bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Farmed Mussels in the Northeastern U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone: An Opportunity Too Good to Ignore
Authors: Mizuta Darien D , Wikfors Gary H
Published: May 2020

The United States is the top seafood importer in the world. Nevertheless, opportunities to expand national seafood production, such as offshore aquaculture, are restricted by unclear frameworks for licensing, permitting, and regulating new enterprises. Currently, domestic mussel demand is reliant upon international trade but demand could be met by aquaculture within the Exclusive Economic Zone, especially in suitable areas off the Northeast coast. With national public seafood preferences pointing towards the need for a larger mussel farming industry, science-based efforts to develop offshore farming will contribute to local economies and domestic supply of high-quality, traceable seafood. Beyond a scientific foundation, perceptions that offshore farming represents environmental and privatization threats instead of a national economic development and sustainable opportunity, will have to be addressed. The situation will only change when managers decide to include offshore aquaculture as one of the many legitimate activities for New England's ocean waters, so that spatial planning can be done and conservation measures and offshore farming develop in tandem.
Development of omega‐3 rich eggs through dietary flaxseed and bio‐evaluation in metabolic syndrome
Authors: Shakoor Hira , Khan Muhammad Issa , Sahar Amna , Khan Muhammad Kashif Iqbal , Faiz Furukh , Basheer Ahmad Hafiz
Published: May 2020

An egg is a nutrient‐dense food that contains protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is proven that the consumption of eggs influences serum lipid concentration. Therefore, a study was conducted to investigate the effect of normal and omega‐3 eggs on serum lipids profiles. Lipids were extracted from egg yolks and analyzed for fatty acids content. The present research is a crossover study design in which 20 participants were recruited randomly, and all subjects received three treatments: no eggs, omega‐3 eggs, and normal eggs. However, fasting blood was drawn at baseline and the end of each diet period and analyzed for serum lipids, blood glucose, and insulin level. Omega‐3 egg treatment showed reduction in the serum total cholesterol by 16.57 mg/dl (p < .001), triglyceride by 17.48 mg/dl, and increase in HDL cholesterol concentration by 0.48 mg/dl (p < .001) as compared to no‐egg. A significant (p < .05) reduction in blood pressure by 8.34/8.67 mm/Hg and insulin level was observed due to omega‐3 egg consumption which indicates that omega‐3 fatty acids improve insulin sensitivity. On the other hand, regular egg intake elevates serum total cholesterol and triglycerides concentration but decreases blood pressure. It was concluded that omega‐3‐enriched egg consumption had a positive effect on the serum lipid profile and blood pressure of patients with metabolic syndrome as compared to normal eggs.
Effect of the cleaning process on physical properties for different malting barley seed varieties
Authors: Hetclova Veronika , Jezerska Lucie , Strbova Kristina , Prokes Rostislav , Zegzulka Jiri
Published: May 2020

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of the barley cleaning process in relation to physical properties. The knowledge of the range of changes in the physical parameters of processed material and their mutual relationships is required for the design and implementation of various technological processes. In this study were compared the input and output commodities in the primary postharvest cleaning process of undesirable components—occurring as admixtures of fine and coarse barley impurities as well as the barley component itself. An efficient cleaning process ensuring barley grain quality is a basic step in beer production. Therefore, seven bred varieties of brewing barley (Malz, Sebastian, Francin, KWS Irina1, KWS Irina2, Bojos, and Laudis) were tested for the qualitative assessment of the cleaning process. Physical parameters such as granulometry, bulk and tapped density, angle of repose, internal and wall friction angle, and flow functions were determined for all samples. In order to identify whether the barley variety or the sample cleaning significantly influences the determined physical properties, two‐way ANOVA was applied. The results imply that barley cleaning had the main influence on wall friction angle, while the barley variety had a significant effect on effective internal friction. Moreover, the mechanical postharvest cleaning process reduces the overall wall friction.
Mitigation of head and neck cancer service disruption during COVID‐19 in Hong Kong through telehealth and multi‐institutional collaboration
Authors: Lee Alex K. F. , Cho Ryan H. W. , Lau Eric H. L. , Cheng Hung K. , Wong Eddy W. Y. , Ku Peter K. M. , Chan Jason Y. K. , Yeung Zenon W. C.
Published: May 2020

The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic has been spreading worldwide at an alarming rate. Health‐care workers have been confronted with the challenge of not only treating patients with the virus, but also managing the disruption of health‐care services caused by COVID‐19. In anticipation of outbreak, clinic sessions and operation theater lists have been actively cut back since February 2020 to reduce hospital admissions and clinic attendances. This has severely disrupted health‐care services, leading to accumulating clinic caseload and substantial delays for operations. The head and neck cancer service has been faced with the difficult task of managing the balance between infection risk to health‐care providers and the risk of disease progression from prolonged waiting times. We share our experience in Hong Kong on the mitigation of head and neck cancer service disruption through telehealth and multi‐institution collaboration.
Validation of a self‐administered olfactory and gustatory test for the remotely evaluation of COVID‐19 patients in home quarantine
Authors: Vaira Luigi Angelo , Salzano Giovanni , Petrocelli Marzia , Deiana Giovanna , Salzano Francesco Antonio , De Riu Giacomo
Published: May 2020

Background

Chemosensitive disorders are very frequent in the early stages of COVID‐19 and in paucisymptomatic cases. These patients are typically placed in home quarantine. This study has the aim of validating a new olfactory and gustatory objective evaluation test in these patients.

