bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GHASP: an H α kinematical survey of spiral galaxies – XIII. Distribution of luminous and dark matter in spiral and irregular nearby galaxies using H α and H i rotation curves and WISE photometry
Authors: Korsaga M , Epinat B , Amram P , Carignan C , Adamczyk P , Sorgho A
Published: September 2019

We present the mass models of 31 spiral and irregular nearby galaxies obtained using hybrid rotation curves (RCs) combining high-resolution GHASP Fabry–Perot H α RCs and extended WHISP H i ones together with 3.4 $\mu$m WISE photometry. The aim is to compare the dark matter (DM) halo properties within the optical radius using only H α RCs with the effect of including and excluding the mass contribution of the neutral gas component, and when using H i or hybrid RCs. Pseudo-isothermal (ISO) core and Navarro–Frenk–White (NFW) cuspy DM halo profiles are used with various fiducial fitting procedures. Mass models using H α RCs including or excluding the H i gas component provide compatible disc M/L. The correlations between DM halo and baryon parameters do not strongly depend on the RC. Clearly, the differences between the fitting procedures are larger than between the different data sets. Hybrid and H i RCs lead to higher M/L values for both ISO and NFW best-fitting models but lower central densities for ISO haloes and higher concentration for NFW haloes than when using H α RCs only. The agreement with the mass model parameters deduced using hybrid RCs, considered as a reference, is better for H i than for H α RCs. ISO density profiles better fit the RCs than the NFW ones, especially when using H α or hybrid RCs. Halo masses at the optical radius determined using the various data sets are compatible even if they tend to be overestimated with H α RCs. Hybrid RCs are thus ideal to study the mass distribution within the optical radius.
MAXI J1820+070 with NuSTAR I. An increase in variability frequency but a stable reflection spectrum: coronal properties and implications for the inner disc in black hole binaries
Authors: Buisson D J K , Fabian A C , Barret D , Fürst F , Gandhi P , García J A , Kara E , Madsen K K , Miller J M , Parker M L , Shaw A W , Tomsick J A , Walton D J
Published: September 2019

MAXI J1820+070 (optical counterpart ASASSN-18ey) is a black hole candidate discovered through its recent very bright outburst. The low extinction column and long duration at high flux allow detailed measurements of the accretion process to be made. In this work, we compare the evolution of X-ray spectral and timing properties through the initial hard state of the outburst. We show that the inner accretion disc, as measured by relativistic reflection, remains steady throughout this period of the outburst. Nevertheless, subtle spectral variability is observed, which is well explained by a change in coronal geometry. However, characteristic features of the temporal variability – low-frequency roll-over and quasi-periodic oscillation frequency – increase drastically in frequency, as the outburst proceeds. This suggests that the variability time-scales are governed by coronal conditions rather than solely by the inner disc radius. We also find a strong correlation between X-ray luminosity and coronal temperature. This can be explained by electron pair production with a changing effective radius and a non-thermal electron fraction of $\sim 20$ per cent.
Polarized radiative transfer, rotation measure fluctuations, and large-scale magnetic fields
Authors: On Alvina Y L , Chan Jennifer Y H , Wu Kinwah , Saxton Curtis J , van Driel-Gesztelyi Lidia
Published: September 2019

Faraday rotation measure (RM) at radio wavelengths is commonly used to diagnose large-scale magnetic fields. It is argued that the length-scales on which magnetic fields vary in large-scale diffuse astrophysical media can be inferred from correlations in the observed RM. RM is a variable which can be derived from the polarized radiative transfer equations in restrictive conditions. This paper assesses the usage of rotation measure fluctuation (RMF) analyses for magnetic field diagnostics in the framework of polarized radiative transfer. We use models of various magnetic field configurations and electron density distributions to show how density fluctuations could affect the correlation length of the magnetic fields inferred from the conventional RMF analyses. We caution against interpretations of RMF analyses when a characteristic density is ill defined, e.g. in cases of lognormal-distributed and fractal-like density structures. As the spatial correlations are generally not the same in the line-of-sight longitudinal direction and the sky plane direction, one also needs to clarify the context of RMF when inferring from observational data. In complex situations, a covariant polarized radiative transfer calculation is essential to capture all aspects of radiative and transport processes, which would otherwise ambiguate the interpretations of magnetism in galaxy clusters and larger scale cosmological structures.
Simulating galaxy formation in f(R) modified gravity: matter, halo, and galaxy statistics
Authors: Arnold Christian , Li Baojiu
Published: September 2019

We present an analysis of the matter, halo, and galaxy clustering in f(R)-gravity employing the SHYBONE full-physics hydrodynamical simulation suite. Our analysis focuses on the interplay between baryonic feedback and f(R)-gravity in the matter power spectrum, the matter and halo correlation functions, the halo and galaxy–host–halo mass function, the subhalo and satellite–galaxy count, and the correlation function of the stars in our simulations. Our studies of the matter power spectrum in full-physics simulations in f(R)-gravity show that it will be very difficult to derive accurate fitting formulae for the power spectrum enhancement in f(R)-gravity which include baryonic effects. We find that the enhancement of the halo mass function due to f(R)-gravity and its suppression due to feedback effects do not show significant back-reaction effects and can thus be estimated from independent general relativity-hydro and f(R) dark matter only simulations. Our simulations furthermore show that the number of subhaloes and satellite-galaxies per halo is not significantly affected by f(R)-gravity. Low-mass haloes are nevertheless more likely to be populated by galaxies in f(R)-gravity. This suppresses the clustering of stars and the galaxy correlation function in the theory compared to standard cosmology.
Resonant absorption of kink oscillations in coronal flux tubes with continuous magnetic twist
Authors: Ebrahimi Zanyar , Bahari Karam
Published: September 2019

