bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Urinary Calcium and Chitotriosidase in a Cohort of Chronic Sarcoidosis Patients
Authors: Cameli Paolo , Gonnelli Stefano , Bargagli Elena , d’Alessandro Miriana , Bergantini Laura , Favetta Valentina , Tomai Pitinca Maria Dea , Lisi Edoardo , Refini Rosa Metella , Pieroni Maria , Sestini Piersante , Caffarelli Carla
Published: February 2020

Background: Calcium metabolism alterations are quite common in sarcoidosis and have been correlated with disease activity. Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical significance of calcium metabolism alterations in patients with chronic sarcoidosis. We paid particular attention to associations with specific disease phenotypes and chitotriosidase (CTO) expression. Methods: 212 chronic sarcoidosis patients (mean age 56.07 ± 12 years; 97 males) were retrospectively recruited. Demographic, clinical, functional, and radiological data, and serum-urinary calcium metabolism were entered into an electronical database for analysis. Levels of CTO and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) were measured and bone mineral density and lung function tests were conducted. Results: Hypercalciuria and hypercalcemia were observed in 18.8 and 1.8% of patients, respectively. Urinary calcium levels correlated with CTO activity (r = 0.33, p = 0.0042). Patients with worsening persistent disease showed the highest levels of urinary calcium. Diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) percentage correlated inversely with urinary calcium (r = 0.1482; p = 0.0397). Conclusions: Calcium metabolism alteration, particularly hypercalciuria, was observed in a significant percentage of patients of sarcoidosis. Urinary calcium was correlated with clinical status, DLCO, and serum CTO activity, suggesting its potential role as a biomarker of the activity and severity of sarcoidosis.
Global Mapping of Interventions to Improve Quality of Life of Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease during 1990–2018
Authors: Hoang Chi Linh , Ha Giang Hai , Pham Kiet Tuan Huy , Tran Bach Xuan , Latkin Carl A. , Ho Cyrus S.H. , Ho Roger C.M.
Published: February 2020

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with its high burden on disability is known as one of the critical public health issues worldwide. Hence, providing comprehensive care and effective symptomatic treatment are becoming a challenge for many healthcare systems. Quality of life (QOL) has been identified as an important indicator to develop holistic care for people living with AD since it reflects treatment response, the progression of AD, and activities of daily living. This study aimed to identify research trends and landscapes as well as important factors in QOL studies in the field of AD. Summary: English research was extracted from the online database Web of Science to analyze research publications’ growth rate and content on AD and QOL. VOSviewer was used to visualize the correlations between terms in titles and abstracts. Research topics were created using Latent Dirichlet Allocation of abstracts’ content and disciplines. Major landscapes in the QOL assessment included care and treatment for AD in epidemiological studies and clinical trials. Besides, most studies were conducted in high-income countries, such as the USA or the United Kingdom. Findings of our study also identified a lack of contextualized factors and research gaps in terms of QOL among individuals with AD. Key Messages: Further studies should be conducted taking an effort to assess QOL among demented patients as well as advancing knowledge, attitude, and practice among family caregivers.
Successful Reduction of Creatine Kinase and Myoglobin Levels in Severe Rhabdomyolysis Using Extracorporeal Blood Purification (CytoSorb®)
Authors: Dilken Olcay , Ince Can , van der Hoven Ben , Thijsse Sjoerd , Ormskerk Patricia , de Geus Hilde R.H.
Published: February 2020

Rhabdomyolysis, if severe, can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI). Myoglobin is an iron and oxygen-binding protein that is freely filtered by the glomerulus. Precipitation of myoglobin in the nephrons’ distal parts is responsible for tubular damage with AKI as a consequence. Extracorporeal clearance of myoglobin is conventionally attempted by the use of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) with high cut-off dialysis membranes to limit the extent of the damage. We describe a case of a 56-year-old man with traumatic crush injury and a persistent source of muscle ischaemia unresponsive to high dose CRRT with EMiC-2 filter. Due to therapy failure, he was subsequently treated with the addition of a haemoadsorber (CytoSorb®) to the circuit. This reduced myoglobin and creatine kinase levels successfully despite ongoing tissue ischaemia. However, CytoSorb® was not enough to maintain microcirculatory perfusion, resulting in the eventual demise of the patient due to severity of the injury. Our report indicates that myoglobin was efficiently removed with CytoSorb® following exchange with the conventional high cut-off filter in continuous venovenous haemodialysis in severe traumatic rhabdomyolysis.
Is Teledermoscopy Ready to Replace Face-to-Face Examinations for the Early Detection of Skin Cancer? Consumer Views, Technology Acceptance, and Satisfaction with Care
Authors: Horsham Caitlin , Snoswell Centaine , Vagenas Dimitrios , Loescher Lois J. , Gillespie Nicole , Soyer H. Peter , Janda Monika
Published: February 2020

