bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diet quality and dental caries in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos
Authors: Sanders Anne , Cardel Michelle , Laniado Nadia , Kaste Linda , Finlayson Tracy , Perreira Krista , Sotres‐Alvarez Daniela
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Fermentable carbohydrate is universally recognized as the major dietary risk factor for dental caries. We assessed the broader relationship between diet quality and dental caries in a diverse Latinx adult population.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional probability sample, 14,517 dentate men and women in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) received a dental examination and completed two 24‐hours dietary recalls and a food propensity questionnaire. The 2010 Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) assessed diet quality and the National Cancer Institute method predicted usual intake of the 11 dietary components that comprise the AHEI. Dental caries experience was quantified using the decayed, missing and filled surfaces (DMFS) index. Covariates included sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics. Survey multivariable‐adjusted linear regression models quantified the relationship of 2010 AHEI score, and its 11 components, with DMFS.

Results

In multivariable‐adjusted models, each 10‐unit increase in diet quality score was associated with 2.5 fewer (95% confidence interval: −3.4, −1.6) DMFS. The relationship was pronounced among foreign‐born individuals, who comprised three‐quarters of the sample, irrespective of their length of US residence, but was not apparent among U.S.‐born individuals. Greater intake of sugar‐sweetened beverage and fruit juice was positively associated with dental caries, whereas vegetables (excluding potatoes); whole grains; and omega‐3 fats were inversely associated with dental caries, independent of covariates and the other dietary components (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

An association between diet quality and dental caries was restricted to foreign‐born Latinix and was not limited to the adverse impact of sugar‐sweetened drinks.
Development of LactaPedia: A lactation glossary for science and medicine
Authors: Boss Melinda , Hartmann Peter , Turner Jennifer , Pritchard Douglas , Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael , Clifford Rhonda
Published: February 2020

During the last decade, there have been several publications highlighting the need for consistent terminology in breastfeeding research. Standard terms and definitions are essential for the comparison and interpretation of scientific studies that, in turn, support evidence‐based education, consistency of health care, and breastfeeding policy. Inconsistent advice is commonly reported by mothers to contribute to early weaning. A standard language is the fundamental starting point required for the provision of consistent advice. LactaPedia (www.lactapedia.com) is a comprehensive lactation glossary of over 500 terms and definitions created during the development of LactaMap (www.lactamap.com), an online lactation care support system. This paper describes the development of LactaPedia, a website that is accessible free of charge to anyone with access to the Internet. Multiple methodological frameworks were incorporated in LactaPedia's development in order to meet the needs of a glossary to support both consistent health care and scientific research. The resulting LactaPedia methodology is a six‐stage process that was developed inductively and includes framework to guide vetting and extension of its content using public feedback via discussion forums. The discussion forums support ongoing usability and refinement of the glossary. The development of LactaPedia provides a fundamental first step towards improving breastfeeding outcomes that are currently well below World Health Organisation recommendations globally.
A c.544_618del75bp mutation in the splicing factor gene PRPF31 is involved in non‐syndromic retinitis pigmentosa by reducing the level of mRNA expression
Authors: Yang Dongzhi , Yao Qihui , Li Ya , Xu Yan , Wang Jun , Zhao Huiling , Liu Fuyong , Zhang Zhaojing , Liu Yang , Bie Xiaoshuai , Wang Yuanli , Xu Liyan , Luan Yingying , Yang Shangdong , Yang Ge , He Ying
Published: February 2020

Purpose

A previous study reported a novel c.544_618del75bp mutation in exon 7 of the PRPF31 gene in a Chinese family with autosomal dominant retinal pigmentosa (ADRP). However, the selected pedigree was a small part of the whole family and the function of the c.544_618del75bp mutation was not explored deeply. The aim of the present study was to validate the previous results and explore the functional significance of the c.544_618del75bp mutation.

Methods

We extended the size of the ADRP pedigree and sequenced DNA and cDNA of the PRPF31 gene for all members of the family and 100 healthy controls. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was performed on the cDNA of patients in the family and cell culture, plasmids transfection and western blot analysis were done to evaluate the functional effect of the mutation in vitro.

Results

Sanger sequencing showed that the mutation was present in all patients and absent in all normal individuals, except for participant III‐9. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the c.544_618del75bp mutation caused a 25 amino acid deletion in the PRPF31 protein. In addition, the mRNA expression assay revealed that the mRNA expression level of the PRPF31 and RP9 genes were significantly lower in RP patients than controls (p < 0.05). Finally, the in vitro transfection assay demonstrated that the mRNA expression level of the mutant transfection group was significantly lower than the wild‐type transfection group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our study suggested that the c.544_618del75bp mutation in the PRPF31 gene was a causative mutation in this ADRP family and affected the expression of RP9 gene by influencing the formation of U4/U6‐U5 tri‐snRNP, eventually leading to the occurrence of RP.
Retention of Molten Corium in Calandria Vessel of PHWR With Moderator Drain Pipe
Authors: Pandey Pradeep , Kulkarni Parimal P. , Nayak Arun , Prasad Sumit V.
Published: February 2020

