bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The clinicopathological and molecular analysis of gastric cancer with altered SMARCA4 expression
Authors: Huang Shih‐Chiang , Ng Kwai‐Fong , Yeh Ta‐Sen , Cheng Chi‐Tung , Chen Min‐Chi , Chao Yi‐Chun , Chuang Huei‐Chieh , Liu Yu‐Jen , Chen Tse‐Ching
Published: April 2020

Aims

In this study, we examine the clinicopathological and molecular features of gastric cancer (GC) with SMARCA4 alterations.

Methods and results

We screened SMARCA4 alterations using immunohistochemistry on 1199 surgically resected GCs with information on Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), microsatellite instability (MSI) and other SWI/SNF subunits. SMARCA4, SMARCA2 and ARID1A mutations were investigated by targeted sequencing. The clinicopathological significance was determined by statistical analysis. Twenty‐seven cases (2%) with altered SMARCA4 expression were identified, exhibiting completely lost (six), reduced (nine) or heterogeneous (12) patterns. Frequent concomitant alterations of other SWI/SNF subunits were noted with an unusual discordant spatial heterogeneity. In comparison with SMARCA4‐retained GCs, SMARCA4‐lost GCs were observed more frequently in the non‐EBV/MSI subgroup (five of six) and reduced or heterogeneous SMARCA4 expression mainly occurred in EBV‐ or MSI‐associated cases (six of nine and six of 12, respectively; P < 0.001). Histologically, SMARCA4‐altered GC, irrespective of expression pattern, demonstrated divergent histomorphology, spanning tubular, poorly cohesive or mixed, neuroendocrine to solid and undifferentiated carcinoma, with a predilection to the latter two (P < 0.001). De‐differentiation‐like transition and rhabdoid features were noted in a minority of cases. For overall survival, altered SMARCA4 expression was an unfavourable prognostic factor in stage III, EBV‐associated GC and non‐EBV/MSI intestinal subtype (P ≤ 0.001). SMARCA4 or ARID1A mutations were detected mainly in SMARCA4‐lost or reduced GC, respectively.

Conclusions

SMARCA4‐altered GCs are rare and have intratumoral heterogeneity, histomorphological diversity, conditional prognostic significance and various genetic drivers. SMARCA4‐lost GC may represent a genuine SMARCA4‐deficient neoplasm, but most SMARCA4‐reduced/heterogeneous cases are secondary to ARID1A collapse or associated with different genotypes.
The importance of using multiple outcome measures in infant research
Authors: LoBue Vanessa , Reider Lori B. , Kim Emily , Burris Jessica L. , Oleas Denise S. , Buss Kristin A. , Pérez‐Edgar Koraly , Field Andy P.
Published: April 2020

Collecting data with infants is notoriously difficult. As a result, many of our studies consist of small samples, with only a single measure, in a single age group, at a single time point. With renewed calls for greater academic rigor in data collection practices, using multiple outcome measures in infant research is one way to increase rigor, and, at the same time, enable us to more accurately interpret our data. Here, we illustrate the importance of using multiple measures in psychological research with examples from our own work on rapid threat detection and from the broader infancy literature. First, we describe our initial studies using a single outcome measure, and how this strategy caused us to nearly miss a rich and complex story about attention biases for threat and their development. We demonstrate how using converging measures can help researchers make inferences about infant behavior, and how using additional measures allows us to more deeply examine the mechanisms that drive developmental change. Finally, we provide practical and statistical recommendations for how researchers can use multiple measures in future work.
Efficacy and safety of recombinant human epidermal growth factor for diabetic foot ulcers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Zhao Ding‐Yun , Su Ya‐Na , Li Yong‐Hong , Yu Tian‐Qi , Li Jing , Tu Chong‐Qi
Published: April 2020

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) in treating diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), we conducted both database searches (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science) and reference searches for randomised controlled trials from the inception of databases to 30 January 2020. Two reviewers independently scrutinised the trials, extracted data, and assessed the quality of trials. The primary outcome was the proportion of complete healing. The secondary outcomes were mean time to complete healing and adverse events. A subgroup analysis was performed by different administration routes. Statistical analyses were performed in RevMan 5.3. The time to complete healing Kaplan‐Meier curves was pooled in the R software. Of the 156 citations, 9 trials (720 participants) met eligibility criteria and were included. The rhEGF achieved a higher complete healing rate than placebo (OR: 2.79, [95% CI: 1.99, 3.99]). The rhEGF also significantly shorten complete healing time (MD: −14.10 days, [95% CI: −18.03, −10.16]). Subgroup analysis showed that topical application was superior to intralesional injection, but that may be because of different ulcer severity they included. No significant difference was shown in adverse events. Results were coherent with sensitivity analyses. Therefore, rhEGF is an effective and safe treatment for DFUs.
Circulating microRNA profiles based on direct S‐Poly(T)Plus assay for detection of coronary heart disease
Authors: Su Mingyang , Niu Yanqin , Dang Quanjin , Qu Junle , Zhu Daling , Tang Zhongren , Gou Deming
Published: April 2020