There are observational evidences for the existence of twisted magnetic field in the solar corona. Here, we have investigated resonant damping of the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) kink waves in magnetic flux tubes. A realistic model of the tube with continuous magnetic twist and radially inhomogeneous density profile has been considered. We have obtained the dispersion relation of the kink wave using the solution to the linear MHD equations outside the density inhomogeneity and the appropriate connection formula to the solutions across the thin transitional boundary layer. The dependence of the oscillation frequency and damping rate of the waves on the twist parameter and longitudinal wavenumber has been investigated. For the flux tube parameters considered in this paper, we obtain rapid damping of the kink waves comparable to the observations. In order to justify this rapid damping, depending on the sign of the azimuthal kink mode number, $m=+1$ or $-1$, the background magnetic field must have left- or right-handed twisted profile, respectively. For the model considered here, the resonant absorption occurs only when the twist parameter is in a range specified by the density contrast.
Late-outburst radio flaring in SS Cyg and evidence for a powerful kinetic output channel in cataclysmic variables
Authors: Fender Rob , Bright Joe , Mooley Kunal , Miller-Jones James
Published: September 2019

Accreting white dwarfs in binary systems known as cataclysmic variables (CVs) have in recent years been shown to produce radio flares during outbursts, qualitatively similar to those observed from neutron star and black hole X-ray binaries, but their ubiquity and energetic significance for the accretion flow has remained uncertain. We present new radio observations of the CV SS Cyg with Arcminute Microkelvin Imager Large Array, which show for the second time late-ouburst radio flaring, in 2016 April. This flaring occurs during the optical flux decay phase, about 10 d after the well-established early-time radio flaring. We infer that both the early- and late-outburst flares are a common feature of the radio outbursts of SS Cyg, albeit of variable amplitudes, and probably of all dwarf novae. We furthermore present new analysis of the physical conditions in the best-sampled late-outburst flare, from 2016 February, which showed clear optical depth evolution. From this we can infer that the synchrotron-emitting plasma was expanding at about 1 per cent of the speed of light, and at peak had a magnetic field of order 1 G and total energy content ≥1033 erg. While this result is independent of the geometry of the synchrotron-emitting region, the most likely origin is in a jet carrying away a significant amount of the available accretion power.
Histone deacetylase 3 controls a transcriptional network required for B cell maturation
Authors: Stengel Kristy R , Bhaskara Srividya , Wang Jing , Liu Qi , Ellis Jacob D , Sampathi Shilpa , Hiebert Scott W
Published: September 2019

Histone deacetylase 3 (Hdac3) is a target of the FDA approved HDAC inhibitors, which are used for the treatment of lymphoid malignancies. Here, we used Cd19-Cre to conditionally delete Hdac3 to define its role in germinal center B cells, which represent the cell of origin for many B cell malignancies. Cd19-Cre-Hdac3−/− mice showed impaired germinal center formation along with a defect in plasmablast production. Analysis of Hdac3−/− germinal centers revealed a reduction in dark zone centroblasts and accumulation of light zone centrocytes. RNA-seq revealed a significant correlation between genes up-regulated upon Hdac3 loss and those up-regulated in Foxo1-deleted germinal center B cells, even though Foxo1 typically activates transcription. Therefore, to determine whether gene expression changes observed in Hdac3−/− germinal centers were a result of direct effects of Hdac3 deacetylase activity, we used an HDAC3 selective inhibitor and examined nascent transcription in germinal center-derived cell lines. Transcriptional changes upon HDAC3 inhibition were enriched for light zone gene signatures as observed in germinal centers. Further comparison of PRO-seq data with ChIP-seq/exo data for BCL6, SMRT, FOXO1 and H3K27ac identified direct targets of HDAC3 function including CD86, CD83 and CXCR5 that are likely responsible for driving the light zone phenotype observed in vivo.
Automated machine learning based on radiomics features predicts H3 K27M mutation in midline gliomas of the brain
Authors: Su Xiaorui , Chen Ni , Sun Huaiqiang , Liu Yanhui , Yang Xibiao , Wang Weina , Zhang Simin , Tan Qiaoyue , Su Jingkai , Gong Qiyong , Yue Qiang
Published: September 2019

Background

Conventional MRI cannot be used to identify H3 K27M mutation status. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of predicting H3 K27M mutation status by applying an automated machine learning (autoML) approach to the MR radiomics features of patients with midline gliomas.

