bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metastatic and recurrent adrenocortical cancer is not defined by its genomic landscape
Authors: Fojo Tito , Huff Lyn , Litman Thomas , Im Kate , Edgerly Maureen , del Rivero Jaydira , Pittaluga Stefania , Merino Maria , Bates Susan E. , Dean Michael
Published: November 2020

Background

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, often-aggressive neoplasm of the adrenal cortex, with a 14–17 month median overall survival. We asked whether tumors from patients with advanced or metastatic ACC would offer clues as to putative genes that might have critical roles in disease progression or in more aggressive disease biology.

Methods

We conducted comprehensive genomic and expression analyses of ACCs from 43 patients, 30 female, and 42 from metastatic sites, including deep sequencing, copy number analysis, mRNA expression and microRNA arrays.

Results

Copy number gains and losses were similar to that previously reported for ACC. We identified a median mutation rate of 3.38 per megabase (Mb). The mutational signature was characterized by a predominance of C > T, C > A and T > C transitions. Only cancer genes TP53 (26%) and beta-catenin (CTNNB1, 14%) were mutated in more than 10% of samples. The TCGA-identified putative cancer genes MEN1 and PRKAR1A were found in low frequency—4.7 and 2.3%, respectively. The majority of the mutations were in genes not implicated in the etiology or maintenance of cancer. Specifically, amongst the 38 genes that were mutated in more than 9% of samples, only four were represented in Tier 1 of the 576 COSMIC Cancer Gene Census (CCGC). Thus, 82% of genes found to have mutations likely have no role in the etiology or biology of ACC; while the role of the other 18%, if any, remains to be proven. Finally, the transcript length for the 38 most frequently mutated genes in ACC is statistically longer than the average of all coding genes, raising the question of whether transcript length in part determined mutation probability.

Conclusions

We conclude that the mutational and expression profiles of advanced and metastatic tumors are very similar to those from newly diagnosed patients—with very little in the way of genomic aberration to explain differences in biology. With relatively low mutation rates, few major oncogenic drivers, and loss of function mutations in several epigenetic regulators, an epigenetic basis for ACC may be postulated and serve as the basis for future studies.
Why brain-controlled neuroprosthetics matter: mechanisms underlying electrical stimulation of muscles and nerves in rehabilitation
Authors: Milosevic Matija , Marquez-Chin Cesar , Masani Kei , Hirata Masayuki , Nomura Taishin , Popovic Milos R. , Nakazawa Kimitaka
Published: November 2020

Delivering short trains of electric pulses to the muscles and nerves can elicit action potentials resulting in muscle contractions. When the stimulations are sequenced to generate functional movements, such as grasping or walking, the application is referred to as functional electrical stimulation (FES). Implications of the motor and sensory recruitment of muscles using FES go beyond simple contraction of muscles. Evidence suggests that FES can induce short- and long-term neurophysiological changes in the central nervous system by varying the stimulation parameters and delivery methods. By taking advantage of this, FES has been used to restore voluntary movement in individuals with neurological injuries with a technique called FES therapy (FEST). However, long-lasting cortical re-organization (neuroplasticity) depends on the ability to synchronize the descending (voluntary) commands and the successful execution of the intended task using a FES. Brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies offer a way to synchronize cortical commands and movements generated by FES, which can be advantageous for inducing neuroplasticity. Therefore, the aim of this review paper is to discuss the neurophysiological mechanisms of electrical stimulation of muscles and nerves and how BCI-controlled FES can be used in rehabilitation to improve motor function.
Epigenome-wide association study for pesticide (Permethrin and DEET) induced DNA methylation epimutation biomarkers for specific transgenerational disease
Authors: Thorson Jennifer L. M. , Beck Daniel , Ben Maamar Millissia , Nilsson Eric E. , Skinner Michael K.
Published: November 2020

Background

Permethrin and N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) are the pesticides and insect repellent most commonly used by humans. These pesticides have been shown to promote the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease in rats. The current study was designed as an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) to identify potential sperm DNA methylation epimutation biomarkers for specific transgenerational disease.

Methods

Outbred Sprague Dawley gestating female rats (F0) were transiently exposed during fetal gonadal sex determination to the pesticide combination including Permethrin and DEET. The F3 generation great-grand offspring within the pesticide lineage were aged to 1 year. The transgenerational adult male rat sperm were collected from individuals with single and multiple diseases and compared to non-diseased animals to identify differential DNA methylation regions (DMRs) as biomarkers for specific transgenerational disease.

Results

The exposure of gestating female rats to a permethrin and DEET pesticide combination promoted transgenerational testis disease, prostate disease, kidney disease, and the presence of multiple disease in the subsequent F3 generation great-grand offspring. The disease DMRs were found to be disease specific with negligible overlap between different diseases. The genomic features of CpG density, DMR length, and chromosomal locations of the disease specific DMRs were investigated. Interestingly, the majority of the disease specific sperm DMR associated genes have been previously found to be linked to relevant disease specific genes.