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the leading causes of heart‐associated deaths worldwide. Conventional diagnostic techniques are ineffective and insufficient to diagnose CHD with higher accuracy. To use the circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) as non‐invasive, specific and sensitive biomarkers for diagnosing of CHD, 203 patients with CHD and 144 age‐matched controls (126 high‐risk controls and 18 healthy volunteers) were enrolled in this study. The direct S‐Poly(T)Plus method was used to identify novel miRNAs expression profile of CHD patients and to evaluate their clinical diagnostic value. This method is an RNA extraction‐free and robust quantification method, which simplifies procedures, reduces variations, in particular increases the accuracy. Twelve differentially expressed miRNAs between CHD patients and high‐risk controls were selected, and their performances were evaluated in validation set‐1 with 96 plasma samples. Finally, six (miR‐15b‐5p, miR‐29c‐3p, miR‐199a‐3p, miR‐320e, miR‐361‐5p and miR‐378b) of these 12 miRNAs were verified in validation set‐2 with a sensitivity of 92.8% and a specificity of 89.5%, and the AUC was 0.971 (95% confidence interval, 0.948‐0.993, P < .001) in a large cohort for CHD patients diagnosis. Plasma fractionation indicated that only a small amount of miRNAs were assembled into EVs. Direct S‐Poly(T)Plus method could be used for disease diagnosis and 12 unique miRNAs could be used for diagnosis of CHD.
The effect of Sirt1 deficiency on Ca2+ and Na+ regulation in mouse ventricular myocytes
Authors: Yang Hsiang‐Yu , Lin Feng‐Zhi , Yang Hui‐Wen , Yu Pei‐Ling , Huang Shih‐Ming , Chen Yao‐Chang , Tsai Chien‐Sung , Lin Chih‐Yuan
Published: April 2020

This study addressed the hypothesis that cardiac Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) deficiency alters cardiomyocyte Ca2+ and Na+ regulation, leading to cardiac dysfunction and arrhythmogenesis. We used mice with cardiac‐specific Sirt1 knockout (Sirt1−/−). Sirt1flox/flox mice were served as control. Sirt1−/− mice showed impaired cardiac ejection fraction with increased ventricular spontaneous activity and burst firing compared with those in control mice. The arrhythmic events were suppressed by KN93 and ranolazine. Reduction in Ca2+ transient amplitudes and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ stores, and increased SR Ca2+ leak were shown in the Sirt1−/− mice. Electrophysiological measurements were performed using patch‐clamp method. While L‐type Ca2+ current (ICa, L) was smaller in Sirt1−/− myocytes, reverse‐mode Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) current was larger compared with those in control myocytes. Late Na+ current (INa, L) was enhanced in the Sirt1−/− mice, alongside with elevated cytosolic Na+ level. Increased cytosolic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) were shown in Sirt1−/− mice. Sirt1−/− cardiomyocytes showed down‐regulation of L‐type Ca2+ channel α1c subunit (Cav1.2) and sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase 2a (SERCA2a), but up‐regulation of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II and NCX. In conclusions, these findings suggest that deficiency of Sirt1 impairs the regulation of intracellular Ca2+ and Na+ in cardiomyocytes, thereby provoking cardiac dysfunction and arrhythmogenesis.
In vivo accuracy of dental magnetic resonance imaging in assessing maxillary molar furcation involvement: A feasibility study in humans
Authors: Juerchott Alexander , Sohani Meysam , Schwindling Franz Sebastian , Jende Johann M. E. , Kurz Felix T. , Rammelsberg Peter , Heiland Sabine , Bendszus Martin , Hilgenfeld Tim
Published: April 2020

Aim

To investigate the accuracy and reliability of dental magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) in assessing maxillary molar furcation involvement (FI).

Material and Methods

In this prospective study, 22 patients with severe periodontitis underwent cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) and dMRI. For 192 furcation entrances, the degree of horizontal FI was assessed by two independent observers on both modalities. Results of dMRI were compared with CBCT (reference modality) to assess the accuracy of dMRI. Cohen's kappa (κ), sensitivity and specificity were calculated for FI classification. Bland–Altman analysis and the Kruskal–Wallis test were used to evaluate measurement accuracy of dMRI.

Results

Based on CBCT findings, 93 furcation entrances revealed FI (degree I/II/III: 35/19/39). Intra‐ and inter‐reader agreement was excellent for both modalities (κ‐range: 0.884 to 0.933). dMRI measurements showed high agreement with CBCT (bias: 0.17 mm; 95% limits of agreement: −1.05 to 1.38 mm), and measurement accuracy did not differ among different degrees of FI (p = .67). For FI detection, sensitivity and specificity of dMRI were 98% and 99%. For FI classification, sensitivity values of dMRI were 89%/84%/100% for degree I/II/III.

Conclusions

Compared to CBCT (non‐invasive gold standard), dMRI demonstrates high accuracy and reliability in evaluating the degree of FI in maxillary molars.
Rethinking environmental LCA life stages for transport infrastructure to facilitate holistic assessment
Authors: Saxe Shoshanna , Kasraian Dena
Published: April 2020

