bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postscript: How We Learn Is How We SEE
Authors: Morrison Emily A. , Kowalski Rita
Published: June 2020

The Problem

Workplace learning is even more important today as organizations face complex, rapid, and unprecedented change. Reflection is critical to learning; yet, it is too often rote, haphazard, or assumed to happen, limiting an organization’s ability to adapt.

The Solution

HRD scholar-practitioners need to (re)examine how they and their organizations reflect. By engaging in an ongoing practice of reflexivity, they can become more aware of how their perspectives affect not only what they see, but also what they learn and vice versa.

The Stakeholders

HRD scholar-practitioners, including researchers, faculty, consultants, managers, students, and all who care about workplace learning and reflective practice, will benefit by reflecting on how they can develop individual and collective capacity.
Effects and Relative Factors of Adjunctive Chinese Medicine Therapy on Survival of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Taiwan
Authors: Liao Yu-Pei , Kung Pei-Tseng , Wang Yueh-Hsin , Chu Yeong-Ruey , Kao Shung-Te , Tsai Wen-Chen
Published: June 2020

Some patients with cancer use adjunctive Chinese medicine, which might improve the quality of life. This study aims to investigate the effects and relative factors of adjunctive Chinese medicine on survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients at different stages. The study population was 23 581 newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma patients and received surgery from 2004 to 2010 in Taiwan. After propensity score matching with a ratio of 1:10, this study included 1339 hepatocellular carcinoma patients who used adjunctive Chinese medicine and 13 390 hepatocellular carcinoma patients who used only Western medicine treatment. All patients were observed until the end of 2012. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model was applied to find the relative risk of death between these 2 groups. The study results show that the relative risk of death was lower for patients with adjunctive Chinese medicine treatment than patients with only Western medicine treatment (hazard ratio = 0.68; 95% confidence interval = 0.62-0.74). The survival rates of patients with adjunctive Chinese medicine or Western medicine treatment were as follows: 1-year survival rate: 83% versus 72%; 3-year survival rate: 53% versus 44%; and 5-year survival rate: 40% versus 31%. The factors associated with survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients included treatment, demographic characteristics, cancer stage, health status, physician characteristics, and characteristics of primary medical institution. Moreover, stage I and stage II hepatocellular carcinoma patients had better survival outcome than stage III patients by using adjunctive Chinese medicine therapy. The effect of adjunctive Chinese medicine was better on early-stage disease.
Is sweat a possible route of transmission of SARS-CoV-2?
Authors: Propper Ruth E
Published: June 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic, in part due to the highly infectious nature of the disease. Because SARS-CoV-2 is new, much is unknown regarding mechanisms of transmission, and such information is urgently needed. Here, based on previous findings from related human betacoronaviruses, it is suggested that one possible route of transmission may be via infectious sweat. It is suggested that research be conducted in order to determine whether sweat in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals harbors virus in quantities that can infect others. Findings could be used for formulations of mitigation strategies and empirically based public health messaging.
Software documentation with markdoc 5.0
Authors: Haghish E. F.
Published: June 2020

markdoc is a general-purpose literate programming package for generating dynamic documents, dynamic presentation slides, Stata help files, and package vignettes in various formats. In this article, I introduce markdoc version 5.0, which performs independently of any third-party software, using the mini engine. The mini engine is a lightweight alternative to Pandoc (MacFarlane [2006, https://pandoc.org/ ]), completely written in Stata. I also propose a procedure for remodeling package documentation and data documentation in Stata and present a tutorial for generating help files, package vignettes, and GitHub Wiki documentation using markdoc.
lclogit2: An enhanced command to fit latent class conditional logit models
Authors: Yoo Hong Il
Published: June 2020

In this article, I describe the lclogit2 command, an enhanced version of lclogit (Pacifico and Yoo, 2013, Stata Journal 13: 625–639). Like its predecessor, lclogit2 uses the expectation-maximization algorithm to fit latent class conditional logit (LCL) models. But it executes the expectation-maximization algorithm’s core algebraic operations in Mata, so it runs considerably faster as a result. It also allows linear constraints on parameters to be imposed more conveniently and flexibly. It comes with the parallel command lclogitml2, a new stand-alone command that uses gradient-based algorithms to fit LCL models. Both lclogit2 and lclogitml2 are supported by a new postestimation command, lclogitwtp2, that evaluates willingness-to-pay measures implied by fitted LCL models.
Speaking Stata: More ways for rowwise
Authors: Cox Nicholas J.
Published: June 2020

A previous column (Cox, 2009, Stata Journal 9: 137–157) gave a review of methods for working rowwise in Stata. Here rows means observations in a dataset, and the concern is calculations in each observation with a bundle of variables. For example, a row mean variable can be generated as the mean of some numeric variables in each observation.

