bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved singular robust inverse solutions of redundant serial manipulators
Authors: Sun Jingyu , Liu Yanjun , Ji Chen
Published: June 2020

To address the Jacobian matrix approximation error, which usually exists in the iterative solving process of the classic singular robust inverse method, the correction coefficient α is introduced, and the improved singular robust inverse method is the result. On this basis, the constant improved singular robust method and the intelligent improved singular robust inverse method are proposed. In addition, a new scheme, combining particle swarm optimization and artificial neural network training, is applied to obtain real-time parameters. The stability of the proposed methods is verified according to the Lyapunov stability criteria, and the effectiveness is verified in the application examples of spatial linear and curve trajectories with a seven-axis manipulator. The simulation results show that the improved singular robust inverse method has better optimization performance and stability. In the allowable range, the terminal error is smallest, and there is no lasting oscillation or large amplitude. The least singular value is largest, and the joint angular velocity is smallest, exactly as expected. The derivative of the Lyapunov function is negative definite. Comparing the two extended methods, the constant improved singular robust method performs better in terms of joint angular velocity and least singular value optimization, and the intelligent improved singular robust inverse method can achieve a smaller terminal error. There is little difference between their overall optimization effects. However, the adaptability of the real-time parameters makes the intelligent improved singular robust inverse method the first choice for kinematic control of redundant serial manipulators.
N-acylation of amides through internal nucleophilic catalysis
Authors: Yao Meng , Chen Xia , Lu Yuling , Guan Zhenhua , Luo Zengwei , Zhang Yonghui
Published: June 2020

An efficient method for N-acylation of amides is described using a pyridine ring as the internal nucleophilic catalyst to give imides in moderate to excellent yields. The methodology provides a facile, air insensitive, and environmentally friendly route to form diversified imide scaffolds, which exist widely in natural products and biologically active materials.
Social Interaction as Key to Understanding the Intertwining of Routinized and Culturally Contested Consumption
Authors: Halkier Bente
Published: June 2020

A number of concepts and concerns from cultural sociology were thrown out as babies with the bathwater when the sociological study of consumption became dominated by the use of practice theories. The concept of social interaction is one of them, perhaps due to assumptions about its association with symbolic and discursive interaction and reflexivity. In the field of sociological analysis of food conduct, however, there is a need for addressing both more culturally contested parts of food practices as well as more routinized parts. Food consumption and practices of provisioning, cooking and eating are both tacit, recursive, mundane activities, and at the same time discursively questioned through multiple, mediatized, cultural repertories of food. In the article, I will suggest how social interaction can be conceptualized as enabling the understanding of this intermingling of the culturally contested and routinized parts of consumption within a practice theoretical perspective. The conceptual suggestion consists in four analytical suggestions for how the culturally tacit and reflexive in food conduct become linked through social interaction. The four suggestions are about coordination, intersection, hybridity and normative accountability. The four suggestions are exemplified empirically on the basis of a number of qualitative studies of food conduct among Danish consumers.
Prolonged efficacy of pembrolizumab in a patient presenting a multi-treated metastatic hepatocholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Saint Angélique , Benchetrit Maxime , Novellas Sébastien , Ouzan Denis , Falk Alexander Tuan , Leysalle Axel , Barriere Jérome
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Hepatocholangiocarcinoma (HCC-ICC) is a rare tumor presenting the histologic characteristics of both hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). As there is no consensus on it management, the therapeutic strategy rests on the specific treatments for HCC or ICC. Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors showed encouraging results in the second line treatment of HCC after sorafenib but it efficacy in HCC-ICC has never been reported.

Methods and results:

We present the case of a 72-year-old male patient treated for metastatic HCC-ICC due to a viral hepatitis C cirrhosis in progression after two lines of treatment. Tumor was characterized by a PDL-1 status of 85%. Patient received pembrolizumab at doses of 200 mg every 21 days by intravenous infusion. After one injection he was presented an immediate clinical benefit, a partial response was observed after two months of treatment and a complete response two months later. This response was maintained over time along with toxicity-free tumor control after 18 months treatment.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, we reported for the first time the efficacy of a PD1 inhibitor treatment in a patient presenting metastatic HCC-ICC due to viral cirrhosis and overexpressing PDL-1 after failure of two lines of treatment.
Income Inequality Reduces Civic Honesty
Authors: Du Hongfei , Chen Anli , Chi Peilian , King Ronnel B.
Published: June 2020

Income inequality has been shown to have a detrimental impact on a wide range of psychological, economic, and social outcomes. In this study, we focus on the role of income inequality in reducing civic honesty. Study 1 reanalyzed data of a “lost wallet” experiment conducted by Cohn, Maréchal, Tannenbaum, and Zuünd (2019) in 355 cities spread across 40 countries. Multilevel analyses indicated that citizens in countries with higher income inequality were less likely to return a lost wallet. Study 2 examined the causal effects of income inequality by utilizing an experimental design. We found that income inequality reduced one’s personal desire to return a lost wallet. Convergent findings from two studies indicate the crucial role played by income inequality in reducing civic honesty.
Viral borders: COVID-19’s effects on securitization, surveillance, and identity in Mainland China and Hong Kong
Authors: Liu Xiaofeng , Bennett Mia M
Published: June 2020

