bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CancerEMC: frontline non-invasive cancer screening from circulating protein biomarkers and mutations in cell-free DNA
Authors: Rahaman Saifur , Li Xiangtao , Yu Jun , Wong Ka-Chun
Published: January 2021

Motivation

The early detection of cancer through accessible blood tests can foster early patient interventions. Although there are developments in cancer detection from cell-free DNA (cfDNA), its accuracy remains speculative. Given its central importance with broad impacts, we aspire to address the challenge.

Method

A bagging Ensemble Meta Classifier (CancerEMC) is proposed for early cancer detection based on circulating protein biomarkers and mutations in cfDNA from blood. CancerEMC is generally designed for both binary cancer detection and multi-class cancer type localization. It can address the class imbalance problem in multi-analyte blood test data based on robust oversampling and adaptive synthesis techniques.

Results

Based on the clinical blood test data, we observe that the proposed CancerEMC has outperformed other algorithms and state-of-the-arts studies (including CancerSEEK) for cancer detection. The results reveal that our proposed method (i.e. CancerEMC) can achieve the best performance result for both binary cancer classification with 99.17% accuracy (AUC = 0.999) and localized multiple cancer detection with 74.12% accuracy (AUC = 0.938). Addressing the data imbalance issue with oversampling techniques, the accuracy can be increased to 91.50% (AUC = 0.992), where the state-of-the-art method can only be estimated at 69.64% (AUC = 0.921). Similar results can also be observed on independent and isolated testing data.

Availability

https://github.com/saifurcubd/Cancer-Detection

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
‘We’re both here to do a job and that’s all that matters’: Cisgender correctional officer recruit reflections within an unsettled correctional prison culture
Authors: Adorjan Michael , Ricciardelli Rosemary , Gacek James
Published: January 2021

Reflecting on new trans prisoner placement policies within Canadian federal prisons, in light of recent changes instigated under the Canadian Liberal Trudeau government, we provide knowledge from cisgender correctional officer (CO) recruits regarding these policy changes and underscore their views of working with officers who identify as transgender. Canada’s new policies recognize the presence of trans prisoners and create new protocols accordingly, simultaneously challenging some of the foundational tenets of the carceral system. While overwhelming support exists from cisgender recruits for their trans colleagues, support among a relative minority of COs is contingent upon notions like safety and security grounded in a dominantly cisgender prison culture; a culture we situate within the wider context of an unsettled correctional prison culture.
CT diagnosis of ilioinguinal lymph node metastases in melanoma using radiological characteristics beyond size and asymmetry
Authors: Wilkinson M J , Snow H , Downey K , Thomas K , Riddell A , Francis N , Strauss D C , Hayes A J , Smith M J F , Messiou C
Published: January 2021

Background

Diagnosis of lymph node (LN) metastasis in melanoma with non-invasive methods is challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of six LN characteristics on CT in detecting melanoma-positive ilioinguinal LN metastases, and to determine whether inguinal LN characteristics can predict pelvic LN involvement.

Methods

This was a single-centre retrospective study of patients with melanoma LN metastases at a tertiary cancer centre between 2008 and 2016. Patients who had preoperative contrast-enhanced CT assessment and ilioinguinal LN dissection were included. CT scans containing significant artefacts obscuring the pelvis were excluded. CT scans were reanalysed for six LN characteristics (extracapsular spread (ECS), minimum axis (MA), absence of fatty hilum (FH), asymmetrical cortical nodule (CAN), abnormal contrast enhancement (ACE) and rounded morphology (RM)) and compared with postoperative histopathological findings.

Results

A total of 90 patients were included. Median age was 58 (range 23–85) years. Eighty-eight patients (98 per cent) had pathology-positive inguinal disease and, of these, 45 (51 per cent) had concurrent pelvic disease. The most common CT characteristics found in pathology-positive inguinal LNs were MA greater than 10 mm (97 per cent), ACE (80 per cent), ECS (38 per cent) and absence of RM (38 per cent). In multivariable analysis, inguinal LN characteristics on CT indicative of pelvic disease were RM (odds ratio (OR) 3.3, 95 per cent c.i. 1.2 to 8.7) and ECS (OR 4.2, 1.6 to 11.3). Cloquet’s node is known to be a poor predictor of pelvic spread. Pelvic LN disease was present in 50 per cent patients, but only 7 per cent had a pathology-positive Cloquet’s node.

