bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The stereoscopic spatial connectivity of wetland ecosystems: Evaluation method and regulation measures
Authors: Yang Qin , Hu Peng , Wang Jianhua , Zeng Qinghui , Yang Zefan , Liu Huan , Dong Yiyang
Published: February 2021

Currently, the weakened connectivity of wetland ecosystems is the most important factor leading to the destruction, degradation, and disappearance of wetlands. Studying changes in wetland ecosystems connectivity enables the understanding the hydrological processes in wetland ecosystems and provides significant support for the study of ecological water demand. However, recent research on the connectivity of wetland ecosystems has primarily focused on intuitive Heilongjiang River Basin in China (HRBC) connectivity in terms of hydrology and geomorphology, while the impact of wetland ecosystems on habitats has been ignored. The present study applied an innovative method to evaluate and regulate the stereoscopic spatial connectivity (SSC) of the wetland ecosystems in the HRBC. In this method, the water requirements of typical organisms in the region were considered, and the hydrological trends in the wetland ecosystems along with the status of the SSC were analysed using remote sensing images. A regulation mode for improving the stereoscopic spatial connectivity index (SSCI) was proposed. The results revealed that over the past 35 years, the wetland ecosystems in the study area shrank significantly, with the SSCI decreasing from 41.30% in 1980 to 35.08% in 2015. By comparing the correlations among temperature, precipitation, agricultural land, construction land, and the wetland ecosystems during the same period, it was proven that human activity serves as the major driving force behind the observed loss of wetlands in the system. Subsequently, the key protected areas needing protection to maintain the SSC of the wetland ecosystems were clarified, and the key recovery areas were determined based on three scenarios featuring high, medium, and low feasibility, which greatly improved the SSCI and generalization route after regulation. In general, the proposed SSC evaluation and regulation method is widely applicable to all kinds of wetland ecosystems located on animal habitat and migration routes, which can fully reflect the ecological effects of wetland ecosystems, and this method has certain reference significance for the evaluation and regulation of wetland ecosystems in other regions.
Disaggregated mortality from gastrointestinal cancers in Asian Americans: Analysis of United States death records
Authors: Huang Robert J. , Sharp Nora , Talamoa Ruth , Kapphahn Kristopher , Sathye Vedant , Lin Bryant , Srinivasan Malathi , Palaniappan Latha P.
Published: February 2021

Asian Americans (AAs) are heterogeneous, and aggregation of diverse AA populations in national reporting may mask high‐risk groups. Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers constitute one‐third of global cancer mortality, and an improved understanding of GI cancer mortality by disaggregated AA subgroups may inform future primary and secondary prevention strategies. Using national mortality records from the United States from 2003 to 2017, we report age‐standardized mortality rates, standardized mortality ratios and annual percent change trends from GI cancers (esophageal, gastric, colorectal, liver and pancreatic) for the six largest AA subgroups (Asian Indians, Chinese, Filipinos, Japanese, Koreans and Vietnamese). Non‐Hispanic Whites (NHWs) are used as the reference population. We found that mortality from GI cancers demonstrated nearly 3‐fold difference between the highest (Koreans, 61 per 100 000 person‐years) and lowest (Asian Indians, 21 per 100 000 person‐years) subgroups. The distribution of GI cancer mortality demonstrates high variability between subgroups, with Korean Americans demonstrating high mortality from gastric cancer (16 per 100 000), and Vietnamese Americans demonstrating high mortality from liver cancer (19 per 100 000). Divergent temporal trends emerged, such as increasing liver cancer burden in Vietnamese Americans, which exacerbated existing mortality differences. There exist striking differences in the mortality burden of GI cancers by disaggregated AA subgroups. These data highlight the need for disaggregated data reporting, and the importance of race‐specific and personalized strategies of screening and prevention.
Kidnapping rate and capital flight: Empirical evidence from developing countries
Authors: Okafor Godwin , Ede Obiajulu
Published: February 2021

This paper contributes to the literature on capital flight by investigating the relationship between kidnapping rate and capital flight in developing countries. Numerous empirical studies exist on the determinants of capital flight but, surprisingly, none of them have investigated the empirical link between kidnapping and capital flight. To fill this existing void in the literature, this paper utilised a sample of 67 developing countries for the period 2003–2017. Estimates of the GMM technique show that kidnapping rate has a positive and significant impact on capital flight. However, estimations of the marginal differences show that this significant effect remained consistent only in the sample of ‘fragile’ developing countries. The results remained consistent to alternative measures of capital flight.
Mobile‐aided screening system for proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Boukadida Rahma , Elloumi Yaroub , Akil Mohamed , Bedoui Mohamed Hedi
Published: February 2021

NeoVascularization (NV) occurs in the Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) stage, where the development progress of new vessels presents a high risk for severe vision loss and blindness. Therefore, early NV detection is primordial to preserve patient's vision. Several automated methods have been proposed to detect the NV on retinograph‐captured fundus images. However, their employment is constrained by the reduced ophthalmologist‐per‐person ratio and the expensive equipment for image capturing.

