bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association of body mass index and severe early childhood caries in young children in Winnipeg, Manitoba: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kennedy Tara , Rodd Celia , Daymont Carrie , Grant Cameron G. , Mittermuller Betty‐Anne , Pierce Andrew , Moffatt Michael E. K. , Schroth Robert J.
Published: February 2020

Background

Associations between body mass index (BMI) and caries have been reported.

Aim

To evaluate the direction of the relationship between BMI and severe early childhood caries (S‐ECC).

Design

Children were recruited as part of a larger prospective cohort study assessing changes in nutritional status following dental rehabilitation under general anaesthetic. Pre‐operative anthropometric measurements were used to calculate BMI z‐scores (BMIz). Operative reports were reviewed to calculate caries scores based on treatment rendered. Analysis included descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and simple and multiple linear regression.

Results

Overall, 150 children were recruited with a mean age of 47.7 ± 14.2 (SD) months; 52% female. Over 42% were at risk for overweight, overweight or obese. Although simple linear regression demonstrated a significant positive association between dmfs score and BMIz, adjusted multiple linear regression found no significant relationship between BMIz and dmfs, but highlighted a relationship between BMI z‐score and family income, Registered First Nations Status and physical activity.

Conclusions

Although a significant relationship between BMI and S‐ECC was not found, poverty was a key confounding variable. As both S‐ECC and obesity are known predictors of future disease, it is important for healthcare professionals to identify children at risk. Diet and behaviour modification may play a role in disease prevention.
The effect of caregiver's and nurse's perception of a patient's discharge readiness on postdischarge medical resource consumption
Authors: Shih Tsung‐Ying , Lin Li‐Chan , Wu Shiao‐Chi , Yang Man‐Hua
Published: February 2020

Aims

The purpose of this study was to validate patient's primary caregiver and their nurse's perception of patient discharge readiness assessment and their association with postdischarge medical consumption.

Design

The study employed a descriptive research, prospective longitudinal study design.

Method

The study was performed in a ward of a medical centre in Taipei, Taiwan, from June 2017–May 2018. Obtained data were analysed using an independent t test, one‐way ANOVA and logistic regression approach.

Results/findings

The number of comorbidities and the number of days of hospital stay were positively associated with post discharge emergency room visits. Caregiver readiness for hospital discharge had significant negative correlation with patient's 30‐day readmission. Both caregiver and nurse readiness for the hospital discharge scale score were not factors associated with the patients' 30‐day emergency room visit.

Conclusion

Based on the research findings, to assess the discharge readiness as perceived by caregivers at patients' discharge is recommended.

Impact

Caregiver and nurse scores on readiness for hospital discharge showed a significant positive correlation. The higher the score of a caregiver's readiness for a patient's hospital discharge, the lower the 30‐day readmission rate. Family‐centred care enables patients to safely pass though the transition phase from hospital to community and reduces the postrelease consumption of medical resources. The discharge readiness perceived by caregivers should be included in any decision‐making.
Prognostic value of arterial stiffness measurements in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and its complications: The potential role of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors
Authors: Patoulias Dimitrios , Papadopoulos Christodoulos , Stavropoulos Konstantinos , Zografou Ioanna , Doumas Michael , Karagiannis Asterios
Published: February 2020

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) constitutes a global pandemic, representing the 7th cause of death worldwide. Morbidity and mortality of patients with T2DM are gradually increasing, while prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among these patients is almost 14% greater compared to the general population. Arterial stiffness is nowadays a valuable biomarker of CVD and a promising treatment target in specific patient groups, including those suffering from T2DM. Despite that fact, design of the available studies cannot prove causal relationship. Recently, a new antidiabetic drug class, namely sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors, has attracted scientific interest, due to their multiple, beneficial, pleiotropic effects, especially those focused on CVD. There is limited relevant literature concerning the effects of SGLT‐2 inhibitors on arterial stiffness, while retrieved results might be considered as conflicting. The aim of the present review article is to summarize acquired knowledge regarding the prognostic role of arterial stiffness in T2DM, along with the presentation of retrieved data on the potential role of SGLT‐2 inhibitors.
Respirometer in a box: development and use of a portable field respirometer for estimating oxygen consumption of large‐bodied fishes
Authors: Byrnes Evan E. , Lear Karissa O. , Morgan David L. , Gleiss Adrian C.
Published: February 2020

This study developed a portable, low‐cost field respirometer for measuring oxygen consumption rates of large‐bodied fishes. The respirometer performed well in laboratory tests and was used to measure the oxygen consumption rates (
O2) of bull sharks Carcharhinus leucas (mean: 249.21 ± 58.10 mg O2 kg−1 h−1 at 27.05°C). Interspecific comparisons and assessments of oxygen degradation curves indicated that the respirometer provided reliable measurements of
O2. This system presents a field‐based alternative to laboratory respirometers, opening opportunities for studies on species in remote localities, increasing the ability to validate physiological field studies.
Molecular characterization of three caspases from Bostrychus sinensis and their transcriptional responses to bacteria and viruses
Authors: Ding Yuehan , Wei Ke , Yang Xiao , Jing Fei , Shen Bin , Zhang Jianshe
Published: February 2020

