bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing differential service strategy for two-dimensional warranty based on warranty claim data under consumer-side modularisation
Authors: Peng Tong , Chunling Liu
Published: November 2019

With the development of modular manufacturing technology and diversified demand for products, the demand for differential warranty service has become increasingly prominent. This article proposes a differential service strategy for two-dimensional warranty using warranty claim data under consumer-side modularisation. In contrast to previous research that optimised maintenance strategies under a given failure density function, this article obtains actual usage rate and failure density functions of main failure types by determining the function type and parameter fitting. A detailed case study of a product under a two-dimensional warranty is discussed to interpret the proposed model. Using the mathematical model proposed in this research, warranty service providers can offer consumers a differential warranty service under consumer-side modularisation.
From ‘secret’ online teen drama to international cult phenomenon: The global expansion of SKAM and its public service mission
Authors: Sundet Vilde Schanke
Published: November 2019

This article addresses the production, distribution and global expansion of the online teen drama, SKAM/SHAME (2015–2017), produced by the Norwegian public service broadcaster NRK. The article combines perspectives on transmedia storytelling with production studies and studies of public service broadcasting to investigate the distinct production, publishing and promotion models underpinning SKAM, as well as its public service mission. Furthermore, it addresses SKAM’s transition from a ‘secret’ online teen drama targeting young Norwegians in season one to a global cult phenomenon with viewers and fans in all age groups and on all continents in seasons three and four, and relates this expansion to recent shifts within the television industry.
The changing face of pulmonary hypertension diagnosis: a historical perspective on the influence of diagnostics and biomarkers
Authors: Hewes Jenny L. , Lee Ji Young , Fagan Karen A. , Bauer Natalie N.
Published: November 2019

Pulmonary hypertension is a complex, multifactorial disease that results in right heart failure and premature death. Since the initial reports of pulmonary hypertension in the late 1800s, the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension has evolved with respect to its definition, screening tools, and diagnostic techniques. This historical perspective traces the earliest roots of pulmonary hypertension detection and diagnosis through to the current recommendations for classification. We highlight the diagnostic tools used in the past and present, and end with a focus on the future directions of early detection. Early detection of pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary arterial hypertension and the proper determination of etiology are vital for the early therapeutic intervention that can prolong life expectancy and improve quality of life. The search for a non‐invasive screening tool for the identification and classification of pulmonary hypertension is ongoing, and we discuss the role of animal models of the disease in this search.
Application of Bleeding Control Training in Occupational Settings
Authors: Jones Allison R. , Hallman Melanie Gibbons , Heaton Karen
Published: November 2019

Background: Uncontrolled blood loss is a primary source of preventable death after injury. Workplace injuries and fatalities are common, with most occurring in the agricultural/fishing/forestry/hunting or transportation/warehousing industries. Stop the Bleed (STB) training provides instruction on application of bleeding control methods to injured persons and is available to the general public. Method: We provided an overview of high-risk injury industries that could benefit from STB training. We also provided a review of the application of STB training and bleeding control methods in occupational settings with an emphasis on the role of the occupational health nurse. Findings: Suggested guidelines for occupational health nurses and employees in occupational settings who may respond to injured colleagues are provided. Implications for occupational health nurses are reviewed, including implementing STB training in the workplace and obtaining/storing bleeding control supplies. Resources for STB training, purchasing and storing bleeding control supplies, and general emergency response information are provided. Conclusions/application to practice: Occupational health nurses play a crucial role in emergency response in the workplace and have the ability to drive the implementation of STB training in their institution. Occupational health nurses often work in isolation or in small teams and serve as a primary resource for treatment of injured employees. Implementation of STB training for all employees is highly recommended given the limited availability of occupational health nurses in large or rural settings. Such training may reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with workplace injuries.
The campaign for legal personhood for the Great Barrier Reef: Finding political and pedagogical value in a spectacular failure of care
Authors: Barcan Ruth
Published: November 2019

This paper examines the campaign for legal personhood for the Great Barrier Reef launched by the Environmental Defenders Office of North Queensland in 2014. Although this campaign has been unofficially shelved, the paper argues that it still provides a useful chance to think through the practicality and politics of some of the current experiments in environmental law, especially contemporary attempts to expand legal definitions of personhood. The EDO campaign is held up to critical scrutiny by considering its practical efficacy, environmental merits, conceptual foundations and ethico-political import, especially in relation to Indigenous justice. It argues that such experiments are to be welcomed, whether as immediate opportunities, thought experiments or pressure points, and that public and scholarly discussion of the legal personhood mechanism needs to be alert to the dangers of unknowingly and ironically replicating dominant power relations while seeking to overthrow them, but also of shutting down alternatives at precisely the moment we need them most.
A Novel Population of Oct-4+ SSEA-1+ CXCR4+ CD34+ CD133+ Lin− CD45− Very Small Embryonic-Like (VSEL) Stem Cells Identified in Human Cord Blood.
Authors: Kucia Magda , Halasa Maciej , Wysoczynski Marcin , Baskiewicz-Masiuk Magda , Zuba-Surma Ewa , Machalinski Bogdan , Ratajczak Mariusz Z.
Published: November 2019

Mononuclear cells (MNC) isolated from bone marrow (BM) or cord blood (CB) contributes to organ/tissue regeneration, however, the identity of the specific cell type(s) involved remains unknown. Recently we identified in murine BM a homogenous population of rare (~0.01% of BM MNC) Sca-1+ lin− CD45− cells that express by RQ-PCR and immunhistochemistry markers of pluripotent stem cells (PSC) such as SSEA-1, Oct-4, Nanog and Rex-1, highly express Rif-1 telomerase protein and display several features typical for primary embryonic stem cells such as

a small size (~2–4 um in diameter), a large nuclei surrounded by a narrow rim of cytoplasm, and open-type chromatin (euchromatin) that is typical for embryonic stem cells (Leukemia2006;20,857–869).

