bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recommendations for Systematizing Transplant Education Within a Care Delivery System for Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 3 to 5
Authors: Waterman Amy D. , Lipsey Amanda Faye , Ranasinghe Omesh N. , Wood Emily H. , Anderson Crystal , Bozzolo Carla , Henry Shayna L. , Dub Bhanuja , Mittman Brian
Published: April 2020

Context:

Early tailored transplant education could help patients make informed transplant choices.

Objective:

We interviewed 40 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3 to 5, 13 support persons, and 10 providers at Kaiser Permanente Southern California to understand: (1) barriers to transplant education and (2) transplant educational preferences and recommendations based on CKD stage and primary language spoken.

Design:

A grounded theory analysis identified central themes related to transplant education barriers, preferences, and recommendations.

Results:

Barriers included confusion about diagnosis and when transplant may be necessary, concerns about transplant risks, families’ lack of transplant knowledge, financial burdens, transportation and scheduling, and the emotional overload of chronic illness. Hispanic and Spanish-speaking participants reported difficulty in understanding transplant education and medical mistrust. Recommendations included providing general education, earlier introduction to transplant, wait-listing information, transplant education for support persons, living donation education for patients and potential donors, opportunities to meet living donors and kidney recipients, information on the benefits of transplant, recovery, and available financial resources, flexible class scheduling, online and print resources, and more provider follow-up. Spanish-speaking and Hispanic participants recommended using bilingual educators, print, video, and online resources in Spanish, and culturally responsive education. Patients with CKD stages 3 to 4 wanted information on slowing disease progression and avoiding transplant.

Conclusion:

Increasing access to culturally responsive transplant education in multiple languages, pairing appropriate content to the disease stage, and increasing system-wide follow-up as the disease progresses might help patients make more informed choices about transplant.
Resilient greedy routing on GPS-free surface sensor networks
Authors: Ban Buri , Li Xuan , Jin Miao
Published: April 2020

We design a greedy routing scheme specifically for GPS-free large-scale wireless sensor networks deployed on surfaces of complex-connected three-dimensional settings. Compared with other greedy embedding–based surface network routing scheme, the proposed one is cut free such that no pair of nodes suffers a long detour to reach each other. The routing scheme is designed to be resilient to node or link failures especially under random node or link failure model where each node in a network has an equal and independent probability of failure during some time interval. The proposed algorithm is fully distributed and scalable to both the size and the topological complexity of a network. Each sensor node requires only limited and constant storage. Simulation results show the proposed routing scheme with a higher successful delivery ratio, a lower average stretch factor, and a lower normalized communication cost compared with other resilient routing methods.
Cognitive routing optimization protocol based on multiple channels in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Deng Shuguang , Cao Buwen , Xiao Xiang , Qin Hua , Yang Bing
Published: April 2020

With the development of modern communication, available spectrum resources are becoming increasingly scarce, which reduce network throughput. Moreover, the mobility of nodes results in the changes of network topological structure. Hence, a considerable amount of control information is consumed, which causes a corresponding increase in network power consumption and exerts a substantial impact on network lifetime. To solve the real-time transmission problem in large-scale wireless mobile sensor networks, opportunistic spectrum access is applied to adjust the transmission power of sensor nodes and the transmission velocity of data. A cognitive routing and optimization protocol based on multiple channels with a cross-layer design is proposed to study joint optimal cognitive routing with maximizing network throughput and network lifetime. Experimental results show that the cognitive routing and optimization protocol based on multiple channels achieves low computational complexity, which maximizes network throughput and network lifetime. This protocol can be also effectively applied to large-scale wireless mobile sensor networks.
Dynamics of attentional and oculomotor orienting in visual foraging tasks
Authors: Tagu Jérôme , Kristjánsson Árni
Published: April 2020

A vast amount of research has been carried out to understand how humans visually search for targets in their environment. However, this research has typically involved search for one unique target among several distractors. Although this line of research has yielded important insights into the basic characteristics of how humans explore their visual environment, this may not be a very realistic model for everyday visual orientation. Recently, researchers have used multi-target displays to assess orienting in the visual field. Eye movements in such tasks are, however, less well understood. Here, we investigated oculomotor dynamics during four visual foraging tasks differing in target crypticity (feature-based foraging vs. conjunction-based foraging) and the effector type being used for target selection (mouse foraging vs. gaze foraging). Our results show that both target crypticity and effector type affect foraging strategies. These changes are reflected in oculomotor dynamics, feature foraging being associated with focal exploration (long fixations and short-amplitude saccades), and conjunction foraging with ambient exploration (short fixations and high-amplitude saccades). These results provide important new information for existing accounts of visual attention and oculomotor control and emphasise the usefulness of foraging tasks for a better understanding of how humans orient in the visual environment.
Further investigating effects of task repetition proportion on n – 2 repetition costs: Task shielding as a potential modulating factor?
Authors: Scheil Juliane , Kleinsorge Thomas
Published: April 2020