The caspase family proteins are aspartate‐specific cysteine proteases that transmit extracellular signals to cells, ultimately cause apoptosis and therefore play a key role in cellular immunity. In this study, we cloned and characterized three caspases from Chinese black sleeper (Bostrychus sinensis), Bscasp‐1, Bscasp‐8 and Bscasp‐9. Real‐time PCR analysis showed that Bscasp‐1, Bscasp‐8 and Bscasp‐9 were universally expressed in all tested tissues of B. sinensis. Expression analyses showed that after poly(I:C) stimulation and bacterial (Vibrio parahaemolyticus) infection, the three caspases were significantly upregulated. After poly(I:C) stimulation, the change of Bscasp‐1 expression in the head kidney was the most obvious; peak expression was about 80.78‐fold more than that of the control. In addition, the expression of Bscasp‐8 and Bscasp‐9 in the peripheral blood and liver was 167.99‐ and 17.98‐fold higher than that in the control group, respectively. After V. parahaemolyticus infection, the expression peaks of Bscasp‐1 and Bscasp‐8 in the peripheral blood and spleen were 85.82‐fold and 280.83‐fold that of the control. However, the expression of Bscasp‐9 in the peripheral blood was upregulated only 8.33‐fold higher than that in the control group. These results indicate that Bscasp‐1, Bscasp‐8 and Bscasp‐9 are likely involved in response to viral and bacterial infection.
Prevalent Statin Use in Long‐Stay Nursing Home Residents with Life‐Limiting Illness
Authors: Mack Deborah S. , Tjia Jennifer , Hume Anne L. , Lapane Kate L.
Published: February 2020

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with statin pharmacotherapy in long‐stay nursing home residents with life‐limiting illness.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional.

SETTING

US Medicare‐ and Medicaid‐certified nursing home facilities.

PARTICIPANTS

Long‐stay nursing home resident Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries aged 65 years or older with life‐limiting illness (n = 424 212).

MEASUREMENTS

Prevalent statin use was estimated as any low‐moderate intensity (daily dose low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol [LDL‐C] reduction <30%‐50%) and high‐intensity (daily dose LDL‐C reduction >50%) use via Medicare Part D claims for a prescription supply on September 30, 2016, with a 90‐day look‐back period. Life‐limiting illness was operationally defined to capture those near the end of life using evidence‐based criteria to identify progressive terminal conditions or limited prognoses (<6 mo). Poisson models provided estimates of adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals for resident factors.

RESULTS

A total of 34% of residents with life‐limiting illness were prescribed statins (65‐75 y = 44.0%, high intensity = 11.1%; >75 y = 31.1%, high intensity = 5.4%). Prevalence of statins varied by life‐limiting illness definition. Of those with a prognosis of less than 6 months, 23% of the 65 to 75 and 12% of the older than 75 age groups were on statins. Factors positively associated with statin use included minority race or ethnicity, use of more than five concurrent medications, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Despite having a life‐limiting illness, more than one‐third of clinically compromised long‐stay nursing home residents remain on statins. Although recent national guidelines have expanded indications for statins, the benefit of continued therapy in an advanced age population near the end of life is questionable. Efforts to deprescribe statins in the nursing home setting may be warranted. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:708–716, 2020
A stereological study of developmental changes in hepatocyte ultrastructure of zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Zielińska Katarzyna Anna , Grealy Maura , Dockery Peter
Published: February 2020

Histopathology can reveal toxicant‐induced changes in the structure of a tissue or organ. A prerequisite for histopathological studies is a sound knowledge of the morphology of the anatomical structure in the normal or healthy state. Zebrafish larvae can provide a tool for studies focused on hepatotoxicity at early stages of development; therefore, the fine structure of the organ should be well characterised. To date, liver structure at 72 and 120 hr post‐fertilisation (hpf) has not been reported in detail and this study aimed to fill this scientific gap. A stereological approach allowed for quantitative description of the liver and revealed ultrastructural alterations occurring with time of development. These included a significant increase in the absolute volume of hepatocytes, mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) during the period of study. The surface area of rER, and of outer and inner mitochondrial membranes also increased. There was no change in the absolute volume of the nuclei. This study provides a quantitative spatial and temporal framework for future research aiming to detect early developmental changes in the liver.
Patient‐based experiences with the use of an ambulatory electromyographic device for the assessment of masticatory muscle activity during sleep
Authors: Thymi Magdalini , Verhoeff Merel C. , Visscher Corine M. , Lobbezoo Frank
Published: February 2020

Background

It is important to know how easy or difficult it is to use an ambulatory electromyographic (EMG) device for sleep bruxism assessment, and how this might affect its future utilisation.

Objective

To explore the experience of individuals using an EMG device that pairs with a smartphone app, in order to detect factors that could facilitate and/or hamper its utilisation in future scientific research.

Methods

Fifteen adults were recruited in the Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction Clinic of the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA). Overnight recordings were performed in the home setting during one week. Time investment, feelings and thoughts, encountered difficulties and reasons for not using the device were assessed in a diary through open‐ended questions and 5‐point Likert scales. Content analysis of textual data was performed, and descriptives of quantitative data were calculated.

Results

Time investment was low (mean 10.2 minutes in the clinic, and 1.9 minutes per recording at home). Quantitative data showed an overall good experience (median of 4). Qualitative diary data showed that the desire to gain insight into one's masticatory muscle activity formed the main motivation to use the device. Device detachment and difficulty in using the app were the most prominent negative experiences.