Background: Previous cross-sectional research indicates high acceptance of mobile teledermoscopy-enhanced skin self-examination (SSE) by consumers based on the technology acceptance model (TAM) domains: perceived usefulness, ease of use, compatibility, attitude and intention, subjective norms, facilitator, and trust. However, no study has assessed this outcome longitudinally among people who actually used the technology in their own homes. Methods: Participants were living in Brisbane, Australia, aged 18 years or older, and at high risk of skin cancer. Participants randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 98) completed a self-administered questionnaire on mobile teledermoscopy acceptance for skin cancer detection both before use and after performing mobile teledermoscopy-enhanced SSE in their homes. The survey included a 25-item scale assessing seven TAM domains. Item scores ranged from 5 (strongly agree) to 1 (strongly disagree). Participants also answered survey questions on satisfaction with use of teledermoscopy, and a 9-item “thoughts about melanoma” scale that measures cancer worry. Results: Participants were 19–73 years old, had high skin cancer risk, blue or grey eyes (53.1%), fair or very fair skin (88.8%), and previous skin cancer treatments (61.2%). Participants were more accepting of mobile teledermoscopy at baseline: mean TAM score of 4.15 (SE 0.05); their level of acceptance decreased significantly after teledermoscopy use: mean score 3.94 (SE 0.05; p = 0.001). In linear regression analysis, the decrease in TAM scores was similar across demographic and skin cancer risk categories. Ninety-two percent (n = 90) of participants agreed that mobile teledermoscopy was easy to use. The mean score of the “thoughts about melanoma” scale did not change significantly from baseline to follow-up. Conclusion: Consumers had high TAM scores before they used mobile teledermoscopy within a randomised control trial. At the end of the intervention period, TAM scores decreased, although participants’ average score still indicated “agreement” that mobile teledermoscopy was acceptable.
Primary Aldosteronism and Pregnancy
Authors: Zelinka Tomáš , Petrák Ondřej , Rosa Ján , Holaj Robert , Štrauch Branislav , Widimský Jr. Jiří
Published: February 2020

Objective: Primary aldosteronism (PA) may present at younger age and may thus complicate pregnancy. Our aim was to identify female patients in whom PA was diagnosed after pregnancy complicated with hypertension and to analyze possible hypertension-related complications during pregnancy. Methods: We performed retrospective analysis of female patients with PA diagnosed and treated at our Department who were pregnant before the diagnosis of PA. Results: We found 14 patients with PA (age at diagnosis 32.2 ± 4.2 years, hypertension duration 5.4 ± 3.6 years) suffering from hypertension 3 (IQR 0, 4) years before pregnancy (6 patients had hypertension diagnosed during pregnancy). Three subjects were pregnant twice, and 1 patient had been pregnant three times before the final diagnosis of PA was made. Ten subjects delivered by Caesarean section (in 3 cases due to early-onset preeclampsia and 2 subjects due to significantly increased blood pressure), and 9 cases spontaneously (1 subject complicated twice due to late-onset preeclampsia). Preterm delivery occurred in 5 cases – the earliest one in the sixth month of gestation. Subsequent diagnosis of PA (sometimes with a long delay up to a maximum of 12 years) was made on the basis of significantly low potassium values (2.7 ± 0.4 mmol/L; 2 subjects even suffered from muscle cramps) and hypertension (mostly moderate), elevated plasma/serum aldosterone (54.1 ± 20.2 ng/dL) and suppressed plasma renin activity (0.4 ± 0.2 ng/mL/h) or plasma renin (1.9 ± 1.6 ng/L). Thirteen subjects underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy (in all but 2 cases, diagnosis of a large cortical adenoma [16 ± 5.9 mm] was made), and 1 subject was classified with bilateral hyperplasia according to adrenal venous sampling. Operation normalized BP in 10 subjects and improved BP control in the remaining 3 subjects. Two patients became pregnant after adrenalectomy, and their pregnancies were uneventful. Conclusion: PA is associated with a high rate of pregnancy-related complications. The most frequent complication is preeclampsia, in some cases leading to preterm delivery. The optimal prevention of these complications is early diagnosis of PA, and in these particular hypertensive cases, the awareness of hypokalemia.
As rosas e o tempo
Authors: Bosi Viviana
Published: February 2020

O artigo se debruça especialmente sobre o ensaio de Antonio Candido, “As rosas e o tempo”, em que se destacam análises de poemas nos quais estas flores são imagens centrais. Também se refere ao seu estudo “La figlia che piange”, no qual o crítico busca interpretar algumas imagens na poesia de Eliot. Ora simbolizando a juventude e a beleza passageiras, ora a vitalidade amorosa, ora, por fim, a possibilidade de renovação social futura, as rosas e as flores em geral percorrem a poesia em diferentes estações históricas seja através de um tom intensamente lírico, seja, por vezes, na modernidade, através de um lirismo mesclado com inflexões irônicas e críticas.
A Desconstrução entre os historiadores
Authors: Silva Rodrigo Otávio
Published: February 2020

Este texto busca articular as possibilidades de encontro entre a Desconstrução derridiana e a História praticada pelos historiadores, mostrando como o pensamento desconstrucionista pode fertilizar as reflexões historiográficas, particularmente as discussões sobre linguagem, temporalidade e acontecimento. Acreditamos que essa aproximação, com tradução para o campo da História, e suas especificidades, possa disseminar novas angulações e ferramentas teórico-metodológicas importantes para lidar com a complexa realidade histórica das sociedades humanas na atualidade.
Os historiadores e os paradigmas
Authors: Leonzo Nanci
Published: February 2020