Conclusion

Additional CT radiological characteristics, especially ECS and RM, may improve diagnostic accuracy and aid clinical decisions regarding the need for inguinal or ilioinguinal dissection.
Environmental temperature during early life affects the personality of mosquitofish in adulthood
Authors: Li Haifeng , Zhang Xinyu , Wu Yi , Zhang Feng , Li Chunlin
Published: January 2021

Personality has been observed in a variety of animal taxa with important implications in ecology and evolution. Exploring the influence of environmental temperature during early life on personality could help to understand the ontogeny of this phenotypic trait in animals. In this study, we reared newborn mosquitofish Gambusia affinis at high (30°C) and low (25°C) water temperatures and measured their shyness and exploration upon sexual maturity. We tested the repeatability of each behavioral trait; the correlation between them; and the effects of rearing temperature, sex, and body length on the behaviors. When growing up at low temperatures, female fish exhibited repeatability in shyness and exploration, and males exhibited marginal repeatability in shyness. However, neither of the 2 behaviors were repeatable when the fish were reared at high temperatures. There was a negative correlation between shyness and exploration, indicating that the 2 behaviors comprise a behavioral syndrome in this species. Mosquitofish reared at high temperatures were more explorative than those reared at low temperatures, while there was no difference in shyness between the 2 treatments. Body length and sex had no significant effects on the average values of the 2 behaviors. The results indicate that environmental temperature during early life could shape the personality of mosquitofish and modify the average of the behavioral traits. These findings might provide insights to understand the ontogeny of animal personality and how changes in environmental temperature influence animal dispersal by shaping their personality.
The acute effects of an ultramarathon on biventricular function and ventricular arrhythmias in master athletes
Authors: Cavigli Luna , Zorzi Alessandro , Spadotto Veronica , Gismondi Annalaura , Sisti Niccolò , Valentini Francesca , Anselmi Francesca , Mandoli Giulia Elena , Spera Lucia , Di Florio Alex , Baccani Bernardo , Cameli Matteo , D’Ascenzi Flavio
Published: January 2021

Aims

Endurance sports practice has significantly increased over the last decades, with a growing proportion of participants older than 40 years. Although the benefits of moderate regular exercise are well known, concerns exist regarding the potential negative effects induced by extreme endurance sport. The aim of this study was to analyse the acute effects of an ultramarathon race on the electrocardiogram (ECG), biventricular function, and ventricular arrhythmias in a population of master athletes.

Methods and results

Master athletes participating in an ultramarathon (50 km, 600 m of elevation gain) with no history of heart disease were recruited. A single-lead ECG was recorded continuously from the day before to the end of the race. Echocardiography and 12-lead resting ECG were performed before and at the end of the race. The study sample consisted of 68 healthy non-professional master athletes. Compared with baseline, R-wave amplitude in V1 and QTc duration were higher after the race (P < 0.001). Exercise-induced isolated premature ventricular beats were observed in 7% of athletes; none showed non-sustained ventricular tachycardia before or during the race. Left ventricular ejection fraction, global longitudinal strain (GLS), and twisting did not significantly differ before and after the race. After the race, no significant differences were found in right ventricular inflow and outflow tract dimensions, fractional area change, s’, and free wall GLS.

Conclusion 

In master endurance athletes running an ultra-marathon, exercise-induced ventricular dysfunction, or relevant ventricular arrhythmias was not detected. These results did not confirm the hypothesis of a detrimental acute effect of strenuous exercise on the heart.
‘How to do’: digital-interactive-interpretation course for stress echocardiography
Authors: Kardos Attila , Schaupp Ramona , Kettner Lillian , Becher Harald
Published: January 2021

Why?

To improve stress echocardiography interpretation standards, we introduced a structured 5-day interpretation course in 2017. In order to deliver the course during the world-wide pandemic, we transformed the existing boardroom style, workstation-based, interactive course into a cloud-based digital entity maintaining the same features.

How?

On completion of 6 lectures via live webinars, 15 participants performed, fully GDPR compliant, 80 recorded case analysis using a web-based reporting system over the course of 5 days. After self-reporting and generating preliminary reports the joint case review with the faculty, resulted in finalization of the reports and provided individual feedback for the participants. By the 5th day, participants had collected 80 reports for their e-logbook and were ready to sit the digital interpretation exam.

Results

Eighty-eight percent of participants passed the e-exam and received a certificate of completion with 15 re-accreditation and 30 CPD points by the British Society of Echocardiography and Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians, UK, respectively. The feedback by the participants was praising the pre-course provision of lectures and digital aids, the conduct of the course by the faculty and the technical support with an average score of 4.7 for each, on a scale from 1 to 5.

Conclusion

Our experience proved that interactive, multi-day; hands-on reporting course can be delivered using the digital platform. Online interpretation courses have great potential to improve the competency of imaging specialists. This digital teaching model could be suitable in other imaging-based training courses like cardiac CT and MRI.
Surface acoustic wave (SAW) real-time interaction analysis of influenza A virus hemagglutinins with sialylated neoglycolipids
Authors: Detzner Johanna , Steil Daniel , Pohlentz Gottfried , Legros Nadine , Müthing Johannes
Published: January 2021