Conclusions

Observations demonstrate the EWAS approach identified disease specific biomarkers that can be potentially used to assess transgenerational disease susceptibility and facilitate the clinical management of environmentally induced pathology.
Who lacks and who benefits from diet diversity: evidence from (impact) profiling for children in Zimbabwe
Authors: Oostendorp Remco , van Wesenbeeck Lia , Sonneveld Ben , Zikhali Precious
Published: November 2020

Background

The impact of diet diversity—defined as the number of different foods or food groups consumed over a given reference period—on child nutrition outcomes strongly interacts with agro-ecological, institutional, and socio-economic drivers of child food and nutrition security. Yet, the literature on the impact of diet diversity typically estimates average treatment effects, largely ignoring impact heterogeneity among different groups.

Methods

In this paper, we introduce a new method of profiling to identify groups of treatment units that stand to gain the most from a given intervention. We start from the ‘polling approach’ which provides a fully flexible (non-parametric) method to profile vulnerability patterns (patterns in ‘needs’) across highly heterogeneous environments [35]. Here we combine this polling methodology with matching techniques to identify ‘impact profiles’ showing how impact varies across non-parametric profiles. We use this method to explore the potential for improving child nutrition outcomes, in particular stunting, through targeted improvements in dietary diversity in a physically and socio-economically diverse country, namely Zimbabwe. Complex interaction effects with agro-ecological, institutional and socio-economic conditions are accounted for. Finally, we analyze whether targeting interventions at the neediest (as identified by the polling approach) will also create the largest benefits.

Results

The dominant profile for stunted children is that they are young (6–12 months), live in poorer/poorest households, in rural areas characterized by significant sloping of the terrain and with one-sided emphasis on maize cultivation and medium dry conditions. When moving from “need” to “maximal impact”, we calculate both the coverage in “need” as well as the impact coverage, and find that targeting on need does not always provide the largest impact.

Conclusions

Policy-makers need to remain alert that targeting on need is not always the same as targeting on impact. Estimation of heterogeneous treatment effects allows for more efficient targeting. It also enhances the external validity of the estimated impact findings, as the impact of child diet diversity on stunting depends on various agro-ecological variables, and policy-makers can relate these findings to areas outside our study area with similar agro-ecological conditions.
A retrospective review of the contribution of rare diseases to paediatric mortality in Ireland
Authors: Gunne Emer , McGarvey Cliona , Hamilton Karina , Treacy Eileen , Lambert Deborah M. , Lynch Sally Ann
Published: November 2020

Aims

To ascertain the number of paediatric deaths (0–14 years) with an underlying rare disease in the Republic of Ireland between the years 2006–2016, and to analyse bed usage by a paediatric cohort of rare disease inpatients prior to in-hospital death.

Background

Rare diseases are often chronically debilitating and sometimes life-threatening diseases, with the majority (69.9%) of rare diseases being of paediatric onset. The Orphanet database contains information on 6172 unique rare diseases. Under-representation of rare diseases in hospital healthcare coding systems leads to a paucity of rare disease epidemiological data required for healthcare planning. Studies have cited variable incidence rates for rare disease, however the burden of rare diseases to healthcare services still remains unclear. This study represents a thorough effort to identify the percentage of child mortality and paediatric bed usage attributable to rare diseases in the Republic of Ireland, thus addressing a major gap in the rare disease field.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of paediatric death registration details for the Republic of Ireland in the 11-year period 2006–2016 from the National Paediatric Mortality Register. Data was subcategorised as Neonatal (0–28 days), Post Neonatal (29 days < 1 year) and older (1–14 years). Bed usage data (ICD-10 code, narrative and usage) of paediatric inpatients who died during hospitalisation from January 2015 to December 2016 was extracted from the National Quality Assurance Improvement System of in-patient data. Orphacodes were assigned to rare disease cases from ICD-10 codes or diagnostic narrative of both datasets.

Results

There were 4044 deaths registered from 2006–2016, aged < 15 years, of these 2368 (58.6%) had an underlying rare disease. Stratifying by age group; 55.6% (1140/2050) of neonatal deaths had a rare disease, 57.8% (450/778) post-neonatal, and 64% (778/1216) of children aged 1–14 years. Mortality coding using ICD-10 codes identified 42% of rare disease cases with the remainder identified using death certificate narrative records. Rare disease patients occupied 87% of bed days used by children < 15 years who died during hospitalisation from January 2015 to December 2016.

Conclusion

Additional routine rare disease coding is necessary to identify rare diseases within Irish healthcare systems to enable better healthcare planning. Rare disease patients are overrepresented in paediatric mortality statistics and in-patient length of stay during hospital admission prior to death.
Common mental disorders among patients attending monk healers and primary health care centres in Thailand: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: November 2020

Background

This study aimed to assess the rate of common mental disorders in patients consulting monk healers or health centres in Thailand.

Methods

Patients consecutively consulting monk healers or health centres were assessed with screening measures of three common mental disorders (major depressive, general anxiety and somatization disorder).