Methods

This single-institution retrospective study included 100 patients with midline gliomas, including 40 patients with H3 K27M mutations and 60 wild-type patients. Radiomics features were extracted from fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images. Prior to autoML analysis, the dataset was randomly stratified into separate 75% training and 25% testing cohorts. The Tree-based Pipeline Optimization Tool (TPOT) was applied to optimize the machine learning pipeline and select important radiomics features. We compared the performance of 10 independent TPOT-generated models based on training and testing cohorts using the area under the curve (AUC) and average precision to obtain the final model. An independent cohort of 22 patients was used to validate the best model.

Results

Ten prediction models were generated by TPOT, and the accuracy obtained with the best pipeline ranged from 0.788 to 0.867 for the training cohort and from 0.60 to 0.84 for the testing cohort. After comparison, the AUC value and average precision of the final model were 0.903 and 0.911 in the testing cohort, respectively. In the validation set, the AUC was 0.85, and the average precision was 0.855 for the best model.

Conclusions

The autoML classifier using radiomics features of conventional MR images provides high discriminatory accuracy in predicting the H3 K27M mutation status of midline glioma.
Text Message Support for Smoking Cessation During Ramadan: A Focus Group Study With Somali Immigrant Muslim Men
Authors: Pratt Rebekah , Ojo-Fati Olamide , Adam Asma , Sharif Hiba , Kahin Abdillahi , Mahamud Abdirahman , Dubois Diana , Mohamed Sharif , Okuyemi Kola , Graham Amanda L , Joseph Anne
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Somali Muslim male immigrants in Minnesota have a high prevalence of smoking, estimated at 44%, compared with the average smoking rate for adults in the United States (14%). However, the literature has reported spontaneous reductions of smoking during Ramadan. This study sought to gather the views of Somali Muslim men on how faith impacts their smoking, and determine what messaging to incorporate into a tailored text messages intervention that draws on the Muslim faith beliefs and practices during Ramadan to promote smoking cessation.

Methods

Thirty-seven Somali adult male smokers were recruited from community settings to participate in one of five focus groups in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota. The research study team developed a semi-structured focus group guide that explored: (1) the experience of Muslim immigrants quitting smoking during Ramadan, (2) views on text messaging interventions to reduce smoking focusing on health and faith, and (3) views on the relationship between faith and smoking. A thematic analysis was conducted.

Results

Participants reported reductions in smoking during Ramadan, which was mostly achieved without formal treatment (ie, willpower). There was interest in text messaging interventions that incorporated faith and health-related messages, and that would be delivered around the time of Ramadan. Participants described concerns about the adverse health effects of smoking, including the risk of chronic health issues, cancer, and death.

Conclusion

Combining faith and health-related text-based messaging, and tailoring interventions around and beyond Ramadan, maybe a valuable approach to help address smoking disparities in the Somali immigrant community.

Implications

Ramadan offers a unique window of opportunity to intervene upon smoking for Somali Muslim immigrant men, for whom rates of smoking are high. Combining faith and health-related text-based messaging, and tailoring interventions around and beyond Ramadan, maybe a valuable approach to help address these serious smoking disparities.
Computational Complexity Theory and the Philosophy of Mathematics†
Authors: Dean Walter
Published: September 2019

Computational complexity theory is a subfield of computer science originating in computability theory and the study of algorithms for solving practical mathematical problems. Amongst its aims is classifying problems by their degree of difficulty — i.e., how hard they are to solve computationally. This paper highlights the significance of complexity theory relative to questions traditionally asked by philosophers of mathematics while also attempting to isolate some new ones — e.g., about the notion of feasibility in mathematics, the $\mathbf{P} \neq \mathbf{NP}$ problem and why it has proven hard to resolve, and the role of non-classical modes of computation and proof.
Pain-Related Activity Management Patterns as Predictors of Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Authors: Racine Mélanie , Sánchez-Rodríguez Elisabet , de la Vega Rocío , Galán Santiago , Solé Ester , Jensen Mark P , Miró Jordi , Moulin Dwight E , Nielson Warren R
Published: September 2019

Objectives

This study sought to determine if pre- to post-treatment changes in pain-related activity patterns (i.e., overdoing, avoidance, and pacing) were associated with pre- to post-treatment changes in function (i.e., pain interference, psychological function, and physical function) in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome who participated in either an operant learning– or an energy conservation–based training in activity management.

Methods

Sixty-nine patients with fibromyalgia syndrome participated in an activity management treatment (32 in an operant learning group and 37 in an energy conservation group). Outcomes were assessed at pre- and post-treatment, and patients provided demographic information and completed measures assessing pain intensity, pain interference, psychological function, physical function, and pain management activity patterns. Three linear hierarchical regression analyses predicting changes in pain outcomes from changes in pacing, overdoing, and avoidant activity patterns were performed.

Results

Changes in pain-related activity patterns made significant contributions to the prediction of changes in patients’ function. Specifically: (a) increases in overdoing predicted reductions in pain interference; (b) decreases in avoidance predicted improvements in psychological function; and (c) increases in pacing predicted improvements in physical function.

