bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modular Clause Composition in Plautus
Authors: Smith Joseph Andrew
Published: June 2021

The iambic trimeters of Plautus are analyzed by syntactic boundaries and shown to be composed in a very narrow range of clause-measures using regular termini points in trimeters—line-end and the two caesuras. The five most frequently used syntactic measures account for half of trimeter composition. Plautus composed in modular units of syntax. This paper demonstrates: 1) the most frequent clause-type in Plautus’ trimeters is a trimeter in length, 2) the most frequent clause-type involving enjambment is exactly two trimeters in length, 3) certain clause-types appear with greater frequency in certain plays of Plautus, 4) clause-types can be shown to have distinctive, rhythmic cadences associated with each type. This modular method of clause composition must have been the product of its functional service to the playwright as he generated plays, to the actors who memorized them, and to the audience who heard discourse delivered in regular clause-packets.
Authorship and date of five family-series nomina in Oligochaeta (Annelida): Lumbricidae, Naididae, Enchytraeidae, Tubificidae and Lumbriculidae

Authors: VAN HAAREN TON , MARTIN PATRICK , DUBOIS ALAIN
Published: June 2021

The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (Anonymous 1999; ‘the Code’ below) provides Rules for the nomenclature of the ‘names of the group family’, or family-series nomina (Dubois 2000). These Rules have long been ignored or disregarded by some taxonomists, so that the authorship(s) and date(s) currently attached in the literature and in some taxonomic online databases to some family-series nomina of Annelida Oligochaeta[1] prove to be wrong according to the Code. For example, the database Taxonomicon  credits the nomina Naididae to Ehrenberg (1828), Tubificidae to Vejdovský (1876), Enchytraeidae to Vejdovský (1879) and Lumbriculidae to Vejdovský (1884a). Vejdovský (1884b: 59) also claimed authorship for the nomen Lumbricidae. All of these attributions are incorrect, as will be established below through a chronological survey of the relevant works where these nomina were made available. [1]     The nomen Oligochaeta is here used in its original sense (Grube 1850), i.e. excluding the Hirudinea.
Herpetological higher taxa nomina. 8. Amphibia Blainville, 1816

Authors: DUBOIS ALAIN , FRÉTEY THIERRY
Published: June 2021

Under the Duplostensional Nomenclatural System, the valid nomen of the class including all recent amphibians and all the Palaeozoic groups of anamniote tetrapods subsequent to the ‘lissamphibian-amniote phylogenetic split’ is the sozodiaphonym Amphibia Blainville, 1816. This corresponds to the usage that has been in force for two centuries in thousands of publications, and it should not be challenged, as this would entail instability and confusion.
The authorship and date of the generic nomen Typhlops and of the familial nomen Typhlopidae (Serpentes)

Authors: FRÉTEY THIERRY , DUBOIS ALAIN
Published: June 2021

The snake generic nomen Typhlops was derived from the Greek words τυφλός (tuphlós), ‘blind’ and ὤψ (ops), ‘eye, face’. In the herpetological and taxonomic literature and databases, there are two competing opinions regarding the authorship and date of this generic nomen: either Schneider (1801) or Oppel (1811).
The East Pacific/South Pacific Boundary: New taxa and occurrences from Rapa Nui (Easter Island), New Caledonia and adjacent regions
Authors: MAH CHRISTOPHER L.
Published: June 2021