This column is an update. It is briefly flagged that official Stata now has rowmedian() and rowpctile() functions for egen. The main focus is on returning which variable or variables are equal to the maximum or minimum in a row. The twist that requires care is that two or more variables can tie for minimum or maximum. That may entail a decision on what is to be recorded, such as all of them or just the first or last occurrence of an extreme.
Rotary machine vibration monitoring and smart balance correction
Authors: Ou Chao-Hui , Hsu Cheung-Hwa , Fan Gui-Jie , Chen Wei-Yu
Published: June 2020

During the rotary machine operation process, seemingly small amounts of abnormal vibration can often cause serious damage to the machinery over time and even increase the risk of accidents. Although professional vibration engineers can determine the current health status of a machine by interpreting the vibration spectrum information and predicting which components will fail, if even ordinary operators can send feedback regarding the vibration signals reaching the human–machine interface through a system when an abnormality is detected in the machine, the abnormality can be made known and processed in time. This can prevent the magnified impact of rotary inertia, thereby lowering the risk of major damage and the failure of machinery and equipment, as well as effectively saving on equipment maintenance costs. This study mainly adopted LabVIEW and Arduino IDE to develop a control program and human–machine monitoring interface. As the initial experiment on rotary machine vibration monitoring and smart balance correction, the measurement system setup in this study was applied to determine vibration abnormality as well as to carry out continuous online automatic balance correction. Experimental verification was carried out using active correction and smart correction. In terms of active online balance correction, the amplitude correction rate was 96%, the double-frequency correction rate was 102.9%, and the correction process was performed in 5 min. In terms of smart balance correction, the amplitude correction rate was 103.8%, the double-frequency correction rate was 103.3%, and the correction process was performed in 3 min. Through feedback signaling, the operator can effectively learn the current health status of the mechanical equipment from the human–machine interface.
DendroPrime as an adhesion barrier on fracture fixation plates: an experimental study in rabbits
Authors: Kieseritzky Johanna von , Alfort Henrik , Granskog Viktor , Hutchinson Daniel , Stenlund Patrik , Bogestål Yalda , Arner Marianne , Håkansson Joakim , Malkoch Michael
Published: June 2020

We tested the anti-adhesional effect of a new thiol-ene-based coating in a rabbit model. In 12 New Zealand white rabbits, the periosteum and cortex of the proximal phalanx of the second toe of both hind paws was scratched. Stainless steel plates were fixated with screws. One plate was coated with DendroPrime and the other left bare. The non-operated second toes of both hind paws of an additional four rabbits served as controls. Seven weeks after surgery, the soft tissue adhesion to the plates was evaluated macroscopically, and joint mobility was measured biomechanically. Toe joint mobility was about 20% greater and statistically significant in specimens with coated plates compared with the bare plates. Soft tissue overgrowth and, in some cases, synovitis or adhesions between the plate and the tendon were observed on all bare plates but not on any of the coated plates. We conclude that the thiol-ene-based coating can improve joint mobility by about 20%. This material has a potential to reduce adhesion around plates in fracture surgery.
Surgeon level of expertise reported in Journal of Hand Surgery (American Volume) and (European Volume) publications
Authors: Massel Dustin H. , Lezak Bradley A. , Summers Spencer H. , Yakkanti Ramakanth R. , Hui-Chou Helen G. , Chen David L.
Published: June 2020

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the trend in documentation of surgeon level of expertise among the Journal of Hand Surgery (American Volume) and the Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume) publications. A review of Journal of Hand Surgery (American Volume) and Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume) databases for level of expertise between January 2015 and October 2019 was performed. Of 1042 articles identified, all 115 (20%) reporting level of expertise were published in Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). Since 2015, there has been an increase in reported level of expertise in Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume) (2015: 8 (7%); 2016: 15 (13%); 2017: 22 (19%); 2018: 28 (24%); 2019: 42 (37%)). In the same period, no publications have reported level of expertise in Journal of Hand Surgery (American Volume). Documenting level of expertise may provide readers with additional information for incorporation of novel techniques into their practices. It may identify procedures that require a baseline level of expertise for effective performance. Further evaluation of level of expertise criteria may improve the reliability of the numeric scale, while widespread adoption of this scale will allow future outcome analysis by level of expertise.
Support Vector Machines and Affective Science
Authors: Miller Chris H. , Sacchet Matthew D. , Gotlib Ian H.
Published: June 2020

Support vector machines (SVMs) are being used increasingly in affective science as a data-driven classification method and feature reduction technique. Whereas traditional statistical methods typically compare group averages on selected variables, SVMs use a predictive algorithm to learn multivariate patterns that optimally discriminate between groups. In this review, we provide a framework for understanding the methods of SVM-based analyses and summarize the findings of seminal studies that use SVMs for classification or data reduction in the behavioral and neural study of emotion and affective disorders. We conclude by discussing promising directions and potential applications of SVMs in future research in affective science.
Practical Approach to Using Trend Arrows on Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring System in Type 1 Diabetes Adolescents Living Camp Setting Treated With Multiple Daily Injection or Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Insulin Therapy
Authors: Bassi Marta , Minuto Nicola , Fichera Graziella , Rebora Clara , Parodi Alice , Natoli Valentina , Pontillo Lidia , Buccianti Marco , d’Annunzio Giuseppe , Maghnie Mohamad
Published: June 2020

Background:

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of an educational intervention on the use of trend arrows of a real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rt-CGM) to manage daily therapy decisions in a group of adolescents with type 1 diabetes attending a camp. The secondary aim was to evaluate the variations in total daily dose (TDD) of insulin requirement.