Previous research has shown that n – 2 repetition costs are reduced when the experimental procedure allows for task repetitions. The present study aimed to further elucidate possible mechanisms underlying this effect. To this end, three experiments were conducted in which the possibility of task repetitions was tied to individual tasks. In Experiment I, the specific repetition proportions varied between participants. The reduction of n – 2 repetition costs was stronger when the relative amount of task repetitions associated with a particular task was high, suggesting that inhibition is reduced when the presence of repetitions tied to a specific task can easily be detected. In Experiment II, task preparation time varied between blocks to investigate whether cue-based preparation underlies this reduction of n – 2 repetition costs. While the duration of the preparation interval had no effect in this respect, additional combined analyses of both experiments revealed an influence of stimulus congruency: n – 2 repetition costs were highest when repetitions were precluded and the task stimulus was incongruent, whereas no effect of stimulus congruence on n – 2 repetition costs was observed with tasks that possibly repeated. This data pattern was replicated in Experiment III. This result is interpreted in terms of task shielding which is reduced for tasks without repetitions, making these tasks more vulnerable to crosstalk from competing tasks when they are still in an inhibited state.
Safe and Supportive Neurorehabilitation Environments: Results of a Structured Observation of Physical Features Across Two Rehabilitation Facilities
Authors: Colley Jacinta , Zeeman Heidi
Published: April 2020

Objective:

This research aimed to identify the extent to which physical features of two neurorehabilitation units appeared to support positive patient experience and recovery.

Background:

Neurorehabilitation inpatient facilities must be focused on safety management and efficiency of care, as well as being supportive of the patient experience. While occupational safety and risk management is paramount, the supportive nature of the physical setting for inpatient neurorehabilitation following spinal cord injury or acquired brain injury is unclear.

Method:

Structured observation of two physical environments using an adapted observational tool comprising 237 items across 8 area zones, and 3 major categories (patient safety, worker safety and efficiency, and holistic patient experience).

Results:

Results indicated that across both neurorehabilitation settings, the built environment attended well to occupational safety, risk reduction, harm prevention and internal security (up to 87% in spinal injury unit [SIU] and 95% in brain injury unit [BIU] patient rooms), but with limited evidence of physical features to support psychosocial needs or promote positive user experiences (up to 30% in SIU and 45% in BIU patient rooms).

Conclusion:

The built environments observed appeared to be an underutilized resource for supporting positive psychosocial neurorehabilitation experiences (including complex behavior support) beyond hazard management.
Tracking Prejudice: A Mouse-Tracking Measure of Evaluative Conflict Predicts Discriminatory Behavior
Authors: Melnikoff David E. , Mann Thomas C. , Stillman Paul E. , Shen Xi , Ferguson Melissa J.
Published: April 2020

Explicit evaluations of racial out-groups often involve conflict between opposing evaluative tendencies. Yet this type of conflict is difficult to capture with standard measures of evaluative processing, which either ignore explicit evaluation or capture only the aspects of explicit evaluation that are consciously accessible and freely reported. A new tool may fill this gap in our ability to measure conflict in racial evaluation. This tool, called the mouse-tracking measure of racial bias (Race-MT), is designed to capture conflict in explicit evaluations of racial groups, even if that conflict is neither consciously accessible nor freely reported. We vetted the Race-MT by exploring whether it predicts discriminatory behavior. Across five studies (four preregistered, N = 1,492), we used the Race-MT to measure conflict in people’s positive, explicit evaluations of racial out-groups versus in-groups. These measures predicted discriminatory behavior in a noisy, naturalistic setting, suggesting that the Race-MT provides theoretically meaningful and predicatively useful insights into racial evaluation.
False vocal cord perforation with abscess treated by negative pressure wound therapy
Authors: Makihara Seiichiro , Kariya Shin , Naito Tomoyuki , Uraguchi Kensuke , Matsumoto Junya , Noda Yohei , Okano Mitsuhiro , Nishizaki Kazunori
Published: April 2020

Perforation of the larynx is very rare but may result in severe airway complications that include pneumothorax, pneumonia, mediastinitis, and retropharyngeal abscess. If conservative treatment fails, aggressive treatments including reconstructive surgery with pedicle flap are considered. Negative pressure wound therapy has been used for large skin defects, necrotizing fasciitis, pharyngocutaneous fistula, stoma dehiscence, osteoradionecrosis of the mandible, chyle fistula, flap failure, and lymphangioma in the field of head and neck surgery. We report a case of false vocal cord perforation with abscess successfully treated by negative pressure wound therapy after abscess treatment. The result suggests that negative pressure wound therapy can be an alternative or adjunctive approach for larynx perforation when the perforation is difficult to close after conservative therapy.
Maturity assessment and maturity models in health care: A multivocal literature review
Authors: Kolukısa Tarhan Ayça , Garousi Vahid , Turetken Oktay , Söylemez Mehmet , Garossi Sonia
Published: April 2020

Background

The maturity of practices and infrastructure in the health care domain directly impacts the quality and efficiency of health care services. Therefore, various health care administrations (e.g. from hospital management to the nationwide health authority) need to assess and improve their operational maturity.