Results

The prevalence of any common mental disorder was significantly higher in patients attending monk healers (31.1%) than those attending primary care health centres (22.3%) (P < 0.001). Likewise, the prevalence of each common mental disorder was significantly higher in clients attending monk healers (major depressive disorder 21.0%, generalized anxiety disorder 8.1%, and somatization disorder 19.0%) than in patients attending health centres (major depressive disorder 15.8%, generalized anxiety disorder 3.5%, and somatization disorder 12.5%). In adjusted logistic regression analysis among patients of monk healers, female sex, being single, divorced, separated or widowed, and low social support were associated with any common mental disorder. Among patients of a health centre, lower education, not employed, high debt status and low social support were associated with any common mental disorder.

Conclusion

The study found a higher prevalence of common mental disorders in patients consulting monk healers than primary care centre attendees, calling for integrated management of common mental disorders.
The impact of the temporary suspension of national cancer screening programmes due to the COVID-19 epidemic on the diagnosis of breast and colorectal cancer in the Netherlands
Authors: Dinmohamed Avinash G. , Cellamare Matteo , Visser Otto , de Munck Linda , Elferink Marloes A. G. , Westenend Pieter J. , Wesseling Jelle , Broeders Mireille J. M. , Kuipers Ernst J. , Merkx Matthias A. W. , Nagtegaal Iris D. , Siesling Sabine
Published: November 2020

Oncological care was largely derailed due to the reprioritisation of health care services to handle the initial surge of COVID-19 patients adequately. Cancer screening programmes were no exception in this reprioritisation. They were temporarily halted in the Netherlands (1) to alleviate the pressure on health care services overwhelmed by the upsurge of COVID-19 patients, (2) to reallocate staff and personal protective equipment to support critical COVID-19 care, and (3) to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Utilising data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry on provisional cancer diagnoses between 6 January 2020 and 4 October 2020, we assessed the impact of the temporary halt of national population screening programmes on the diagnosis of breast and colorectal cancer in the Netherlands. A dynamic harmonic regression model with ARIMA error components was applied to assess the observed versus expected number of cancer diagnoses per calendar week. Fewer diagnoses of breast and colorectal cancer were objectified amid the early stages of the initial COVID-19 outbreak in the Netherlands. This effect was most pronounced among the age groups eligible for cancer screening programmes, especially in breast cancer (age group 50–74 years). Encouragingly enough, the observed number of diagnoses ultimately reached and virtually remained at the level of the expected values. This finding, which emerged earlier in age groups not invited for cancer screening programmes, comes on account of the decreased demand for critical COVID-19 care since early April 2020, which, in turn, paved the way forward to resume screening programmes and a broad range of non-critical health care services, albeit with limited operating and workforce capacity. Collectively, transient changes in health-seeking behaviour, referral practices, and cancer screening programmes amid the early stages of the initial COVID-19 epidemic in the Netherlands conjointly acted as an accelerant for fewer breast and colorectal cancer diagnoses in age groups eligible for cancer screening programmes. Forthcoming research is warranted to assess whether the decreased diagnostic scrutiny of cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in stage migration and altered clinical management, as well as poorer outcomes.
Long noncoding RNA: a dazzling dancer in tumor immune microenvironment
Authors: Zhang Yalu , Liu Qiaofei , Liao Quan
Published: November 2020

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of endogenous, non-protein coding RNAs that are highly linked to various cellular functions and pathological process. Emerging evidence indicates that lncRNAs participate in crosstalk between tumor and stroma, and reprogramming of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). TIME possesses distinct populations of myeloid cells and lymphocytes to influence the immune escape of cancer, the response to immunotherapy, and the survival of patients. However, hitherto, a comprehensive review aiming at relationship between lncRNAs and TIME is missing. In this review, we focus on the functional roles and molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs within the TIME. Furthermore, we discussed the potential immunotherapeutic strategies based on lncRNAs and their limitations.
Effectiveness of theta and gamma electroacupuncture for post-stroke patients on working memory and electrophysiology: study protocol for a double-center, randomized, patient- and assessor-blinded, sham-controlled, parallel, clinical trial
Authors: Xu Jing-Jing , Ren Meng , Zhao Jing-Jun , Wu Jia-Jia , Zhang Si-Cong , Zhong Yan-Biao , Xu Shu-Tian , Cao Zhong-Yao , Zhou Zhi-Qing , Li Yuan-Li , Shan Chun-Lei
Published: November 2020

Background

Practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine have suggested that electroacupuncture (EA) could improve post-stroke cognitive impairment, based on the clinical evidence. This study protocol is aimed at showing the effectiveness of theta and gamma EA for post-stroke patients on working memory (WM) and electrophysiology.

Methods

After assessing their eligibility, 66 patients with stroke will be enrolled from two Chinese medicine hospitals and randomly divided into theta frequency EA group, gamma frequency EA group, and sham-EA group according to the ratio of 1:1:1. All patients will receive 20 sessions of EA procedures for 4 weeks. Patients in three groups will receive EA at two same acupoints in the head: Baihui (GV20) and Shenting (GV24). The frequency of the three groups of EA is set as follows: 6 Hz (theta-EA group), 40 Hz (gamma-EA group), and no current through the electrodes (sham EA). Patients and assessors will be blinded throughout the entire study. The primary outcome is the performance accuracy of 1-back task which is a frequently used measure of WM in cognitive neuroscience research contexts. Secondary outcome measures will include the response time of 1-back task, the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test, Trail Making Test, Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment Scale, modified Barthel Index, and electroencephalogram (EEG) signals during 1-back tasks. A blinding index will be assessed. Data will be statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA, at 5% of significance level.