Não há dúvida de que Thomas S. Kuhn encorajou, com suas obras, diferentes intelectuais a questionar os cientistas e suas práticas, sobretudo no que diz respeito à utilização dos paradigmas. O historiador-cidadão espanhol Carlos Barros Guimerán é um deles, sendo o responsável pela rede digital Historia a Debate (HAD). Este artigo aborda seus escritos que sugerem um profícuo processo de reconstrução paradigmática apoiado em compromissos teóricos, metodológicos e até mesmo pessoais, todos destinados a combater o perverso mundo globalizado que nos cerca.
Individual-subject Functional Localization Increases Univariate Activation but Not Multivariate Pattern Discriminability in the “Multiple-demand” Frontoparietal Network
Authors: Shashidhara Sneha , Spronkers Floortje S. , Erez Yaara
Published: February 2020

The frontoparietal “multiple-demand” (MD) control network plays a key role in goal-directed behavior. Recent developments of multivoxel pattern analysis (MVPA) for fMRI data allow for more fine-grained investigations into the functionality and properties of brain systems. In particular, MVPA in the MD network was used to gain better understanding of control processes such as attentional effects, adaptive coding, and representation of multiple task-relevant features, but overall low decoding levels have limited its use for this network. A common practice of applying MVPA is by investigating pattern discriminability within a ROI using a template mask, thus ensuring that the same brain areas are studied in all participants. This approach offers high sensitivity but does not take into account differences between individuals in the spatial organization of brain regions. An alternative approach uses independent localizer data for each subject to select the most responsive voxels and define individual ROIs within the boundaries of a group template. Such an approach allows for a refined and targeted localization based on the unique pattern of activity of individual subjects while ensuring that functionally similar brain regions are studied for all subjects. In the current study, we tested whether using individual ROIs leads to changes in decodability of task-related neural representations as well as univariate activity across the MD network compared with when using a group template. We used three localizer tasks to separately define subject-specific ROIs: spatial working memory, verbal working memory, and a Stroop task. We then systematically assessed univariate and multivariate results in a separate rule-based criterion task. All the localizer tasks robustly recruited the MD network and evoked highly reliable activity patterns in individual subjects. Consistent with previous studies, we found a clear benefit of the subject-specific ROIs for univariate results from the criterion task, with increased activity in the individual ROIs based on the localizers' data, compared with the activity observed when using the group template. In contrast, there was no benefit of the subject-specific ROIs for the multivariate results in the form of increased discriminability, as well as no cost of reduced discriminability. Both univariate and multivariate results were similar in the subject-specific ROIs defined by each of the three localizers. Our results provide important empirical evidence for researchers in the field of cognitive control for the use of individual ROIs in the frontoparietal network for both univariate and multivariate analysis of fMRI data and serve as another step toward standardization and increased comparability across studies.
Conceptualising Syrian War Migrations: Displacements, Migrants’ Rights and the Major Reception Regimes
Authors: Valenta Marko , Jakobsen Jo
Published: February 2020

This article focuses on the migration of people from Syria after the outbreak of the civil war. The ambition of the article is to develop and nuance the typology of migrations of Syrians and relate the categories of international migrants to their rights, as provided by various reception regimes. The proposed typologies may help us better to understand the complexity of the migrations and the inconsistencies in reception and humanitarian standards. We argue that migration trends, reception regimes and the positioning of the Syrian refugees and migrants are highly interconnected and dynamic factors, resulting in different regular and irregular flows and migrant statuses. Furthermore, it is maintained that the management of the Syrian humanitarian and refugee crisis has revealed – and probably more so than any other, comparable event – the variety of inconsistencies in migration and protection policies and the widespread lack of will for more equitable burden-sharing.
Sovereignty-based Arguments and the European Asylum System: Searching for a European Constitutional Moment?
Authors: Penasa Simone , Romeo Graziella
Published: February 2020

The article expresses a twofold claim: a) sovereignty-based argument finds a fertile ground in EU’s weaknesses in terms of asylum strategy and b) sovereignty arguments in asylum issues can (and must) be confronted with the legal instruments afforded by the existing framework of EU law. To develop the argument, this article is divided into two parts. The first part addresses sovereignism in asylum law and policies, by exploring sovereignist claims and their translation into domestic legislation and policies, with specific reference to the Italian context. It then analyses the recent changes in asylum strategy, within the EU, to test to what extent arguments based on sovereignty stand as a bulwark against full cooperation among EU member states. In the second part, the article examines the legal instruments that EU institution can use and develop to implement solidarity and reduce the margin for the use of sovereignty-based arguments in asylum policies.
Static and fatigue performance of overlap welded thin plates
Authors: Zhao Li-Hui , Li Da-Ang , Weng Shuo , Zheng Song-Lin
Published: February 2020

Thin-plate overlap welding is an important connection method for the automobile chassis structure. The fatigue performance of the chassis structural components depends mostly on the welded joints. A detailed understanding of its performance plays an important guiding role in the design
of the chassis structure. This study was aimed at investigating the performance of thin-plate overlap welded structures using the static tensile test and fatigue test. The general rule of the influence of base metal thickness on the static strength and fatigue performance of welded joints
was also summarized. The failure mode of the welded joint and the crack propagation mechanism were discussed in terms of fracture morphology. The findings might lay a foundation for the anti-fatigue design and lightweight design of the chassis welded structures.
F-actin microfilament polymerized by jasplakinolide affects the expression of aquaporin-4 in astrocytic swelling after oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation
Authors: Sun Zhengang , Zhang Xinchao , Hu Lingyun , Wang Xiaoshuai , Sun Zhenjuan , Zhao Ensi , Wang Jixian , Wei Fuxin
Published: February 2020