Conclusion

The EMG device was well accepted for multiple overnight recordings. Curiosity for gaining insight into muscle activity was the most important factor that facilitated its use, and the app addressed this need. Device detachment and difficulties in using the app were the main factors that hampered its use.
Hepatitis B reactivation after kidney transplantation in hepatitis B surface antigen‐negative, core antibody‐positive recipients
Authors: Kim Jihye , Chung Se Jin , Sinn Dong Hyun , Lee Kyo Won , Park Jae Berm , Huh Wooseong , Lee Jung Eun , Jang Hye Ryoun , Kang Wonseok , Gwak Geum‐Youn , Paik Yong‐Han , Choi Moon Seok , Lee Joon Hyeok , Koh Kwang Cheol , Paik Seung Woon
Published: February 2020

Nowadays, intensive immunosuppressive therapy including rituximab is commonly used prior to kidney transplantation (KT), raising concerns over hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation among hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐negative and anti‐hepatitis B core (HBc)‐positive KT recipients. Recent practice guidelines suggested watchful monitoring or antiviral prophylaxis for the first 6‐12 months, the period of maximal immunosuppression. However, the actual risk for HBV reactivation, and whether short‐term antiviral therapy in the early period is necessary, remains unclear. A total of 449 HBsAg‐negative and anti‐HBc‐positive KT recipients were analysed for HBV reactivation. During a median follow‐up of 6.7 (interquartile range: 4.2‐9.4) years, HBV reactivation was observed in 9 patients (2.0%). The median time of HBV reactivation from KT was 2.8 years (range: 1.4‐11.5 years), with cumulative incidence rates of 0%, 1% and 2% for 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. There were no severe adverse outcomes, including liver transplantation or mortality related to HBV reactivation. The risk of HBV reactivation was not high, even in anti‐HBs‐negative patients (n = 60, 4% at 5 years), ABO mismatch (n = 92, 4% at 5 years), use of rituximab (n = 66, 3% at 5 years) or plasmapheresis (n = 17, 7% at 5 years), and acute rejection (n = 169, 3% at 5 years). In conclusion, the HBV reactivation risk was not high and the time of detection was not clustered in the early post‐KT period. Our findings favour continued watchful monitoring over antiviral prophylaxis in the early period.
Topsoil disturbance reshapes diaspore interactions with ground‐foraging animals in a megadiverse grassland
Authors: Arruda Andre J. , Costa Fernanda V. , Guerra Tadeu J. , Junqueira Patrícia A. , Dayrell Roberta L. C. , Messeder João V. S. , Rodrigues Hanna T. S. , Buisson Elise , Silveira Fernando A. O.
Published: February 2020

Questions

Anthropogenic disturbances are known to be followed by extremely poor recovery in edaphic grasslands. However, the role of interactions with diaspore predators and secondary dispersers, which compose the dispersal filter and modulate plant community recovery, has been overlooked. We performed field experiments to investigate how soil disturbances affect diaspore interactions with the ground‐foraging fauna to better understand how disturbance influences regeneration potential.

Location

Campo rupestre vegetation, megadiverse edaphic grasslands, southeastern Brazil.

Methods

We used diaspores from five native species to compare removal rates between disturbed (top soil removal) and preserved sites; we also controlled invertebrate and vertebrate access to determine their role. In addition, we assessed differences in the diaspore removal effectiveness (DRE) and the structure of animal–diaspore interactions through network based‐approach.

Results

For three species, the average diaspore removal rates was relatively high (between 30% and 70%). Invertebrates were the most common removal agents in both disturbed and preserved sites. Interactions with foraging fauna and removal rates were 20% smaller in disturbed sites. Considering all diaspore removal events in disturbed sites, 24% resulted in the displacement from disturbed to preserved sites, but no diaspore was transported from preserved to disturbed ones. The animal–diaspore network was exclusively composed by ant–diaspore interactions and was more diverse and robust in preserved sites compared with disturbed ones. Seed predator ants (Pheidole and Dorymyrmex) were more common in disturbed sites. Furthermore, significant differences were found in the DRE between ant species and site types, suggesting specificity in the provision of dispersal services.

Conclusions

Topsoil removal affected removal proportions, DRE and ant–diaspore interaction network structure. The lack of diaspore dispersal towards disturbed sites indicates that soil removal affects secondary seed removal dynamics, impeding recovery potential. Disturbance negatively affected diaspore fate by reshaping interactions with ground‐foraging secondary seed dispersers and predators, constraining the development of seed bank and thus impacting upon vegetation dynamics and resilience.
Invited Review: Epigenetics in neurodevelopment
Authors: Salinas R.D. , Connolly D. R. , Song H.
Published: February 2020