Real-time interaction analysis of H1 hemagglutinin from influenza A H1N1 (A/New York/18/2009) and H7 hemagglutinin from influenza A H7N7 (A/Netherlands/219/03) with sialylated neoglycolipids (neoGLs) was performed using the surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology. The produced neoGLs carried phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) as lipid anchor and terminally sialylated lactose (Lc2, Galβ1-4Glc) or neolactotetraose (nLc4, Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc) harboring an N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac). Using α2–6-sialylated neoGLs, H1 and H7 exhibited marginal attachment toward II6Neu5Ac-Lc2-PE, whereas Sambucus nigra lectin (SNL) exhibited strong binding and Maackia amurensis lectin (MAL) was negative in accordance with their known binding preference toward a distal Neu5Acα2–6Gal- and Neu5Acα2–3Gal-residue, respectively. H1 revealed significant binding toward IV6Neu5Ac-nLc4-PE when compared to weak interaction of H7, whereas SNL showed strong and MAL no attachment corresponding to their interaction specificities. Additional controls of MAL and SNL with α2–3-sialylated II3Neu5Ac-Lc2-PE and IV3Neu5Ac-nLc4-PE underscored the reliability of the SAW technology. Pre-exposure of model membranes spiked with α2–6-sialylated neoGLs to Vibrio cholerae neuraminidase substantially reduced the binding of the hemagglutinins and the SNL reference. Collectively, the SAW technology is capable of accurate measuring binding features of hemagglutinins toward neoGL-spiked lipid bilayers, which can be easily loaded to the functionalized biosensor gold surface thereby simulating biological membranes and suggesting promising clinical application for influenza virus research.
Using biological traits to get insights into the bentho-demersal community sensitivity to trawling in the Celtic Sea
Authors: Dupaix Amaël , Mérillet Laurène , Kopp Dorothée , Mouchet Maud , Robert Marianne
Published: January 2021

Coastal marine ecosystems are under many pressures, including bottom trawling, which is the most widespread human activity that directly affects seabed habitats. Therefore, it is of great importance to characterize the impacts of bottom trawling on bentho-demersal communities, which can be done through the study of indicators sensitive to trawling pressure. Using a functional indicator applied to 54 underwater video transects, we mapped the sensitivity to trawling of epibenthic invertebrates and fish communities in the Celtic Sea. We determined the relative influence of environmental and fishing variables on sensitivity and traits distribution. Our results suggest that community sensitivity to trawling is mainly driven by a spatial gradient of depth and primary productivity that separates the area into two main regions: a shallow, productive area, with low sensitivity and a higher abundance of swimming and crawling organisms, and a deeper, less productive area, with higher sensitivity due to a higher abundance of fixed, filter-feeding organisms. Fishing intensity also drives the sensitivity of communities confirming that they have already been shaped by a long history of mixed fisheries. The methodology used here provides a valuable monitoring tool and could be used to predict communities’ response to changes in fishing intensity and climate change.
Recent engagement with international human rights norms by the courts of Singapore, Malaysia, and Philippines
Authors: Loja Melissa
Published: January 2021

This article makes two claims about international human rights norms in three English-speaking courts in Southeast Asia. First, the courts are engaging with the norms, contrary to the prevailing view that the four-walls and dualist doctrines maintain a stranglehold on the region. Singapore courts relied on foreign case law applying the European Convention on Human Rights to rationalize a liberal interpretation of arbitration agreements; Malaysia’s Court of Appeal based its decision on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Human Rights Declaration, despite lack of legislative incorporation; and the Philippine Supreme Court applied the Convention on the Protection of Persons against Enforced Disappearances (CPPED) as evidence of customary international law, notwithstanding that the government had repeatedly refused to ratify CPPED. Second, their engagement is characterized by inconsistency and arbitrariness as it is governed more by exigency than by human rights philosophy. The Philippine court invoked universality to give direct but selective effect to the norms. In the name of pluralism, Malaysian courts gave direct effect to the norms, but the effect has been transitory. In Singapore, the norms have teleological effect in private law cases involving commercial and investment interests, but not in public law cases involving individual and political rights. The lack of principled practice and the ensuing uncertainty undermine the ethos of human rights and raise the question of whether more practice makes right.
Public knowledge, attitudes and practices surrounding antibiotic use and resistance in Cambodia
Authors: Lim Jane Mingjie , Chhoun Pheak , Tuot Sovannary , Om Chhorvoin , Krang Sidonn , Ly Sovann , Hsu Li Yang , Yi Siyan , Tam Clarence C
Published: January 2021

Background

WHO’s Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance includes as a priority to increase public education surrounding antibiotic use and resistance. Monitoring population-level antibiotic behaviours is crucial for informing intervention strategies, but data from a broad range of settings, particularly lower-resourced countries, are lacking.

Objectives

We measured public knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in Cambodia, providing baseline information against which to monitor the progress of future interventions.

Methods

Between September and October 2018, we conducted a household survey of knowledge, attitudes and practices related to antibiotic use in urban and rural populations of three Cambodian provinces: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Prey Veng. Response rates were respectively 79%, 86% and 86%.