Discussion

We expect this double-center, randomized, patient- and assessor-blinded, sham-controlled, parallel, clinical trial to explore the effectiveness of theta and gamma EA therapy, compared with sham EA, for post-stroke WM.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry,ChiCTR2000031995. Registered on 17 April 2020.
Sand fly fauna of Crete and the description of Phlebotomus (Adlerius) creticus n. sp. (Diptera: Psychodidae)
Authors: Dvořák Vít , Tsirigotakis Nikolaos , Pavlou Christoforos , Dokianakis Emmanouil , Akhoundi Mohammad , Halada Petr , Volf Petr , Depaquit Jérôme , Antoniou Maria
Published: November 2020

Background

The Greek island of Crete is endemic for both visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and recently increasing cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). This study summarizes published data on the sand fly fauna of Crete, the results of new sand fly samplings and the description of a new sand fly species.

Methods

All published and recent samplings were carried out using CDC light traps, sticky traps or mouth aspirators. The specific status of Phlebotomus (Adlerius) creticus n. sp., was assessed by morphological analysis, cytochrome b (cytb) sequencing and MALDI-TOF protein profiling.

Results

Published data revealed the presence of 10 Phlebotomus spp. and 2 Sergentomyia spp. During presented field work, 608 specimens of 8 species of Phlebotomus and one species of Sergentomyia were collected. Both published data and present samplings revealed that the two most common and abundant species were Phlebotomus neglectus, a proven vector of Leishmania infantum causing VL, and Ph. similis, a suspected vector of L. tropica causing CL. In addition, the field surveys revealed the presence of a new species, Ph. (Adlerius) creticus n. sp.

Conclusions

The identification of the newly described species is based on both molecular and morphological criteria, showing distinct characters of the male genitalia that differentiate it from related species of the subgenus Adlerius as well as species-specific sequence of cytb and protein spectra generated by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.
Effect of body mass index on serum urate and renal uric acid handling responses to an oral inosine load: experimental intervention study in healthy volunteers
Authors: Dalbeth Nicola , Allan Jordyn , Gamble Gregory D. , Horne Anne , Woodward Owen M. , Stamp Lisa K. , Merriman Tony R.
Published: November 2020

Background

High body mass index (BMI) is strongly associated with hyperuricaemia. It is unknown whether overweight and obesity influences serum urate primarily through increased urate production or reduced renal clearance of uric acid. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of BMI on the response to inosine, a purine nucleoside that functions as an intermediate in the purine salvage and degradation pathways.

Methods

Following an overnight fast, 100 healthy participants without gout attended a study visit. Blood and urine samples were taken prior to and over 180 min after 1.5 g oral inosine. Serum urate and fractional excretion of uric acid (FEUA) were analysed according to high BMI (≥ 25 kg/m2) and low/normal BMI (< 25 kg/m2) groups, and according to BMI as a continuous variable.

Results

Participants in the high BMI group (n = 52, mean BMI 30.8 kg/m2) had higher serum urate concentrations at baseline (P = 0.002) compared to those with low/normal BMI (mean BMI 21.8 kg/m2). However, the high BMI group had a smaller increase in serum urate following the inosine load (P = 0.0012). The two BMI groups had a similar FEUA at baseline (P = 0.995), but those in the high BMI group had a smaller increase in FEUA following the inosine (P = 0.0003). Similar findings were observed when analysing BMI as a continuous variable. Those with high BMI had a smaller increase in FEUA per increase in serum urate, compared to those with low BMI (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

In a fasting state, people with high BMI have elevated serum urate levels but similar FEUA values compared with those with low/normal BMI. Following a purine load, those with high BMI have an attenuated renal excretion of uric acid. These data, using an experimental method to dynamically assess human urate handling, suggest that people with high BMI have a higher renal capacity for uric acid reabsorption when fasted and following a dietary purine intake have reduced renal clearance.

Trial registration

Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12615001302549, date of registration 30 November 2015.
Repeated sampling improved the sensitivity of malaria microscopy in children under six years
Authors: Aninagyei Enoch
Published: November 2020

Objective

Microscopy remains the gold standard for identification of malaria parasites. However, the sensitivity of malaria microscopy is low. This study evaluated the impact of repeated sampling up to 12 h in 177 children < 6 years with suspected malaria.