Neural development requires the orchestration of dynamic changes in gene expression to regulate cell fate decisions. This regulation is heavily influenced by epigenetics, heritable changes in gene expression not directly explained by genomic information alone. An understanding of the complexity of epigenetic regulation is rapidly emerging through the development of novel technologies that can assay various features of epigenetics and gene regulation. Here, we provide a broad overview of several commonly investigated modes of epigenetic regulation, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, noncoding RNAs, as well as epitranscriptomics that describe modifications of RNA, in neurodevelopment and diseases. Rather than functioning in isolation, it is being increasingly appreciated that these various modes of gene regulation are dynamically interactive and coordinate the complex nature of neurodevelopment along multiple axes. Future work investigating these interactions will likely utilize ‘multi‐omic’ strategies that assay cell fate dynamics in a high‐dimensional and high‐throughput fashion. Novel human neurodevelopmental models including iPSC and cerebral organoid systems may provide further insight into human‐specific features of neurodevelopment and diseases.
The painful tooth: mechanisms, presentation and differential diagnosis of odontogenic pain
Authors: Allison J. R. , Stone S. J. , Pigg M.
Published: February 2020

Pain arising for the teeth and supporting structures is a very common complaint, affecting around 9% of adults in the UK, and it can sometimes be difficult to determine the exact cause. In this narrative review, we explore the underlying neurophysiology of odontogenic pain and describe the relevance of this to clinical practise. We discuss characteristic features of pain arising from the various dentoalveolar structures and common oral disorders, and consider that non‐odontogenic pain may occasionally present as toothache. As well as describing current approaches to reaching a reliable diagnosis, we also discuss some innovative techniques and potential future developments in this area.
Retrospective review of drug‐induced Stevens‐Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis cases at a pediatric tertiary care institution
Authors: Sibbald Cathryn , Putterman Elana , Micheletti Robert , Treat James , Castelo‐Soccio Leslie
Published: February 2020

Background/Objectives

Stevens‐Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis represent important sources of potential mortality and morbidity in children. There is a need for more clinical data in this population to determine whether specific treatments preferentially improve outcomes.

Methods

This was a single‐center retrospective review of children admitted with drug‐induced Stevens‐Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis or Stevens‐Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap at a tertiary care pediatric institution in North America from 2008 to 2018. Patients without a dermatology assessment and diagnosis were excluded. Demographic, clinical, and treatment information were abstracted and reviewed for all included patients.

Results

Sixteen patients were identified, 43% female (7/16), with a mean age at presentation of 10.4 ± 5.2 years. Antibiotics were implicated in 56.3% of patients (9/16) and anticonvulsants in 31.3% (5/16). Sulfamethoxazole‐trimethoprim was the triggering antibiotic in 31.3% of patients. The majority of patients were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin alone (50%, 8/16) or intravenous immunoglobulin with steroids (25%, 4/16). Etanercept was added to intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroid in a 2‐year‐old patient, resulting in clinical stabilization and halting of epidermolysis. No patients died. Clinical sequelae were noted in five patients, including ocular complications (n = 4), labial adhesions (n = 1), and persistent skin dyspigmentation (n = 3).

Conclusions

Our results highlight that sulfamethoxazole‐trimethoprim is an important cause of Stevens‐Johnson syndrome‐toxic epidermal necrolysis in children. Mortality was reassuringly low, but ocular sequelae were an important cause of morbidity. More data are needed to help determine whether specific treatments including etanercept may provide mortality or morbidity benefit in pediatric populations.
Pathotype diversification in the invasive PstS2 clonal lineage of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici causing yellow rust on durum and bread wheat in Lebanon and Syria in 2010–2011
Authors: El Amil Rola , Ali Sajid , Bahri Bochra , Leconte Marc , de Vallavieille‐Pope Claude , Nazari Kumarse
Published: February 2020

Yellow rust is the major wheat disease in central West Asia and North Africa. Recently, severe epidemics have occurred, with major yield losses in 2010–2011 in Lebanon and Syria. We conducted an extensive field survey, with a collection of 273 samples of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, to explore the origin of these epidemics. All samples were genotyped with 20 microsatellite markers, and 54 isolates were pathotyped. The population was dominated by the PstS2 lineage, which has spread worldwide since 2000 and displays considerable pathotype diversity (10 pathotypes). The 22 multilocus genotypes (MLGs) detected corresponded to variants of the clonal lineage PstS2, but they differed from the common PstS2 genotype found in the worldwide study conducted between 1981 and 2010. No strong differentiation was observed between Lebanon and Syria. The dominant MLG in Syria was common to both countries. Nine MLGs were found exclusively in the Syrian population and four were restricted to the Lebanese population, including the dominant MLG in Lebanon. The predominant MLG‐11 was found in nine pathotypes, at high frequency. The dominant pathotype in Syria was virulent against widely deployed resistance genes (Yr2, Yr6, Yr7, Yr9, Yr25, and Yr27); virulence against Yr3, Yr8, Yr17, and YrSP occurred at various frequencies, but Yr1, Yr4, Yr5, Yr10, Yr15, and Yr32 were effective against all isolates. No host effect was detected. The presence of diverse host populations consisting of landraces and elite varieties, and diverse climatic conditions may account for the unexpectedly high diversity of this clonal population.
In vitro development of IVF‐derived bovine embryos following cytoplasmic microinjection for the episomal expression of the IGF2 gene
Authors: Campagnolo Karine , Ledur Ongaratto Felipe , Rodrigues de Freitas Camila , Peña Bello Camilo Andrés , Rodrigues Willhelm Bruna , de Mattos Karine , Rigo Rodrigues José Luiz , Bertolini Marcelo
Published: February 2020