These cells were named very small embryonic-like (VSELs) stem cells. We will present a new two step isolation procedure to purify a similar population of cells from human CB, which is based on isolation of CB mononuclear cells (CB MNC) by hypotonic lysis and multiparameter FACS sorting. Accordingly, we perform

hypotonic lysis of CB to remove erythrocytes and to enrich for CB MNC combined with multiparameter sorting for CXCR4+AC133+CD34+lin−CD45− CB MNC.

CB-derived VSELs (CB-VSELs) isolated this way similarly as those isolated from adult murine BM are very small (3–5 um), possess large nuclei containing unorganized euchromatin, express nuclear embryonic transcription factors Oct-4 and Nanog and surface embryonic antigen SSEA-4. In vitro cultures CB-VSELs are able to grow neurospheres that gave rise to neuronal lineages (beta-III tubulin+, nestin+, O4+, MBP+, GFAP+) and cardiomyocytes (beta-myosin heavy chain+, alpha-sarcomeric actin. Based on this we conclude that CB contains VSELs and that the majority of these CB VSELs are lost during routine procedures employed currently for banking of CB MNC. Thus based on our observations, new more efficient methods of CB banking are needed that will enrich/preserve these cells in CB units during preparation before storage. Furthermore, we conclude that CB tissue/organ regenerating potential may be much higher than initially postulated if the proper fraction of CB MNC is employed and we are currently testing this hypothesis in animal models.
Stat5 and Stat3 Differentially Regulate Early and Late Stages of Primary Embryonic Erythroid Cell Maturation
Authors: Murphy Zachary C. , Kingsley Paul D. , McGrath Kathleen E. , Palis James
Published: November 2019

Erythropoietin is the critical regulator of adult (definitive) red cell production, acting through its cognate receptor (EpoR) and downstream Janus kinase (Jak)2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat)5 signaling. Mutant JAK2 activation causes hyperproliferation of erythroid precursors in polycythemia vera, highlighting the importance of Jak2-STAT signaling in pathologic states in addition to normal development. EpoR-null mouse embryos die at midgestation of profound anemia and we have recently determined that EpoR signaling is also specifically required for the survival and terminal maturation of primitive erythroblasts. Unlike definitive erythropoiesis, Stat3 is significantly expressed in primitive erythroblasts but its function in erythropoiesis remains poorly understood. We find that Stat3, in addition to Stat5, is phosphorylated downstream of EpoR in primitive erythroblasts. Interestingly, phospho-Stat5 intensity decreases during primitive erythroblast maturation while phospho-Stat3 levels remain constant, resulting in an increase in relative phospho-Stat3 in late-stage primitive erythroblasts. Knockdown of Jak2 and Stat5 each results in accelerated maturation, decreased cell size, and increased apoptosis of primary primitive erythroblasts. In contrast, Stat3 knockdown results in delayed maturation and increased cell size of late-stage primary primitive erythroblasts, consistent with an increased role of phospho-Stat3 once phospho-Stat5 signal intensity has diminished. Stat3 knockdown, both in vitro and in vivo, also increased apoptosis of late-stage primitive erythroblasts. While Stat3 and Stat5 bind many apoptosis-related genes in common, Stat3 specifically binds several caspase genes and their regulators. We find that activated caspase3 levels increase in late-stage primitive erythroblasts, and that knockdown of Stat3 results in decreased levels of caspases and their regulators. In addition, caspase inhibition, like Stat3 knockdown, results in delayed maturation of late-stage primitive erythroblasts. Taken together, our data support a model where Stat3 and Stat5 differentially regulate erythroid maturation and Stat3 preferentially regulates terminal stages of primitive erythropoiesis through its activation and regulation of apoptotic machinery.

Disclosures

No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The associations of self-rated health with cardiovascular risk proteins: a proteomics approach
Authors: Bao Xue , Borné Yan , Yin Songjiang , Niu Kaijun , Orho-Melander Marju , Nilsson Jan , Melander Olle , Engström Gunnar
Published: November 2019

Background

Though subjective, poor self-rated health (SRH) has consistently been shown to predict cardiovascular disease (CVD). The underlying mechanism is unclear. This study evaluates the associations of SRH with biomarkers for CVD, aiming to explore potential pathways between poor SRH and CVD.

