bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of sulfuric acid concentration on the quality of copper microcolumns in localized electrochemical deposition
Authors: Qing Qixin , Wang Fuliang
Published: May 2020

Localized electrochemical deposition (LECD) is a promising method for three-dimensional micro-/nanofabrication and, thus, the factors influencing LECD have been intensively investigated. This study examined the effect of sulfuric acid concentration on copper microcolumns deposited by LECD using a microanode with a diameter of 20 μm. With 0.05 mol l−1 sulfuric acid, the deposition voltage of the optimal deposited morphology of copper microcolumns was at 2.9 V, but the column diameter was larger than the anode diameter. With 0.5 and 2.0 mol l−1 sulfuric acid, the optimal deposited morphology of copper microcolumns were at 3.2 V and 3.4 V, respectively, but the diameters of the copper microcolumns were smaller than the anode diameter. In the LECD process, the deposition rate is proportional to the deposition voltage. Because of the hydrogen evolution, the deposition rates of copper microcolumns at high sulfuric acid concentration were lower than those at low and medium sulfuric acid concentrations. The results of this study indicated that the deposition rate obtained the optimal surface topography was 0.22 to 0.327 um s−1, which had reference significance to improve the quality of the copper microcolumns. The effect of sulfuric acid on the LECD was demonstrated using a competitive reduction mechanism.
A novel privacy-preserving federated genome-wide association study framework and its application in identifying potential risk variants in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Wu Xin , Zheng Hao , Dou Zuochao , Chen Feng , Deng Jieren , Chen Xiang , Xu Shengqian , Gao Guanmin , Li Mengmeng , Wang Zhen , Xiao Yuhui , Xie Kang , Wang Shuang , Xu Huji
Published: May 2020

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been widely used for identifying potential risk variants in various diseases. A statistically meaningful GWAS typically requires a large sample size to detect disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). However, a single institution usually only possesses a limited number of samples. Therefore, cross-institutional partnerships are required to increase sample size and statistical power. However, cross-institutional partnerships offer significant challenges, a major one being data privacy. For example, the privacy awareness of people, the impact of data privacy leakages and the privacy-related risks are becoming increasingly important, while there is no de-identification standard available to safeguard genomic data sharing. In this paper, we introduce a novel privacy-preserving federated GWAS framework (iPRIVATES). Equipped with privacy-preserving federated analysis, iPRIVATES enables multiple institutions to jointly perform GWAS analysis without leaking patient-level genotyping data. Only aggregated local statistics are exchanged within the study network. In addition, we evaluate the performance of iPRIVATES through both simulated data and a real-world application for identifying potential risk variants in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The experimental results showed that the strongest signal of AS-associated SNPs reside mostly around the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) regions. The proposed iPRIVATES framework achieved equivalent results as traditional centralized implementation, demonstrating its great potential in driving collaborative genomic research for different diseases while preserving data privacy.
Prokineticin 1–prokineticin receptor 1 signaling promotes angiogenesis in the porcine endometrium during pregnancy†
Authors: Goryszewska Ewelina , Kaczynski Piotr , Balboni Gianfranco , Waclawik Agnieszka
Published: May 2020

Pregnancy establishment in mammals, including pigs, requires proper communication between embryos and the maternal reproductive tract. Prokineticin 1 (PROK1) has been described as a secretory protein with pleiotropic functions and as a novel tissue-specific angiogenic factor. However, despite the studies performed mainly on human cell lines and in mice, the function of PROK1 in the endometrium during early pregnancy is still not fully elucidated. We hypothesized that PROK1 contributes to pregnancy establishment in pigs. The present study is the first to report that the expression of PROK1 and its receptor (PROKR1) is elevated in the porcine endometrium during the implantation and early placentation period. PROK1 protein was detected mainly in luminal epithelial cells, glandular epithelial cells, and blood vessels in the endometrium. Using the porcine in vivo model of unilateral pregnancy, we revealed that conceptuses induced the endometrial expression of PROK1 and PROKR1. Moreover, the embryonic signal, estradiol-17β, as well as progesterone, stimulated the endometrial expression of PROK1 and PROKR1. We also evidenced that PROK1–PROKR1 signaling supports endometrial angiogenesis in pigs. The PROK1-stimulated proliferation of primary porcine endometrial endothelial (PEE) cells involved PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPK, cAMP, and NFKB signaling pathways. Furthermore, PROK1 via PROKR1 promoted the formation of capillary-like structures by PEE cells. PROK1 also stimulated VEGFA and PGF2α secretion, which in turn may indirectly support angiogenic changes within endometrial tissue. In summary, our study suggests that PROK1 acts as an embryonic signal mediator that regulates endometrial angiogenesis and secretory function during the implantation and early placentation period in pigs.
Bringing proportional recovery into proportion: Bayesian modelling of post-stroke motor impairment
Authors: Bonkhoff Anna K , Hope Thomas , Bzdok Danilo , Guggisberg Adrian G , Hawe Rachel L , Dukelow Sean P , Rehme Anne K , Fink Gereon R , Grefkes Christian , Bowman Howard
Published: May 2020