Conclusions

This study provides support for a role of activity management treatments in improved adjustment to chronic pain. Research is needed to replicate and extend these findings in order to build an empirical basis for developing more effective chronic pain treatments for facilitating improved physical and psychological function in individuals with chronic pain.
An Explorative Study of CYP2D6’s Polymorphism in a Sample of Chronic Pain Patients
Authors: Fanelli Andrea , Palazzo Chiara , Balzani Eleonora , Iuvaro Alessandra , Pelotti Susi , Melotti Rita Maria
Published: September 2019

Background

A proper antalgic treatment is based on the use of titrated drugs to provide adequate relief and a good tolerability profile. Therapies have a variable effectiveness among subjects depending on medical and genetic conditions. CYP2D6 variations determine a different clinical response to most analgesic drugs commonly used in daily clinical practice by influencing the drugs’ pharmacokinetics. This study was a monocentric clinical trial exploring the CYP2D6 variants in 100 patients with a diagnosis of chronic pain.

Methods

DNA was extracted to evaluate the genotype and to classify patients as normal-fast (gNMs-F), normal-slow (gNMs-S), ultrarapid (gUMs), intermediate (gIMs), and poor metabolizers (gPMs) using the Activity Score (AS). Information on therapies and general side effects experienced by patients was collected. Nongenetic co-factors were evaluated to examine the discrepancy between metabolic profile predicted from genotype (gPh) and metabolic profile (phenocopying).

Results

The distribution of our data underlined the prevalence of the gNMs-F (67%), whereas gNMs-S were 24%, gIMs 6%, gPMs 3%, and no gUMs were found, resulting in 33% of patients with reduced metabolic activity. In the analyzed population sample, 86% and 56% of patients, respectively, took at least one or two drugs inhibiting in vitro activity of the CYP2D6 enzyme.

Conclusions

Over one-third of the enrolled patients showed altered CYP2D6 enzymatic metabolic activity, with a risk of phenocopying potentially due to polypharmacology.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03411759.
Martyrdom, Antinomianism, and the Prioritising of Christians – Towards a Political Theology of Refugee Resettlement
Authors: Zagor Matthew
Published: September 2019

This article considers the approaches taken in the United States (US) and Australia to prioritising the resettlement of Christians from Syria and Iraq. Focusing first upon respective models and the immediate political factors that lead to their adoption, it analyses in depth the specific role played by the evangelical constituency in the US, and their theologically-infused concern for the “persecuted church” in “enslaved” lands. Recognising this movement enjoys less influence in Australia, the article considers the ways in which Australia’s resettlement policies and political narratives have nonetheless increasingly participated in tropes familiar to classical antinomian political theology, not least that resettlement is tied to a redemptive generosity of the State that works to denigrate and undermine the legal obligations demanded by those who arrive irregularly by boat. The article also critiques the use of “vulnerability” as a touchstone principle for the fair allocation of scarce resettlement places, and its propensity to be used for cherry-picking purposes. Finally, as part of the argument that resettlement is susceptible to being used as a vehicle for those motivated by more explicit theological concerns, the article explores the leveraging for political, redemptive, and eschatological purposes of images and narratives of the “martyred” middle-eastern Christian.
Transcriptomic Profiling of Acute Cold Stress-Induced Disease Resistance (SIDR) Genes and Pathways in the Grapevine Powdery Mildew Pathosystem
Authors: Weldon William A. , Palumbo Cal D. , Kovaleski Alisson P. , Tancos Kiersten , Gadoury David M. , Osier Michael V. , Cadle-Davidson Lance
Published: September 2019

Temperatures from 2 to 8°C transiently induce quantitative resistance to powdery mildew in several host species (cold stress-induced disease resistance [SIDR]). Although cold SIDR events occur in vineyards worldwide an average of 14 to 21 times after budbreak of grapevine and can significantly delay grapevine powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator) epidemics, its molecular basis was poorly understood. We characterized the biology underlying the Vitis vinifera cold SIDR phenotype—which peaks at 24 h post–cold (hpc) treatment and results in a 22 to 28% reduction in spore penetration success—through highly replicated (n = 8 to 10) RNA sequencing experiments. This phenotype was accompanied by a sweeping transcriptional downregulation of photosynthesis-associated pathways whereas starch and sugar metabolism pathways remained largely unaffected, suggesting a transient imbalance in host metabolism and a suboptimal target for pathogen establishment. Twenty-six cold-responsive genes peaked in their differential expression at the 24-hpc time point. Finally, a subset of genes associated with nutrient and amino acid transport accounted for four of the eight most downregulated transcripts, including two nodulin 1A gene precursors, a nodulin MtN21 precursor, and a Dynein light chain 1 motor protein precursor. Reduced transport could exacerbate localized nutrient sinks that would again be transiently suboptimal for pathogen growth. This study links the transient cold SIDR phenotype to underlying transcriptional changes and provides an experimental framework and library of candidate genes to further explore cold SIDR in several systems, with an ultimate goal of identifying novel breeding or management targets for reduced disease.
Soybean Canopy Coverage, Population, and Yield Responses to Seed Treatment and Cultivar Resistance to Phytophthora sojae in Nebraska
Authors: Garnica Vinicius C. , Giesler Loren J.
Published: September 2019

