bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of radiotherapy on taste sensation in head and neck cancer patients – a prospective study
Authors: Asif Michal , Moore Assaf , Yarom Noam , Popovtzer Aron
Published: June 2020

Background

One of the main side effects of head and neck (H&N) radiation therapy (RT) is alteration in taste sensation. It causes significant morbidity and has a major effect on quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to prospectively define the effect of RT on taste sensation (general, and four basic tastes) and correlate these findings with changes in saliva secretion and QoL questionnaires.

Methods

Patients with H&N cancer treated with RT, in which the oral cavity was expected to receive a mean dose of 30 Gray (Gy). Patients were evaluated by Whole-Saliva Sialometry, validated Taste Strips and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer H&N QoL questionnaires prior to RT (T0), mid-point of radiotherapy dose (T1), at the end of radiotherapy (T2) and 1 (T3), 3 (T4) and 12 months (T5) after completion of treatment course.

Results

Twenty-eight patients were recruited, and 21 patients completed study procedures and were analyzed. Median age was 66 years (range 18–90). The most common tumor site was the oral cavity. The median prescribed radiation dose to the high dose volume was 66 (range 60–70). The median mean and max dose to the oral cavity were 25.1 (range 14–69) and 64.9 (range 30–70), respectively. There was a significant decrease in overall taste sensation between T0 and T1 and T2. With specific tastes, there were significant decreases in sensation of sweet and salty, a trend with bitter and no change with sour. All returned to baseline at T3 and onwards. There was no significant correlation between the max or mean dose to the oral cavity and overall taste sensation or between doses to different areas of the tongue and overall or specific tastes. At T0 there was a significant positive correlation between overall taste sensation and whole-saliva sialometry, and at T1 and T2 there were strong trends. There were significant declines in QoL scores during RT.

Conclusions

We found a significant immediate reduction in taste sensation due to RT in H&N cancer patients with taste recovery 1 month after treatment completion. There were strong trends to a correlation with saliva production that requires further exploration.
Harnessing regulatory T cell neuroprotective activities for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Machhi Jatin , Kevadiya Bhavesh D. , Muhammad Ijaz Khan , Herskovitz Jonathan , Olson Katherine E. , Mosley R. Lee , Gendelman Howard E.
Published: June 2020

Emerging evidence demonstrates that adaptive immunity influences the pathobiology of neurodegenerative disorders. Misfolded aggregated self-proteins can break immune tolerance leading to the induction of autoreactive effector T cells (Teffs) with associated decreases in anti-inflammatory neuroprotective regulatory T cells (Tregs). An imbalance between Teffs and Tregs leads to microglial activation, inflammation and neuronal injury. The cascade of such a disordered immunity includes the drainage of the aggregated protein antigens into cervical lymph nodes serving to amplify effector immune responses. Both preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate transformation of this altered immunity for therapeutic gain. We posit that the signs and symptoms of common neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and stroke can be attenuated by boosting Treg activities.

Graphical Abstract
Ibrutinib dose modifications in the management of CLL
Authors: Hardy-Abeloos Camille , Pinotti Rachel , Gabrilove Janice
Published: June 2020

Background

Ibrutinib is a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in 2014. Ibrutinib is often used to treat patients who are younger than the patients originally included in theclinical trials have additional unfavorable prognostic factors and suffer from additional comorbidities excluded from the original phase III trials. Our objective was to examine current clinical practices and their impact in this expanded population of CLL patients who often require adjustments in the standard prescribed dose and schedule of therapy.

Materials and methods

An extensive review of the medical literature was conducted to establish the consensus on ibrutinib dose modifications in patients with CLL. Twenty-nine studies were reviewed including fourteen clinical trials and fifteen “real-world practice” studies.

Results

The average discontinuation rate was similar between clinical trials and “real-world practice” studies though the reasons for discontinuation differed. CLL progression was a more common reason for discontinuation in clinical trial studies while toxicity was a more common reason for discontinuation in “real-world practice” studies. Some studies have suggested worse outcomes in patients requiring dose reductions in ibrutinib while others have shown no change in treatment efficacy in patients requiring dose reductions due to concomitant CYP medications or increased immunosuppression post-transplant.

Conclusion

The impact of ibrutinib dose modifications on clinical outcome remains unclear. Patients on concomitant CYP3A inhibitors should be prescribed a lower dose than the standard 420 mg daily, in order to maintain comparable pharmacologic properties. Further research is required to establish definitive clinical practice guidelines.
The effects of Anethum graveolens (dill) powder supplementation on clinical and metabolic status in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Haidari Fatemeh , Zakerkish Mehrnoosh , Borazjani Fatemeh , Ahmadi Angali Kambiz , Amoochi Foroushani Golnaz
Published: June 2020

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Anethum graveolens (dill) powder supplementation on glycemic control, lipid profile, some antioxidants and inflammatory markers, and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and methods

In this study, 42 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups and received either 3 g/day dill powder or placebo (3 capsules/day, 1 g each). Fasting blood sugar, insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, lipid profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde and gastrointestinal symptoms were measured in all of the subjects at baseline and postintervention.