This study was to determine whether Jasplakinolide (JSK), an actin microfilament polymerization, reduced the astrocytic swelling induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/Reox) and whether this effect could be mediated through the modulation of aquaporin-4 (AQP4)
expression. Astrocytes were obtained from rat spinal cord. Cells were subjected to reoxygenation after 5 h OGD. JSK with different concentrations (20, 50, 100, 200 and 400 nM) was added to astrocytes for 12 h before and during OGD/Reox. Then the cell volume and AQP4 expression were analyzed.
The results showed that astrocytic swelling occurred with cell volume increasing after OGD/Reox and the severity was significantly attenuated by JSK. A strong increase of AQP4 protein expression was observed after OGD/Reox, reaching a peak at 1.5 h into reoxygenation. The increase in levels
of AQP4 protein was significantly reduced by treatment with JSK. In addition, confocal microscopy analysis showed that the F-actin microfilament polymerization by JSK accounted for AQP4 downregulation in the plasma membrane. This study demonstrated that JSK could attenuate astrocytes swelling
caused by OGD/Reox, an ischemia and reperfusion-like injury, and part of its protective effects might be related to the reorganization the F-actin microfilament and inhibiting the abundance expression of AQP4 protein.
Convenient synthesis of TiO2 nanowires with anatase phase for high photocatalytic activity
Authors: Tian Fei , Zhu Gen , Shen Kexin , Li Chunju , Li Haitao , Yang Guohai , Qu Lulu
Published: February 2020

Organic pollutants pose a serious threat to human health, and so their control by photocatalytic techniques has become an important field. There is an urgent need to devise convenient syntheses of effective photocatalysts for the degradation of contaminants. Here, high-performance anatase
TiO2 nanowires have been obtained through a hydrothermal method followed by calcination at different temperatures in Ar. The products have been characterized by SEM, XRD, FTIR, and UV/Vis DRS measurements. The photocatalytic performances of the as-prepared catalysts in the degradation
of rhodamine 6G (R6G) have been evaluated. The experimental results revealed that as-prepared TiO2 nanowires calcined at 600 °C (TNWs-600) exhibited the highest degree of R6G degradation (96%) under simulated solar irradiation. This could be attributed to their stable anatase
phase with good photocatalytic activity, the excellent light absorption ability of which favors excitation. Overall, the fabricated TNWs-600 constitute a promising candidate material for photocatalytic applications in the removal of environmental pollutants.
Upconverting TiO2 spheres with light scattering effect for enhanced quantum dot-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Qu Peng , Wang Kefeng , Li Jie , Wang Songzhu , Wei Wei
Published: February 2020

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) for solar cells could only absorb solar light in the visible region. Upconverters could convert near-infrared (NIR) photons into visible light photons that could be used to generate photocurrent by the sensitizers. Consequently, it is reasonable to utilize
upconverters in the quantum dotsensitized solar cells (QDSCs) in order to broaden the light utilization region. In this article, Yb3+/Er3+ co-doped TiO2 spheres were integrated into the photoanodes for QDSCs. The influence of photoanode configuration on the
performance of the QDSCs has been scrutinized. The photoanode with the optimized composite film was employed to fabricate QDSC, yielding a conversion efficiency (η) of 3.53%. The QDSC with the composite film photoanode outperforms that with the pure TiO2 film photoanode.
The amplified cell performance for the composite photoanodes could be attributed to the following two aspects: first, the upconversion process of the upconverter leads to indirect exploitation of NIR light. Second, the light scattering effect of the upconverterdoped TiO2 spheres
enhances the absorption of visible light.
A Review of Recent Research on the Manipulation of Response Effort in Applied Behavior Analysis
Authors: Wilder David A. , Ertel Hallie M. , Cymbal Daniel J.
Published: February 2020

Response effort refers to the distance, force/pressure, or number of discrete behaviors required to engage in a response. In applied behavior analysis, response effort has been used as an independent variable to address a variety of target responses. In this manuscript, we summarize recent clinical and organizational studies in which response effort was manipulated to increase a desirable behavior or decrease a problematic behavior. Recent clinical applications include the manipulation of response effort to decrease self-injurious behavior and pica and increase appropriate eating, compliance, and manding. Recent organizational applications include the manipulation of response effort to increase safety and recycling. We also review the collection of data on treatment integrity, social validity, and maintenance in response effort research and analyze the effectiveness of response effort manipulations. We conclude by discussing the putative behavioral mechanisms responsible for the effects of response effort manipulations and by providing some directions for future research.
Etiology of Burnout in Canadian Radiologists and Trainees
Authors: Zha Nanxi , Neuheimer Nick , Patlas Michael N.
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

There is worsening of burnout symptoms experienced by radiologists and trainees. We explored potential factors that exacerbate burnout symptoms observed in the Canadian radiological community and currently available protective factors as next steps for establishing viable solutions for burnout.

