bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introducing patient‐reported outcome in the acute leukemia quality registries in Sweden
Authors: Lennmyr Emma Bergfelt , Karlsson Karin , Abrahamsson Marie , Ebrahim Fereshte , Lübking Anna , Höglund Martin , Juliusson Gunnar , Hallböök Heléne
Published: February 2020

Objectives

The use of patient‐reported outcome (PRO) measured outside clinical trials is not well defined. We report the first analysis of the prospective PRO study within the Swedish acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) registries.

Methods

PRO was requested 6 months after diagnosis. The EORTC Quality of life Questionnaire Core 30‐item, the Patient Health Questionnaire‐8 (PHQ‐8), and questions from a Swedish National Cancer Questionnaire were used.

Results

An invitation letter was sent to 398 patients; 255 (64%) responded, 60% web‐based, and 40% on paper. The ALL cohort had lower physical, role and social functioning, higher symptom burden, and more financial difficulties compared to the AML cohort. A PHQ‐8 score ≥ 10p, which indicates depression, was reported in 18% of the patients; 33% of these patients reported being prescribed antidepressants. The patients' overall experience of care was satisfying, but more psychological and practical support was desired. There was no difference in survival between patients who reported their PRO and those who did not. Follow‐up at 2 and 4 years is ongoing.

Conclusions

PRO collected in a registry‐based setting is feasible, but the selection of time points and questionnaires are delicate in a diverse patient population.
Territory establishment, song learning strategies and survival in song sparrows
Authors: Akçay Çağlar , Campbell S. Elizabeth , Darling Saethra , Beecher Michael D.
Published: February 2020

In most songbirds, the processes of song learning and territory establishment overlap in the early life and a young bird usually winds up with songs matching those of his territorial neighbors in his first breeding season. In the present study, we examined the relationships among the timing of territory establishment, the pattern of song learning and territorial success in a sedentary population of song sparrows (Melospiza melodia). Males in this population tend to learn their songs from their neighbors and consequently they show high song sharing with neighbors and use these shared songs preferentially in interactions with them. Males also show significant variation in the timing of territory establishment, ranging from their natal summer to the next spring. Using a three‐year dataset, we found that the timing of territory establishment did not systematically affect the composition of the song repertoire of the tutee: early establishers and late establishers learned equally as much from their primary tutors and had a similar number of tutors and similar repertoire sizes, nor did timing of territory establishment affect subsequent survival on territory. Therefore, the song‐learning program of song sparrows seems versatile enough to lead to high song sharing even for birds that establish territories relatively late.
Use of a jugular vein model for the instruction of equine intravenous catheter placement by third‐and fourth‐year veterinary students
Authors: Hobbs K. J. , Johnson P. J. , Scharf M. E. , Cross D. T. , Wallace L. L.
Published: February 2020

Successful placement of an i.v. catheter in horses is a core competency required by the AVMA COE accreditation policy (section 7.11, #2,#3,#5). Therefore, we determined whether the use of a novel intravenous (i.v.) catheter placement training tool would improve confidence, time to successful placement and accuracy with which third‐ and fourth‐year veterinary students acquire competence regarding this skill in adult horses. Students lacking earlier experience with i.v. catheter placement in horses were randomly assigned to either Group 1 (n = 15) or 2 (n = 10). Students with prior experience with the technique were assigned to Group 3 (n = 14). Group 1 students were instructed on i.v. catheter placement using the model and then assessed using a live horse. Group 2 students were instructed on i.v. catheter placement using a live horse and then assessed using a live horse. Group 3 students were assessed using a live horse. Assessments included number of placement attempts, number of redirects and time needed to achieve correct intraluminal placement. Student perceptions regarding the use of this model for the purpose of learning i.v. catheter placement in horses were evaluated using a questionnaire. Results of this study demonstrated that students receiving initial instruction with the model achieved better scores in terms of both time to accomplish the task and accuracy for catheter placement in a live horse when compared with students that received their first instruction on a live horse. The use of this i.v. catheter placement training tool therefore served to lessen the cost of training and to minimise animal discomfort during this component of veterinary student training.
A guide to regulation of the formation of biomolecular condensates
Authors: Bratek‐Skicki Anna , Pancsa Rita , Meszaros Balint , Van Lindt Joris , Tompa Peter
Published: February 2020

Cellular organelles that lack a surrounding lipid bilayer, such as the nucleolus and stress granule, represent a newly recognized, general paradigm of cellular organization. The formation of such biomolecular condensates that include ‘membraneless organelles’ (MLOs) by liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) has been in the focus of a surge of recent studies. Through a combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches, thousands of potential phase‐separating proteins have been identified, and it was found that different cellular MLOs share many common components. These perplexing observations raise the question of how cells regulate the timing and specificity of LLPS, and ensure that different MLOs form and disperse at the right moment and cellular location and can preserve their identity and physical separation. This guide gives an overview of basic regulatory mechanisms, which manifest through the action of intrinsic regulatory elements, alternative splicing, post‐translational modifications, and a broad range of phase‐separating partners. We also elaborate on the cellular integration of these different mechanisms and highlight how complex regulation can orchestrate the parallel functioning of a dozen or so different MLOs in the cell.
Cut‐and‐chip harvester material capacity and fuel performance on commercial‐scale willow fields for varying ground and crop conditions
Authors: Eisenbies Mark H. , Volk Timothy A. , de Souza Daniel P. L. , Hallen Karl W.
Published: February 2020