Retention of molten corium inside calandria vessel is crucial for arresting accident progression in pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) during severe accidents. Our earlier tests have demonstrated corium retention and its cooling inside the calandria vessel of PHWRs through external cooling by vault water. However, the presence of nozzles and moderator drain pipe at the bottom of calandria vessel has not been considered in these studies. These nozzles and drain pipes used for moderator circulation can make the viability of corium retention even more challenging. Once the moderator has evaporated, debris reheating, compacting, and finally melting can cause the release of molten corium into the moderator recirculation system. This can lead to the relocation of corium beyond calandria vessel. The corium might reach the pump room or calandria vault after the failure of moderator drain pipe and/or moderator pump seals. This has severe consequences on containment integrity due to molten corium concrete interaction (MCCI). The risks posed by MCCI can be avoided if corium can be contained inside calandria vessel even with the presence of nozzles (at the bottom of the vessel) or if at all it enters into the drain line, does not cause its failure. Thus, it becomes crucial to evaluate the challenges faced by “in-vessel retention” (IVR) as a severe accident management strategy due to the presence of openings in the calandria vessel. Relatively colder debris present near the bottom of calandria vessel might help in obstructing the nozzles of the moderator drain line and can prevent the entry of hot molten corium into the moderator cooling line. The role of debris, therefore, becomes important under such scenarios for not just insulation of calandria vessel from hot corium but also for retention of corium within the vessel. In this article, these issues are addressed by conducting two sets of experiments for assessment of retention capability (IVR) of calandria vessel: (i) with the presence of debris and (ii) without debris at the bottom of calandria vessel. The moderator recirculation line was scaled to simulate the heat transfer from corium to vault water and solidification of corium simulant while flowing through the moderator drain pipe. It was observed that debris bed present at the bottom of the vessel helps in arresting the molten corium front and thus prevents corium from entering into moderator drain pipe. When experiments were conducted without debris, molten corium was found to be relocating in the moderator drain pipe. The drain pipe, however, did not fail under the thermal load.
Effect of Pulsation and Acceleration of Liquid Metal Turbulent Flow Through a Horizontal Channel by Large Eddy Simulation
Authors: Satish N. , Venkatasubbaiah K.
Published: February 2020

Pulsation and acceleration of liquid metal turbulent flow through a horizontal channel has been numerically studied using a large eddy simulation (LES) technique. The effect of inlet pulsation and acceleration on flow and heat transfer characteristics of low Prandtl number liquid metal flow have been investigated and reported here. Results have been presented for different Reynolds numbers, different amplitudes, and frequency with constant bottom wall thickness. The flow field is modeled as unsteady-state two-dimensional incompressible turbulent-forced convection flow. Turbulence is modeled using a LES technique. Two-dimensional unsteady-state heat conduction equation is solved to know the temperature distribution in the solid region. Finite difference method solver is developed for solving the governing equations using sixth-order accuracy of compact schemes. The average Nusselt number shows cyclic variation with respect to time in pulsation flows. The enhancement of heat transfer with pulsation at amplitude 0.4 and frequency 100 Hz is 6.51%. The rate of heat transfer increases in pulsation flow compared to quasi-steady flow. The inlet acceleration shows a significant effect on flow characteristics. The present results are compared with direct numerical simulation (DNS) results available in the literature and matching well with DNS data.
A Study of Temperature Distribution and Thermal Stresses in a Hot Rock Due to Rapid Cooling
Authors: Phuoc Tran X. , Massoudi Mehrdad , Wang Ping , McKoy Mark L.
Published: February 2020

Thermal stresses may be induced in a hot dry rock when a cold fluid is injected in the well. To study this problem, we look at the thermoelastic response of a hot rock that is suddenly cooled. The cooling is assumed to be either at a constant temperature or at a constant heat flux per unit depth. Our approach is to nondimensionalize the equations and perform a parametric study and look at the temperature distribution and the induced-thermal stresses. The results indicate that depending on the extent of cooling and the cooling time, thermal stresses can be induced. Numerical simulations on sandstone, with an initial uniform temperature of 473 K, are also carried out. The results show that if the cooling is due to the surface temperature maintained at 463 K (10 °C lower than the initial temperature of the hot rock), thermal stresses that are larger than the rock tensile strength could be induced. When the cooling is due to a constant surface heat flux, this temperature can be reached after about 777 days of cooling with a minimum value of a heat flux of −20 W/m.
Observations on the correlation of subjective and objective attenuation measurements on earplugs
Authors: Liu Yufei , Wells Lauraine
Published: February 2020