Important genomic imprinting changes usually occur following the in vitro production (IVP) of bovine embryos, especially in the imprinting pattern of components of the IGF system. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a transient episomal overexpression of the IGF2 gene in bovine IVP embryos following embryo cytoplasmic microinjection (CMI) at the 1‐cell stage on embryo survival, early and late developmental kinetics and morphological quality up to Day 7 of development. Selected cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured and fertilized in vitro and subsequently segregated into six experimental groups: non‐CMI control group and five CMI groups at increasing doses (0, 10, 20, 40 and 80 ng/μl) of a GFP vector built for the episomal expression of bovine IGF2. Zygote CMI was effective in delivering the expression vector into the ooplasm, irrespective of the groups, with 58% of positive GFP fluorescence in Day 7 blastocysts. Considering developmental rates and late embryo kinetics, the 10‐ng/μl CMI vector dose promoted a lower blastocyst rate (10.4%), but for blastocysts at more advanced stages of development (93.0% blastocysts and expanded blastocysts), and higher number of cells (116.0 ± 3.0) than non‐CMI controls (23.3%, 75.0% and 75.0 ± 6.8 were obtained, respectively). In conclusion, CMI at the 1‐cell stage did not compromise subsequent in vitro development of surviving embryos, with the 10‐ng/μl group demonstrating a possible growth‐promoting effect of the IGF2 gene on embryo development, from the 1‐cell to the blastocyst stage.
Technological complexity and economic development
Authors: Nepelski Daniel , De Prato Giuditta
Published: February 2020

Although technological complexity seems to be a crucial determinant of economic development, it remains insufficiently explored. Relying on microinformation stored in individual patent applications and by applying the network view of countries linked to the technologies they develop, we create a global technology space and derive complexity measures that position countries in this space. We use then the measures of technological diversification and the ubiquity of technologies present in a country’s technology portfolio as an input to explain the role of technological complexity in countries’ income and economic development. We show that a country’s position in the global technology space affects its level of income and growth. The main channel through which it happens is the exclusiveness and uniqueness of the technological portfolio a country has, as compared to the remaining countries.
Falling through the social safety net? Analysing non‐take‐up of minimum income benefit and monetary social assistance in Austria
Authors: Fuchs Michael , Gasior Katrin , Premrov Tamara , Hollan Katarina , Scoppetta Anette
Published: February 2020

Non‐take‐up of means tested benefits is a widespread phenomenon in European welfare states. The paper assesses whether the reform that replaced the monetary social assistance benefit by the minimum income benefit in Austria in 2010/11 has succeeded in increasing take up rates. We use EU‐SILC register data together with the tax‐benefit microsimulation model EUROMOD/SORESI. The results show that the reform led to a significant decrease of non‐take‐up from 53 to 30% in terms of the number of households and from 51 to 30% in terms of expenditure. Following the three‐t's (threshold, trigger, and trade‐off) introduced by Van Oorschot, estimates of a two‐stage Heckman selection model as well as expert interviews indicate that the taken measures include both threshold and trade‐off characteristics. Elements such as the higher degree of anonymity within the claiming process, the provision of health insurance, binding minimum standards, the limitation of the maintenance obligations, new regulations related to the liquidation of wealth, as well as the general coverage of the benefit reform in the media and in public discussions led to an improved access to the benefit.
Convenience biosensing approach of lactic acid in stratum corneum for skin care assessment
Authors: Mizukoshi Koji , Arakawa Takahiro , Mitsubayashi Kohji
Published: February 2020

Background

Lactic acid in the stratum corneum contributes to skin flexibility, making it a useful indicator of skin conditions. It is this useful to devise a simple technique to measure the lactic acid in the stratum corneum. To this aim, a printed chip biosensor was developed to analyze lactic acid in tape stripped (TS) stratum corneum samples.

Materials and Methods

Lactic acid was extracted from TS stratum corneum samples. A normal lactic acid sensor was prepared by applying lactate oxidase (LOD) to a printed chip. Another lactic acid sensor was prepared using LOD and a mediator osmium polymer immobilized on a printed chip. The amount of lactic acid in the extracted solutions was quantified using either the prepared biosensors or an existing analysis method.

Results

The results measured using the normal lactic acid sensor show low correlation with the results measured using an existing analytical method as a comparison, but those of the mediator osmium lactic acid sensor show high correlation.

Conclusions

The amount of lactic acid in samples extracted from the stratum corneum using a simple TS technique can be simply analyzed with high accuracy using a printed chip biosensor.
Perioperative management of women on oral anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents undergoing gynaecological procedures
Authors: Goh Edwina , Barker Victoria , Lee Pei Ling , Eden Dewi , Davies Omubo , Sahu Banchhita
Published: February 2020

Key content

The number of women attending gynaecological services who are taking oral anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents is increasing.

Direct oral anticoagulants are becoming increasingly popular and offer an alternative to warfarin.

Knowledge of the use of anticoagulants in the perioperative period is imperative to provide optimal care and ensure patient safety.

It is essential that health professionals practising gynaecology, at all levels, keep up to date to reduce unnecessary cancellations, delays in treatment and risks of thrombosis and bleeding.

Learning objectives

To understand the management of women on oral anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents undergoing elective and emergency gynaecological procedures.

To appreciate the importance of assessing patient‐ and procedural‐related risks of thrombosis and bleeding.