Results

Among the 2005 participants, we found high levels of awareness of terms relating to antibiotics (86.5%) and antibiotic resistance; most participants also recognized that antibiotic resistance is a problem (58.4%). However, few understood that antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections (1.2%). We also found province-specific differences in participants’ sources of antibiotics and their sources of AMR-related information. In regression analyses, more favourable antibiotic practice scores were associated with higher knowledge (β = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.14–0.22) and attitude (β = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.11–0.22) scores, as well as trust in healthcare sources to obtain antibiotics and antibiotic information.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of interventions and public communication on antibiotic use and resistance that is effectively targeted to the local context through trusted healthcare providers.
The Impact of Dementia on Cancer Treatment Decision-Making, Cancer Treatment, and Mortality: A Mixed Studies Review
Authors: Caba Yaelin , Dharmarajan Kavita , Gillezeau Christina , Ornstein Katherine A , Mazumdar Madhu , Alpert Naomi , Schwartz Rebecca M , Taioli Emanuela , Liu Bian
Published: January 2021

Dementia and cancer occur commonly in older adults. Yet, little is known about the effect of dementia on cancer treatment and outcomes in patients diagnosed with cancer, and no guidelines exist. We performed a mixed studies review to assess the current knowledge and gaps on the impact of dementia on cancer treatment decision-making, cancer treatment, and mortality. A search in PubMed, Medline, and PsycINFO identified 55 studies on older adults with a dementia diagnosis before a cancer diagnosis and/or comorbid cancer and dementia published in English from January 2004 to February 2020. We described variability using range in quantitative estimates, ie, odds ratios (ORs), hazard ratios (HRs), and risk ratios (RR) when appropriate and performed narrative review of qualitative data. Patients with dementia were more likely to receive no curative treatment (including hospice or palliative care) (OR, HR, and RR range = 0.40-4.4, n = 8), while less likely to receive chemotherapy (OR and HR range = 0.11-0.68, n = 8), radiation (OR range = 0.24-0.56, n = 2), and surgery (OR range = 0.30-1.3, n = 4). Older adults with cancer and dementia had higher mortality than those with cancer alone (HR and OR range = 0.92-5.8, n = 33). Summarized findings from qualitative studies consistently revealed that clinicians, caregivers, and patients tended to prefer less aggressive care and gave higher priority to quality of life over life expectancy for those with dementia. Current practices in treatment-decision making for patients with both cancer and dementia are inconsistent. There is an urgent need for treatment guidelines for this growing patient population that considers patient and caregiver perspectives.
Triterpenoid compound betulin attenuates allergic airway inflammation by modulating antioxidants, inflammatory cytokines and tissue transglutaminase in ovalbumin-induced asthma mice model
Authors: Kamaraj Yoganathan , Dhayalan Sangeetha , Chinnaiyan Uma , Kumaresan Veenayohini , Subramaniyan Satheeshkumar , Kumar Deepak , Muniyandi Kokila , Punamalai Ganesh
Published: January 2021

Objectives

This study hypothesized that to analyse the anti-inflammatory effect of triterpenoid compound betulin in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice.

Methods

In this study, betulin was intraperitoneally administered in OVA-challenged and sensitized mice. The effect of betulin on inflammatory cells, lung function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, antioxidants status, oxidative stress markers, serum IgE level and inflammatory cytokines status in BALF was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of tTG, TGF-β1, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in lung tissue was scrutinized by RT-qPCR analysis, and the expression of TREM-1, p-IκB-α and NF-κBp65 proteins in lung tissue was examined by western blot analysis.

Key findings

We found that the betulin treatment has effectively attenuated the proliferation of inflammatory cells, reduced the ROS generation, elevated the antioxidant enzymes and attenuated the level of oxidative markers in asthma induced mice. Moreover, reduced the level of serum IgE and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increased the anti-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ. Betulin treatment down-regulated the expression of MMP-9, tTG and TGF-β1 genes; moreover, betulin treatment effectively down-regulated the TREM-1, p-IκB-α and NF-κBp65 proteins level in lung.

Conclusion

Betulin exhibited effective anti-asthmatic activity by attenuating the accumulation of inflammatory cells, expression of tTG, TGF-β1 and MMP-9 genes in lung tissue.
Analysis of carbon flow at the metabolite level reveals that starch synthesis from hexose is a limiting factor in a high-yielding rice cultivar
Authors: Okamura Masaki , Hirai Masami Yokota , Sawada Yuji , Okamoto Mami , Oikawa Akira , Sasaki Ryosuke , Arai-Sanoh Yumiko , Mukouyama Takehiro , Adachi Shunsuke , Kondo Motohiko
Published: January 2021