Methods:

An 11-question electronic survey was distributed to Canadian radiologists and trainees through the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR). Approval from a local ethics board and the CAR were obtained. The survey contained demographics-related questions as well as questions based on common risk factors for burnout. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed.

Results:

The survey was distributed to 2200 CAR members, and a response rate of 23.3% was achieved. Most radiologists experienced frequent unexpected high workload with no statistically significant difference by the type of practice. Trainees experienced a statistically significantly ( P < .0001) higher frequency of on-call shifts compared to staff radiologists. A statistically significant difference ( P < .0001) was observed for perceived threats to career longevity dependent on length of career. Although support mechanisms for radiology were perceived as available, survey commentary suggested inefficiency in their usage and lack of prioritization, which was a trend observed across all types of practice.

Conclusions:

While there is awareness for radiology needs, changes are required at the workplace level to reduce burnout symptoms at their source. Communication between radiologists and hospital administration, as well as among radiology group members, is key to prioritize radiology needs in our imaging-driven era of health care.
How Icarus Paradox Doomed Kingfisher Airlines
Authors: Sulphey M.M.
Published: February 2020

Icarus, a Greek mythical character, is fabled to have plunged to his death in the Aegean Sea due to his own overconfidence and follies. Now management literature has adopted this fable and has extensively used to denote paradoxical decision-making in business. The present case analyses the rise and fall of the Indian air company Kingfisher Airlines Ltd (KFA) and its promoter the flamboyant Mr Vijay Mallya. The author draws parallel between Icarus and KFA, and presents how both met the same fate due to misplaced overconfidence. A few suggestions for organizations to tide over Icarus paradox are also presented.
Book review: Stephane Garelli, Are You a Tiger, a Cat or a Dinosaur? 100 Questions: How Competitiveness Influences Your Life!
Authors: Pillania Rajesh K.
Published: February 2020

Stephane Garelli, Are You a Tiger, a Cat or a Dinosaur? 100 Questions: How Competitiveness Influences Your Life! 2017, SAGE Publications.
New hybrid between NSGA-III with multi-objective particle swarm optimization to multi-objective robust optimization design for Powertrain mount system of electric vehicles
Authors: Trưởng Nguyễn Huy , Dao Dinh-Nam
Published: February 2020

In this study, a new methodology, hybrid NSGA-III with multi-objective particle swarm optimization (HNSGA-III&MOPSO), has been developed to design and achieve cost optimization of Powertrain mount system stiffness parameters. This problem is formalized as a multi-objective optimization problem involving six optimization objectives: mean square acceleration and mean square displacement of the Powertrain mount system. A hybrid HNSGA-III&MOPSO is proposed with the integration of multi-objective particle swarm optimization and a genetic algorithm (NSGA-III). Several benchmark functions are tested, and results reveal that the HNSGA-III&MOPSO is more efficient than the typical multi-objective particle swarm optimization, NSGA-III. Powertrain mount system stiffness parameter optimization with HNSGA-III&MOPSO is simulated, respectively. It proved the potential of the HNSGA-III&MOPSO for Powertrain mount system stiffness parameter optimization problem. The amplitude of the acceleration of the vehicle frame decreased by 22.8%, and the amplitude of the displacement of the vehicle frame reduced by 12.4% compared to the normal design case. The calculation time of the algorithm HNSGA-III&MOPSO is less than the algorithm NSGA-III, that is, 5 and 6 h, respectively, compared to the algorithm multi-objective particle swarm optimization.
Natural Sequence Variations and Combinations of GNP1 and NAL1 Determine the Grain Number per Panicle in Rice
Authors: Wang Yun , Zhai Laiyuan , Chen Kai , Shen Congcong , Liang Yuntao , Wang Chunchao , Zhao Xiuqin , Wang Shu , Xu Jianlong
Published: February 2020

Background

The grain number per panicle (GNP), which is one of three grain yield components, is an important trait for the genetic improvement of rice. Although theNAL1andGNP1genes regulating the rice GNP and grain yield have been cloned, their allelic diversity, functional differences in rice germplasms, and effects of their combination on GNP and grain yield remain unclear.

Results

Based on DNA sequences of these two genes in 198 cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) and 8–10 wild rice (Oryza rufipogon) germplasms, 16 and 14 haplotypes were identified forNAL1andGNP1, respectively. TheNAL1gene had the strongest effects on GNP inindica(xian) andjaponica(geng) subpopulations. In contrast,GNP1had no significant effects in thegengsubpopulation and was rare in thexianbackground, in which the superiorGNP1allele (GNP1–6) was detected in only 4.0% of the 198 germplasms. Compared with the transgenic lines withGNP1orNAL1, the transgenic lines with both genes had a higher GNP (15.5%–25.4% and 11.6%–15.9% higher, respectively) and grain yield (5.7%–9.0% and 8.3%–12.3% higher, respectively) across 3 years. The two genes combined in the introgression lines in Lemont background resulted in especially favorable effects on the GNP.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that theGNP1andNAL1exhibited obvious differentiation and their combinations can significantly increase the grain yield ingengrice cultivars. These observations provide insights into the molecular basis of the GNP and may be useful for rice breeding of high yield potential by pyramidingGNP1andNAL1.
Detection of CNV in the SH3RF2 gene and its effects on growth and carcass traits in chickens
Authors: Jing Zhenzhu , Wang Xinlei , Cheng Yingying , Wei Chengjie , Hou Dan , Li Tong , Li Wenya , Han Ruili , Li Hong , Sun Guirong , Tian Yadong , Liu Xiaojun , Kang Xiangtao , Li Zhuanjian
Published: February 2020

Background

The SH3RF2 gene is a protein-coding gene located in a quantitative trait locus associated with body weight, and its deletion has been shown to be positively associated with body weight in chickens.