This paper presents a novel method for NV detection in smartphone‐captured fundus images. The implementation of the method on a smartphone having an optical lens for fundus capturing leads to a Mobiles‐Aided‐Screening system of PDR (MAS‐PDR). The challenge is to ensure accurate and robust detection even with moderate quality of fundus image, on reduced execution time. Within this objective, we identify the major criteria of neovascularized vessels which are tortuosity, width, bifurcation, and density. Our main contribution consists in proposing a sharp feature to reflect each criterion on reduced computational complexity processing. Therefore, the features are provided to a random forest classifier to deduce the PDR stage.

A dataset raised from publicly databases is used on a 10‐cross validation process where 98.69% accuracy, 97.73% sensitivity, and 99.12% specificity are achieved. To evaluate the robustness, the same experimentation is repeated after applying motion blur filters to the fundus image dataset, where 98.91% accuracy, 96.75% sensitivity, and 100% specificity are deduced. Moreover, NV screening is performed under 3 s when executed in smartphone devices demonstrating the appropriateness of our method to MAS‐PDR.
Profiling gene expression reveals insights into pulmonary response to aerosolized botulinum toxin type A exposure in mice
Authors: Su Duo , Gan Changjiao , Jiao Zhouguang , Deng Mengyun , Li Sha , Ju Yingjiao , Qiu Yefeng , Hu Lingfei , Gao Bo , Zhou Dongsheng , Zhao Yuee , Yang Huiying
Published: February 2021

Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) is traditional medicine and well known for its therapeutic use as an anesthetic and in cosmetic applications that work through the inhibition of acetylcholine exocytosis in neuronal cells. BoNT/A also has the potential to function as a biological weapon due to its high mortality rate and ease of dispersal. Emerging evidence suggests that BoNT/A exhibits biological effects on nonneuronal cells. In cytology experiments, BoNT/A induces global gene expression alterations. However, pulmonary effects from exposure to aerosolized BoNT/A have not been evaluated. This study investigated the global transcriptional profile of lung tissues after botulism inhalation. A mice model of inhaled botulism was established using intratracheal exposure to aerosolized BoNT/A and described through histological examination and flow cytometry. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that genes related to acute inflammatory responses were upregulated at 12‐h postexposure. Increased expression of multiple anti‐inflammatory marker genes and decreased expression of pro‐inflammatory marker genes were observed at 48‐ to 72‐h postexposure, underscoring a transcriptional shift toward a pro‐reparative phenotype. Histological examination and cell proportions analysis mirrored these expression patterns. Accordingly, the orchestration of a quick phenotype transition prompted by BoNT/A may have the potential for promoting the resolution of the inflammatory lung. To our knowledge, this study represents the first research to investigate the pulmonary transcriptional responses of aerosolized BoNT/A exposure; the results may provide new insights in elucidating the molecular mechanism for pulmonary inhaled botulism and highlight the potential therapeutic application of BoNT/A in mitigating inflammatory conditions.
CD43 (sialophorin) is involved in the induction of extracellular matrix remodeling and angiogenesis by lung cancer cells
Authors: Vega‐Mendoza Daniela , Cañas‐Linares Alicia , Flores‐Alcantar Angel , Espinosa‐Neira Roberto , Melchy‐Perez Erika , Vera‐Estrella Rosario , Auvynet Constance , Rosenstein Yvonne
Published: February 2021

Aberrant expression of CD43 in malignant tumors of nonhematopoietic origin such as those from lung, cervix, colon, and breast has been shown to correlate with poor prognosis, providing tumor cells with enhanced motility, anchorage‐independent growth, and in vivo tumor size, while protecting the cells of NK lysis and apoptosis. To further characterize the role of CD43 in cell transformation, we tested whether interfering its expression modified the capacity of the A549 non‐small cell lung cancer cells to secrete molecules contributing to malignancy. The proteomic analysis of the secretome of serum‐starved A549 cells revealed that cells expressing normal levels of CD43 released significantly high levels of molecules involved in extracellular matrix organization, angiogenesis, platelet degranulation, collagen degradation, and inflammation, as compared to CD43 RNAi cells. This data reveals a novel and unexpected role for CD43 in lung cancer development, mainly in remodeling the tumor microenvironment.
Precision anatomy for safe approach to pancreatoduodenectomy for both open and minimally invasive procedure: A systematic review
Authors: Nakata Kohei , Higuchi Ryota , Ikenaga Naoki , Sakuma Leon , Ban Daisuke , Nagakawa Yuichi , Ohtsuka Takao , Asbun Horacio J. , Boggi Ugo , Tang Chung‐Ngai , Wolfgang Christopher L. , Nishino Hitoe , Endo Itaru , Tsuchida Akihiko , Nakamura Masafumi ,   Study Group of Precision Anatomy for Minimally Invasive Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic surgery (PAM‐HBP Surgery
Published: February 2021

Background

Minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (MIPD) has recently gained popularity. Several international meetings focusing on the existing literature on MIPD were held; however, the precise surgical anatomy of the pancreas for the safe use of MIPD has not yet been fully discussed. The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review of available articles and to show the importance of identifying the anatomical variation in pancreatoduodenectomy.