Objective

This study aimed to review and classify studies that propose/use maturity assessment or maturity models (MMs) as a vehicle to achieve operational excellence in the health care domain.

Method

To achieve this objective, we performed a multivocal literature review (MLR) – a form of systematic review that includes data from the grey literature (e.g. white papers and online documents) in addition to formal, peer-reviewed literature.

Results

Based on 101 sources, 80 from peer-reviewed literature and 21 from the grey literature, we identified 68 different MMs on, for example, telemedicine, care pathways and digital imaging. We reviewed them with respect to various aspects, including types of research and contribution, list of MMs proposed/used with their subject areas, elements of maturity/capability and application scope or scale. In the synthesis of empirical benefits of using MMs, two were found to be significant: (a) identifying issues and providing guidance for improvement in health care contexts, and (b) improving efficiency, effectiveness, performance and productivity.

Conclusion

This MLR provides an overview of the landscape and serves as an index to the vast body of knowledge in this area. Our review creates an opportunity to cope with the challenges in obtaining an overview of the state-of-the-art and practice, choosing the most suitable models or developing new models with further specialties.
Human Bite Injuries of the Orofacial Region: An Analysis of 26 Cases in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Osaiyuwu Omokaro , Osaguona Anthony Osemwegie
Published: April 2020

Study Design:

A retrospective study of 26 cases of human bite injuries at the Government Dental and Maxillofacial Hospital (now Maxillofacial unit, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital), Port Harcourt, within September 2011 and August 2016.

Objective:

To analyze the pattern, presentation, management, and complications of human bite injuries in the orofacial region.

Methods:

Information was extracted from hospital records of all victims of human bites to the face between the study period. Facial bites resulting from animals were excluded. Data such as age, gender, time lag between the injury and time of presentation in the hospital, nature and the circumstances of the injuries, site of injuries, and treatment outcomes and complications were collected and analyzed.

Results:

A total of 26 patients within the ages of 18 and 60 years were seen during the period of study. They were all related to fights, which were all resolved out of court. There was a preponderance of females, and the lower lip was the most affected site ( p < .05). In all, 14 patients presented within 24 hours of injury and all but 2 (7.6%) patients presented within 7 days of injury. No wound was overtly infected. Treatments of injuries were varied from simple wedge excision and primary closure to complex multistaged procedures and were uneventful with acceptable surgical outcomes.

Conclusion:

Human bite wounds reported in this study were all due to social conflicts without legal redress. Although human bite wounds are considered to be dirty or contaminated but with proper wound debridement, antimicrobial cover and primary or immediate surgical closure results in very favorable aesthetic outcomes in all cases.
Ledderhose Disease With Concomitant Presence of Dupuytren Contracture: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Yun Do Hyun , Bonaroti Alisha R. , Lin Kant Y.
Published: April 2020

Ledderhose disease, or plantar fibromatosis, is a rare benign disorder of fibrous proliferation in the plantar aponeurosis. It is known to be highly associated with Dupuytren disease of the hand by sharing similar symptomatology and treatment methods. This case study explores a presentation of Ledderhose disease in a 56-year-old male with concomitant Dupuytren contracture. The patient underwent surgical excision resulting in symptomatic relief with regained function. This case highlights diagnostic measures, association with Dupuytren disease, and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment methods of Ledderhose disease.
Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 and angiotensin (1–7) axis in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Sandoval Julio , Del Valle-Mondragón Leonardo , Masso Felipe , Zayas Nayeli , Pulido Tomás , Teijeiro Ricardo , Gonzalez-Pacheco Hector , Olmedo-Ocampo Rossana , Sisniega Carlos , Paez-Arenas Araceli , Pastelin-Hernandez Gustavo , Gomez-Arroyo Jose , Voelkel Norbert F.
Published: April 2020

Background

In animal models of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)2 and angiotensin (Ang)-(1–7) have been shown to have vasodilatory, antiproliferative, antifibrotic and antihypertrophic properties. However, the status and role of the ACE2-Ang(1–7) axis in human PAH is incompletely understood.

Methods

We studied 85 patients with a diagnosis of PAH of distinct aetiologies. 55 healthy blood donors paired for age and sex served as controls. Blood samples were obtained from the pulmonary artery in patients with PAH during right heart catheterisation. Peripheral blood was obtained for both groups. Ang(1–7) and -II were measured using zone capillary electrophoresis. Aldosterone, Ang(1–9), AngA and ACE2 were measured using ELISA, and ACE2 activity was determined enzymatically.