Understanding the limiting factors of grain filling is essential for the further improvement of grain yields in rice (Oryza sativa). The relatively slow grain growth of the high-yielding cultivar ‘Momiroman’ is not improved by increasing carbon supply, and hence low sink activity (i.e. the metabolic activity of assimilate consumption/storage in sink organs) may be a limiting factor for grain filling. However, there is no metabolic evidence to corroborate this hypothesis, partly because there is no consensus on how to define and quantify sink activity. In this study, we investigated the carbon flow at a metabolite level from photosynthesis in leaves to starch synthesis in grains of three high-yielding cultivars using the stable isotope 13C. We found that a large amount of newly fixed carbon assimilates in Momiroman was stored as hexose instead of being converted to starch. In addition, the activity of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase and the expression of AGPS2b, which encodes a subunit of the ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase enzyme, were both lower in Momiroman than in the other two cultivars in grains in superior positions on panicle branches. Hence, slower starch synthesis from hexose, which is partly explained by the low expression level of AGPS2b, may be the primary metabolic reason for the lower sink activity observed in Momiroman.
Inferring Adaptive Introgression Using Hidden Markov Models
Authors: Svedberg Jesper , Shchur Vladimir , Reinman Solomon , Nielsen Rasmus , Corbett-Detig Russell
Published: January 2021

Adaptive introgression—the flow of adaptive genetic variation between species or populations—has attracted significant interest in recent years and it has been implicated in a number of cases of adaptation, from pesticide resistance and immunity, to local adaptation. Despite this, methods for identification of adaptive introgression from population genomic data are lacking. Here, we present Ancestry_HMM-S, a hidden Markov model-based method for identifying genes undergoing adaptive introgression and quantifying the strength of selection acting on them. Through extensive validation, we show that this method performs well on moderately sized data sets for realistic population and selection parameters. We apply Ancestry_HMM-S to a data set of an admixed Drosophila melanogaster population from South Africa and we identify 17 loci which show signatures of adaptive introgression, four of which have previously been shown to confer resistance to insecticides. Ancestry_HMM-S provides a powerful method for inferring adaptive introgression in data sets that are typically collected when studying admixed populations. This method will enable powerful insights into the genetic consequences of admixture across diverse populations. Ancestry_HMM-S can be downloaded from https://github.com/jesvedberg/Ancestry_HMM-S/.
Complication Rates in Early Versus Late Cranioplasty—A 14-Year Single-Center Case Series
Authors: Tora Muhibullah S , Malcolm James G , Mahmooth Zayan , Pujari Amit , Rindler Rima S , Boulis Nicholas M , Pradilla Gustavo , Grossberg Jonathan A , Ahmad Faiz U
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Cranioplasty (CP) following decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a common neurosurgical procedure for cranial cosmesis and protection. There is uncertainty regarding the complication rates and potential benefits related to the timing of CP.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of the timing of CP on complication rates for different etiologies of DC.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of all CP cases between 2004 and 2018 for traumatic and nontraumatic indications of DC. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and complications were collected. Early and late CP were defined as replacement of the bone flap at ≤90 and >90 d following DC, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 278 patients were included, receiving 81 early and 197 late CPs. When analyzing all patients, early CP was associated with a statistically significant higher odds of any complication (odds ratio [OR]: 3.25, P < .001), reoperation (OR: 2.57, P = .019), hydrocephalus (OR: 6.03, P = .003), and symptomatic extra-axial collections (OR: 9.22, P = .003). Subgroup analysis demonstrated statistically significant higher odds of these complications only for the CP trauma subgroup, but not the nontrauma subgroup. The odds of complications postCP demonstrated a statistically significant decrease of 4.4% for each week after DC (Unit Odds Ratio [U-OR]: 0.956, P = .0363).

CONCLUSION

In our retrospective series, early CP was associated with higher odds of postoperative complications compared to late CP in the trauma subgroup. Greater care should be taken in preoperative planning and increased vigilance postoperatively for complications with this potentially more vulnerable subpopulation. Future prospective controlled trials are needed to elucidate optimal timing for CP.
Endovascular Treatment of Anterior Circulation Aneurysms With the p64 Flow Modulation Device: Mid- and Long-Term Results in 617 Aneurysms From a Single Center
Authors: Aguilar Pérez Marta , Henkes Elina , Hellstern Victoria , Serna Candel Carmen , Wendl Christina , Bäzner Hansjörg , Ganslandt Oliver , Henkes Hans
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Flow diverters have become an important tool in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms, especially when dealing with difficult-to-treat or complex aneurysms. The p64 is the only fully resheathable and mechanically detachable flow diverter available for clinical use.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of p64 for the treatment of intracranial saccular unruptured aneurysms arising from the anterior circulation over a long-term follow-up period.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our prospectively maintained database to identify all patients who underwent treatment for an intracranial saccular (unruptured or beyond the acute hemorrhage phase) aneurysm arising from the anterior circulation with ≥1 p64 between December 2011 and December 2019. Fusiform aneurysms and dissections were excluded. Aneurysms with prior or concomitant saccular treatment (eg, coiling and clipping) were included. Aneurysms with parent vessel implants other than p64 were excluded. Anatomic features, intraprocedural complications, clinical outcome, as well as clinical and angiographic follow-ups were all recorded.