Methods

Thirty‐three home‐quarantined COVID‐19 patients have undergone a self‐administered chemosensitive test the day before the control swab. On this occasion, the patients underwent operator‐administered already validated tests. The results were finally compared.

Results

The differences between the results of the two tests were not significant for both the olfaction (P =.201) and the taste (P =.180).

Conclusion

The olfactory and gustatory evaluation by self‐administered test can be considered a valid tool, fundamental for obtaining objective qualitative and quantitative data on the extent of chemosensitive disorders in home‐quarantined COVID‐19 patients.
Respiratory sampling for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2: An Overview
Authors: See Anna , Toh Song Tar
Published: May 2020

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and was declared a pandemic in March 2020. A plethora of respiratory sampling methods for SARS‐CoV‐2 viral detection has been used and in the current evolving situation, there is no international consensus on the recommended method of respiratory sampling for diagnosis. Otolaryngologists deal intimately with the upper respiratory tract and a clear understanding of the respiratory sampling methods is of paramount importance. This article aims to provide an overview of the various methods and their evidence till date.
Burden of disease from breast cancer attributable to smoking and second‐hand smoke exposure in Europe
Authors: Carreras Giulia , Lachi Alessio , Boffi Roberto , Clancy Luke , Gallus Silvano , Fernández Esteve , López Maria José , Soriano Joan B. , López Nicolás Ángel , Semple Sean , Behrakis Panagiotis , Gorini Giuseppe ,   TackSHS Project Investigators
Published: May 2020

Smoking and second‐hand smoke (SHS) exposure have been recently linked to a higher risk of breast cancer in women. The aim of this work is to estimate the number of deaths and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) from breast cancer attributable to these two risk factors in the European Union (EU‐28) in 2017. The comparative risk assessment method was used. Data on prevalence of smoking and SHS exposure were extracted from the Eurobarometer surveys, relative risks from a recent meta‐analysis, and data on mortality and DALYs from breast cancer were estimated from the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries and Risk Factors Study. In 2017, 82 239 DALYs and 3354 deaths from breast cancer in the EU‐28 could have been avoided by removing exposure to these two risk factors (smoking and SHS exposure). The proportion of DALYs from breast cancer lost respectively from smoking and SHS exposure was 2.6% and 1.0%, although geographically distributed with significant heterogeneity. These results represent the first estimates of breast cancer burden in women attributable to smoking and SHS exposure for the EU‐28. It is important to increase awareness among women, health professionals and wider society of the association between smoking, SHS exposure and breast cancer, a relationship that is not widely recognised or discussed.
A novel approach in multimodality medical image fusion using optimal shearlet and deep learning
Authors: Subbiah Parvathy Velmurugan , Pothiraj Sivakumar , Sampson Jenyfal
Published: May 2020

Multi‐modality medical image fusion (MMIF) procedures have been generally utilized in different clinical applications. MMIF can furnish an image with anatomical as well as physiological data for specialists that could advance the diagnostic procedures. Various models were proposed earlier related to MMIF though there is a need still exists to enhance the efficiency of the previous techniques. In this research, the authors proposed a novel fusion model based on optimal thresholding with deep learning concepts. An enhanced monarch butterfly optimization (EMBO) is utilized to decide the optimal threshold of fusion rules in shearlet transform. Then, low and high‐frequency sub‐bands were fused on the basis of feature maps and were given by the extraction part of the deep learning method. Here, restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM) was utilized to conduct the MMIF procedure. A benchmark dataset was utilized for training and testing purposes. The investigations were conducted utilizing a set of generally‐utilized pre‐enrolled CT and MR images that are publicly accessible. From the usage of fused low and high level frequency groups, the fused image can be attained. The simulation performance results were attained and the proposed model was proved to offer effective performance in terms of SD, edge quality (EQ), mutual information (MI), fusion factor (FF), entropy, correlation factor (CF), and spatial frequency (SF) with respective values being 97.78, 0.96, 5.71, 6.53, 7.43, 0.97, and 25.78 over the compared methods.
Scale‐up manufacturing of gelatin‐based microcarriers for cell therapy
Authors: Dosta Pere , Ferber Shiran , Zhang Yi , Wang Kui , Ros Albert , Uth Nicholas , Levinson Yonatan , Abraham Eytan , Artzi Natalie
Published: May 2020