Accurate predictions of motor impairment after stroke are of cardinal importance for the patient, clinician, and healthcare system. More than 10 years ago, the proportional recovery rule was introduced by promising that high-fidelity predictions of recovery following stroke were based only on the initially lost motor function, at least for a specific fraction of patients. However, emerging evidence suggests that this recovery rule is subject to various confounds and may apply less universally than previously assumed. Here, we systematically revisited stroke outcome predictions by applying strategies to avoid confounds and fitting hierarchical Bayesian models. We jointly analysed 385 post-stroke trajectories from six separate studies—one of the largest overall datasets of upper limb motor recovery. We addressed confounding ceiling effects by introducing a subset approach and ensured correct model estimation through synthetic data simulations. Subsequently, we used model comparisons to assess the underlying nature of recovery within our empirical recovery data. The first model comparison, relying on the conventional fraction of patients called ‘fitters’, pointed to a combination of proportional to lost function and constant recovery. ‘Proportional to lost’ here describes the original notion of proportionality, indicating greater recovery in case of a more severe initial impairment. This combination explained only 32% of the variance in recovery, which is in stark contrast to previous reports of >80%. When instead analysing the complete spectrum of subjects, ‘fitters’ and ‘non-fitters’, a combination of proportional to spared function and constant recovery was favoured, implying a more significant improvement in case of more preserved function. Explained variance was at 53%. Therefore, our quantitative findings suggest that motor recovery post-stroke may exhibit some characteristics of proportionality. However, the variance explained was substantially reduced compared to what has previously been reported. This finding motivates future research moving beyond solely behaviour scores to explain stroke recovery and establish robust and discriminating single-subject predictions.
Global CNS correction in a large brain model of human alpha-mannosidosis by intravascular gene therapy
Authors: Yoon Sea Young , Hunter Jacqueline E , Chawla Sanjeev , Clarke Dana L , Molony Caitlyn , O’Donnell Patricia A , Bagel Jessica H , Kumar Manoj , Poptani Harish , Vite Charles H , Wolfe John H
Published: May 2020

Intravascular injection of certain adeno-associated virus vector serotypes can cross the blood–brain barrier to deliver a gene into the CNS. However, gene distribution has been much more limited within the brains of large animals compared to rodents, rendering this approach suboptimal for treatment of the global brain lesions present in most human neurogenetic diseases. The most commonly used serotype in animal and human studies is 9, which also has the property of being transported via axonal pathways to distal neurons. A small number of other serotypes share this property, three of which were tested intravenously in mice compared to 9. Serotype hu.11 transduced fewer cells in the brain than 9, rh8 was similar to 9, but hu.32 mediated substantially greater transduction than the others throughout the mouse brain. To evaluate the potential for therapeutic application of the hu.32 serotype in a gyrencephalic brain of larger mammals, a hu.32 vector expressing the green fluorescent protein reporter gene was evaluated in the cat. Transduction was widely distributed in the cat brain, including in the cerebral cortex, an important target since mental retardation is an important component of many of the human neurogenetic diseases. The therapeutic potential of a hu.32 serotype vector was evaluated in the cat homologue of the human lysosomal storage disease alpha-mannosidosis, which has globally distributed lysosomal storage lesions in the brain. Treated alpha-mannosidosis cats had reduced severity of neurological signs and extended life spans compared to untreated cats. The extent of therapy was dose dependent and intra-arterial injection was more effective than intravenous delivery. Pre-mortem, non-invasive magnetic resonance spectroscopy and diffusion tensor imaging detected differences between the low and high doses, and showed normalization of grey and white matter imaging parameters at the higher dose. The imaging analysis was corroborated by post-mortem histological analysis, which showed reversal of histopathology throughout the brain with the high dose, intra-arterial treatment. The hu.32 serotype would appear to provide a significant advantage for effective treatment of the gyrencephalic brain by systemic adeno-associated virus delivery in human neurological diseases with widespread brain lesions.
Cardiomyocyte ageing and cardioprotection: consensus document from the ESC working groups cell biology of the heart and myocardial function
Authors: Ruiz-Meana Marisol , Bou-Teen Diana , Ferdinandy Péter , Gyongyosi Mariann , Pesce Maurizio , Perrino Cinzia , Schulz Rainer , Sluijter Joost P G , Tocchetti Carlo G , Thum Thomas , Madonna Rosalinda
Published: May 2020

Advanced age is a major predisposing risk factor for the incidence of coronary syndromes and comorbid conditions which impact the heart response to cardioprotective interventions. Advanced age also significantly increases the risk of developing post-ischaemic adverse remodelling and heart failure after ischaemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. Some of the signalling pathways become defective or attenuated during ageing, whereas others with well-known detrimental consequences, such as glycoxidation or proinflammatory pathways, are exacerbated. The causative mechanisms responsible for all these changes are yet to be elucidated and are a matter of active research. Here, we review the current knowledge about the pathophysiology of cardiac ageing that eventually impacts on the increased susceptibility of cells to IR injury and can affect the efficiency of cardioprotective strategies.
“Simple” Biomechanical Model for Ants Reveals How Correlated Evolution among Body Segments Minimizes Variation in Center of Mass as Heads Get Larger
Authors: Anderson Philip S L , Rivera Michael D , Suarez Andrew V
Published: May 2020