Methods

In this review, we described variations in surgical anatomy related to MIPD. A systematic search of PubMed (MEDLINE) was conducted, and the references were identified manually.

Results

The search strategy yielded 272 articles, with 77 retained for analysis. The important anatomy to be considered during MIPD includes the aberrant right hepatic artery, first jejunal vein, first jejunal artery, and dorsal pancreatic artery. Celiac artery stenosis and a circumportal pancreas are also important to recognize.

Conclusions

We conclude that only certain anatomical variations are associated directly with perioperative outcomes and that identification of these particular variations is important for safe performance of MIPD.
Expression of inducible NOS is indispensable for the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effect of imatinib in BCR–ABL positive cells
Authors: Singh Abhishek Kumar , Awasthi Deepika , Dubey Megha , Nagarkoti Sheela , Chandra Tulika , Barthwal Manoj Kumar , Tripathi Anil Kumar , Dikshit Madhu
Published: February 2021

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is characterized by constitutive BCR–ABL kinase activity, an aggressive proliferation of immature cells, and reduced differentiation. Targeting tyrosine kinase activity of BCR–ABL with imatinib is an effective therapy for the newly diagnosed CML patients; however, 20%–30% of the patients initially treated with imatinib eventually experience treatment failure. Therefore, early identification of these patients is of high clinical relevance. In the present study, we by undertaking a direct comparison of inducible NOS (iNOS) status in neutrophils from healthy volunteers, newly diagnosed, imatinib responder, and resistant CML patients as well as by conducting in vitro studies in K562 cells demonstrated that inhibition of BCR–ABL by imatinib or siRNA significantly enhanced NO generation and iNOS expression. Indeed, patients exhibiting treatment failure or imatinib resistance were less likely to induce NO generation/iNOS expression. Our findings further demonstrated that imatinib mediated antiproliferative and proapoptotic effect in BCR–ABL+ cells associated with enhanced iNOS expression, and it was significantly prevented in the presence of L-NAME, 1400W, or iNOS siRNA. Overexpression of iNOS in K562 cells expectedly enhanced imatinib sensitivity on cytostasis and apoptosis, even at lower concentration (0.1 μM) of imatinib. Mechanistically, imatinib or BCR–ABL siRNA following deglutathionylation of NF-κB, enhanced its binding to iNOS promoter and induced iNOS transcription. Deglutathionylation of procaspase-3 however associated with increased caspase-3 activity and cell apoptosis. Taken together, results obtained suggest that monitoring NO/iNOS level could be useful to identify patients likely to be responsive or resistant to imatinib and can be used to personalized alternative therapy.
The role of bacterial DNA containing CpG motifs in diseases
Authors: Zhou Jiayuan , Deng Guo-Min
Published: February 2021

Bacterial DNA containing unmethylated CpG motifs can activate immune cells to release proinflammatory cytokines. Here, the role of bacterial DNA containing CpG motifs in diseases with a focus on arthritis is discussed. Our studies demonstrate that the intraarticular injection of bacterial DNA and oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG motifs (CpG ODN) induced arthritis. The induction of arthritis involves the role of macrophages over other cells such as neutrophils, NK cells, and lymphocytes. TNF-α and TNFRI play an important role in the development of arthritis. NF-κB also plays a critical regulatory role in arthritis. Systemic anti-inflammatory treatment, along with antibiotic therapy, has beneficial effects on the course and the outcome of bacterial arthritis. Thus, future treatment strategies for bacterial arthritis should include attempts to minimizing bacterial growth while blocking the proinflammatory effects of the bacterial DNA. Significant therapeutic efficiency has also been shown by CpG ODN-mediated Th1 immune activation in mouse models of cancer, infectious disease, and allergy/asthma.
Excellent response to asfotase alfa treatment in an adolescent patient with hypophosphatasia
Authors: Strandbech Olivia Sarah , Lund Allan , Ostergaard Elsebet
Published: February 2021

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder characterized by deficient activity of alkaline phosphatase, causing defective mineralization of bones and teeth. The symptoms vary from no symptoms to stillbirth or skeletal manifestations. Since 2015, asfotase alfa, an enzyme replacement treatment, has been approved for pediatric use in some jurisdictions. We describe the clinical outcome of asfotase alfa therapy in an adolescent patient with childhood HPP. The patient was diagnosed with HPP at 13 months. She had a history of hypertonia and failure to thrive from age 3 months. During childhood the patient experienced chronic skeletal pain, requiring daily use of analgesics and school absences. Her plasma pyridoxal‐5‐phosphate was elevated at >2500 mmol/L, phosphoethanolamine at 11 μM, and ALP decreased at 25 U/L. On the visual analog scale (VAS), a scale used to determine pain intensity, she stated an average of 7 (maximum 10) at age 13. She had no abnormalities on radiography. At age 13 the patient was started on asfotase alfa 1 mg/kg given subcutaneously 6 times weekly. Three months after treatment the patient had a decreased P‐pyridoxal‐5‐phosphate level of 41 mmol/L, used fewer analgesics, and a lower average VAS‐score. At every follow‐up, she continued to exhibit improved biochemical values, along with lower VAS‐scores. In conclusion, asfotase alfa significantly improved the patient's quality of life. This case suggests an association between children with HPP without radiographic abnormalities, but a debilitating pain phenotype, and a significant pain reduction on enzyme replacement therapy. Thus, this therapy should be considered in such patients.
The genotype distribution and phylodynamic of measles viruses circulating in the east of China in postvaccine era, 2005–2017
Authors: Lu Peishan , Deng Xiuying , Hu Ying , Guo Hongxiong
Published: February 2021