Recent expeditions to Rapa Nui (also known as Easter Island) and New Caledonia have revealed undescribed species from mesophotic and deeper depths. This includes three new species from Rapa Nui, Hacelia raaraa, Linckia profunda (Ophidiasteridae), Uokeaster ahi (Asterodiscididae) and two new species from New Caledonia, Astroglypha pyramidata n. gen. and Ophidiaster colossus (Ophidiasteridae). The new genus Astroglypha is described for A. pyramidata but the genus also includes the Atlantic Tamaria passiflora, which is reassigned herein. Pauliastra n. gen. is designated as a replacement for the homonym issue with Pauliella. New occurrences and synonymies are addressed for taxa related to New Caledonia, Rapa Nui and adjacent regions. A morphology based phylogenetic analysis agrees with prior work which placed Goniaster among the Asterodiscididae and posits biogeographic relationships among asterodiscidid genera. Implications for the Goniasteridae and placement of Goniaster among asterodiscidid genera are discussed. Biogeography and relationships among taxa from Rapa Nui and New Caledonia are reviewed. In situ observations from species observed from Rapa Nui are included.
A revision of the bee genus Ancyloscelis (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Argentina
Authors: SCHALLER A. , ROIG-ALSINA A.
Published: June 2021

A revision of the emphorine bee genus Ancyloscelis in Argentina is presented. The genus extends from the United States to the center of Argentina, but the maximum diversity of morphological structures is found among South American species. Its species form two distinctive groups regarding their mouthparts: one of them with hooked setae on the proboscis, and the other one with simple or plumose setae on the proboscis. To the first group belong in Argentina, A. bonariensis Brèthes, A. halictoides (Holmberg), A. mesopotamica (Holmberg), and the new species A. holmergi. To the second group belong in Argentina A. apiformis (Fabricius), A. romeroi (Holmberg), A. saltensis Rodríguez & Roig-Alsina, and A. nigricornis Rodríguez & Roig-Alsina. Lectotype designations are made for Leptergatis bonariensis Brèthes and Leptergatis mesopotamica Holmberg. Ancyloscelis turmalis Vachal is a junior new synonym of Ancyloscelis mesopotamica. The synonymy of Ancyloscelis gigas Friese as junior synonym of Ancyloscelis halictoides is confirmed. Descriptions, illustrations, and a key to the species are provided.
New species and taxonomic notes on Lycocerus hickeri species-group (Coleoptera, Cantharidae)
Authors: XI HUACONG , WANG YOUNAN , YANG XINGKE , LIU HAOYU , YANG YUXIA
Published: June 2021

We present further information on the very diverse Chinese fauna of soldier beetles. Four new species of Lycocerus hickeri species-group are described, L. mainriensis sp. nov., L. guangxiensis sp. nov., L. rufipennis sp. nov. and L. acutiapicis sp. nov., and L. nigrobilineatus Pic, 1916 is transferred to this group and redescribed. All species are illustrated with habitus photos of both sexes, aedeagi of males, abdominal sternites VIII and reproductive systems of females. Two secondary homonyms are replaced. L. hickerimimus nom. nov. is proposed as a replacement name for L. sichuanus Y. Yang et X. Yang, 2014, which is preoccupied by L. sichuanus (Wittmer, 1995), and L. parahickeri nom. nov. for L. hubeiensis Y. Yang et X. Yang, 2014, not L. hubeiensis (Švihla, 2004). Distribution data are provided for the previously known species, and a map is presented for this species group. A key for identification of the species of this species-group is updated.
A new species of Amphinemura (Plecoptera: Nemouridae) from Vietnam, with additions to A. bimaculata Li, Wang and Yang, 2016
Authors: YAN YANHUA , WANG YING , YANG DING , LI WEIHAI
Published: June 2021

A new species of the Amphinemurinae genus Amphinemura, A. similibimaculata sp. nov. is described from central Vietnam. The new species is compared with related congeneric Amphinemura bimaculata Li, Wang and Yang, 2016. Taxonomic notes on A. bimaculata are also presented.
Preparation and Performance of Rod-Like Lithium-Rich Spinel Li1+x Mn2−x O 4 by the Hydrothermal Synthesis-Solid Phase Calcination Method
Authors: Xie Hong-Yan , Li Ye-Zhu , Zhang Ya-Qing , Jin Hui-Xin , Zhang Qiang , Li Kai-Feng
Published: June 2021