Life cycle assessment (LCA) aims to provide a near full accounting of impacts from the complete life of a product, to avoid burden shifting between different parts of the life cycle. However, this is exceptionally difficult with transport infrastructure because important parts of their impact lie outside the widely applied industrial‐product‐oriented LCA life stages: production, manufacturing, use, and end of life. To account for those missing impacts, we propose a new framework for assessing the life cycle impacts of transport infrastructure. This framework takes account of the differences between transport infrastructure and the industrial product system to which LCA is most attuned. First, rather than a linear process from material extraction to disposal, this LCA framework accommodates the multiple iterations of transport infrastructure through circular life stages. These reflect the long lifetimes, durability, persistence, and feedback loops of transport infrastructure. Second, this framework recognizes the impact at the start of the life cycle created by demolition of previous infrastructure or land clearing. Third, the tightly linked external impacts that transport infrastructure induces, including influences on travel behavior, local land use, land use, land use change and forestry, and network effects are captured. Fourth, this framework recharacterizes “end of life” as “partial end of life,” in reflection of the widespread reconstruction, major refurbishment of and persistence of indirect impacts from transport infrastructure.
Aberrant retinoic acid production in the decidua: Implications for pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Rajakumar Augustine , Kane Maureen A. , Yu Jie , Taylor Robert N. , Sidell Neil
Published: April 2020

Fine‐tuning of the endometrium during the evanescent ‘window of implantation’ relies upon an array of diverse and redundant signaling molecules, particularly the ovarian steroids E2 and P4, but also growth factors, eicosanoids, and vitamins including the vitamin A compounds (retinoids). Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia (PE) can result from aberrations in the production or function of these molecules that arise during this critical period of decidual development. Such aberrations may be reflected by incomplete decidualization, reduced spiral artery modification, and/or loss of immune tolerance to the developing fetus. Our understanding of the role of the active retinoid metabolite all‐trans retinoic acid (RA) in maintaining immune balance in certain tissues, along with data describing its role in decidualization, present a compelling argument that aberrant RA signaling in the decidua can play a significant role in the etiology of PE. Recent findings that decidualization and expression of the anti‐angiogenic gene product, ‘soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1’ (sFLT1) are negatively correlated and that sFLT1 expression is directly inhibited by RA, provide additional evidence of the critical role of this retinoid in regulating early vascular development in the decidua. This review provides insight into the production and function of RA in the decidua and how modifications in its metabolism and signaling might lead to certain pregnancy disorders such as PE.
Impact of Syrian refugees on congenital TORCH infections screening in Turkey
Authors: Çoşkun Bora , Gülümser Çağrı , Çoşkun Buğra , Artuk Cumhur , Karaşahin Kazım E.
Published: April 2020

Aim

To demonstrate the effect of the Syrian refugee population on the prevalence of congenital TORCH (Toxoplasmosis, Other [syphilis, varicella‐zoster, parvovirus B19], Rubella, Cytomegalovirus [CMV] and Herpes) infections and to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of population‐based TORCH screening during pregnancy in Turkey.

Methods

Pregnant women (n = 9754) were enrolled. Ultrasonographic findings, immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG seropositivity, avidity, amniocentesis and DNA‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results were compared. Costs were calculated based on invoice amounts from the Health Applications Communique pricing system.

Results

The prevalence of TORCH seropositivity in Turkey was not significantly different between all regions (P > 0.05). Overall, 1333 (13.67%) pregnant Syrian refugees were included in the study. Acute CMV, rubella and Toxoplasma gondii infections (according to low IgG avidity in IgM positive patients) were detected in 17.82%, 21.53% and 14.07% of women, respectively. Twenty‐four women underwent an amniocentesis procedure and nine of them had positive DNA‐PCR and reverse transcription‐PCR results. All women with positive results opted to terminate the pregnancy. There was no statistical difference among groups according to the rate of low IgG avidity in IgM‐positive patients and termination rates for T. gondii, rubella and CMV (P > 0.05). Total cost for screening the entire study population was presented in US dollars (USD). A total of 71 529 and prenatal diagnosis with positive invasive test results were obtained in nine women: toxoplasmosis in four, CMV in three and rubella in two women.

Conclusion

Population‐based screening for prenatal TORCH infections is not cost‐effective in Turkey. Syrian refugees have a limited effect on the increasing prevalence of congenital TORCH infections.
TheK‐Stateemoji scale, a cross‐cultural validation with adults
Authors: Deubler Grace , Swaney‐Stueve Marianne
Published: April 2020

The continued interest in emoji as a medium for measuring emotional response and the need for scales appropriate for cross‐cultural research were the drivers for this study. Experiments using 299 flavored potato chip consumers in the US and China were conducted to understand the suitability of the K‐State emoji scale for measuring emotional response to food products. Adults in each country were asked to evaluate flavored potato chips using a traditional nine‐point hedonic scale and the K‐State emoji scale. The K‐State emoji scale was found to be as equally discriminating as the nine‐point scale, and the scoring from the two scales followed similar distribution patterns and were highly correlated. When asked about the K‐State emoji scale's appropriateness, a significantly higher number of participants in China felt it was “appropriate” or “very appropriate” for the task compared to participants in the US. The findings presented here suggest the K‐State emoji scale is applicable in both countries, however, may be more suitable for the Chinese adult consumer.

Practical Application

The K‐State emoji scale is a suitable method for measuring emotion response to consumer products. It has been validated with children and adults in the US and China. The scale is intuitive, visual, and easy to use. The K‐State emoji scale is free to use.
CirculatingmicroRNAas biomarkers of canine mammary carcinoma in dogs
Authors: Fish Eric J. , Martinez‐Romero Esther Gisela , DeInnocentes Patricia , Koehler Jey W. , Prasad Nripesh , Smith Annette N. , Bird Richard Curt
Published: April 2020

Background

Differentiating benign from canine malignant mammary tumors requires invasive surgical biopsy. Circulating microRNAs (miRNA) may represent promising minimally invasive cancer biomarkers in people and animals.