Shrub willow (Salixspp.) is capable of producing commercially attractive amounts of biomass in short rotations, but harvesting costs and logistics remain a concern. There is a particular need for information about harvesting operations on larger, commercial short‐rotation woody crop systems. Another recent issue on commercial fields in northern New York is commercial growers conducting harvests during the growing season rather than the recommended dormant season when fields may be too wet to harvest. This study evaluated and modeled the in‐field performance of a cut‐and‐chip harvester for almost 700 wagonloads of chips operating in commercial willow fields in a wider array of crop and field conditions than have been previously reported. Analysis indicated that the time of harvest (leaf‐on or leaf‐off) and whether site conditions were wet or dry affected the harvester's material capacity. Mean material capacity was greatest for leaf‐off, dry conditions (71.8 Mg/hr) and lowest for leaf‐on harvests, which were similar for wet (30.4 Mg/hr) and dry conditions (29.7 Mg/hr). Mean crop specific fuel consumption ranged between 1.3 and 3.3 L/Mg, but can get considerably higher for standing biomasses below 40 Mg/ha. Wet ground conditions and leaf‐on harvests tend to decrease material capacity and increase fuel consumption as the harvester has to divert power to forward movement and material processing. Relationships for material capacity and fuel consumption based on standing biomass, time of harvest and ground conditions will be essential for evaluating and modeling the economic and environmental impacts of commercial‐scale willow operations.
Fallacies in World City Network Measurement*
Authors: Neal Zachary P.
Published: February 2020

In a 2020 Geographical Analysis paper, Pazitka, Wójcik, and Knight aimed to examine and challenge the validity of office‐location approaches for modeling intercity business flows. Their argument proceeded in three steps: (1) critique the office location approach and specifically the interlocking world city network model (IWCNM), (2) introduce their own inter‐organizational project approach (IOPA) as an alternative, then (3) assert the validity of the IOPA and invalidity of the IWCNM. In this commentary, I discuss how they fail to achieve their aim because each step of this argument involves a logical fallacy.
Eternity and the Future: A Critique of the Plotinian Myth in Pannenberg’s Theology
Authors: Lee Sang Hoon
Published: February 2020

For Pannenberg, the eschatological future is considered as the locus where the ultimate causation lies. Such an idea shapes Pannenberg’s doctrinal accounts of Christ and the Trinity in an idiosyncratic way. However, as this article will indicate, the idea is derived from the Plotinian myth that time can become a whole and so a vessel of divine infinity when it reaches the End. Dispensing with the faulty assumption but retaining the concept of the priority of the future, this article will argue that divine eternity as the totality can engage with history directly at any point of time, without a detour via the eschaton.
Germinal centers and autoantibodies
Authors: Young Clara , Brink Robert
Published: February 2020

Preventing self‐reactive lymphocytes from participating in effector responses is fundamental to maintaining immunological self‐tolerance and circumventing autoimmunity. A range of complementary mechanisms are known to act upon the primary B‐ and T‐cell repertoires to this effect, eliminating or silencing lymphocytes expressing self‐reactive antigen receptors generated through V(D)J recombination in early lymphoid precursors. In the case of B cells, secondary diversification of antigen receptor repertoire by somatic hypermutation (SHM) provides an additional challenge, especially because this occurs in germinal center (GC) B cells that are actively responding to antigen and primed for differentiation into antibody‐producing plasma cells. While it is clear that self‐tolerance mechanisms do act to prevent antibody production by self‐reactive GC B cells, it is also apparent that most pathogenic autoantibodies carry somatic mutations and so have derived from a GC response. Recent advances in the analysis of autoantibody‐producing cells associated with human autoimmune diseases together with insights gained from animal models have increased our understanding of the relationships between GCs, SHM and autoantibody production. Here we discuss these developments and focus in particular on how they have illuminated the genesis and pathogenesis of one archetypal autoantibody, rheumatoid factor.
When and why does emotional design foster learning? Evidence for situational interest as a mediator of increased persistence
Authors: Endres Tino , Weyreter Steffen , Renkl Alexander , Eitel Alexander
Published: February 2020

Multiple studies have revealed the beneficial effects of emotional design on affective or motivational factors but not often on learning outcomes. We, therefore, tested one important boundary condition: the duration of the learning episode. For the implementation of emotional design, we used the video format of sketched explanation videos, which is particularly popular on online video platforms. We tested the hypothesis that emotional design is beneficial for learning but only in the later phases of studying (sustained learning). This learning benefit is mediated via triggered and maintained situational interest. Seventy‐nine students took part in a two‐group between‐subjects design. Students learned from one of two videos (16 min): either a neutral video that followed cognitive design principles or an emotional‐designed video that was based on the neutral video but enriched with emotional design elements (e.g., personalized frame story, warm colours, and tender voice). In line with our hypothesis, the emotional design led to triggered situational interest, leading to a higher maintained situational interest, which in turn fostered performance in the third (final) study phase but not in the two previous ones. Our results suggest that emotional design's positive effects are detectable especially (or only) during prolonged study situations in which motivational factors may play a more critical role. This study thus provides a potential explanation for mixed effects from previous research in this study field.