Synopsis

The field of comparative biomechanics strives to understand the diversity of the biological world through the lens of physics. To accomplish this, researchers apply a variety of modeling approaches to explore the evolution of form and function ranging from basic lever models to intricate computer simulations. While advances in technology have allowed for increasing model complexity, insight can still be gained through the use of low-parameter “simple” models. All models, regardless of complexity, are simplifications of reality and must make assumptions; “simple” models just make more assumptions than complex ones. However, “simple” models have several advantages. They allow individual parameters to be isolated and tested systematically, can be made applicable to a wide range of organisms and make good starting points for comparative studies, allowing for complexity to be added as needed. To illustrate these ideas, we perform a case study on body form and center of mass stability in ants. Ants show a wide diversity of body forms, particularly in terms of the relative size of the head, petiole(s), and gaster (the latter two make-up the segments of the abdomen not fused to thorax in hymenopterans). We use a “simple” model to explore whether balance issues pertaining to the center of mass influence patterns of segment expansion across major ant clades. Results from phylogenetic comparative methods imply that the location of the center of mass in an ant’s body is under stabilizing selection, constraining the center of mass to the middle segment (thorax) over the legs. This is potentially maintained by correlated rates of evolution between the head and gaster on either end. While these patterns arise from a model that makes several assumptions/simplifications relating to shape and materials, they still offer intriguing insights into the body plan of ants across ∼68% of their diversity. The results from our case study illustrate how “simple,” low-parameter models both highlight fundamental biomechanical trends and aid in crystalizing specific questions and hypotheses for more complex models to address.
Evaluation of an artificial intelligence clinical trial matching system in Australian lung cancer patients
Authors: Alexander Marliese , Solomon Benjamin , Ball David L , Sheerin Mimi , Dankwa-Mullan Irene , Preininger Anita M , Jackson Gretchen Purcell , Herath Dishan M
Published: May 2020

Objective

The objective of this technical study was to evaluate the performance of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based system for clinical trials matching for a cohort of lung cancer patients in an Australian cancer hospital.

Methods

A lung cancer cohort was derived from clinical data from patients attending an Australian cancer hospital. Ten phases I–III clinical trials registered on clinicaltrials.gov and open to lung cancer patients at this institution were utilized for assessments. The trial matching system performance was compared to a gold standard established by clinician consensus for trial eligibility.

Results

The study included 102 lung cancer patients. The trial matching system evaluated 7252 patient attributes (per patient median 74, range 53–100) against 11 467 individual trial eligibility criteria (per trial median 597, range 243–4132). Median time for the system to run a query and return results was 15.5 s (range 7.2–37.8). In establishing the gold standard, clinician interrater agreement was high (Cohen’s kappa 0.70–1.00). On a per-patient basis, the performance of the trial matching system for eligibility was as follows: accuracy, 91.6%; recall (sensitivity), 83.3%; precision (positive predictive value), 76.5%; negative predictive value, 95.7%; and specificity, 93.8%.

Discussion and Conclusion

The AI-based clinical trial matching system allows efficient and reliable screening of cancer patients for clinical trials with 95.7% accuracy for exclusion and 91.6% accuracy for overall eligibility assessment; however, clinician input and oversight are still required. The automated system demonstrates promise as a clinical decision support tool to prescreen a large patient cohort to identify subjects suitable for further assessment.
Artificial intelligence-based conversational agent to support medication prescribing
Authors: Preininger Anita M , South Brett , Heiland Jeff , Buchold Adam , Baca Mya , Wang Suwei , Nipper Rex , Kutub Nawshin , Bohanan Bryan , Jackson Gretchen Purcell
Published: May 2020

Objective

This article describes the system architecture, training, initial use, and performance of Watson Assistant (WA), an artificial intelligence-based conversational agent, accessible within Micromedex®.

Materials and methods

The number and frequency of intents (target of a user’s query) triggered in WA during its initial use were examined; intents triggered over 9 months were compared to the frequency of topics accessed via keyword search of Micromedex. Accuracy of WA intents assigned to 400 queries was compared to assignments by 2 independent subject matter experts (SMEs), with inter-rater reliability measured by Cohen’s kappa.

Results

In over 126 000 conversations with WA, intents most frequently triggered involved dosing (N = 30 239, 23.9%) and administration (N = 14 520, 11.5%). SMEs with substantial inter-rater agreement (kappa = 0.71) agreed with intent mapping in 247 of 400 queries (62%), including 16 queries related to content that WA and SMEs agreed was unavailable in WA. SMEs found 57 (14%) of 400 queries incorrectly mapped by WA; 112 (28%) queries unanswerable by WA included queries that were either ambiguous, contained unrecognized typographical errors, or addressed topics unavailable to WA. Of the queries answerable by WA (288), SMEs determined 231 (80%) were correctly linked to an intent.

Discussion

A conversational agent successfully linked most queries to intents in Micromedex. Ongoing system training seeks to widen the scope of WA and improve matching capabilities.