Methods

Based on the Malmö Diet and Cancer Cardiovascular Cohort study, a targeted proteomics approach was used to assess the associations of SRH with 88 cardiovascular risk proteins, measured in plasma from 4521 participants without CVD. The false discovery rate (FDR) was controlled using the Benjamini and Hochberg method. Covariates taken into consideration were age, sex, traditional CVD risk factors (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, anti-hypertensive medication, diabetes, body mass index, smoking), comorbidity, life-style and psycho-social factors (education level, living alone, alcohol consumption, low physical activity, psychiatric medication, sleep duration, and unemployment).

Results

Age and sex-adjusted associations with SRH was found for 34 plasma proteins. Nine of them remained significant after adjustments for traditional CVD risk factors. After further adjustment for comorbidity, life-style and psycho-social factors, only leptin (β = − 0.035, correctedp = 0.016) and C–C motif chemokine 20 (CCL20; β = − 0.054, correctedp = 0.016) were significantly associated with SRH.

Conclusions

Poor SRH was associated with raised concentrations of many plasma proteins. However, the relationships were largely attenuated by adjustments for CVD risk factors, comorbidity and psycho-social factors. Leptin and CCL20 were associated with poor SRH in the present study and could potentially be involved in the SRH–CVD link.
A multi-chamber tissue culture device for load-dependent parallel evaluation of tendon explants
Authors: Soreide Endre , Denbeigh Janet M. , Lewallen Eric A. , Thaler Roman , Samsonraj Rebekah M. , Jones Dakota L. , Xu Wei , Larson Dirk , Nordsletten Lars , Kakar Sanjeev , van Wijnen Andre J.
Published: November 2019

Background

Injuries in the musculoskeletal system, such as tendon and ligament ruptures, are challenging to manage and often require surgical reconstructions with limited long-term success. Thus, characterizations of these tissues are urgently needed to better understand cellular mechanisms that regulate tissue homeostasis and healing. Explant culturing systems allow for ex vivo analysis of tissues in an environment that mimics the native microenvironment in vivo.

Methods

Collaborative efforts within our institution facilitated the establishment of a novel explant culturing system. Tissue specimens cultured in single wells, with individual applied loading and/or biological environment, allowed characterization of tissue cultured under a variety of biological loading conditions. Quantitative PCR analysis for selected gene markers was our primary outcome.

Results

Data were stratified for analysis by either culture environment or loading condition. Our gene expression results show that specimens clustered by culture condition may differ in molecular markers related to ECM production (e.g., Col1a1, Adamts4) and/or organization (e.g., Tnc, Dnc). In contrast, loading condition did significantly alter the median gene expression levels of tissues in comparison to unloaded control samples, although gene expression values related to ECM degradation (e.g., Mmp1, Mmp10) were altered in tendons cultured under tension in the device.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates promising utility of a novel explant culturing system for further characterization of musculoskeletal tissues such as native tendons and ligaments, as well as pathologic fibrotic tissues resulting from arthrofibrosis or Dupuytren’s disease.
Genomic adaptations to chemosymbiosis in the deep-sea seep-dwelling tubeworm Lamellibrachia luymesi
Authors: Li Yuanning , Tassia Michael G. , Waits Damien S. , Bogantes Viktoria E. , David Kyle T. , Halanych Kenneth M.
Published: November 2019

Background

Symbiotic relationships between microbes and their hosts are widespread and diverse, often providing protection or nutrients, and may be either obligate or facultative. However, the genetic mechanisms allowing organisms to maintain host-symbiont associations at the molecular level are still mostly unknown, and in the case of bacterial-animal associations, most genetic studies have focused on adaptations and mechanisms of the bacterial partner. The gutless tubeworms (Siboglinidae, Annelida) are obligate hosts of chemoautotrophic endosymbionts (except for Osedax which houses heterotrophic Oceanospirillales), which rely on the sulfide-oxidizing symbionts for nutrition and growth. Whereas several siboglinid endosymbiont genomes have been characterized, genomes of hosts and their adaptations to this symbiosis remain unexplored.

Results

Here, we present and characterize adaptations of the cold seep-dwelling tubeworm Lamellibrachia luymesi, one of the longest-lived solitary invertebrates. We sequenced the worm’s ~ 688-Mb haploid genome with an overall completeness of ~ 95% and discovered that L. luymesi lacks many genes essential in amino acid biosynthesis, obligating them to products provided by symbionts. Interestingly, the host is known to carry hydrogen sulfide to thiotrophic endosymbionts using hemoglobin. We also found an expansion of hemoglobin B1 genes, many of which possess a free cysteine residue which is hypothesized to function in sulfide binding. Contrary to previous analyses, the sulfide binding mediated by zinc ions is not conserved across tubeworms. Thus, the sulfide-binding mechanisms in sibgolinids need to be further explored, and B1 globins might play a more important role than previously thought. Our comparative analyses also suggest the Toll-like receptor pathway may be essential for tolerance/sensitivity to symbionts and pathogens. Several genes related to the worm’s unique life history which are known to play important roles in apoptosis, cell proliferation, and aging were also identified. Last, molecular clock analyses based on phylogenomic data suggest modern siboglinid diversity originated in 267 mya (± 70 my) support previous hypotheses indicating a Late Mesozoic or Cenozoic origins of approximately 50–126 mya for vestimentiferans.