Integrating disease control strategies has been the foundation for effective management of Phytophthora stem and root rot (PSRR; caused by Phytophthora sojae) in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.). To determine the efficacy of seed treatment formulation (clothianidin + ethaboxam + ipconazole + metalaxyl) and host resistance (Rps1k or Rps1c and moderately resistant [MR] or moderately susceptible [MS]), five environments with disease history were evaluated in Nebraska during 2017 and 2018. Despite the use of resistant cultivars, PSRR developed in four out of five environments. Compared with the untreated control, seed treatment increased soybean emergence by 16,320 to 63,037 plants/ha and mid-season canopy coverage (CC) by 5.2 to 8.3%. Although management programs with MR cultivars had greater yields (538.9 to 747.5 kg/ha) than MS cultivars, there were negligible yield differences between Rps1k and Rps1c genotypes, except in one environment. A weak to moderate (ρ = –0.32 to –0.45; P ≤ 0.001) association was observed between mid-season CC and the number of plants with P. sojae stem lesions. Outcomes from this study demonstrate the usefulness of integrating CC assessments to support disease severity evaluations in field settings and reinforce the benefits of combining host resistance and seed treatment to manage soybean seedling diseases in PSRR-conducive environments.
An Acaromyces Species Associated with Bark Beetles from Southern Pine Has Inhibitory Properties Against Raffaelea lauricola, the Causal Pathogen of Laurel Wilt Disease of Redbay
Authors: Olatinwo Rabiu , Fraedrich Stephen
Published: September 2019

Laurel wilt is a destructive disease of redbay (Persea borbonia) and other species in the laurel family (Lauraceae). It is caused by Raffaelea lauricola, a fungal symbiont of the redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), cointroduced into the United States around 2002. During assessments of fungi associated with bark beetles from loblolly pine, an unknown fungus was isolated that appeared to have broad-spectrum antifungal activities. In this study, we identified the unknown fungus and determined the inhibitory effect of its secondary metabolites on R. lauricola. DNA analysis identified the fungus as Acaromyces ingoldii (GenBank accession no. EU770231). Secondary metabolites produced by the A. ingoldii completely inhibited R. lauricola mycelial growth on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates preinoculated with A. ingoldii and reduced R. lauricola growth significantly on malt extract agar plates preinoculated with A. ingoldii. R. lauricola isolates inoculated on PDA plates 7 days after A. ingoldii were completely inhibited with no growth or spore germination. Direct evaluation of A. ingoldii crude extract on R. lauricola spores in a multi-well culture plate assay showed inhibition of spore germination at 10% and higher concentrations. Secondary metabolites from A. ingoldii could be potentially useful in managing the future spread of laurel wilt.
Calcium Signaling Is Suppressed inMagnaporthe oryzaeConidia byBacillus cereusHS24
Authors: Huang Wenxiang , Liu Xingyu , Zhou Xiaosi , Wang Xiaoli , Liu Xinyu , Liu Hongxia
Published: September 2019

Rice yield is greatly reduced owing to rice blast, a polycyclic fungal disease caused by the ascomycete Magnaporthe oryzae. Previously, Bacillus cereus HS24, isolated from a rice farm, showed a strong antimicrobial effect toward M. oryzae. To better exploit it as a biocontrol agent, HS24 was studied for the mechanism that it uses to suppress rice blast. Conidium germination in M. oryzae was significantly inhibited by HS24, whereby inhibition reached 97.8% at the concentration of 107CFU/ml. The transcription levels of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, PMC1, and CCH1, key genes involved in the M. oryzae Ca2+signaling pathway, were significantly decreased in HS24-treated conidia at high concentration. The treatment of M. oryzae with the corresponding Ca2+signaling pathway inhibitors KN-93, verapamil, and cyclopiazonic acid significantly reduced conidium germination. This inhibitory effect was found to be concentration dependent, similar to the HS24 treatment. We also found that HS24 was able to decrease the intracellular free Ca2+concentration in M. oryzae conidia significantly. The addition of exogenous Ca2+did not diminish the inhibitory effect of HS24 on the reduction of intracellular free Ca2+concentration and the level of conidium germination. In conclusion, B. cereus HS24 at high concentration prevents extracellular Ca2+from entering the conidia in M. oryzae, causes a significant reduction of intracellular free Ca2+concentration, and results in the inhibition of conidium germination.
Comparative benefits of simvastatin and exercise in a mouse model of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia
Authors: Trigiani Lianne J. , Royea Jessika , Tong Xin‐Kang , Hamel Edith
Published: September 2019