Conclusion

WA enabled Micromedex users to obtain answers to many medication-related questions using natural language, with the conversational agent facilitating mapping to a broader distribution of topics than standard keyword searches.
You Will Not Remember This: How Memory Efficacy Influences Virtuous Behavior
Authors: Touré-Tillery Maferima , Kouchaki Maryam
Published: May 2020

The present article explores the effect of memory efficacy on consumer behavior—particularly on consumer’s likelihood to behave “virtuously,” that is, in line with standards, such as ideals, values, morals, and social expectations. Memory efficacy refers to people’s general belief that they will be able to remember in the future the things they are experiencing or doing in the present. We hypothesize and find across five studies that when consumers have low-memory efficacy (vs. control), they are less likely to behave virtuously because their actions seem less consequential for their self-concept (i.e., less self-diagnostic). Using two different experimental manipulations of memory efficacy, we examine its effect on virtuous behavior in the context of prosocial choices—that is, charitable giving (study 1A) and volunteering (studies 1B and 2). We then explore our proposed underlying mechanism (perceptions of self-diagnosticity) using causal-chain mediation (studies 3A and 3B) and moderation approaches (studies 4 and 5) in the context of food choices. We conclude with a discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of our findings.
Comparing Populations of Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Regions With and Without a History of Injury to Cry3 Corn
Authors: St. Clair Coy R , Head Graham P , Gassmann Aaron J
Published: May 2020

Transgenic corn expressing insecticidal proteins derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is an important pest management tool. Western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, is a key pest of corn in the midwestern United States that has developed field-evolved resistance to all available Bt traits. The first Bt trait to be commercialized for management of rootworm was Cry3Bb1 in 2003, and field-evolved resistance appeared in 2009. In this study, we examined fields in counties where greater-than-expected injury to Cry3 (Cry3Bb1 or mCry3A) corn roots (>1 node) had previously been reported (problem counties) and counties where injury had not been reported (non-problem counties). Four to eight fields were sampled per county in 2015, 2016, and 2017 to quantify rootworm abundance, root injury, Cry3Bb1resistance, and rootworm management strategies. Rootworm abundance, root injury, and resistance to Cry3Bb1 did not differ between county types. Management tactics differed between county types, with problem counties growing more corn, using more soil insecticide, and growing more Cry34/35Ab1 corn. Additionally, a comparison of root injury to Bt and non-Bt corn within fields indicated that farmers derived an economic benefit from planting Bt corn to manage corn rootworm. Our results suggest that rootworm populations are similar between problem and non-problem counties in Iowa due to similar levels of selection pressure on Cry3 corn, but problem county fields have applied more management tactics due to previous rootworm issues in the area.
Single-Index Expectile Models for Estimating Conditional Value at Risk and Expected Shortfall
Authors: Jiang Rong , Hu Xueping , Yu Keming
Published: May 2020

This article develops a single-index approach for modeling the expectile-based value at risk (EVaR). EVaR has an advantage over the conventional quantile-based VaR (QVaR) of being more sensitive to the magnitude of extreme losses. EVaR can also be used for calculating QVaR and expected shortfall (ES) by exploiting the one-to-one mapping from expectiles to quantiles and the relationship between VaR and ES. We develop an asymmetric least squares technique for estimating the unknown regression parameter and link function in a single-index model, and establish the asymptotic normality of the resultant estimators. Simulation studies and real data applications are conducted to illustrate the finite sample performance of the proposed methods.
Pronghorn population genomics show connectivity in the core of their range
Authors: LaCava Melanie E F , Gagne Roderick B , Stowell Sierra M Love , Gustafson Kyle D , Buerkle C Alex , Knox Lee , Ernest Holly B
Published: May 2020

Preserving connectivity in the core of a species’ range is crucial for long-term persistence. However, a combination of ecological characteristics, social behavior, and landscape features can reduce connectivity among wildlife populations and lead to genetic structure. Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), for example, exhibit fluctuating herd dynamics and variable seasonal migration strategies, but GPS tracking studies show that landscape features such as highways impede their movements, leading to conflicting hypotheses about expected levels of genetic structure. Given that pronghorn populations declined significantly in the early 1900s, have only partially recovered, and are experiencing modern threats from landscape modification, conserving connectivity among populations is important for their long-term persistence in North America. To assess the genetic structure and diversity of pronghorn in the core of their range, we genotyped 4,949 genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms and 11 microsatellites from 398 individuals throughout the state of Wyoming. We found no evidence of genetic subdivision and minimal evidence of isolation by distance despite a range that spans hundreds of kilometers, multiple mountain ranges, and three interstate highways. In addition, a rare variant analysis using putatively recent mutations found no genetic division between pronghorn on either side of a major highway corridor. Although we found no evidence that barriers to daily and seasonal movements of pronghorn impede gene flow, we suggest periodic monitoring of genetic structure and diversity as a part of management strategies to identify changes in connectivity.
Trends in the Incidence of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma in All 50 United States Examined Through an Age-Period-Cohort Analysis
Authors: da Costa Wilson L , Oluyomi Abiodun O , Thrift Aaron P
Published: May 2020

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a major contributor to cancer-related mortality in the United States. We aimed to investigate trends in incidence rates from all 50 states from 2001 to 2016, overall and by race, sex, and state and using age-period-cohort analyses.