To review commonly used anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents.
Divergence of 3′ ends as a driver of short interspersed nuclear element (SINE) evolution in the Salicaceae
Authors: Kögler Anja , Seibt Kathrin M. , Heitkam Tony , Morgenstern Kristin , Reiche Birgit , Brückner Marie , Wolf Heino , Krabel Doris , Schmidt Thomas
Published: February 2020

Short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) are small, non‐autonomous and heterogeneous retrotransposons that are widespread in plants. To explore the amplification dynamics and evolutionary history of SINE populations in representative deciduous tree species, we analyzed the genomes of the six following Salicaceae species: Populus deltoides, Populus euphratica, Populus tremula, Populus tremuloides, Populus trichocarpa, and Salix purpurea. We identified 11 Salicaceae SINE families (SaliS‐I to SaliS‐XI), comprising 27 077 full‐length copies. Most of these families harbor segmental similarities, providing evidence for SINE emergence by reshuffling or heterodimerization. We observed two SINE groups, differing in phylogenetic distribution pattern, similarity and 3′ end structure. These groups probably emerged during the ‘salicoid duplication’ (~65 million years ago) in the Salix–Populus progenitor and during the separation of the genus Salix (45–65 million years ago), respectively. In contrast to conserved 5′ start motifs across species and SINE families, the 3′ ends are highly variable in sequence and length. This extraordinary 3′‐end variability results from mutations in the poly(A) tail, which were fixed by subsequent amplificational bursts. We show that the dissemination of newly evolved 3′ ends is accomplished by a displacement of older motifs, leading to various 3′‐end subpopulations within the SaliS families.
Noninvasive white blood cell quantification in umbilical cord blood collection bags with quantitative oblique back‐illumination microscopy
Authors: Casteleiro Costa Paloma , Ledwig Patrick , Bergquist Austin , Kurtzberg Joanne , Robles Francisco E.
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Umbilical cord blood has become an important source of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells for therapeutic applications. However, cord blood banking (CBB) grapples with issues related to economic viability, partially due to high discard rates of cord blood units (CBUs) that lack sufficient total nucleated cells for storage or therapeutic use. Currently, there are no methods available to assess the likelihood of CBUs meeting storage criteria noninvasively at the collection site, which would improve CBB efficiency and economic viability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To overcome this limitation, we apply a novel label‐free optical imaging method, called quantitative oblique back‐illumination microscopy (qOBM), which yields tomographic phase and absorption contrast to image blood inside collection bags. An automated segmentation algorithm was developed to count white blood cells and red blood cells (RBCs) and assess hematocrit. Fifteen CBUs were measured.

RESULTS

qOBM clearly differentiates between RBCs and nucleated cells. The cell‐counting analysis shows an average error of 13% compared to hematology analysis, with a near‐perfect, one‐to‐one relationship (slope = 0.94) and strong correlation coefficient (r = 0.86). Preliminary results to assess hematocrit also show excellent agreement with expected values. Acquisition times to image a statistically significant number of cells per CBU were approximately 1 minute.

CONCLUSION

qOBM exhibits robust performance for quantifying blood inside collection bags. Because the approach is automated and fast, it can potentially quantify CBUs within minutes of collection, without breaching the CBUs' sterile environment. qOBM can reduce costs in CBB by avoiding processing expenses of CBUs that ultimately do not meet storage criteria.
Automatic Extraction of Engineering Rules From Unstructured Text: A Natural Language Processing Approach
Authors: Ye Xinfeng , Lu Yuqian
Published: February 2020

Manufacturers use cloud manufacturing platforms to offer their services. The literature has suggested a semantic web-based cloud manufacturing framework, in which engineering knowledge is modeled using structured syntax. Translating engineering rules to semantic rules by human is a painstaking task and prone to mistakes. We present a scheme that treats converting engineering knowledge into semantic rules as a machine translation task and uses neural machine translation techniques to carry out the conversion.
Exploring Sample/Feature Hybrid Transfer for Gear Fault Diagnosis Under Varying Working Conditions
Authors: Shen Fei , Langari Reza , Yan Ruqiang
Published: February 2020

Unknown environmental noise and varying operation conditions negatively affect gear fault diagnosis (GFD) performance. In this paper, the sample/feature hybrid transfer learning (TL) strategies are adopted for GFD under varying working conditions, where source working conditions are considered to help the learning of target working conditions. Here, a multiple domains-feature vector is extracted where certain insensitive features offset the adverse effects of varying working conditions on sensitive features, including time domain, frequency domain, noise domain, and torque domain. Before TL, the signed-rank and chi-square test-based similarity estimation frame is adopted to select source data sets, aiming to reduce the possibility of negative transfer. Then, the hybrid transfer model, including the fast TrAdaBoost and partial model-based transfer (PMT) algorithm, is carried out, whose weights are allocated in sample and feature, respectively. Related experiments were conducted on the drivetrain dynamics simulator, which proves that feature transfer is more suitable for low-quality source domains while sample transfer is more suitable for high-quality source domains. Compared with non-transfer strategy, transfer learning is a useful tool to solve a practical GFD problem when facing with multiple working conditions, thus enhancing the universality and application value in fault diagnosis field.
Computational Design and Analysis of a Magic Snake
Authors: Li Zilong , Hou Songming , Bishop Thomas C.
Published: February 2020