RESULTS

In total, 530 patients (388 females; median age 55.9 yr) with 617 intracranial aneurysms met the inclusion criteria. The average number of devices used per aneurysm was 1.1 (range 1-3). Mean aneurysm dome size was 4.8 mm (range 1-27 mm). Treatment-related morbimortality was 2.4%. Early, mid-term, and long-term angiographic follow-up showed complete or near-complete aneurysm occlusion in 76.8%, 89.7%, and 94.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of intracranial saccular unruptured aneurysms of the anterior circulation using p64 is a safe and effective treatment option with high rate of occlusion at long-term follow-up and low morbimortality.
Autologous Temporalis Subfascial Fat Graft for Skull Base Repair: A Novel Technique
Authors: Lee Paul , Krisht Khaled M , Cai Li , Krisht Ali F
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Autologous abdominal fat grafts are occasionally used in the repair of skull base exposures. This surgical procedure typically requires an additional surgical site and may have unexpected postoperative complications.

OBJECTIVE

To describe an operative technique for harvesting subfascial fat from the temporal extension of the buccal fat pad for the repair of skull base defects.

METHODS

We review the pertinent anatomy of the temporalis subfascial fat pad and discuss the technique used to harvest the subfascial fat component in a clinical presentation.

RESULTS

A pretemporal approach was performed for clip ligation of an anterior circulation aneurysm. A standard frontotemporal incision was made with an interfascial flap to preserve the frontalis branches of the facial nerve. The subfascial fat was inspected and determined to be adequate for harvesting. Monopolar cauterization was carefully utilized to remove the fat. During closure, the graft was used to repair a pneumatized clinoid sinus and for the dural repair of the pretemporal exposure. The patient did not have any postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Autologous temporalis subfascial fat graft is a viable and safe technique for skull base dural and sinus repair during frontotemporal approaches in select patients. This technique avoids an additional surgical procedure and potential complications that may be associated with it.
Cryptic speciation in the Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus)
Authors: Lovell Scott F , Lein M Ross , Rogers Sean M
Published: January 2021

Eastern (Vireo gilvus gilvus) and western (V. g. swainsoni) forms of the Warbling Vireo have essentially allopatric breeding ranges across north-central North America, but come into contact in central Alberta, Canada. In 1986, Jon Barlow presented preliminary morphological and song evidence suggesting that the Warbling Vireo complex might comprise more than one valid species. However, to date, Barlow’s suggestion is supported by only limited DNA evidence, demonstration of molt and migration differences between the taxa, and anecdotal accounts of differences in song, morphology, plumage, and ecology. We analyzed variation in both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA in birds from Alberta and surrounding areas to determine the levels of genetic differentiation and hybridization occurring in the contact zone, and whether the two taxa warrant recognition as separate biological species. Our analyses reveal that Warbling Vireos in Alberta and the surrounding areas are separated into two well-defined, genetically differentiated, and monophyletic clades corresponding to previously recognized taxonomic groups. The two taxa come into contact in a narrow (~85 km) zone in Barrhead County, northwest of Edmonton, Alberta. They show evidence of limited hybridization. The distinct genetic differences are maintained in the contact zone, where individuals of the two taxa may occupy neighboring territories. Differences in spring arrival dates, molt schedules, and migration routes indicate that a migratory divide may play an important role in reproductive isolation. We suggest that the two taxa are distinct cryptic species: an eastern form, Vireo gilvus, and a western form, Vireo swainsoni.
Recent progress in the development of carbon quantum dots for cell imaging
Authors: Guo Huazhang , Wang Liang
Published: January 2021

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have attracted widespread attention due to the significant advantages in optical and environmentally friendly performance. Herein, we focused on the development of CQDs synthesized by advanced molecular fusion technology. Meanwhile, the applications of CQDs on various target cell imaging were also demonstrated. Our summary looks back to the feasible preparation strategy of CQDs and forward into their potent applications in early diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the future.
The Relationship of the Therapeutic Alliance to Patient Characteristics and Functional Outcome During an Episode of Physical Therapy Care for Patients With Low Back Pain: An Observational Study
Authors: Alodaibi Faris , Beneciuk Jason , Holmes Rett , Kareha Stephen , Hayes Deanna , Fritz Julie
Published: January 2021

Objective

Research supports the relevance of the therapeutic alliance (TA) between patients and physical therapists on outcomes, but the impact of TA during routine physical therapist practice has not been quantified. The primary objective of this study was to examine the relationship between TA assessed during a physical therapy episode of care for patients with low back pain and functional outcome at the conclusion of care. The secondary objective was to examine psychometric properties of the Working Alliance Inventory—Short Revised (WAI-SR) form, a patient-reported TA measure.

Methods

This study was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 676 patients (mean [SD] age = 55.6 [16.1] y; 55.9% female) receiving physical therapy for low back pain in 45 outpatient clinics from 1 health system in the United States. Participating clinics routinely collect patient-reported data at initial, interim, and final visits. The lumbar computer-adapted test (LCAT) was used to evaluate functional outcome. The TA was assessed from the patient’s perspective at interim assessments using the WAI-SR, bivariate correlations were examined, and regression models were examined if interim WAI-SR scores explained outcome variance beyond a previously validated multivariate prediction model. Internal consistency and ceiling effects for the WAI-SR were examined.