Microcarriers, including crosslinked porous gelatin beads (Cultispher G) are widely used as cell carriers for cell therapy applications. Microcarriers can support a range of adherent cell types in stirred tank bioreactor culture, which is scalable up to several thousands of liters. Cultispher G in particular is advantageous for cell therapy applications because it can be dissolved enzymatically, and thus cells can be harvested without the need to perform a large‐scale cell‐bead filtration step. This enzymatic dissolution, however, is challenged by the slow degradation of the carriers in the presence of enzymes as new extracellular matrix is being deposited by the proliferating cells. This extended dissolution timelimits the yield of cell recovery while compromising cellular viability. We report herein the development of crosslinked porous gelatin beads that afford rapid, stimuli‐triggered dissolution for facile cell removal using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) as a model system. We successfully fabricated redox‐sensitive beads (RS beads) and studied their cell growth, dissolution time and cell yield, compared to regular gelatin‐based beads (Reg beads). We have shown that RS beads allow for much faster dissolution compared to Reg beads, supporting better hMSC detachment and recovery following 8 days of culture in spinner flasks, or in 3L bioreactors. These newly synthesized RS beads show promise as cellular microcarriers and can be used for scale‐up manufacturing of different cell types while providing on‐demand degradation for facile cell retrieval.
Elucidating the binding mechanism of thione‐containing mercaptopurine and thioguanine drugs to small gold clusters
Authors: Nhat Pham Vu , Si Nguyen Thanh , Tram Nguyen Thi Thu , Duong Long Van , Nguyen Minh Tho
Published: May 2020

Density functional theory methods were employed to clarify the adsorption/desorption behaviors of the thione‐containing mercaptopurine and thioguanine drugs on the gold surface using both small Au6 and Au8 clusters as model reactants. Structural features, thermodynamic parameters, bonding characteristics, and electronic properties of the resulting complexes were investigated using the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE) and LC‐BLYP functionals along with correlation‐consistent basis sets, namely cc‐pVDZ‐PP for gold and cc‐pVTZ for non‐metals. Computed results show that the drug molecules tend to anchor on the gold cluster at the S atom with binding energies around −34 to −40 kcal/mol (in vacuum) and − 28 to −32 kcal/mol (in aqueous solution). As compared to Au8, Au6 undergoes a shorter recovery time and a larger change of energy gap that could be converted to an electrical signal for selective detection of the drugs. Furthermore, interactions between the drugs and gold clusters are reversible processes and a drug release mechanism was also proposed. Accordingly, the drugs are able to separate from the gold surface due to either a slight change of pH in tumor cells or the presence of cysteine residues in protein matrices.
Identification of A‐kinase interacting protein 1 as a potential biomarker for risk and prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Yan Yan , Li Xiaoyan , Gao Jie
Published: May 2020

Background

This study aimed to investigate the correlation of A‐kinase interacting protein 1 (AKIP1) expression with disease risk, clinical characteristics, and prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Methods

291 de novo AML patients and 97 controls were consecutively recruited, and bone marrow samples were collected to detect AKIP1 expression using quantitative polymerase chain reaction prior to initial treatment. Treatment response, event‐free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) in AML patients were evaluated.

Results

A‐kinase interacting protein 1 expression was higher in AML patients than that in controls; meanwhile, receiver operating characteristic curve displayed that AKIP1 was able to distinguish AML patients from controls (area under the curve:0.772, 95%CI: 0.720‐0.823). Among AML patients, AKIP1 high expression was correlated with −7 or 7q−, monosomal karyotype, and worse risk stratification. Moreover, AKIP1 expression was negatively correlated with complete remission achievement, while no correlation of AKIP1 expression with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation achievement was observed. AKIP1 high expression was associated with shorter EFS and OS in total patients, and further subgroup analysis exhibited that AKIP1 high expression correlated with worse EFS and OS in intermediate‐risk and poor‐risk patients but not in better‐risk patients. Besides, subsequent analysis revealed that AKIP1 high expression was an independent factor predicting unfavorable EFS and OS.

Conclusion

A‐kinase interacting protein 1 has the potential to be a novel marker for assisting AML management.
Gastric subtype of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct: The pathologic spectrum
Authors: Nakanuma Yasuni , Uesaka Katsuhiko , Terada Takuro , Fukumura Yukie , Sugino Takashi , Kakuda Yuko , Ikeda Hiroko , Harada Kenichi , Sato Yasunori , Shimizu Shinichiro , Matsukuma Susumu , Kee Taek Jang , Nyun Park Young
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims

Intraductal papillary neoplasms of bile duct (IPNBs) remain a challenging entity to manage.

Methods

The pathologic spectrum of 34 gastric subtype of IPNB (gIPNB) cases was examined in consideration of the type 1 and 2 subclassification proposed by Japan‐Korea consensus and compared with gastric subtype of pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (gIPMN) (44 cases).

