bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Octacalcium Phosphate with an Innovative Household-scale Defluoridator Prototype and Behavioral Determinants of its Adoption in Rural Communities of the East African Rift Valley
Authors: Idini Alfredo , Frau Franco , Gutierrez Luciano , Dore Elisabetta , Nocella Giuseppe , Ghiglieri Giorgio
Published: March 2020

Natural fluoride contamination of drinking water is a serious issue that affects several countries of the world. Its negative health impact is well documented in the East African Rift Valley, where water consumption with fluoride (F−) concentration greater than 1.5 mg/L can cause fluorosis to people. Within the framework of the European Union (EU) Horizon 2020 FLOWERED project, we first designed an effective defluoridation device based on innovative application of octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and then explored its acceptance within rural communities. The prototype (FLOWERED Defluoridator Device [FDD]) essentially is composed of a 20-L tank and a recirculating pump that guarantees the interaction between water and OCP. The device is powered by a car battery for a fixed pumping working time using a fixed amount of OCP for every defluoridation cycle. The results of tests performed in the rural areas of Tanzania show that a standardized use of the prototype can lower the dissolved F− from an initial concentration of 21 mg/L to below the World Health Organization (WHO) drinkable limit of 1.5 mg/L in 2 h without secondary negative effects on water quality. The approximate cost of this device is around US$220, whereas that of OCP is about $0.03/L of treated water. As with any device, acceptance requires a behavioral change on behalf of rural communities that needed to be investigated. To this end, we piloted a survey to explore how psychological and socioeconomic factors influence the consumption of fluoride-free water. Results show that the adoption of FDD and OCP is more appealing to members of the rural communities who are willing to pay more and have a high consumption of water. Moreover, we suggest that given the low level of knowledge about fluorosis diseases, the government should introduce educational programs to make rural communities aware of the negative health consequences. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:856–870. © 2020 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)
QSAR Use in REACH Analyses of Alternatives to Predict Human Health and Environmental Toxicity of Alternative Chemical Substances
Authors: Chinen Kazue , Malloy Timothy
Published: March 2020

In 2006, the European Union (EU) enacted the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) to address growing concerns of hazardous chemicals in the EU market. Under REACH, companies seeking authorization to use priority substances identified as substances of very high concern (SVHCs) and included in the authorization list must apply and submit health and environmental effects data in analyses of alternatives (AoAs) to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). To assess safer alternatives, especially in AoA hazard assessment cases where vital information could be missing or insufficient, quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) nontesting methods have gained increasing acceptance and importance. This article assesses AoA applicants' use of QSAR sources and documentation while looking for meaningful trends. In this assessment, usage and frequency of QSAR sources were evaluated in 189 analyses of alternatives for 15 physicochemical properties and 19 human health and environmental endpoints to determine the scope of purpose of QSAR use in AoAs. We found that only 24 out of 189 applications cited QSAR sources to rank or evaluate the safety of their alternative substances relative to the REACH Annex XIV chemical. For human health and environmental hazard endpoints, applicants cited the Danish (Q)SAR Database (n = 63) and unidentified QSARs (n = 36) most frequently. While QSARs were not used to eliminate an alternative, 7.9% and 1.4% per maximum opportunity (MOP) of hazard endpoint and physicochemical QSAR predictions reported background information on alternatives using weight of evidence (WoE). In addition, 3.0% per MOP of hazard endpoint QSAR predictions supported the safety of the alternative while 0.7% per MOP of physicochemical QSAR predictions gave mixed support for their alternative's safety. Documentation regarding QSARs was absent in all 24 AoAs that used QSARs. Limited QSAR use and missing documentation may be the result of several factors, including inconsistent regulatory guidance. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:745–760. © 2020 SETAC
Pyrrole Functionalization by Copper‐Catalyzed Nitrene Transfer Reactions
Authors: Rodríguez Anabel M. , Rodríguez Manuel R. , Díaz‐Requejo M. Mar , Pérez Pedro J.
Published: March 2020

The catalytic functionalization of pyrroles by incorporation of a nitrene group is reported. The Cα‐H bond of 1H‐pyrrole is amidated upon the formal insertion of the NTs (Ts=p‐toluenesulfonyl) group catalyzed by TpBr3Cu(NCMe) (TpBr3=hydrotris(3,4,5‐tribromo‐pyrazolyl)borate). N‐substituted pyrroles also verify the same transformation. The mechanism proposal is similar to that previously described for benzene amidation with the same catalyst and PhI=NTs, which takes place through aziridine formation, ring opening and 1,2‐hydrogen shift. A cascade reaction involving the coupling of 2,5‐dimethylfuran, 1,2,3‐trimethyl‐pyrrole and a nitrene NTs group is also described, leading to a 1,2‐dihydropyridine‐imine compound.
The role of attribute selection in Deep ANNs learning framework for high‐frequency financial trading
Authors: Aloud Monira Essa
Published: March 2020