Conclusions

Here, we elucidate several specific adaptations along various molecular pathways that link phenome to genome to improve understanding of holobiont evolution. Our findings of adaptation in genomic mechanisms to reducing environments likely extend to other chemosynthetic symbiotic systems.
Modified score based on revised Tokuhashi score is needed for the determination of surgical intervention in patients with lung cancer metastases to the spine
Authors: Cai Zhenyu , Tang Xiaodong , Yang Rongli , Yan Taiqiang , Guo Wei
Published: November 2019

Background

Revised Tokuhashi score (RTS) is no longer accurate to predict the survival of patients with lung cancer metastases to the spine. This study is to identify additional prognostic factors in those patients, develop a modified prognostic score based on RTS, and verify the accuracy of the score in prediction.

Methods

Our study included patients with lung cancer metastases to the spine who underwent surgery for spine metastasis. Potential prognostic factors were analyzed. Points were allocated for prognostic factors obtained from survival analyses. A modified score was developed by including prognostic factors and their points to RTS. Accuracy of the modified score was evaluated by comparing the coincidence between predicted and observed survival. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression models were used. Predictive values of scores for 6-month survival were measured via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

Targeted therapy and tumor markers were additional independent prognostic factors. In the modified score, 2 and 1 points were allocated to the new evaluation factors. The points for factors based on RTS remained the same, and two prognostic groups were redefined. For group A patients who were predicted to live for less than 6 months, conservative procedures would be recommended. For group B patients who were predicted to live for 6 months or more, palliative surgery would be recommended. When comparing the modified score to RTS, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCROC) and accuracy of score were improved.

Conclusions

The modified RTS has improved prognostic accuracy in patients with lung cancer metastases to the spine.
Root phenotypic detection of different vigorous maize seeds based on Progressive Corrosion Joining algorithm of image
Authors: Lu Wei , Li Ye , Deng Yiming
Published: November 2019

Background

The root phenotypes of different vigorous maize seeds vary a lot. Imaging roots of growing maize is a non-invasive, affordable and high throughput approach. However, it’s difficult to get integral root images because of the block of the soil. The paper proposed an algorithm to repair incomplete root images for maize root fast non-invasive phenotyping detection.

Results

A two-layer transparent stress growth device with two concentric cylinders was developed as mesocosms and the maize seeds were planted in the annulus of it. The maize roots grow in soil against two acrylic plastic surfaces due to the press of the small growing area to acquire more root details during roots visualization and imaging. Even though, parts of the roots are occluded which means that it’s tough to extract the information of root general physical construction. For recovering gaps from disconnected root segments, Progressive Corrosion Joining (PCJ) algorithm was proposed based on the physiological characteristics of hydrotropism, geostrophic and continuity with three steps which are root image thinning, progressive corrosion and joining processing respectively. The experiments indicate that maize phenotyping parameters are negative correlation with seed aging days. And specifically, Root Number (RTN), Root Length (RTL), Root Width (RTW) and Root Extension Length (REL) of unaged and 14-day-aged maize seeds are decreased from 15.40, 82.40 mm, 1.53 mm and 82.20 mm to 4.58, 38.6 mm, 1.35 mm and 55.20 mm, and the growing speed of them are changed from 1.68 per day, 8.80 mm/d, 0.06 mm/d, 9.0 mm/d to 0.70 per day, 4.3 mm/d, 0.05 mm/d and 5.70 mm/d respectively. Whereas Root Extension Angle (REA) is basically irrelevant with the level of maize seed aging.

Conclusion

The developed double-layer Annular Root Phenotyping Container (ARPC) can satisfy the general physical construction of maize as well as push each root growing along the inner wall of the container which help to acquire more root information. The presented novel PCJ algorithm can recover the missing parts, even for big gaps, of maize roots effectively according to root morphological properties. The experiments show that the proposed method can be applied to evaluate the vigor of maize seeds which has vast application prospect in high throughput root phenotyping area.
Combining gene expression programming and genetic algorithm as a powerful hybrid modeling approach for pear rootstocks tissue culture media formulation
Authors: Jamshidi Saeid , Yadollahi Abbas , Arab Mohammad Mehdi , Soltani Mohammad , Eftekhari Maliheh , Sabzalipoor Hamed , Sheikhi Abdollatif , Shiri Jalal
Published: November 2019

Background

Predicting impact of plant tissue culture media components on explant proliferation is important especially in commercial scale for optimizing efficient culture media. Previous studies have focused on predicting the impact of media components on explant growth via conventional multi-layer perceptron neural networks (MLPNN) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) methods. So, there is an opportunity to find more efficient algorithms such as Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) and Gene Expression Programming (GEP). Here, a novel algorithm, i.e. GEP which has not been previously applied in plant tissue culture researches was compared to RBFNN and MLR for the first time. Pear rootstocks (Pyrodwarf and OHF) were used as case studies on predicting the effect of minerals and some hormones in the culture medium on proliferation indices.

Results

Generally, RBFNN and GEP showed extremely higher performance accuracy than the MLR. Moreover, GEP models as the most accurate models were optimized using genetic algorithm (GA). The improvement was mainly due to the RBFNN and GEP strong estimation capability and their superior tolerance to experimental noises or improbability.