Results

Type 1 gIPNBs (17 cases) showed regular papillary foveola with variable tubular pyloric glands. Eight of the type 1 gIPNBs showed low‐grade dysplasia. Type 2 cases (n = 17) showed complicated papillary and tubular structures and high‐grade dysplastic foveola and pyloric glands. Foveolas were predominant in 15 cases, while pyloric glands were predominant in 10 cases, and considerable areas of foveolas and pyloric glands in the remaining: these three were found similarly in type 1 and 2 gIPNB. gIPMNs showed central foveola with a peripheral pyloric gland. Such a pattern was recognizable in type 1 but vague in type 2. Type 1 was frequently found in the intrahepatic bile ducts and showed abundant mucin, as in gIPMNs, while type 2 also occurred in the extrahepatic bile ducts and were pathologically more malignant.

Conclusion

Type 1 lesions shared features of gIPMN, while type 2 lesions differed from gIPMN and were more pathologically malignant.
The Tropical Easterly Jet over Africa, its representation in six reanalysis products, and its association with Sahel rainfall
Authors: Nicholson Sharon E. , Klotter Douglas
Published: May 2020

This paper compares the characteristics of the Tropical Easterly Jet (TEJ) and upper‐level winds in six reanalysis products, compares them with soundings at seven West African locations, examines the relationship between Sahel rainfall and the TEJ, and examines factors influencing the TEJ. The jet characteristics assessed by MERRA2, NCEP 1, JRA 55, and ERA 5 are similar. CFSR and 20th Century Reanalysis are outliers in nearly every analysis, overestimating wind speeds by as much as 25 to 40% compared to other reanalyses. Over the period 1948 to 2014, the correlation between rainfall and TEJ magnitude is .72. Arguments based on observations and modelling studies provide evidence that on interannual scales changes in the TEJ are not forced by rainfall, that large‐scale factors drive the TEJ. Potential mechanisms are discussed for a causal relationship such that a strong jet leads to high rainfall. However, further modelling efforts are needed to conclusively determine whether the TEJ/Sahel rainfall link is a result of common forcing factors. The factors that appear to control jet strength include sea‐surface temperature (SST) contrast between the central equatorial Pacific and central equatorial Indian Ocean (correlation of −.64), SST contrast between the central equatorial and the southern subtropical Indian Ocean (correlation of −.39), the latitude of the shift between upper‐tropospheric easterlies and westerlies in the Southern Hemisphere (correlation of −.84 at 150 hPa), and the intensity of the Southern Hemisphere westerlies (correlation of +.52 at 200 hPa). This suggests considerable control on the TEJ by extra‐tropical circulation in the Southern Hemisphere.
An Open‐Source Computer Vision Tool for Automated Vocal Fold Tracking From Videoendoscopy
Authors: Adamian Nat , Naunheim Matthew R. , Jowett Nate
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Contemporary clinical assessment of vocal fold adduction and abduction is qualitative and subjective. Herein is described a novel computer vision tool for automated quantitative tracking of vocal fold motion from videolaryngoscopy. The potential of this software as a diagnostic aid in unilateral vocal fold paralysis is demonstrated.

Study Design

Case‐control.

Methods

A deep‐learning algorithm was trained for vocal fold localization from videoendoscopy for automated frame‐wise estimation of glottic opening angles. Algorithm accuracy was compared against manual expert markings. Maximum glottic opening angles between adults with normal movements (N = 20) and those with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (N = 20) were characterized.

Results

Algorithm angle estimations demonstrated a correlation coefficient of 0.97 (P < .001) and mean absolute difference of 3.72° (standard deviation [SD], 3.49°) in comparison to manual expert markings. In comparison to those with normal movements, patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis demonstrated significantly lower maximal glottic opening angles (mean 68.75° ± 11.82° vs. 49.44° ± 10.42°; difference, 19.31°; 95% confidence interval [CI] [12.17°–26.44°]; P < .001). Maximum opening angle less than 58.65° predicted unilateral vocal fold paralysis with a sensitivity of 0.85 and specificity of 0.85, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.888 (95% CI [0.784–0.991]; P < .001).

Conclusion

A user‐friendly software tool for automated quantification of vocal fold movements from previously recorded videolaryngoscopy examinations is presented, termed automated glottic action tracking by artificial intelligence (AGATI). This tool may prove useful for diagnosis and outcomes tracking of vocal fold movement disorders.

Level of Evidence

IV Laryngoscope, 131:E219–E225, 2021
The indigenous Bedouin farmers as land rehabilitators—Setup of an action research programme in the Negev
Authors: Mor‐Mussery Amir , Helman David , Agmon Yael , Ben‐Shabat Itsik , El‐Frejat Salem , Golan Deborah Goldman
Published: May 2020

