Energetic Particle Telescope From 2013 to 2019
Authors: Pierrard V. , Botek E. , Ripoll J.‐F. , Cunningham G.
Published: December 2020

Electron flux variations for E > 500 keV during geomagnetic storms are investigated using the Energetic Particle Telescope (EPT). This detector launched in May 2013 on board the satellite PROBA‐V at an altitude of 820 km was designed to provide uncontaminated spectra of electrons, protons, and alpha particles. Electron flux dropout events are observed during the main phase of each storm and even during substorms: a rapid reduction of the electron flux is noted throughout the outer electron radiation belt at all energies above about 0.5 MeV on timescales of a few hours. The electron spectrograms measured by the EPT between 2013 and 2019 show that after each geomagnetic storm, dropout events are followed by a flux enhancement starting first at low L values, and reaching the slot or even the inner belt for the strongest storms. We determine the link between Disturbed Storm Time (Dst) and the minimum value of the L‐shell where the dropouts deplete the outer belt, as well as the nonlinear relation between Dst and the minimum L‐shell where the flux penetrates in the slot region or even the inner belt during the storms. Dropouts appear at all energies measured by EPT and penetrate down to L∼3.5 for the strongest events. Dropouts are observed at Low Earth Orbit each time Dst has an inverted peak < −40 nT. Flux enhancements appear at lower L only for big storm events with Dst < −50 nT. They penetrate down to an impenetrable barrier with a minimum L‐shell related to Dst and to the energy. For E > 1 MeV, this limit is also linked to the plasmapause position.
miR-10a as a therapeutic target and predictive biomarker for MDM2 inhibition in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Vu Thi Thanh , Stölzel Friedrich , Wang Kristy W. , Röllig Christoph , Tursky Melinda L. , Molloy Timothy J. , Ma David D.
Published: December 2020

Pharmacological inhibition of MDM2/4, which activates the critical tumor suppressor p53, has been gaining increasing interest as a strategy for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). While clinical trials of MDM2 inhibitors have shown promise, responses have been confined to largely molecularly undefined patients, indicating that new biomarkers and optimized treatment strategies are needed. We previously reported that the microRNA miR-10a is strongly overexpressed in some AML, and demonstrate here that it modulates several key members of the p53/Rb network, including p53 regulator MDM4, Rb regulator RB1CC1, p21 regulator TFAP2C, and p53 itself. The expression of both miR-10a and its downstream targets were strongly predictive of MDM2 inhibitor sensitivity in cell lines, primary AML specimens, and correlated to response in patients treated with both MDM2 inhibitors and cytarabine. Furthermore, miR-10a inhibition induced synergy between MDM2 inhibitor Nutlin-3a and cytarabine in both in vitro and in vivo AML models. Mechanistically this synergism primarily occurs via the p53-mediated activation of cytotoxic apoptosis at the expense of cytoprotective autophagy. Together these findings demonstrate that miR-10a may be useful as both a biomarker to identify patients most likely to respond to cytarabine+MDM2 inhibition and also a druggable target to increase their efficacy.
Characterization and generation of human definitive multipotent hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Zhu Yanling , Wang Tianyu , Gu Jiaming , Huang Ke , Zhang Tian , Zhang Zhishuai , Liu He , Tang Jun , Mai Yuchan , Zhang Yanqi , Li Yuhang , Feng Yashu , Kang Baoqiang , Li Jinbing , Shan Yongli , Chen Qianyu , Zhang Jian , Long Bing , Wang Junwei , Gao Minghui , Zhang Di , Zhou Min , Zhong Xiaofen , Chen Jiekai , Pei Duanqing , Nie Jinfu , Liu Bing , Pan Guangjin
Published: December 2020

Definitive hematopoiesis generates hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) that give rise to all mature blood and immune cells, but remains poorly defined in human. Here, we resolve human hematopoietic populations at the earliest hematopoiesis stage by single-cell RNA-seq. We characterize the distinct molecular profiling between early primitive and definitive hematopoiesis in both human embryonic stem cell (hESC) differentiation and early embryonic development. We identify CD44 to specifically discriminate definitive hematopoiesis and generate definitive HSPCs from hESCs. The multipotency of hESCs-derived HSPCs for various blood and immune cells is validated by single-cell clonal assay. Strikingly, these hESCs-derived HSPCs give rise to blood and lymphoid lineages in vivo. Lastly, we characterize gene-expression dynamics in definitive and primitive hematopoiesis and reveal an unreported role of ROCK-inhibition in enhancing human definitive hematopoiesis. Our study provides a prospect for understanding human early hematopoiesis and a firm basis for generating blood and immune cells for clinical purposes.
The de novo genome assembly of Tapiscia sinensis and the transcriptomic and developmental bases of androdioecy
Authors: Zhao Peng , Xin Guiliang , Yan Feng , Wang Huan , Ren Xiaolong , Woeste Keith , Liu Wenzhe
Published: December 2020

Tapiscia sinensis(Tapisciaceae) possesses an unusual androdioecious breeding system that has attracted considerable interest from evolutionary biologists. Key aspects ofT. sinensisbiology, including its biogeography, genomics, and sex-linked genes, are unknown. Here, we report the first de novo assembly of the genome ofT. sinensis. The genome size was 410 Mb, with 22,251 predicted genes. Based on whole-genome resequencing of 55 trees from 10 locations, an analysis of population genetic structure indicated thatT. sinensishas fragmented into five lineages, with low intrapopulation genetic diversity and little gene flow among populations. By comparing whole-genome scans of male versus hermaphroditic pools, we identified 303 candidate sex-linked genes, 79 of which (25.9%) were located on scaffold 25. A 24-kb region was absent in hermaphroditic individuals, and five genes in that region,TsF-box4,TsF-box10,TsF-box13,TsSUT1, andTsSUT4, showed expression differences between mature male and hermaphroditic flowers. The results of this study shed light on the breeding system evolution and conservation genetics of the Tapisciaceae.
CsPrx25, a class III peroxidase in Citrus sinensis, confers resistance to citrus bacterial canker through the maintenance of ROS homeostasis and cell wall lignification
Authors: Li Qiang , Qin Xiujuan , Qi Jingjing , Dou Wanfu , Dunand Christophe , Chen Shanchun , He Yongrui
Published: December 2020