As COVID-19 spreads, new processes, forms, and scales of bordering practices are transcending national territorial limits. This commentary critiques how ‘viral borders’ are securitizing the global supply chains of medical products, disciplining citizens, and reterritorializing communities and contemplates the consequences of these practices for the post-pandemic era.
Rural pandemic: The afterlives of slavery and colonialism in Costa Chica, Mexico
Authors: Moreno-Tabarez Ulises
Published: June 2020

The afterlives of slavery and colonialism have haunted ruralities in the Costa Chica region of Guerrero, Mexico, during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Engaging with rural geographic scholarship, this commentary unpacks how these afterlives have shaped racialised development, negatively impacting the quality of life of Costa Chica’s human and nonhuman life.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease phenotypes
Authors: Bisaccia Giandomenico , Ricci Fabrizio , Mantini Cesare , Tana Claudio , Romani Gian Luca , Schiavone Cosima , Gallina Sabina
Published: June 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is increasingly recognized as a major global health problem. Intertwined with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease embraces a spectrum of liver conditions spanning from steatosis to inflammation, fibrosis, and liver failure. Compared with the general population, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease is higher among nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients, in whom comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment is highly desirable. Preclinical effects of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease on the heart include both metabolic and structural changes eventually preceding overt myocardial dysfunction. Particularly, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with enhanced atherosclerosis, heart muscle disease, valvular heart disease, and arrhythmias, with endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, and oxidative stress playing in the background. In this topical review, we aimed to summarize current evidence on the epidemiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, discuss the pathophysiological links between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease, illustrate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease–related cardiovascular phenotypes, and finally provide a glimpse on the relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiac steatosis, mitochondrial (dys)function, and cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction.
Prescription drugs use during pregnancy in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ayele Yohanes , Mekuria Abraham Nigussie , Tola Assefa , Mishore Kirubel Minsamo , Geleto Fisseha Bonja
Published: June 2020

Background:

The selection of safe drugs for pregnant women in developing countries, such as Ethiopia, where there are limited options of drugs would be challenging. Hence, the aim of this review was to determine the extent of prescribed drugs use and their potential to cause fetal harm among pregnant women in Ethiopia based on the United States Food and Drug Administration risk category.

Methods:

Relevant studies were identified through systematic searches conducted in PubMed, HINARI, Google Scholar and Researchgate. Data on study characteristics and outcomes were extracted using the format developed in Microsoft Excel. The primary measure was pooled prevalence of prescription drugs use during pregnancy. The I2 index was used to assess heterogeneity among studies. The presence of publication bias across studies was evaluated using funnel plot. A random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence.

Results:

A total of nine studies published between 2013 and 2019 were included. The pooled prevalence of prescription drugs during pregnancy, excluding minerals and vitamins, was 45.9 (95%CI: 29.3, 62.5)%. The pooled prevalence of prescription drug use, including minerals and vitamins, was 86.9 (95%CI: 81.2, 92.6)%. The pooled proportion of medications used based on the United States Food and Drug Administration risk category was 56.1 (95%CI: 43.0, 68.4)%, 29.0 (95%CI: 27.9, 30.1)%, 12.1 (95%CI: 7.9, 18.1)%, 4.1 (95%CI: 3.6, 4.6)%, and 2.5 (95%CI: 1.8, 3.6)% for the United States Food and Drug Administration fetal risk category “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” and “X,” respectively.

Conclusion:

The use of prescription drugs during pregnancy, excluding supplements, in Ethiopia was high. Drugs with evidence of fetal harm were widely used. Hence, health care providers should select relatively safe drugs. Stakeholders should ensure safe prescribing practice for pregnant women through developing guidelines and updating professionals on the fetal risk status of commonly prescribed drugs.
Intravenous N-acetylcysteine in severe cutaneous drug reaction treatment: A case series
Authors: Hasan Md Jahidul , Rabbani Raihan
Published: June 2020

Drug-induced serious adverse reaction is an unpleasant event with high rate of mortality. Stevens–Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are most common among the serious adverse drug reactions. There is no selective drug therapy for the management of serious adverse drug reactions-associated mucocutaneous blisters. The use of N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of mucocutaneous blisters has limited evidence worldwide. Three cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis or Stevens–Johnson Syndrome-associated mucocutaneous blisters are presented in this study where intravenous N-acetylcysteine (600 mg, every 8 h) was given in early hospitalization hours for the treatment of mucocutaneous fluid-filled blisters. Here, one patient with toxic epidermal necrolysis received intravenous immunoglobulin along with intravenous N-acetylcysteine and the other two patients (toxic epidermal necrolysis/Stevens–Johnson Syndrome) received only N-acetylcysteine intravenously. In response, mucocutaneous fluid-filled blisters stopped progressing within 48 h and were healed within 2 weeks of admission in the intensive care unit. Thus, intravenous N-acetylcysteine with or without having intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of serious adverse drug reactions-associated mucocutaneous blisters may be an effective therapeutic option for better clinical outcome.
Public perceptions of good data management: Findings from a UK-based survey
Authors: Hartman Todd , Kennedy Helen , Steedman Robin , Jones Rhianne
Published: June 2020