The Negev suffers from enhanced land degradation, mostly due to lack of awareness about its state, and hostility between the region's indigenous Bedouin farmers and the authorities. In order to examine a potential solution to this 'Lose–Lose' situation, a unique project is underway, with the collaboration of the Yeroham Municipality and the adjacent Rahma Bedouin farmers' village. The concept of this ongoing Programme is based on bidirectional knowledge transfer of farming data between the farmers and land scientists, aimed to adapt Bedouin traditional cultivation methods and transform them into methods that restore the environment and are also profitable. In order to reach this goal, a highly knowledgeable Bedouin liaison person was appointed to carry out the project together with the Coordinating Team. A comprehensive study and tour were carried out in order to analyze the different landforms and Bedouin cultivation preferences. An initial survey was carried out and data from literature collected in order to determine the ecological and archaeological characteristics of the ecosystem. The area was then prepared for agricultural utilization by removing widespread garbage and dealing with wadis that have been filled with construction waste. This project, which integrates soil enhancement, agriculture utilization, and traditional Bedouin farming, aims for rehabilitation of the northern Negev gullied areas. However, the implementation of the study concept in the field is accompanied by many challenges related to Bedouin interclan communication and the diverse types of degraded lands.
Microbiota Composition and Metabolism Are Associated With Gut Function in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Cirstea Mihai S. , Yu Adam C. , Golz Ella , Sundvick Kristen , Kliger Daniel , Radisavljevic Nina , Foulger Liam H. , Mackenzie Melissa , Huan Tau , Finlay B. Brett , Appel‐Cresswell Silke
Published: May 2020

Background

Parkinson's disease is characterized by a high burden of gastrointestinal comorbidities, especially constipation and reduced colonic transit time, and by gut microbiota alterations. The diverse metabolites produced by the microbiota are broadly relevant to host health. How microbiota composition and metabolism relate to gastrointestinal function in Parkinson's disease is largely unknown. The objectives of the current study were to assesses associations between microbiota composition, stool consistency, constipation, and systemic microbial metabolites in Parkinson's disease to better understand how intestinal microbes contribute to gastrointestinal disturbances commonly observed in patients.

Methods

Three hundred participants (197 Parkinson's patients and 103 controls) were recruited for this cross‐sectional cohort study. Participants supplied fecal samples for microbiota sequencing (n = 300) and serum for untargeted metabolomics (n = 125). Data were collected on motor and nonmotor Parkinson's symptoms, medications, diet, and demographics.

Results

Significant microbiota taxonomic differences were observed in Parkinson's patients, even when controlling for gastrointestinal function. Parkinson's microbiota was characterized by reduced carbohydrate fermentation and butyrate synthesis capacity and increased proteolytic fermentation and production of deleterious amino acid metabolites, including p‐cresol and phenylacetylglutamine. Taxonomic shifts and elevated proteolytic metabolites were strongly associated with stool consistency (a proxy for colonic transit time) and constipation among patients.

Conclusions

Compositional and metabolic alterations in the Parkinson's microbiota are highly associated with gut function, suggesting plausible mechanistic links between altered bacterial metabolism and reduced gut health in this disease. The systemic detection of elevated deleterious proteolytic microbial metabolites in Parkinson's serum suggests a mechanism whereby microbiota dysbiosis contributes to disease etiology and pathophysiology. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Neurofilament Light in the Differentiation of Parkinsonism
Authors: Archer Derek B. , Mitchell Trina , Burciu Roxana G. , Yang Jing , Nigro Salvatore , Quattrone Aldo , Quattrone Andrea , Jeromin Andreas , McFarland Nikolaus R. , Okun Michael S. , Vaillancourt David E.
Published: May 2020

Objective

Accurate diagnosis is particularly challenging in Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSAp), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). We compare the utility of 3 promising biomarkers to differentiate disease state and explain disease severity in parkinsonism: the Automated Imaging Differentiation in Parkinsonism (AID‐P), the Magnetic Resonance Parkinsonism Index (MRPI), and plasma‐based neurofilament light chain protein (NfL).

Methods

For each biomarker, the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curves were quantified for PD versus MSAp/PSP and MSAp versus PSP and statistically compared. Unique combinations of variables were also assessed. Furthermore, each measures association with disease severity was determined using stepwise multiple regression.

Results

For PD versus MSAp/PSP, AID‐P (AUC, 0.900) measures had higher AUC compared with NfL (AUC, 0.747) and MRPI (AUC, 0.669), P < 0.05. For MSAp versus PSP, AID‐P (AUC, 0.889), and MRPI (AUC, 0.824) measures were greater than NfL (AUC, 0.537), P < 0.05. We then combined measures to determine if any unique combination provided enhanced accuracy and found that no combination performed better than the AID‐P alone in differentiating parkinsonisms. Furthermore, we found that the AID‐P demonstrated the highest association with the MDS‐UPDRS (Radj2–AID‐P, 26.58%; NfL,15.12%; MRPI, 12.90%).

Conclusions

Compared with MRPI and NfL, AID‐P provides the best overall differentiation of PD versus MSAp/PSP. Both AID‐P and MRPI are effective in differentiating MSAp versus PSP. Furthermore, combining biomarkers did not improve classification of disease state compared with using AID‐P alone. The findings demonstrate in the current sample that the AID‐P and MRPI are robust biomarkers for PD, MSAp, and PSP. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A New Stimulation Mode for Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease: Theta Burst Stimulation
Authors: Horn Martin A. , Gulberti Alessandro , Gülke Eileen , Buhmann Carsten , Gerloff Christian , Moll Christian K.E. , Hamel Wolfgang , Volkmann Jens , Pötter‐Nerger Monika
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess efficacy and safety of a new patterned theta burst stimulation algorithm of DBS with the aim of expanding the therapeutic window and clinical benefit in PD.