Real-ear attenuation at threshold (REAT) has been recognized as the gold-standard method to evaluate the attenuation of hearing protection devices (HPDs). The question is often posed as to whether or not REAT measurements could be replaced with objective, insertion loss (IL) measurements conducted on acoustical test fixtures for assessing the performance and consistency of HPDs. To understand how IL data correspond to REAT data for earplugs, both methods were used to assess three earplugs. The resulting data were compared, and the HPD attenuation ranked at each frequency. In most cases, after correction for bone conduction limits, occlusion effect, and physiological noise, IL data show good agreement with REAT values. Discrepancies at some frequencies were found and varied by HPD. The IL data did not identify the high standard deviation of the REAT results on one earplug. The IL data did not correspond well to the REAT values, resulting in differences as large as 12 dB at some frequencies. In conclusion, IL and REAT procedures are used for different purposes when assessing attenuation characteristics of HPDs. While close agreement was found at most frequencies, IL data may not reflect the REAT performance of HPDs equivalently in all aspects.
Prosecutor details China probe that snared chemist
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: February 2020

Department of Justice initiative aims to counter "corrupting" influence of foreign money on scientists.
The biology
,
function
,
and biomedical applications of exosomes
Authors: Kalluri Raghu , LeBleu Valerie S.
Published: February 2020

Clinical uses of cellular communication

Exosomes are a type of extracellular vesicle that contain constituents (protein, DNA, and RNA) of the cells that secrete them. They are taken up by distant cells, where they can affect cell function and behavior. Intercellular communication through exosomes seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of various disorders, including cancer, neurodegeneration, and inflammatory diseases. In a Review, Kalluri and LeBleu discuss the biogenesis and function of exosomes in disease, highlighting areas where more research is needed. They also discuss the potential clinical applications of exosome profiling for diagnostics and exosome-mediated delivery of therapeutics to target disease cells.

Science
, this issue p.
eaau6977
Mosquito heat seeking is driven by an ancestral cooling receptor
Authors: Greppi Chloe , Laursen Willem J. , Budelli Gonzalo , Chang Elaine C. , Daniels Abigail M. , van Giesen Lena , Smidler Andrea L. , Catteruccia Flaminia , Garrity Paul A.
Published: February 2020

Heat seeking is cool

Mosquitoes seek hosts using several cues, one of which is body heat. Greppi
et al.
hypothesized that cooling-activated receptors could be used for locating mammalian hosts if they were rewired downstream for repulsion responses (see the Perspective by Lazzari). A gene family conserved in insects and known to be responsible for sensing changes in temperature in fruit flies was the starting point. Genome-wide analyses and labeled CRISPR-Cas9 mutants allowed visualization of the receptor in neurons of
Anopheles gambiae
mosquitoes' antennae and assessment of adult female mosquitoes with a disrupted copy of the receptor. This ancestral insect temperature regulatory system has been repurposed for host-finding by malaria mosquitoes.

Science
, this issue p.
681
; see also p.
628
Microglia mediate forgetting via complement-dependent synaptic elimination
Authors: Wang Chao , Yue Huimin , Hu Zhechun , Shen Yuwen , Ma Jiao , Li Jie , Wang Xiao-Dong , Wang Liang , Sun Binggui , Shi Peng , Wang Lang , Gu Yan
Published: February 2020

Microglia modulate memories

Synaptic reorganization and circuit rewiring leads to loss or weakening of connections between neurons and may result in the erasure of previously formed memories. Microglia eliminate excessive synapses in the developing brain and regulate the dynamics of synaptic connections between neurons throughout life. However, it is still unclear whether forgetting is related to microglia activity and how microglia regulate memory erasure in the adult brain. Wang
et al.
discovered that microglia eliminated synaptic components in the adult hippocampus and that depleting microglia or inhibiting phagocytosis of microglia prevented forgetting. Synapse elimination by microglia may thus lead to degradation of memory engrams and forgetting of previously learned contextual fear memory.

Science
, this issue p.
688
Factors Required for Adhesion of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium to Corn Salad (Valerianella locusta)
Authors: Elpers Laura , Kretzschmar Juliane , Nuccio Sean-Paul , Bäumler Andreas J. , Hensel Michael
Published: February 2020

Transmission of gastrointestinal pathogens by contaminated fresh produce is of increasing relevance to human health. However, the mechanisms of contamination of, persistence on, and transmission by fresh produce are poorly understood. We investigated the contributions of the various adhesive structures of STM to the initial event in transmission, i.e., binding to the plant surface. A reductionist system was used that allowed experimentally controlled surface expression of individual adhesive structures and analyses of the contribution to binding to leave surfaces of corn salad under laboratory conditions. The model system allowed the determination of the relative contributions of fimbrial and nonfimbrial adhesins, the type 3 secretion systems, the O antigen of lipopolysaccharide, the flagella, and chemotaxis of STM to binding to corn salad leaves. Based on these data, future work could reveal the mechanism of binding and the relevance of interaction under agricultural conditions.
Mutational Functional Analysis of the Pseudorabies Virus Nuclear Egress Complex-Nucleocapsid Interaction
Authors: Rönfeldt Sebastian , Franzke Kati , Hölper Julia E. , Klupp Barbara G. , Mettenleiter Thomas C.
Published: February 2020