Spinel LiMn2O4 is of value for Li-ion batteries. However, the capacity decay due to the Jahn-teller effect still must be solved. Li-rich materials depress the Jahn-Teller effect by increasing the Li-ion content and decreasing the Mn3+ content simultaneously.
In this paper, rod-like Li-rich spinel Li1+xMn2−xO4 was prepared by a hydrothermal synthesis-solid phase calcination method. The electrochemical performance test showed that the Li-rich materials had higher charge-discharge capacity and
cycle performance, and the Li1.06Mn1.94O4 material had the best electrochemical performance. The specific discharge capacity reached 118 mAh/g at 0.5 °C and the capacity retentions were 95.69% and 90.72%, respectively, at 25 °C and 55 °C after 100
cycles. The discharge capacities of Li1+xMn2−xO4 were better than pure LiMn2O4 under high discharge rates.
A Model Study of the Role of Convection in Westerly Wind Burst Dynamics
Authors: Fu Minmin , Tziperman Eli
Published: June 2021

Westerly wind bursts (WWBs) are anomalous surface wind gusts that play an important role in ENSO dynamics. Previous studies have identified several mechanisms that may be involved in the dynamics of WWBs. In particular, many have examined the importance of atmospheric deep convection to WWBs, including convection due to tropical cyclones, equatorial waves, and the Madden–Julian oscillation. Still, the WWB mechanism is not yet fully understood. In this study, we investigate the location of atmospheric convection which leads to WWBs and the role of positive feedbacks involving surface evaporation. We find that disabling surface flux feedbacks a few days before a WWB peaks does not weaken the event, arguing against local surface flux feedbacks serving as a WWB growth mechanism on individual events. On the other hand, directly suppressing convection by inhibiting latent heat release or eliminating surface evaporation rapidly weakens a WWB. By selectively suppressing convection near or farther away from the equator, we find that convection related to off-equatorial cyclonic vortices is most important to equatorial WWB winds, while on-equator convection is unimportant. Despite the strong resemblance of WWB wind patterns to the Gill response to equatorial heating, our findings indicate that equatorial convection is not necessary for WWBs to develop. Our conclusions are consistent with the idea that tropical cyclones, generally occurring more than 5° away from the equator, may be responsible for the majority of WWBs.
Saturation of the internal tide over the inner continental shelf. Part II: Parameterization
Authors: Becherer Johannes , Moum James N. , Calantoni Joseph , Colosi John A. , Barth John A. , Lerczak James A. , McSweeney Jacqueline M. , MacKinnon Jennifer A. , Waterhouse Amy F.
Published: June 2021

Here, we develop a framework for understanding the observations presented in the accompanying paper (Part I) by Becherer et al. (2021). In this framework, the internal tide saturates as it shoals due to amplitude limitation with decreasing water depth (H). From this framework evolves estimates of averaged energetics of the internal tide; specifically, energy, 〈APE〉, energy flux, 〈FE〉, and energy flux divergence, ∂x 〈FE〉. Since we observe that 〈D〉 ≈ ∂x 〈FE〉, we also interpret our estimate of ∂x 〈FE〉 as 〈D〉. These estimates represent a parameterization of the energy in the internal tide as it saturates over the inner continental shelf. The parameterization depends solely on depth-mean stratification and bathymetry. A summary result is that the cross-shelf depth dependencies of 〈APE〉, 〈FE〉 and ∂x 〈FE〉 are analogous to those for shoaling surface gravity waves in the surf zone, suggesting that the inner shelf is the surf zone for the internal tide. A test of our simple parameterization against a range of data sets suggests that it is broadly applicable.
A Global Tropical Survey of Mid-Tropospheric Cyclones
Authors: Kushwaha Pradeep , Sukhatme Jai , Nanjundiah Ravi
Published: June 2021