Results

The dill powder supplementation significantly decreased the mean serum levels of insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol and malondialdehyde in the intervention group in comparison with the baseline measurements (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the mean serum levels of high-density lipoprotein and total antioxidant capacity were significantly increased in the intervention group in comparison with the baseline measurement (P < 0.05). Colonic motility disorder was the only gastrointestinal symptom whose frequency was significantly reduced by supplementation (P = 0.01). The mean changes in insulin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol and malondialdehyde were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the mean changes in high-density lipoprotein were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Dill powder supplementation can be effective in controlling the glycemic, lipid, stress oxidative and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Trial registration

Iran Clinical Trials Registry: IRCT20120704010181N12. Registered on 12 May 2018.
Immunosuppressive treatment in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis is associated with an improved composite response index (CRISS)
Authors: Zheng Boyang , Hudson Marie , Wang Mianbo , Baron Murray ,   for the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group, Pope Janet E. , Baron Murray , Hudson Marie , Gyger Geneviève , Larché Maggie J. , Khalidi Nader A. , Masetto Ariel , Sutton Evelyn , Robinson David , Rodriguez-Reyna Tatiana S. , Maltez Nancy , Smith Doug , Thorne Carter , Ikic Alena , Fortin Paul R. , Fritzler Marvin J.
Published: June 2020

Background

Outcomes of therapeutic studies in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) have mainly been measured for specific organs, particularly the skin and lungs. A new composite response index in dcSSc (CRISS) has been developed for clinical trials. The goal of this study was to determine whether, in an observational dcSSc cohort, immunosuppression was associated with global disease improvement measured with the CRISS.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a multi-centered SSc registry comparing 47 patients newly exposed to immunosuppression for ≥ 1 year to 254 unexposed patients. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was performed to create comparable exposed and unexposed groups by balancing for age, sex, disease duration, modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), forced vital capacity, patient and physician global assessments, and Health Assessment Questionnaire score. A CRISS score ≥ 0.6 at 1 year was defined as improvement.

Results

Exposed patients had shorter disease duration (5.5 versus 11.7 years, p < 0.01), more interstitial lung disease (67.4% versus 40.3%, p < 0.01), and worse physician global severity scores (4.2 versus 2.5 points, p < 0.01) compared to unexposed patients. Improvement in CRISS scores was more common in exposed patients after IPTW (odds ratio 1.85, 95% confidence interval 1.11, 3.09). Of the individual CRISS variables, only mean patient global assessment scores were significantly better among exposed than unexposed patients (− 0.4 versus 0 points, p = 0.03) while other variables including mRSS were similar.

Conclusion

Using a composite response measure, immunosuppression was associated with better outcomes at 1 year in a dcSSc cohort. These results provide real-world data that align with clinical trials to support our current use of immunosuppression.
Physical-Layer-Security Box: a concept for time-frequency channel-reciprocity key generation
Authors: Zoli Marco , Barreto André Noll , Köpsell Stefan , Sen Padmanava , Fettweis Gerhard
Published: June 2020

The motivation for this study about Physical Layer Security comes from bridging the gap between the vast theory and a feasible implementation. We propose a Physical-Layer-Security Box as a system-level Box is a system-level solution, named PLS-Box, to solve the key exchange between two wireless communicating parties. The PLS-Box performs a novel key generation method named time-frequency filter-bank. The entropy of the radio channel is harvested via a filter-bank processing, and then turned into a reciprocal security key, at both ends. In this concept work, we also focus on several PLS open issues, such as radio-frequency imperfections and accessibility to the baseband communication modem. The goal is to show a wide applicability of our PLS-Box to actual wireless systems, paving the way for an evolution of existing schemes.
Some identities of type 2 q-Bernoulli polynomials
Authors: Yun Sang Jo , Park Jin-Woo
Published: June 2020

Recently, symmetric properties of some special polynomials arising from p-adic q-integrals on ${\mathbb{Z}}_{p}$Zp have been investigated extensively by many researchers.