Methods

Age-adjusted incidence rates and trends in adults aged 35 years and older were calculated using data from the US Cancer Statistics registry. We used joinpoint regression to compute annual percent changes (APC) and average annual percent changes. We also analyzed incidence trends by age groups and birth cohorts through age-period-cohort modeling.

Results

Age-standardized incidence rates increased by 1.23% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.92% to 1.54%) annually between 2001 and 2008 but were stable between 2008 and 2016 (APC = 0.11%, 95% CI = -0.13% to 0.35%). APCs and inflection points were no different for men and women. Rates increased statistically significantly among non-Hispanic whites (NHW) and non-Hispanic blacks between 2001 and 2007 and between 2001 and 2008, respectively, but, in later years, rates increased slowly among NHWs (APC = 0.36%, 95% CI = 0.12% to 0.60%), and were stable among non-Hispanic blacks (APC = -0.40%, 95% CI = -0.89% to 0.10%). The number of states with age-standardized incidence rates no less than 20.4 per 100 000 increased from 16 in 2001–2003 to 40 by 2015–2016. We found a strong birth cohort effect in both men and women and increasing rates among successive birth cohorts of NHWs.

Conclusions

The incidence of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma has consistently increased in the United States, albeit at slower rates recently. We observed notable increases among NHWs and in some states in the central and southern part of the country.
Multiple Whole Chromosomal Gains Define Angiomatous Meningiomas and Are Absent From the Tumor Vasculature
Authors: Ahrendsen Jared T , Hsu Nancy , Wolf Zena , Bryke Christine , Varma Hemant
Published: May 2020

Angiomatous meningioma is a variant with prominent vascularity that can mimic other highly vascularized tumors and present diagnostic challenges. Unlike most meningioma variants, where NF2 gene loss on chromosome 22 is the most common genetic abnormality, angiomatous meningiomas are unique in having multiple whole chromosome gains (polysomies). We analyzed 38 meningiomas, 9 angiomatous (including 2 atypical and 1 anaplastic), and 29 nonangiomatous meningiomas, using array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). Angiomatous meningiomas showed multiple chromosomal alterations including polysomies and copy neutral loss of heterozygosity in comparison to nonangiomatous variants. The most frequent gains were of chromosomes 5 and 20 (100% and 89% of cases, respectively); none showed chromosome 22 loss. Furthermore, using fluorescence in situ hybridization we show that the vasculature lacked chromosomal polysomy. While generally benign, we present 2 grade II and the first cytogenetically confirmed grade III angiomatous meningioma, demonstrating their potentially aggressive behavior. Thus, multiple polysomies define angiomatous meningioma and aCGH can distinguish this variant from nonangiomatous meningiomas and other histological mimics in diagnostically challenging cases. Furthermore, the prominent vasculature is not neoplastic and likely induced by angiogenic factors. Together, these findings suggest a distinct tumorigenic pathway in angiomatous meningiomas.
Coronal Correction Using Kickstand Rods for Adult Thoracolumbar/Lumbar Scoliosis: Case Series With Analysis of Early Outcomes and Complications
Authors: Buell Thomas J , Christiansen Peter A , Nguyen James H , Chen Ching-Jen , Yen Chun-Po , Shaffrey Christopher I , Smith Justin S
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

The “kickstand rod technique” has been recently described for achieving and maintaining coronal correction in adult spinal deformity (ASD). Kickstand rods span scoliotic lumbar spine from the thoracolumbar junction proximally to a “kickstand iliac screw” distally. Using the iliac wing as a base, kickstand distraction produces powerful corrective forces. Limited literature exists for this technique, and its associated outcomes and complications are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To assess alignment changes, early outcomes, and complications associated with kickstand rod distraction for ASD.

METHODS

Consecutive ASD patients treated with kickstand distraction at our institution were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

The cohort comprised 19 patients (mean age: 67 yr; 79% women; 63% prior fusion) with mean follow-up 21 wk (range: 2-72 wk). All patients had posterior-only approach surgery with tri-iliac fixation (third iliac screw for the kickstand) for mean fusion length 12 levels. Three-column osteotomy and lumbar transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion were performed in 5 (26%) and 15 (79%) patients, respectively. Postoperative alignment improved significantly (coronal balance: 8 to 1 cm [P < .001]; major curve: 37° to 12° [P < .001]; fractional curve: 20° to 10° [P < .001]; sagittal balance: 11 to 4 cm [P < .001]; pelvic incidence to lumbar lordosis mismatch: 38° to 9° [P < .001]). Pain Numerical Rating Scale scores improved significantly (back: 7.2 to 4.2 [P = .001]; leg: 5.9 to 1.7 [P = .001]). No instrumentation complications occurred. Motor weakness persisted in 1 patient. There were 3 reoperations (1-PJK, 1-wound dehiscence, and 1-overcorrection).