Results

Interim WAI-SR scores were not correlated with patient characteristics or initial LCAT, but they were correlated with final LCAT and LCAT change from initial to final assessment. WAI-SR total score (adjusted R2 = 0.36), and Task (adjusted R2 = 0.38) and Goal subscales (adjusted R2 = 0.35) explained additional variance in outcome beyond the base model (adjusted R2 = 0.33). Internal consistency was higher for WAI-SR total score (α = .88) than for subscales (α = .76–.82). Substantial ceiling effects were observed for all WAI-SR scores (27.2%–63.6%).

Conclusion

Findings support the importance of TA in physical therapist practice. Measurement challenges were identified, most notably ceiling effects.

Impact

This study supports the impact of the patient–physical therapist alliance on functional outcome. Results extend similar findings from controlled studies into a typical physical therapist practice setting. Better understanding of the role of contextual factors including the therapeutic alliance might be key to improving the magnitude of treatment effect for discrete physical therapist interventions and enhancing clinical outcomes of physical therapy episodes of care.
Neurobiological models of emotion regulation: a meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies of acceptance as an emotion regulation strategy
Authors: Messina Irene , Grecucci Alessandro , Viviani Roberto
Published: January 2021

Emotional acceptance is an important emotion regulation strategy promoted by most psychotherapy approaches. We adopted the Activation Likelihood Estimation technique to obtain a quantitative summary of previous fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) studies of acceptance and test different hypotheses on its mechanisms of action. The main meta-analysis included 13 experiments contrasting acceptance to control conditions, yielding a total of 422 subjects and 170 foci of brain activity. Additionally, subgroups of studies with different control conditions (react naturally or focus on emotions) were identified and analysed separately. Our results showed executive areas to be affected by acceptance only in the subgroup of studies in which acceptance was compared to natural reactions. In contrast, a cluster of decreased brain activity located in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)/precuneus was associated with acceptance regardless of the control condition. These findings suggest that high-level executive cortical processes are not a distinctive feature of acceptance, whereas functional deactivations in the PCC/precuneus constitute its specific neural substrate. The neuroimaging of emotional acceptance calls into question a key tenet of current neurobiological models of emotion regulation consisting in the necessary involvement of high-level executive processes to actively modify emotional states, suggesting a complementary role for limbic portions of the default system.
Staying or leaving? Patterns and determinants of Italian researchers’ migration
Authors: Nascia Leopoldo , Pianta Mario , Zacharewicz Thomas
Published: January 2021

This article aims to highlight the dynamics underlying Italian researchers’ migration patterns over the last decade. Building on data gathered through an international study (MORE 3), the analysis focuses on identifying perceptions of working conditions, career prospect and confidence in the national Research and Innovation (R&I) system by Italian researchers in Italy and abroad. It provides a comparative assessment of researchers’ satisfaction with regards to their R&I environment in and outside Italy, across different fields of study and career stages. Results show that Italian researchers working abroad have a faster career progression than researchers in the Italian system and provide evidence of a low confidence of Italian researchers regarding career prospect in their own country. These findings are interpreted as major determinants of the decision to emigrate and develop an academic career abroad. Implications for future science policy in Italy are discussed.
Alcohol Consumption Over the Retirement Transition in Sweden: Different Trajectories Based on Education
Authors: Agahi Neda , Kelfve Susanne , Hassing Linda B , Lindwall Magnus
Published: January 2021

Retirement is a major life transition that involves changes to everyday routines, roles, and habits. Previous studies suggest that retirement may influence drinking habits. Many natural inhibitors of alcohol consumption disappear with the removal of work constraints. The potential impact depends on both individual and contextual factors. Women in the cohorts undergoing retirement now have been more active on the labor market, including the occupation of higher status jobs, which indicates more financial resources as well as a larger role loss after retirement. Also, the current cohorts who retire have had more liberal drinking habits throughout their lives compared to previous cohorts. We therefore examined changes in alcohol consumption surrounding retirement in different education groups among women and men undergoing retirement using annual data from the Health, Aging and Retirement Transitions in Sweden (HEARTS) study, a longitudinal national study of 60- to 66-year-olds (n = 5,913), from 2015 to 2018. Latent growth curve models were used to estimate trajectories of alcohol consumption. Results showed that those who retired during the follow-up increased their usual weekly alcohol consumption while those who worked or were retired throughout the period had stable drinking habits. Those who were retired reported the highest alcohol consumption. The increase surrounding retirement was driven by people with higher education. Women with tertiary education and men with intermediate or tertiary education increased their weekly alcohol intake after retirement, while those with low education had unchanged drinking habits. Mechanisms and motivations that may fuel increased alcohol intake among people with higher education should be further investigated.
Interaction of Symbiotic Rhizobia and Parasitic Root-Knot Nematodes in Legume Roots: From Molecular Regulation to Field Application
Authors: Costa Sofia R. , Ng Jason Liang Pin , Mathesius Ulrike
Published: January 2021