Aerobic physical exercise (EX) and controlling cardiovascular risk factors in midlife can improve and protect cognitive function in healthy individuals and are considered to be effective at reducing late‐onset dementia incidence. By investigating commonalities between these preventative approaches, we sought to identify possible targets for effective interventions. We compared the efficacy of EX and simvastatin (SV) pharmacotherapy to counteract cognitive deficits induced by a high‐cholesterol diet (2%, HCD) in mice overexpressing TGF‐β1 (TGF mice), a model of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. Cognitive deficits were found in hypercholesterolemic mice for object recognition memory, and both SV and EX prevented this decline. EX improved stimulus‐evoked cerebral blood flow responses and was as effective as SV in normalizing endothelium‐dependent vasodilatory responses in cerebral arteries. The up‐regulation of galectin‐3‐positive microglial cells in white matter (WM) of HCD‐fed TGF mice with cognitive deficits was significantly reduced by both SV and EX concurrently with cognitive recovery. Altered hippocampal neurogenesis, gray matter astrogliosis, or microgliosis did not correlate with cognitive deficits or benefits. Overall, results indicate that SV and EX prevented cognitive decline in hypercholesterolemic mice and that they share common sites of action in preventing endothelial cell dysfunction and reducing WM inflammation.—Trigiani, L. J., Royea, J., Tong, X.‐K., Hamel, E. Comparative benefits of simvastatin and exercise in a mouse model of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. FASEB J. 33, 13280–13293 (2019). www.fasebj.org
I–1 Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) Treatment Results With Targeting Method Using Ultrasonography for Fresh Fractures Humerus and Femur
Authors: Motoyuki Takaki , Yukihiro Arai , Nobuyuki Takenaka , Narutaka Katoh , Tomohiko Asahara , Shota Harada , Tsukasa Teramoto , Takashi Matsushita
Published: September 2019

Background:

We previously reported that bone union rate for LIPUS therapy of humerus and femur was inferior as compared with that of tibia and radius/ulna. One of the reasons of this discrepancy may be affected on the distance from skin to the fracture site. We hypothesized that the ideal site and direction for application of LIPUS could be determined by ultrasonogram.

Objective:

The aim of our study was to report outcomes of treatment for femoral and humerus fresh fracture with LIPUS by targeting method using ultrasonography to detect the fracture location and to determine the direction of LIPUS treatment.

Materials:

Thirteen fresh fractures of humerus (n = 2) or femur (n = 11) for which LIPUS treatment were performed at Southern TOHOKU General Hospital between April 2015 and June 2018. Seven bones were women, 6 bones were men. Average age was 61.7 years (19–92 years old). Two bones were treated conservative, 4 bones were fixed by intramedullary nailing and 7 bones were by plating.

Methods:

In all cases, the treatment site and direction were determined by targeting using ultrasonography and LIPUS treatment was performed.

Results: In all bone, radiographic bone union was obtained, and bone union rate was 100%. The average depth from skin to the fracture site was 38.0 mm (22.5–61.9 mm), and the average gap of the fracture site was 3.9 mm (0.6–7.7 mm). The average period of callus formation was 1.2 months and the average fusion period was 3.7 months (2.00–6.00 months).

Conclusion:

The targeting technique based on ultrasonographic examination can improve LIPUS treatment results of delayed union for humerus and femurs.
II–2 Improving Patient Compliance With Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) Treatment by Explanation With Document
Authors: Fukui Tomoaki , Oe Keisuke , Niikura Takahiro , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: September 2019

Objective:

It is well known that low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has effect to promote fracture healing. In order to obtain sufficient therapeutic effect, patient compliance that patients themselves treat the fracture sites every day is important. We reported previously at this meeting that explanations to patients using documents are useful for improving compliance, and also reported in this meeting last year that compliance can be improved by documentation in the use of new model which showed the compliance rate (actual treatment days/LIPUS borrowed days) in the monitor. We increased the number of cases and examined the impact on compliance by using the new model and explaining with the document.

Materials and Methods:

The subjects were 81 patients who started LIPUS at our hospital from April 2016 to July 2018 and were observed for more than 3 months. The subjects consisted of 43 males and 38 females and the average age was 48.2 years (9–79 years) old. The implementation rate was studied in the group using the new model with explanatory documents (26 cases) and the group using the new model without document explanation (55 cases).

Results:

The compliance rate of the entire case was 84.0% (11.6%–100%) on average. 88.5% in the group that with explanatory document and 81.9% in the new model without document (P = 0.09).

Discussion:

Pounder et al reported that the compliance rate with using the new model was 83.8%, which was significantly higher than the previous model. The similar implementation rate was achieved in this study. Moreover, it was suggested that further compliance improvement can be expected by adding explanation with document.
II–3 Compliance and the Bone Fusion Rate of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) Treatment
Authors: Yukihiro Arai , Yoshinobu Watanabe , Nobuyuki Takenaka , Taketo Kurozumi , Takashi Suzuki , Narutaka Katoh , Motoyuki Takaki , Hirotaka Kawano , Takashi Matsushita
Published: September 2019

Objective:

The aim of this study is to clarify the necessity of the compliance (usage) rate to succeed bone union by LIPUS treatment device in the long bone fracture and the clavicular fracture.

Materials and Methods:

The subjects are 229 cases who were treated with the LIPUS device whose utilization rate was known after the surgical operation for fresh fractures, from 2008 to 2017. We have defined the LIPUS compliance rate (Number of days during which LIPUS was actually used/Number of days during which LIPUS was rented × 100). We have evaluated that LIPUS compliance rate. In a retrospective cohort study, outcomes were obtained that bone union was succeeded by LIPUS treatment alone. We investigated the compliance rate of LIPUS therapy equipment, conducted χ2 test of univariate analysis, and conducted Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) analysis on how much should be used.