Results

The median age was 3 years (interquartile range, 2.0–4.0 years). Eighty-nine percent (158/177) presented with hyperthermia together with one or more of the following symptoms: chills, headache, sweating, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and cough. Baseline microscopy confirmed malaria in 29.9% (53/177) of the suspects. Repeated testing at 6 and 12 h increased the positive detection rates to 35.0% (62/177) and 41.8% (74/177), respectively. Microscopy underestimated malaria diagnosis by 11.9% on single testing. Children showing classical signs of malaria but with initial negative parasitological reports should be retested between 6 to 12 h to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of malaria.
hPMSCs protects against d-galactose-induced oxidative damage of CD4+ T cells through activating Akt-mediated Nrf2 antioxidant signaling
Authors: Xiong Yanlian , Wang Yueming , Zhang Jiashen , Zhao Nannan , Zhang Hengchao , Zhang Aiping , Zhao Dongmei , Yu Zhenhai , Yin Yancun , Song Lele , Xiong Yanlei , Luan Xiying
Published: November 2020

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were considered a regenerative therapeutic approach in both acute and chronic diseases. However, whether MSCs regulate the antioxidant metabolism of CD4+ T cells and weaken immunosenescence remains unclear. Here, we reported the protective effects of hPMSCs in aging-related CD4+ T cell senescence and identified the underlying mechanisms using a d-gal-induced mouse aging model.

Methods

In vivo study, 40 male C57BL/6 mice (8 weeks) were randomly divided into four groups: control group, d-gal group, hPMSC group, and PBS group. In in vitro experiment, human naive CD4+ T (CD4CD45RA) cells were prepared using a naive CD4+ T cell isolation kit II and pretreated with the Akt inhibitor LY294002 and Nrf2 inhibitor ML385. Then, isolated naive CD4+ T cell were co-cultured with hPMSCs for 72 h in the absence or presence of anti-CD3/CD28 Dynabeads and IL-2 as a mitogenic stimulus. Intracellular ROS changes were detected by flow cytometry. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase were measured by colorimetric analysis. The senescent T cells were detected SA-β-gal stain. The expression of aging-related proteins was detected by Western blotting, RT-PCR, and confocal microscopy.

Results

We found that hPMSC treatment markedly decreased the ROS level, SA-β-gal-positive cells number, senescence-associated secretory phenotype (IL-6 and OPN) expression, and aging-related protein (P16 and P21) expression in senescent CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, hPMSC treatment effectively upregulated Nrf2 nuclear translocation and the expression of downstream target genes (HO-1, CAT, GCLC, and NQO1) in senescent CD4+ T cells. Moreover, in vitro studies revealed that hPMSCs attenuated CD4+ T cell senescence by upregulating the Akt/GSK-3β/Fyn pathway to activate Nrf2 functions. Conversely, the antioxidant effects of hPMSCs were blocked by the Akt inhibitor LY294002 and Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 in senescent CD4+ T cells.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that hPMSCs attenuate d-gal-induced CD4+ T cell senescence by activating Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defenses and that upregulation of Nrf2 by hPMSCs is regulated via the Akt/GSK-3β/Fyn pathway.
Multichannel speaker interference reduction using frequency domain adaptive filtering
Authors: Meyer Patrick , Elshamy Samy , Fingscheidt Tim
Published: November 2020

Microphone leakage or crosstalk is a common problem in multichannel close-talk audio recordings (e.g., meetings or live music performances), which occurs when a target signal does not only couple into its dedicated microphone, but also in all other microphone channels. For further signal processing such as automatic transcription of a meeting, a multichannel speaker interference reduction is required in order to eliminate the interfering speech signals in the microphone channels. The contribution of this paper is twofold: First, we consider multichannel close-talk recordings of a three-person meeting scenario with various different crosstalk levels. In order to eliminate the crosstalk in the target microphone channel, we extend a multichannel Wiener filter approach, which considers all individual microphone channels. Therefore, we integrate an adaptive filter method, which was originally proposed for acoustic echo cancellation (AEC), in order to obtain a well-performing interferer (noise) component estimation. This results in an improved speech-to-interferer ratio by up to 2.7 dB at constant or even better speech component quality. Second, since an AEC method requires typically clean reference channels, we investigate and report findings why the AEC algorithm is able to successfully estimate the interfering signals and the room impulse responses between the microphones of the interferer and the target speakers even though the reference signals are themselves disturbed by crosstalk in the considered meeting scenario.
Image restoration based on sparse representation using feature classification learning
Authors: Chang Minhui , Zhang Lei
Published: November 2020

In the image inpainting method based on sparse representation, the adaptability of over-complete dictionary has a great influence on the result of image restoration. If the over-complete dictionary cannot effectively reflect the differences between different local features, it may result in the loss of texture details, resulting in blurred or over-smooth phenomenon in restored images. In view of these problems, we propose an image restoration method based on sparse representation using feature classification learning. Firstly, we perform singular value decomposition on the local gradient vector. According to the relationship between the main orientation and the secondary orientation, we classify all the local patches into three categories: smooth patch, edge patch and texture patch. Secondly, we use K-Singular Value Decomposition method to learn over-complete dictionaries that adapt to different features. Finally, we use Orthogonal Matching Pursuit method to calculate the sparse coding of target patches with different local features on their corresponding over-complete dictionaries, and use the over-complete dictionary and corresponding sparse coding to restore the damaged pixels. A series of experiments on various restoration tasks show the superior performance of the proposed method.
Multimodality lymphatic imaging of postoperative chylothorax in an infant with Noonan syndrome: a case report
Authors: Pham Kay T. , Balaguru Duraisamy , Tammisetti Varaha S. , Guevara Carlos J. , Rasmussen John C. , Zvavanjanja Rodrick C. , Hanfland Robert , Sevick-Muraca Eva M. , Aldrich Melissa B.
Published: November 2020

Background

Chylothorax is a rare complication of pediatric cardiac operations that occurs more frequently in children with Noonan syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with cardiac defects and lymphatic anomalies.