Mid-Tropospheric Cyclones (MTCs) are moist synoptic systems with distinct mid-tropospheric vorticity maxima and weak signatures in the lower troposphere. Composites and statistics of tropical MTCs are constructed and compared with monsoon lows and depressions (together, lower troposphere cyclones; LTCs). We begin with South Asia, where tracking reveals that MTCs change character during their life, i.e., their track is composed of MTC and LTC phases. The highest MTC-phase density and least motion is over the Arabian Sea, followed by the Bay of Bengal and the South China Sea. An MTC-phase composite shows an east-west tilted warm above deep cold-core temperature anomaly with maximum vorticity at 600 hPa. In contrast, the LTC-phase shows a shallow cold-core below 800 hPa and a warm upright temperature anomaly with a lower tropospheric vorticity maximum. Globally, systems with MTC-like morphology are observed over the west and central Africa, east and west Pacific in boreal summer. In boreal winter, regions that support MTCs include northern Australia, the southern Indian Ocean, and South Africa. MTC fraction is higher equatorward where there is a cross-equatorial low-level jet that advects oppositely signed vorticity. Whereas LTCs are more prevalent further poleward. Finally, a histogram of differential vorticity (the difference between middle and lower levels) versus the height of peak vorticity for cyclonic centers is shown to be bimodal. One peak, around 600 hPa, corresponds to MTCs, while the second, at approximately 900 hPa, comes from LTCs. Thus, moist cyclonic systems in the tropics have a natural tendency to reside in either the MTC or LTC category.
The Impact of a Midlevel Dry Airflow Layer on Deep Convection in the Pre-Gabrielle (2013) Tropical Disturbance on 4–5 September
Authors: Helms Charles N. , Bosart Lance F.
Published: June 2021

On 4–5 September 2013, a relatively shallow layer of northerly dry airflow was observed just west of the core deep convection associated with the low-level center of the pre-Gabrielle (2013) tropical disturbance. Shortly thereafter, the core deep convection of the disturbance collapsed after having persisted for well over 24 h. The present study provides an in-depth analysis of the interaction between this dry airflow layer and the pre-Gabrielle disturbance core deep convection using a combination of observations, reanalysis fields, and idealized simulations. Based on the analysis, we conclude that the dry airflow layer played an important role in the collapse of the core deep convection in the pre-Gabrielle disturbance. Furthermore, we found that the presence of storm-relative flow was critical to the inhibitive effects of the dry airflow layer on deep convection. The mechanism by which the dry airflow layer inhibited deep convection was found to be enhanced dry air entrainment.
Dynamic Nomogram for Predicting Lateral Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Zhuo Xianhua , Yu Jiandong , Chen Zhiping , Lin Zeyu , Huang Xiaoming , Chen Qin , Zhu Hongquan , Wan Yunle
Published: June 2021

Objective

To establish a dynamic nomogram based on preoperative clinical data for prediction of lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐Sen University.

Methods

The data of 477 patients from 2 centers formed the training group and validation group and were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative clinical factors influencing LLNM were identified by univariable and multivariable analysis and were to construct a predictive dynamic nomogram for LLNM. Receiver operating characteristic analysis and calibration curves were used to evaluate the predictive power of the nomogram.

Results

The following were identified as independent risk factors for LLNM: male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 4.6, P =. 04), tumor size ≥10.5 mm (OR = 7.9, P =. 008), thyroid nodules (OR = 6.1, P =. 013), irregular tumor shape (OR = 24.6, P =. 001), rich lymph node vascularity (OR = 9.7, P =. 004), and lymph node location. The dynamic nomogram constructed with these factors is available at https://zxh1119.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/. The nomogram showed good performance, with an area under the curve of 0.956 (95% CI, 0.925‐0.986), a sensitivity of 0.87, and a specificity of 0.91, if high‐risk patients were defined as those with a predicted probability ≥0.3 or total score ≥200. The nomogram performed well in the external validation cohort (area under the curve, 0.915; 95% CI, 0.862‐0.967).