Low levels of public trust in data practices have led to growing calls for changes to data-driven systems, and in the EU, the General Data Protection Regulation provides a legal motivation for such changes. Data management is a vital component of data-driven systems, but what constitutes ‘good’ data management is not straightforward. Academic attention is turning to the question of what ‘good data’ might look like more generally, but public views are absent from these debates. This paper addresses this gap, reporting on a survey of the public on their views of data management approaches, undertaken by the authors and administered in the UK, where departure from the EU makes future data legislation uncertain. The survey found that respondents dislike the current approach in which commercial organizations control their personal data and prefer approaches that give them control over their data, that include oversight from regulatory bodies or that enable them to opt out of data gathering. Variations of data trusts – that is, structures that provide independent stewardship of data – were also preferable to the current approach, but not as widely preferred as control, oversight and opt out options. These features therefore constitute ‘good data management’ for survey respondents. These findings align only in part with principles of good data identified by policy experts and researchers. Our findings nuance understandings of good data as a concept and of good data management as a practice and point to where further research and policy action are needed.
Effect of Maintenance Intravenous Iron Treatment on Erythropoietin Dose in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Susantitaphong Paweena , Siribumrungwong Monchai , Takkavatakarn Kullaya , Chongthanakorn Kamonrat , Lieusuwan Songkiat , Katavetin Pisut , Tiranathanagul Khajohn , Lekhyananda Sookruetai , Tungsanga Kriang , Vanichakarn Supat , Eiam-Ong Somchai , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat
Published: June 2020

Background:

There is no consensus on intravenous (IV) iron supplement dose, schedule, and serum ferritin target in functional iron deficiency anemia to maintain optimum target levels of iron stores by several guidelines.

Objective:

To examine the effect of IV iron supplementation to different targets of serum ferritin on erythropoietin dose and inflammatory markers in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients with functional iron deficiency anemia.

Design:

A multicenter, randomized, open-label study.

Setting:

In a developing country, Thailand.

Patients:

Chronic HD patients with functional iron deficiency anemia.

Measurements:

Erythropoietin resistance index, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and fibroblast growth factor 23.

Methods:

Two hundred adult chronic HD patients with transferrin saturation less than 30% and serum ferritin of 200 to 400 ng/mL were randomized 1:1 to maintain serum ferritin 200 to 400 ng/mL (low-serum ferritin group, N = 100) or 600 to 700 ng/mL (high-serum ferritin group, N = 100). During a 6-week titration period, participants randomized to the high-serum ferritin group initially received 600 mg IV iron (100 mg every week), while the participants in the low-serum ferritin group did not receive IV iron. During the 6-month follow-up period, the dose of IV iron was adjusted by protocol.

Results:

The mean dose of IV iron was 108.3 ± 28.2 mg/month in the low-serum ferritin group and 192.3 ± 36.2 mg/month in the high-serum ferritin group. The mean serum ferritin was 367.0 ± 224.9 ng/mL in the low ferritin group and 619.6 ± 265.2 ng/mL in the high ferritin group. The erythropoietin resistance index was significantly decreased in the high-serum ferritin group compared to the low-serum ferritin group after receiving IV iron in the 6-week titration period (mean difference: −113.43 ± 189.14 vs 41.08 ± 207.38 unit/week/g/dL; P < .001) and 3-month follow-up period (mean differences: −88.88 ± 234.43 vs −10.48 ± 217.75 unit/week/g/dL; P = .02).

Limitations:

Short follow-up period.

Conclusion:

Maintaining a serum ferritin level of 600 to 700 ng/mL by IV iron administration of approximately 200 mg per month as a maintenance protocol can decrease erythropoietin dose requirements in chronic HD patients with functional iron deficiency anemia.

Trials registration:

The study was registered with the Thai Clinical Trials Registry TCTR20180903003.
App Imperialism: The Political Economy of the Canadian App Store
Authors: Nieborg David B. , Young Chris J. , Joseph Daniel
Published: June 2020

To critically engage with the political economy of platformization, this article builds on the concepts of platform capitalism and platform imperialism to situate platforms within wider historical, economic, and spatial trajectories. To investigate if platformization leads to the geographical redistribution of capital and power, we draw on the Canadian instance of Apple’s iOS App Store as a case study. App stores are situated in a complex ecosystem of markets, infrastructures, and governance models that the disparate fields of business studies, critical political economy of communications, and platform studies have begun to catalog. Through a combination of financial and institutional analysis, we ask if Canadian game app developers are effective in generating revenue within their own national App Store. Given Canada’s vibrant game industry one would expect Canadian developers to have a sizable economic footprint in the burgeoning app economy. Our results, however, point toward the US digital dominance and, therefore, we suggest the notion of app imperialism to signal the continuation, if not reinforcement of existing instances of economic inequalities and imperialism.
Disparities in Shared Decision Making and Service Receipt Among Children With Special Health Care Needs and Developmental Delay: A National Survey Analysis
Authors: Perez Jolles Monica , Zullig Leah L. , Lee Pey-Jiuan , Kolhatkar Gauri
Published: June 2020