In this paper, we find some symmetric identities for type 2 q-Bernoulli polynomials under the symmetry group $S_{n}$Sn of degree n by using the bosonic p-adic q-integral on ${\mathbb{Z}}_{p}$Zp.
New analytical method based on dynamic response of planar mechanical elastic systems
Authors: Scutaru Maria Luminiţa , Vlase Sorin , Marin Marin , Modrea Arina
Published: June 2020

An important stage in an analysis of a multibody system (MBS) with elastic elements by the finite element method is the assembly of the equations of motion for the whole system. This assembly, which seems like an empirical process as it is applied and described, is in fact the result of applying variational formulations to the whole considered system, putting together all the finite elements used in modeling and introducing constraints between the elements, which are, in general, nonholonomic. In the paper, we apply the method of Maggi’s equations to realize the assembly of the equations of motion for a planar mechanical systems using finite two-dimensional elements. This presents some advantages in the case of mechanical systems with nonholonomic liaisons.
A new approach to approximate solutions for a class of nonlinear multi-term fractional differential equations with integral boundary conditions
Authors: O KyuNam , Jong KumSong , Pak SunAe , Choi HuiChol
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we discuss the existence and uniqueness of solutions for a class of integral boundary value problems of nonlinear multi-term fractional differential equations and propose a new method to obtain their approximate solutions. The existence results are established by the Banach fixed point theorem, and approximate solutions are determined by the Daftardar-Gejji and Jafari iterative method (DJIM) and the Adomian decomposition method (ADM). Finally, we present some examples to illustrate the existence result and the effectiveness of applied approximate techniques.
An application of upscaled optimal foraging theory using hidden Markov modelling: year-round behavioural variation in a large arctic herbivore
Authors: Beumer Larissa T. , Pohle Jennifer , Schmidt Niels M. , Chimienti Marianna , Desforges Jean-Pierre , Hansen Lars H. , Langrock Roland , Pedersen Stine Højlund , Stelvig Mikkel , van Beest Floris M.
Published: June 2020

Background

In highly seasonal environments, animals face critical decisions regarding time allocation, diet optimisation, and habitat use. In the Arctic, the short summers are crucial for replenishing body reserves, while low food availability and increased energetic demands characterise the long winters (9–10 months). Under such extreme seasonal variability, even small deviations from optimal time allocation can markedly impact individuals’ condition, reproductive success and survival. We investigated which environmental conditions influenced daily, seasonal, and interannual variation in time allocation in high-arctic muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) and evaluated whether results support qualitative predictions derived from upscaled optimal foraging theory.

Methods

Using hidden Markov models (HMMs), we inferred behavioural states (foraging, resting, relocating) from hourly positions of GPS-collared females tracked in northeast Greenland (28 muskox-years). To relate behavioural variation to environmental conditions, we considered a wide range of spatially and/or temporally explicit covariates in the HMMs.

Results

While we found little interannual variation, daily and seasonal time allocation varied markedly. Scheduling of daily activities was distinct throughout the year except for the period of continuous daylight. During summer, muskoxen spent about 69% of time foraging and 19% resting, without environmental constraints on foraging activity. During winter, time spent foraging decreased to 45%, whereas about 43% of time was spent resting, mediated by longer resting bouts than during summer.

Conclusions

Our results clearly indicate that female muskoxen follow an energy intake maximisation strategy during the arctic summer. During winter, our results were not easily reconcilable with just one dominant foraging strategy. The overall reduction in activity likely reflects higher time requirements for rumination in response to the reduction of forage quality (supporting an energy intake maximisation strategy). However, deep snow and low temperatures were apparent constraints to winter foraging, hence also suggesting attempts to conserve energy (net energy maximisation strategy). Our approach provides new insights into the year-round behavioural strategies of the largest Arctic herbivore and outlines a practical example of how to approximate qualitative predictions of upscaled optimal foraging theory using multi-year GPS tracking data.
Dynamic analysis of the extended space charge layer using chronopotentiometric measurements
Authors: Cho Inhee , Lee Hyomin , Kim Sung Jae
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we experimentally verified the length (LESC) and the concentration (cESC) of the extended space charge (ESC) layer in front of the electrical double layer (EDL) using the chronopotentiometric measurement and the equivalent circuit model analysis. From the experimentation, the coupled-response of the EDL and the ESC layer was discriminated from the contribution of electro-osmotic flow (EOF). In addition, we derived the potential differences across the ESC (VESC) layer using the circuit model of the ICP layer under rigorous consideration of ESC and EDL. As a result, we obtained that VESC was linearly proportional to the square of the applied current (iapplied). Hence, LESC and cESC were quantitatively provided, where LESC is linear to the iapplied and cESC is constant regardless of iapplied. Thus, this experimentation could not only clarify an essential ICP theory but also guide in ESC-based applications.
Solute tracer test quantification of the effects of hot water injection into hydraulically stimulated crystalline rock
Authors: Kittilä Anniina , Jalali Mohammadreza , Saar Martin O. , Kong Xiang-Zhao
Published: June 2020