Conclusions

The dynamic nomogram for preoperative prediction of LLNM in papillary thyroid carcinoma can help surgeons identify high‐risk patients and develop individualized treatment plans.
Co-producing smart cities: A Quadruple Helix approach to assessment
Authors: Paskaleva Krassimira , Evans James , Watson Kelly
Published: June 2021

Cities are increasingly expected to bring urban stakeholders together to deploy smart solutions that address urban challenges and deliver long-term positive impacts. Yet, existing theory and practice struggle to explain how such impacts can be achieved, measured or evidenced. This paper makes two major contributions. Firstly, the paper shows how the Quadruple Helix (QH) innovation approach can be used as the basis for co-producing smart city projects in order to better capture their impacts. In doing so we present a synthesis of current smart city and QH literatures to argue that assessment criteria and indicators must be co-produced with the full set of smart city stakeholders to ensure relevance to context and needs. Secondly, we present an example of a co-produced monitoring and assessment framework and methodology, developed to capture and measure the impacts of smart and sustainable city solutions with the stakeholder teams involved in the European Union Triangulum smart city programme. The paper draws on experiences working with 27 smart city demonstration projects involving public, private and third-sector organisations and communities across Manchester (United Kingdom), Eindhoven (The Netherlands) and Stavanger (Norway). We show how involving QH stakeholders in co-producing impact assessment improves the ability of projects to deliver and measure impacts that matter to cities and citizens. We conclude with a series of lessons and recommendations intended to be of use to the range of organisations and communities currently involved in smart city initiatives across Europe and the world.
Optimizations of discrete garbage collections in computer reliability systems
Authors: Feng Hongshuang , Zhao Xufeng
Published: June 2021

In computer science community, garbage collection is a dynamic storage management technology to ensure the reliability of computer systems. In this paper, we consider two discrete garbage collection policies to meet the goal of time consumption for a generational garbage collector. That is, garbage collections occur at a nonhomogeneous Poisson process, (a) tenuring collection is triggered at the Nth minor collection preventively or at a threshold amount [Formula: see text] of surviving objects correctively, whichever takes place first, and (b), tenuring collection is triggered at the first collection when the amount of surviving objects has exceeded a threshold level [Formula: see text] and major collection is triggered at discrete times kT for a given T. Using the damage process and renewal theory, the expected cost rates are obtained, and their optimal policies for tenuring and major collections are discussed analytically and computed numerically.
SARS-CoV-2 infection induces the activation of tissue factor–mediated coagulation via activation of acid sphingomyelinase
Authors: Wang Jue , Pendurthi Usha R. , Yi Guohua , Rao L. Vijaya Mohan
Published: June 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is associated with the hypercoagulable state. Tissue factor (TF) is the primary cellular initiator of coagulation. Most of the TF expressed on cell surfaces remains cryptic. Sphingomyelin (SM) is responsible for maintaining TF in the encrypted state, and hydrolysis of SM by acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) increases TF activity. ASMase was shown to play a role in virus infection biology. In the present study, we investigated the role of ASMase in SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced TF procoagulant activity. Infection of human monocyte–derived macrophages (MDMs) with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein pseudovirus (SARS-CoV-2–SP-PV) markedly increased TF procoagulant activity at the cell surface and released TF+ extracellular vesicles. The pseudovirus infection did not increase either TF protein expression or phosphatidylserine externalization. SARS-CoV-2–SP-PV infection induced the translocation of ASMase to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane, which led to the hydrolysis of SM in the membrane. Pharmacologic inhibitors or genetic silencing of ASMase attenuated SARS-CoV-2–SP-PV–induced increased TF activity. Inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme-2, attenuated SARS-CoV-2–SP-PV–induced increased TF activity. Overall, our data suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection activates the coagulation by decrypting TF through activation of ASMase. Our data suggest that the US Food and Drug Administration–approved functional inhibitors of ASMase may help treat hypercoagulability in patients with COVID-19.
Boosting scRNA-seq data clustering by cluster-aware feature weighting
Authors: Li Rui-Yi , Guan Jihong , Zhou Shuigeng
Published: June 2021

Background

The rapid development of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) enables the exploration of cell heterogeneity, which is usually done by scRNA-seq data clustering. The essence of scRNA-seq data clustering is to group cells by measuring the similarities among genes/transcripts of cells. And the selection of features for cell similarity evaluation is of great importance, which will significantly impact clustering effectiveness and efficiency.