Objectives

To evaluate the serum mRNA profile between dogs with and without mammary carcinoma, and to determine if any of these markers have prognostic significance.

Animals

Ten healthy client‐owned female dogs (5 intact, 5 spayed) and 10 dogs with histologically confirmed mammary carcinoma were included; 9 were client‐owned, whereas 1 was a research colony dog.

Methods

Retrospective study. Serum miRNA was evaluated by RNA deep‐sequencing (RNAseq) and digital droplet PCR (dPCR).Expression of candidate biomarkers miR‐18a, miR‐19b, miR‐29b, miR‐34c, miR‐122, miR‐125a, and miR‐181a was compared with clinical characteristics, including grade, metastasis, and survival.

Results

452 unique serum miRNAs were detected by RNAseq. Sixty‐five individual miRNAs were differentially expressed (>±1.5‐fold) and statistically significant between groups. Serum miR‐19b (P= .003) and miR‐125a (P < .001) were significantly higher in the mammary carcinoma group by dPCR. Both had high accuracy based on receiver operator characteristic area under the curve (0.930 for miR‐125a; 0.880 for miR‐19b). Circulating miR‐18a by RNAseq was significantly higher in mammary carcinoma dogs with histologic evidence of lymphatic invasion (P= 0.03). There was no significant association with any miRNA and survival or inflammatory status.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Circulating miRNAs are differentially expressed in dogs with mammary carcinoma. Serum miR‐19b and miR‐18a represent candidate biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, respectively.
Epileptic seizures triggered by eating in dogs
Authors: Brocal Josep , Lowrie Mark , Wamsley Gemma , Cauduro Alberto , Mandigers Paul , Gutierrez‐Quintana Rodrigo , Stalin Catherine
Published: April 2020

Background

Seizures triggered by eating (STE) behavior are very rare in humans and have not been documented previously in dogs.

Objectives

To document the occurrence of STE in dogs and describe their clinical features.

Animals

Ten client‐owned dogs with STE diagnosed at 5 European referral centers.

Methods

A call for suspected cases of STE was made online. This call was followed by a retrospective review of medical records, combined with a questionnaire to be completed by both the owner and the board‐certified neurologist who made the diagnosis. Cases were included if >50% of the seizures that occurred were related to eating and if a minimum diagnostic evaluation for seizures had been performed.

Results

Four cases only had STE and 6 cases had both STE and spontaneous seizures. Four of the dogs were retrievers. The most common seizure type was focal epileptic seizures evolving to become generalized. Nine dogs were diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy. One dog had a presumptive diagnosis of glioma involving the margins of the parietal, temporal, and frontal cortex (the perisylvian region), an area known to have a key role in eating‐associated epilepsy in people. Treatment strategies included a combination of pharmacological management and eating habit changes.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

We have identified a form of reflex epilepsy in dogs, with STE behavior. Further studies are warranted to improve the characterization and management of STE.
How do urinary incontinence types affect sexual function and quality of life for Turkish women?
Authors: Bilgic Dilek , Kizilkaya Beji Nezihe
Published: April 2020

Objective

Urinary incontinence (UI) subtypes may have some effects on sexual function because of diverse pathophysiological mechanisms. The objective of our study is to compare UI subtypes’ effects on women's sexual function and quality of life (QoL).

Methods

In this descriptive and comparative study, a total of 239 women with UI were included (89 with stress urinary incontinence [SUI], 65 with urge urinary incontinence [UUI], and 85 with mixed urinary incontinence [MUI]). Sexual function was assessed with the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ‐12), and QoL was assessed with the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire‐7 (IIQ‐7).

Results

In our study, the mean total PISQ‐12 score for the UI subtypes was 29.49 ± 6.38 for SUI, 31.43 ± 5.46 for UUI, and 23.12 ± 5.54 for MUI. Women with MUI had significantly more sexual dysfunctions than the other groups (P < .001). The mean total IIQ‐7 score according to UI subtypes was 60.61 ± 31.49 for SUI, 64.40 ± 28.20 for UUI, and 70.51 ± 25.09 for MUI. As regards the scores of the IIQ‐7, UI had a negative impact on QoL for women of all groups, especially for women with MUI and UUI, but was not significantly different between the groups (P > .05).

Conclusion

The sexual function of women with MUI was affected more adversely than the other UI subtypes. There was no statistically significant difference between the UI subtypes according to IIQ‐7 scores, but when we examined the scores, MUI and UUI were found to have more negative effects on QoL. Clinicians and continence nurses should make routine evaluations of sexual function and QoL for women according to UI subtypes.
STOICISM AND ITS TELOS
Authors: Weiss Robin
Published: April 2020

This essay concerns the disputed nature of the telos in Stoicism and argues that Michel Foucault’s description of the Stoic telos plausibly constitutes an accurate characterization, despite the frequent criticism it has received and the fact that it apparently neglects the important role of nature or physics in Stoicism. To advance this claim, the essay draws upon a neglected set of observations made by Foucault inThe Hermeneutics of the Subject, in which the telos is characterized in terms of the elimination ofstultitia, or “indecision.” Once we analyze indecision and its causes from the perspective of physics, we can see that indecision is incompatible with the Stoic telos as standardly described, for example as “life in accord with nature.” It can be concluded that the Foucault’s view is not only plausible but is in fact supported by Stoic physics. The essay concludes with a discussion of some possible objections.
Novel CAPN3 variant associated with an autosomal dominant calpainopathy
Authors: Cerino M. , Campana‐Salort E. , Salvi A. , Cintas P. , Renard D. , Juntas Morales R. , Tard C. , Leturcq F. , Stojkovic T. , Bonello‐Palot N. , Gorokhova S. , Mortreux J. , Maues De Paula A. , Lévy N. , Pouget J. , Cossée M. , Bartoli M. , Krahn M. , Attarian S.
Published: April 2020