Results

In the present study, CNV in the SH3RF2 gene was detected in 4079 individuals from 17 populations, including the “Gushi ×Anka” F2 resource population and populations of Chinese native chickens, commercial layers, and commercial broilers. The F2 resource population was then used to investigate the genetic effects of the chicken SH3RF2 gene. The results showed that the local chickens and commercial layers were all homozygous for the wild-type allele. Deletion mutation individuals were detected in all of the commercial broiler breeds except Hubbard broiler. A total of, 798 individuals in the F2 resource group were used to analyze the effects of genotype (DD/ID/II) on chicken production traits. The results showed that CNV was associated with 2-, 6-, 10-, and 12-week body weight (P = 0.026, 0.042, 0.021 and 0.039 respectively) and significantly associated with 8-week breast bone length (P = 0.045). The mutation was significantly associated with 8-week body weight (P = 0.007) and 4-week breast bone length (P = 0.010). CNV was significantly associated with evisceration weight, leg muscle weight, carcass weight, breast muscle weight and gizzard weight (P = 0.032, 0.033, 0.045, 0.004 and 0.000, respectively).

Conclusions

CNV of the SH3RF2 gene contributed to variation in the growth and weight gain of chickens.
Molecular epidemiology and hematologic characterization of δβ-thalassemia and hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin in 125,661 families of greater Guangzhou area, the metropolis of southern China
Authors: Jiang Fan , Zuo Liandong , Li Dongzhi , Li Jian , Tang Xuewei , Chen Guilan , Zhou Jianying , Lu Hang , Liao Can
Published: February 2020

Background

Individuals with δβ-thalassemia/HPFH and β-thalassemia usually present with intermedia or thalassemia major. No large-scale survey on HPFH/δβ-thalassemia in southern China has been reported to date. The purpose of this study was to examine the molecular epidemiology and hematologic characteristics of these disorders in Guangzhou, the largest city in Southern China, to offer advice for thalassemia screening programs and genetic counseling.

Methods

A total of 125,661 couples participated in pregestational thalassemia screening. 654 subjects with fetal hemoglobin (HbF) level ≥ 5% were selected for further investigation. Gap-PCR combined with Multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was used to screen for β-globin gene cluster deletions. Gene sequencing for the promoter region of HBG1 /HBG2 gene was performed for all those subjects.

Results

A total of 654 individuals had hemoglobin (HbF) levels≥5, and 0.12% of the couples were found to be heterozygous for HPFH/δβ-thalassemia, including Chinese Gγ (Aγδβ)0-thal, Southeast Asia HPFH (SEA-HPFH), Taiwanese deletion and Hb Lepore–Boston–Washington. The highest prevalence was observed in the Huadu district and the lowest in the Nansha district. Three cases were identified as carrying β-globin gene cluster deletions, which had not been previously reported. Two at-risk couples (0.0015%) were required to receive prenatal diagnosis. We also found 55cases of nondeletional-HPFH (nd-HPFH), including 54 with Italian nd-HPFH and one with the Aγ-197C-T heterozygous state. It is difficult to discriminate between Chinese Gγ (Aγδβ)0-thal and Italian nd-HPFH carriers using hemoglobin (Hb) analysis.

Conclusions

This study is the first to describe the familial prevalence of HPFH/δβ-thalassemia and the high-risk rate in Greater Guangzhou Area, and the findings will support the implementation of thalassemia screening for three common deletions by gap-PCR. We also presented a systematic description of genotype-phenotype relationships which will be useful for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnostic services for β-thalassemia intermedia.
“You only live twice”: multidisciplinary management of catastrophic case in placenta Accreta Spectrum-a case report
Authors: Atallah David , Abou Zeid Hicham , Moubarak Malak , Moussa Maya , Nassif Nadine , Jebara Victor
Published: February 2020

Background

Placenta percreta is associated with high hemorrhagic risk and can be complicated with fatal thromboembolic events. Involving a multidisciplinary team in the treatment of these patients is mandatory to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Case presentation

This paper reports the case of a 22-year-old patient with placenta percreta who was referred to our tertiary care center for delivery. Few hours after undergoing a successful cesarean hysterectomy, the patient developed a pulmonary embolism and cardiac arrest. A transthoracic echocardiogram done in the intensive care unit (ICU) showed a thrombus in the right ventricle. After cardiac resuscitation, the patient underwent an urgent thoracotomy and a pulmonary artery thrombectomy; many clots were retrieved from the pulmonary artery. After weaning from extracorporeal circulation, an intraoperative transesophageal cardiac ultrasound enabled the medical team to detect a new free-floating thrombus in the right atrium and right ventricle, and consequently to perform an embolectomy and prevent the patient’s death.