Conclusions

GEP as the most robust and accurate prospecting procedure to achieve the highest proliferation quality and quantity has also the benefit of being easy to use.
An improved method of constructing degradome library suitable for sequencing using Illumina platform
Authors: Li Yong-Fang , Zhao Miao , Wang Menglei , Guo Junqiang , Wang Li , Ji Jie , Qiu Zongbo , Zheng Yun , Sunkar Ramanjulu
Published: November 2019

Background

Post-transcriptional gene regulation is one of the critical layers of overall gene expression programs and microRNAs (miRNAs) play an indispensable role in this process by guiding cleavage on the messenger RNA targets. The transcriptome-wide cleavages on the target transcripts can be identified by analyzing the degradome or PARE or GMUCT libraries. However, high-throughput sequencing of PARE or degradome libraries using Illumina platform, a widely used platform, is not so straightforward. Moreover, the currently used degradome or PARE methods utilize MmeI restriction site in the 5′ RNA adapter and the resulting fragments are only 20-nt long, which often poses difficulty in distinguishing between the members of the same target gene family or distinguishing miRNA biogenesis intermediates from the primary miRNA transcripts belonging to the same miRNA family. Consequently, developing a method which can generate longer fragments from the PARE or degradome libraries which can also be sequenced easily using Illumina platform is ideal.

Results

In this protocol, 3′ end of the 5′RNA adaptor of TruSeq small RNA library is modified by introducing EcoP15I recognition site. Correspondingly, the double-strand DNA (dsDNA) adaptor sequence is also modified to suit with the ends generated by the restriction enzyme EcoP15I. These modifications allow amplification of the degradome library by primer pairs used for small RNA library preparation, thus amenable for sequencing using Illumina platform, like small RNA library.

Conclusions

Degradome library generated using this improved protocol can be sequenced easily using Illumina platform, and the resulting tag length is ~ 27-nt, which is longer than the MmeI generated fragment (20-nt) that can facilitate better accuracy in validating target transcripts belonging to the same gene family or distinguishing miRNA biogenesis intermediates of the same miRNA family. Furthermore, this improved method allows pooling and sequencing degradome libraries and small RNA libraries simultaneously using Illumina platform.
Correction to: Investigating the parameter space of evolutionary algorithms
Authors: Sipper Moshe , Fu Weixuan , Ahuja Karuna , Moore Jason H.
Published: November 2019

Following publication of the original article [1], an error was reported in one of the experiments.
Mechanisms and evolution of resistance to environmental extremes in animals
Authors: Boothby Thomas C.
Published: November 2019

When animals are exposed to an extreme environmental stress, one of three possible outcomes takes place: the animal dies, the animal avoids the environmental stress and survives, or the animal tolerates the environmental stress and survives. This review is concerned with the third possibility, and will look at mechanisms that rare animals use to survive extreme environmental stresses including freezing, desiccation, intense heat, irradiation, and low-oxygen conditions (hypoxia). In addition, an increasing understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in environmental stress tolerance allows us to speculate on how these tolerances arose. Uncovering the mechanisms of extreme environmental stress tolerance and how they evolve has broad implications for our understanding of the evolution of early life on this planet, colonization of new environments, and the search for novel forms of life both on Earth and elsewhere, as well as a number of agricultural and health-related applications.
A radiologic review of hoarse voice from anatomic and neurologic perspectives
Authors: Montoya Simone , Portanova Anthony , Bhatt Alok A.
Published: November 2019

The differential diagnosis for hoarseness is extensive and includes a multitude of etiologies that span a large geographic area from the brainstem to the mediastinum. Therefore, localizing a causative lesion can be extremely difficult for clinicians and radiologists alike. In this review, we will first discuss the normal anatomy of the larynx and its innervation via the vagus and recurrent laryngeal nerves. We will then proceed with a guided tour of the various infectious/inflammatory, neoplastic, congenital, and traumatic/iatrogenic causes of hoarseness subdivided by anatomic location (brainstem, skull base, carotid sheath, thyroid, larynx, and superior mediastinum). Along the way, we will discuss the various cross-sectional imaging modalities best suited to detect the often subtle signs of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. With thorough knowledge of these entities, radiologists can impact patient care by suggesting the appropriate imaging test and tailoring their search patterns to detect the subtle findings of laryngeal dysfunction.
The role of cardiac rehabilitation using exercise to decrease natriuretic peptide levels in non-surgical patients: a systematic review
Authors: Alphonsus Christella S. , Govender Pooveshni , Rodseth Reitze N. , Biccard Bruce M.
Published: November 2019