Aims

The most common autosomal recessive limb girdle muscular dystrophy is associated with the CAPN3 gene. The exclusively recessive inheritance of this disorder has been recently challenged by the description of the recurrent variants, c.643_663del21 [p.(Ser215_Gly221del)] and c.598_612del15 [p.(Phe200_Leu204del)], associated with autosomal dominant inheritance. Our objective was to confirm the existence of autosomal dominant calpainopathies.

Methods

Through our activity as one of the reference centres for genetic diagnosis of calpainopathies in France and the resulting collaborations through the French National Network for Rare Neuromuscular Diseases (FILNEMUS), we identified four families harbouring the same CAPN3 heterozygous variant with supposedly autosomal dominant inheritance.

Results

We identified a novel dominantly inherited CAPN3 variant, c.1333G>A [p.(Gly445Arg)] in 14 affected patients from four unrelated families. The complementary phenotypic, functional and genetic findings correlate with an autosomal dominant inheritance in these families, emphasizing the existence of this novel transmission mode for calpainopathies. The mild phenotype associated with these autosomal dominant cases widens the phenotypic spectrum of calpainopathies and should therefore be considered in clinical practice.

Conclusions

We confirm the existence of autosomal dominant calpainopathies as an entity beyond the cases related to the in‐frame deletions c.643_663del21 and c.598_612del15, with the identification of a novel dominantly inherited and well‐documented CAPN3 missense variant, c.1333G>A [p.(Gly445Arg)]. In addition to the consequences for genetic counselling, the confirmation of an autosomal dominant transmission mode for calpainopathies underlines the importance of re‐assessing other myopathies for which the inheritance is considered as strictly autosomal recessive.
Utility of the QTA30 in a school medical checkup for adolescent students
Authors: Habukawa Chizu , Nagamitsu Shinichiro , Koyanagi Kenshi , Nishikii Yumi , Yanagimoto Yoshitoki , Yoshida Seiji , Suzuki Yuichi , Go Soken , Murakami Katsumi
Published: April 2020

Background

In adolescence, physical symptoms may develop due to psychosocial problems, but such problems are not fully evaluated in school medical checkups. The aim of the study was to compare the characteristics of students with high and low scores on the Questionnaire for Triage and Assessment with 30 items (QTA30) in a school health checkup.

Methods

The QTA30 (a self‐completed questionnaire) was used in checkups for 3,414 students from the 5th grade of primary schools to the 3rd grade of junior high schools in south Wakayama Prefecture. The students were divided into groups with high (QTA30 ≥ 37) and low (QTA30 < 37) risk for psychosomatic disorder. Eleven items, including gender, grade, lifestyle habits, and life events, were compared between these groups, and in subgroups with and without recent absence from school.

Results

The QTA30 response rate was 87.9%. The high‐risk group had significantly more 3rd grade students (P< 0.001), females (P< 0.001), problems with teachers or friends (P< 0.001), and experience of bullying (P< 0.001), in addition to game playing for ≥2 h (P< 0.001), late bedtime (P< 0.001), and many absences (P< 0.001). Students in the high‐risk group with no absences for 1 month regardless of age still had a late bedtime and problems with friends, and 76.4% of the high‐risk students had not visited a medical institution.

Conclusions

Use of the QTA30 facilitated detection of psychosomatic stress in school medical checkups, with latent risks of truancy detectable at an early phase. The QTA30 may thus be useful in early intervention for psychosomatic stress of adolescents.
Ultrastructure of spinal anterior horn cells in human Niemann‐Pick type C (NPC) patient and mouse model of NPC with retroposon insertion in NPC1 genes
Authors: Kusunoki‐Ii Masahiro , Kohama Hiroshi , Kato Kiyota , Nomura Yoshiko , Nagashima Kazuo , Ninomiya Haruaki , Kato Masako , Kato Shinsuke
Published: April 2020

Niemann‐Pick disease type C (NPC) is a neurovisceral lipid‐storage disease. Although NPC patients show lipid storage in anterior horn cells of the spinal cord, little information is available regarding the electron microscopic analyses of the morphologies of intra‐endosomal lipid like‐materials in the anterior horn cells of NPC patients. In this study, we elucidated the intra‐endosomal ultrastructures in spinal anterior horn cells in an NPC patient, as well as in mutant BALB/c NPC1−/− mice with a retroposon insertion in the NPC1 gene. These morphologies were classified into four types: vesicle, multiple concentric sphere (MCS), membrane, and rose flower. The percentages of the composition in the NPC patient and NPC1−/− mice were: vesicle (55.5% and 14.9%), MCS (15.7% and 3.4%), membrane (23.6% and 57.1%), and rose flower (5.2% and 24.6%), respectively. Formation of the intra‐endosomal structures could proceed as follows: (i) a vesicle or MCS buds off the endosome into the lumen; (ii) when a vesicle breaks down, a membrane is formed; and (iii) after an MCS breaks down, a rose flower structure is formed. Our new finding in this study is that ultrastructural morphology is the same between the NPC patient and NPC1−/− mice, although there are differences in the composition.
Pathologic evaluation of the solid variant of aneurysmal bone cysts with USP6 rearrangement with an emphasis on the frequent diagnostic pitfalls
Authors: Zhou Jun , Zheng Saifang , Zhou Luting , Yong Xiang , Zhang Yanping , QinXia  , Zhang Wenjing , Wang Chaofu
Published: April 2020