In financial trading, technical and quantitative analysis tools are used for the development of decision support systems. Although these traditional tools are useful, new techniques in the field of machine learning have been developed for time‐series forecasting. This paper analyses the role of attribute selection on the development of a simple deep‐learning ANN (D‐ANN) multi‐agent framework to accomplish a profitable trading strategy in the course of a series of trading simulations in the foreign exchange market. The paper evaluates the performance of the D‐ANN multi‐agent framework over different time spans of high‐frequency (HF) intraday asset time‐series data and determines how a set of the framework attributes produces effective forecasting for profitable trading. The paper shows the existence of predictable short‐term price trends in the market time series, and an understanding of the probability of price movements may be useful to HF traders. The results of this paper can be used to further develop financial decision‐support systems and autonomous trading strategies for the financial market.
Cryptocurrencies chaotic co‐movement forecasting with neural networks
Authors: Maiti Moinak , Vyklyuk Yaroslav , Vuković Darko
Published: March 2020

In this study Non‐Linear forecasting models have been implemented to forecast the seven major cryptocurrencies. To the best of the authors knowledge, this is the first study to forecast the cryptocurrencies chaotic co‐movement forecasting using non‐linear models like Neural networks. The study finds that LSTM yields better result for lags 0 and 0‐3 and for large lags 0‐7, the ANN is the best. Further study confirms that predictions using variables like volume is not suitable for forecasting in any case. The findings of the study will impact Policy makers and investors.
A competition between hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions in protein–ligand systems. Binding of heterogeneously halogenated benzotriazoles by the catalytic subunit of human protein kinase CK2
Authors: Kasperowicz Sławomir , Marzec Ewa , Maciejewska Agnieszka M. , Trzybiński Damian , Bretner Maria , Woźniak Krzysztof , Poznański Jarosław , Mieczkowska Kinga
Published: March 2020

A series of chlorine‐substituted benzotriazole derivatives, representing all possible substitution patterns of halogen atoms attached to the benzotriazole benzene ring, were synthetized as potential inhibitors of human protein kinase CK2. Basic ADME parameters for the free solutes (hydrophobicity, electronic properties) together with their binding affinity to the catalytic subunit of protein kinase CK2 were determined with reverse‐phase HPLC, spectrophotometric titration, and Thermal Shift Assay Method, respectively. The analysis of position‐dependent thermodynamic contribution of a chlorine atom attached to the benzotriazole ring confirmed the previous observation for brominated benzotriazoles, in which substitution at positions 5 and 6 with bromine was found crucial for ligand binding. In all tested halogenated benzotriazoles the replacement of Br with Cl decreases the hydrophobicity, while the electronic properties remain virtually unaffected. Supramolecular architecture identified in the just resolved crystal structures of three of the four possible dichloro‐benzotriazoles shows how substitution distant from the triazole ring affects the pattern of intermolecular interactions. Summarizing, the benzotriazole benzene ring substitution pattern has been identified as the main driver of ligand binding, predominating the non‐specific hydrophobic effect.
Associations of exposure to metals with the risk of hypertension among an older population aged 40–75 years in rural southwest China
Authors: Wang He , Li Xiaomeng , Li Ren jia , Yan Jiuming , Lan Zhen , Chen Jinyao , Zhang Lishi
Published: March 2020

Metal exposure has recently been related to the risk of hypertension. However, the association remains unclear and relevant epidemiologic studies are limited. The present study aimed to assess the associations between exposure to metals and the odds of hypertension, as well as blood pressure (BP) levels. A total of 816 participants were enrolled in southwestern China. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP (SBP) of ≥140 mmHg or diastolic BP (DBP) of ≥90 mmHg, a self‐reported physician diagnosis, or current use of antihypertensive medication. Blood samples were used to detect the levels of exposure to metals, ie, magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu) and lead (Pb). Logistic and linear regression models were used to assess the potential associations. The results show that positive trends for elevated odds of hypertension with increasing quartiles of Fe in a polluted area; and of Mg, Ca and Cu in an unpolluted area. Compared with those in the lowest quartiles, participants in the highest quartiles of Fe, Mg and Ca had 2.7‐, 9.0‐ and 5.1‐fold increased odds of hypertension, respectively. High blood Fe and Pb levels in the Cd‐polluted area, and Mg and Fe in the unpolluted area were found to be related to increasing SBP and DBP levels. Our findings suggest that exposure to Fe and/or Pb in the polluted area; and Mg, Ca and Fe in the unpolluted area might increase the risk of hypertension or elevate BP levels.
Molecular biomarkers of cantharidin‐induced cardiotoxicity in Sprague‐Dawley rats: Troponin T, vascular endothelial growth factor and hypoxia inducible factor‐1α
Authors: Youyou Zhang , Yalei Yu , Jie Zhang , Chuhuai Guan , Liang Liu , Liang Ren
Published: March 2020