Lay Description

What is already known about this topic

Many explanatory videos on video platforms use live sketching as emotional design.

Emotional design influences affective or motivational factors in previous studies.

These affective effects rarely translated into better learning outcomes.

This mixed pattern of results of emotional design suggests boundary conditions.

What this paper adds

Emotional design improves learning in longer learning sessions.

These beneficial effects were driven by situational interest.

This process analysis suggests situational interest as an explanatory mechanism.

Learning session length seems to explain previously ambiguous result patterns.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Live sketching videos can be used to implement emotional design.

Emotional design would be of particular benefit in longer‐learning sessions.

Emotional design is particularly promising in self‐guided learning arrangements.
Impact of wearable cardioverter‐defibrillator compliance on outcomes in the VEST trial: As‐treated and per‐protocol analyses
Authors: Olgin Jeffrey E. , Lee Byron K. , Vittinghoff Eric , Morin Daniel P. , Zweibel Steven , Rashba Eric , Chung Eugene H. , Borggrefe Martin , Hulley Stephen , Lin Feng , Hue Trisha F. , Pletcher Mark J.
Published: February 2020

Background

Vest Prevention of Early Sudden Death Trial did not demonstrate a significant reduction in arrhythmic death with the wearable cardioverter‐defibrillator (WCD), but compliance with the device may have substantially affected the results. ThePletcher influence of WCD compliance on outcomes has not yet been fully evaluated.

Methods

Using linear and pooled logistic models, we performed as‐treated analyses omitting person‐time in the hospital and adjusted for correlates of WCD compliance. To assess the impact of early stopping of WCD, we performed a per‐protocol Kaplan‐Meier analysis, censoring after the last day the WCD was worn. Interactions of potential effect modifiers with treatment assignment and WCD compliance on outcomes were investigated. Finally, we used linear models to identify predictors of WCD compliance.

Results

A per‐protocol analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in total (P < .001) and arrhythmic (P = .001) mortality. Better WCD compliance was independently predicted by cardiac arrest during index myocardial infarction (MI), higher Cr, diabetes, prior heart failure, EF ≤ 25%, Polish enrolling center and number of WCD alarms, while worse compliance was predicted by being divorced, Asian race, higher body mass index, prior percutaneous coronary intervention, or any WCD shock. Neither excluding time in hospital from the as‐treated analysis nor adjustment for factors affecting WCD compliance materially changed the results. No variable demonstrated a significant interaction in either the intention‐to‐treat or as‐treated analysis.

Conclusion

Robust sensitivity analyses of as‐treated and per‐protocol analyses suggest that the WCD is protective in compliant patients with ejection fraction less than or equal to 35% during the first 3 months post‐MI.
Dronedarone treatment following cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter: A post hoc analysis of the EURIDIS and ADONIS trials
Authors: Thind Munveer , Crijns Harry J. , Naccarelli Gerald V. , Reiffel James A. , Corp dit Genti Valérie , Wieloch Mattias , Koren Andrew , Kowey Peter R.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

The phase 3 EURIDIS and ADONIS studies evaluated dronedarone for atrial fibrillation (AF)/atrial flutter (AFL) recurrence in patients with nonpermanent AF. Here we assessed whether patient characteristics and/or treatment outcomes in these studies differed based on the need for cardioversion before randomization.

Methods

Time to adjudicated first AF/AFL recurrence, symptomatic recurrence, cardiovascular hospitalization/death, and AF hospitalization, and safety were assessed by cardioversion status.

Results

Of 1237 patients randomized (2:1 dronedarone:placebo), 364 required baseline cardioversion (dronedarone 243, placebo 121). Patients requiring cardioversion had a greater prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities and shorter times to first AF/AFL recurrence compared with those not requiring cardioversion. Dronedarone was associated with longer median time to first AF/AFL recurrence vs placebo regardless of cardioversion status (cardioversion: 50 vs 15 days, hazard ratio [HR] 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59‐0.97; P = .02; non‐cardioversion: 150 vs 77 days, HR 0.76; 95% CI, 0.64‐0.90; P < .01). Dronedarone was similarly associated with prolonged median time to symptomatic recurrence vs placebo in the cardioversion (347 vs 87 days, HR 0.65; 95% CI, 0.49‐0.87) and non‐cardioversion (288 vs 120 days, HR 0.74; 95% CI, 0.62‐0.90) populations. Risk of cardiovascular hospitalization/death and first AF hospitalization was lower with dronedarone vs placebo regardless of cardioversion status, but differences were not statistically significant. The safety of dronedarone was similar in both groups.