Legumes form two types of root organs in response to signals from microbes, namely, nodules and root galls. In the field, these interactions occur concurrently and often interact with each other. The outcomes of these interactions vary and can depend on natural variation in rhizobia and nematode populations in the soil as well as abiotic conditions. While rhizobia are symbionts that contribute fixed nitrogen to their hosts, parasitic root-knot nematodes (RKN) cause galls as feeding structures that consume plant resources without a contribution to the plant. Yet, the two interactions share similarities, including rhizosphere signaling, repression of host defense responses, activation of host cell division, and differentiation, nutrient exchange, and alteration of root architecture. Rhizobia activate changes in defense and development through Nod factor signaling, with additional functions of effector proteins and exopolysaccharides. RKN inject large numbers of protein effectors into plant cells that directly suppress immune signaling and manipulate developmental pathways. This review examines the molecular control of legume interactions with rhizobia and RKN to elucidate shared and distinct mechanisms of these root-microbe interactions. Many of the molecular pathways targeted by both organisms overlap, yet recent discoveries have singled out differences in the spatial control of expression of developmental regulators that may have enabled activation of cortical cell division during nodulation in legumes. The interaction of legumes with symbionts and parasites highlights the importance of a comprehensive view of root-microbe interactions for future crop management and breeding strategies.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Predictive Modeling of Brown Rust of Sugarcane Based on Temperature and Relative Humidity in Florida
Authors: Chaulagain Bhim , Small Ian M. , Shine James M. , Raid Richard N. , Rott Philippe
Published: January 2021

Logistic regression models were developed from 5 years (2014 to 2018) of disease severity and weather data in an attempt to predict brown rust of sugarcane at the Everglades Research and Education Center in Belle Glade, Florida. Disease severity (percentage area of the top visible dewlap leaf covered by rust) was visually assessed in the field every 2 weeks for two varieties susceptible to brown rust. A total of 250 variables were derived from weather data for 10- to 40-day periods before each brown rust assessment day. A subset of these variables were then evaluated as potential predictors of severity of brown rust based on their individual correlation or their biological meaningfulness. Analyses of correlation and stepwise logistic regression allowed us to identify afternoon humid thermal ratio (AHTR), temperature-based duration variables, and their interaction terms as the most significant variables associated with brown rust epidemics of sugarcane in Florida. The nine best predictive models were identified based on model accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and estimates of the prediction error. The prediction accuracy of these models ranged from 73 to 85%. Single-variable model BR2 (based on AHTR) classified 89% of the epidemic and 81% of the nonepidemic status of the disease. More than 83% of the epidemics and 81% of the nonepidemic status of sugarcane brown rust was correctly classified via multiple-variable models. These models can be used as components of a rust disease warning system to assist in the management of brown rust epidemics of sugarcane in south Florida.
Communication Challenges in High-Containment Clinical Environments
Authors: Schlosser Meghan , Adao Kimberly , Derkyi Alberta , Fitzgerald-Monroe Anitra , Ebenezer Leighann , Eckes Ellen
Published: January 2021

The authors describe the personal protective equipment (PPE) clinicians require when involved in the care of patients with potential or confirmed exposure to highly infectious pathogens, such as the Ebola virus, multidrug-resistant organisms, or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the cause of COVID-19. They discuss the communication challenges that arise with the various PPE required when caring for patients in high-containment clinical environments and how they and their colleagues in the National Institutes of Health's Special Clinical Studies Unit developed, field-tested, refined, and ultimately implemented policies and procedures that enabled clinicians to communicate effectively with other staff, patients, and external partners, such as governmental agencies, other specialized units, and nonprofit organizations.
An update on the epigenetics of asthma
Authors: Gruzieva Olena , Merid Simon Kebede , Koppelman Gerard H. , Melén Erik
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

Asthma is a common disease worldwide, however, its pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic modifications may play a role in the development and natural history of asthma. The aim of this review is to highlight recent progress in research on epigenetic mechanisms in asthma.

Recent findings

Over the past years, epigenetic studies, in particular DNA methylation studies, have added to the growing body of evidence supporting a link between epigenetic regulation of gene expression and asthma. Recent studies demonstrate that epigenetic mechanisms also play a role in asthma remission. Although most existing studies in this field have been conducted on blood cells, recent evidence suggests that epigenetic signatures are also crucial for the regulation of airway epithelial cells. Studies conducted on nasal epithelium revealed highly replicable epigenetic patterns that could be used for diagnostic purposes.

Further research is needed to explore the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of epigenetic modifications in asthma. Multiomics studies on asthma will become increasingly important for a better understanding of etiology, heterogeneity, and severity of asthma, as well as establishing molecular biomarkers that could be combined with clinical information to improve the management of asthma patients.