When water is injected into a fracture-dominated reservoir that is cooler or hotter than the injected water, the reservoir permeability is expected to be altered by the injection-induced thermo-mechanical effects, resulting in the redistribution of fluid flow in the reservoir. These effects are important to be taken into account when evaluating the performance and lifetime particularly of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). In this paper, we compare the results from two dye tracer tests, conducted before (at ambient temperature of $$13\,^{\circ } \text {C}$$13∘C) and during the injection of $$45\,^{\circ } \text {C}$$45∘C hot water into a fractured crystalline rock at the Grimsel Test Site in Switzerland. Conducting a moment analysis on the recovered tracer residence time distribution (RTD) curves, we observe, after hot water injection, a significant decrease in the total tracer recovery. This recovery decrease strongly suggests that fluid flow was redistributed in the studied rock volume and that the majority of the injected water was lost to the far-field. Furthermore, using temperature measurements, obtained from the same locations as the tracer RTD curves, we conceptualize an approach to estimate the fracture surface area contributing to the heat exchange between the host rock and the circulating fluid. Our moment analysis and simplified estimation of fracture surface area provide insights into the hydraulic properties of the hydraulically active fracture system and the changes in fluid flow. Such insights are important to assess the heat exchange performance of a geothermal formation during fluid circulation and to estimate the lifetime of the geothermal formation, particularly in EGS.
Factors affecting aseptic loosening in primary total knee replacements: an in vitro study
Authors: Lionberger David , Wattenbarger Laura , Conlon Christopher , Walker Timothy J.
Published: June 2020

Background

Implant surface integrity and cement bonding are assumed to be sufficient in primary total knee replacements to stabilize implants for extended wear without concerns over delamination and loosening. Yet there exists a significant rate of aseptic loosening where failure at implant cement interface occurs. The aim of this study is to look at specific aspects leading to aseptic loosening of the total knee replacement, where cement adhesion to the implant results in the lowest pull off strength.

Methods

Virgin ceramic coated and uncoated chrome cobalt tibial trays were used in a pull off study using differing viscosities of cement at varied time intervals to compare which combination is strongest compared to which is least resistant to pull off testing.

Results

Low viscosity cement had a 44% (5.9 kg verses 3.3 kg, p < 0.001) higher pull-off strength compared to high viscosity cement. Coated implants had a 30% (3.9 kg verses 5.5 kg, p = 0.037) lower pull-off strength compared to non-coated. Testing measures were limited to cement utilization less than 5 minutes due to the poor adhesion of the dowels beyond this time. Finally, there was a significant difference in adhesion properties between brand names when utilizing low viscosity cement on the non-coated trays (10.34 kg for Simplex verses 4.87 for Palacos, p = 0.021).

Conclusion

There are differences in adhesion properties between cement vendors, prompting significant concerns over the use of coated implants with particular cement types. Use of low viscosity cement on non-coated surfaces in the early liquid phase of cement curing was found to produce the best chance for adequate adhesion. This study demonstrates that there is variation in the adhesive properties of implants utilized in total knee replacements, and that the orthopedic community should consider not only the implant, cement, and curing time individually, but the overall integrity conferred from the combination of all of these variables.
Achieving corporate sustainability performance: The influence of corporate ethical value, and leader-member exchange on employee behaviors and organizational performance
Authors: Lee Stacy H.
Published: June 2020

This study investigated how corporate sustainability performance can be attained through the interface of corporate ethical values and leader-member exchange, and how employees’ positive and negative behaviors can influence these relationships. A total of 310 data sets were collected and used to test our hypotheses. To assess the factorability of the variables, exploratory factor analysis was conducted, and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test the fit and validity of the measurement model. Then, the structural model proceeded to test the hypotheses. The results of this study found that employee behaviors can highly influence corporate sustainability performance. Depending on contextual or/and relational factors, employee behaviors can either encourage more organizational citizenship behavior or alleviate counterproductive work behavior. These findings demonstrate that it is critical not only to create an ethical working environment but also to develop quality relationships with direct managers.
Linking Tensegrity to Sports Team Collective Behaviors: Towards the Group-Tensegrity Hypothesis
Authors: Caldeira Paulo , Fonseca Sérgio Teixeira , Paulo Ana , Infante Jorge , Araújo Duarte
Published: June 2020

Collective behaviors in sports teams emerge from the coordination between players formed from their perception of shared affordances. Recent studies based on the theoretical framework of ecological dynamics reported new analytical tools to capture collective behavior variables that describe team synergies. Here, we introduce a novel hypothesis based on the principles of tensegrity to describe collective behavior. Tensegrity principles operate in the human body at different size scales, from molecular to organism levels, in structures connected physically (biotensegrity). Thus, we propose that a group of individuals connected by information can exhibit synergies based on the same principles (group-tensegrity), and we provide an empirical example based on the dynamics of a volleyball team sub-phase of defense.
A study of glycemic variability in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome using a continuous glucose monitoring system
Authors: Khaire Suhas S. , Gada Jugal V. , Utpat Ketaki V. , Shah Nikita , Varthakavi Premlata K. , Bhagwat Nikhil M.
Published: June 2020

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in association with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) may result in increased glycemic variability affecting the glycemic control and hence increasing the risk of complications associated with diabetes. We decided to assess the Glycemic Variability (GV) in patients with type 2 diabetes with OSAS and in controls. We also correlated the respiratory disturbance indices with glycemic variability indices.