Early diagnosis of cantharidin‐induced myocardial injury is the key to reduce the fatality rate in clinical practice. The purpose of the present study was to explore biomarkers that can be used for the prediction and diagnosis of cantharidin‐induced myocardial injury. Of 65 male Sprague‐Dawley rats weighing 200‐230 g, 25 rats were divided into five groups according to the administration dose of cantharidin (0, 1.34, 2.67, 4 and 5.34 mg/kg; n = 5 per group) and the other 40 rats were treated with 2.67 mg/kg cantharidin and divided into nine groups according to the administration time (0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours; n = 4 per group). Pathological changes of hypoxia, necrosis and inflammation were confirmed in heart samples that were exposed to cantharidin by hematoxylin‐eosin staining and overall scores of pathological changes among heart samples in cantharidin exposure groups showed an increasing trend compared with in the control group. Coexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and caspase9 was shown in the myocardium by immunofluorescence staining. Western blotting results showed that expression of VEGF, HIF‐1α and caspase9 in cantharidin‐treated rat hearts showed an increasing trend compared with in the control group. Results of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay suggested that plasma levels of troponin T (TN‐T), VEGF and HIF‐1α were elevated at different intervals after cantharidin administration, and VEGF and HIF‐1α had a significant linear relationship with TN‐T that was verified by multiple linear regression analysis. Preliminary results serve to illustrate that TN‐T, VEGF and HIF‐1α might be valuable molecular markers in cantharidin‐induced myocardial injury and that diagnostic accuracy needs to be studied further.
Small animal irradiator dose distribution verification using radioluminescence imaging
Authors: Spinelli Antonello E. , D'Agostino Emilano , Broggi Sara , Claudio Fiorino , Boschi Federico
Published: March 2020

The main objective of this work was the development of a novel 2D dosimetry approach for small animal external radiotherapy using radioluminescence imaging (RLI) with a commercial complementary metal oxide semiconductor detector. Measurements of RLI were performed on the small animal image‐guided platform SmART, RLI data were corrected for perspective distortion using Matlab. Four irradiation fields were tested and the planar 2D dose distributions and dose profiles were compared against dose calculations performed with a Monte Carlo based treatment planning system and gafchromic film. System linearity and RLI image noise against dose were also measured. The maximum difference between beam size measured with RLI and nominal beam size was less than 8% for all the tested beams. The image correction procedure was able to reduce perspective distortion. A novel RLI approach for quality assurance of a small animal irradiator was presented and tested. Results are in agreement with MC dose calculations and gafchromic film measurements.
The Effect of Plasma Lipids and Lipid-Lowering Interventions on Bone Mineral Density: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zheng Jie , Brion Marie-Jo , Kemp John P , Warrington Nicole M , Borges Maria-Carolina , Hemani Gibran , Richardson Tom G , Rasheed Humaira , Qiao Zhen , Haycock Philip , Ala-Korpela Mika , Davey Smith George , Tobias Jon H , Evans David M
Published: March 2020

Several epidemiological studies have reported a relationship between statin treatment and increased bone mineral density (BMD) and reduced fracture risk, but the mechanism underlying the purported relationship is unclear. We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess whether this relationship is explained by a specific effect in response to statin use or by a general effect of lipid lowering. We utilized 400 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) robustly associated with plasma lipid levels as exposure. The outcome results were obtained from a heel estimated BMD (eBMD) genomewide association study (GWAS) from the UK Biobank and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) BMD at four body sites and fracture GWAS from the GEFOS consortium. We performed univariate and multivariable MR analyses of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride levels on BMD and fracture. Univariate MR analyses suggested a causal effect of LDL-C on eBMD (β = −0.06; standard deviation change in eBMD per standard deviation change in LDL-C, 95% confidence interval [CI] = –0.08 to −0.04; p = 4 × 10−6), total body BMD (β = −0.05, 95% CI = –0.08 to −0.01, p = 6 × 10−3) and potentially on lumbar spine BMD. Multivariable MR suggested that the effects of LDL-C on eBMD and total body BMD were independent of HDL-C and triglycerides. Sensitivity MR analyses suggested that the LDL-C results were robust to pleiotropy. MR analyses of LDL-C restricted to SNPs in the HMGCR region showed similar effects on eBMD (β = −0.083; −0.132 to −0.034; p = .001) to those excluding these SNPs (β = −0.063; −0.090 to −0.036; p = 8 × 10−6). Bidirectional MR analyses provided some evidence for a causal effect of eBMD on plasma LDL-C levels. Our results suggest that effects of statins on eBMD and total body BMD are at least partly due to their LDL-C lowering effect. Further studies are required to examine the potential role of modifying plasma lipid levels in treating osteoporosis. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Teneligliptin inhibits IL‐1β‐induced degradation of extracellular matrix in human chondrocytes
Authors: Gao Feng , Wang Yanbing , Wu Minfei
Published: March 2020