Conclusion

Patients requiring baseline cardioversion represent a distinct population, having more underlying cardiovascular disease and experiencing a shorter time to AF/AFL recurrences. Dronedarone was associated with improved efficacy vs placebo regardless of cardioversion status.
Effect of Helicobacter pylori infection and its eradication on gastric regenerating atypia in 22 133 subjects
Authors: Nam Ji Hyung , Nam Su Youn , Park Bum Joon , Ryu Kum Hei
Published: February 2020

Background and Aim

The aim of this study was to identify factors affecting persistent gastric regenerating atypia and determine the effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on the course of this lesion.

Methods

In cross‐sectional setting, comprehensive health check‐up subjects who underwent both endoscopy and H. pylori test from 2001 to 2009 were included. The association between H. pylori and gastric regenerating atypia was evaluated. In cohort setting, patients with regenerating atypia who underwent H. pylori test from 2001 to 2013 were included. Factors affecting positive pathology (persistent regenerating atypia or new development of neoplasm) in patients with regenerating atypia at baseline were investigated.

Results

In cross‐sectional setting, regenerating atypia was observed in 1.1% (241/22 133). H. pylori infection was associated with gastric regenerating atypia (adjusted odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–1.91). In cohort setting, 310 patients with regenerating atypia were finally eligible. Positive pathology rate during follow up was 16.1% (15/93) in the persistent infection group, 2.8% (3/106) in successful eradication group, and 4.5% (5/111) in baseline H. pylori‐negative group. Persistent H. pylori infection increased the risk of positive pathology (adjusted risk ratio [RR], 7.18; 95% CI, 1.95–26.48) compared to H. pylori eradication group. Persistent H. pylori infection increased the risk of regenerative atypia (adjusted RR, 5.70; 95% CI, 1.46–22.17) and new neoplasm (adjusted RR, 10.74; 95% CI, 1.10–105.17) compared to baseline negative H. pylori.

Conclusions

H. pylori infection is an independent risk factor for gastric regenerating atypia. Eradication of H. pylori seems helpful for regression of regenerating atypia.
The intercarotid or alar fascia, other cervical fascias, and their adjacent spaces – a plea for clarification of cervical fascia and spaces terminology
Authors: Feigl Georg , Hammer Georg P. , Litz Rainer , Kachlik David
Published: February 2020

Due to varying descriptions and terminology of fascias of the neck, medical advice relying on this basic knowledge is insufficient. Our goal was to provide a precise anatomical description of cervical fascias and spaces with special focus on the intercarotid fascia, or the alar fascia. One hundred bodies donated to science embalmed with Thiel's method were investigated, cervical fascias were dissected layer by layer, and the results were documented by photography, with a focus on the intercarotid fascia. In addition, we performed a review of recent literature concerning cervical surgical interventions, radiological diagnostic pathways, and basic anatomical works focusing on core information on anatomical relations of cervical fascias and spaces. In another 10 bodies donated to science, the spaces of the neck were injected with coloured latex under ultrasound guidance, dissected, and documented by photography. The intercarotid fascia was a constantly developed connective tissue interconnecting the carotid sheath of both sides. In 52 of 100 specimens (52%) it crossed to the opposite side without any fusion to the ventrally situated visceral fascia. Fusion with the visceral fascia was found in 48%, either at the lateral border of the pharynx or on its dorsal side. The results of our dissections strengthen the precise description of the cervical fascias provided by Grodinsky and Holyoke in 1938. Spaces can be confirmed as described by Hafferl in 1969. The international anatomical and ENT societies should codify a unified anatomical terminology of the cervical spaces and fascias to prevent varying interpretations in the future.
Oxygen detoxification by dienoyl‐CoA oxidase involving flavin/disulfide cofactors
Authors: Schmid Georg , Scheffen Marieke , Willistein Max , Boll Matthias
Published: February 2020

Class I benzoyl‐CoA reductases (BCRs) are oxygen‐sensitive key enzymes in the degradation of monocyclic aromatic compounds in anaerobic prokaryotes. They catalyze the ATP‐dependent reductive dearomatization of their substrate to cyclohexa‐1,5‐diene‐1‐carboxyl‐CoA (1,5‐dienoyl‐CoA). An aromatizing 1,5‐dienoyl‐CoA oxidase (DCO) activity has been proposed to protect BCRs from oxidative damage, however, the gene and its product involved have not been identified, yet. Here, we heterologously produced a DCO from the hyperthermophilic euryarchaeon Ferroglobus placidus that coupled the oxidation of two 1,5‐dienoyl‐CoA to benzoyl‐CoA to the reduction of O2 to water at 80°C. DCO showed similarities to members of the old yellow enzyme family and contained FMN, FAD and an FeS cluster as cofactors. The O2‐dependent activation of inactive, reduced DCO is assigned to a redox thiol switch at Eo′ = −3 mV. We propose a catalytic cycle in which the active site FMN/disulfide redox centers are reduced by two 1,5‐dienoyl‐CoA (reductive half‐cycle), followed by two consecutive two‐electron transfer steps to molecular oxygen via peroxy‐ and hydroxyflavin intermediates yielding water (oxidative half‐cycle). This work identified the enzyme involved in a unique oxygen detoxification process for an oxygen‐sensitive catabolic enzyme.
Temporal analysis of histopathology and cytokine expression in the rat cerebral cortex after insulin‐induced hypoglycemia
Authors: Tomita Nagi , Nakamura Tomoki , Sunden Yuji , Miyata Hajime , Morita Takehito
Published: February 2020