The increase of the evolutionary pressure will cause phylodynamics changes of viruses. In post‐vaccine coverage era, measles viruses face more immune pressure than ever before. Vice versa, the phylodynamic changes may reflect herd immunity level provided by vaccination. In this study, we analyzed phylodynamic characteristics of measles viruses isolated from 2005 to 2017 in Jiangsu province of China using nucleoprotein gene sequences of measles viruses. The phylogenetic tree was constructed with Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm. The mean gene distance within each group was computed with MEGA7.0 software. Our results showed that a decline trend is observed in the gene distance of nucleoprotein gene with time as well as incidence of measles from epidemic surveillance system. Two clusters of H1a genotype show cocirculation of multiple variants in early years and the disappearance of most variants with time. We explore the phylodynamic of measles virus under high immune pressure. Our findings highlight that phylodynamic of measles viruses is a helpful tool to assess the effectiveness of epidemic control.
Droplet digital PCR of viral ‎DNA/RNA, current progress, challenges, and future perspectives
Authors: Kojabad Amir Asri , Farzanehpour Mahdieh , Galeh Hadi Esmaeili Gouvarchin , Dorostkar Ruhollah , Jafarpour Ali , Bolandian Masoumeh , Nodooshan Majid Mirzaei
Published: February 2021

High‐throughput droplet‐based digital PCR (ddPCR) is a refinement of the conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‎ methods. In ddPCR, DNA/RNA is encapsulated stochastically inside the microdroplets as reaction chambers. A small percentage of the reaction chamber contains one or fewer copies of the DNA or RNA. After PCR amplification, concentrations are determined based on the proportion of nonfluorescent partitions through the Poisson distribution. Some of the main features of ddPCR include high sensitivity and specificity, absolute quantification without a standard curve, high reproducibility, good tolerance to PCR inhibitor, and high efficacy compared to conventional molecular methods. These advantages make ddPCR a valuable addition to the virologist's toolbox. The following review outlines the recent technological advances in ddPCR methods and their applications in viral identification.
Evaluation of commercially available immuno‐magnetic agglutination in comparison to enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays for rapid point‐of‐care diagnostics of COVID‐19
Authors: Moeller Maria E. , Fock Jeppe , Pah Pearlyn , Veras Antia De La C. , Bade Melanie , Donolato Marco , Israelsen Simone B. , Eugen‐Olsen Jesper , Benfield Thomas , Engsig Frederik N.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Fast, accurate, and simple blood‐based assays for quantification of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies are urgently needed to identify infected individuals and keep track of the spread of disease.

Methods

The study included 33 plasma samples from 20 individuals with confirmed COVID‐19 by real‐time reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and 40 non‐COVID‐19 plasma samples. Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 immunoglobulin M (IgM)/immunoglobulin A (IgA) or immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies were detected by a microfluidic quantitative immunomagnetic assay (IMA) (ViroTrack Sero COVID IgM + IgA/IgG Ab, Blusense Diagnostics) and compared to an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (EuroImmun Medizinische Labordiagnostika).

Results

Of the 33 plasma samples from the COVID‐19 patients, 28 were positive for IgA/IgM or IgG by IMA and 29 samples were positive by ELISA. Sensitivity for only one sample per patient was 68% for IgA + IgM and 75% IgG by IMA and 80% by ELISA. For samples collected 14 days after symptom onset, the sensitivity of both IMA and ELISA was around 91%. The specificity of the IMA reached 100% compared to 95% for ELISA IgA and 97.5% for ELISA IgG.

Conclusion

IMA for COVID‐19 is a rapid simple‐to‐use point‐of‐care test with sensitivity and specificity similar to a commercial ELISA.
Disseminating Knowledge in Intestinal Failure: Initial Report of the Learn Intestinal Failure Tele‐ECHO (LIFT‐ECHO) Project
Authors: Iyer Kishore , Nisenholtz Marjorie , Gutierrez David , Winkler Marion , Tappenden Kelly , Seidner Douglas , Kirby Donald F , Spangenburg Michelle , Potts Ronald , Bonagura Anthony , Bishop Joan , Metzger Lisa , Arora Sanjeev
Published: February 2021

Background

Intestinal failure (IF) is defined as an ultrarare disease, with an estimated prevalence of ∼25,000 cases in the US. There is a suspicion of disparities in outcomes in IF care, likely related to widespread lack of expertise. The Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model originally described by Dr Sanjeev Arora has been used to disseminate knowledge and best practices in many chronic diseases to improve outcomes. We examined our initial experience with using the ECHO model to disseminate learning in IF.