The mechanisms driving the pathologic progression of osteoarthritis (OA) have not yet to be fully elucidated. Excessive and irreversible breakdown of the extracellular matrix is the main hallmark of OA. Inhibitors of DPP‐4 have been widely used for over a decade as a treatment for type‐2 diabetes, but the promising function of DPP‐4 inhibitors in chronic inflammatory diseases has only begun to receive attention. Here, we treated human chondrocytes with interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) with or without teneligliptin to assess the role of DPP‐4 in the enzyme‐driven reduction of type II collagen. Treatment with teneligliptin significantly reduced IL‐1β‐induced expression of tumor necrosis factor α, IL‐6, and IL‐8, generation of reactive oxygen species, increase in metalloproteinase 3 (MMP‐3) and MMP‐13, reduction of tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP‐1) and TIMP‐2, release of lactate dehydrogenase, and activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase p38 and nuclear factor κB intracellular signaling pathways, among other things. These findings demonstrate that treatment with teneligliptin may act as a novel therapy to slow or halt disease progression in patients with OA.
IRX5 prompts genomic instability in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Sun Xun , Jiang Xinying , Wu Jianzhong , Ma Rong , Wu Yiqi , Cao Haixia , Wang Zhuo , Liu Siwen , Zhang Junying , Wu Yang , Zhang Yuan , Feng Jifeng , Wang Ting
Published: March 2020

The Iroquois homeobox gene 5 (IRX5), one of the members of the Iroquois homeobox family, has been identified to correlate with worse prognosis in many cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, upregulation of IRX5 revealed a great reduction in the proliferation of CRC colorectal cancer cell line SW480 and DLD‐1, which was accompanied by G1/S arrest, increased expression in cyclin E1, P21, and P53 and a decrease in cyclin A2, B1, and D1. Furthermore, IRX5‐mediated an increase expression of RH2A protein, the biomarker of DNA damage. Consequently, the SA‐β‐gal level is higher in IRX5‐overexpression cells compared to control ones, which showed elevated DNA damage triggered cellular senescence. Recapitulating the above findings, IRX5 exhibited higher levels of genomic instability. IRX5 may be a perspective target for cancer therapy and it deserves further investigation.
The existence of disjoint (hooked) near‐Rosa sequences and applications
Authors: Austin Beth A. , Shalaby Nabil
Published: March 2020

We show that the necessary conditions are sufficient for the existence of two disjoint near (hooked) Rosa sequences, with all admissible orders and all possible defects. Further, we apply this result for the existence of new types of cyclic and simple GDDs.
Screening and identification of serum biomarkers of osteoarticular tuberculosis based on mass spectrometry
Authors: Chen Ximeng , Jia Xingwang , Lei Hong , Wen Xinyu , Hao Yanfei , Ma Yating , Ye Jingyun , Wang Chengbin , Gao Jimin
Published: March 2020

Background

In view of the current difficulty of clinically diagnosing osteoarticular tuberculosis, our aim was to use mass spectrometry to establish diagnostic models and to screen and identify serum proteins which could serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers for early detection of osteoarticular tuberculosis.

Methods

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) was used to select an osteoarticular tuberculosis‐specific serum peptide profile and establish diagnostic models. Further, liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) was used to identify potential serum biomarkers that could be used for auxiliary diagnosis of osteoarticular tuberculosis, and then clinical serum samples were used to verify these biomarkers by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

We established four diagnostic models that can distinguish osteoarticular tuberculosis from rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarticular infections, and healthy adults. The models were osteoarticular tuberculosis‐rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarticular tuberculosis‐ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarticular tuberculosis‐osteoarticular infections, and osteoarticular tuberculosis‐healthy adult, and their accuracy was 76.78%, 79.02%, 83.77%, and 88.16%, respectively. Next, we selected and identified 18 proteins, including complement factor H‐related protein 1 (CFHR1) and complement factor H‐related protein 2 (CFHR2), which were upregulated in the tuberculosis group only.

Conclusions

We successfully established four diagnostic models involving osteoarticular tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarticular infections, and healthy adults. Furthermore, we found that CFHR1 and CFHR2 may be two valuable auxiliary diagnostic indicators for osteoarticular tuberculosis. These results provide reference values for rapid and accurate diagnosis of osteoarticular tuberculosis.
Physical activity trajectories, mortality, hospitalization, and disability in the Toledo Study of Healthy Aging
Authors: Sanchez‐Sanchez Juan Luis , Izquierdo Mikel , Carnicero‐Carreño Jose Antonio , García‐García Fransico José , Rodríguez‐Mañas Leocadio
Published: March 2020

Background

Physical activity (PA) is a recognized contributor to healthy aging. However, the majority of studies exploring its associations with adverse outcomes in cohorts of older adults use single‐time PA estimates, which do not consider its dynamic nature. The aim of the present study is to explore the presence of different PA trajectories in the Toledo Study of Healthy Aging and their association with adverse outcomes. Our hypothesis is that prospectively maintaining or increasing PA is associated with a reduced risk of adverse outcomes.

Methods

We used data from 1679 participants enrolled in the Toledo Study of Healthy Aging. Trajectories based on the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly were identified using group‐based trajectory modelling. Cox and logistic regression were used to investigate associations between PA trajectories and mortality and hospitalization, and incident and worsening disability, respectively. Mortality was ascertained by linkage to the Spanish National Death Index; disability was evaluated through the Katz Index; and hospitalization was defined as the first admission to Toledo Hospital. Models were adjusted by age, sex, smoking, Charlson Index, education, cognitive impairment, polypharmacy, and Katz Index at Wave 2.