Methods:

Twenty patients (15-17 years) on multiple insulin injections ( n = 8) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion ( n = 12) attended a training session at the beginning of the camp to learn our algorithm for the management of therapy depending on trend arrows. TDD, time in range (TIR), time above range (TAR), and time below range (TBR) (in the 24 hours and in the three hours after breakfast) before the training session (run-in) and at the end of the camp (T1) were analyzed.

Results:

Data showed a reduction of TAR (run-in 42.6%, T1 32.05%, P = .036) and an increase in TIR (run-in 52.9%, T1 62.4%, P = .013). Reduction of TBR (run-in 42.5%, T1 37.5%, P = .05) and improvement in TIR (run-in 49.0%, T1 57.0%, P = .02) were also observed in the post-breakfast period. Data showed a significant reduction in the TDD (run-in 52.02 ± 17.44 U/die, T1 46.49 ± 12.39 U/die, P = .024).

Conclusions:

Statistically significant improvement of glycemic control and reduction of TTD were observed in all patients regardless of therapy type. The improvement between run-in and T1 demonstrates the importance of patients’ education on the correct use of rt-CGM with simple algorithms for the management of therapy.
Screening for Potential Antibreast Cancer Components From Prunellae Spica Using MCF-7 Cell Extraction Coupled with HPLC-ESI-MS/MS
Authors: Yang An-ping , Zheng Zhao-guang , Liu Fang , Liu Jing , Wang Rui-xue , Yang Hua , Huang Zai-jun , Huang Pei-ying , Liu Hui
Published: June 2020

Prunellae Spica (PS), the dry spikes of Prunella vulgaris L., is a medicinal herb widely distributed in Asia and Europe. As a traditional Chinese medicine, PS has been used for the treatment of mastitis, infectious hepatitis, and hypertension. The oral solution and some compounds (polysaccharide, ursolic acid, and betulinic acid) of PS have been reported to show activities against breast cancer. In this study, Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cell extraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis was applied to screen for potential antibreast cancer ingredients from PS. Protocatechuic acid (1), protocatechualdehyde (2), caffeic acid (3), and rosmarinic acid (4) were identified as high-affinity components. The cytotoxic activities of these compounds were evaluated in MCF-7 cells using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. All the compounds displayed cytotoxicity to MCF-7 cells, but protocatechualdehyde and caffeic acid exhibited significant cytotoxicity with half-maximal inhibitory concentration values of 10.9 μM and 26.8 μM, respectively. This study provides the first report of the successful usage of cell extraction coupled with LC-MS/MS to screen active ingredients from PS. This method can be used as a screening tool for bioactive constituents in natural products.
The Effect of Nasal Steroid and Antihistamine Use on Total Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Kahveci Orhan Kemal , Kuzu Selçuk , Altıntaş Mustafa , Vurmaz Ayhan , Çelik Sefa
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to determine the post-treatment levels of total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS), that are increased due to pathophysiology, and to compare those with pre-treatment levels in allergic rhinitis patients. Material-Methods: Among 84 patients clinically diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, 31 patients were started only on nasal steroid treatment (mometasone furoate), and 53 patients were started on nasal steroid and oral antihistamine treatment (mometasone furoate + rupatadine fumarate 10 mg). Blood samples were taken from the patients at the first examination and at post-treatment month 1.TAS and TOS were measured from the blood samples.

Results

While no significant change was determined in mean TAS levels with treatment, a statistically significant decrease was determined in TOS values in post-treatment period (P < .01). There was no significant change in TAS and TOS values of patients only using nasal steroids, while a significant decrease was determined in post-treatment TOS values of patients using both nasal steroids and oral antihistamines (P < .001). It was determined that TOS values of women were significantly lower compared to men, and it was also reduced in seasonal allergic rhinitis compared to perennial allergic rhinitis (P < .05 for both).

Conclusion

In allergic rhinitis patients, concomitant use of nasal steroids and antihistamines significantly decreases total oxidative stress. It may be stated that the addition of antihistamines to allergic rhinitis treatment positively affects treatment.
Effect of Prostaglandin D2 on mRNA Expression of Three Isoforms of Hyaluronic Acid Synthase in Nasal Polyp Fibroblasts
Authors: Hirata Yuji , Kariya Shin , Kanai Kengo , Fujiwara Tazuko , Makihara Sei-ichiro , Omichi Ryotaro , Higaki Takaya , Haruna Takenori , Oka Aiko , Nishizaki Kazunori , Okano Mitsuhiro
Published: June 2020

Background

Hyaluronan is one of the major extracellular matrixes in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) associated with tissue remodeling. Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) is also associated with the pathogenesis of CRS. However, little is known about whether PGD2 regulates hyaluronan production by human airway fibroblasts.

Objective

We sought to determine the effect of PGD2 on the mRNA expression of three isoforms of membrane-bound hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS1, HAS2 and HAS3) in fibroblasts, the major source of hyaluronan production, derived from CRS patients.