Case presentation

We report a case of postoperative chylothorax in a 6-month-old infant with Noonan syndrome where multimodality lymphatic imaging guided management was followed. Drainage patterns of the lymphatic capillaries in the lower and upper extremities were visualized during near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging (NIRFLI). Dynamic magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL) further identified the site of leakage in the thoracic duct and subsequently guided surgical intervention.

Conclusions

Application of multimodality imaging allows for greater individualization of treatment and should be considered in patients with complex cases such as those with syndromes associated with a higher incidence of chylothorax. IRB Number: HSC-MS-13–0754, December 10, 2013
What happens when you compare yourself to a model eating a cheeseburger? An experiment testing the impact of models promoting calorie-dense foods on beliefs about weight maintenance, body satisfaction, and purchase intent
Authors: Blomquist Kerstin K. , Schmalz Dorothy L. , Pate Sarah P. , Willmerdinger Alissa
Published: November 2020

Background

Ads depicting models promoting calorie-dense foods and beverages are ubiquitous and no known research has examined their effects on consumers. Drawing from social comparison theory, we hypothesized that participants who viewed ads with models (versus without models) would be more likely to rate models and less likely to rate themselves as able to consume the calorie-dense foods regularly and still maintain their weight/shape. We also hypothesized that participants who viewed ads with models (versus without models) would report more body dissatisfaction and, consistent with consumer research, a greater intention to purchase the product.

Methods

Participants (N = 168) were randomly assigned to view food or beverage ads with models or without models and completed self-report measures.

Results

Participants who viewed ads without models were more likely to rate themselves and most people as able to consume calorie-dense foods regularly and maintain their weight/shape and reported a greater intention to purchase the product. Consistent with our hypotheses, participants who viewed ads with models reported increased body dissatisfaction.

Conclusions

Results indicate that consumers’ perceptions of their own and others’ abilities to regularly consume calorie-dense foods and maintain their weight/shape change based on whether (or not) the calorie-dense foods are promoted by a model. Our findings reveal the nuanced negative effects of calorie-dense food ads with and without models and give insight into the psychological and potential physical health consequences that food ads can have on consumers.
A comparison of eating disorder symptomatology, psychological distress and psychosocial function between early, typical and later onset anorexia nervosa
Authors: Jenkins Zoe M. , Chait Lior M. , Cistullo Leonardo , Castle David J.
Published: November 2020

Objective

Epidemiological studies suggest that the incidence of anorexia nervosa (AN) is increasing in younger populations, with some evidence that clinical differences occur according to age of onset (AOO), which may impact prognostic outcomes. The current study sought to compare eating disorder (ED) symptomatology, psychological distress and psychosocial function between early onset (EO), typical onset (TO) and later onset (LO) AN in a large sample of treatment-seeking patients with a diagnosis of AN.

Methods

Participants included 249 individuals with a diagnosis of AN who were assessed at an outpatient ED service. The sample was divided into three groups based on AOO; those with an AOO ≤14 years (N = 58) were termed ‘EO-AN’, those with an AOO between 15 and 18 years (N = 113) were termed ‘TO-AN’ and those with an AOO of > 18 years (N = 78) were termed ‘LO-AN’. Comparisons were made between AOO groups on assessments of ED symptomatology, psychological distress and psychosocial function.

Results

EO-AN patients reported a significantly longer illness duration than both TO-AN and LO-AN groups. After controlling for effect of illness duration, the EO-AN group demonstrated significantly higher ED symptomatology and dysmorphic concern compared to the LO-AN group. The EO-AN group demonstrated significantly decreased cognitive flexibility compared to both the TO-AN and LO-AN groups.

Discussion

These findings suggest that clinical differences do occur according to AOO in AN whereby EO-AN may represent a more severe form of illness that is not attributable to increased illness duration. Treatment strategies which specifically address patients with EO-AN may improve long term health outcomes and recovery.
Cell-free DNA and circulating TERT promoter mutation for disease monitoring in newly-diagnosed glioblastoma
Authors: Fontanilles Maxime , Marguet Florent , Beaussire Ludivine , Magne Nicolas , Pépin Louis-Ferdinand , Alexandru Cristina , Tennevet Isabelle , Hanzen Chantal , Langlois Olivier , Jardin Fabrice , Laquerrière Annie , Sarafan-Vasseur Nasrin , Di Fiore Fréderic , Clatot Florian
Published: November 2020