The solid variant of aneurysmal bone cyst (SVABC) is very uncommon and frequently misdiagnosed. We reevaluated and summarized the clinicopathologic features of 17 SVABCs and further discussed the use of this nomenclature to differ SVABCs from extragnathic giant cell reparative granuloma (GCRG) in the setting of the USP6 rearrangement era. The immunohistochemical markers included α‐SMA, SATB2, AE1/AE3, Ki67, S100, CD68 and P63. USP‐6 status was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization using a break‐apart probe. The 17 patients with SVABCs comprised 10 males and 7 females ranging in age from 4 to 70 years. The involved locations included the long bone (n = 11), hand (n = 4), rib (n = 1) and vertebra (n = 1). The lesions were characterized by proliferated spindle cells with scattered giant cells and hemorrhages with variable positive α‐SMA, SATB2, CD68 and Ki‐67 expression. All patients had USP6 rearrangements without H3F3A glycine 34 mutations. Our study reveals that SVABC shares similar clinical and histologic features with other bone lesions, which may lead to an erroneous diagnosis. The presence of an USP‐6 rearrangement contributes to the diagnosis SVABC; SVABC and most of the previously documented extragnathic GCRGs may be considered within the umbrella of primary aneurysmal bone cysts.
Does business influence government regulations? New evidence from Canadian impact assessments
Authors: Beaulieu‐Guay Louis‐Robert , Tremblay‐Faulkner Marc , Montpetit Éric
Published: April 2020

Regulatory impact assessments frequently embed stakeholder consultations in their design. Canada was one of the early adopters of such an approach and therefore has systematic documentation on the actors taking part in these consultations. This article asks whether these consultations have an influence on regulatory change and whether business disproportionally benefits from them. After converting the documentation into data, we find that these consultations do in fact matter: the more diversified the stakeholders taking part, the more stringent the changed regulations. But we also found that for a subset of regulatory changes, those likely to carry high economic stakes, business takes advantage of the consultation, often obtaining some reduction in regulatory stringency. These reductions, however, are conditioned on the limited presence of opposing views expressed during the consultations.
Cutaneous polyautoimmunity in two unrelated dogs: pemphigus foliaceus and generalized discoid lupus erythematosus
Authors: Levy Britt J. , Linder Keith E. , Mamo Lisa B. , Herrmann Ina , Bizikova Petra
Published: April 2020

Background

Polyautoimmunity, the concurrent expression of two or more distinct autoimmune diseases (ADs) in a single individual, is a known phenomenon in humans and has been rarely reported in dogs. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, comorbid pemphigus foliaceus (PF) and generalized discoid lupus erythematosus (GDLE) has not been reported in dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe the clinical, histological and immunological features and treatment outcome of two unrelated dogs with comorbid PF and GDLE.

Animals

One 10‐year‐old, spayed German shepherd dog and one 8‐year‐old, castrated American Staffordshire terrier presented for evaluation of a symmetrical, facial‐ and/or pedal‐dominant pustular dermatitis with concurrent, truncal scaly plaques.

Methods

For each dog, clinicopathological characterization included physical examination, lesion cytological evaluation, bacterial culture and sensitivity testing, skin histopathological investigation and direct and indirect immunofluorescence testing. Additional diagnostic imaging and haematological testing was performed to exclude extracutaneous disease.

Results

Both dogs exhibited lesions clinically and histologically compatible with PF and GDLE. Moreover, one dog exhibited generalized leucotrichia and chronic superficial keratitis. Remission was achieved with immunosuppressive dosages of prednisolone [high‐dose pulse (Case 1) or standard immunosuppressive dosage (Case 2)] and ciclosporin (5–6 mg/kg/day). Tissue‐bound antikeratinocyte immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM were detected in both dogs. A weak basement membrane zone deposit of C3 was seen in one dog. Circulating antikeratinocyte and anti‐desmocollin‐1 IgG were detected in one dog.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Cutaneous polyautoimmunity can occur in the dog. Depending on the specific disease combinations, overlapping clinical features may present diagnostic and/or therapeutic challenges. Moreover, these cases should be monitored for development of additional cutaneous or extra‐cutaneous AD(s).
Effect of hydraulic residence time and inlet flow distribution ratio on the pollutant removal of low‐temperature municipal wastewater in multistage AO process
Authors: Wang Fan , Li Jun , Bian Dejun , Nie Zebing , Ai Shengshu , Tian Xi , Wang Hongliang
Published: April 2020