CONCLUSION

Among 19 ASD patients treated with kickstand rod distraction, alignment, and back/leg pain improved significantly following surgery. Complication rates were reasonable.
Cottonoid Sliders: A Simple and Cost-Effective Tool for Retractorless Intracranial Surgery
Authors: Shao Jianning , Borghei-Razavi Hamid , Kshettry Varun R , Lim Michael , Recinos Pablo F
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Retraction injury can result in significant complications during intracranial operations. Alternative surgical techniques to minimize retraction pressure and duration of retraction can minimize the risk of retraction injury. We describe the use of a cottonoid “slider,” which is a simple, cost-effective modification of a commonly used cottonoid, in multiple applications.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

The cottonoid sliders are constructed preoperatively by overlaying an adhesive plastic incision drape on one side of a dry cottonoid patty and trimming the edges to fit the form of the cottonoid. Intraoperatively, the sliders can slide across the parenchymal surface atraumatically and are used for gentle retraction to expose desired areas. In addition, suction may be placed on the slider to clear fluid from the operative view. The plastic side of the slider prevents adherence to the parenchymal surface. Retractorless surgical techniques have been developed to minimize risk of retractor associated injury in intracranial surgery by reducing retraction pressure and duration. Given that the cottonoid sliders glide along the parenchyma, do not stick, and are used for dynamic retraction, the main objectives to minimize retraction injury can be met while not compromising operative efficiency.

CONCLUSION

Cottonoid sliders are a simple and cost-effective method of providing gentle exposure during intracranial surgery. This technique represents a valuable and cost-effective addition to the neurosurgical armamentarium.
Surgical Challenges Associated With Anterior Choroidal Artery Aneurysm Clipping: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Hendricks Benjamin K , Spetzler Robert F
Published: May 2020

Surgical treatment of anterior choroidal artery (AChA) aneurysms is challenging because of the constrained operative corridor and limitations imparted by the surrounding rigid structures during the exposure. The AChA most commonly arises as a single branch from the communicating (C7) segment of the internal carotid artery but has 2 to 4 branches in approximately one-third of cases, and aneurysms generally arise from the parent vessel interface with these branches. This patient experienced a sentinel headache 4 d before presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The patient had a large right AChA aneurysm with a unique configuration in which the parent vessel was located anterior to the aneurysm. Endovascular therapy was aborted because there was an AChA branch at the base of the aneurysm. An orbitozygomatic craniotomy was performed that provided transsylvian access to the region of interest. Clip application was challenging because of the close proximity of the branch vessels. Intraoperative indocyanine green evaluation and postoperative angiogram showed patency of the AChA and posterior communicating artery. This video demonstrates the surgical challenge associated with AChA aneurysms because of the proximity of adjacent structures and highlights the importance of meticulous technique during clip application. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.
First detection of two superoutbursts during the rebrightening phase of a WZ Sge-type dwarf nova: TCP J21040470+4631129
Authors: Tampo Yusuke , Naoto Kojiguchi , Isogai Keisuke , Kato Taichi , Kimura Mariko , Wakamatsu Yasuyuki , Nogami Daisaku , Vanmunster Tonny , Tordai Tamás , Akazawa Hidehiko , Mugas Felipe , Nishiumi Taku , Béjar Víctor J S , Kawauchi Kiyoe , Crouzet Nicolas , Watanabe Noriharu , Casasayas-Barris Núria , Terada Yuka , Fukui Akihiko , Narita Norio , Palle Enric , Tamura Motohide , Kusakabe Nobuhiko , Alonso Roi , Itoh Hiroshi , Sokolovsky Kirill , McIntyre Brandon , Leahy-McGregor Jesse , Brincat Stephen M , Dubovsky Pavol A , Medulka Tomáš , Kudzej Igor , Pavlenko Elena P , Antonyuk Kirill A , Pit Nikolaj V , Antonyuk Oksana I , Babina Julia V , Baklanov Aleksei V , Sklyanov Aleksander S , Zubareva Alexandra M , Belinski Aleksandr A , Dodin Alexandr V , Burlak Marina A , Ikonnikova Natalia P , Mishin Egor O , Potanin Sergey A , Miller Ian , Richmond Michael , Pickard Roger D , Galdies Charles , Mizutani Masanori , Menzies Kenneth , Stone Geoffrey , Ruiz Javier
Published: May 2020

We report on photometric and spectroscopic observations and analysis of the 2019 superoutburst of TCP J21040470+4631129. This object showed a 9 mag superoutburst with early superhumps and ordinary superhumps, which are the features of WZ Sge-type dwarf novae. Five rebrightenings were observed after the main superoutburst. The spectra during the post-superoutburst stage showed Balmer, He i, and possible sodium doublet features. The mass ratio is derived as 0.0880(9) from the period of the superhump. During the third and fifth rebrightenings, growing superhumps and superoutbursts were observed, which have never been detected during a rebrightening phase among WZ Sge-type dwarf novae with multiple rebrightenings. To induce a superoutburst during the brightening phase, the accretion disk needs to have expanded beyond the 3 : 1 resonance radius of the system again after the main superoutburst. These peculiar phenomena can be explained by the enhanced viscosity and large radius of the accretion disk suggested by the higher luminosity and the presence of late-stage superhumps during the post-superoutburst stage, plus by more mass supply from the cool mass reservoir and/or from the secondary because of the enhanced mass transfer than those of other WZ Sge-type dwarf novae.
Sialendoscopy increases saliva secretion and reduces xerostomia up to 60 weeks in Sjögren’s syndrome patients: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Karagozoglu K Hakki , Vissink Arjan , Forouzanfar Tim , de Visscher Jan G A M , Maarse Floor , Brand Henk S , van de Ven Peter M , Jager Derk H Jan
Published: May 2020

Objective

To assess the effect of sialendoscopy of the major salivary glands on salivary flow and xerostomia in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome (SS).