Exercise is recommended in patients with cardiac failure. In the perioperative patient, exercise is also gaining popularity as a form of prehabilitation. In this meta-analysis, we examine if exercise is able to reduce natriuretic peptide levels. Natriuretic peptide (NP) has strong prognostic ability in identifying patients who will develop adverse postoperative cardiovascular outcomes. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42017051468). The database search included MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL (EBSCO host), EMBASE (EBSCO host), ProQuest, Web of Science, and Cochrane database. The primary outcomes were to determine whether exercise therapy was effective in reducing NP levels as compared to control group, the shortest time period required to reduce NP levels after exercise therapy, and whether reducing NP levels decreased morbidity and mortality. Full texts of 16 trials were retrieved for this review. Exercise therapy showed a significant reduction in natriuretic peptide levels between the intervention and control groups (SMD − 0.45, 95% CI − 0.88 to − 0.03) with significant heterogeneity between the included trials. This was also shown in the within a 12-week period.
Rethinking the combination treatment of fulvestrant and anastrozole for metastatic breast cancer: an integrated reanalysis of aromatase–estrogen receptor axis
Authors: Huang Xing
Published: November 2019

Aberrant expression or hyperactivation of aromatase (CYP19A1)–estrogen receptor (ESR) axis is well identified as one of the major causes of breast cancer. Lots of drugs have been developed for targeting CYP19A1 or ESR respectively, such as anastrozole and fulvestrant. Recently, Mehta et al. reported in NEJM that the combined treatment of anastrozole and fulvestrant increased long‐term survival of patients with metastatic breast cancer, especially for those without receiving endocrine therapy. However, the integrated prognostic analyses of CYP19A1 and ESR1/ESR2 indicated some contradictory outcomes to the recent clinical trial. Moreover, immunological investigation further revealed that targeting the whole CYP19A1–ESR axis might cause the inactivation of anti‐tumor immune response, which largely attenuated its application prospects in breast cancer. Considered the pathophysiologic functions of CYP19A1 and ESR1/ESR2‐mediated signaling pathway in breast cancer seem as more complicated than what we have already known, more precise evaluation will be needed in urgent.
Efficient storage of heterogeneous geospatial data in spatial databases
Authors: Sveen Atle Frenvik
Published: November 2019

The no-schema approach of NoSQL document stores is a tempting solution for importing heterogenous geospatial data to a spatial database. However, this approach means sacrificing the benefits of RDBMSes, such as existing integrations and the ACID principle. Previous comparisons of the document-store and table-based layout for storing geospatial data favours the document-store approach but does not consider importing data that can be segmented into homogenous datasets. In this paper we propose “The Heterogeneous Open Geodata Storage (HOGS)” system. HOGS is a command line utility that automates the process of importing geospatial data to a PostgreSQL/PostGIS database. It is developed in order to compare the performance of a traditional storage layout adhering to the ACID principle, and a NoSQL-inspired document store. A collection of eight open geospatial datasets comprising 15 million features was imported and queried in order to compare the differences between the two storage layouts. The results from a quantitative experiment are presented and shows that large amounts of open geospatial data can be stored using traditional RDBMSes using a table-based layout without any performance penalties.
New method of temperature and conductivity sensor calibration with improved efficiency for screening SBE41 CTD on Argo floats
Authors: Hosoda Shigeki , Hirano Mizue , Hashimukai Takayuki , Asai Satoko , Kawakami Noriko
Published: November 2019

The global ocean monitoring system would benefit from improvements in the efficiency of Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth Device (CTD) sensor screening. Here, we describe the development of a new screening system, J-Calibration, for use with the SBE41 CTD sensor on the Argo float (Sea Bird Scientific). This new system has crucial advantages over the traditional SBE-Calibration system. First, J-Calibration does not require removal of the CTD sensor unit from the Argo float body to operate in a laboratory. This feature enables technicians or operators to more efficiently check the Argo target accuracies (± 0.005 °C for temperature and ± 0.01 PSS-78 for salinity) and allows the manufacturer’s warranty to remain intact. This also allows for a more efficient basic screening system which maintains screening accuracy without the need for specialized technicians. J-Calibration reduces the screening time to 1/6th that of SBE-Calibration and does not require the preparation of large amounts of artificial seawater. J-Calibration uses 1/23rd of the volume of seawater compared to SBE-Calibration by examining calibration at only 1 temperature point (22 °C), whereas SBE-Calibration requires 7 points to achieve calibration. The J-Calibration system does require careful temperature control of the artificial seawater as it is critical to maintain a uniform water temperature throughout the experiments. To satisfy this, using a vinyl greenhouse and covering sensors with adiabatic materials and cooling packs are effective. In comparison with the accuracy and system stability of SBE-Calibration, we show that the J-Calibration system is non-inferior and therefore is suitable for use in laboratory screening prior to deployment. Based on these advantages, the J-Calibration system will make a strong contribution to the deployment of healthy Argo fleets and to the maintenance of uniform data in the global ocean.
Optical coherence tomography angiography in diabetic retinopathy: a review of current applications
Authors: Tey Kai Yuan , Teo Kelvin , Tan Anna C. S. , Devarajan Kavya , Tan Bingyao , Tan Jacqueline , Schmetterer Leopold , Ang Marcus
Published: November 2019

Background

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss in adults. Currently, the standard imaging technique to monitor and prognosticate DR and diabetic maculopathy is dye-based angiography. With the introduction of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), it may serve as a potential rapid, non-invasive imaging modality as an adjunct.