The clinical implications of plasmatic cell-free and tumor DNA (cfDNA and ctDNA) are challenging in glioblastoma. This prospective study included 52 consecutive newly diagnosed glioblastoma (n = 49) or gliosarcoma (n = 3) patients treated with concomitant temozolomide and radiotherapy (RT-TMZ), followed by a TMZ maintenance phase. Plasma samples were collected at baseline, before RT-TMZ (pre-RT-TMZ) and at the end of adjuvant TMZ, or at the time of progression in cases of progressive disease (PD). The cfDNA concentration was measured with a fluorometric method, and ctDNA was detected using targeted droplet digital PCR. The main objectives were to analyze the associations between cfDNA and ctDNA measurements during the course of treatment with PD and survival. There was a significant decrease in median cfDNA concentration from baseline to pre-RT-TMZ—19.4 versus 9.7 ng/mL (p < 0.0001)—in the entire cohort. In patients with PD, a significant increase in cfDNA concentration from pre-RT-TMZ to time of PD was observed, from 9.7 versus 13.1 ng/mL (p = 0.037), respectively, while no difference was observed for nonprogressive patients. Neither the cfDNA concentration at baseline nor its kinetics correlated with survival. ctDNA was detected in 2 patients (3.8%) and only in gliosarcoma subtypes.

Trial registration ClinicalTrial, NCT02617745. Registered 1 December 2015, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02617745?term=glioplak&draw=2&rank=1.
CatBoost for big data: an interdisciplinary review
Authors: Hancock John T. , Khoshgoftaar Taghi M.
Published: November 2020

Gradient Boosted Decision Trees (GBDT’s) are a powerful tool for classification and regression tasks in Big Data. Researchers should be familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of current implementations of GBDT’s in order to use them effectively and make successful contributions. CatBoost is a member of the family of GBDT machine learning ensemble techniques. Since its debut in late 2018, researchers have successfully used CatBoost for machine learning studies involving Big Data. We take this opportunity to review recent research on CatBoost as it relates to Big Data, and learn best practices from studies that cast CatBoost in a positive light, as well as studies where CatBoost does not outshine other techniques, since we can learn lessons from both types of scenarios. Furthermore, as a Decision Tree based algorithm, CatBoost is well-suited to machine learning tasks involving categorical, heterogeneous data. Recent work across multiple disciplines illustrates CatBoost’s effectiveness and shortcomings in classification and regression tasks. Another important issue we expose in literature on CatBoost is its sensitivity to hyper-parameters and the importance of hyper-parameter tuning. One contribution we make is to take an interdisciplinary approach to cover studies related to CatBoost in a single work. This provides researchers an in-depth understanding to help clarify proper application of CatBoost in solving problems. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first survey that studies all works related to CatBoost in a single publication.
Association of macular perfusion status with microvascular parameters up to the far periphery in diabetic retinopathy using multimodal imaging
Authors: Hajdu Dorottya , Sedova Aleksandra , Datlinger Felix , Hafner Julia , Steiner Irene , Kriechbaum Katharina , Scholda Christoph , Sacu Stefan , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula , Pollreisz Andreas
Published: November 2020

Background

The aim of our study was to investigate a possible association between macular perfusion status and retinal ischemia and leakage up to far peripheral retinal areas in eyes with early to advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods

In a retrospective, cross sectional analysis ultrawide field (UWF) color fundus photos (Optos, Optomap California) were graded for DR severity. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and vessel density from the superficial (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) were assessed on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) scans (Topcon, DRI-OCT Triton). UWF angiography images were used to quantify leakage/ischemic index and number of microaneurysms (MA). Age, gender, disease duration, type of diabetes, HbA1C, hypertension, complications of diabetes and ocular history were recorded. Univariate mixed models and Spearman correlation analysis were used for statistical testing.

Results

24 eyes of 17 laser-naive diabetic patients with different stages of DR were analyzed. The mean age was 59.56 ± 8.46 years and the mean disease duration 19.65 ± 12.25 years. No statistically significant associations between FAZ size, macular vessel density of SCP/DCP and peripheral retinal ischemia, leakage and MA number were demonstrated. Higher stages of DR were associated with ischemic index (estimate [95% CI]: 13.04 [1.5; 24.5], p = 0.033) and MA count (estimate [95% CI]: 43.7 [15.6; 71.8], p = 0.01), but no association with leakage index was observed. Only weak correlations between DR severity and anamnestic data were found.

Conclusion

Retinal ischemic index and the amount of MAs assessed on UWFA up to peripheral areas are indicators of DR severity but not related to microvascular perfusion status in the macular region. Significance and timely sequence of macular vessel density in DR progression may need to be re-evaluated in future studies.
Length scales and scale-free dynamics of dislocations in dense solid solutions
Authors: Péterffy Gábor , Ispánovity Péter D. , Foster Michael E. , Zhou Xiaowang , Sills Ryan B.
Published: November 2020

The fundamental interactions between an edge dislocation and a random solid solution are studied by analyzing dislocation line roughness profiles obtained from molecular dynamics simulations of Fe0.70Ni0.11Cr0.19over a range of stresses and temperatures. These roughness profiles reveal the hallmark features of a depinning transition. Namely, below a temperature-dependent critical stress, the dislocation line exhibits roughness in two different length scale regimes which are divided by a so-called correlation length. This correlation length increases with applied stress and at the critical stress (depinning transition or yield stress) formally goes to infinity. Above the critical stress, the line roughness profile converges to that of a random noise field. Motivated by these results, a physical model is developed based on the notion of coherent line bowing over all length scales below the correlation length. Above the correlation length, the solute field prohibits such coherent line bow outs. Using this model, we identify potential gaps in existing theories of solid solution strengthening and show that recent observations of length-dependent dislocation mobilities can be rationalized.
Good practices for the translation, cultural adaptation, and linguistic validation of clinician-reported outcome, observer-reported outcome, and performance outcome measures
Authors: McKown Shawn , Acquadro Catherine , Anfray Caroline , Arnold Benjamin , Eremenco Sonya , Giroudet Christelle , Martin Mona , Weiss Dana
Published: November 2020