Shared decision making (SDM) is associated with increased service satisfaction among pediatric patients. Our objective was to examine the association between SDM and service use experiences across racial/ethnic child groups. This secondary data analysis used the 2009-2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) and 2011 Pathways to Diagnosis and Services Survey. We used a rank-and-replace matching approach consistent with Institute of Medicine recommendations for health disparities research. We included CSHCN aged 6 to 17 years. The exposure of interest was parents of CSHCN reporting engagement in SDM with clinicians. There were 4032 CSHCN included in analysis. CSHCNs experiencing SDM had a 16% higher probability of reporting service use compared to those not experiencing it (95% CI, 14.24-19.42). Black children experiencing SDM reported seeing all needed care providers at a lower rate than whites (79% and 87.6% respectively; 95% CI, -14.05-3.27). The benefit of SDM over not experiencing it for blacks was 12.2% less than for whites for the outcome of seeing all needed care providers. For the outcome of receiving all needed treatments and services, the SDM benefit was 9.1% lower for Hispanics compared with whites. SDM can improve service experiences but implementation flexibility may be needed.
Challenges of Combating Terrorist Financing in the Lake Chad Region: A Case of Boko Haram
Authors: Dingji Maza Kangdim , Koldaş Umut , Aksit Sait
Published: June 2020

Does counterterrorist financing (CTF) support the entire process of the global fight against terrorism? Finding answers to this question helps to address the difficulties facing relevant actors in defeating the Boko Haram (BH) terrorist group. This article examines the various funding strategies used by BH as well as the state, sub-regional and regional responses that have proven difficult in stemming the expansion of this terror group across the northeast and Lake Chad region. The study adopted qualitative research techniques through the use of Key Informant Interviews (KII) to gather data to address its central question. Findings of the article reveal that, regardless of the efforts toward containing the funding of this terror group, challenges remain in terms of the inability of relevant actors to operationalize the various CTF policies. Challenges include the institutional and techno-scientific challenges, the cui bono and prodest effect by beneficiaries of terrorism, uncoordinated CT strategies, the lack of political will by the relevant actors to address the challenge of TF and the structural conditions which render the CTF policies ineffective and help sustain the funding operations of this terror group. The study, among other things, suggests the implementation of various CTF policies and initiatives. Above all, effective border management and control besides effective intelligence and counterintelligence gathering systems to monitor and track the illicit flow of cash for terror-related activities should be an essential part of the initiatives. The strengthening of relevant institutions to address issues related to financial crimes, transnational threats, the arrest, and prosecution of sponsors of terrorism would enhance CTF. However, the CTF policies and initiatives require revitalization of the willingness of relevant actors to address the structural and systemic conditions facilitating BH funding activities across the Lake Chad region.
Diffusion welding of stainless steel 304L/Monel K-500 composite materials produced with different methods
Authors: Kejanli Haluk
Published: June 2020

The stainless steel 304L (commercially supplied) and Monel K-500 that was prepared through cold pressing of metal matrix composite materials powder mixtures were joined by diffusion welding. Welding was performed under uniaxial compression using the 50 µm-thick nickel (Ni) and aluminum (Al) 2024 interlayers under 3 MPa at 950–980°C for 60 min in an argon gas atmosphere. After welding, the diffusion and intermediate zones of the samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectrometry analysis. As evaluating the diffusion zone with interlayer, it was determined that different interlayers expanded due to increasing temperature of the diffusion area. Interlayers expanded more on the K-500 side and relatively less on the 304L side. On the other hand, when samples with Ni interlayers were examined, high amount of Ni contained by both base material (304L) and interlayer led to the formation of rich Ni phases in the diffusion side. The brittle FeNi, Fe3Ni2, CuNi, Cu9Si, Cu0,81Ni0,19, Fe0,64Ni0,36, CrNi, Cr2Ni3, FeNi3, FeCu4, and Al0.71Cr0.3Fe17.65, which were identified to form irregularity in the diffusion zone. These intermetallic phases increased the hardness and significantly decreased the ductility of different material couples joined by diffusion welding. As a result, the microhardness and lap shear tests were applied to specimens to characterize the mechanical properties of the joint zones. The maximum hardness and maximum lap shear values were obtained at joint that made with the Al interlayer at 980°C as 432.8 HV and 165 MPa.
Comparative Efficacy of Ultrasonography and Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) Elastography in Prediction of Malignancy in Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Goel Sarika , Malhotra Ankur , Agarwal Arjit , Chandak Shruti , Kumar Ashutosh , Khan Adil
Published: June 2020

Objective:

The incidence of malignancy in thyroid nodules is infrequent, but this trend may be reversing. The present study was conducted to emphasize the diagnostic accuracy of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging, in addition to conventional gray-scale ultrasonography (US), for differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules.

Methods:

A total of 141 patients with thyroid nodules (≥10 mm) were included in the study and were evaluated with US, Doppler, and ARFI elastography using Siemens S2000 Acuson ultrasound equipment.