Methods

In this single‐center, randomized, double‐blind, clinical short‐term trial, unilateral conventional subthalamic DBS was compared with unilateral patterned stimulation algorithms with intraburst high‐ or low‐frequency theta burst stimulation in 17 PD patients.

Results

There were no serious adverse events with theta burst stimulation. During monopolar review, conventional subthalamic DBS and high‐frequency theta burst stimulation were comparable, but low‐frequency theta burst stimulation differed by requiring higher stimulation amplitudes for symptom reduction, but a larger therapeutic window. High‐ and low‐frequency theta burst stimulation with adapted stimulation amplitude were effective in PD symptom reduction with differential effects on akinesia and tremor, depending on the theta burst stimulation mode.

Conclusions

Theta burst stimulation is a safe and effective stimulation mode with potential future application opportunities. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Nurturing rearing environment reduces major depression risk
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2020

While it has often been claimed that major depression results largely from biological and genetic factors, researchers using a natural experiment derived from two design features have found evidence that high‐quality rearing environments can meaningfully reduce rates of major depression in individuals with families at high risk. The new study was published online in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
Automating proton treatment planning with beam angle selection using Bayesian optimization
Authors: Taasti Vicki T. , Hong Linda , Shim Jin Sup(Andy) , Deasy Joseph O. , Zarepisheh Masoud
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To present a fully automated treatment planning process for proton therapy including beam angle selection using a novel Bayesian optimization approach and previously developed constrained hierarchical fluence optimization method.

Methods

We adapted our in‐house automated intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment planning system, which is based on constrained hierarchical optimization and referred to as ECHO (expedited constrained hierarchical optimization), for proton therapy. To couple this to beam angle selection, we propose using a novel Bayesian approach. By integrating ECHO with this Bayesian beam selection approach, we obtain a fully automated treatment planning framework including beam angle selection. Bayesian optimization is a global optimization technique which only needs to search a small fraction of the search space for slowly varying objective functions (i.e., smooth functions). Expedited constrained hierarchical optimization is run for some initial beam angle candidates and the resultant treatment plan for each beam configuration is rated using a clinically relevant treatment score function. Bayesian optimization iteratively predicts the treatment score for not‐yet‐evaluated candidates to find the best candidate to be optimized next with ECHO. We tested this technique on five head‐and‐neck (HN) patients with two coplanar beams. In addition, tests were performed with two noncoplanar and three coplanar beams for two patients.

Results

For the two coplanar configurations, the Bayesian optimization found the optimal beam configuration after running ECHO for, at most, 4% of all potential configurations (23 iterations) for all patients (range: 2%–4%). Compared with the beam configurations chosen by the planner, the optimal configurations reduced the mandible maximum dose by 6.6 Gy and high dose to the unspecified normal tissues by 3.8 Gy, on average. For the two noncoplanar and three coplanar beam configurations, the algorithm converged after 45 iterations (examining <1% of all potential configurations).

Conclusions

A fully automated and efficient treatment planning process for proton therapy, including beam angle optimization was developed. The algorithm automatically generates high‐quality plans with optimal beam angle configuration by combining Bayesian optimization and ECHO. As the Bayesian optimization is capable of handling complex nonconvex functions, the treatment score function which is used in the algorithm to evaluate the dose distribution corresponding to each beam configuration can contain any clinically relevant metric.
Ex vivo perfusion of human lymph nodes†
Authors: Xu Qian , Moore James E
Published: May 2020

In a recent study published in The Journal of Pathology, Barrow‐McGee et al described a feasibility study of a real‐time ex vivo perfusion model of the axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) from breast cancer patients for immune‐oncological investigations. The study showed that perfused ALNs remain viable for up to 24 h, and perfusion of therapeutic antibodies confirmed the ability to reach ALN‐resident cells. This work is a highly encouraging demonstration of feasibility for further research into lymphatic system function, with applications to immune function, vaccinations, and cancer. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Lessons learned from a prenatal diagnosis program for thalassemia in Thailand
Authors: Wong Peerapon , Suannum Pawanrat , Jermnim Sawichayaporn , Charoenporn Prissana , Chan‐In Monthira , Tapprom Akamon , Deoisares Rawisut
Published: May 2020

Objective

To assess the outcome of a thalassemia screening program at community hospitals by determining the proportion of at‐risk couples able to obtain a prenatal diagnosis (PND) in relation to gestational age (GA).

Methods

We accessed records documenting prenatal screening for thalassemia in lower northern Thailand between January 2014 and December 2016. The proportion of at‐risk pregnancies able to obtain a PND was determined and median GAs at the time of at‐risk notification were compared. Reasons for failures to obtain PNDs were analyzed.