Methods

Nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts (NPDF) and uncinate tissue-derived fibroblasts (UTDF) were established from CRS patients with nasal polyps and those without, respectively. These fibroblasts were stimulated with PGD2 or PGD2 receptor (DP/CRTH2)-selective agonists in the presence or absence of receptor-selective antagonists. mRNA levels for HAS1, HAS2 and HAS3 were determined by real-time quantitative PCR.

Results

PGD2 (1 µM) significantly enhanced HAS1 but not HAS2 or HAS3 mRNA expression by NPDF. Enhanced HAS1 mRNA expression was also obtained by stimulation with a DP receptor-selective agonist, but not with a CRTH2 receptor-selective agonist. In addition, PGD2-induced HAS1 mRNA expression was significantly inhibited by pre-treatment with DP receptor-selective antagonists. Similar induction of PGD2-induced HAS1 mRNA expression was seen in UTDF.

Conclusion

PGD2 selectively stimulates HAS1 mRNA expression in local fibroblasts in CRS via DP, but not CRTH2, receptors.
Hypercalcemia in the Presence of an Ectopic Mediastinal Mass
Authors: Strother Robert K. , Meunier Matthew
Published: June 2020

A 72-year-old gentleman who presented to the outpatient clinic for a preventive health appointment with symptoms of depression and fatigue was found to have persistent hypercalcemia on routine laboratory monitoring. Initial laboratory testing was consistent with primary hyperparathyroidism with elevation in parathyroid hormone and low vitamin D levels. Further imaging demonstrated an ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma. The ectopic lesion was treated surgically and lead to normalization of calcium levels and objective improvement in depressive symptoms. Primary hyperparathyroidism, which can be secondary to an adenoma, multigland hyperplasia, or neoplasm, can lead to the development of bone pain, fractures, and nephrolithiasis among other symptoms. The evaluation of hypercalcemia and the identification of primary hyperparathyroidism are important for the primary care physician to recognize so as to reduce disease morbidity as well as identify patients in need of further specialty care.
“ . . . A Bit of a Joke”: Policy and Workplace Bullying
Authors: Hodgins Margaret , Lewis Duncan , MacCurtain Sarah , McNamara Patricia , Hogan Victoria , Pursell Lisa
Published: June 2020

Workplace bullying is pervasive and has negative impacts on organizations and their employees. Despite this, organizations generally do not deal well with the problem. Anti-bullying, or Dignity-at-Work policies, do not adequately protect employees from the harms caused by bullying. This study, based on data from the 2018 Irish Workplace Behavior Study, explores experience of organizational responses to workplace bullying, drawing on interviews with participants from three large Irish organizations. One overarching theme and five sub themes emerged from the thematic content analysis, reinforcing earlier findings regarding the complex and problematic nature of workplace bullying and opaque “ownership” of anti-bullying or Dignity-at-Work policy and its implementation. The study concludes that organizations must actively establish a culture of interpersonal respect, rather than simply instituting a policy where ultimately no one takes responsibility. Facilitating employee wellbeing requires social cohesion across an organization.
Hearing Aid Self-Adjustment: Effects of Formal Speech-Perception Test and Noise
Authors: Mackersie Carol L. , Boothroyd Arthur , Garudadri Harinath
Published: June 2020

While listening to recorded sentences with a sound-field level of 65 dB SPL, 24 adults with hearing-aid experience used the “Goldilocks” explore-and-select procedure to adjust level and spectrum of amplified speech to preference. All participants started adjustment from the same generic response. Amplification was provided by a custom-built Master Hearing Aid with online processing of microphone input. Primary goals were to assess the effects of including a formal speech-perception test between repeated self-adjustments and of adding multitalker babble (signal-to-noise ratio +6 dB) during self-adjustment. The speech test did not affect group-mean self-adjusted output, which was close to the National Acoustics Laboratories’ prescription for Non-Linear hearing aids. Individuals, however, showed a wide range of deviations from this prescription. Extreme deviations at the first self-adjustment fell by a small but significant amount at the second. The multitalker babble had negligible effect on group-mean self-selected output but did have predictable effects on word recognition in sentences and on participants’ opinion regarding the most important subjective criterion guiding self-adjustment. Phoneme recognition in monosyllabic words was better with the generic starting response than without amplification and improved further after self-adjustment. The findings continue to support the efficacy of hearing aid self-fitting, at least for level and spectrum. They do not support the need for inclusion of a formal speech-perception test, but they do support the value of completing more than one self-adjustment. Group-mean data did not indicate a need for threshold-based prescription as a starting point for self-adjustment.
Effect of Flap Design for Enamel Matrix Derivative Application in Intraosseous Defects
Authors: Trombelli L. , Simonelli A. , Quaranta A. , Tu Y.K. , Li H. , Agusto M. , Jiao X.J. , Farina R.
Published: June 2020

Objective:

To systematically review the literature addressing the focused question: What is the effectiveness of different surgical and nonsurgical procedures combined with enamel matrix derivative (EMD) on clinical, radiographic, and patient-centered outcomes in intraosseous defects?