Methods

Forty-five patients with SS were randomly assigned to a control group (no irrigation, control, n = 15), to irrigation of the major salivary glands with saline (saline, n = 15) or to irrigation with saline followed by corticosteroid application (triamcinolone acetonide in saline, saline/TA, n = 15). Unstimulated whole saliva flow (UWSF), chewing-stimulated whole saliva flow (SWSF), citric acid-stimulated parotid flow, Clinical Oral Dryness Score (CODS), Xerostomia Inventory (XI) and EULAR SS Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI) scores were obtained 1 week before (T0), and 1, 8, 16, 24, 36, 48 and 60 weeks after sialendoscopy. Data were analysed using linear mixed models.

Results

Irrespective of the irrigation protocol used, sialendoscopy resulted in an increased salivary flow during follow-up up to 60 weeks. Significant between-group differences in the longitudinal course of outcomes were found for UWSF, SWSF, XI and ESSPRI scores (P = 0.028, P = 0.001, P = 0.03, P = 0.021, respectively). UWSF at 60 weeks was higher compared with T0 in the saline group (median: 0.14 vs median: 0.10, P = 0.02) and in the saline/TA group (median: 0.20, vs 0.13, P = 0.035). In the saline/TA group SWSF at 48 weeks was higher compared with T0 (median: 0.74 vs 0.38, P = 0.004). Increase in unstimulated salivary flow was also reflected in improved CODS, XI and ESSPRI scores compared with baseline.

Conclusion

Irrigation of the major salivary glands in patients with SS increases salivary flow and reduces xerostomia.
Comparing two facets of emotion perception across multiple neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Brown Casey L , Hua Alice Y , De Coster Lize , Sturm Virginia E , Kramer Joel H , Rosen Howard J , Miller Bruce L , Levenson Robert W
Published: May 2020

Deficits in emotion perception (the ability to infer others’ emotions accurately) can occur as a result of neurodegeneration. It remains unclear how different neurodegenerative diseases affect different forms of emotion perception. The present study compares performance on a dynamic tracking task of emotion perception (where participants track the changing valence of a film character’s emotions) with performance on an emotion category labeling task (where participants label specific emotions portrayed by film characters) across seven diagnostic groups (N = 178) including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA), non-fluent variant primary progressive aphasia (nfvPPA), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal syndrome and healthy controls. Consistent with hypotheses, compared to controls, the bvFTD group was impaired on both tasks. The svPPA group was impaired on the emotion labeling task, whereas the nfvPPA, PSP and AD groups were impaired on the dynamic tracking task. Smaller volumes in bilateral frontal and left insular regions were associated with worse labeling, whereas smaller volumes in bilateral medial frontal, temporal and right insular regions were associated with worse tracking. Findings suggest labeling and tracking facets of emotion perception are differentially affected across neurodegenerative diseases due to their unique neuroanatomical correlates.
The integration of social and neural synchrony: a case for ecologically valid research using MEG neuroimaging
Authors: Levy Jonathan , Lankinen Kaisu , Hakonen Maria , Feldman Ruth
Published: May 2020

The recent decade has seen a shift from artificial and environmentally deprived experiments in neuroscience to real-life studies on multiple brains in interaction, coordination and synchrony. In these new interpersonal synchrony experiments, there has been a growing trend to employ naturalistic social interactions to evaluate mechanisms underlying synchronous neuronal communication. Here, we emphasize the importance of integrating the assessment of neural synchrony with measurement of nonverbal behavioral synchrony as expressed in various social contexts: relaxed social interactions, planning a joint pleasurable activity, conflict discussion, invocation of trauma, or support giving and assess the integration of neural and behavioral synchrony across developmental stages and psychopathological conditions. We also showcase the advantages of magnetoencephalography neuroimaging as a promising tool for studying interactive neural synchrony and consider the challenge of ecological validity at the expense of experimental rigor. We review recent evidence of rhythmic information flow between brains in interaction and conclude with addressing state-of-the-art developments that may contribute to advance research on brain-to-brain coordination to the next level.
Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae among Children with Acute Febrile Illness, in Gorakhpur, India
Authors: Khan Siraj A , Bora Trishna , Thangaraj Jeromie Wesley Vivian , Murhekar Manoj V
Published: May 2020

Seasonal outbreaks of acute encephalitis syndrome have been occurring in Gorakhpur division in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh during monsoon and post-monsoon months. Orientia tsutsugamushi was identified as the major aetiology of these outbreaks. Orientia tsutsugamushi was also identified as one of the important aetiology of febrile illness among children attending peripheral health facilities. The present study was undertaken to detect antibodies against spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) and typhus group rickettsiae (TGR) among children with acute febrile illness presenting at peripheral health facilities in Gorakhpur district. Of the 224 blood samples tested, SFGR infection was detected in 13 (6%) patients. None of the samples tested positive for TGR.
Factors Associated with Access and Use of PPE during COVID-19: A Cross-sectional Study of Italian Physicians
Authors: Savoia E , Argentini G , Gori D , Neri E , Piltch-Loeb R , Fantini MP
Published: May 2020

Objectives

During the course of the Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, Italy has reported one of the highest number of infections. Nearly ten percent of reported coronavirus infections in Italy occurred in healthcare workers. This study aimed to understand physicians’ access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and to information about their use, risk perception and strategies adopted to prevent contracting the infection.