Results

Among 4633 screen‐positive couples, 259 (5.6%) were identified as at‐risk while 23 were excluded due to unconfirmed outcomes. Forty‐one declined a PND and were excluded from the final calculations. Of the 195 remaining couples, 140 (71.8%) obtained a PND. Their median GA at the time of at‐risk notification was 12.4 (5.6‐29.1) weeks, which was earlier than the median GA of 17.7 (6.9‐34.6) weeks for couples not undergoing PND (P < .001). Risks for various types of thalassemia and GA were associated with the chances of achieving a PND.

Conclusion

In practice, one quarter of couples identified as at‐risk were unable to obtain a PND. Time‐influencing factors seem to be a major determinant.
Kairomone‐assisted trap cropping for protecting spring oilseed rape (Brassica napus) from pollen beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)
Authors: Thöming Gunda , Solhaug Knut A , Norli Hans R
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Pollen beetles are key pests in oilseed rape (OSR) production. These beetles use visual and olfactory cues to locate their host plants at specific phenological stages, hence trap cropping may represent an alternative pest control strategy. In this study, a trap crop strategy for spring OSR was developed. To elaborate such a trap cropping system, a pest control measure that eradicates the attracted beetles in the trap crop before they migrate further into the main crop was included in the final trap cropping strategy.

RESULTS

Testing yellow‐flowering turnip rape and one yellow‐ and two cream‐coloured flowering OSR cultivars as potential crops in different trap cropping strategies, we found that pollen beetles clearly preferred turnip rape over the cream‐coloured and yellow OSR cultivars, and preferred the yellow OSR cultivar over the two cream‐coloured cultivars. This behaviour was related to the plant growth stage and associated volatile and colour signals of the tested cultivars. Using turnip rape as a trap crop and testing kairomone‐ or insecticide‐assisted trap cropping as the pest control strategy was as effective as compared with whole fields treated with a standard pesticide.

CONCLUSION

Combining a turnip rape cultivar as trap crop with kairomone traps placed in the trap crop as a killing agent may enable renunciation of pesticides in spring OSR production. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The Generation and Study of a Gold‐Based Chemobrionic Plant‐Like Structure
Authors: Zissi Georgia D. , Angelis George , Pampalakis Georgios
Published: May 2020

The generation of chemical gardens based on tetrachloroauric acid and silicate is presented. The structures were studied with SEM, XRD and micro‐Raman spectroscopy and a new mechanism that participates in their development was revealed. Specifically, the structures were decorated with metallic Au that is derived during the process of plant‐like growth. Probably, the instability of gold salts and hydroxides on silica templates accounts for their reduction to metallic Au.
Research progress in endogenous H2S‐activatable nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics
Authors: Feng Lili , Zhao Yanli
Published: May 2020

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a critical signaling molecule that exists in a wide variety of organizational categories, which has significant influences on several physiological functions containing vasodilatory modulation and neurotransmitter regulation. Dysregulated production and abnormal contents of H2S are considered to be the characteristics of different types of disease occurrence; the detection and real‐time monitoring of endogenous H2S in tissues and living cells is of great significance. However, most conventional H2S detection methods still suffer from some inevitable drawbacks including low bioavailability, accuracy, and sensitivity, making them difficult to apply in visualizing endogenous H2S in vivo. Optical probes constructed with the features of fast responsive time, excellent selectivity and sensitivity, as well as noninvasive performance, providing the possibility of detecting and monitoring H2S in real‐time at the cellular and mouse levels. Such methods show the application prospect, which could avoid the defects of conventional detection approaches. Furthermore, a certain concentration of H2S can influence the therapeutic efficacy, for example, anti‐inflammation and protection against oxidative stress, during the treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Because the generation of overexpressed exogenous H2S is closely tied to the tumor formation, the development of H2S‐responsive theranostic nanoplatforms is highly needed for H2S‐related tumor diagnosis and treatment. The theranostic nanoplatforms are expected to maximize therapeutic effectiveness and minimize side effects to normal tissues. In this review article, the current research progress, challenges, and future possibilities of H2S‐activatable nanoplatforms for H2S detection and malignant tumor theranostics are summarized.
Lu–Hf geochronology of ultra-high-pressure eclogites from the Tromsø-Nappe, Scandinavian Caledonides: evidence for rapid subduction and exhumation
Authors: Fassmer K. , Martinet I. , Miladinova I. , Sprung P. , Froitzheim N. , Fonseca R. O. C. , Münker C. , Janák M. , Kullerud K.
Published: May 2020

Geochronology of ultra-high-pressure metamorphic rocks is able to constrain the timing and rates of subduction-zone processes. Lu–Hf garnet dating has the potential to yield information about the timing of the prograde evolution of subducting rocks under increasing pressure. In combination with other methods, it thus allows constraining the complete P–T–t path with high precision. Ultra-high-pressure eclogites from the Tromsø Nappe, the structurally highest tectonic unit of the Scandinavian Caledonides in northern Norway, were dated using Lu–Hf geochronology on garnet. A sample from Tromsdalstind yielded an age of 448.3 ± 3.6 Ma, interpreted as dating prograde garnet growth due to preserved zoning in the major-element and Lu contents of garnet grains. A sample from the diamond-bearing locality Tønsvika yielded an identical age of 449.4 ± 3.3 Ma. Garnet from this sample shows a weak zoning in Ca content and near-homogeneous Lu content. These ages are identical within error among each other and with published U–Pb ages of peak-eclogite-facies zircon and rutile/titanite from exhumation-related leucosome veins. Consequently, the entire subduction–exhumation cycle leading to the ultra-high-pressure eclogites lasted only very few millions of years during the Late Ordovician.
A new re-encoding ECOC using reject option
Authors: Lei Lei , Song Yafei , Luo Xi
Published: May 2020