Hypoglycemic coma causes neuronal death in the cerebral neocortex; however, its unclear pathogenesis prevents the establishment of preventive measures. Inflammation plays a pivotal role in neuronal damage in the hypoglycemic state; however, the dynamics of glial cell activation or cytokine expression remain unknown. Here, we aimed to elucidate the spatiotemporal morphological changes of microglia and time‐course cytokine expression profiles in the rat cerebral cortex after hypoglycemic coma. We performed histopathological and immunohistochemical (Iba1, neuronal nuclei, glial fibrillary acidic protein) analyses in the cingulate cortex and four areas of the neocortex: hindlimb area (HL), parietal cortex area 1 (Par1), parietal cortex area 2 (Par2), and perirhinal cortex (PRh). We measured tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin‐6 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression by real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. Necrotic neurons appeared in the neocortex as early as 3 h after hypoglycemic coma, while they were absent in the cingulate cortex. Neuronal nuclei‐immunopositive neurons in the HL, Par2, and PRh were significantly less abundant than in the control at day 1. In Iba1 immunostaining, large rod‐shaped cells were detected at 3–6 h after hypoglycemia, and commonly observed in the HL, Par2, and PRh. After 6 h, rod‐shaped cells were rarely observed; instead, there was a prominent infiltration of hypertrophic and ameboid‐shaped cells until day 7. The mRNA expression of TNFα was significantly higher than the control at 3–6 h after hypoglycemia in the neocortex, while it was significantly higher only at 3 h in the cingulate cortex. Our results indicate that early and transient appearance of rod‐shaped microglia and persisting high TNFα expression levels characterize inflammatory responses to hypoglycemic neuronal damage in the cerebral neocortex, which might contribute to neuronal necrosis in response to transient hypoglycemic coma.
Systemin‐mediated long‐distance systemic defense responses
Authors: Zhang Haiyan , Zhang Hui , Lin Jinxing
Published: February 2020

Systemin, a peptide plant hormone of 18 amino acids, coordinates local and systemic immune responses. The activation of the canonical systemin‐mediated systemic signaling pathway involves systemin release from its precursor prosystemin, systemin binding to its membrane receptor SYSTEMIN RECEPTOR1 (SYR1), and the transport of long‐distance signaling molecules, including jasmonic acid, the prosystemin mRNA, volatile organic compounds and possibly systemin itself. Here, we review emerging evidence that the disordered structure and unconventional processing and secretion of systemin contribute to the regulation of systemin‐mediated signaling during plant defense. We highlight recent advances in systemin research, which elucidated how cells integrate multiple long‐distance signals into the systemic defense response. In addition, we discuss the perception of systemin by SYR1 and its mediation of downstream defense responses.
Late spontaneous dissection of the facial artery after facial trauma: unprecedented case report
Authors: Pereira R.M.A. , Rodrigues V.C. , Pelet S.M. , Sousa V.H.P. , De Paula D.M. , Marangon H.
Published: February 2020

Arterial dissections may occur spontaneously or be preceded by mild or severe trauma, resulting in immediate rupture of the vessel. Spontaneous arterial dissection is defined when the nature of the trauma is small and/or its rupture occurs late and ‘traumatically’. However, the literature has reported little about spontaneous dissection of arteries originating from the external carotid artery, and until the production of this article, there was no case report about spontaneous dissection of the facial artery. In this case, 30 days after the surgical procedure of bloody reduction in condylar and mandibular parasymphysis fractures caused by trauma, the patient returned to the emergency room with submental oedema and internal bleeding, caused by dissection of the facial artery. This is a serious condition that can lead the patient to death within a few minutes, being the correct diagnosis and an accurate approach, fundamental to the success in trying to save the patient's life.
Lung proliferative lesion‐promoting effects of left pulmonary ligation in A/J female mice
Authors: Yokohira Masanao , Hashimoto Nozomi , Yamakawa Keiko , Nakano‐Narusawa Yuko , Matsuda Yoko , Imaida Katsumi
Published: February 2020

This present study was conducted in an attempt to examine proliferative lesion‐promoting effect in the lung by compensatory lung growth after left pulmonary ligation. To examine a strong proliferative lesion‐promoting effect in the lung, the effects of left pulmonary ligation on lung proliferative lesions induced by 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanone (NNK) were examined for 12 weeks. The number of proliferative lesions induced by NNK in the right lung after left pulmonary ligation increased significantly after 12 weeks, indicated by an increase in the weight of the right lung. In addition, several messenger RNA (mRNA) markers, including insulin growth factor 1, were highly expressed in the right lung on the seventh day after left ligation. These experiments demonstrated the clear proliferative lesion‐promoting effects of pulmonary ligation on the induction of the expression of mRNAs related to the cell cycle, cell division and mitosis. However, the proliferative lesion‐promoting effects were not strong enough to allow a shortened experimental period for the establishment of the lung bioassay model. The results also indicated the necessity to pay attention to the possibility of a recurrence of lung cancer in the residual lung after resection in humans.
Mitigation strategies for anti‐D alloimmunization by platelet transfusion in haematopoietic stem cell transplant patients: a survey of NCCN® centres
Authors: Poston Jacqueline N. , Sugalski Jessica , Gernsheimer Terry B. , Marc Stewart F. , Pagano Monica B.
Published: February 2020