Herpesviruses encode an exceptional vesicle formation and scission machinery, which operates at the inner nuclear membrane, translocating the viral nucleocapsid from the nucleus into the perinuclear space. The conserved herpesviral nuclear egress complex (NEC) orchestrates this process. High-resolution imaging approaches as well as the recently solved crystal structures of the NEC provided deep insight into the molecular details of vesicle formation and scission. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism of nucleocapsid incorporation remained unclear. In accordance with structure-based predictions, a basic amino acid could be pinpointed in the most membrane-distal domain of the NEC (pUL31-K242), indicating that capsid incorporation might depend on a direct electrostatic interaction. Our follow-up study, described here, however, shows that the positive charge is not relevant but that the overall structure matters.
Mucin-Like Domain of Ebola Virus Glycoprotein Enhances Selective Oncolytic Actions against Brain Tumors
Authors: Zhang Xue , Zhang Tingting , Davis John N. , Marzi Andrea , Marchese Anthony M. , Robek Michael D. , van den Pol Anthony N.
Published: February 2020

The Ebola virus glycoprotein contains a mucin-like domain which may play a role in immune evasion. Chimeric vesicular stomatitis viruses with the EBOV glycoprotein substituted for the VSV glycoprotein show greater safety and efficacy in targeting brain tumors in immunodeficient mice when the MLD was expressed within the EBOV glycoprotein than when EBOV lacked the mucin-like domain.
Unusual presentation of a large GIST in an extraintestinal site: a challenging diagnosis dilemma
Authors: Ashoor Arwa Ahmed , Barefah Ghaith
Published: February 2020

Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) is a recent recognised tumour entity. In the past, those tumours were classified as leiomyomas, leiomyosarcomas and leiomyoblastomas, but it is now evident that GIST is a separate tumour entity and is the most common sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract especially with advances in immunohistochemical staining techniques and improvements in microscopic structural imaging. We present a case of GIST of unusual location and presentation pattern, with an overview over current GISTs’ diagnosis and management strategies. The precise incidence and tumour behaviour of rare extragastrointestinal stromal tumour (EGIST) remain to be clarified. Further research is needed in large series with long duration of follow-up and modified risk stratification assessment tailored for EGISTs.
A rare form of dermatomyositis associated with muscle weakness and normal creatine kinase level
Authors: Kwan Christopher , Milosevic Suzana , Benham Helen , Scott Ian A
Published: February 2020

We present a case study of a 61-year-old Vietnamese woman who presents with features of dermatomyositis (DM), including Gottron’s papules, heliotrope rash, cutaneous ulcers, generalised weakness and pain, and weight loss with normal levels of creatine kinase (CK). She demonstrated features of interstitial lung disease and subsequently tested positive for anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 and anti-small ubiquitin-like modifier 1 activating enzyme antibodies, which belong to a DM subtype known as clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis and do not present with raised CK. She received standard treatment for DM, including oral prednisolone, hydroxychloroquine, mycopheonlate and topical betamethasone. The treatment successfully reversed skin changes; however, the patient remained generally weak and unable to carry out her activities of daily living.
Effects of participating in community assets on quality of life and costs of care: longitudinal cohort study of older people in England
Authors: Munford Luke Aaron , Wilding Anna , Bower Peter , Sutton Matt
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Improving outcomes for older people with long-term conditions and multimorbidity is a priority. Current policy commits to substantial expansion of social prescribing to community assets, such as charity, voluntary or community groups. We use longitudinal data to add to the limited evidence on whether this is associated with better quality of life or lower costs of care.

Design

Prospective 18-month cohort survey of self-reported participation in community assets and quality of life linked to administrative care records. Effects of starting and stopping participation estimated using double-robust estimation.

Setting

Participation in community asset facilities. Costs of primary and secondary care.

Participants

4377 older people with long-term conditions.

Intervention

Participation in community assets.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), healthcare costs and social value estimated using net benefits.

Results

Starting to participate in community assets was associated with a 0.017 (95% CI 0.002 to 0.032) gain in QALYs after 6 months, 0.030 (95% CI 0.005 to 0.054) after 12 months and 0.056 (95% CI 0.017 to 0.094) after 18 months. Cumulative effects on care costs were negative in each time period: £−96 (95% CI £−512 to £321) at 6 months; £−283 (95% CI £−926 to £359) at 12 months; and £−453 (95% CI £−1366 to £461) at 18 months. The net benefit of starting to participate was £1956 (95% CI £209 to £3703) per participant at 18 months. Stopping participation was associated with larger negative impacts of −0.102 (95% CI −0.173 to −0.031) QALYs and £1335.33 (95% CI £112.85 to £2557.81) higher costs after 18 months.