Methods

After fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria patients from the Endocrinology and Pulmonology clinics underwent modified Sleep Apnea Clinical Score (SACS) followed by polysomnography (PSG). Patients were then divided into 4 groups: Group A (DM with OSAS, n = 20), Group B (DM without OSAS, n = 20), Group C (Non DM with OSAS, n = 10) and Group D (Non DM without OSAS, n = 10). Patients in these groups were subjected to continuous glucose monitoring using the Medtronic iPro2 and repeat PSG. Parameters of GV: i.e. mean glucose, SD (standard Deviation), CV (Coefficient of Variation), Night SD, Night CV, MAGE and NMAGE were calculated using the Easy GV software. GV parameters and the respiratory indices were correlated statistically. Quantitative data was expressed as mean, standard deviation and median. The comparison of GV indices between different groups was performed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Kruskal Wallis (for data that failed normality). Correlation analysis of AHI with GV parameters was done by Pearson correlation.

Results

All the four groups were adequately matched for age, sex, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and blood pressure (BP). We found that the GV parameters Night CV, MAGE and NMAGE were significantly higher in Group A as compared to Group B (p values < 0.05). Similarly Night CV, MAGE and NMAGE were also significantly higher in Group C as compared to Group D (p value < 0.05). Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) correlated positively with Glucose SD, MAGE and NMAGE in both diabetes (Group A plus Group B) and non- diabetes groups (Group C plus Group D).

Conclusions

OSAS has a significant impact on the glycemic variability irrespective of glycemic status. AHI has moderate positive correlation with the glycemic variability.
Improving the transitioning of pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes into adult care by initiating a dedicated single session transfer clinic
Authors: Williams Sarah , Newhook Leigh Anne Allwood , Power Heather , Shulman Rayzel , Smith Sharon , Chafe Roger
Published: June 2020

Background

Young adults with type 1 diabetes face potential health problems and disruptions in accessing care related to their move from pediatrics into adult care. At a medium-sized pediatric hospital with no formal transition support program, we developed and evaluated the use of a single-session transfer clinic as an initial quality improvement intervention to improve patient satisfaction, clinic attendance, and knowledge of transition related issues.

Methods

Following a jurisdictional scan of other diabetes programs, the pediatric diabetes program developed a half-day transfer clinic. After the first transfer clinic was held, evaluation surveys were completed by patients, parents, and healthcare providers. Based on the feedback received, we altered the structure and evaluated the revised clinic by surveying patients and parents.

Results

All patients and parents who attended reported high levels of satisfaction with the clinic. Providers were also mostly positive regarding their participation. Feedback from the first clinic was used to modify the structure of the second clinic to better meet the needs of participants and to allow the clinic to run more efficiently. The use of group sessions and adapting resources developed by other diabetes programs were viewed favourably by participants and lessened the burden on staff who delivered the clinic.

Conclusions

A half-day transfer clinic is a viable step towards improving patient and parent satisfaction during the transition into adult care without requiring additional staff or significant expenditures of new resources. This type of clinic can also be incorporated into a larger program of transition supports or be adopted by programs serving young adults with other chronic diseases.
Sea anemones (Exaiptasia pallida) use a secreted adhesive and complex pedal disc morphology for surface attachment
Authors: Clarke Jessica L. , Davey Peter A. , Aldred Nick
Published: June 2020

Background

The mechanism by which sea anemones attach to surfaces underwater remains elusive, which is surprising given their ubiquitous distribution in the world’s oceans and tractability for experimental biology. Their adhesion is mechanically interesting, bridging the interface between very hard and soft materials. The Cnidaria are thought to have evolved adhesion to surfaces at least 505 Ma ago implying that, among the Metazoa, only Porifera developed this capability earlier. The purpose of this study was primarily to address an existing hypothesis, that spirocysts (a sticky class of cnidocyst) facilitate adhesion to surfaces, as observed during prey capture.

Results

We demonstrated conclusively that spirocysts were not involved in the pedal disc adhesion of Exaiptasia pallida. Second, we applied a variety of imaging methods to develop an understanding of the true adhesion mechanism. Morphological studies using scanning electron microscopy identified a meshwork of adhesive material, unique to the pedal disc. Serial block-face SEM highlighted four classes of cells that could secrete the adhesive from the pedal disc ectoderm. A variety of histochemical techniques identified proteins, glycans and quinones in the cell contents and secreted adhesive, with variation in contents of specific cell-types in different areas of the body.