Results:

The sonographic patterns most predictive and indicative of malignancy included irregular margins and presence of microcalcifications. The Doppler findings in isolation were not extremely sensitive in the detection of malignancy. The shear wave velocity cutoff value on ARFI imaging using receiver operating characteristic curves for differentiation of benign and malignant nodules were noted at 2.87 m/s. ARFI imaging performed better than US and Doppler with sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 96%, and accuracy of 94%.

Conclusion:

ARFI elastography could be utilized as a reliable initial screening test for detection of malignancy in thyroid nodules.
Ferroelectric-like Behavior Originating from Oxygen Vacancy Dipoles in Amorphous Film for Non-volatile Memory
Authors: Peng Yue , Han Genquan , Liu Fenning , Xiao Wenwu , Liu Yan , Zhong Ni , Duan Chungang , Feng Ze , Dong Hong , Hao Yue
Published: June 2020

Traditional ferroelectric devices suffer a lack of scalability. Doped HfO2 thin film is promising to solve the scaling problem but challenged by high leakage current and uniformity concern by the polycrystalline nature. Stable ferroelectric-like behavior is firstly demonstrated in a 3.6-nm-thick amorphous Al2O3 film. The amorphous Al2O3 devices are highly scalable, which enable multi-gate non-volatile field-effect transistor (NVFET) with nanometer-scale fin pitch. It also possesses the advantages of low process temperature, high frequency (~GHz), wide memory window, and long endurance, suggesting great potential in VLSI systems. The switchable polarization (P) induced by the voltage-modulated oxygen vacancy dipoles is proposed.
Population genomics of Vibrionaceae isolated from an endangered oasis reveals local adaptation after an environmental perturbation
Authors: Vázquez-Rosas-Landa Mirna , Ponce-Soto Gabriel Yaxal , Aguirre-Liguori Jonás A. , Thakur Shalabh , Scheinvar Enrique , Barrera-Redondo Josué , Ibarra-Laclette Enrique , Guttman David S. , Eguiarte Luis E. , Souza Valeria
Published: June 2020

Background

In bacteria, pan-genomes are the result of an evolutionary “tug of war” between selection and horizontal gene transfer (HGT). High rates of HGT increase the genetic pool and the effective population size (Ne), resulting in open pan-genomes. In contrast, selective pressures can lead to local adaptation by purging the variation introduced by HGT and mutation, resulting in closed pan-genomes and clonal lineages. In this study, we explored both hypotheses, elucidating the pan-genome of Vibrionaceae isolates after a perturbation event in the endangered oasis of Cuatro Ciénegas Basin (CCB), Mexico, and looking for signals of adaptation to the environments in their genomes.

Results

We obtained 42 genomes of Vibrionaceae distributed in six lineages, two of them did not showed any close reference strain in databases. Five of the lineages showed closed pan-genomes and were associated to either water or sediment environment; their high Ne estimates suggest that these lineages are not from a recent origin. The only clade with an open pan-genome was found in both environments and was formed by ten genetic groups with low Ne, suggesting a recent origin. The recombination and mutation estimators (r/m) ranged from 0.005 to 2.725, which are similar to oceanic Vibrionaceae estimations. However, we identified 367 gene families with signals of positive selection, most of them found in the core genome; suggesting that despite recombination, natural selection moves the Vibrionaceae CCB lineages to local adaptation, purging the genomes and keeping closed pan-genome patterns. Moreover, we identify 598 SNPs associated with an unstructured environment; some of the genes associated with these SNPs were related to sodium transport.

Conclusions

Different lines of evidence suggest that the sampled Vibrionaceae, are part of the rare biosphere usually living under famine conditions. Two of these lineages were reported for the first time. Most Vibrionaceae lineages of CCB are adapted to their micro-habitats rather than to the sampled environments. This pattern of adaptation is concordant with the association of closed pan-genomes and local adaptation.
High-density genetic linkage map construction and cane cold hardiness QTL mapping for Vitis based on restriction site-associated DNA sequencing
Authors: Su Kai , Xing Huiyang , Guo Yinshan , Zhao Fangyuan , Liu Zhendong , Li Kun , Li Yuanyuan , Guo Xiuwu
Published: June 2020

Background

Cold hardiness is an important agronomic trait and can significantly affect grape production and quality. Until now, there are no reports focusing on cold hardiness quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping. In this study, grapevine interspecific hybridisation was carried out with the maternal parent ‘Cabernet sauvignon’ and paternal parent ‘Zuoyouhong’. A total of 181 hybrid offspring and their parents were used as samples for restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RAD). Grapevine cane phloem and xylem cold hardiness of the experimental material was detected using the low-temperature exotherm method in 2016, 2017 and 2018. QTL mapping was then conducted based on the integrated map.

Results

We constructed a high-density genetic linkage map with 16,076, 11,643, and 25,917 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers anchored in the maternal, paternal, and integrated maps, respectively. The average genetic distances of adjacent markers in the maps were 0.65 cM, 0.77 cM, and 0.41 cM, respectively. Colinearity analysis was conducted by comparison with the grape reference genome and showed good performance. Six QTLs were identified based on the phenotypic data of 3 years and they were mapped on linkage group (LG) 2, LG3, and LG15. Based on QTL results, candidate genes which may be involved in grapevine cold hardiness were selected.