Low temperature environment was one of the difficulties in sewage treatment. In this study, the removal efficiency of multistage AO process was analysed under different hydraulic residence time (12 h, 8 h and 6 h) and inlet flow distribution ratio(5 : 4 : 4, 3 : 2 : 1 and 25 : 15 : 6), the rules of pollutant migration and transformation were compared and analysed under different control parameters. The results show that enhanced nitrogen removal and optimised organics utilisation were obtained simultaneously in the feeding process with hydraulic retention time of 8 h as well as influent distribution ratio of 3 : 2 : 1. HRT and inlet flow distribution ratio affect nitrogen load and organic matter distribution in each stage of the multistage AO system, the removal efficiency of ammonia nitrogen in each stage of the system was more than 80% under optimal conditions, the total nitrogen removal rate was more than 80%, among which the synchronous nitrification and denitrification account for 29.50%.
Research on the Impact of Returnee Executives' Strategic CSR Orientation on Corporate Value
Authors: Liao Zhiyuan , Huang Zhiqing , Fang Canming
Published: April 2020

An increasing number of studies have focused on the impact of the increase in the proportion of overseas returnees in enterprise management. How do executives with an overseas background affect corporate value? Based on Upper Echelons Theory, this paper studies the influence of overseas returnees on enterprise value from the perspective of strategic corporate social responsibility. Based on the sample composed of companies listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchange, the research shows that executives from overseas through strengthening strategic corporate social responsibility, make the enterprise social responsibility incorporated into the development of business strategy, finally promoting the ascension of the enterprise value. Namely, the strategic corporate social responsibility orientation plays an intermediary role between executives from overseas and enterprise value. This study further correlates the characteristics of overseas returnees with the strategic decisions of enterprises, deepens the understanding of the realization mechanism of overseas executives' promotion of corporate value, enriches the research results of factors influencing corporate social responsibility, to improve the active construction of local enterprises' social responsibility by changing the structure of the executive.
Peridynamics for Heat Conduction
Authors: Mikata Yozo
Published: April 2020

Peridynamics for transient heat conduction problems in general anisotropic materials is developed. In order to develop a new peridynamic governing equation for heat conduction problems, the microconductivity (or microdiffusivity), which contains equivalent information as the constitutive equation for classical heat conduction, is determined by directly requiring the resulting peridynamic equation to converge to a classical heat conduction equation for anisotropic materials as the generalized material horizon approaches zero. Therefore, the convergence proof is built into the theory from the perspective of the governing equation. For the application of the newly obtained peridynamic governing equation, a time-dependent three-dimensional (3D) peridynamic heat equation is analytically solved with two types of heat sources, and the results are discussed. These are believed to be the first exact analytical solutions for peridynamic heat conduction.
A rare cause of biliary obstruction – intraductal neuroendocrine tumor of the right hepatic biliary duct: a case report
Authors: Danila Mirela , Sirli Roxana , Popescu Alina , Iacob Nicoleta , Ghiuchici Ana-Maria
Published: April 2020

Primary biliary tract neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are extremely rare tumors that account for 0.2-2% of all gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors. The typical presentation is with jaundice and other symptoms related to biliary obstruction.We present a case of right hepatic duct NET in a 27-year-old female patient, asymptomatic, presented for a routine ultrasound examination that revealed moderate dilatation of the intrahepatic biliary ducts and a 20 mm hyperechoic lesion in the right hepatic biliary duct. Additional imaging was performed with the presumptive diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma. After surgery, the histopathological and immunohistochemical report was conclusive for the diagnosis of G2 well-differentiated NET
Active nonreciprocal metamaterial using an eigen-structure assignment control strategy
Authors: Baz A.
Published: April 2020

A class of active nonreciprocal metamaterials (ANMMs) is developed to control the flow and distribution of energy along periodic dynamical systems. Such a development constitutes a radical departure from the currently available approaches where the non-reciprocities are generated either by utilizing various sources of passive nonlinearities, gyroscopic circulators, spatiotemporal modulation, or active control of nonlinear systems. The proposed ANMM cell consists of a one-dimensional acoustic duct provided with linear active control capabilities. The controller is designed by simultaneous assignment of both the eigenvalues and eigenvectors, i.e., the entire eigen-structure, of the closed-loop system. Conventionally, the placement of the eigenvalues has been considered to improve the damping and system's response. However, in this study, the emphasis is placed also on tailoring the eigenvectors in order to enable the spatial control and redistribution of the wave propagation energy flow along the acoustic duct in such a manner that it can introduce non-reciprocity as well as control its direction and reversal. During this entire process, the system remains behaving in a linear fashion. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the basic features and non-reciprocal behavior, as well as the energy flow characteristics.
Inhibition of RNA Polymerase by Rifampicin and Rifamycin-Like Molecules
Authors: Mosaei Hamed , Zenkin Nikolay
Published: April 2020

RNA polymerases (RNAPs) accomplish the first step of gene expression in all living organisms. However, the sequence divergence between bacterial and human RNAPs makes the bacterial RNAP a promising target for antibiotic development. The most clinically important and extensively studied class of antibiotics known to inhibit bacterial RNAP are the rifamycins. For example, rifamycins are a vital element of the current combination therapy for treatment of tuberculosis. Here, we provide an overview of the history of the discovery of rifamycins, their mechanisms of action, the mechanisms of bacterial resistance against them, and progress in their further development.
Restricted Sequence Variation in Streptococcus pyogenes Penicillin Binding Proteins
Authors: Hayes Andrew , Lacey Jake A. , Morris Jacqueline M. , Davies Mark R. , Tong Steven Y. C.
Published: April 2020