When training base classifier by ternary Error Correcting Output Codes (ECOC), it is well know that some classes are ignored. On this account, a non-competent classifier emerges when it classify an instance whose real label does not belong to the meta-subclasses. Meanwhile, the classic ECOC dichotomizers can only produce binary outputs and have no capability of rejection for classification. To overcome the non-competence problem and better model the multi-class problem for reducing the classification cost, we embed reject option to ECOC and present a new variant of ECOC algorithm called as Reject-Option-based Re-encoding ECOC (ROECOC). The cost-sensitive classification model and cost-loss function based on Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve are built respectively. The optimal reject threshold values are obtained by combing the condition to be met for minimizing the loss function and the ROC convex hull. In so doing, reject option (t1, t2) provides a three-symbol output to make dichotomizers more competent and ROECOC more universal and practical for cost-sensitive classification issue. Experimental results on two kinds of datasets show that our scheme with low-degree freedom of initialized ECOC can effectively enhance accuracy and reduce cost.
Improved sampling strategies for ensemble-based optimization
Authors: Ramaswamy K. R. , Fonseca R. M. , Leeuwenburgh O. , Siraj M. M. , Van den Hof P. M. J.
Published: May 2020

We are concerned with the efficiency of stochastic gradient estimation methods for large-scale nonlinear optimization in the presence of uncertainty. These methods aim to estimate an approximate gradient from a limited number of random input vector samples and corresponding objective function values. Ensemble methods usually employ Gaussian sampling to generate the input samples. It is known from the optimal design theory that the quality of sample-based approximations is affected by the distribution of the samples. We therefore evaluate six different sampling strategies to optimization of a high-dimensional analytical benchmark optimization problem, and, in a second example, to optimization of oil reservoir management strategies with and without geological uncertainty. The effectiveness of the sampling strategies is analyzed based on the quality of the estimated gradient, the final objective function value, the rate of the convergence, and the robustness of the gradient estimate. Based on the results, an improved version of the stochastic simplex approximate gradient method is proposed based onUE(s2) sampling designs for supersaturated cases that outperforms all alternative approaches. We additionally introduce two new strategies that outperform theUE(s2) designs previously suggested in the literature.
Sorption of anthropogenic radionuclides onto river sediments and suspended solids: dependence on sediment composition
Authors: Juranová Eva , Hanslík Eduard , Dulanská Silvia , Grísa Tomáš , Sedlářová Barbora , Marešová Diana
Published: May 2020

The purpose of the study is to explore the sorption behaviour of anthropogenic radionuclides in the Vltava River catchment in the Czech Republic, which could be influenced by an assumptive severe nuclear accident. Radionuclide sorption was described by distribution coefficients between water and sediment or suspended solids, respectively. Then, possible correlations between radionuclide sorption and sediment properties were investigated using simple and multiple regressions. The sorption of radionuclides was affected by sediment granularity and mineralogical composition, each radionuclide having its group of influencing sediment parameters.
Does globalization in Turkey induce increased energy consumption: insights into its environmental pros and cons
Authors: Etokakpan Mfonobong Udom , Adedoyin Festus Fatai , Vedat Yorucu , Bekun Festus Victor
Published: May 2020

Globalization is the paradigm shift to a more integrated world economy broadly shaping economies and societies around the globe. The wave of globalization is much more eminent on its impact on increased energy demand, knowledge and technology transfer, trade, and financial capital flows. The present study focuses on Turkey, a fast-emerging economy that is no exception to the wave of globalization. This current study explores the dynamics between ecological footprints, energy consumption, and real income level for the case of Turkey in a carbon-income function while accounting for other covariate like globalization to avoid omitted variable bias. The study data spans from 1970 to 2017 on an annual frequency basis. The stationarity properties of the outlined variables were investigated. Subsequently, the equilibrium relationship between the variables is confirmed by the battery of recent robust estimation techniques. While to detect the causality of direction among the variables, the Modified Wald test causality test is utilized. This study reveals that an increase in energy consumption in Turkey reduces environmental pollution by a magnitude of 0.37% in the short run and 0.43% long run, while an increase in economic expansion dampens the quality of the environment 0.42% and 0.72% on both short and long-run basis. This is indicative given that Turkey is more energy conscious and energy efficient, while a positive statistically significant relationship is observed between real income level and ecological footprint and globalization index. The causality analysis also supports the growth-induced energy consumption hypothesis. The study further offers policy direction for the energy sector in Turkey in the face of global interconnectedness.