Conclusions

High-density linkage maps can facilitate grapevine fine QTL mapping, genome comparison, and sequence assembly. The cold hardiness QTL mapping and candidate gene discovery performed in this study provide an important reference for molecular-assisted selection in grapevine cold hardiness breeding.
Thermotolerance effect of plant growth-promoting Bacillus cereus SA1 on soybean during heat stress
Authors: Khan Muhammad Aaqil , Asaf Sajjad , Khan Abdul Latif , Jan Rahmatullah , Kang Sang-Mo , Kim Kyung-Min , Lee In-Jung
Published: June 2020

Background

Incidences of heat stress due to the changing global climate can negatively affect the growth and yield of temperature-sensitive crops such as soybean variety, Pungsannamul. Increased temperatures decrease crop productivity by affecting biochemical, physiological, molecular, and morphological factors either individually or in combination with other abiotic stresses. The application of plant growth-promoting endophytic bacteria (PGPEB) offers an ecofriendly approach for improving agriculture crop production and counteracting the negative effects of heat stress.

Results

We isolated, screened and identified thermotolerantB. cereusSA1 as a bacterium that could produce biologically active metabolites, such as gibberellin, indole-3-acetic acid, and organic acids. SA1 inoculation improved the biomass, chlorophyll content, and chlorophyll fluorescence of soybean plants under normal and heat stress conditions for 5 and 10 days. Heat stress increased abscisic acid (ABA) and reduced salicylic acid (SA); however, SA1 inoculation markedly reduced ABA and increased SA. Antioxidant analysis results showed that SA1 increased the ascorbic acid peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione contents in soybean plants. In addition, heat stress markedly decreased amino acid contents; however, they were increased with SA1 inoculation. Heat stress for 5 days increased heat shock protein (HSP) expression, and a decrease inGmHSPexpression was observed after 10 days; however, SA1 inoculation augmented the heat stress response and increased HSP expression. The stress-responsiveGmLAX3andGmAKT2were overexpressed in SA1-inoculated plants and may be associated with decreased reactive oxygen species generation, altered auxin and ABA stimuli, and enhanced potassium gradients, which are critical in plants under heat stress.

Conclusion

The current findings suggest thatB. cereusSA1 could be used as a thermotolerant bacterium for the mitigation of heat stress damage in soybean plants and could be commercialized as a biofertilizer only in case found non-pathogenic.
Reducing the nicotine content of tobacco by grafting with eggplant
Authors: Ren Mengjuan , Zhang Mengyue , Yang Huijuan , Shi Hongzhi
Published: June 2020

Background

Nicotine is a stimulant and potent parasympathomimetic alkaloid that accounts for 96–98% of alkaloid content. A reduction in the amount of nicotine in cigarettes to achieve a non-addictive level is necessary. We investigated whether replacing tobacco root with eggplant by grafting can restrict nicotine biosynthesis and produce tobacco leaves with ultra-low nicotine content, and analyzed the gene expression differences induced by eggplant grafting.

Results

The nicotine levels of grafted tobacco leaves decreased dramatically. The contents of nornicotine, anabasine, NNN, NNK, NAT, total TSNAs and the nicotine of mainstream cigarette smoke decreased, and the contents of amino acids and the precursors of alkaloids increased in grafted tobacco. Eggplant grafting resulted in the differential expression of 440 genes. LOC107774053 had higher degrees in two PPI networks, which were regulated by LOC107802531 and LOC107828746 in the TF-target network.

Conclusions

Replacing tobacco root with eggplant by grafting can restrict nicotine biosynthesis and produce tobacco leaves with ultra-low or zero nicotine content. The differential expression of LOC107774053 may be associated with eggplant grafting.
The comparison of capnography and epigastric auscultation to assess the accuracy of nasogastric tube placement in intensive care unit patients
Authors: Heidarzadi Elahe , Jalali Rostam , Hemmatpoor Behzad , Salari Nader
Published: June 2020

Background

Placement of nasogastric (NG) tubes is a common procedure for patients especially in intensive care units (ICUs). Thus, it is important to determine the correct placement of the tube to prevent misplacement in the airways. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to compare the epigastric auscultation and capnography in assessing the accuracy of NG tube insertion in ICU patients.

Methods

In this descriptive comparative study, 60 patients were selected trough convenience sampling. After insertion of the NG tube in a standard method, the accuracy of placement of the tube with both epigastric auscultation and capnography was investigated. The NG tube insertion accuracy was then confirmed via radiography. Data analysis was performed using statistical software SPSS version 23.

Results

The result showed that capnography had a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 100, 92.5, and 95% respectively, but epigastric auscultation had 90, 80, and 83.4% respectively. The Kappa agreement coefficient between two methods was − 0.759.