Results

We found four PA‐decreasing and one PA‐increasing trajectories: high PA‐consistent (n = 566), moderate PA‐mildly decreasing (n = 392), low PA‐increasing (n = 237), moderate PA‐consistent (n = 191), and low PA‐decreasing (n = 293). Belonging to the high PA‐consistent trajectory group was associated with reduced risks of mortality as compared with the low PA‐decreasing group [hazard ratio (HR) 1.68; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.21–2.31] and hospitalization compared with the low PA‐increasing and low PA‐decreasing trajectory groups (HR 1.24; 95% CI = 1.004–1.54 and HR 1.25; 95% CI = 1.01–1.55, respectively) and with lower rates of incident [odds ratio (OR) 3.14; 95% CI = 1.59–6.19] and worsening disability (OR 2.16; 95% CI = 1.35–3.45) in relation to the low PA‐decreasing trajectory group and at follow‐up. Increasing PA during late life (low PA‐increasing group) was associated with lower incident disability rates (OR 0.38; 95% CI = 0.19–0.82) compared with decreasing PA (low PA‐decreasing group), despite similar baseline PA.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that sustaining higher PA levels during aging might lead to healthy aging, characterized by a reduction in adverse outcomes. Our study supports the need for enhancing PA participation among older populations, with the goal of reducing personal and economic burden in a worldwide aging population.
Preparation of a novel hydrophobic interaction chromatography with higher selectivity by introducing spatial recognition
Authors: Shi Wei , Zhang Si‐Qi , Li Kai‐Bin , Deng Ye‐Jing , Wang Chen‐Yi , Lu Yi‐Ting , Liu Jiao‐Jiao , Han De‐Man
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), as a typical separation technology, often suffers from low selectivity because it has a single interaction mode. Herein, a novel HIC resin (Octyl@BSA) with imprinted layer was synthesized and used for protein adsorption. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and bovine serum γ‐globulin (bIgG) were used as model competitive proteins in this study. The effects of pH, salt type, concentration, and mass ratio were then investigated.

RESULTS

The data from the static and dynamic adsorption experiments indicated that the introduction of spatial recognition effectively reduced the adsorption of competitive proteins, leading to significant improvements in selectivity. In comparison with raw HIC resin, Octyl@BSA retained a high binding capacity for BSA but rejected other proteins through spatial recognition. The maximum selectivity factors (α) of this resin may be close to 5. The adsorption kinetics and frontal adsorption experiments further confirmed the improvement in selectivity in batch and column mode. In addition, the recyclability of Octyl@BSA was tested using ten continuous BSA adsorption–desorption cycles.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that the introduction of spatial recognition was an effective strategy for enhancing the advantage of target proteins during competitive adsorption, leading to an improvement in selectivity for HIC. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Vestibular migraine without headache treated with lomerizine: A 35‐year‐old woman undiagnosed for 10 years
Authors: Maita Hiroki , Kobayashi Tadashi , Akimoto Takashi , Osawa Hiroshi , Kato Hiroyuki
Published: March 2020

A 35‐year‐old woman presented with recurrent vertigo without headache, which had persisted for 10 years. Detailed medical history revealed that she experienced hearing loss, tinnitus, nausea, photophobia, phonophobia, and slight discomfort in the head during vertigo attacks, which often led to absence from work. Based on the diagnostic criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition, she was diagnosed with vestibular migraine and was prescribed lomerizine, as prophylaxis. Her symptoms markedly improved, enabling her to go to work. Accurate diagnosis and treatment are important for improving the quality of life of patients, since vestibular migraine is commonly underdiagnosed.
Clinical features of chronic hepatitis B patients with low hepatitis B surface antigen levels and determinants of hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance
Authors: Taniguchi Hideaki , Iwasaki Yoshiaki , Aimi Masahito , Shimazaki Gaku , Moriya Akio
Published: March 2020

Background and Aim

A low hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level is reported to be predictive of future HBsAg seroclearance. A hospital‐based cohort study was conducted to clarify the clinical features of patients with low HBsAg levels and to demonstrate the usefulness of low HBsAg levels for predicting HBsAg seroclearance.

Methods

A total of 1459 patients with chronic hepatitis B were included in the study. Of these, 587 had repeated measurements for HBsAg levels and two or more records of HBsAg‐positive results. HBsAg levels were measured with a commercially available HBsAg assay. Based on a cut‐off index (COI) of 2000, a high HBsAg level was defined as HBsAg ≥2000 COI, and a low HBsAg level was defined as HBsAg <2000 COI.

Results

The proportion of patients with low HBsAg levels at baseline tended to increase with age. Patients with low HBsAg levels at baseline had significantly older age, lower transaminase levels, and lower hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels than those with high HBsAg levels. The annual HBsAg seroclearance rate was 1.30%/year. The cumulative incidences of HBsAg seroclearance differed significantly by HBsAg level at baseline (<2000 vs ≥2000 COI), age (≥50 vs <50 years), and HBV DNA level (<4.0 vs ≥4.0 log copies/mL). Cox proportional hazards regression analyses showed that low HBsAg level (<2000 COI) and low HBV DNA level (<4.0 log copies/mL) were significantly associated with HBsAg seroclearance.