Results

Of the 85 patients, 47 had idiopathic PAH, 25 had PAH associated with congenital heart disease and 13 had PAH associated with collagen vascular disease. Compared to controls, patients with PAH had a higher concentration of AngII (median 1.03, interquartile range 0.72–1.88 pmol·mL−1versus0.19, 0.10–0.37 pmol·mL−1; p<0.001) and of aldosterone (88.7, 58.7–132 ng·dL−1versus12.9, 9.55–19.9 ng·dL−1; p<0.001). Conversely, PAH patients had a lower concentration of Ang(1–7) than controls (0.69, 0.474–0.91 pmol·mL−1versus4.07, 2.82–6.73 pmol·mL−1; p<0.001), and a lower concentration of Ang(1–9) and AngA. Similarly, the ACE2 concentration was higher than in controls (8.7, 5.35–13.2 ng·mL−1versus4.53, 1.47–14.3 ng·mL−1; p=0.011), whereas the ACE2 activity was significantly reduced (1.88, 1.08–2.81 nmol·mL−1versus5.97, 3.1–17.8 nmol·mL−1; p<0.001). No significant differences were found among the three different aetiological forms of PAH.

Conclusions

The AngII–ACE2–Ang(1–7) axis appears to be altered in human PAH and we propose that this imbalance, in favour of AngII, plays a role in the pathogenesis of the severe PAH. Further mechanistic studies are warranted.
Effect of incorporation of lignin as bio-polyol on the performance of rigid lightweight wood–polyurethane composite foams
Authors: Luo Shupin , Gao Li , Guo Wenjing
Published: April 2020

Density reduction has become a topical issue in wood composite materials for application in building and furniture. In this study, lightweight wood–polyurethane (W–PU) composite foams with the addition of 30 wt% wood particles were prepared. Industrial kraft lignin was used as bio-polyol to substitute partial petroleum-based diethylene glycol (DEG) to synthesize rigid W–PU foams. The effect of varying lignin contents (5, 10, 15 and 20 wt% based on DEG mass) on the reactivity, morphology, density, compressive properties, water absorption and thermal stability of the foams was evaluated. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed the formation of characteristic urethane linkages in all the foam samples. With the incorporation of lignin, the foam cellular shape became irregular with formation of large cells. W–PU foams exhibited poor cellular structures with a larger number of open cells. The density of W–PU foams increased from 47 to 96 kg/m3 as the lignin content increased from 0 to 20%. Although the foam reactivity was decreased by the incorporation of lignin, both the compressive strength and modulus were increased upon the incorporation of lignin. Furthermore, the specific compressive strength and modulus of W–PU foams increased by 55% and 48% with lignin content increasing from 0 to 20%, and the 20-day water absorption decreased by 38%. Thermal gravimetric analysis showed that the incorporation of lignin did not significantly affect the thermal degradation behaviour of foam, but it rather increased the mass of char residue. This study provides a promising method for value-added utilization of technical lignin in W–PU lightweight composites.
An improved de novo genome assembly of the common marmoset genome yields improved contiguity and increased mapping rates of sequence data
Authors: Jayakumar Vasanthan , Ishii Hiromi , Seki Misato , Kumita Wakako , Inoue Takashi , Hase Sumitaka , Sato Kengo , Okano Hideyuki , Sasaki Erika , Sakakibara Yasubumi
Published: April 2020

Background

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is one of the most studied primate model organisms. However, the marmoset genomes available in the public databases are highly fragmented and filled with sequence gaps, hindering research advances related to marmoset genomics and transcriptomics.

Results

Here we utilize single-molecule, long-read sequence data to improve and update the existing genome assembly and report a near-complete genome of the common marmoset. The assembly is of 2.79 Gb size, with a contig N50 length of 6.37 Mb and a chromosomal scaffold N50 length of 143.91 Mb, representing the most contiguous and high-quality marmoset genome up to date. Approximately 90% of the assembled genome was represented in contigs longer than 1 Mb, with approximately 104-fold improvement in contiguity over the previously published marmoset genome. More than 98% of the gaps from the previously published genomes were filled successfully, which improved the mapping rates of genomic and transcriptomic data on to the assembled genome.

Conclusions

Altogether the updated, high-quality common marmoset genome assembly provide improvements at various levels over the previous versions of the marmoset genome assemblies. This will allow researchers working on primate genomics to apply the genome more efficiently for their genomic and transcriptomic sequence data.
Preoperative anemia and total hospitalization time are the independent factors of preoperative deep venous thromboembolism in Chinese elderly undergoing hip surgery
Authors: Feng Long , Xu Longhe , Yuan Weixiu , Xu Zhipeng , Feng Zeguo , Zhang Hong
Published: April 2020

Background

This study was designed to explore the prevalence and risk factors of preoperative deep venous thromboembolism (DVT) in Chinese elderly with hip fracture.

Methods

From January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2018, 273 elderly patients over 70 years old with elective hip surgery were collected from the electronic medical records. Collected data included demographic characteristics, comorbidities, ASA classification, types of previous operations, types of anesthesia, operation time, fracture to operation time, preoperative hemoglobin level, anemia, blood-gas analysis, cardiac function, whether transfusion, preoperative hospitalization, postoperative hospitalization, electrocardiograph, lower limb venous ultrasonography and total hospitalization time.