Conclusion

This case emphasizes the role of multidisciplinary team in treating high-risk obstetric cases that could be complicated with massive and fatal thromboembolic events. The use of intraoperative transthoracic echocardiography helps in detecting a new thrombus and guides the anesthesiologist in the intra-operative monitoring.
Accuracy of unguided and ultrasound guided Coracohumeral ligament infiltrations – a feasibility cadaveric case series
Authors: Pape John L. , Boudier-Revéret Mathieu , Brismée Jean-Michel , Gilbert Kerry K. , Grabs Detlev , Sobczak Stéphane
Published: February 2020

Background

Coracohumeral ligament (CHL) thickening, contracture, and fibroplasia have been identified in glenohumeral idiopathic adhesive capsulitis (GHIAC). The CHL is the main structure responsible for the range of motion limitations. Favorable outcomes have been reported with CHL surgical release. Intra-articular glenohumeral joint corticosteroid infiltrations are utilized to disrupt the inflammatory process and reduce pain in GHIAC. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the CHL could be accurately targeted with a periligamentous infiltration.

Methods

A convenience sample of 12 unembalmed cadaver shoulders (mean age: 74.5 years, range 66–87 years) without evidence of previous injury or surgery were utilized in this exploratory double factor feasibility cadaveric (unguided and ultrasound (US) guided) case series. Two clinicians trained in musculoskeletal infiltration techniques carried out the infiltrations on each shoulder with colored latex. One clinician infiltrated without guidance, the other with US-guidance. The injecting clinicians were blinded to the others infiltration procedure and the order was randomized. An anatomist blinded to the infiltration order performed a shoulder dissection and recorded the infiltrate location. Percentage calculation for accuracy of infiltration and a chi-square evaluation of the difference between unguided and US-guided infiltrations was applied.

Results

An accuracy of 75% was achieved for unguided infiltration and 80% for US-guided infiltration techniques. Chi-squared indicated there was no significant difference (p = 0.82) between the unguided and US-guided techniques.

Conclusion

US-guided and unguided infiltrations achieved good accuracy targeting the CHL, suggesting infiltrations can specifically and accurately target the CHL. In vivo investigation using such infiltration techniques are warranted.
Role of O-C2 angle in the development of dysphagia in patients with halo-vest fixation
Authors: Miyagi Midori , Takahashi Hiroshi , Tsuchiya Kazuaki , Sekiya Hideki , Ebihara Satoru
Published: February 2020

Background

Dysphagia is one of the most serious complications in patients treated with a halo-vest brace. However, the cause of dysphagia development by halo-vest fixation is not yet clear. We therefore investigated the incidence of dysphagia and cervical alignment as well as clinical data from medical charts in patients treated with a halo-vest brace.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed clinical data from the medical charts of 49 patients who had undergone halo-vest fixation. Occipito (O)-C2 angle, C2-C6 angle, and pharyngeal inlet angle were assessed by lateral plain X-rays of the cervical spine. The impacts of these parameters on incidence and severity of dysphagia were analyzed.

Results

Thirteen patients (32%) suffered from dysphagia during halo-vest fixation, and age and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay were greater in the dysphagia group (p = 0.044 and 0.013, respectively) than in those who did not develop dysphagia. O-C2 angle was smaller in the dysphagia group (p = 0.016). After multivariate logistic analysis, body mass index, ICU stay, and O-C2 angle remained as independent risk factors related to incidence of dysphagia. Spearman rank correlation showed a negative correlation between ICU stay and Food Intake Level Scale (FILS) (p = 0.026), and a positive correlation between O-C2 angle and FILS (p = 0.008).

Conclusion

This study suggested that O-C2 angle is related to both incidence and severity of dysphagia due to halo-vest fixation.
A snapshot of microbial diversity and function in an undisturbed sugarcane bagasse pile
Authors: Gebbie Leigh , Dam Tuan Tu , Ainscough Rebecca , Palfreyman Robin , Cao Li , Harrison Mark , O’Hara Ian , Speight Robert
Published: February 2020

Background

Sugarcane bagasse is a major source of lignocellulosic biomass, yet its economic potential is not fully realised. To add value to bagasse, processing is needed to gain access to the embodied recalcitrant biomaterials. When bagasse is stored in piles in the open for long periods it is colonised by microbes originating from the sugarcane, the soil nearby or spores in the environment. For these microorganisms to proliferate they must digest the bagasse to access carbon for growth. The microbial community in bagasse piles is thus a potential resource for the discovery of useful and novel microbes and industrial enzymes. We used culturing and metabarcoding to understand the diversity of microorganisms found in a uniquely undisturbed bagasse storage pile and screened the cultured organisms for fibre-degrading enzymes.

Results

Samples collected from 60 to 80 cm deep in the bagasse pile showed hemicellulose and partial lignin degradation. One hundred and four microbes were cultured from different layers and included a high proportion of oleaginous yeast and biomass-degrading fungi. Overall, 70, 67, 70 and 57% of the microbes showed carboxy-methyl cellulase, xylanase, laccase and peroxidase activity, respectively. These percentages were higher in microbes selectively cultured from deep layers, with all four activities found for 44% of these organisms. Culturing and amplicon sequencing showed that there was less diversity and therefore more selection in the deeper layers, which were dominated by thermophiles and acid tolerant organisms, compared with the top of pile. Amplicon sequencing indicated that novel fungi were present in the pile.