Method

This is a retrospective review of the launch, growth, and geographic reach of the Learn Intestinal Failure TeleECHO (LIFT‐ECHO) program using prospectively collected data.

Results

The LIFT‐ECHO program has achieved significant geographic reach and clinician engagement. The program has reached close to two‐thirds of the states in the US and several countries outside. Clinician engagement in the learning program appears to be growing exponentially.

Conclusion

It is feasible to use the ECHO model to disseminate knowledge in managing a rare disease like IF while maintaining fidelity to the proven model. Studies are underway to demonstrate direct benefit to patients.
The missing Myopus: plugging the gaps in Late Pleistocene small mammal identification in western Europe with geometric morphometrics
Authors: Arbez Louis , Royer Aurelien , Schreve Danielle , Laffont Remi , David Serge , Montuire Sophie
Published: February 2021

Lemmus and Myopus are two lemming species with distinct habitat requirements but which show very similar dental morphologies. They are thus extremely difficult to distinguish from one another in the fossil record on the basis of their dental remains, leading to poor understanding of the palaeobiogeographical evolution of Myopus as well as inaccurate palaeoenvrionmental reconstructions. Currently, the presence of Myopus in the fossil register from the Pleistocene is still debated and no firm occurrence of this lemming in western Europe has yet been confirmed for the Late Pleistocene. In this paper, we used geometric morphometrics on modern material to establish morphological differences between Lemmus and Myopus teeth (first lower and third upper molars). Morphological data were then used to build a robust linear discriminant model able to confidently classify isolated teeth of these two genera, and finally, linear discriminant models were used on fossil remains of Lemmus/Myopus from two Late Pleistocene archaeological/palaeontological sites (Grotte des Gorges and Gully Cave). This study demonstrates, for the first time, the presence of Myopus schisticolor in west European Late Pleistocene sites between the end of Marine Isotope Stage 3 and the beginning of the Holocene, during climatic events that favoured the development of taiga forest of birch and pine in these regions.
Capturing the underlying distribution in meta‐analysis: Credibility and tolerance intervals
Authors: Brannick Michael T. , French Kimberly A. , Rothstein Hannah R. , Kiselica Andrew M. , Apostoloski Nenad
Published: February 2021

Tolerance intervals provide a bracket intended to contain a percentage (e.g., 80%) of a population distribution given sample estimates of the mean and variance. In random‐effects meta‐analysis, tolerance intervals should contain researcher‐specified proportions of underlying population effect sizes. Using Monte Carlo simulation, we investigated the coverage for five relevant tolerance interval estimators: the Schmidt‐Hunter credibility intervals, a prediction interval, two content tolerance intervals adapted to meta‐analysis, and a bootstrap tolerance interval. None of the intervals contained the desired percentage of coverage at the nominal rates in all conditions. However, the prediction worked well unless the number of primary studies was small (<30), and one of the content tolerance intervals approached nominal levels with small numbers (<20) of primary studies. The bootstrap tolerance interval achieved near nominal coverage if there were sufficient numbers of primary studies (30+) and large enough sample sizes (N ≅ 70) in the included primary studies, although it slightly exceeded nominal coverage with large numbers of large‐sample primary studies. Next, we showed the results of applying the intervals to real data using a set of previously published analyses and provided suggestions for practice. Tolerance intervals incorporate error of estimation into the construction of proper brackets for fractions of population true effects. In many contexts, such intervals approach the desired nominal levels of coverage.
Standardizing terminology for text recycling in research writing
Authors: Moskovitz Cary
Published: February 2021

Because research in science, engineering and medical fields advances incrementally, researchers routinely write papers that build directly on their prior work. While each new research article is expected to make a novel contribution, researchers often need to repeat some material—method details, background and so on—from their previous articles, a practice called ‘text recycling’. While increasing awareness of text recycling has led to the proliferation of policies, journal editorials and scholarly articles addressing the practice, these documents tend to employ inconsistent terminology—using different terms to name the same key ideas and, even more problematic, using the same terms with different meanings. These inconsistencies make it difficult for readers to know precisely how the ideas or expectations articulated in one document relate to those of others. This paper first clarifies the problems with current terminology, showing how key terms are used inconsistently across publisher policies for authors, guidelines for editors and textbooks on research ethics. It then offers a new taxonomy of text‐recycling practices with terms designed to align with the acceptability of these practices in common research writing and publishing contexts.
A culture‐independent approach to understanding the role of soil fungal communities in Bromus tectorum stand failure
Authors: Ricks Nathan J. , Williamson Taryn , Meyer Susan E. , Chaston John M. , Coleman Craig E.
Published: February 2021