Methods:

Electronic (Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane databases) and hand literature searches were performed for studies including at least 1 treatment arm where EMD had been applied according to 1 of the following procedures: modified Widman flap; papilla preservation variants (PPVs), including papilla preservation technique, modified papilla preservation technique, and simplified papilla preservation technique; minimally invasive variants, including minimally invasive surgical approach and minimally invasive surgical technique; single-flap variants (SFVs), including single-flap approach and modified minimally invasive surgical technique; or nonsurgical application (flapless approach). Data from 42 selected articles were used to perform a network meta-analysis, and a hierarchy of surgical and nonsurgical applications of EMD was built separately for EMD and EMD + graft based on 6- to 12-mo clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Results:

Among surgical approaches, EMD was associated with best regenerative outcomes when applied through SFVs, with a mean clinical attachment level gain of 3.93 mm and a reduction in the intrabony component of the defect of 3.35 mm. For EMD + graft, limited differences in regenerative outcomes were observed among surgical procedures. PPVs were associated with the highest residual probing depth for EMD (4.08 mm) and EMD + graft (4.32 mm).

Conclusions:

In the treatment of periodontal intraosseous defects, 1) SFVs appear to optimize the regenerative outcomes of EMD; 2) substantial regenerative outcomes can be obtained with SFVs and conservative double flaps (i.e., PPVs and minimally invasive variants) when EMD is combined with a graft; and 3) residual probing depth was higher following PPVs for EMD and EMD + graft.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

The results of the present systematic review and meta-analysis can be used by clinicians to identify the most effective surgical or nonsurgical procedure to treat an intraosseous defect with EMD or EMD + graft. The main findings indicate that when EMD application is indicated, surgical access based on a single flap seems the most appropriate to optimize clinical outcomes. The application of EMD + graft can be effectively combined with single flaps and conservative double flaps.
Echo Intensity Reliability From Two Ultrasound Systems
Authors: Rabello Rodrigo , Pompeo Klauber D. , de Almeida Paz Isabel , Lanferdini Fabio J. , Pinto Ronei S. , Vaz Marco A.
Published: June 2020

Objective:

Echo intensity measurements are highly influenced by ultrasound system and parameters used for measurement, making comparisons of results obtained from different ultrasound machines difficult. Therefore, it is necessary to understand how reliability changes when using different ultrasound systems and parameters.

Materials and Methods:

ALOKA SSD4000 and GE LOGIQ P6 systems were used to compare rectus femoris echo intensity in 16 healthy young subjects (eight women) using different depths (D), gains (G), and frequencies (F). The following settings were adopted: ALOKA1 (D6/G30/F7.5), ALOKA2 (D6/G45/F7.5), ALOKA3 (D6/G30/F10), LOGIQ1 (D6/G50/F15), LOGIQ2 (D6/G0/F15), LOGIQ3 (D6/G0/F10), and LOGIQ4 (D6/G30/F10). Intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of the measure, minimum difference, and Bland-Altman tests were performed to calculate reliability and agreement between systems’ settings.

Results:

ALOKA1 × LOGIQ1, ALOKA1 × LOGIQ4, and ALOKA3 × LOGIQ1 showed moderate to high ICCs and agreement on the Bland-Altman test.

Conclusion:

Echo intensity varies between systems and parameters, but reliability can be increased by adjusting the ultrasound settings.
Quantitative proteomics reveals specific metabolic features of acute myeloid leukemia stem cells
Authors: Raffel Simon , Klimmeck Daniel , Falcone Mattia , Demir Aykut , Pouya Alireza , Zeisberger Petra , Lutz Christoph , Tinelli Marco , Bischel Oliver , Bullinger Lars , Thiede Christian , Flörcken Anne , Westermann Jörg , Ehninger Gerhard , Ho Anthony D. , Müller-Tidow Carsten , Gu Zuguang , Herrmann Carl , Krijgsveld Jeroen , Trumpp Andreas , Hansson Jenny
Published: June 2020

Acute myeloid leukemia is characterized by the accumulation of clonal myeloid blast cells unable to differentiate into mature leukocytes. Chemotherapy induces remission in the majority of patients, but relapse rates are high and lead to poor clinical outcomes. Because this is primarily caused by chemotherapy-resistant leukemic stem cells (LSCs), it is essential to eradicate LSCs to improve patient survival. LSCs have predominantly been studied at the transcript level, thus information about posttranscriptionally regulated genes and associated networks is lacking. Here, we extend our previous report on LSC proteomes to healthy age-matched hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and correlate the proteomes to the corresponding transcriptomes. By comparing LSCs to leukemic blasts and healthy HSPCs, we validate candidate LSC markers and highlight novel and potentially targetable proteins that are absent or only lowly expressed in HSPCs. In addition, our data provide strong evidence that LSCs harbor a characteristic energy metabolism, adhesion molecule composition, as well as RNA-processing properties. Furthermore, correlating proteome and transcript data of the same individual samples highlights the strength of proteome analyses, which are particularly potent in detecting alterations in metabolic pathways. In summary, our study provides a comprehensive proteomic and transcriptomic characterization of functionally validated LSCs, blasts, and healthy HSPCs, representing a valuable resource helping to design LSC-directed therapies.
How I treat anemia in the perisurgical setting
Authors: Shander Aryeh , Kaufman Margit , Goodnough Lawrence T.
Published: June 2020