Results

In these 273 patients, 15(5.6%) had ultrasonography evidence of DVT in affected limbs before surgery. Three of all patients received an temporary inferior vena cave filter placement preoperatively. Fracture to surgery time, preoperative hemoglobin level, anemia, preoperative hospitalization, pulmonary disease and total hospitalization time were statistically different between DVT group and non-DVT group (P < 0.05 for all). Moreover, preoperative anemia (OR: 0.144, 95%CI: 0.026–0.799,P = 0.027) and total hospitalization time (OR: 1.135; 95%CI: 1.023–1.259,P = 0.017) were the two independent risk factors for preoperative DVT.

Conclusion

Preoperative anemia and total hospitalization time were independent risk factors for venous DVT in Chinese elderly with hip fracture.
Tibial and femoral osteotomies in varus deformities - radiological and clinical outcome
Authors: Fürmetz Julian , Patzler Sven , Wolf Florian , Degen Nikolaus , Prall Wolf Christian , Soo Chris , Böcker Wolfgang , Thaller Peter Helmut
Published: April 2020

Background

Varus deformities of the knee are frequently corrected by osteotomies, which should be performed at the level of origin. But in contrast to high tibial osteotomies (HTO), little data exists for distal femoral osteotomies (DFO).

This study evaluates radiological and clinical outcomes after valgisation osteotomies in the proximal tibia and distal femur.

Methods

We used an observational cohort study design and prospectively performed preoperative long standing radiographs (LSR), lateral x-rays and clinical questionnaires (SF-36, Lysholm score, VAS). Postoperative LSR and lateral x-rays were obtained on average 18 months postoperative and postoperative clinical questionnaires at final visit (mean follow up 46 months). A subgroup analysis of the different surgical techniques (oHTO vs. cDFO) was performed, with regards to radiological and clinical outcomes.

Results

Finally 28 osteotomies with medial tibial opening (oHTO) or lateral femoral closing (cDFO) wedge osteotomies in 25 consecutive patients (mean age 40 years) were identified. There were 17 tibal and 11 femoral procedures. All osteotomies were performed at the origin of deformity, which was of different etiology. The average deviation of the final HKA compared to the preoperative planning was 2.4° ± 0.4°. Overall, there was a significant improvement in all clinical scores (SF-36: 61.8 to 79.4,p < 0.001; Lysholm-score: 72.7 to 90.4,p < 0.001; VAS: 3 to 1,p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between surgical accuracy and outcome scores.

Conclusion

Valgisation osteotomies lead to a significant improvement in all clinical scores with the demonstrated treatment protocol. An appreciable proportion of varus deformities are of femoral origin. Since cDFO provides comparable radiological and clinical results as oHTO, this is an important treatment option for varus deformities of femoral origin.
“Sandwich” mesh reconstruction of female giant urethral diverticulum: a case report
Authors: Xie Juanjuan , Liu Bijun , Li Jianjun , Luo Zhigang
Published: April 2020

Background

There is no consensus between urologists on the diagnosis and treatment of female urethral diverticula. Once the diagnosis has been established, the most common treatment approach is surgical excision and reconstruction. Whether a staged procedure or simultaneous management is more appropriate for treating concomitant urethral diverticula and stress urinary incontinence remains controversial.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old woman was hospitalized for repeated frequent urination, urgent urination, odynuria, and dysuria accompanied by intermittent overflow urinary incontinence for over 10 years. She had a 5 year history of urinary stress incontinence prior to onset of these symptoms and had had four urethral caruncles resected on four separate occasions. There was visible leakage of urine when abdominal pressure was increased during physical examination and urodynamic studies. Additionally, turbid urine was discharged when the anterior vaginal wall was squeezed. Cystourethrography showed circumferential filling with contrast and multiple bladder diverticulae in the mid plane of the pubic symphysis. Urethrocystoscopy showed an orifice to a diverticulum at 7 o’clock in the proximal urethra, into which an F19.8 urethroscope could be inserted, enabling examination of most of the diverticulae. The urethral diverticulae were resected, followed by mesh reconstruction of the urethra. During a 20-month follow-up, the treatment outcomes were satisfactory.

Conclusion

We here report a case of a giant circumferential urethral diverticulum combined with stress urinary incontinence that was successfully managed by an uncommon surgical reconstructive technique: a minimally invasive “Sandwich” mesh repair procedure utilizing synthetic mesh wrap in the midurethral region.
Development of high-growth influenza H7N9 prepandemic candidate vaccine viruses in suspension MDCK cells
Authors: Tzeng Tsai-Teng , Chen Po-Ling , Weng Tsai-Chuan , Tsai Shin-Yi , Lai Chia-Chun , Chou Hsin-I , Chen Pin-Wen , Lu Chia-Chun , Liu Ming-Tsan , Sung Wang-Chou , Lee Min-Shi , Hu Alan Yung-Chih
Published: April 2020

Background

Influenza vaccine manufacturers traditionally use egg-derived candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs) to produce high-yield influenza viruses for seasonal or pandemic vaccines; however, these egg-derived CVVs need an adaptation process for the virus to grow in mammalian cells. The low yields of cell-based manufacturing systems using egg-derived CVVs remain an unsolved issue. This study aimed to develop high-growth cell-derived CVVs for MDCK cell-based vaccine manufacturing platforms.