Main text

Recent studies on the role of OCTA in DR include the use of vascular parameters e.g., vessel density, intercapillary spacing, vessel diameter index, length of vessels based on skeletonised OCTA, the total length of vessels, vascular architecture and area of the foveal avascular zone. These quantitative measures may be able to detect changes with the severity and progress of DR for clinical research. OCTA may also serve as a non-invasive imaging method to detect diabetic macula ischemia, which may help predict visual prognosis. However, there are many limitations of OCTA in DR, such as difficulty in segmentation between superficial and deep capillary plexus; and its use in diabetic macula edema where the presence of cystic spaces may affect image results. Future applications of OCTA in the anterior segment include detection of anterior segment ischemia and iris neovascularisation associated with proliferative DR and risk of neovascular glaucoma.

Conclusion

OCTA may potentially serve as a useful non-invasive imaging tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy in the future. Future studies may demonstrate how quantitative OCTA measures may have a role in detecting early retinal changes in patients with diabetes.
Identification of novel citramalate biosynthesis pathways in Aspergillus niger
Authors: Hossain Abeer H. , Hendrikx Aiko , Punt Peter J.
Published: November 2019

Background

The filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger is frequently used for industrial production of fermentative products such as enzymes, proteins and biochemicals. Notable examples of industrially produced A. niger fermentation products are glucoamylase and citric acid. Most notably, the industrial production of citric acid achieves high titers, yield and productivities, a feat that has prompted researchers to propose A. niger to serve as heterologous production host for the industrial production of itaconic acid (IA), a promising sustainable chemical building-block for the fabrication of various synthetic resins, coatings, and polymers. Heterologous production of IA in A. niger has resulted in unexpected levels of metabolic rewiring that has led us to the identification of IA biodegradation pathway in A. niger. In this study we have attempted to identify the final product of the IA biodegradation pathway and analyzed the effect of metabolic rewiring on the bioproduction of 9 industrially relevant organic acids.

Results

IA biodegradation manifests in diminishing titers of IA and the occurrence of an unidentified compound in the HPLC profile. Based on published results on the IA biodegradation pathway, we hypothesized that the final product of IA biodegradation in A. niger may be citramalic acid (CM). Based on detailed HPLC analysis, we concluded that the unidentified compound is indeed CM. Furthermore, by transcriptome analysis we explored the effect of metabolic rewiring on the production of 9 industrially relevant organic acids by transcriptome analysis of IA producing and WT A. niger strains. Interestingly, this analysis led to the identification of a previously unknown biosynthetic cluster that is proposed to be involved in the biosynthesis of CM. Upon overexpression of the putative citramalate synthase and a genomically clustered organic acid transporter, we have observed CM bioproduction by A. niger.

Conclusion

In this study, we have shown that the end product of IA biodegradation pathway in A. niger is CM. Knock-out of the IA biodegradation pathway results in the cessation of CM production. Furthermore, in this study we have identified a citramalate biosynthesis pathway, which upon overexpression drives citramalate bioproduction in A. niger.
Relationship between retinal vessel tortuosity and oxygenation in sickle cell retinopathy
Authors: Khansari Maziyar M. , Garvey Sarah L. , Farzad Shayan , Shi Yonggang , Shahidi Mahnaz
Published: November 2019

Background

Reduced retinal vascular oxygen (O2) content causes tissue hypoxia and may lead to development of vision-threatening pathologies. Since increased vessel tortuosity is an early sign for some hypoxia-implicated retinopathies, we investigated a relationship between retinal vascular O2 content and vessel tortuosity indices.

Methods

Dual wavelength retinal oximetry using a commercially available scanning laser ophthalmoscope was performed in both eyes of 12 healthy (NC) and 12 sickle cell retinopathy (SCR) subjects. Images were analyzed to quantify retinal arterial and venous O2 content and determine vessel tortuosity index (VTI) and vessel inflection index (VII) in circumpapillary regions. Linear mixed model analysis was used to determine the effect of disease on vascular O2 content, VTI and VII, and relate vascular O2 content with VTI and VII. Models accounted for vessel type, fellow eyes, age and mean arterial pressure.

Results

Retinal arterial and venous O2 content were lower in SCR (O2A = 11 ± 4 mLO2/dL, O2V = 7 ± 2 mLO2/dL) compared to NC (O2A = 18 ± 3 mLO2/dL, O2V = 13 ± 3 mLO2/dL) subjects (p < 0.001). As expected, O2 content was higher in arteries (15 ± 5 mLO2/dL) than veins (10 ± 4 mLO2/dL) (p < 0.001), but not different between eyes (OD: 12 ± 5 mLO2/dL; OS:13 ± 5 mLO2/dL) (p = 0.3). VTI was not significantly different between SCR (0.18 ± 0.07) and NC (0.15 ± 0.04) subjects, or between arteries (0.18 ± 0.07) and veins (0.16 ± 0.04), or between eyes (OD: 0.18 ± 0.07, OS:0.17 ± 0.05) (p ≥ 0.06). VII was significantly higher in SCR (10 ± 2) compared to NC subjects (8 ± 1) (p = 0.003). VII was also higher in veins (9 ± 2) compared to arteries (8 ± 5) (p = 0.04), but not different between eyes (OD: 9 ± 2; OS: 9 ± 2) (p = 0.2). There was an inverse linear relationship between vascular O2 (13 ± 5 mLO2/dL) content and VII (9 ± 2) (β = −0.5; p = 0.02).