Results

In this paper, we propose a novel method called CaFew to select genes based on cluster-aware feature weighting. By optimizing the clustering objective function, CaFew obtains a feature weight matrix, which is further used for feature selection. The genes have large weights in at least one cluster or the genes whose weights vary greatly in different clusters are selected. Experiments on 8 real scRNA-seq datasets show that CaFew can obviously improve the clustering performance of existing scRNA-seq data clustering methods. Particularly, the combination of CaFew with SC3 achieves the state-of-art performance. Furthermore, CaFew also benefits the visualization of scRNA-seq data.

Conclusion

CaFew is an effective scRNA-seq data clustering method due to its gene selection mechanism based on cluster-aware feature weighting, and it is a useful tool for scRNA-seq data analysis.
Instance-based error correction for short reads of disease-associated genes
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Liu Yuansheng , Yu Zuguo , Blumenstein Michael , Hutvagner Gyorgy , Li Jinyan
Published: June 2021

Background

Genomic reads from sequencing platforms contain random errors. Global correction algorithms have been developed, aiming to rectify all possible errors in the reads using generic genome-wide patterns. However, the non-uniform sequencing depths hinder the global approach to conduct effective error removal. As some genes may get under-corrected or over-corrected by the global approach, we conduct instance-based error correction for short reads of disease-associated genes or pathways. The paramount requirement is to ensure the relevant reads, instead of the whole genome, are error-free to provide significant benefits for single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) or variant calling studies on the specific genes.

Results

To rectify possible errors in the short reads of disease-associated genes, our novel idea is to exploit local sequence features and statistics directly related to these genes. Extensive experiments are conducted in comparison with state-of-the-art methods on both simulated and real datasets of lung cancer associated genes (including single-end and paired-end reads). The results demonstrated the superiority of our method with the best performance on precision, recall and gain rate, as well as on sequence assembly results (e.g., N50, the length of contig and contig quality).

Conclusion

Instance-based strategy makes it possible to explore fine-grained patterns focusing on specific genes, providing high precision error correction and convincing gene sequence assembly. SNP case studies show that errors occurring at some traditional SNP areas can be accurately corrected, providing high precision and sensitivity for investigations on disease-causing point mutations.
Improving the recall of biomedical named entity recognition with label re-correction and knowledge distillation
Authors: Zhou Huiwei , Liu Zhe , Lang Chengkun , Xu Yibin , Lin Yingyu , Hou Junjie
Published: June 2021

Background

Biomedical named entity recognition is one of the most essential tasks in biomedical information extraction. Previous studies suffer from inadequate annotated datasets, especially the limited knowledge contained in them.

Methods

To remedy the above issue, we propose a novel Biomedical Named Entity Recognition (BioNER) framework with label re-correction and knowledge distillation strategies, which could not only create large and high-quality datasets but also obtain a high-performance recognition model. Our framework is inspired by two points: (1) named entity recognition should be considered from the perspective of both coverage and accuracy; (2) trustable annotations should be yielded by iterative correction. Firstly, for coverage, we annotate chemical and disease entities in a large-scale unlabeled dataset by PubTator to generate a weakly labeled dataset. For accuracy, we then filter it by utilizing multiple knowledge bases to generate another weakly labeled dataset. Next, the two datasets are revised by a label re-correction strategy to construct two high-quality datasets, which are used to train two recognition models, respectively. Finally, we compress the knowledge in the two models into a single recognition model with knowledge distillation.

Results

Experiments on the BioCreative V chemical-disease relation corpus and NCBI Disease corpus show that knowledge from large-scale datasets significantly improves the performance of BioNER, especially the recall of it, leading to new state-of-the-art results.