Anemia is a common finding in the perioperative setting with significant untoward consequences including worsening of outcomes and diminished quality of life as well as increased risk of allogeneic blood transfusions. Here, we present 3 cases that illustrate how anemia can be perioperatively managed in patients undergoing cardiac, orthopedic, and oncology surgeries. Timely detection of anemia prior to high-blood loss surgeries can allow clinicians to manage it and optimize hemoglobin level, making patients better prepared for the surgery. Treatment of anemia should be guided by the etiology and may include erythropoietic agents, folic acid, B12, and iron preparations. Other blood management strategies geared toward reducing surgical blood loss such as autologous transfusion techniques and agents to optimize hemostasis are used during surgery and in the immediate postoperative period. Patients should be closely monitored following surgery for signs of ongoing bleeding in need of control. Finally, screening for and management of anemia should continue in the postoperative and postdischarge period, as persistence and recurrence of anemia can further undermine patient’s outcomes.
Red cell–bound antibodies and transfusion requirements in hospitalized patients with COVID-19
Authors: Berzuini Alessandra , Bianco Cristiana , Paccapelo Cinzia , Bertolini Francesco , Gregato Giuliana , Cattaneo Alessandra , Erba Elisa , Bandera Alessandra , Gori Andrea , Lamorte Giuseppe , Manunta Maria , Porretti Laura , Revelli Nicoletta , Truglio Francesca , Grasselli Giacomo , Zanella Alberto , Villa Stefania , Valenti Luca , Prati Daniele
Published: June 2020

Berzuini et al report the observation that nearly half of patients with COVID-19 tested at their blood center had a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT). However, eluates did not react with any test cells but did react with red cells from other patients with COVID-19 that were DAT negative. This suggests that COVID-19 may modulate the red cell membrane and present novel antigenic epitopes.
Use of convalescent plasma in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: case series
Authors: Hegerova Livia , Gooley Ted A. , Sweerus Kelly A. , Maree Cynthia , Bailey Neil , Bailey Megumi , Dunleavy Vanessa , Patel Krish , Alcorn Kirsten , Haley Rebecca , Johnsen Jill M. , Konkle Barbara A. , Lahti Annamarie C. , Alexander Morgan L. , Goldman Jason D. , Lipke Anne , Lim Sun-jung , Sullivan Mark D. , Pauk John S. , Pagel John M.
Published: June 2020

Two case series examining the impact of convalescent plasma on patients with COVID-19 suggest some clinical benefit from early administration and modest impact on parameters of inflammation. Further assessment of the impact of this intervention awaits controlled clinical trials.
Application of System Biology to Explore the Association of Neprilysin, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), and Carbonic Anhydrase (CA) in Pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Zolfaghari Emameh Reza , Falak Reza , Bahreini Elham
Published: June 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) appears with common symptoms including fever, dry cough, and fatigue, as well as some less common sysmptoms such as loss of taste and smell, diarrhea, skin rashes and discoloration of fingers. COVID-19 patients may also suffer from serious symptoms including shortness of breathing, chest pressure and pain, as well as loss of daily routine habits, pointing out to a sever reduction in the quality of life. COVID-19 has afftected almost all countries, however, the United States contains the highest number of infection (> 1,595,000 cases) and deaths cases (> 95,000 deaths) in the world until May 21, 2020. Finding an influential treatment strategy against COVID-19 can be facilitated through better understanding of the virus pathogenesis and consequently interrupting the biochemical pathways that the virus may play role in human body as the current reservoir of the virus.

Results

In this study, we combined system biology and bioinformatic approaches to define the role of coexpression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), neprilysin or membrane metallo-endopeptidase (MME), and carbonic anhydrases (CAs) and their association in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. The results revealed that ACE2 as the cellular attachment site of SARS-CoV-2, neprilysin, and CAs have a great contribution together in the renin angiotensin system (RAS) and consequently in pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 in the vital organs such as respiratory, renal, and blood circulation systems. Any disorder in neprilysin, ACE2, and CAs can lead to increase of CO2 concentration in blood and respiratory acidosis, induction of pulmonary edema and heart and renal failures.

Conclusions

Due to the presence of ACE2-Neprilysin-CA complex in most of vital organs and as a receptor of COVID-19, it is expected that most organs are affected by SARS-CoV-2 such as inflammation and fibrosis of lungs, which may conversely affect their vital functions, temporary or permanently, sometimes leading to death. Therefore, ACE2-Neprilysin-CA complex could be the key factor of pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and may provide us useful information to find better provocative and therapeutic strategies against COVID-19.
Implementing sequence-based antigenic distance calculation into immunological shape space model
Authors: Anderson Christopher S. , Sangster Mark Y. , Yang Hongmei , Mariani Thomas J. , Chaudhury Sidhartha , Topham David J.
Published: June 2020

Background

In 2009, a novel influenza vaccine was distributed worldwide to combat the H1N1 influenza “swine flu” pandemic. However, antibodies induced by the vaccine display differences in their specificity and cross-reactivity dependent on pre-existing immunity. Here, we present a computational model that can capture the effect of pre-existing immunity on influenza vaccine responses. The model predicts the region of the virus hemagglutinin (HA) protein targeted by antibodies after vaccination as well as the level of cross-reactivity induced by the vaccine. We tested our model by simulating a scenario similar to the 2009 pandemic vaccine and compared the results to antibody binding data obtained from human subjects vaccinated with the monovalent 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine.