Background and objectives

D‐negative patients are at risk of developing an alloantibody to D (anti‐D) if exposed to D during transfusion. The presence of anti‐D can lead to haemolytic transfusion reactions and haemolytic disease of the newborn. Anti‐D alloimmunization can also complicate allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with haemolysis and increased transfusion requirements. The goal of this study was to determine whether cancer centres have transfusion practices intended to prevent anti‐D alloimmunization with special attention in patients considered for HSCT.

Methods and materials

To understand transfusion practices regarding D‐positive platelets in D‐negative patients with large transfusion needs, we surveyed the 28 cancer centres that are members of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®).

Results

Nineteen centres responded (68%). Most centres (79%) avoid transfusing D‐positive platelets to RhD‐negative patients when possible. Four centres (21%) avoid D‐positive platelets only in D‐negative women of childbearing age. If a D‐negative patient receives a D‐positive platelet transfusion, 53% of centres would consider treating with Rh immune globulin (RhIg) to prevent alloimmunization in women of childbearing age. Only one centre also gives RhIg to all D‐negative patients who are HSCT candidates including adult men and women of no childbearing age.

Conclusion

There is wide variation in platelet transfusion practices for supporting D‐negative patients. The majority of centres do not have D‐positive platelet transfusion policies focused on preventing anti‐D alloimmunization specifically in patients undergoing HSCT. Multicentre, longitudinal studies are needed to understand the clinical implications of anti‐D alloimmunization in HSCT patients.
Cameroon’s Bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement: A Microsimulation Approach
Authors: Tchoffo Rodrigue Nobosse , Ngouhouo Ibrahim
Published: February 2020

This article studies the impact of the bilateral economic partnership agreement between Cameroon and the European Union on microeconomic indicators including poverty and inequality. The analyses are based on a dynamic microsimulation model on which the scenario of the complete cancellation of customs tariffs on imports of the EU origin products is applied. This is based on a social accounting matrix that we have implemented for 2016 and the ECAM 4 household data survey collected in 2014. The results show that: The Cameroon’s EPA on the macroeconomic aspect leads to an increase of imports against a decrease of exports and production; the increasing of imports is going through a decreasing of market price for domestic market against an increase of imported price. This leads to an elevation of the exchange rate and then discourages the imports of agricultural products; contrary, there is a decreasing of industrial price for imported products on domestic market. This break the local industries efforts since their indirect taxes are increasing. There are also GDP loses of about 0.14% per year. On the microeconomic aspect, it undermines and even exacerbates poverty reduction efforts through indicators of incidence, depth and severity of poverty. This impact increases from 2016 to 2040, period of our simulations, and is more pronounced in rural than in urban areas. For inequality, our results show that the agreement leads to an increase in inequalities ranging from 0.43 to 0.46 during the period 2016-2023. However, the impact is vanished between the period 2033-2040.
Adding Light Touch While Walking in Older Adults: Biomechanical and Neuromotor Effects
Authors: Oates Alison R. , Awdhan Aaron , Arnold Catherine , Fung Joyce , Lanovaz Joel L.
Published: February 2020

Adding haptic input may improve balance control and help prevent falls in older adults. This study examined the effects of added haptic input via light touch on a railing while walking. Participants (N = 53, 75.9 ± 7.9 years) walked normally or in tandem (heel to toe) with and without haptic input. During normal walking, adding haptic input resulted in a more cautious and variable gait pattern, reduced variability of center of mass acceleration and margin of stability, and increased muscle activity. During tandem walking, haptic input had minimal effect on step parameters, decreased lower limb muscle activity, and increased cocontraction at the ankle closest to the railing. Age was correlated with step width variability, stride length variability, stride velocity, variability of medial-lateral center of mass acceleration, and margin of stability for tandem walking. This complex picture of sensorimotor integration in older adults warrants further exploration into added haptic input during walking.
Microbiome researcher accused of sexual misconduct
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: February 2020

Questions arise about the work of researcher Jeff Leach, known for studies of Hadza hunter-gatherers in Tanzania.
In ‘living materials,’ microbes are makers
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: February 2020

Cells enable materials to reproduce or manufacture medicines.
#MeToo moves south
Authors: Wessel Lindzi , Ortega Rodrigo Pérez
Published: February 2020

The fight against harassment in Latin American science gains strength.
Pulmonary surfactant–biomimetic nanoparticles potentiate heterosubtypic influenza immunity
Authors: Wang Ji , Li Peiyu , Yu Yang , Fu Yuhong , Jiang Hongye , Lu Min , Sun Zhiping , Jiang Shibo , Lu Lu , Wu Mei X.
Published: February 2020

Pitching cGAMP as a vaccine strategy

One strategy to address the variable effectiveness of many influenza vaccines is to induce antiviral resident memory T cells, which can mediate cross-protection against multiple substrains (heterosubtypic immunity). Unfortunately, such vaccines typically use attenuated active viruses, which may be unsafe for certain populations. Wang
et al.
report a vaccine using an inactivated virus that effectively induced heterosubtypic immunity in both mice and ferrets (see the Perspective by Herold and Sander). They coadministered the virus with 2′,3′-cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP), a potent activator of the innate immune system, encapsulated in pulmonary surfactant–biomimetic liposomes. This adjuvant was taken up by alveolar epithelial cells, whose activation resulted in effective antiviral T cell and humoral immune responses without accompanying immunopathology.