Methods

Four H7N9 CVVs were generated in characterized Vero and adherent MDCK (aMDCK) cells. Furthermore, reassortant viruses were amplified in adherent MDCK (aMDCK) cells with certification, and their growth characteristics were detected in aMDCK cells and new suspension MDCK (sMDCK) cells. Finally, the plaque-forming ability, biosafety, and immunogenicity of H7N9 reassortant viruses were evaluated.

Results

The HA titers of these CVVs produced in proprietary suspension MDCK (sMDCK) cells and chicken embryos were 2- to 8-fold higher than those in aMDCK cells. All H7N9 CVVs showed attenuated characteristics by trypsin-dependent plaque assay and chicken embryo lethality test. The alum-adjuvanted NHRI-RG5 (derived from the fifth wave H7N9 virus A/Guangdong/SP440/2017) vaccine had the highest immunogenicity and cross-reactivity among the four H7N9 CVVs. Finally, we found that AddaVax adjuvant improved the cross-reactivity of low pathogenic H7N9 virus against highly pathogenic H7N9 viruses.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that cell-derived H7N9 CVVs possessed high growth rate in new sMDCK cells and low pathogenicity in chicken embryo, and that CVVs generated by this platform are also suitable for both cell- and egg-based prepandemic vaccine production.
Disruption of the RNA modifications that target the ribosome translation machinery in human cancer
Authors: Janin Maxime , Coll-SanMartin Laia , Esteller Manel
Published: April 2020

Genetic and epigenetic changes deregulate RNA and protein expression in cancer cells. In this regard, tumors exhibit an abnormal proteome in comparison to the corresponding normal tissues. Translation control is a crucial step in the regulation of gene expression regulation under normal and pathological conditions that ultimately determines cellular fate. In this context, evidence shows that transfer and ribosomal RNA (tRNA and rRNA) modifications affect the efficacy and fidelity of translation. The number of RNA modifications increases with the complexity of organisms, suggesting an evolutionary diversification of the possibilities for fine-tuning the functions of coding and non-coding RNAs. In this review, we focus on alterations of modifications of transfer and ribosomal RNA that affect translation in human cancer. This variation in the RNA modification status can be the result of altered modifier expression (writers, readers or erasers), but also due to components of the machineries (C/D or H/ACA boxes) or alterations of proteins involved in modifier expression. Broadening our understanding of the mechanisms by which site-specific modifications modulate ribosome activity in the context of tumorigenesis will enable us to enrich our knowledge about how ribosomes can influence cell fate and form the basis of new therapeutic opportunities.
Correction to: Induction of immunogenic cell death in radiation-resistant breast cancer stem cells by repurposing anti-alcoholism drug disulfiram
Authors: Sun Ting , Yang Wei , Toprani Sneh M. , Guo Wei , He Lile , DeLeo Albert B. , Ferrone Soldano , Zhang Gong , Wang Enwen , Lin Zunwen , Hu Pan , Wang Xinhui
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Adjunctive corticosteroids may be associated with better outcome for non-HIV Pneumocystis pneumonia with respiratory failure: a systemic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Ding Lin , Huang Huixue , Wang Heyan , He Hangyong
Published: April 2020

Background

Evidence supporting corticosteroids adjunctive treatment (CAT) for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in non-HIV patients is highly controversial. We aimed to systematically review the literature and perform a meta-analysis of available data relating to the effect of CAT on mortality of PCP in non-HIV patients.

Methods

We searched Pubmed, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane database from 1989 through 2019. Data on clinical outcomes from non-HIV PCP were extracted with a standardized instrument. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 index. Pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence interval were calculated using a fixed effects model. We analyzed the impact of CAT on mortality of non-HIV PCP in the whole PCP population, those who had hypoxemia (PaO2 < 70 mmHg) and who had respiratory failure (PaO2 < 60 mmHg).

Results

In total, 259 articles were identified, and 2518 cases from 16 retrospective observational studies were included. In all non-HIV PCP cases included, there was an association between CAT and increased mortality (odds ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval 1.07–1.75; P = 0.01). CAT showed a probable benefit of decreasing mortality in hypoxemic non-HIV PCP patients (odds ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval 0.47–1.01; P = 0.05). Furthermore, in a subgroup analysis, CAT showed a significantly lower mortality in non-HIV PCP patients with respiratory failure compared to no CAT (odds ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval 0.41–0.95; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis suggests that among non-HIV PCP patients with respiratory failure, CAT use may be associated with better clinical outcomes, and it may be associated with increased mortality in unselected non-HIV PCP population. Clinical trials are needed to compare CAT vs no-CAT in non-HIV PCP patients with respiratory failure. Furthermore, CAT use should be withheld in non-HIV PCP patients without hypoxemia.
Extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery for occlusive atherosclerotic disease of the anterior cerebral circulation: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bai Xuesong , Feng Yao , Yang Kun , Wang Tao , Luo Jichang , Wang Xue , Ling Feng , Ma Yan , Jiao Liqun
Published: April 2020

Background

Occlusive atherosclerotic disease of the anterior cerebral circulation is one of the most common causes of anterior circulation ischemia and stroke. Treatment options include medical therapies (including antiplatelet use, blood pressure control, lipid reduction, and lifestyle modification) and extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery (such as superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery bypass). However, the optimal treatment remains unclear. The objective of this study will be to compare the efficacy of and extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery with that of other medical therapy in adult patients with occlusive atherosclerotic disease of the anterior cerebral circulation.