Conclusion

Aging was one of the factors affecting HBsAg level. HBsAg seroclearance was significantly associated with low HBsAg level and low HBV DNA level at baseline.
Prediction of complexity and complications of laparoscopic liver surgery: The comparison of the Halls‐score to the IWATE‐score in 100 consecutive laparoscopic liver resections
Authors: Tripke Verena , Huber Tobias , Mittler Jens , Lang Hauke , Heinrich Stefan
Published: March 2020

Background

The development of laparoscopic liver surgery is slower than in other disciplines. Two different scoring systems have been proposed to estimate difficulty of laparoscopic liver resections (LLR) preoperatively. The aim of this analysis was to compare these two scores in an independent patient cohort regarding the predictability of morbidity.

Methods

All LLRs performed between 01/2011 until 01/2019 were identified from our prospective institutional database. Patient characteristics as well as intra‐ and postoperative data were analyzed. Postoperative complications were graded according to Dindo‐Clavien classification. Difficulty of LLR was classified using IWATE‐ and Halls‐score.

Results

We identified 100 LLR, of which 13 were performed in liver cirrhosis. Conversion rate was 4%, postoperative complications (≥°III) occurred in 10% of the patients, and two patients died within 90 days. Higher difficulty levels were associated with higher intraoperative blood loss (P < .001 and P = .002), longer duration of surgery (both P < .001) and hospital stay (P = .012 and P = .033) for the Halls‐ and IWATE‐scores, respectively. ROC curve analysis revealed better performance for the Halls‐ than for the IWATE‐score regarding morbidity as well as for mortality.

Conclusions

The IWATE‐ and the Halls‐score correlate well with postoperative morbidity. The Halls‐score predicted postoperative morbidity and mortality slightly better than the IWATE‐score.
How do the questions asked affect suspects' perceptions of the interviewer's prior knowledge?
Authors: Srivatsav Meghana , Luke Timothy J. , Granhag Pär Anders , Vrij Aldert
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to understand if guilty suspects' perceptions regarding the prior information or evidence held by the interviewer against the suspect could be influenced through the content of the investigative questions. To test this idea, we explored three question‐phrasing factors that we labeled as topic discussion (if a specific crime‐related topic was discussed or not), specificity (different levels of crime‐related details included in the questions), and stressor (emphasis on the importance of the specific crime‐related detail in the questions). The three factors were chosen based on relevance theory, a psycholinguistic theory that explores how people draw inferences from the communicated content. Participants (N = 370) assumed the role of the suspect and read a crime narrative and an interview transcript based on the suspect's activities. After reading the narrative and the transcripts, participants responded to scales that measured their perception of interviewer's prior knowledge (perceived interviewer knowledge [PIK]) regarding the suspects' role in the crime, based on the questions posed by the interviewer in the transcripts. Of the three factors tested, we found that questioning about a specific crime‐related topic (topic discussion) increased their PIK. This study is the first to explore the underlying mechanisms of how suspects draw inferences regarding the interviewer's prior knowledge through the content of the investigative questions adopting concepts of psycholinguistic theory.
Significance and roles of synonymous codon usage in the evolutionary process of Proteus
Authors: Jin Li , Gao Han , Cao Xiaoan , Han Shengyi , Xu Long , Ma Zhongren , Shang Youjun , Ma Xiao‐xia
Published: March 2020

Proteus spp. bacteria frequently serve as opportunistic pathogens that can infect many animals and show positive survival and existence in various natural environments. The evolutionary pattern of Proteus spp. is an unknown topic, which benefits understanding the different evolutionary dynamics for excellent bacterial adaptation to various environments. Here, the eight whole genomes of different Proteus species were analyzed for the interplay between nucleotide usage and synonymous codon usage. Although the orthologous average nucleotide identity and average nucleotide identity display the genetic diversity of these Proteus species at the genome level, the principal component analysis further shows that these species sustain the specific genetic niche at the aspect of synonymous codon usage patterns. Interestingly, although these Proteus species have A/T rich genes with underrepresented G (guanine) or C (cytosine) at the third codon positions and overrepresented A or T at these positions, some synonymous codons with A or T end are obviously suppressed in usage. The overall codon usage pattern reflected by the effective number of codons (ENC) has a significantly positive correlation with GC3 content (GC content at the third codon position), and ENC has a significantly negative correlation with the adaptation index for these species. These results suggest that the mutation pressure caused by nucleotide composition constraint serves as a dominant evolutionary dynamic driving evolutionary trend of Proteus spp., along with other selections related to natural selection, replication and fine‐tune translation, and so on. Taken together, the analyses help to understand the evolutionary interplay between nucleotide and codon usage at the gene level of Proteus.
Inter‐segmental foot kinematics during gait in elderly females according to the severity of hallux valgus
Authors: Kim Eo Jin , Shin Hyuck Soo , Takatori Naoko , Yoo Hyo Jeong , Cho Yun Jae , Yoo Won Joon , Lee Dong Yeon
Published: March 2020