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) is an invasive annual grass (Poaceae) that has colonized large portions of the Intermountain West. Cheatgrass stand failures have been observed throughout the invaded region, the cause of which may be related to the presence of several species of pathogenic fungi in the soil or surface litter. In this metabarcoding study, we compared the fungal communities between sites that have and have not experienced stand failure. Samples were taken from the soil and surface litter near Winnemucca, Nevada, and in Skull Valley, Utah. Our results show distinct fungal communities associated with stand failure based on both geography and sample type. In both the Winnemucca and Skull Valley surface litter, there was an elevated abundance of the endophyte Ramimonilia apicalis in samples that had experienced a stand failure. Winnemucca surface litter stand failure samples had an increased abundance of a potential pathogen in the genus Comoclathris. Skull Valley surface litter stand failure samples had an increased abundance of an undescribed new species in the Rustroemiaceae family which is responsible for the so‐called bleach blonde syndrome in cheatgrass, while the soils had an increased abundance of potential pathogens in the genera Olpidium and Monosporascus.
Analysis of some incentives on two‐echelon reverse supply chain with a strategic consumer: The case of unwanted medications in households
Authors: Laganà Iside Rita , Sharifi Somayeh , Khademi Mehrnoosh , Salimi Mehdi , Ferrara Massimiliano
Published: February 2021

In this article, there is established a reverse logistics (RL) system to collect unwanted medications (UMs) in households. A reverse supply chain (RSC) is proposed in a decentralized state including manufacturer, and retailer involving a strategic consumer. The novelty of this article is that the model is investigated from the consumer's perspective, whereas in the previous studies, the proposed models were from other upstream members' perspectives such as manufacturer and retailer. Furthermore, inducement and advertising strategies are proposed for stimulating consumers to engage more in an RSC. To analyse the effect of these two strategies, the three‐person RSC game‐theoretical approach is used. A three‐person supply chain consists of a pharmaceutical manufacturer and a retailer who will interact with a strategic consumer in several non‐cooperative Stackelberg games. Three Stackelberg games are established and, each member takes a turn as a leadership role and the other two players assume the role of the follower.
Managerial ability and investment decisions: Evidence from Chinese market
Authors: Naheed Rehana , Jawad Muhammad , Naz Munazza , Sarwar Bushra , Naheed Rukhsana
Published: February 2021

Policymakers/researchers have developed a lot of theories and empirics to study issues related to investment policy. The current study investigcates in detail the managerial role in a firm's investment decision. This study is evident that the relationship is more profound for the firms that are large and financially unconstrained and have a strong balance sheet position. For economic constraints, the effect for SO firms is more pertinent than non‐state‐owned (NSO) firms, and the negative effect of competition and recession is decreased by high ability managers. For mitigating the effect of endogeneity and getting robust results, a propensity score matching approach is to be used.
Voice Analysis with Machine Learning: One Step Closer to an Objective Diagnosis of Essential Tremor
Authors: Suppa Antonio , Asci Francesco , Saggio Giovanni , Di Leo Pietro , Zarezadeh Zakarya , Ferrazzano Gina , Ruoppolo Giovanni , Berardelli Alfredo , Costantini Giovanni
Published: February 2021

Background

Patients with essential tremor have upper limb postural and action tremor often associated with voice tremor. The objective of this study was to objectively examine voice tremor and its response to symptomatic pharmacological treatment in patients with essential tremor using voice analysis consisting of power spectral analysis and machine learning.

Methods

We investigated 58 patients (24 men; mean age ± SD, 71.7 ± 9.2 years; range, 38–85 years) and 74 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects (20 men; mean age ± SD, 71.0 ± 12.4 years; range, 43–95 years). We recorded voice samples during sustained vowel emission using a high‐definition audio recorder. Voice samples underwent sound signal analysis, including power spectral analysis and support vector machine classification. We compared voice recordings in patients with essential tremor who did and did not manifest clinically overt voice tremor and in patients who were and were not under the symptomatic effect of the best medical treatment.

Results

Power spectral analysis demonstrated a prominent oscillatory activity peak at 2–6 Hz in patients who manifested a clinically overt voice tremor. Voice analysis with support vector machine classifier objectively discriminated with high accuracy between controls and patients who did and did not manifest clinically overt voice tremor and between patients who were and were not under the symptomatic effect of the best medical treatment.

Conclusions

In patients with essential tremor, voice tremor is characterized by abnormal oscillatory activity at 2–6 Hz. Voice analysis, including power spectral analysis and support vector machine classification, objectively detected voice tremor and its response to symptomatic pharmacological treatment in patients with essential tremor. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Bilateral gradient‐echo spectroscopic imaging with correction of frequency variations for measurement of fatty acid composition in mammary adipose tissue
Authors: Baboli Mehran , Storey Pippa , Sood Terlika Pandit , Fogarty Justin , Moccaldi Melanie , Lewin Alana , Moy Linda , Kim Sungheon Gene
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To develop a simultaneous dual‐slab three‐dimensional gradient‐echo spectroscopic imaging (GSI) technique with frequency drift compensation for rapid (<6 min) bilateral measurement of fatty acid composition (FAC) in mammary adipose tissue.