Conclusion

The results revealed that the use of the capnography is preferable over the epigastric auscultation to confirm the correct insertion of the NG tube. It is recommended that more than one method be applied to detect and confirm the correct insertion of the NG tube.
Identifying elderly patients at risk of readmission after discharge from a short-stay unit in the emergency department using performance-based tests of daily activities
Authors: Nielsen Louise Moeldrup , Maribo Thomas , Kirkegaard Hans , Bjerregaard Mette Kops , Oestergaard Lisa Gregersen
Published: June 2020

Background

Readmission is a serious and adverse event for elderly patients. Despite efforts, predicting the risk of readmission remains imprecise. The objective of this study is to examine if performance-based tests of daily activities can identify elderly patients at risk of readmission within 26 weeks after discharge from a short-stay unit in the emergency department.

Methods

The current study is an observational study based on data from 144 elderly patients included in a previous non-randomised controlled trial. Before discharge, patients were assessed for limitations in performing daily activities using three performance-based tests with predetermined cut-off values: the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills, Timed Up and Go and the 30s-Chair Stand Test. Outcome was risk of readmission within 26 weeks after discharge.

Results

Limitations in performing daily activities were associated with risk of readmission as measured by the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills motor scale (Crude OR = 4.38 [1.36; 14.12]), (Adjusted OR = 4.17 [1.18; 14.75]) and the 30s-Chair Stand Test (Adjusted OR = 3.36 [1.42; 7.93]). No significant associations were found in regards to other measures.

Conclusion

The Assessment of Motor and Process Skills motor scale and the age, gender and comorbidity adjusted 30s-Chair Stand Test can identify elderly patients at increased risk of readmission after discharge from the emergency department. The results were limited by one-third of the patients did not perform the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills and the association between 30s-Chair Stand Test and risk of readmission were only positive when adjusted for age, gender and comorbidity.
Disseminated Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. massiliense infection in a Good’s syndrome patient negative for human immunodeficiency virus and anti-interferon-γ autoantibody: a case report
Authors: Imoto Waki , Yamada Koichi , Hajika Yuriko , Okamoto Kousuke , Myodo Yuka , Niki Makoto , Kuwabara Gaku , Yamairi Kazushi , Shibata Wataru , Yoshii Naoko , Nakaie Kiyotaka , Yoshizawa Kazutaka , Namikawa Hiroki , Watanabe Tetsuya , Asai Kazuhisa , Moro Hiroshi , Kaneko Yukihiro , Kawaguchi Tomoya , Itoh Yoshiaki , Kakeya Hiroshi
Published: June 2020

Background

Good’s syndrome (GS) is characterized by immunodeficiency, and can lead to severe infection, which is the most significant complication. Although Mycobacterium rarely causes infection in patients with GS, disseminated nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection frequently occurs in GS patients that are also positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or anti-interferon (IFN)-γ autoantibodies. Here, we report a rare case of GS with NTM without HIV or IFN-γ autoantibodies.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old Japanese male with GS and myasthenia gravis (treated with prednisolone and tacrolimus) was diagnosed with disseminated NTM infection caused by Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. massiliense. He presented with fever and back pain. Blood, lumbar tissue, urine, stool, and sputum cultures tested positive for M. abscessus. Bacteremia, spondylitis, intestinal lumber abscess, and lung infection were confirmed by bacteriological examination and diagnostic imaging; urinary and intestinal tract infections were suspected by bacteriological examination but not confirmed by imaging. Despite multidrug combination therapy, including azithromycin, imipenem/cilastatin, levofloxacin, minocycline, linezolid, and sitafloxacin, the patient ultimately died of the infection. The patient tested negative for HIV and anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies.

Conclusions

Since myasthenia gravis symptoms interfere with therapy, patients with GS and their physicians should carefully consider the antibacterial treatment options against disseminated NTM.
Relevance of concurrent hypercalcemia in ureteric sarcoidosis complicated with bladder urothelial carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Hayashida Michikata , Yano Akihiro , Hagiwara Kiichi , Nagamoto Shoichi , Ogawa Kohei , Sakaguchi Kazushige , Sawa Naoki , Okaneya Toshikazu , Urakami Shinji
Published: June 2020

Background

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disorder and can affect any organ; however, ureteric involvement is extremely rare with only four cases reported in the literature to date, all of which were diagnosed with surgical ureteral resection including a nephroureterectomy. This study reports the first case of ureteric sarcoidosis controlled with medical therapy where a differential diagnosis was performed based on the diagnostic clue of hypercalcemia. A definitive diagnosis was established without surgical resection of the ureter.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old man presented with anorexia and weight loss. Blood tests showed renal dysfunction and hypercalcemia. Computed tomography revealed left hydronephrosis associated with left lower ureteral wall thickening, which showed high signal intensity on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Similarly, we detected a bladder tumor on cystoscopy, and a 2-cm-long stenosis was revealed by retrograde ureterography; therefore, ureteral cancer was suspected. Meanwhile, considering the clinical implication of hypercalcemia, a differential diagnosis of sarcoidosis was established based on elevated levels of sarcoidosis markers. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography showed fluorodeoxyglucose accumulation in the left lower ureter, skin, and muscles, suggestive of ureteric sarcoidosis with systemic sarcoid nodules. For a definitive diagnosis, transurethral resection of the bladder tumor and ureteroscopic biopsy were performed. Histopathological examination revealed ureteric sarcoidosis with bladder urothelial carcinoma. Following an oral administration of prednisolone, hypercalcemia instantly resolved, the renal function immediately improved, and the left ureteral lesion showed complete resolution with no recurrence.