The objective of this study was to find the effect of hallux valgus (HV) deformity on the inter‐segmental motion of the foot using an MFM with a 15‐marker set (DuPont Foot Model, DuFM) in comparison with age and sex controlled healthy adults. Fifty‐eight female symptomatic HV patients and 50 female asymptomatic older female volunteers were included in this study. According to the radiographic hallux valgus angle (HVA), the study population was divided into severe HV (SHV, HVA ≥ 40°, n = 25), moderate HV (MHV, 20° ≤ HVA < 40°, n = 47), and control (CON, n = 36). MHV group was divided into symptomatic MHV group (S‐MHV, n = 33) and asymptomatic MHV group (A‐MHV, n = 14) according to the symptoms associated with HV. For temporal parameters, gait speed and stride length were diminished according to the severity of HV deformity. Sagittal range of motion of hallux and hindfoot decreased significantly in SHV group. Loss of push‐off during the preswing phase was observed and forefoot adduction motion during terminal stance was decreased in SHV group. In a subgroup analysis of MHV, asymptomatic HV minimally affects gait and inter‐segmental motion during gait. HV deformity affects gait parameters and inter‐segmental motion of the foot during gait in proportion to the severity of the deformity. However, the effect of MHV itself on foot kinematics might be limited while pain or arthritic change of the joint might cause changes in gait in patients with symptomatic HV.
Fracture risk assessment and clinical decision making for patients with metastatic bone disease
Authors: Damron Timothy A. , Mann Kenneth A.
Published: March 2020

Metastatic breast, prostate, lung, and other cancers often affect bone, causing pain, increasing fracture risk, and decreasing function. Management of metastatic bone disease (MBD) is clinically challenging when there is potential but uncertain risk of pathological fracture. Management of MBD has become a major focus within orthopedic oncology with respect to fracture and impending fracture care. If impending skeletal‐related events (SREs), particularly pathologic fracture, could be predicted, increasing evidence suggests that prophylactic surgical treatment improves patient outcomes. However, current fracture risk assessment and radiographic metrics do not have high accuracy and have not been combined with relevant patient survival tools. This review first explores the prevalence, incidence, and morbidity of MBD and associated SREs for different cancer types. Strengths and limitations of current fracture risk scoring systems for spinal stability and long bone fracture are highlighted. More recent computed tomography (CT)‐based structural rigidity analysis (CTRA) and finite element (FE) analysis methods offer advantages of increased specificity (true negative rate), but are limited in availability. Other fracture prediction approaches including parametric response mapping and positron emission tomography/computed tomography measures show early promise. Substantial new information to inform clinical decision‐making includes measures of survival, clinical benefits, and economic analysis of prophylactic treatment compared to after‐fracture stabilization. Areas of future research include use of big data and machine learning to predict SREs, greater access and refinement of CTRA/FE approaches, combination of clinical survival prediction tools with radiographically based fracture risk assessment, and net benefit analysis for fracture risk assessment and prophylactic treatment.
Determination of skin penetration profiles by confocal Raman microspectroscopy: Evaluation of interindividual variability and interlab comparability
Authors: Binder Lisa , Valenta Claudia , Lunter Dominique
Published: March 2020

Confocal Raman microspectroscopy is being increasingly used to investigate the skin penetration of actives and excipients. The aim of the present study was to compare results obtained with skin from different donors, acquired with two Raman systems: the RiverD gen2 Skin Composition Analyzer and the WiTec alpha 500 instrument. To elucidate the interindividual variability between the skin donors and to find out whether the two systems would give similar results in skin penetration analysis, we compared the penetration of the model drug procaine from hydrogel formulations with or without the penetration enhancer POE‐23‐lauryl ether. Penetration was investigated with both systems on skin from three different skin donors, each. Penetration plots were prepared by plotting the signal intensity of a typical peak of procaine against the skin depth. We then calculated the enhancement ratio from the areas under the curves of the penetration plots of procaine that had penetrated from the formulation with or without the enhancer. They ranged between 2.0 and 3.1 for the WiTec system and between 2.1 and 3.1 for the RiverD system. Thus, we found that both systems provide similar estimations of the skin penetration of procaine.
Self‐Diverting Acid System with Retarding Function for Heterogeneous Carbonate Reservoirs Stimulation
Authors: Mao Jincheng , Wang Chen , Yang Xiaojiang , Zhang Heng , Zhang Wenlong , Zhang Chong , Lin Chong
Published: March 2020

Matrix acidization, an important technology for reservoir stimulation, has encountered challenges regarding heterogeneity. In addition to not achieving desired results, conventional acidization makes reservoir heterogeneity more prominent. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a surfactant‐based functional acid system for uniform acidization in carbonate reservoirs. The two surfactants used in such acid systems are industrial initial products, which can be converted to a hydrochloride surfactant in hydrochloric acid. The conversion alters viscosity in reaction processes and can slow down reaction rates to allow for deeper rock penetration while at the same time forcing fresh acid into the untreated areas. The acid system can enhance well production considerably. It was found that the surfactant solution exhibited a relatively high viscosity at 90°C and is conducive to acid diverting. The retarding rate of the acid system was found to be up to 48%, allowing for deeper penetration. Parallel core flood testing indicates that the acid system exhibits superior diverting performance when compared to regular acid at 20 wt% HCl.
Effect of Harvest on a Brown Bear Population in Alaska
Authors: Brockman Chris , Guttery Michael R. , Dale Bruce W. , Schwanke Rebecca A. , Tobey Robert W. , Koons David N.
Published: March 2020