The Magic Snake (Rubik’s Snake) is a toy that was invented decades ago. It draws much less attention than Rubik’s Cube, which was invented by the same professor, Erno Rubik. The number of configurations of a Magic Snake, determined by the number of discrete rotations about the elementary wedges in a typical snake, is far less than the possible configurations of a typical cube. However, a cube has only a single three-dimensional (3D) structure while the number of sterically allowed 3D conformations of the snake is unknown. Here, we demonstrate how to represent a Magic Snake as a one-dimensional (1D) sequence that can be converted into a 3D structure. We then provide two strategies for designing Magic Snakes to have specified 3D structures. The first enables the folding of a Magic Snake onto any 3D space curve. The second introduces the idea of “embedding” to expand an existing Magic Snake into a longer, more complex, self-similar Magic Snake. Collectively, these ideas allow us to rapidly list and then compute all possible 3D conformations of a Magic Snake. They also form the basis for multidimensional, multi-scale representations of chain-like structures and other slender bodies including certain types of robots, polymers, proteins, and DNA.
Synthetic approaches for growing zinc sulfide and zinc selenide colloidal nanocrystals
Authors: Munro Andrea M.
Published: February 2020

This review seeks to summarize what is known about the synthesis of colloidal ZnS and ZnSe nanocrystals. A variety of synthetic approaches will be discussed and compared to better understand how the size, shape, and crystal structure of these nanocrystals can be controlled. This review will discuss doped and undoped ZnS and ZnSe nanocrystal spheres and nanorods made using hot injection or heat-up methods. The use of solvent annealing and material diffusion to modify nanocrystal shapes after synthesis will also be discussed. The review will highlight the importance of determining the identities of the reacting species in a given synthesis as well as the role of solvents and ligands to better control the nucleation and growth of zinc chalcogenide nanocrystals.
Big telescopes join the hunt for flashes in the sky
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: February 2020

Automated networks aim to catch "transients" such as comets, supernovae, and colliding neutron stars.
The health carer
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: February 2020

WHO's empathetic head confronts the threat of a new virus—and the tricky diplomacy it brings.
Circadian rhythms in the absence of the clock gene
Bmal1
Authors: Ray Sandipan , Valekunja Utham K. , Stangherlin Alessandra , Howell Steven A. , Snijders Ambrosius P. , Damodaran Gopinath , Reddy Akhilesh B.
Published: February 2020

Redundancy in circadian clocks?

The transcription factor BMAL1 is a core component of the mammalian circadian clock; without it, circadian behaviors are abolished. However, Ray
et al.
found that in animals lacking BMAL1, peripheral tissues synchronized with a brief pulse of the glucocorticoid hormone dexamethasone appear to retain a 24-hour pacemaker that sustains rhythmic gene expression, protein abundance, and protein phosphorylation in excised liver cells and fibroblasts (see the Perspective by Brown and Sato). These oscillations persisted in the absence of cues from changes in light or temperature. The results raise intriguing questions about the possible nature of the oscillator that maintains the observed rhythms.

Science
, this issue p.
800
; see also p.
740
Major role of particle fragmentation in regulating biological sequestration of CO
2
by the oceans
Authors: Briggs Nathan , Dall’Olmo Giorgio , Claustre Hervé
Published: February 2020

Breaking up is easy to do

Sinking particles transport carbon to the seafloor, where they are buried in sediments and either provide food for benthic organisms or sequester the carbon they contain. However, only ∼30% of the maximum flux reaches depths of a kilometer. This loss cannot be fully accounted for by current measurements. Briggs
et al.
used data collected by robotic Biogeochemical-Argo floats to quantify total mesopelagic fragmentation and found that this process accounts for roughly half of the observed flux loss (see the Perspective by Nayak and Twardowski). Fragmentation is thus perhaps the most important process controlling the remineralization of sinking organic carbon.

Science
, this issue p.
791
; see also p.
738
The geology and geophysics of Kuiper Belt object (486958) Arrokoth
Authors: Spencer J. R. , Stern S. A. , Moore J. M. , Weaver H. A. , Singer K. N. , Olkin C. B , Verbiscer A. J. , McKinnon W. B. , Parker J. Wm. , Beyer R. A. , Keane J. T. , Lauer T. R. , Porter S. B. , White O. L. , Buratti B. J. , El-Maarry M. R. , Lisse C. M. , Parker A. H. , Throop H. B. , Robbins S. J. , Umurhan O. M. , Binzel R. P. , Britt D. T. , Buie M. W. , Cheng A. F. , Cruikshank D. P. , Elliott H. A. , Gladstone G. R. , Grundy W. M. , Hill M. E. , Horanyi M. , Jennings D. E. , Kavelaars J. J. , Linscott I. R. , McComas D. J. , McNutt R. L. , Protopapa S. , Reuter D. C. , Schenk P. M. , Showalter M. R. , Young L. A. , Zangari A. M. , Abedin A. Y. , Beddingfield C. B. , Benecchi S. D. , Bernardoni E. , Bierson C. J. , Borncamp D. , Bray V. J. , Chaikin A. L. , Dhingra R. D. , Fuentes C. , Fuse T. , Gay P. L , Gwyn S. D. J. , Hamilton D. P. , Hofgartner J. D. , Holman M. J. , Howard A. D. , Howett C. J. A. , Karoji H. , Kaufmann D. E. , Kinczyk M. , May B. H. , Mountain M. , Pätzold M. , Petit J. M. , Piquette M. R. , Reid I. N. , Reitsema H. J. , Runyon K. D. , Sheppard S. S. , Stansberry J. A. , Stryk T. , Tanga P. , Tholen D. J. , Trilling D. E. , Wasserman L. H.
Published: February 2020