Conclusions

Participation in community assets by older people with long-term conditions is associated with improved quality of life and reduced costs of care. Sustaining that participation is important because there are considerable health changes associated with stopping. The results support the inclusion of community assets as part of an integrated care model for older patients.
Randomised feasibility trial of the helping families programme-modified: an intensive parenting intervention for parents affected by severe personality difficulties
Authors: Day Crispin , Briskman Jackie , Crawford Mike J , Foote Lisa , Harris Lucy , Boadu Janet , McCrone Paul , McMurran Mary , Michelson Daniel , Moran Paul , Mosse Liberty , Scott Stephen , Stahl Daniel , Ramchandani Paul , Weaver Tim
Published: February 2020

Background

Specialist parenting intervention could improve coexistent parenting and child mental health difficulties of parents affected by severe personality difficulties.

Objective

Conduct a feasibility trial of Helping Families Programme-Modified (HFP-M), a specialist parenting intervention.

Design

Pragmatic, mixed-methods trial, 1:1 random allocation, assessing feasibility, intervention acceptability and outcome estimates.

Settings

Two National Health Service health trusts and local authority children’s social care.

Participants

Parents: (i) primary caregiver, (ii) 18 to 65 years, (iii) severe personality difficulties, (iv) proficient English and (v) capacity for consent. Child: (i) 3 to 11 years, (ii) living with index parent and (iii) significant emotional/behavioural difficulties.

Intervention

HFP-M: 16-session home-based intervention using parenting and therapeutic engagement strategies. Usual care: standard care augmented by single psychoeducational parenting session.

Outcomes

Primary feasibility outcome: participant retention rate. Secondary outcomes: (i) rates of recruitment, eligibility and data completion, and (ii) rates of intervention acceptance, completion and alliance (Working Alliance Inventory-Short Revised). Primary clinical outcome: child behaviour (Eyberg Child Behaviour Inventory). Secondary outcomes: child mental health (Concerns About My Child, Child Behaviour Checklist-Internalising Scale), parenting (Arnold-O’Leary Parenting Scale, Kansas Parental Satisfaction Scale) and parent mental health (Symptom-Checklist-27). Quantitative data were collected blind to allocation.

Results

Findings broadly supported non-diagnostic selection criterion. Of 48 participants recruited, 32 completed post-intervention measures at mean 42 weeks later. Participant retention exceeded a priori rate (HFP-M=18; Usual care=14; 66.7%, 95% CI 51.6% to 79.6%). HFP-M was acceptable, with delivery longer than planned. Usual care had lower alliance rating. Child and parenting outcome effects detected across trial arms with potential HFP-M advantage (effect size range: 0.0 to 1.3).

Conclusion

HFP-M is an acceptable and potentially effective specialist parenting intervention. A definitive trial is feasible, subject to consideration of recruitment and retention methods, intervention efficiency and comparator condition. Caution is required in interpretation of results due to reduced sample size. No serious adverse events reported.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN14573230
Non-invasive techniques for stimulating urine production in non-toilet trained children: a systematic review
Authors: Chandy Mathew , Dewey Ann , Fogg Carole , Pilkington Karen
Published: February 2020

Background

Urinary tract infection requires collection of a sterile urine specimen for diagnosis, which is difficult and time consuming in pre-continent children. This systematic review summarises evidence of the effectiveness of bladder stimulation techniques on urine collection in pre-continent children, compared with standard techniques.

Methods

MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched to May 2019. Selection, data extraction, risk of bias and quality assessment were undertaken by two independent reviewers. Inclusion: (1) all study designs; (2) pre-continent, age <3 years receiving bladder stimulation techniques; (3) outcomes including time to urine collection or contamination rates; (4) English-language articles. Exclusion: coexisting neurological disorders.

Results

Three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were identified using three techniques in 568 participants aged 1 day to 35 months. Two RCTs demonstrated an increased success in voiding within 5 min, one using a finger tapping and lumbar paravertebral massage technique and the other cold saline-soaked gauze rubbed over the suprapubic region, compared with no active intervention. A third RCT using a mechanical vibration device demonstrated no difference in time to voiding from advice alone. Non-randomised studies compared different temperatures for the gauze intervention and tapping alone versus urine bags. Six uncontrolled studies tested the finger tapping and massage technique. Risk of bias was low for one RCT and unclear for two RCTs with the other studies rated poor to fair quality. Overall, the evidence on success rates was graded low for tapping plus massage and moderate for the gauze rubbing intervention. Adverse effects included crying and mild distress.

Discussion

The results suggest a positive effect of stimulation techniquesbut lack of replication in rigorous RCTs and heterogeneity of techniques and outcomes assessed prevent conclusive recommendations being made. Further RCTs are required comparing non-invasive stimulation methods and assessing time to successful collection, contamination rates, adverse effects, caregiver and clinical staff acceptability.
Prognostic value of perineural invasion in prostate needle biopsies: a population-based study of patients treated by radical prostatectomy
Authors: Ström Peter , Nordström Tobias , Delahunt Brett , Samaratunga Hema , Grönberg Henrik , Egevad Lars , Eklund Martin
Published: February 2020

Aims

Despite being one of the major pathways for the spread of malignant tumours, perineural invasion (PNI) has not conclusively been shown to have an independent prognostic value for prostate cancer. Prostatic biopsy constitutes the major pathology workload in prostate cancer and is the foundation for primary treatment decisions and for this reason we aimed to estimate the prognostic value of PNI in biopsies.