Science
, this issue p.
eaau0810
; see also p.
852
Old carbon reservoirs were not important in the deglacial methane budget
Authors: Dyonisius M. N. , Petrenko V. V. , Smith A. M. , Hua Q. , Yang B. , Schmitt J. , Beck J. , Seth B. , Bock M. , Hmiel B. , Vimont I. , Menking J. A. , Shackleton S. A. , Baggenstos D. , Bauska T. K. , Rhodes R. H. , Sperlich P. , Beaudette R. , Harth C. , Kalk M. , Brook E. J. , Fischer H. , Severinghaus J. P. , Weiss R. F.
Published: February 2020

Small burden from old sources

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with large natural sources, reservoirs, and sinks. Dyonisius
et al.
found that methane emissions from old, cold-region carbon reservoirs like permafrost and methane hydrates were minor during the last deglaciation (see the Perspective by Dean). They analyzed the carbon isotopic composition of atmospheric methane trapped in bubbles in Antarctic ice and found that methane emissions from those old carbon sources during the warming interval were small. They argue that this finding suggests that methane emissions in response to future warming likely will not be as large as some have suggested.

Science
, this issue p.
907
; see also p.
846
The High Content of Fructose in Human Semen Competitively Inhibits Broad and Potent Antivirals That Target High-Mannose Glycans
Authors: Johnson Jacklyn , Flores Manuel G. , Rosa John , Han Changze , Salvi Alicia M. , DeMali Kris A. , Jagnow Jennifer R. , Sparks Amy , Haim Hillel
Published: February 2020

Biological secretions allow viruses to spread between individuals. Each type of secretion has a unique composition of proteins, salts, and sugars, which can affect the infectivity potential of the virus and inhibition of this process. Here, we describe HIV-1 infection and inhibition in whole human seminal plasma and a synthetic simulant that we formulated. We discovered that the sugar fructose in semen decreases the activity of a broad and potent class of antiviral agents that target mannose sugars on the envelope protein of HIV-1. This effect of semen fructose likely reduces the efficacy of such inhibitors to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV-1. Our findings suggest that the preclinical evaluation of microbicides and vaccine-elicited antibodies will be improved by their
in vitro
assessment in synthetic formulations that simulate the effects of semen on HIV-1 infection and inhibition.
Iatrogenic pneumothorax in a 4-week-old girl: new diagnosis of congenital lobar emphysema
Authors: Reed Ashley , Lucas Sandra Fernandes , Nowacka Agnieszka , Eze Chukwubuike
Published: February 2020

A 4-week-old female patient presented with severe respiratory distress, hypoxia and apnoeic episodes on a background of a few-day history of coryza and cough. There was significantly reduced air entry on the left side and a displacement of the apex beat to the right of the chest. The examination findings with oxygen desaturations and a right-sided mediastinal shift on chest X-ray led to a diagnosis of tension pneumothorax following which a needle thoracentesis was undertaken. This appeared to worsen the patient’s clinical condition; hence, a chest drain was inserted with unsatisfactory clinical improvement. In view of the presentation and lack of clinical improvement after chest drain insertion, the case was transferred to the paediatric respiratory team in a tertiary centre where the diagnosis was revised to congenital lobar emphysema based on chest computer tomography findings. She subsequently benefited from a left upper lobectomy and lingulectomy and was discharged home 4 days after surgery.
Post-traumatic bilateral longitudinal temporal bone fracture with bilateral facial nerve palsy: a rare case
Authors: Medha Kappagantu Krishna , Gupta Manish , Gupta Monica
Published: February 2020

Facial paralysis is a potentially disabling complication of temporal bone fractures. Although unilateral palsy is commonly encountered, bilateral facial nerve palsy is rare, especially in post-traumatic situations. Other recognised causes of bilateral facial palsy are neurologic, infectious, neoplastic, idiopathic or metabolic disorders. A 25-year-old male patient presented with difficulty in talking, eating and closing eyes for 15 days since a post-vehicular accident. CT of skull showed bilateral longitudinal temporal bone fractures. Bilateral facial palsy was confirmed by clinical and topodiagnostic tests. Patient was given a course of steroids which led to an early improvement on left side followed by a delayed right-sided improvement at 6 months.
On growth of double cosets in hyperbolic groups
Authors: Gitik Rita , Rips Eliyahu
Published: February 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a hyperbolic group, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be subgroups of [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] be the growth function of the double cosets [Formula: see text]. We prove that the behavior of [Formula: see text] splits into two different cases. If [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are not quasiconvex, we obtain that every growth function of a finitely presented group can appear as [Formula: see text]. We can even take [Formula: see text]. In contrast, for quasiconvex subgroups [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of infinite index, [Formula: see text] is exponential. Moreover, there exists a constant [Formula: see text], such that [Formula: see text] for all big enough [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the growth function of the group [Formula: see text]. So, we have a clear dichotomy between the quasiconvex and non-quasiconvex case.
Influence of Random Multi-Point Seismic Excitations on the Safety Performance of a Train Running on a Long-Span Bridge
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Yahui , Ouyang Huajiang
Published: February 2020