Results

We found that both specificity and cross-reactivity of the antibodies induced by the 2009 H1N1 influenza HA protein were affected by the viral strain the individual was originally exposed. Specifically, the level of antigenic relatedness between the original exposure HA antigen and the 2009 HA protein affected antigenic-site immunodominance. Moreover, antibody cross-reactivity was increased when the individual’s pre-existing immunity was specific to an HA protein antigenically distinct from the 2009 pandemic strain. Comparison of simulation data with antibody binding data from human serum samples demonstrated qualitative and quantitative similarities between the model and real-life immune responses to the 2009 vaccine.

Conclusion

We provide a novel method to evaluate expected outcomes in antibody specificity and cross-reactivity after influenza vaccination in individuals with different influenza HA antigen exposure histories. The model produced similar outcomes as what has been previously reported in humans after receiving the 2009 influenza pandemic vaccine. Our results suggest that differences in cross-reactivity after influenza vaccination should be expected in individuals with different exposure histories.
Antibacterial effect of silver nanorings
Authors: González-Fernández Sara , Lozano-Iturbe Víctor , García Beatriz , Andrés Luis J. , Menéndez Mª. Fe , Rodríguez David , Vazquez Fernando , Martín Carla , Quirós Luis M.
Published: June 2020

Background

The emergence and expansion of antibiotic resistance makes it necessary to have alternative anti-infective agents, among which silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) display especially interesting properties. AgNPs carry out their antibacterial action through various molecular mechanisms, and the magnitude of the observed effect is dependent on multiple, not fully understood, aspects, particle shape being one of the most important. In this article, we conduct a study of the antibacterial effect of a recently described type of AgNP: silver nanorings (AgNRs), making comparisons with other alternative types of AgNP synthesized in parallel using the same methodology.

Results

When they act on planktonic forms, AgNRs produce a smaller effect on the viability of different bacteria than nanoparticles with other structures although their effect on growth is more intense over a longer period. When their action on biofilms is analyzed, AgNRs show a greater concentration-dependent effect. In both cases it was observed that the effect on inhibition depends on the microbial species, but not its Gram positive or negative nature. Growth patterns in silver-resistant Salmonella strains suggest that AgNRs work through different mechanisms to other AgNPs. The antibacterial effect is also produced to some extent by the conditioning of culture media or water by contact with AgNPs but, at least over short periods of time, this is not due to the release of Ag ions.

Conclusions

AgNRs constitute a new type of AgNP, whose antibacterial properties depend on their shape, and is capable of acting efficiently on both planktonic bacteria and biofilms.
Determining optimal mulching, planting density, and nitrogen application to increase maize grain yield and nitrogen translocation efficiency in Northwest China
Authors: Wang Xiukang , Wang Ge , Turner Neil C. , Xing Yingying , Li Meitian , Guo Tao
Published: June 2020

Background

The combination of mulch with N fertilizer application is a common agronomic technique used in the production of rainfed maize (Zea mays L.) to achieve higher yields under conditions of optimum planting density and adequate N supply. However, the combined effects of mulch, planting density, and N fertilizer application rate on plant N uptake and N translocation efficiency are not known. The objective of this study was to quantify the interaction effect of mulch, planting density, and N fertilizer application rate on maize grain yield, N uptake, N translocation, and N translocation efficiency. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three factors (2 mulch levels × 2 planting densities × 4 N fertilizer application rates) replicated four times.

Results

There was a significant interaction among mulch, plant density, and N fertilizer on maize grain yield, kernel number per cob, N uptake, N translocation, and N translocation efficiency. Averaged over the 3 years of the study, total plant N uptake at silking ranged from 79 to 149 kg N ha− 1with no mulch and from 76 to 178 kg N ha− 1with mulch. The N uptake at silking in different plant organs ranked as leaf > grain > stem > cob. Averaged across all factors, the highest N translocation was observed in leaves, which was 59.4 and 88.7% higher than observed in stems and ears, respectively. The mean vegetative organ N translocation efficiency averaged over mulch, planting density, and N fertilizer application rate treatments decreased in the order of leaf > stem > cob.