Conclusions

A combination of culture-dependent and independent methods was successful in exploring the diversity in the bagasse pile. The variety of species that was found and that are known for biomass degradation shows that the bagasse pile was a valuable selective environment for the identification of new microbes and enzymes with biotechnological potential. In particular, lignin-modifying activities have not been reported previously for many of the species that were identified, suggesting future studies are warranted.
Bioactivity evaluations of leaf extract fractions from young barley grass and correlation with their phytochemical profiles
Authors: Panthi Mamata , Subba Romit Kumar , Raut Bechan , Khanal Dharma Prasad , Koirala Niranjan
Published: February 2020

Background

The pressed juice of Barley Grass (BG) has become very popular among people for various assumed benefits along with many testimonies of people who have been healed from various ailments such as anemia, cancer, GI problems by consuming BG. The aim of our research was to validate the claims of its medicinal values such as chemo-protective action, high anti-oxidants, RBC membrane stabilization activity, and toxicity level.

Methods

Extracts of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol were quantitatively estimated for total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC). The same extracts were assessed for their antioxidative potentials with the use of DPPH free radical scavenging assay followed by determination of HRBC membrane stabilization method, Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay (BSLA) and GC-MS analysis.

Results

All the extracts showed high TPC and TFC along with the stronger correlation with the antioxidant activity of the extracts suggesting phenolics and flavonoids contents of the extract might be attributed to showing antioxidant activity. The methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of the plant also showed remarkable anti-inflammatory activity where methanolic extracts had the lowest EC50. During Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay, all extracts of BG were found to be bioactive and the degree of lethality was found to be concentration dependent. The GC-MS analysis of the methanolic extract of BG revealed 23 compounds which are reported to possess different biological activities.

Conclusion

The study reveals the strong antioxidant and RBC membrane stabilization activity of BG. The Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay found extracts to be bioactive suggesting extracts as a promising candidate for plant-derived anti-tumor compounds. Further, studies are needed to validate the data on cancer cell lines.
Advancing laboratory medicine in hospitals through health information exchange: a survey of specialist physicians in Canada
Authors: Raymond Louis , Maillet Éric , Trudel Marie-Claude , Marsan Josianne , de Guinea Ana Ortiz , Paré Guy
Published: February 2020

Background

Laboratory testing occupies a prominent place in health care. Information technology systems have the potential to empower laboratory experts and to enhance the interpretation of test results in order to better support physicians in their quest for better and safer patient care. This study sought to develop a better understanding of which laboratory information exchange (LIE) systems and features specialist physicians are using in hospital settings to consult their patients’ laboratory test results, and what benefit they derive from such use.

Methods

As part of a broader research program on the use of health information exchange systems for laboratory medicine in Quebec, Canada, this study was designed as on online survey. Our sample is composed of 566 specialist physicians working in hospital settings, out of the 1512 physicians who responded to the survey (response rate of 17%). Respondents are representative of the targeted population of specialist physicians in terms of gender, age and hospital location.

Results

We first observed that 80% of the surveyed physicians used the province-wide interoperable electronic health records (iEHR) system and 93% used a laboratory results viewer (LRV) to consult laboratory test results and most (72%) use both systems to retrieve lab results. Next, our findings reveal important differences in the capabilities available in each type of system and in the use of these capabilities. Third, there are differences in the nature of the perceived benefits obtained from the use of each of these two systems. Last, the extent of use of an LRV is strongly influenced by the IT artefact itself (i.e., the hospital’s LRV available capabilities) while the use of the provincial iEHR system is influenced by its organizational context (i.e. the hospital’s size and location).

Conclusions

The main contribution of this study lies in its insights into the role played by context in shaping physicians’ choices about which laboratory information exchange systems to adopt and which features to use, and the different perceptions they have about benefits arising from such use. One related implication for practice is that success of LIE initiatives should not be solely assessed with basic usage statistics.
Cold beverage-induced vasovagal syncope in a healthy young adult man: a case report
Authors: Arandjelović Ognjen
Published: February 2020

Background

Swallowing-induced syncope is rare and there are few case reports of it in the existing medical literature. Even rarer are instances involving young and healthy individuals, with no existing pre-conditions or apparent risk factors. Hence the value of such case reports in understanding the phenomenon better and potentially inferring patterns of practical interest is significant; here we describe an unusual case of a swallowing-induced syncope in a young, healthy, and active white man.

Case presentation

A healthy 32-year-old white man experienced a syncopal episode following the ingestion of a cold carbonated beverage on a hot day. He rapidly recovered consciousness and save for mild lightheadedness all ill effects disappeared within minutes. On examination no concerns were detected and he was discharged, with the cause being ascribed to esophageal stimulation effected vagus nerve overactivation.

Conclusions

The suddenness and unpredictability of swallowing-induced syncope make it a potentially dangerous condition, with risks both to the patient as well as, depending on the context, others. However, it is poorly understood due to its infrequency. The present case report adds to the body of much needed evidence which should help facilitate an improved understanding of the phenomenon.