β-Lactam antibiotics are the first-line therapeutic option for
Streptococcus pyogenes
infections. Despite the global high prevalence of
S. pyogenes
infections and widespread use of β-lactams worldwide, reports of resistance to β-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillin, have been incredibly rare. Recently, β-lactam resistance, as defined by clinical breakpoints, was detected in two clinical
S. pyogenes
isolates with accompanying mutations in the active site of the penicillin binding protein PBP2x, raising concerns that β-lactam resistance will become more widespread. We screened a global database of
S. pyogenes
genome sequences to investigate the frequency of PBP mutations, identifying that PBP mutations are uncommon relative to those of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
. These findings support clinical observations that β-lactam resistance is rare in
S. pyogenes
and suggest that there are considerable constraints on
S. pyogenes
PBP sequence variation.
Climate-driven late Quaternary fan surface abandonment in the NW Himalaya
Authors: Orr* Elizabeth N. , Owen* Lewis A. , Saha* Sourav , Caffee* Marc W.
Published: April 2020

We defined the timing of surface abandonment for 10 alluvial and debris-flow fans across contrasting climatic settings in the NW Himalaya of northern India using cosmogenic 10Be surface exposure dating. Debris-flow fans in the Garhwal, Kullu, and Lahul-Spiti regions of the monsoon-influenced Greater Himalaya were largely abandoned during the Mid- to Late Holocene. Large alluvial fans and smaller debris-flow fans in the semiarid Ladakh region of the Greater and Tethyan Himalaya have surface ages that extend throughout the last glacial. Regional events of landform abandonment and incision were defined for the monsoon-influenced western Himalaya ranges and the semiarid western Himalaya ranges over the past ~120 k.y. In the monsoon-influenced and semiarid western Himalaya ranges, these regional events were limited to the Holocene and from ca. 40 ka, respectively. The timing of fan surface abandonment and regional landform abandonment events coincided with periods of weakening monsoon strength and cooling, and local and regional glacier advances. Regional incision events from the monsoon-influenced and semiarid western Himalaya regions were recognized across various climatic conditions due to the ubiquitous nature of erosion in mountain settings. This study showed that climate-driven processes and glaciation were important drivers in fan sedimentation, catchment sediment flux, and the topographic evolution of the NW Himalaya during the late Quaternary.
Multiple mechanisms of minor moraine formation in the Schwarzensteinkees foreland, Austria
Authors: Wyshnytzky Cianna E. , Lukas Sven , Groves John W.E.
Published: April 2020

This paper presents a detailed sedimentologic data set of minor moraines (heights ≤2.0 m, widths ≤14 m, lengths ≤108 m) that formed beginning near the end of the Little Ice Age by Schwarzensteinkees, a valley glacier in Austria. Sorted sediment and stratified diamict dominate five exposures, and compact massive diamict exists in one exposure. This sediment is interpreted as proglacial outwash and subglacial till. Most moraine sediment shows deformation structures (e.g., smaller and larger folds), and some units contain evidence of water escape. Other units maintain their original subhorizontality. All moraines contain unequivocal evidence of having formed through deformation by pushing during ice-margin fluctuations. Minor moraines formed more specifically by three identified processes: (1) pushing of outwash sediment; (2) stacking and pushing of outwash sediment; and (3) pushing of outwash sediment and freezing-on of subglacial till. Our data suggest that the sedimentologic composition of the valley fill influences the style of push-moraine formation. In this case, the friable nature of outwash sediments can increase the efficiency of the pushing ice front and the likelihood of sediment collapse down the proximal ice-contact slope after ice retreat. This study contributes to our understanding of sediment transport and deposition in high-mountain environments.
Prescribing in the prehospital environment: a review of the pharmaceutical Module 501 on UK Military Exercise SAIF SAREEA 3. Can such analysis assist with the scaling of healthcare assets?
Authors: Davies L G , Thompson D C , Gillett R , Smith M B
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Module 501 provides core medications which are fundamental to the capability of a prehospital treatment team (PHTT). The quantities of each medication in the module inventory undergo regular review, but these do not correspond to a population at risk (PAR) figure or deployment length for which they intend to be used. This article proposes how the quantities of Module 501 drugs can be scaled for a given deployment, in this example using statistics taken from static PHTTs on Exercise Saif Sareea 3 (SS3).

Methods

The statistics were gathered using a custom-built search of electronic records from the Deployed Defence Medical Information Capability Programme in addition to written record-keeping, which were aligned to the weekly PAR at each PHTT location throughout their full operational capability periods. A quotient was then derived for each module item using a formula.

Results

Among the 10 most commonly prescribed drugs were four analgesics and three antimicrobials. 42 of the 110 studied drugs were not prescribed during SS3.

Discussion

The data from SS3 reflect the typical scope of disease encountered in the deployed land setting. Employing these data, the use of a formula to estimate the drug quantities needed to sustain a Strike Armoured Infantry Brigade over a 28-day period is demonstrated.

Recommendations

Further study of Module 501 across varied deployment environments would be valuable in evolving this approach to medicinal scaling if proven effective for the warm desert climate. It could then be applied to other modules to further inform future Strike medical planning.

Limitations

Several considerations when drawing deductions from the data are mentioned, including the inaccuracy of predictor variables taken from the EpiNATO-2 reports.

Conclusion

The proposed formula provides an evidence-based framework for scaling drug quantities for a deployment planning. This may improve patient safety and confer logistical, storage and fiscal benefits.