Methods

This is the study protocol for a systematic review. We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library (from January 1980 onwards). We will include randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies (non-randomized, interrupted time series), and observational studies (e.g., cohort studies and case-control studies), examining the efficacy of extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery compared to other treatments for adult patients with occlusive atherosclerotic disease of anterior cerebral circulation. Two team members will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. Potential conflicts will be resolved through discussion. The primary outcome will include stroke or death. The secondary outcomes will include intracranial hemorrhage, transient ischemic attack, and myocardial infarction. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using appropriate tools. If feasible, we will conduct random effects meta-analysis. Additional analyses will be conducted to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity (e.g., study design, geographical location, or risk of bias).

Discussion

This review will evaluate the evidence on the efficacy of extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery for adult patients with occlusive atherosclerotic disease of the anterior cerebral circulation. We anticipate that our findings will be of interest to patients, their families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and in making optimal treatment selection. Implications for future clinical and epidemiological research will be discussed.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42018105513
Neuroimaging and analytical methods for studying the pathways from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease: protocol for a rapid systematic review
Authors: Ahmadzadeh Maryam , Christie Gregory J. , Cosco Theodore D. , Moreno Sylvain
Published: April 2020

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder commonly associated with deficits of cognition and changes in behavior. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the prodromal stage of AD that is defined by slight cognitive decline. Not all with MCI progress to AD dementia. Thus, the accurate prediction of progression to Alzheimer’s, particularly in the stage of MCI could potentially offer developing treatments to delay or prevent the transition process. The objective of the present study is to investigate the most recent neuroimaging procedures in the domain of prediction of transition from MCI to AD dementia for clinical applications and to systematically discuss the machine learning techniques used for the prediction of MCI conversion.

Methods

Electronic databases including PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science will be searched from January 1, 2017, to the date of search commencement to provide a rapid review of the most recent studies that have investigated the prediction of conversion from MCI to Alzheimer’s using neuroimaging modalities in randomized trial or observational studies. Two reviewers will screen full texts of included papers using predefined eligibility criteria. Studies will be included if addressed research on AD dementia and MCI, explained the results in a way that would be able to report the performance measures such as the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Only studies addressed Alzheimer’s type of dementia and its early-stage MCI using neuroimaging modalities will be included. We will exclude other forms of dementia such as vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. The risk of bias in individual studies will be appraised using an appropriate tool. If feasible, we will conduct a random effects meta-analysis. Sensitivity analyses will be conducted to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity.

Discussion

The information gathered in our study will establish the extent of the evidence underlying the prediction of conversion to AD dementia from its early stage and will provide a rigorous and updated synthesis of neuroimaging modalities allied with the data analysis techniques used to measure the brain changes during the conversion process.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO,CRD42019133402
Some inequalities related to $2\times 2$ block sector partial transpose matrices
Authors: Yang Junjian , Lu Linzhang , Chen Zhen
Published: April 2020

In this article, two inequalities related to$2\times 2$2×2block sector partial transpose matrices are proved, and we also present a unitarily invariant norm inequality for the Hua matrix which is sharper than an existing result.
Headquarter resource allocation strategies and subsidiary competitive or cooperative behavior: achieving a fit for value creation
Authors: Dellestrand Henrik , Kappen Philip , Lindahl Olof
Published: April 2020

Integrating insights from the literature on the multinational corporation into current perspectives on resource allocation, we argue that the ability of headquarters to create value through resource allocation to subsidiaries within the multinational corporation is contingent on the complementary fit between the resource allocation strategy and the dominant behavior of the receivers of the resources. We expound on a theory and an explanation for the volatility of value creation generated by headquarter resource allocation that includes multiple layers of hierarchy. As a corollary, we extend and contribute to the theorizing on headquarters-subsidiary relations and resource allocation by illustrating different scenarios of the resource allocation process. More specifically, we develop a two-by-two matrix of the resource allocation process that corresponds to different resource allocation strategies of headquarters (winner-picking and cross-subsidization) and subsidiary behavior (collaboration or competition) in multinational corporations. We argue that, depending on which scenario within the matrix is brought to the fore, our understanding of how the resource allocation process plays out between headquarters and subsidiaries will differ and therefore influence value creation within the multinational corporation.
Clinical Relevance of an Amplicon-Based Liquid Biopsy for DetectingALKandROS1Fusion and Resistance Mutations in Patients With Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Mezquita Laura , Swalduz Aurélie , Jovelet Cécile , Ortiz-Cuaran Sandra , Howarth Karen , Planchard David , Avrillon Virginie , Recondo Gonzalo , Marteau Solène , Benitez Jose Carlos , De Kievit Frank , Plagnol Vincent , Lacroix Ludovic , Odier Luc , Rouleau Etienne , Fournel Pierre , Caramella Caroline , Tissot Claire , Adam Julien , Woodhouse Samuel , Nicotra Claudio , Auclin Edouard , Remon Jordi , Morris Clive , Green Emma , Massard Christophe , Pérol Maurice , Friboulet Luc , Besse Benjamin , Saintigny Pierre
Published: April 2020