Examining Arrokoth

The New Horizons spacecraft flew past the Kuiper Belt object (486958) Arrokoth (also known as 2014 MU
69
) in January 2019. Because of the great distance to the outer Solar System and limited bandwidth, it will take until late 2020 to downlink all the spacecraft's observations back to Earth. Three papers in this issue analyze recently downlinked data, including the highest-resolution images taken during the encounter (see the Perspective by Jewitt). Spencer
et al.
examined Arrokoth's geology and geophysics using stereo imaging, dated the surface using impact craters, and produced a geomorphological map. Grundy
et al.
investigated the composition of the surface using color imaging and spectroscopic data and assessed Arrokoth's thermal emission using microwave radiometry. McKinnon
et al.
used simulations to determine how Arrokoth formed: Two gravitationally bound objects gently spiraled together during the formation of the Solar System. Together, these papers determine the age, composition, and formation process of the most pristine object yet visited by a spacecraft.

Science
, this issue p.
eaay3999
, p.
eaay3705
, p.
eaay6620
; see also p.
980
Experimental characterization of fragile topology in an acoustic metamaterial
Authors: Peri Valerio , Song Zhi-Da , Serra-Garcia Marc , Engeler Pascal , Queiroz Raquel , Huang Xueqin , Deng Weiyin , Liu Zhengyou , Bernevig B. Andrei , Huber Sebastian D.
Published: February 2020

Understanding fragile topology

Exploiting topological features in materials is being pursued as a route to build in robustness of particular properties. Stemming from crystalline symmetries, such topological protection renders the properties robust against defects and provides a platform of rich physics to be studied. Recent developments have revealed the existence of so-called fragile topological phases, where the means of classification due to symmetry is unclear. Z.-D. Song
et al.
and Peri
et al.
present a combined theoretical and experimental approach to identify, classify, and measure the properties of fragile topological phases. By invoking twisted boundary conditions, they are able to describe the properties of fragile topological states and verify the expected experimental signature in an acoustic crystal. Understanding how fragile topology arises could be used to develop new materials with exotic properties.

Science
, this issue p.
794
, p.
797
Rectifying ionic current with ionoelastomers
Authors: Gao Dace , Lee Pooi See
Published: February 2020

A solvent-free polyanion-polycation heterojunction creates ionic diodes and transistors
Life without ice
Authors: Urban Mark C.
Published: February 2020

For millions of years, Arctic sea ice has expanded and retracted in a rhythmic dance with the summer sun. Humans evolved in this icy world, and civilization relied on it for climatic, ecological, and political stability. But the world creeps ever closer to a future without ice. Last year, new reports documented how record Arctic warmth is rapidly eroding sea ice, and the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change detailed the manifold impacts from declining sea ice in a Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate. As the northern sea ice declines, the world must unite to preserve what remains of the Arctic.
Acidocalcisomes and Polyphosphate Granules Are Different Subcellular Structures in Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: Frank Celina , Jendrossek Dieter
Published: February 2020

The uptake of alphaproteobacterium-like cells by ancestors of eukaryotic cells and subsequent conversion of these alphaproteobacterium-like cells to mitochondria are thought to be key steps in the evolution of the first eukaryotic cells. The identification of acidocalcisomes in two alphaproteobacterial species some years ago and the presence of homologs of the vacuolar proton-translocating pyrophosphatase HppA, a marker protein of the acidocalcisome membrane in eukaryotes, in virtually all species within the alphaproteobacteria suggest that eukaryotic acidocalcisomes might also originate from related structures in ancestors of alphaproteobacterial species. Accordingly, alphaproteobacterial acidocalcisomes and eukaryotic acidocalcisomes should have similar features. Since hardly any information is available on bacterial acidocalcisomes, this study aimed at the characterization of organelle-like structures in alphaproteobacterial cells, with
A. tumefaciens
as an example.
Erupted zircon record of continental crust formation during mantle driven arc flare-ups
Authors: Attia Snir , Cottle John M. , Paterson Scott R.
Published: February 2020

Coupled zircon U-Pb age, trace-element, and Lu-Hf isotope analyses from central Sierra Nevada (eastern California, USA) metavolcanic strata reveal the expression of three Mesozoic arc flare-ups in the volcanic record over ∼150 m.y. of magmatic activity. Zircon εHf(i) values vary up to 20 epsilon units within individual samples and coeval sample populations but show no clear links with other geochemical indices, requiring both mixing and fractionation for arc magma genesis. Zircon compositions show repeated temporal trends across flare-ups: Hf isotopes spanning evolved to juvenile values converge to more juvenile compositions, middle rare earth element (MREE) depletion and heavy REE slopes increase during flare-up main phases, and highly variable U/Yb values converge to low values as flare-ups conclude. Despite pervasive contamination, juvenile source magmas dominate magmas erupted throughout the entirety of high-magma-addition episodes. Arc flare-ups thus represent ∼30 m.y. of increased mantle magma input that represents significant continental crust formation in Cordilleran arcs.