Methods

A bilateral GSI sequence was developed using a simultaneous dual‐slab excitation followed by 128 monopolar echoes. A short train of navigator echoes without phase or partition encoding was included at the beginning of each pulse repetition time period to correct for frequency variation caused by respiration and heating of the cryostat. Voxel‐wise spectral fitting was applied to measure the areas of the lipid spectral peaks to estimate the number of double‐bond (ndb), number of methylene‐interrupted double‐bond (nmidb), and chain length (cl). The proposed method was tested in an oil phantom and 10 postmenopausal women to assess the influence of the frequency variation on FAC estimation.

Results

The frequency drift observed over 5:27 min during the phantom scan was about 10 Hz. Phase correction based on the navigator reduced the median error of ndb, nmidb, and cl from 9.7%, 17.6%, and 3.2% to 2.1%, 9.5%, and 2.8%, respectively. The in vivo data showed a mean ± standard deviation frequency drift of 17.4 ± 2.5 Hz, with ripples at 0.3 ± 0.1 Hz. Our reconstruction algorithm successfully separated signals from the left and right breasts with negligible residual aliasing. Phase correction reduced the interquartile range within each subject’s adipose tissue of ndb, nmidb, and cl by 18.4 ± 10.6%, 18.5 ± 13.9%, and 18.4 ± 10.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

This study shows the feasibility of obtaining bilateral spectroscopic imaging data in the breast and that incorporation of a frequency navigator improves the estimation of FAC.
Investigating the possible association between NLRP3 gene polymorphisms and myasthenia gravis
Authors: Agah Elmira , Nafissi Shahriar , Saleh Fatemeh , Sarraf Payam , Tafakhori Abbas , Mousavi Seyed Vahid , Saghazadeh Amene , Sadr Maryam , Sinaei Farnaz , Mohebbi Bahareh , Mahmoudi Mahdi , Shadi Hamideh , Rezaei Nima
Published: February 2021

Introduction

In this case‐control study, we investigated the association between nucleotide oligomerization domain‐like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs10754558, rs3806265, rs4612666, and rs35829419 and myasthenia gravis (MG).

Methods

Samples from MG patients were selected from a previous study conducted in our neuromuscular clinic, which investigated the association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II genes and MG. Genetic data of controls were also available from another study. The NLRP3 SNPs genotyping was performed using the TaqMan method.

Results

A total of 93 blood samples from eligible Iranian patients with MG and 56 samples from healthy controls were obtained. The NLRP3 rs3806265 “C” allele was significantly more frequent in MG patients (P < .001; odd ratio [OR] = 2.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4‐4.0) than controls. The “CC” genotype of this SNP was found in 18.27% of patients, but none of the controls (P < .001). The distribution of other SNPs was similar between the groups.

Discussion

These preliminary results suggest that there might be some associations between the NLRP3 gene polymorphism and MG.
Argus‐T adjustable male sling: A follow‐up study on urinary incontinence and patient's satisfaction
Authors: Casteleijn Niek F. , Cornel Erik B.
Published: February 2021

Aims

The use of Argus‐T adjustable sling may be a promising alternative option for the treatment of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy, however long‐term data is lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long‐term results of the Argus‐T sling on incontinence rates, patient's quality of life and tape‐related complications.

Methods

Patients were eligible if persistent stress incontinence was present ≥12 months after radical prostatectomy. Measurements included 24 h frequency volume micturition list, 24 h pad test, 24 h pad count and quality of life questionnaires. Argus‐T adjustable sling was placed with a single perineal route incision approach.

Results

Seventy‐eight patients were included, 69 ± 6 years, pre‐intervention 24 h urinary loss 212 (75–385) g. Directly after surgery, 63.6% of the patients was completely dry, 79.2% of the patients reported greater than 90% improvement of their urinary loss and 92.2% > 50% improvement. Median follow‐up time was 3.2 (2.5–6.1) years. After 5 years of follow‐up, 53.3% of the patients were completely dry, 71.5% reported an improvement greater than 90% and 79.6% reported an improvement of greater than 50%. Patients with preoperative urinary loss less than 250 g reported significantly higher improvement of their urinary loss compared to patients with urinary loss ≥250 g (p = .02). Patients satisfaction was still increased after 5 years follow‐up (70 ± 21 vs.16 ± 9, p < .001) and patients quality of life remained high (85 ± 20 vs. 88 ± 13, p = .1). Complications were mainly observed directly after surgery. Two patients (2.6%) needed reimplantation of the sling.