Conclusions

Spirocysts are not used by Exaiptasia pallida for adhesion to surfaces. Instead, a structurally and compositionally complex secreted glue was observed, firmly attaching the animals underwater. The results of this study provide a basis for further investigations of adhesion in Cnidaria, and establish E. pallida as a new model organism for bioadhesion research.
Evidence from ileum and liver transcriptomes of resistance to high-salt and water-deprivation conditions in camel
Authors: Zhang Dong , Pan Jing , Zhou Huanmin , Cao Yu
Published: June 2020

Camels have evolved various resistance characteristics adaptive to their desert habitats. In the present study, we used high-throughput sequencing to investigate stress-induced alternative splicing events as well as different genes involved in resistance to water deprivation and salt absorption in the ileum and liver inCamelus bactrianus. Through association analyses of mRNA, miRNA and lncRNA, we sought to explicate how camels respond to high salt and water scarcity conditions. There were two modes by which genes driven by alternative splicing were enriched to molecular functions, invoking of which was potentially fixed by organ and stress types. With qRT-PCR detection, the differentially expressedMUC6,AQP5,LOC105076960,PKP4,CDH11,TENM1, SDS,LOC105061856,PLIN2andUPP2were screened as functionally important genes, along with miR-29b, miR-484, miR-362-5p, miR-96, miR-195, miR-128 and miR-148a. These genes contributed to cellular stress resistance, for instance by reducing water loss, inhibiting excessive import of sodium, improving protective barriers and sodium ion homeostasis, and maintaining uridine content. The underlying competing endogenous RNAs referred to LNC001664, let-7e andLOC105076960mRNA in ileum, and LNC001438, LNC003417, LNC001770, miR-199c andTENM1mRNA in liver. Besides competent interpretation to resistance, there may be inspirations for curing human diseases triggered by high-salt intake.
Social isolation and loneliness among older adults in the context of COVID-19: a global challenge
Authors: Wu Bei
Published: June 2020

We are experiencing a historical moment with an unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 global pandemic. The outbreak of COVID-19 will have a long-term and profound impact on older adults’ health and well-being. Social isolation and loneliness are likely to be one of the most affected health outcomes. Social isolation and loneliness are major risk factors that have been linked with poor physical and mental health status. This paper discusses several approaches that may address the issues of social isolation and loneliness. These approaches include promoting social connection as public health messaging, mobilizing the resources from family members, community-based networks and resources, developing innovative technology-based interventions to improve social connections, and engaging the health care system to begin the process of developing methods to identify social isolation and loneliness in health care settings.
Enhanced alcohol degradation and hepatic protective effects of an Acetobacter Pasteurianus-derived product, CureZyme-ACE, in an acute intoxication rat model
Authors: Jeon Eun-Jong , Cho Yun-Sang , Kim Ae-Hyang , Shim Jae-Min , Kim Yi-Soo , Piao Zhe , Shin Young Chul , Kwon Jungkee
Published: June 2020

Excessive alcohol consumption induces acute intoxication and various hepatic diseases. In this study, we investigated the effect of the CureZyme-ACE (CA), Acetobacter Pasteurianus (AP)-derived product, in acute intoxication rats. The ethanol and acetaldehyde levels of serum were lower in rats treated with CA than those who only treated ethanol. The activities of alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase also recovered faster in the CA group than only-ethanol group. The transaminase levels (AST, ALT) in the CA group were significantly lower than only-ethanol group. In addition, Hepatic histological analyses and stomach wall were demonstrated that the CA-treated group recovered faster than only-ethanol group. With regard to most characteristics, we found that CA had dose-dependent effects. At high concentrations of CA, there were no differences in the tested parameters compared to those of normal rats. These findings indicate that CA reduces the serum alcohol concentration and some of the hepatic damage caused by alcohol intoxication.
Are EMS bypass policies effective implementation strategies for intravenous alteplase for stroke?
Authors: Harris Alex H. S. , Barreto Nicolas B. , Trickey Amber W. , Bereknyei Sylvia , Meng Tong , Wagner Todd H. , Govindarajan Prasanthi
Published: June 2020

Background

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the USA. Intravenous alteplase is a highly effective clot-dissolving stroke treatment that must be given in a hospital setting within a time-sensitive window. To increase the use of intravenous alteplase in stroke patients, many US counties enacted policies mandating emergency medical service (EMS) paramedics to bypass local emergency departments and instead directly transport patients to specially equipped stroke centers. The objective of this mixed-methods study is to evaluate the effectiveness of policy enactment as an implementation strategy, how differences in policy structures and processes impact effectiveness, and to explore how the county, hospital, and policy factors explain variation in implementation and clinical outcomes. This paper provides a detailed description of an Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research (AHRQ)-funded protocol, including the use of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) in the qualitative design.