Conclusions

We propose a framework with label re-correction and knowledge distillation strategies. Comparison results show that the two perspectives of knowledge in the two re-corrected datasets respectively are complementary and both effective for BioNER.
Methodology for comprehensive cell-level analysis of wound healing experiments using deep learning in MATLAB
Authors: Oldenburg Jan , Maletzki Lisa , Strohbach Anne , Bellé Paul , Siewert Stefan , Busch Raila , Felix Stephan B. , Schmitz Klaus-Peter , Stiehm Michael
Published: June 2021

Background

Endothelial healing after deployment of cardiovascular devices is particularly important in the context of clinical outcome. It is therefore of great interest to develop tools for a precise prediction of endothelial growth after injury in the process of implant deployment. For experimental investigation of re-endothelialization in vitro cell migration assays are routinely used. However, semi-automatic analyses of live cell images are often based on gray value distributions and are as such limited by image quality and user dependence. The rise of deep learning algorithms offers promising opportunities for application in medical image analysis. Here, we present an intelligent cell detection (iCD) approach for comprehensive assay analysis to obtain essential characteristics on cell and population scale.

Results

In an in vitro wound healing assay, we compared conventional analysis methods with our iCD approach. Therefore we determined cell density and cell velocity on cell scale and the movement of the cell layer as well as the gap closure between two cell monolayers on population scale. Our data demonstrate that cell density analysis based on deep learning algorithms is superior to an adaptive threshold method regarding robustness against image distortion. In addition, results on cell scale obtained with iCD are in agreement with manually velocity detection, while conventional methods, such as Cell Image Velocimetry (CIV), underestimate cell velocity by a factor of 0.5. Further, we found that iCD analysis of the monolayer movement gave results just as well as manual freehand detection, while conventional methods again shows more frayed leading edge detection compared to manual detection. Analysis of monolayer edge protrusion by ICD also produced results, which are close to manual estimation with an relative error of 11.7%. In comparison, the conventional Canny method gave a relative error of 76.4%.

Conclusion

The results of our experiments indicate that deep learning algorithms such as our iCD have the ability to outperform conventional methods in the field of wound healing analysis. The combined analysis on cell and population scale using iCD is very well suited for timesaving and high quality wound healing analysis enabling the research community to gain detailed understanding of endothelial movement.
Elucidating the multifunctional role of the cell wall components in the maize exploitation
Authors: López-Malvar Ana , Malvar Rosa Ana , Souto Xose Carlos , Gomez Leonardo Dario , Simister Rachael , Encina Antonio , Barros-Rios Jaime , Pereira-Crespo Sonia , Santiago Rogelio
Published: June 2021

Background

Besides the use of maize grain as food and feed, maize stover can be a profitable by-product for cellulosic ethanol production, whereas the whole plant can be used for silage production. However, yield is reduced by pest damages, stem corn borers being one of the most important yield constraints. Overall, cell wall composition is key in determining the quality of maize biomass, as well as pest resistance. This study aims to evaluate the composition of the four cell wall fractions (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and hydroxycinnamates) in diverse maize genotypes and to understand how this composition influences the resistance to pests, ethanol capacity and digestibility.

Results

The following results can be highlighted: (i) pests’ resistant materials may show cell walls with low p-coumaric acid and low hemicellulose content; (ii) inbred lines showing cell walls with high cellulose content and high diferulate cross-linking may present higher performance for ethanol production; (iii) and inbreds with enhanced digestibility may have cell walls poor in neutral detergent fibre and diferulates, combined with a lignin polymer composition richer in G subunits.