PURPOSE

Liquid biopsy specimen genomic profiling is integrated in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) guidelines; however, data on the clinical relevance for ALK /ROS1 alterations are scarce. We evaluated the clinical utility of a targeted amplicon-based assay in a large prospective cohort of patients with ALK/ROS1-positive NSCLC and its impact on outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with advanced ALK/ROS1-positive NSCLC were prospectively enrolled in the study by researchers at eight French institutions. Plasma samples were analyzed using InVisionFirst-Lung and correlated with clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 128 patients included in the study, 101 were positive for ALK and 27 for ROS1 alterations. Blood samples (N = 405) were collected from 29 patients naïve for treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) or from 375 patients under treatment, including 105 samples collected at disease progression (PD). Sensitivity was 67% (n = 18 of 27) for ALK/ROS1 fusion detection. Higher detection was observed for ALK fusions at TKI failure (n = 33 of 74; 46%) versus in patients with therapeutic response (n = 12 of 109; 11%). ALK-resistance mutations were detected in 22% patients (n = 16 of 74) overall; 43% of the total ALK-resistance mutations identified occurred after next-generation TKI therapy. ALK G1202R was the most common mutation detected (n = 7 of 16). Heterogeneity of resistance was observed. ROS1 G2032R resistance was detected in 30% (n = 3 of 10). The absence of circulating tumor DNA mutations at TKI failure was associated with prolonged median overall survival (105.7 months). Complex ALK-resistance mutations correlated with poor overall survival (median, 26.9 months v NR for single mutation; P = .003) and progression-free survival to subsequent therapy (median 1.7 v 6.3 months; P = .003).

CONCLUSION

Next-generation, targeted, amplicon-based sequencing for liquid biopsy specimen profiling provides clinically relevant detection of ALK/ROS1 fusions in TKI-naïve patients and allows for the identification of resistance mutations in patients treated with TKIs. Liquid biopsy specimens from patients treated with TKIs may affect clinical outcomes and capture heterogeneity of TKI resistance, supporting their role in selecting sequential therapy.
Coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2: A Brief Overview
Authors: Ludwig Stephan , Zarbock Alexander
Published: April 2020

In late December 2019, several cases of pneumonia of unknown origin were reported from China, which in early January 2020 were announced to be caused by a novel coronavirus. The virus was later denominated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and defined as the causal agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Despite massive attempts to contain the disease in China, the virus has spread globally, and COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. Here we provide a short background on coronaviruses, and describe in more detail the novel SARS-CoV-2 and attempts to identify effective therapies against COVID-19.
DFT Supported Structural Revision of Seiricardines
Authors: Nishiyama Mami , Tayone Wilanfranco C , Maeda Hayato , Tanaka Kazuaki , Hashimoto Masaru
Published: April 2020

Seiridium sp. KT3957 produces a secondary metabolite giving identical 1H and 13C NMR spectra to those of seiricardine B (2), a bicyclic sesquiterpene monoalcohol isolated from Seiridium cupressi. An independent spectral analysis suggested that the isolated compound contains one extra H2O unit compared with the original molecular formula, which was consequently revised to that of a related triol 4. The density functional theory (DFT)-based 13C chemical shift calculations herein presented, which include DP4 and nJCH analyses, not only confirm the above conclusion but also allow establishing the relative configuration of the hydroxylated isopropyl side chain. Despite the lack of hydroxy functionalities suitable for the extended Mosher method and chromophores inducing ECD Cotton effects, the absolute configuration of 4 was determined by applying the octant rule for methylketone 11 and by DFT-based ECD spectral reproduction. The present study also revealed unstable Δ8,10-seiricardine B (5) which was gradually dehydrated in CDCl3 giving 6. The spectral resemblance between experimental 6 and seiricardine D (7) in literature led to its structural revision to 9 as the most plausible structure.
Astrocytogenesis: where, when, and how
Authors: Akdemir Ekin Su , Huang Anna Yu-Szu , Deneen Benjamin
Published: April 2020

Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type in the central nervous system and have diverse functions in blood–brain barrier maintenance, neural circuitry formation and function, and metabolic regulation. To better understand the diverse roles of astrocytes, we will summarize what is known about astrocyte development and the challenges limiting our understanding of this process. We will also discuss new approaches and technologies advancing the field.