Methods

We followed 918 men who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) from the prospective and population based STHLM3 study until biochemical recurrence with a median follow-up of 4.1 years. To strengthen the evidence, we combined the estimates from the largest studies targeting the prognostic value of PNI in the biopsy. We also estimated the OR of advanced stage as radical prostatectomy for PNI positive and negative men.

Results

The estimated prognostic value based on our data suggested an approximately 50% increased risk of biochemical recurrence if PNI was present in the biopsy (p=0.06). Even though not statistically significant on the 5% level, this estimate is consistent with similar studies, and by combining the estimates there is in fact strong evidence in support of an independent prognostic value of PNI in the biopsy (p<0.0001). There was also an independent increased risk of advanced stage at RP for positive men (OR 1.85, p=0.005).

Conclusions

The evidence supporting a clinically relevant and independent prognostic value of PNI is strong enough to be considered for pathology reporting guidelines.
Survival after traumatic brain injury improves with deployment of neurosurgeons: a comparison of US and UK military treatment facilities during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts
Authors: Breeze John , Bowley Douglas M , Harrisson Stuart E , Dye Justin , Neal Christopher , Bell Randy S , Armonda Rocco A , Beggs Andrew D , DuBose Jospeh , Rickard Rory F , Powers David Bryan
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common cause of death on the modern battlefield. In recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the US typically deployed neurosurgeons to medical treatment facilities (MTFs), while the UK did not. Our aim was to compare the incidence, TBI and treatment in US and UK-led military MTF to ascertain if differences in deployed trauma systems affected outcomes.

Methods

The US and UK Combat Trauma Registries were scrutinised for patients with HI at deployed MTFs between March 2003 and October 2011. Registry datasets were adapted to stratify TBI using the Mayo Classification System for Traumatic Brain Injury Severity. An adjusted multiple logistic regression model was performed using fatality as the binomial dependent variable and treatment in a US-MTF or UK-MTF, surgical decompression, US military casualty and surgery performed by a neurosurgeon as independent variables.

Results

15 031 patients arrived alive at military MTF after TBI. Presence of a neurosurgeon was associated with increased odds of survival in casualties with moderate or severe TBI (p<0.0001, OR 2.71, 95% CI 2.34 to 4.73). High injury severity (Injury Severity Scores 25–75) was significantly associated with a lower survival (OR 4×104, 95% CI 1.61×104 to 110.6×104, p<0.001); however, having a neurosurgeon present still remained significantly positively associated with survival (OR 3.25, 95% CI 2.71 to 3.91, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Presence of neurosurgeons increased the likelihood of survival after TBI. We therefore recommend that the UK should deploy neurosurgeons to forward military MTF whenever possible in line with their US counterparts.
The fission experimental programme at the CERN n_TOF facility: status and perspectives
Authors:   the n_TOF  Collaboration, Colonna N. , Tsinganis A. , Vlastou R. , Patronis N. , Diakaki M. , Amaducci S. , Barbagallo M. , Bennett S. , Berthoumieux E. , Bacak M. , Cosentino G. , Cristallo S. , Finocchiaro P. , Heyse J. , Lewis D. , Manna A. , Massimi C. , Mendoza E. , Mirea M. , Moens A. , Nolte R. , Pirovano E. , Sabaté-Gilarte M. , Sibbens G. , Smith A. G. , Sosnin N. , Stamatopoulos A. , Tarrío D. , Tassan-Got L. , Vanleeuw D. , Ventura A. , Vescovi D. , Wright T. , Žugec P.
Published: February 2020

Neutron-induced fission reactions play a crucial role in a variety of fields of fundamental and applied nuclear science. In basic nuclear physics they provide important information on properties of nuclear matter, while in nuclear technology they are at the basis of present and future reactor designs. Finally, there is a renewed interest in fission reactions in nuclear astrophysics due to the multi-messenger observation of neutron star mergers and the important role played by fission recycling in r-process nucleosynthesis. Although studied for several decades, many fundamental questions still remain on fission reactions, while modern applications and the development of more reliable nuclear models require high-accuracy and consistent experimental data on fission cross sections and other fission observables. To address these needs, an extensive fission research programme has been carried out at the n_TOF neutron time-of-flight facility at CERN during the last 18 years, taking advantage of the high energy resolution, high luminosity and wide energy range of the neutron beam, as well as of the detection and data acquisition systems designed for this purpose. While long-lived isotopes are studied on the 185 m long flight-path, the recent construction of a second experimental area at a distance of about 19 m has opened the way to challenging measurements of short-lived actinides. This article provides an overview of the n_TOF experimental programme on neutron-induced fission reactions along with the main characteristics of the facility, the various detection systems and data analysis techniques used. The most important results on several major and minor actinides obtained so far and the future perspectives of fission measurements at n_TOF are presented and discussed.
Phase diagrams of the disordered Bose-Hubbard model with cavity-mediated long-range and nearest-neighbor interactions
Authors: Zhang Chao , Rieger Heiko
Published: February 2020