Results:

Two hundred twenty-one Bones (96.5%) were bone union with LIPUS alone but 8 bones (3.5%) needed additional medical surgery. The average of compliance rate for LIPUS therapy was 75.9%. In the case of low compliance of LIPUS usage, there were failures of LIPUS treatment which is significant (P < 0.01). The cutoff value of the compliance rate in the ROC analysis was 57.1% (sensitivity 79.2%, specificity 75%, AUC [Area Under the Curve] = 0.779), for significantly difference in bone fusion ratio.

Conclusion:

The compliance (usage) rate of LIPUS treatment must be at least 60% to expect effective bone union.
Promoting Family Engagement in the ICU: Experience From a National Collaborative of 63 ICUs*
Authors: Kleinpell Ruth , Zimmerman Jerry , Vermoch Kathleen L. , Harmon Lori A. , Vondracek Hugh , Hamilton Rebekah , Hanson Bruce , Hwang David Y.
Published: September 2019

Objectives:

As part of an improvement program targeting ICU, a national collaborative was launched to help hospitals implement patient- and family-centered care engagement initiatives.

Design:

Ten-month quality improvement collaborative.

Setting:

Guided by a national patient and family advisory group, participating teams implemented an individual project including open visitation; integrating families on rounds; establishing a patient and family advisory committee; using patient and family diaries, among others.

Subjects:

Sixty-three adult and PICU teams from both academic and community hospitals in 34 states participated.

Interventions:

Monthly team calls, quarterly webinars, newsletters, an online eCommunity, and team reporting assignments were used to facilitate project implementation.

Measurements and Main Results:

The Family Satisfaction with Care in the ICU 24 was used to assess family satisfaction. Clinician perceptions were assessed with the Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care Self-Assessment Inventory. Thematic analysis was used to explore narrative data captured from team reports of project barriers, facilitators, and the experience of participating in the collaborative. A total of 2,530 family member and 3,999 clinician surveys were completed. Postimplementation, family members reported statistically significant increases in overall family satisfaction, satisfaction with decision-making, and satisfaction with quality of care (Family Satisfaction with Care in the ICU mean score change range 0.83–1.24; p ≤ 0.027). Clinicians reported that opportunities for families to participate as members of the care team increased. Major barriers included lack of buy-in and ability to promote change in the clinical setting, managing the workload of implementation, and funding to support initiatives.

Conclusions:

A national collaborative format was useful to assist ICU teams to implement patient- and family-engagement initiatives. Enlisting stakeholder support, engaging unit-based champions, and highlighting benefits of family engagement can help ICU teams to promote family member involvement and engagement.
Experience with the Rapid Interactive Test for Autism in Toddlers in an Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic
Authors: Lemay Jean-François , Amin Parthiv , Langenberger Shauna , McLeod Scott
Published: September 2019

Objective:

To examine the psychometric properties of the Rapid Interactive Screening Test for Autism in Toddlers (RITA-T) in an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) clinic for children aged 18 to 36 months.

Methods:

The RITA-T (level 2 screening instrument) was integrated into an ASD screening and diagnostic process for evaluating children aged 18 to 36 months who were referred to a pediatric tertiary care center. Scoring of the RITA-T to differentiate ASD from non-ASD developmental concerns was evaluated. Screening instrument measurements included sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (LR+), and negative likelihood ratio (LR−).

Results:

From a total of 239 participants aged 18 to 36 months (males = 78% and females = 22%), 201 (84%) were diagnosed with ASD (4:1 male-to-female ratio). An ASD diagnosis was significantly associated with RITA-T scores, with ASD patients scoring higher than non-ASD patients [F (1,235) = 170, mean difference: males 9.21, mean difference: females 12.4, p < 0.001]. The RITA-T score was not statistically correlated with age or sex. The optimal cutoff score of ≥14 was determined from a receiver operator curve analysis (area under the curve = 0.953). In the study group, with a cutoff score of ≥14, the RITA-T showed a sensitivity of 0.97, specificity of 0.71, PPV of 0.95, NPV of 0.79, LR+ of 3.33, and LR− of 0.05.

Conclusion:

The RITA-T, as a level 2 screening instrument for ASD, exhibits discriminative psychometric properties similar to previously published results. When integrated into an ASD screening and diagnostic process for families for whom concerns about ASD have been raised with their children aged 18 to 36 months, the RITA-T helps to predict a best-estimate clinical diagnosis of ASD.
Preclinical Animal Models in Facial Transplantation
Authors: Ramly Elie P. , Kantar Rami S. , Alfonso Allyson R. , Diaz-Siso J. Rodrigo , Rodriguez Eduardo D.
Published: September 2019

Background:

The technical feasibility and clinical applicability of facial transplantation (FT) have been demonstrated, yet animal models with different technical nuances and allograft compositions continue to be developed. We sought to provide a comprehensive appraisal of the current scope and value of animal models in FT.

Methods:

A comprehensive review of the literature was performed to identify all studies relevant to preclinical animal FT. Abstracts, texts, and references were screened. Both large and small animal models in studies including survival experimental arms were included. Purely anatomical or cadaveric animal studies were excluded, as were non-English language articles.