The increasing use of bridges in high-speed railway (HSR) lines raises the possibility of train derailment on bridges under seismic excitations. In this paper, the influence of random multi-point earthquakes on the safe running of a train on a long-span bridge is studied in terms of the dynamic reliability, considering spatial seismic effects, and randomness of ground motions and train locations. The equations of motion for the train and the track/bridge as time-invariant subsystems under earthquakes are established, separately. The two subsystems are connected via the wheel–rail interface, for which a nonlinear contact model and detachment are considered. The time-history samples of nonstationary multi-point random earthquakes considering wave passage effects and incoherence effects are generated by the autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model. The ground motions are imposed on the bridge support points in terms of displacement and velocity. The train location at the time of earthquake is considered a uniformly distributed random variable. The running safety reliability of a train moving on a long-span bridge under earthquakes is determined by combining subset simulation (SS) with a prediction-based iterative solution method. Under different seismic components, train speeds, apparent seismic wave velocities and seismic intensities, the most unfavorable train location intervals are determined, which provides a reference for the safety performance assessment of trains traveling on bridges under earthquakes. Numerical results show that the influence of the lateral seismic component on the wheel derailment coefficient (WDC) is greater than the vertical seismic component, and the earthquake that occurs before the train’s arrival at 70% length of the bridge will significantly reduce its running safety.
The number of conjugacy classes of nonnormal subgroups of finite p-groups (III)
Authors: Li Lili
Published: February 2020

Assume [Formula: see text] is a positive integer and [Formula: see text] is an odd prime. Let [Formula: see text] be the number of conjugacy classes of nonnormal subgroups of a finite group [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is a finite [Formula: see text]-group[Formula: see text]. The set [Formula: see text] has been determined for [Formula: see text]. In this paper, the set [Formula: see text] is determined, and it is discovered that there are three gaps in the values that [Formula: see text] can take in the case of finite [Formula: see text]-groups.
Comparative Studies of Surrogate Models for Response Analysis of Mistuned Bladed Disks
Authors: Deng Shiyuan , Yao Jianyao , Wang Linlin , Xin Jianqiang , Hu Ning
Published: February 2020

The forced responses of bladed disks are highly sensitive to inevitable random mistuning. Considerable computational efforts are required for the sampling process to assess the statistical vibration properties of mistuned bladed disks. Therefore, efficient surrogate models are preferred to accelerate the process for probabilistic analysis. In this paper, four surrogate models are utilized to construct the relation between random mistuning and forced response amplitudes, which are polynomial chaos expansion (PCE), response surface method (RSM), artificial neural networks (ANN) and Kriging interpolation, respectively. A bladed disk with 2-degrees-of-freedom (2-DOF) each sector is used to validate the effectiveness of the surrogate models. The effects of number of training samples on the surrogate model accuracy are discussed. The responses results of one blade (single output) and maximum response of all blades (multi-output) indicate that PCE and Kriging interpolation could yield accurate and stable predictions of the statistical characteristics of the forced responses. PCE is recommended for the mistuned response predictions due to its accuracy and efficiency.
Mass Spectrometry of Human Transporters
Authors: Achour Brahim , Al-Majdoub Zubida M. , Rostami-Hodjegan Amin , Barber Jill
Published: February 2020

Transporters are key to understanding how an individual will respond to a particular dose of a drug. Two patients with similar systemic concentrations may have quite different local concentrations of a drug at the required site. The transporter profile of any individual depends upon a variety of genetic and environmental factors, including genotype, age, and diet status. Robust models (virtual patients) are therefore required and these models are data hungry. Necessary data include quantitative transporter profiles at the relevant organ. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is currently the most powerful method available for obtaining this information. Challenges include sourcing the tissue, isolating the hydrophobic membrane-embedded transporter proteins, preparing the samples for MS (including proteolytic digestion), choosing appropriate quantification methodology, and optimizing the LC-MS/MS conditions. Great progress has been made with all of these, especially within the last few years, and is discussed here.
Osseous Manifestations of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Imaging Findings
Authors: Bennett Jackson , Suliburk James W. , Morón Fanny E.
Published: February 2020

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a systemic endocrine disease that has significant effects on bone remodeling through the action of parathyroid hormone on the musculoskeletal system. These findings are important as they can aid in distinguishing primary hyperparathyroidism from other forms of metabolic bone diseases and inform physicians regarding disease severity and complications. This pictorial essay compiles bone-imaging features with the aim of improving the diagnosis of skeletal involvement of primary hyperthyroidism.