Conclusion

These data indicate that Argus‐T sling is an effective treatment option in obtaining substantial long‐term incontinence relief in patients with invalidating moderate stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.
Spanning the digital divide in India: Barriers toICTadoption and usage
Authors: Asrani Chavi
Published: February 2021

The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) revolution has radically improved connectivity across the globe and pervaded into most aspects of modern human life. The benefits of ICT can only be appropriated by those with access to the technology and capabilities to use the same. India's ICT adoption has been rapid since the year 2000, but with sizable disparities across the country. This study surveys the correlates of ICT adoption and its use capabilities in India. It has been observed that income, education and household demographics are strong determinants of household ICT adoption, while education, age and gender are strong classifiers for variations in an individual's ICT use capabilities. The findings will be useful for having informed discussions on taking strategic decisions to bridge India's digital divide.
Mathematically described preparation process of poly(glycerol succinate) resins and elastomers—Meeting science with industry
Authors: Wrzecionek Michał , Ruśkowski Paweł , Gadomska‐Gajadhur Agnieszka
Published: February 2021

We created polyester, which building blocks naturally occur in the human organism: glycerol and succinic acid. A process of preparation of poly(glycerol succinate) resins and its purification was developed. The resins were obtained in a polycondensation reaction with the monomer being prepared in situ. Due to that, succinic anhydride and glycerol were used as reaction substrates. The obtained resins were next crosslinked toelastomers. Mathematical models described both processes for the first time in the case of poly(glycerol succinate). Such models are allowing for defining the process parameters to obtain a material with desired properties. For example, optimal conditions for resins synthesis were estimated, and requirements for yielding elastomer with Tg in range −10 to 40°C could be determined based on our second model. Such a novel approach combines science with industry needs, where knowledge of processes is key to success. Also, it has to be said that glycerol, which is a waste of biodiesel production, could be used in our process, but we recommend prior purification.
Facile synthesis of reusable graphene oxide composite magnetic beads for removal of arsenic (III)
Authors: Raj Savan K. , Sharma Jeet , Kulshrestha Vaibhav
Published: February 2021

Consumption of As(III) in drinking water is a severe problem, and more than 180 million people are suffering worldwide. Therefore, developing an affordable technique to remove As(III) from drinking water is essential to protect human health. In this work, we report chitosan‐iron oxide‐graphene oxide composite beads (GO‐BDs) for the removal of As(III) from the drinking water. The incorporation of chitosan and graphene oxide (GO) provides better physical strength and stability to the GO‐BDs. Prepared GO‐BDs were characterized using different characterization techniques. X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) spectra show the iron oxide nanoparticles were successfully linked with graphene oxide. The size of the beads confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and found to be ~1 mm. Elemental mapping of beads show the uniform dispersion of GO/iron oxide on the surface of the beads. The adsorption of As(III) occurs rapidly and attain equilibrium condition in <6 h after removing As(III) from the water within the permissible limit. Effect of water pH, time, temperature, adsorbent dosage, and concentration of the dose have been studied in detail for arsenic removal. Coexisting ions show negligible influence on As(III) removal. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were also examined. This study provides the application of GO‐BDs for As(III) removal from contaminated drinking water.
Proteomics‐based interrogation of the kinome and its implications for precision oncology
Authors: Lim Kam Sian Terry C. C. , Chüeh Anderly C. , Daly Roger J.
Published: February 2021

The identification of specific protein kinases as oncogenic drivers in a variety of cancer types, coupled with the clinical success of particular kinase‐directed targeted therapies, has cemented the human kinome as an attractive source of “actionable” targets for cancer therapy. However, “mining” of the human kinome for precision oncology applications has yet to yield its full potential. This reflects a variety of issues, including oncogenic kinase dysregulation at levels not detectable by genomic sequencing and the uncharacterized nature of a considerable fraction of the kinome. In addition, selective therapeutic targeting of specific kinases requires efficient mapping of total kinome space impacted by candidate small molecule drugs. Fortunately, recent developments in proteomics techniques, particularly in mass spectrometry‐based phosphoproteomics and kinomics, provide the necessary technology platforms to address these impediments. Moreover, initiatives such as the Clinical Proteomic Tumour Analysis Consortium have enabled the generation, deposition and integration of genomic, transcriptomic and (phospho)proteomic data for many cancer types, providing unprecedented insights into oncogenic kinases and cancer cell signalling generally. These multi‐omic data are identifying novel therapeutic targets, highlighting opportunities for drug re‐purposing, and helping assign optimal therapies to specific tumour subtypes, heralding a new era of “enhanced” precision oncology.
Microproteomic sample preparation
Authors: Alexovič Michal , Sabo Ján , Longuespée Rémi
Published: February 2021

Multiple applications of proteomics in life and health science, pathology and pharmacology, require handling size‐limited cell and tissue samples. During proteomic sample preparation, analyte loss in these samples arises when standard procedures are used. Thus, specific considerations have to be taken into account for processing, that are summarised under the term microproteomics (μPs). Microproteomic workflows include: sampling (e.g., flow cytometry, laser capture microdissection), sample preparation (possible disruption of cells or tissue pieces via lysis, protein extraction, digestion in bottom‐up approaches, and sample clean‐up) and analysis (chromatographic or electrophoretic separation, mass spectrometric measurements and statistical/bioinformatic evaluation). All these steps must be optimised to reach wide protein dynamic ranges and high numbers of identifications. Under optimal conditions, sampling is adapted to the studied sample types and nature, sample preparation isolates and enriches the whole protein content, clean‐up removes salts and other interferences such as detergents or chaotropes, and analysis identifies as many analytes as the instrumental throughput and sensitivity allow. In the suggested review, we present and discuss the current state in μP applications for processing of small number of cells (cell μPs) and microscopic tissue regions (tissue μPs).