Results:

Twenty-nine unique models were identified, including 10 large (nonhuman primate, swine, and canine) and 19 small (rabbit, rat, and mouse) animal models. Orthotopic models were described in 70% of large and 73.7% of small animal studies. One study described a 2-stage rat FT model. Nerve coaptations were performed in 20.7% of all models (1 canine, 1 rabbit, and 4 rat models). One rat model allowed the study of both functional recovery and cortical reintegration of the allograft. Survival rates and immunological outcomes varied per model and protocol.

Conclusions:

A comprehensive review of animal models in FT shows redundancy spanning a variety of species, allograft compositions, and experimental designs. Although initial studies have focused on safety and technical feasibility, recent advances present specific opportunities for refining our understanding of functional and immunological challenges. As clinical experience continues to evolve, animal models may play an increasingly modest yet targeted role in FT.
Service based comparison of group cognitive behavior therapy to waiting list control for chronic fatigue syndrome with regard to symptom reduction and positive psychological dimensions
Authors: Heald Adrian , Barber Louise , Jones Helen Lyon , Farman Sanam , Walther Andreas
Published: September 2019

Background:

Although chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) sometimes referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is a very challenging condition to treat, there is evidence that individual cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) can be effective for treatment and management of its symptoms. Furthermore, group cognitive behavioral therapy (GCBT) is emerging as promising treatment for the condition.

The aim of the present study was to explore further the effectiveness of GCBT in a routine clinical setting and to investigate associated positive psychological effects related to GCBT.

Methods:

In this pragmatic, non-randomized, controlled trial, 28 people acted as their own waiting list control by completing a range of measures 8 weeks prior to taking part in the GCBT. The intervention consisted of 8 consecutive weeks of 2.5-hour sessions.

Results:

Repeated measures analysis of covariance revealed significant improvements in physical fatigue (F = 28.31, P < .01, effect size d = 0.52), mental fatigue (F = 7.72, P < .01, effect size d = 0.22), and depressive symptoms (Beck depression inventory-fast screen for medical individuals [BDI-FS]: F = 11.43, P < .01, effect size d = 0.30; hospital anxiety and depression scale [HADS-D]: F = 16.72, P < .01, effect size d = 0.38) compared with the waiting list. Improvements in quality of life (F = 7.56, P < .01, effect size d = 0.23), hope (F = 15.15, P < .01, effect size d = 0.36), and optimism (F = 8.17, P < .01, effect size d = 0.23) were also identified, but no change was reported for anxiety levels. Global outcome measures revealed that the majority of the individuals found the treatment beneficial and were satisfied with the results.

Conclusion:

GCBT is a beneficial and cost-effective treatment that individuals find amenable in routine clinical practice for CFS. Additionally we have described important effects emerged on positive psychological dimensions such as hope and optimism potentially enhancing the overall benefit.
Fertility performance and the predictive value of the endometriosis fertility index staging system in women with recurrent endometriosis
Authors: Zhou Yong , Lin Li , Chen Zhengyun , Wang Yuan , Chen Chaolu , Li Enchun , Wu Ruijin
Published: September 2019

This study presents the postoperative pregnancy rate of women with recurrent endometriosis and evaluates the predictive value of the endometriosis fertility index (EFI) for the pregnancy.

A total of 107 women who wished to conceive after surgery for recurrent endometriosis from January 2007 to December 2016 were included. The EFI score was calculated postoperatively. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to determine the most promising contributor to predicting pregnancy, and Kaplan–Meier (K–M) analysis was used to estimate the cumulative pregnancy rate (CPR).

A total of 61 pregnancies were registered in 58 women and the remaining 49 patients failed to become pregnant. The EFI score was strongly associated with the postoperative fertility prognosis. The CPRs during the first 2 and 3 years postoperatively were 51.86% and 66.38%, respectively, and increased to 71.98% within the first 5 years postoperatively in patients with EFI scores≥5. However, the CPR was 26.00% during the first 2 years after surgery in individuals with EFI scores <5, and there was no increase in the CRP thereafter.

Women suffering from recurrent endometriosis still experienced a probability of natural pregnancy, especially patients with EFI scores≥5. The EFI score had good predictive power for postoperative pregnancy in these patients.
Compare the prognosis of Da Vinci robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) with video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Guo Feng , Ma Dongjie , Li Shanqing
Published: September 2019

To determine if there are advantages to transitioning to Da Vinci robotics by a surgeon compared to the video-assisted thoracic surgical lobectomy.

A systematic electronic search of online electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library updated on December 2017. Publications on comparison Da Vinci-robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for non-small cell lung cancer were collected. Meta-analysis RevMan 5.3 software (The Cochrane collaboration, Oxford, UK) was used to analyze the combined pooled HRs using fixed or random-effects models according to the heterogeneity.

Fourteen retrospective cohort studies were included. No statistical difference was found between the 2 groups with respect to conversion to open, dissected lymph nodes number, hospitalization time after surgery, duration of surgery, drainage volume after surgery, prolonged air leak, and morbidity (P > .05).

Da Vinci-RATS lobectomy is a feasible and safe technique and can achieve an equivalent surgical efficacy when compared with VATS. There does not seem to be a significant advantage for an established VATS lobectomy surgeon to transition to robotics based on clinical outcomes.