Recent experiments with ultracold atoms in an optical lattice have realized cavity-mediated long-range interaction and observed the emergence of a supersolid phase and a density wave phase in addition to Mott insulator and superfluid phases. Here we consider theoretically the effect of uncorrelated disorder on the phase diagram of this system and study the two-dimensional Bose-Hubbard model with cavity-mediated long-range interactions and uncorrelated diagonal disorder. We also study the phase diagram of the extended Bose-Hubbard model with nearest-neighbor interactions in the presence of uncorrelated diagonal disorder. The extended Bose-Hubbard model with nearest-neighbor interactions has been realized in the experiment using dipolar interaction recently. With the help of quantum Monte Carlo simulations using the worm algorithm, we determine the phase diagram of those two models. We compare the phase diagrams of cavity-mediated long-range interactions with nearest-neighbor interactions. We show that two kinds of Bose glass phases exist: one with and one without density wave order. We also find that weak disorder enhances the supersolid phase.

Graphical abstract
Note about canonical description of T-duality along light-like isometry
Authors: Klusoň J.
Published: February 2020

In this short note we analyze canonical description of T-duality along light-like isometry. We show that T-duality of relativistic string theory on this background leads to non-relativistic string theory action on T-dual background.
Privacy-preserving Network Path Validation
Authors: Sengupta Binanda , Li Yingjiu , Bu Kai , Deng Robert H.
Published: February 2020

The end-users communicating over a network path currently have no control over the path. For a better quality of service, the source node often opts for a superior (or premium) network path to send packets to the destination node. However, the current Internet architecture provides no assurance that the packets indeed follow the designated path. Network path validation schemes address this issue and enable each node present on a network path to validate whether each packet has followed the specific path so far. In this work, we introduce two notions of privacy—
path privacy
and
index privacy
—in the context of network path validation. We show that, in case a network path validation scheme does not satisfy these two properties, the scheme is vulnerable to certain practical attacks (that affect the privacy, reliability, neutrality and quality of service offered by the underlying network). To the best of our knowledge, ours is the first work that addresses privacy issues related to network path validation. We design PrivNPV, a privacy-preserving network path validation protocol, that satisfies both path privacy and index privacy. We discuss several attacks related to network path validation and how PrivNPV defends against these attacks. Finally, we discuss the practicality of PrivNPV based on relevant parameters.
Microfluidic Immunoassays for Time-Resolved Measurement of Protein Secretion from Single Cells
Authors: Yamagishi Mai , Ohara Osamu , Shirasaki Yoshitaka
Published: February 2020

Measurement of humoral factors secreted from cells has served as an indispensable method to monitor the states of a cell ensemble because humoral factors play crucial roles in cell–cell interaction and aptly reflect the states of individual cells. Although a cell ensemble consisting of a large number of cells has conventionally been the object of such measurements, recent advances in microfluidic technology together with highly sensitive immunoassays have enabled us to quantify secreted humoral factors even from individual cells in either a population or a temporal context. Many groups have reported various miniaturized platforms for immunoassays of proteins secreted from single cells. This review focuses on the current status of time-resolved assay platforms for protein secretion with single-cell resolution. We also discuss future perspectives of time-resolved immunoassays from the viewpoint of systems biology.
Solving Systems of Singularly Perturbed Convection Diffusion Problems via Initial Value Method
Authors: Melesse Wondwosen Gebeyaw , Tiruneh Awoke Andargie , Derese Getachew Adamu
Published: February 2020

In this paper, an initial value method for solving a weakly coupled system of two second-order singularly perturbed Convection–diffusion problems exhibiting a boundary layer at one end is proposed. In this approach, the approximate solution for the given problem is obtained by solving, a coupled system of initial value problem (namely, the reduced system), and two decoupled initial value problems (namely, the layer correction problems), which are easily deduced from the given system of equations. Both the reduced system and the layer correction problems are independent of perturbation parameter, ε. These problems are then solved analytically and/or numerically, and those solutions are combined to give an approximate solution to the problem. Further, error estimates are derived and examples are provided to illustrate the method.
Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma in Adolescent-Onset Scoliosis: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Kim Junho , Kim Yeon Ho , Kim Hyoungmin , Chang Bong-Soon , Lee Choon-Ki , Chang Sam Yeol
Published: February 2020