Methods

We undertook a cross-sectional, online self-reported survey implemented between March 31 and April 5 2020 of Italian physicians.

Results

Responses were received from 529 physicians, only 13% of which reported to have access to PPE every time they need them. Approximately half of the physicians reported that the information received about the use of PPE was either clear (47%) or complete (54%). Risk perception about contracting the infection was influenced by receiving adequate information on the use of PPE. Access to adequate information on the use of PPE was associated with better ability to perform donning and doffing procedures [OR=2.2 95% C.I. 1.7–2.8] and reduced perception of risk [OR=0.5, 95% C.I. 0.4–0.6].

Conclusions

Results from this rapid survey indicate that while ramping up supplies on PPE for healthcare workers is certainly of mandatory importance, adequate training and clear instructions are just as important.
The role of repeat training in participants undertaking take home naloxone interventions
Authors: Bravo Maria , Monds Lauren , Mills Llewellyn , Read Phillip , Harrod Mary Ellen , Nielsen Suzanne , Jauncey Marianne , Rivas Consuelo , Malcolm Annie , Gilliver Rosie , Lintzeris Nicholas
Published: May 2020

Introduction and Aims

Training of consumers is seen as a necessary component of take home naloxone (THN) interventions, with demonstrated improvements in consumer knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy. However, we query whether re-training is necessary component for individuals renewing naloxone supplies who have previously completed a THN intervention.

Design and Methods

A secondary analysis of the Overdose Response and Take Home Naloxone (ORTHN) project, comparing participant characteristics, and changes in knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy regarding overdose and response, following a brief THN intervention in participants who had previously undertaken THN interventions, compared to those with no prior THN interventions. Data was analysed for those completing both baseline (pre-ORTHN intervention) and follow up (3-months later).

Results

Ninety-four participants completed both research interviews, of whom 29 (31%) had previously completed a THN intervention. There were few differences in baseline demographics or overdose histories between the two groups. Knowledge regarding overdose response and naloxone use indicated high baseline levels in both groups. Those with no prior THN training had lower rates of self-efficacy at baseline, and significantly improved following the ORTHN intervention, whereas those with prior THN training had higher baseline levels of self-efficacy, which was maintained following the intervention.

Discussion and Conclusions

Individuals who have previously undertaken a THN intervention may not require repeat training when renewing naloxone supplies, increasing the efficiency of THN interventions.
Seroprevalence of COVID-19 virus infection in Guilan province, Iran
Authors: Shakiba Maryam , Hashemi Nazari Seyed Saeed , Mehrabian Fardin , Rezvani Seyed Mahmoud , Ghasempour Zahra , Heidarzadeh Abtin
Published: May 2020

Background

The extent of infection by coronavirus disease 2019 has not been well known. In this study we aimed to determine seropositivity of COVID-19 virus infection in population of a highly affected area in north of Iran.

Methods

In a population-based cluster random sampling design through phone call invitation, a total of 196 household including 551 subjects agreed to participate in this study. Each participant were taken 50ml blood sample at health care center. Rapid test kits were used to detect antibody against COVID-19. Crude, population-weight adjusted and test performance adjusted prevalence of antibody seropositivity to SARS-CoV-2 were reported.

Results

The prevalence of antibody seropositivity was 22% (95%CI: 19-26%). The population weight adjusted estimate was 21% (95%CI: 14-29%) and test performance adjusted prevalence was 33% (95%CI: 28-39%). Based on these estimates the range of infected people in this province would be between 518000 and 777000.

Conclusion

The population seropositivity prevalence of COVID-19 virus infection indicated that the asymptomatic infection is much higher than the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19. This estimate can be used to better detect infection fatality rate and decide for public policy guidelines.
New S.I.R. model used in the projection of COVID 19 cases in Brazil
Authors: Freitas Augusto S. , Lacrose Sandes Silvio S. , Silva Leonardo S.
Published: May 2020

In this work, we proposed a variant of the SIR model, taking as based on models used to describe the epidemic outbreak in South Korea and Portugal, to study the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic curve in Brazil. The model presented here describes with reasonable agreement the number of COVID-19 cases registered in Brazil between February 26 and April 25, 2020 based on the hypothesis that there a large number no notified cases (11 to 1) and variation in contagion rate according to social isolation measures and greater or lesser exposure to the virus (highest rate in beginning from epidemic). To this end, we introduced an exposure factor, called β1/β2, which allows us to describe the influence of factors such as social isolation on dispersal from disease. The results also corroborate a phenomenon observed in countries that registered a high growth in cases in short period of time, to example of Italy, Spain and USA: if isolation measures are imposed late, the total number of cases explodes when the epidemic is approaching from peak, which implies a higher exposure rate in the first days of case registration. The model also predicts that the peak epidemic outbreak in Brazil, based on the number of cases, will occur around May 20, 2020.