Conclusions

In this case, the co-occurrence of ureteral lesion with bladder tumor evoked a diagnosis of ureteral cancer. However, considering a case of ureteral lesion complicated with hypercalcemia, assessment for differential diagnosis was performed based on the calcium metabolism and sarcoidosis markers. In cases of suspected ureteric sarcoidosis from the assessment, pathological evaluation with ureteroscopic biopsy should be performed to avoid nephroureterectomy.
Amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress are associated with post-stroke depression: a metabonomics study
Authors: Wang Man , Gui Xianwei , Wu Lanxiang , Tian Sheng , Wang Hansen , Xie Liang , Wu Wei
Published: June 2020

Background

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a mood disorder characterized by depression and anhedonia caused by stroke. Metabolomics identified metabolites associated with PSD, but previous studies are based on gas chromatography (GC)/mass spectrometry (MS). This study aimed to perform a liquid chromatography (LC)-MS-based metabolomics study of the plasma metabolite profiles between patients with PSD and controls.

Methods

This was a prospective study of patients with stroke enrolled between July and December 2017 at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. Patients were grouped as Hamilton Depression Rating Scale > 7 (PSD) or < 7 (controls). Metabonomics profiling of plasma sampled was conducted by LC-MS. By combining multivariable and univariable statistical analyses, significant differential metabolites between the two groups were screened. The threshold for significant differences was VIP ≥1 and P < 0.05. Log2FC is the logarithm of the mean ratio between the two groups.

Results

There were no significant difference with respect to age, NIHSS score, and MMSE between the two groups (all P > 0.05). There were six differential metabolites between the PSD and stroke groups, of which three metabolites were increased and three were decreased. Compared with the control group, p-chlorophenylalanine (Log2FC = 1.37, P = 0.03), phenylacetyl glutamine (Log2FC = 0.21, P = 0.048), and DHA (Log2FC = 0.77, P = 0.01) levels were higher in the PSD group, while betaine (trimethylglycine) (Log2FC = − 0.79, P = 0.04), palmitic acid (Log2FC = − 0.51, P = 0.001), and MHPG-SO4 (Log2FC = − 2.37, P = 0.045) were decreased.

Conclusion

Plasma metabolomics showed that amino acid metabolism (phenylacetyl glutamine, p-chlorophenylalanine, trimethylglycine), lipid metabolism (DHA, palmitic acid, trimethylglycine), and oxidative stress (DHA, palmitic acid, trimethylglycine) were associated with PSD. These results could help to reveal the pathophysiological mechanism of PSD and eventually identify treatment targets.
Prognostic value of circulating tumor cells detected with the CellSearch system in esophageal cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yiding , Wu Guiling , Yang Wanli , Wang Xiaoqian , Duan Lili , Niu Liaoran , Zhang Yujie , Liu Jinqiang , Hong Liu , Fan Daiming
Published: June 2020

Background

Esophageal carcinoma (EC) is the seventh-most prevalent tumor in the world, which is still one of the primary causes of tumor-related death. Identifying noteworthy biomarkers for EC is particularly significant in guiding effective treatment. Recently, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in peripheral blood (PB) were intensively discussed as prognostic markers in patients with EC. However, an ongoing controversy still exists regarding the prognostic significance of CTCs determined by the CellSearch system in EC sufferers. This meta-analysis was designed to approach this topic.

Methods

We systematically conducted searches using PubMed, Medline, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library for relevant studies, which were published through February 20, 2020. Using the random-effects model, our study was performed in Review Manager software, with odds ratios (ORs), risk ratios (RRs), hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as the effect values.

Results

Totally 7 articles were finally included in this study. For clinicopathological characteristics, the pooled results on TNM stage indicated that the III/IV group had higher rate of CTCs compared with the I/II group (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 0.68–2.71, I2 = 0%). Incidence of CTCs was higher in patients with T3/T4 stage (OR = 2.92, 95% CI: 1.31–6.51, I2 = 0%) and distant metastasis group (OR = 5.18, 95% CI: 2.38–11.25, I2 = 0%) compared to patients with T1/T2 stage or non-metastatic group. The pooled analysis revealed that CTC positivity detected in EC patients was correlated with poor overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.83, 95% CI:1.99–4.03, I2 = 0%) and relapse-free survival (RFS) (HR = 4.71, 95% CI:2.73–8.13, I2 = 0%). When pooling the estimated RR, a poor therapeutic response to chemoradiotherapy was discovered in patients with CTC positivity (RR = 1.99, 95% CI:1.73–2.29, I2 = 60%).

Conclusions

In summary, our meta-analysis demonstrated that CTCs positivity determined by the CellSearch system are correlated with the prognosis of EC patients and might indicate a poor therapeutic response to chemotherapy in EC patients.