Background and Objectives. Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a vascular tumor of very low incidence, which occurs mostly in children and infants. The tumor is recognized for its locally aggressive, yet rarely metastatic behavior. It may cause consumptive coagulopathy known as Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon. We report a distinctive case, where an 11-year-old boy is presented with progressive thoracolumbar scoliosis without any symptom or neurological sign. Case Report. The patient underwent spinal deformity correction via posterior pedicle screw instrumentation and fusion, along with tumor biopsy. The pathology report confirmed KHE. The patient did not show a prominent progression of scoliosis after the surgery without any further treatments. Conclusions. Many of scoliotic patients do not have any apparent cause, thereby regarded as idiopathic scoliosis. The presented case is where kaposiform hemangioendothelioma is likely to be linked to the patient’s scoliosis. We demonstrate the possibility of secondary scoliosis should always be kept in mind of orthopaedic doctors. We also conclude that secondary scoliosis does not show exacerbation after growth completion.
Using Artificial Intelligence Techniques to Improve the Prediction of Copper Recovery by Leaching
Authors: Flores Victor , Keith Brian , Leiva Claudio
Published: February 2020

Copper mining activity is going through big changes due to increasing technological development in the area and the influence of industry 4.0. These changes, produced by technological context and more controls (e.g., environmental controls), are also becoming visible in Chilean mining. New regulations from the Chilean government and changes in the copper mining industry (such as a trend to underground mining) are fostering the search for better results in typical processes such as leaching. This paper describes an experience using artificial intelligence techniques, particularly random forest, to develop predictive models for copper recovery by leaching, using data from an enterprise present in northern Chile for more than 20 years. Two models, one of them with actual operational data and another one with data generated in a controlled environment (piling) are presented. Well-classified values of 98.90% for operational data and 98.72% for pile/piling data were obtained. The methodology devised for the study can be transferred to piling columns or piles with other characteristics, though the operation must focus on copper leaching. It can even be transferred to other leaching processes using another type of mineral, with proper adjustments.
The Association between eGFR and the Aldosterone-to-Renin Ratio and Its Effect on Screening for Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Xu Jing , Yang Yumei , Ling Yan , Lu Zhiqiang , Gao Xin , Li Xiaomu , Li Xiaoying
Published: February 2020

Objectives. Long-term exposure to excessive aldosterone secretion from the adrenal gland may cause renal damage in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA). The aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) may be significantly affected by renal function, especially in patients with renal damage related to long-term PA. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and ARR as well as its effect on screening for PA. Methods. This study was performed in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, China. 803 patients with hypertension were consecutively recruited from 2012 to 2015. All participants underwent routine biochemical measurements, including plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC). In all patients with a PAC higher than 10 ng/dl, a saline perfusion test was conducted, and a CT scan or adrenal venous sampling was also performed if needed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted in all eGFR < 90 and eGFR ≥ 90 groups separately to determine the optimal cut-off values of ARR. Results. The optimal cut-off point for PA was an ARR of 40 ng/dl per ng/ml.h in the whole population, 52 ng/dl per ng/ml.h in subjects with an eGFR higher than 90 ml/min/1.73 m2, and 18 ng/dl per ng/ml.h in subjects with an eGFR lower than 90 ml/min/1.73 m2. Patients with an eGFR higher than 90 ml/min/1.73 m2 had significantly lower PRA and higher ARR levels than patients with an eGFR lower than 90 ml/min/1.73 m2 (P<0.05). Conclusions. Unsuppressed renin and lower ARR levels were associated with decreased eGFR in patients with primary aldosteronism. Diagnostic criteria of ARR by stratified eGFR may be an optimal strategy for the screening of primary aldosteronism.
The Effect of Perioperative Music Listening on Patient Satisfaction, Anxiety, and Depression: A Quasiexperimental Study
Authors: Tan Daryl Jian An , Polascik Breanna A. , Kee Hwei Min , Hui Lee Amanda Chia , Sultana Rehena , Kwan Melanie , Raghunathan Karthik , Belden Charles M. , Sng Ban Leong
Published: February 2020

Background. The effect of perioperative music listening has been proven to relieve preoperative anxiety and depression, while improving patient satisfaction. However, music listening has not been extensively studied in Singapore. Therefore, the primary aim of our study is to investigate the patient satisfaction towards perioperative music listening in the local setting. The secondary aim is to investigate the effect of perioperative music listening in reducing patient surgery-related anxiety and depression.Methods. After obtaining ethics board approval, we conducted a quasiexperimental study on a cohort of female patients who were undergoing elective minor gynaecological surgeries. Apple iPod Touch™ devices containing playlists of selected music genres and noise-cancelling earphones were given to patients to listen during the preoperative and postoperative periods. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), EQ-5D-3L questionnaire, music listening preferences, and patient satisfaction surveys were administered. Wilcoxon signed-rank and McNemar’s tests for paired data were used for analysis.Results. 83 patients were analysed with 97.6% of patients in the preoperative period and 98.8% of patients in the postoperative period were satisfied with music listening. The median (IQR [range]) score for preintervention HADS anxiety was 7.0 (6.0 [0–17]), significantly higher than that in postintervention at 2.0 (4.0 [0–12]) (P<0.001). Similarly, there was a significant reduction in preintervention HADS depression as compared to postintervention (P<0.001). These results were corroborated by similar findings from the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire.Conclusion. Perioperative music listening improved patient satisfaction and can reduce patient anxiety and depression. We hope to further investigate on how wider implementation of perioperative music listening could improve patient care.