Within current literature and practice, the category of patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures has been expanded into the broader category of clinical outcome assessments (COAs), which includes the subcategory of PRO, as well as clinician-reported outcome (ClinRO), observer-reported outcome (ObsRO), and performance outcome (PerfO) measure subcategories. However, despite this conceptual expansion, recommendations associated with translation, cultural adaptation, and linguistic validation of COAs remain focused on PRO measures, which has created a gap in specific process recommendations for the remaining types. This lack of recommendations has led to inconsistent approaches being implemented, leading to uncertainty in the scientific community regarding suitable methods. To address this gap, the ISOQOL Translation and Cultural Adaptation Special Interest Group (TCA-SIG) has developed recommendations specific to each of the three COA types currently lacking such documentation to support a standardized approach to their translation, cultural adaptation, and linguistic validation. The recommended process utilized to translate ObsRO, ClinRO and PerfO measures from one language to another aligns closely with the industry standard process for PRO measures. The substantial differences between respondent categories across COA types require targeted approaches to the cognitive interviewing procedures utilized within the linguistic validation process, including the use of patients for patient-facing text in ClinRO measures, and the need to interview the targeted observers for ObsROs measures.
Reference equations for parameters of impulse oscillometry in Egyptian children and adolescents
Authors: Ishak Sally Raafat , Hassan Azza Mohammed
Published: November 2020

Background

Impulse oscillometry (IOS) is important in diagnosing respiratory functions in non-cooperative children. Studies are rising nowadays to establish reliable reference values of IOS for children of different ethnicities. No available data about the regression equations for parameters of IOS for Egyptian children and adolescents. So, our study aimed to develop regression equations for parameters of IOS in Egyptian children and adolescents in relation to their age, weight, height, and body mass index.

Results

Height and age affected the regression equation of impedance at 5 Hz (Z5 Hz) and resistance at 5 Hz (R5 Hz) in both males and females, resistance at 20 Hz (R20 Hz) in males and reactance at 5 Hz (X5 Hz) in females. Height affected the regression equation of R20 Hz in females, resonant frequency (Fres) in males, and the area of reactance (AX) in both males and females. While age affected the equation of X5 Hz in males and Fres in males.

Conclusions

Height and age were the most predictive values affecting the regression equation of IOS in Egyptian children and adolescents.
Suki Kim’s The Interpreter
Authors: Rhee Suk Koo
Published: November 2020

This article argues that Suki Kim’s The Interpreter (2003) is influenced by and, at the same time, critically revises early American hard-boiled crime fiction, the genre with which it is least likely to be associated. Although dead bodies do not pile up in the novel, the urban world in which Kim’s protagonist operates, attempting to solve the case of her parents’ murder, is as treacherous as the world portrayed in early hard-boiled detective fiction. Kim has inherited from early hard-boiled crime fiction such elements as its rugged individualism, a cynical-but-sentimental worldview, and not least, its social concerns about economic inequality and corruption among the powerful. At the same time, Kim’s novel subtly reconfigures her hard-boiled sleuth as well as adapts the genre to a contemporary racial context. In this revision, both the institutional and personal practices of racism are placed on trial. Female solidarity is also celebrated as a means to counter the violence and corruption of a racialized society. In so doing, Kim’s novel subverts both the sexism and racism of the traditional detective genre. The conclusion of this article is that the novel legitimates a female immigrant and person of color’s right to belong and challenges the white masculine hegemony that the traditional hard-boiled genre maintains.
Ballistic Missile Defence – Technology, Effectiveness and Organization – Key Issues
Authors: Czajkowski Marek
Published: November 2020

The article serves as an introduction to the set of papers that are devoted to the issue of ballistic missile defence as seen from the Polish perspective. It therefore refers in the most general terms to the key problems of the technology and the organization of missile defence. First of all, ballistic missiles and their strategic roles are considered as it is necessary to understand the threat before the defence against it is analyzed. Secondly, the nature of the ballistic missile defence is described, together with extensive reflections on its effectiveness. Further on the paper depicts in short missile defence systems of the world with the special attention to the United States.
CPD article: How to perform venipuncture in avian patients
Authors: Livingstone Madonna
Published: November 2020

Avian medicine can seem intimidating to vets who are unfamiliar with birds. Venipuncture is an important skill set. Venipuncture in birds may need to be performed for many reasons, including: sexing, as part of a ‘wellness’ exam, disease investigation, or as part of a collection's biosecurity measure. Venipuncture also allows the administration of fluid therapy or intravenous medication. This article aims to equip veterinary staff with the knowledge and confidence to perform blood draws in a concise, easy-to-read guide.