Conclusions

The findings augment knowledge of relationship between retinal vascular oxygenation and morphological changes and potentially contribute to identifying biomarkers for assessment of retinal hypoxia due to SCR and other retinopathies.
Use hierarchy for “liberating servant leadership” instead of controlling employees
Authors: Nobles Bill
Published: November 2019

Since the Industrial Revolution, management has relied on hierarchy to control assets and employees. The negative impact of that hierarchical control on employee performance has long been recognized, yet in spite of expert and scholarly attempts to solve these problems hierarchical control generally continues to dominate management theory and practices. This article argues that is because these problems are rooted not in hierarchy, but rather in organizational expectations of hierarchy. Hierarchy emphasizing “liberating servant leadership” (Dr. Isaac Getz of the ESCP Business School in Paris introduced the term “liberating leadership,” the French equivalent of which “entreprise libérée” has become a household term in France. Max De Pree suggested the leader must become a servant in Leadership is an Art. This combines the two concepts.) instead of controlling employees can produce extraordinary business results. Eighteen innovative CEOs (The innovative CEOs and their successful companies in alphabetical order are Bill Gore, W.L. Gore Company; Bob Beyster, Science Applications International Corporation; Bob Davids, Radica Games & Sea Smoke Vineyard and Winery; Bob Koski, Sun Hydraulics; Bob Townsend, AVIS; David Kelley, IDEO; Garry Ridge, WD-40; Gordon Forward, Chaparral Steel; Harry Quadracci, Quad/Graphics; Herb Kelleher, Southwest Airlines; Jeff Westphal, Vertex; Ken Iverson, Nucor Steel; Kim Jordan, New Belgium Brewing; Max De Pree, Herman Miller; Paul Staley, PQ Corporation; Rich Teerlink, Harley Davidson; Robert McDermott, USAA Insurance; and Stan Richards, The Richards Group. Additional details about each leader can be found in the books Freedom, Inc. by Brian Carney and Isaac Getz and Questioning Corporate Hierarchy by Paul Staley and Bill Nobles.) whom  I have studied discovered this by trial and error while trying to take advantage of Douglas McGregor’s Theory Y. Their leadership changed the design of their organizations. Believing that individuals can drive themselves more effectively than managers can, these CEOs sought to create conditions in which associates committed themselves to organizational objectives, and satisfied their ego and self-development needs. The CEOs relied on hierarchy to control financial assets, but fundamentally changed the human dimension. The organizational roles traditionally called “middle managers” responsible for controlling employees became “liberating servant leaders” responsible for ensuring that associates had everything needed to freely self-control and self-coordinate their efforts. The resulting self-motivated, creative employees played key roles in each CEO’s company being extraordinarily successful. These experiences provide a foundation for transforming the human role of hierarchy in organizational design.
Disease activity flares and pain flares in an early rheumatoid arthritis inception cohort; characteristics, antecedents and sequelae
Authors: McWilliams Daniel F. , Rahman Shimin , James Richard J. E. , Ferguson Eamonn , Kiely Patrick D. W. , Young Adam , Walsh David A.
Published: November 2019

Background

RA flares are common and disabling. They are described in terms of worsening inflammation but pain and inflammation are often discordant. To inform treatment decisions, we investigated whether inflammatory and pain flares are discrete entities.

Methods

People from the Early RA Network (ERAN) cohort were assessed annually up to 11 years after presentation (n = 719, 3703 person-years of follow up). Flare events were defined in 2 different ways that were analysed in parallel; DAS28 or Pain Flares. DAS28 Flares satisfied OMERACT flare criteria of increases in DAS28 since the previous assessment (≥1.2 points if active RA or ≥ 0.6 points if inactive RA). A ≥ 4.8-point worsening of SF36-Bodily Pain score defined Pain Flares. The first documented episode of each of DAS28 and Pain Flare in each person was analysed. Subgroups within DAS28 and Pain Flares were determined using Latent Class Analysis. Clinical course was compared between flare subgroups.

Results

DAS28 (45%) and Pain Flares (52%) were each common but usually discordant, with 60% of participants in DAS28 Flare not concurrently in Pain Flare, and 64% of those in Pain Flare not concurrently in DAS28 Flare. Three discrete DAS28 Flare subgroups were identified. One was characterised by increases in tender/swollen joint counts (14.4%), a second by increases in symptoms (13.1%), and a third displayed lower flare severity (72.5%). Two discrete Pain Flare subgroups were identified. One occurred following low disease activity and symptoms (88.6%), and the other occurred on the background of ongoing active disease and pain (11.4%). Despite the observed differences between DAS28 and Pain Flares, each was associated with increased disability which persisted beyond the flare episode.

Conclusion

Flares are both common and heterogeneous in people with RA. Furthermore our findings indicate that for some patients there is a discordance between inflammation and pain in flare events. This discrete flare subgroups might reflect different underlying inflammation and pain mechanisms. Treatments addressing different mechanisms might be required to reduce persistent disability after DAS28 and Pain Flares.