Conclusions

Mulch, planting density, and N fertilizer application rate not only have significant effects on improving maize grain yield and NUE, but also on N uptake, N translocation, and N translocation efficiency. Our results showed clearly that under high planting density, the combination of mulch and moderate N fertilizer application rate was the optimal strategy for increasing maize grain yield and N use efficiency.
Ectopic expression of miRNA172 in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) reveals novel function in fruit development through regulation of an AP2 transcription factor
Authors: Chung Mi-Young , Nath Ujjal Kumar , Vrebalov Julia , Gapper Nigel , Lee Je Min , Lee Do-Jin , Kim Chang Kil , Giovannoni James
Published: June 2020

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that can influence gene expression via diverse mechanisms. Tomato is a fruit widely consumed for its flavor, culinary attributes, and high nutritional quality. Tomato fruit are climacteric and fleshy, and their ripening is regulated by endogenous and exogenous signals operating through a coordinated genetic network. Much research has been conducted on mechanisms of tomato fruit ripening, but the roles of miRNA-regulated repression/expression of specific regulatory genes are not well documented.

Results

In this study, we demonstrate that miR172 specifically targets four SlAP2 transcription factor genes in tomato. Among them, SlAP2a was repressed by the overexpression of SlmiR172, manifesting in altered flower morphology, development and accelerated ripening. miR172 over-expression lines specifically repressed SlAP2a, enhancing ethylene biosynthesis, fruit color and additional ripening characteristics. Most previously described ripening-regulatory genes, including RIN-MADS, NR, TAGL1 and LeHB-1 were not influenced by miR172 while CNR showed altered expression.

Conclusions

Tomato fruit ripening is directly influenced by miR172 targeting of the APETALA2 transcription factor, SlAP2a, with minimal influence over additional known ripening-regulatory genes. miR172a-guided SlAP2a expression provides insight into another layer of genetic control of ripening and a target for modifying the quality and nutritional value of tomato and possibly other fleshy fruit crops.
Carotid endarterectomy versus conservative management of the asymptomatic carotid stenosis before coronary artery bypass grafting: a retrospective study
Authors: Lescan Mario , Andic Mateja , Bartos Oana , Schlensak Christian , Mustafi Migdat
Published: June 2020

Background

Our retrospective single-center study aimed to evaluate the safety of the carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in comparison to patients with untreated asymptomatic carotid stenosis ≥60% before CABG.

Methods

This single-center retrospective study included 174 patients with asymptomatic unilateral carotid stenosis treated between 2004 and 2017 with CABG. Thereof 106 patients had CEA before cardiac surgery either by a simultaneous (n = 62) or staged (n = 44) approach. Patients with untreated carotid stenosis served as control (no-CEA group; n = 68).

Results

The mean stenosis grade was higher in the CEA group (CEA 83% (±1), no-CEA 71% (±1) p < 0.0001). The overall stroke rate was 5/174 (3%) and was due to a high incidence of stroke in the no-CEA group (CEA: 0/106 (0%); No-CEA 5/68 (7%) p = 0.0083). The overall mortality was 1% and comparable between the groups (CEA: 2/106 (2%); No-CEA 0/68 (0%) p = 0.5211). Stroke related mortality was not observed. The groups were similar regarding the incidence of myocardial infarction (p = 1.0), atrial fibrillation (p = 0.1931), delirium (p = 0.2106) and IMC/ICU stay (p = 0.1542). No significant difference in the subgroup analysis was found between the simultaneous and staged approach regarding the myocardial infarction (simultaneous: 1/62 (1%); staged: 1/44 (1%); p = 1.0).

Conclusions

CEA performed as a staged procedure in local anesthesia or a simultaneous procedure in general anesthesia, may reduce the stroke risk prior to CABG.
The Patient Activation through Community Empowerment/Engagement for Diabetes Management (PACE-D) protocol: a non-randomised controlled trial of personalised care and support planning for persons living with diabetes
Authors: Tan Wee Hian , Loh Victor Weng Keong , Venkataraman Kavita , Choong Shoon Thai , Lew Yii Jen , Sundram Meena , Tsou Keith , Tan Soon Guan , Gibbons Brent , Entwistle Vikki , Young Doris , Tai E Shyong , Yew Tong Wei
Published: June 2020

Background

Personalised care and support planning (CSP) has been shown to improve diabetes outcomes, patient experience and provider morale in the care of persons living with diabetes. However, this has not been confirmed in controlled studies. Patient Activation through Community Empowerment/Engagement for Diabetes Management (PACE-D) is a pragmatic controlled trial that evaluates the effectiveness of personalised CSP in persons living with diabetes in the public primary care setting in Singapore.

Methods

Teamlet-empanelled patients with diabetes at four polyclinics are recruited for this study. Participants who attend either of the two Intervention clinics are sent their investigation results in a care planning letter (CPL) topreparethem for the CSP conversation. This conversation is facilitated by a trained CSP practitioner who engages them indiscussionof concerns, goals and action plans, anddocumentstheir plans for subsequentreview. Participants in the two Control clinics will receive standard diabetes care. Participants will complete two or more CSP conversations (Intervention) or regular consultations (Control) at the annual review visits within the 18 months of the study. The sample size is calculated at 1620 participants, with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures include patient activation (as measured by PAM-13) and changes in healthcare utilisation and cost.

Discussion

This study is a pragmatic trial that evaluates the effectiveness of personalised CSP in persons living with diabetes in a real world setting. It promises to provide insights with regard to the implementation of this model of care in Singapore and the region.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govIdentifierNCT04288362. Retrospectively registered on 28 February 2020.