Citrus bacterial canker (CBC) results from Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) infection and poses a grave threat to citrus production. Class III peroxidases (CIII Prxs) are key proteins to the environmental adaptation of citrus plants to a range of exogenous pathogens, but the role of CIII Prxs during plant resistance to CBC is poorly defined. Herein, we explored the role of CsPrx25 and its contribution to plant defenses in molecular detail. Based on the expression analysis, CsPrx25 was identified as an apoplast-localized protein that is differentially regulated by Xcc infection, salicylic acid, and methyl jasmone acid in the CBC-susceptible variety Wanjincheng (C. sinensis) and the CBC-resistant variety Calamondin (C. madurensis). Transgenic Wanjincheng plants overexpressing CsPrx25 were generated, and these transgenic plants exhibited significantly increased CBC resistance compared with the WT plants. In addition, the CsPrx25-overexpressing plants displayed altered reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis accompanied by enhanced H2O2 levels, which led to stronger hypersensitivity responses during Xcc infection. Moreover, the overexpression of CsPrx25 enhanced lignification as an apoplastic barrier for Xcc infection. Taken together, the results highlight how CsPrx25-mediated ROS homeostasis reconstruction and cell wall lignification can enhance the resistance of sweet orange to CBC.
The apple DNA-binding one zinc-finger protein MdDof54 promotes drought resistance
Authors: Chen Pengxiang , Yan Mingjia , Li Lei , He Jieqiang , Zhou Shuangxi , Li Zhongxing , Niu Chundong , Bao Chana , Zhi Fang , Ma Fengwang , Guan Qingmei
Published: December 2020

DNA-binding one zinc-finger (Dof) proteins constitute a family of transcription factors with a highly conserved Dof domain that contains a C2C2 zinc-finger motif. Although several studies have demonstrated that Dof proteins are involved in multiple plant processes, including development and stress resistance, the functions of these proteins in drought stress resistance are largely unknown. Here, we report the identification of the MdDof54 gene from apple and document its positive roles in apple drought resistance. After long-term drought stress, compared with nontransgenic plants, MdDof54 RNAi plants had significantly shorter heights and weaker root systems; the transgenic plants also had lower shoot and root hydraulic conductivity, as well as lower photosynthesis rates. By contrast, compared with nontransgenic plants, MdDof54-overexpressing plants had higher photosynthesis rates and shoot hydraulic conductivity under long-term drought stress. Moreover, compared with nontransgenic plants, MdDof54-overexpressing plants had higher survival percentages under short-term drought stress, whereas MdDof54 RNAi plants had lower survival percentages. MdDof54 RNAi plants showed significant downregulation of 99 genes and significant upregulation of 992 genes in response to drought, and 366 of these genes were responsive to drought. We used DAP-seq and ChIP-seq analyses to demonstrate that MdDof54 recognizes cis-elements that contain an AAAG motif. Taken together, our results provide new information on the functions of MdDof54 in plant drought stress resistance as well as resources for apple breeding aimed at the improvement of drought resistance.
Neuropsychiatric manifestations of COVID-19 can be clustered in three distinct symptom categories
Authors: Mirfazeli Fatemeh Sadat , Sarabi-Jamab Atiye , Jahanbakhshi Amin , Kordi Alireza , Javadnia Parisa , Shariat Seyed Vahid , Aloosh Oldooz , Almasi-Dooghaee Mostafa , Faiz Seyed Hamid Reza
Published: December 2020

Several studies have reported clinical manifestations of the new coronavirus disease. However, few studies have systematically evaluated the neuropsychiatric complications of COVID-19. We reviewed the medical records of 201 patients with confirmed COVID-19 (52 outpatients and 149 inpatients) that were treated in a large referral center in Tehran, Iran from March 2019 to May 2020. We used clustering approach to categorize clinical symptoms. One hundred and fifty-one patients showed at least one neuropsychiatric symptom. Limb force reductions, headache followed by anosmia, hypogeusia were among the most common neuropsychiatric symptoms in COVID-19 patients. Hierarchical clustering analysis showed that neuropsychiatric symptoms group together in three distinct groups: anosmia and hypogeusia; dizziness, headache, and limb force reduction; photophobia, mental state change, hallucination, vision and speech problem, seizure, stroke, and balance disturbance. Three non-neuropsychiatric cluster of symptoms included diarrhea and nausea; cough and dyspnea; and fever and weakness. Neuropsychiatric presentations are very prevalent and heterogeneous in patients with coronavirus 2 infection and these heterogeneous presentations may be originating from different underlying mechanisms. Anosmia and hypogeusia seem to be distinct from more general constitutional-like and more specific neuropsychiatric symptoms. Skeletal muscular manifestations might be a constitutional or a neuropsychiatric symptom.
Author Correction: Increased rainfall stimulates permafrost thaw across a variety of Interior Alaskan boreal ecosystems
Authors: Douglas Thomas A. , Turetsky Merritt R. , Koven Charles D.
Published: December 2020

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41612-020-00155-6