There is a long and contentious history of brown bear (Ursus arctos) harvest management in Alaska, USA, the state that hosts the largest brown bear population in North America. In the mid‐1990s, the Alaska Board of Game set the population objective for brown bears in Game Management Unit 13 A, located in interior southcentral Alaska, to be reduced by 50% to improve survival of moose (Alces alces) calves. The Board began further liberalizing brown bear harvest regulations for the unit beginning in regulatory year 1995, though adult females and their dependent offspring (i.e., cubs <2 yrs old) were protected. To evaluate progress toward this abundance objective, we captured and collared bears between 2006 and 2011 and conducted a capture‐mark‐resight density survey during summer 2011 for comparison to a similar baseline survey conducted in 1998. We report the results of the density survey and vital rates estimated from resight histories of collared bears and harvest information spanning from 1985 (10 years before establishment of the population objective) to 2012. There was a 25–40% reduction in abundance between 1998 and 2011. Population growth rates derived from density estimates and a matrix population projection model indicated that the population declined by 2.3–4.2% annually. We estimated harvest rates to be 8–15% annually, but harvest composition data indicated no changes in skull size, age distribution, or overall sex ratio. There was evidence of an increase in the proportion of older females in the harvest. Demographic analysis indicated high reproductive output and recruitment, potentially indicating a density‐dependent compensatory response to reduced population size. Despite 13 years of harvest rates in excess of what had previously been considered to be sustainable for this population, the objective of reducing bear abundance by 50% had not been achieved as of 2011. The protection of females and dependent offspring in our study population appears to be a sufficient safeguard against a precipitous population decline while still permitting progress toward the population objective through high harvest on other segments of the population. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
The vulnerability of calcareous soils exposed to Mg‐enriched irrigation water
Authors: Abdollahpour Mostafa , Rahnemaie Rasoul , Lützenkirchen Johannes
Published: March 2020

Due to imbalanced groundwater withdrawal, Mg concentration has relatively increased in the majority of irrigation waters in arid and semiarid regions, which may negatively affect soil properties and productivity. Therefore, this study was aimed at understanding to what extent varying Ca to Mg ratios in the calcareous soil solution alter the ratio on the exchangeable sites. To do so, four calcareous soils were equilibrated with eight Ca to Mg ratios and then the relative adsorption of Ca and Mg ions on the exchangeable sites and the CEC of soil samples were measured using a modified silver‐thiourea method. To quantitatively explain our observations, we used the Gaines–Thomas equation, and its parameters were independently derived from the dissolution/precipitation reactions of carbonate minerals. Our results showed that among Ca and Mg, the one that had the lowest concentration in the soil solution was preferably adsorbed at exchangeable sites. The modeling results indicated that Ca and Mg ions are adsorbed with wide ranges of adsorption energies, which on the macroscopic scale are interpreted as ion preference. Ion pair formation of Ca and Mg with Cl in the soil solution had no significant effect on their surface reactions. In addition, modeling indicated that at high Ca or Mg concentration, the surface species stoichiometry may gradually change from bidentate to monodentate to accommodate more ions. Thus, it can be concluded that by application of Mg‐enriched irrigation water the risk for Mg accumulation in calcareous soils is highly increased which in turn increases the risk for soil degradation and indirectly for soil sodification.
Grazing significantly increases root shoot ratio but decreases soil organic carbon in Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau grasslands: A hierarchical meta‐analysis
Authors: Yan Liang , Li Yong , Wang Li , Zhang Xiaodong , Wang Jinzhi , Wu Haidong , Yan Zhongqing , Zhang Kerou , Kang Xiaoming
Published: March 2020

The Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau (QTP) is the most expansive area of alpine grasslands worldwide, which have been grazed for thousands of years. Distinct environmental conditions render QTP grasslands vulnerable to disturbances. Intensified grazing in the area has led to its degradation in recent decades. However, the effects of grazing on grassland production, soil carbon, and nitrogen contents, their relationships and the factors influencing the grasslands of QTP have yet to be determined. In this study, we evaluated the effect of grazing by using a hierarchical meta‐analysis, and explored relation of response variables by structural equation modeling. In all, grazing significantly decreased the aboveground biomass (−38%), total biomass (TB) (−14%), litter (−63%), soil organic carbon (SOC) (−20%), and total nitrogen (TN) (−15%). The root shoot ratio was increased (75%). Grazing intensity exerted significant effects, and mean annual temperature and altitude influenced the responses to a certain degree. Specifically, the response of the root shoot ratio, which can affect the responses of SOC and TN, was significantly higher in the QTP grasslands. Our findings elucidated the response patterns, specialties, relationships, and factors influencing the QTP grasslands, which need to be considered in the development of process‐based models and the sustainable use of alpine grasslands on QTP in the future.