Methods/design

We will construct the largest-ever national stroke database of Medicare enrollees (~ 1.5 million stroke patients) representing 896 policy counties paired with 1792 non-policy counties, then integrate patient-, hospital-, county-, and state-level covariates from eight different data sources. We will use a difference-in-differences analysis to estimate the overall effect of the policy enactment on intravenous alteplase use (implementation outcome) as well as key patient outcomes. We will also quantitatively examine if variation in the context (urban/rural status) and variation in policy features affect outcomes. Finally, a CFIR-informed multiple case study design will be used to interview informants in 72 stakeholders in 24 counties to identify and validate factors that enable policy effects.

Discussion

Policies can be potent implementation strategies. However, the effects of EMS bypass policies to increase intravenous alteplase use have not been rigorously evaluated. By learning how context and policy structures impact alteplase implementation, as well as the barriers and facilitators experienced by stakeholders responsible for policy enactment, the results of this study will inform decisions regarding if and how EMS bypass policies should spread to non-policy counties, and if indicated, creation of a “best practices” toolkit.
Two-level uncertainty assessment in stochastic seismic inversion based on the gradual deformation method
Authors: Yang Xiuwei , Mao Ningbo , Zhu Peimin , Xiao Dan
Published: June 2020

Geostatistical seismic inversion can combine seismic data, well data, and spatial continuity of the property of interest to obtain high-resolution reservoir models and evaluate uncertainties. Some workflows estimate global geostatistical parameters, such as correlation length, and keep them fixed in all simulations and inversions. This can introduce biases due to the sparsity of available well data and underestimate the uncertainty of inversion. A better approach is to incorporate the uncertainty in these global parameters. Lateral correlation length is one of the most difficult parameters to estimate. We have developed a seismic inversion method based on local gradual deformation method, which incorporates the uncertainty of lateral correlation length and provides a two-level uncertainty evaluation. We first estimate a uniform prior distribution of lateral correlation length from well data and additional geologic expert knowledge. After using fast Fourier transform (FFT) moving average simulations and local gradual deformation optimization, we obtain multiple realizations from which we could extract the lateral correlation lengths and calculate their posterior distribution. The FFT moving average method generates reservoir models by a convolution between a filter operator and a random noise field. The filter operator does not change during inversion, and the correlation structure of the random noise field could be changed by the local gradual deformation method to match the seismic data. A synthetic model test shows that the correlation lengths and the global probability distribution of the inverted results tend to the true geostatistical characteristics. The posterior distribution of the lateral correlation length narrows after inversion. Compared with conventional geostatistical seismic inversion techniques, uncertainties in the results increase because we incorporate the uncertainty in the global parameters. A real case also demonstrated that by modifying the random noise field locally, thin layers in a thick formation are well restored, even if they are not interpreted in advance.
Frequency-domain least-squares generalized internal multiple imaging with the energy norm
Authors: Wang Guanchao , Guo Qiang , Alkhalifah Tariq , Wang Shangxu
Published: June 2020

Recorded seismic data contain various types of scattered energy, including those corresponding to multiples. Traditional imaging techniques are focused on single-scattering events and, thus, may fail to image crucial structures, such as salt flanks and faults that sometimes are illuminated only by the multiple scattered energy. The recently introduced generalized internal multiple imaging (GIMI) method offers an opportunity to image multiples by projecting the recorded data back into the subsurface, followed by an interferometric crosscorrelation of the subsurface wavefield with the recorded data. During this process, the interferometric step converts the first-order scattering to a tomographic component and the double-scattering forms the primary reflectivity. Dealing with a large volume of data consisting of full wavefields over the image space renders the interferometric step computationally expensive in the time domain. To make the implementation of GIMI tractable, we formulate its frequency-domain version. Moreover, we use the energy norm imaging condition to separate the reflectivity portion from the tomographic component. We demonstrate these features with numerical experiments.
Inflammation as a treatment target in mood disorders: review
Authors: Jones Brett D. M. , Daskalakis Zafiris J. , Carvalho Andre F. , Strawbridge Rebecca , Young Allan H. , Mulsant Benoit H. , Husain M. Ishrat
Published: June 2020

Background

Mood disorders, i.e. major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorders, are leading sources of disability worldwide. Currently available treatments do not yield remission in approximately a third of patients with a mood disorder. This is in part because these treatments do not target a specific core pathology underlying these heterogeneous disorders. In recent years, abnormal inflammatory processes have been identified as putative pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment targets in mood disorders, particularly among individuals with treatment-resistant conditions.

Aims

In this selective review, we aimed to summarise recent advances in the field of immunopsychiatry, including emerging pathophysiological models and findings from treatment ttrials of immunomodulatory agents for both MDD and bipolar disorders.

Method

We performed a literature review by searching Medline for clinical trials of immunomodulating agents as monotherapy or adjunctive treatments in MDD and bipolar disorders. Included studies are randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster RCTs or cross-over trials of immunomodulating agents that had an active comparator or a placebo-arm.

Results

Current evidence shows an association between inflammation and mood symptoms. However, there is conflicting evidence on whether this link is causal.

Conclusions

Future studies should focus on identifying specific neurobiological underpinnings for the putative causal association between an activated inflammatory response and mood disorders. Results of these studies are needed before further treatment trials of immunomodulatory agents can be justified.
Airway Rupture Caused by Double-Lumen Tubes: A Review of 187 Cases
Authors: Liu Shiqing , Mao Yuqiang , Qiu Peng , Faridovich Khasanov Anvar , Dong Youjing
Published: June 2020

The double-lumen tubes (DLTs) are the most widely used devices to provide perioperative lung isolation. Airway rupture is a rare but life-threatening complication of DLTs. The primary aim of this review was to collect all cases reported in the literature about airway rupture caused by DLTs and to describe the reported possible contributors, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of this complication. Another aim of this review was to assess the possible factors associated with mortality after airway rupture by DLTs. A comprehensive literature search for all cases of airway rupture caused by DLTs was performed in the PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, Wanfang Database, and CNKI. The extracted data included age, sex, height, weight, type of operation, type and size of DLT, site of airway rupture, possible contributors, clinical presentation, diagnosis timing, treatment, and outcome. We included 105 single case reports and 22 case series with a total number of 187 patients. Most of the ruptures were in the trachea (n = 98, 52.4%) and left main bronchus (n = 70, 37.4%). The common possible contributors include use of a stylet, cuff overdistention, multiple attempts to adjust the position of a DLT, difficult intubation, and use of an oversized DLT. Most of the airway ruptures were diagnosed intraoperatively (n = 138, 82.7%). Pneumomediastinum, air leakage, hypoxemia, and subcutaneous emphysema were the common clinical manifestations. Most patients were treated with surgical repair (n = 147, 78.6%). The mortality of the patients with airway rupture by DLTs was 8.8%. Age, sex, site of rupture, diagnosis timing, and method of treatment were not found to be associated with mortality.
Hydroxyethyl Starch 6% 130/0.4 in a Balanced Electrolyte Solution and Renal Function After Nephrectomy
Authors: Lee Ho-Jin , Kwon Yongsuk , Bae Jinyoung , Yoo Seokha , Yoon Hee-Chul , Yoon Soo-Hyuk , Kim Jin-Tae , Bahk Jae-Hyon , Kim Won Ho
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND:

Although previous studies have reported nephrotoxicity associated with hydroxyethyl starch (HES), the long-term effect of HES on renal function after nephrectomy has rarely been reported. We evaluated the association between intraoperative HES administration and short- and long-term renal function after nephrectomy.

METHODS:

We retrospectively reviewed 1106 patients who underwent partial or radical nephrectomy. The patients were divided into 2 groups: patients who received (HES group) or did not receive 6% HES 130/0.4 intraoperatively (non-HES group). The primary outcome was new-onset chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3a (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) or higher or all-cause mortality during 60 months after surgery. Propensity score matching was performed to address baseline differences between the 2 groups. Renal survival determined by stage 3a and stage 5 CKD (eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m2) or all-cause mortality were compared up to 60 months before and after matching. We compared postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) and CKD upstaging in the matched cohort as secondary outcomes. Ordinal logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses using inverse probability of treatment weighting were performed for postoperative AKI and our primary outcome, respectively. A subgroup analysis of partial nephrectomy was performed.

RESULTS:

Thirty percent of patients received HES intraoperatively. Balanced solution and 0.9% normal saline was administered during surgery in both groups. Renal survival was not significantly different between groups after matching (log-rank test P = .377 for our primary outcome, and P = .981 for stage 5 or all-cause mortality, respectively). In the matched cohort (HES group: n = 280, non-HES group: n = 280), the incidence of AKI or CKD upstaging at 1 year was not significantly different (AKI: n = 94, 33.6% in HES group versus n = 90, 32.1% in non-HES group; CKD upstaging: n = 132, 47.1% in HES group versus n = 122, 43.6% in non-HES group; odds ratio [OR], 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83–1.61; P = .396). Intraoperative HES administration was not associated with postoperative renal outcomes (AKI: OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.81–1.16; P = .723; CKD stage 3a or higher or all-cause mortality: hazard ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.89–1.14; P = .920). Subgroup analysis yielded similar results.

CONCLUSIONS:

Intraoperative 6% HES 130/0.4 administration was not significantly associated with short- and long-term renal function or renal survival up to 5 years in patients undergoing partial or radical nephrectomy. However, wide CI including large harm effect precludes firm conclusion and inadequate assessment of safety cannot be ruled out by our results.