Conclusions

Results evidence that there is no maize cell wall ideotype among the tested for optimal performance for various uses, and maize plants should be specifically bred for each particular application.
Assessment and management of undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclastic like giant cells of the pancreas: a case report and revision of literature
Authors: Cavalcanti Elisabetta , Schena Nicolo’ , Serino Grazia , Lantone Giulio , Armentano Raffaele
Published: June 2021

Background

Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (UCOGCs) is a rare and aggressive non endocrine pancreatic carcinoma characterized by the presence of osteoclastic giant cells mixed with mononuclear cell. Very few cases have been reported in the literature and the histogenesis is controversial as, at the time of diagnosis, the tumor is often of advanced size and stage and it is difficult to pathologically observe its relationship with the pancreatic duct.

Case presentation

We present a case of 65-year-old male patient presenting with abdominal pain, nausea, and weight loss, which was treated with surgical resection. Histological examination revealed an undifferentiated pancreatic carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells. The patient underwent to a routine pylorus preserving pancreatoduodenectomy. Actually, the patient was in good performance status and disease-free five months.

Conclusions

Based on the present case and limited previous data, further researches preferably with large cohorts are necessary to clarify the pathogenesis of the neoplasm. However, as show in this case, histopathological and immunohistochemically studies are the gold standard for the diagnosis of UCPOGC. Investigation of the genomic alterations in UPOGCs could help to explain the histologic diversity of variant tumor and could provide a genetic basis for prognosis and treatment.
A comparison of spouse and non-spouse carers of people with dementia: a descriptive analysis of Swedish national survey data
Authors: Johansson Marcus F. , McKee Kevin J. , Dahlberg Lena , Williams Christine L. , Summer Meranius Martina , Hanson Elizabeth , Magnusson Lennart , Ekman Björn , Marmstål Hammar Lena
Published: June 2021

Background

Being an informal carer of a person with dementia (PwD) can have a negative effect on the carer’s health and quality of life, and spouse carers have been found to be especially vulnerable. Yet relatively little is known about the care provided and support received by spouse carers. This study compares spouse carers to other informal carers of PwDs regarding their care provision, the support received and the psychosocial impact of care.

Methods

The study was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey of a stratified random sample of the Swedish population aged 18 or over. The questionnaire explored how much care the respondent provided, the support received, and the psychosocial impact of providing care. Of 30,009 people sampled, 11,168 (37.7 %) responded, of whom 330 (2.95 %) were informal carers of a PwD.

Results

In comparison to non-spouse carers, spouse carers provided more care more frequently, did so with less support from family or the local authority, while more frequently experiencing negative impacts on their social life and psychological and physical health. Spouse carers also received more carer support and more frequently experienced a closeness in their relationship with the care-recipient.

Conclusions

Spouse carers of PwD differed from non-spouse carers on virtually all aspects of their care situation. Policy and practice must be more sensitive to how the carer-care-recipient relationship shapes the experience of care, so that support is based on an understanding of the individual carer’s actual needs and preferences rather than on preconceptions drawn from a generalised support model.
Unusual clinical manifestation and challenging serological interpretation of syphilis: insights from a case report
Authors: Magri F. , Donà M. G. , Panetta C. , Pontone M. , Pimpinelli F. , Cameli N. , Cristaudo A. , Zaccarelli M. , Latini A.
Published: June 2021

Background

The clinical manifestations of recent syphilis can be variable, with typical and atypical patterns. Several conditions may cause atypical clinical aspects, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection. Besides the clinical features, co-infections may completely alter syphilis serological tests, causing interpretative difficulties and diagnostic delays. Aim of the work is to describe the difficulties encountered during the diagnostic evaluation of atypical skin manifestations and of the serology for syphilis of an HIV-infected patient who had contracted it several times.

Case presentation

In 2020, a 52-year old HIV-positive bisexual male patient was admitted to our department with a 4-month history of moderately itchy cutaneous lesions localized at his neck, trunk and arms. In 2013, the patient presented with a classic syphilitic roseola of the trunk and a secondary syphilis was diagnosed, with increased levels of rapid plasma reagin (RPR), Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA), anti-Treponema pallidum IgM and IgG Index. A second episode occurred in 2018, as a primary syphilis with multiple ulcerative lesions of the penis, and increased levels of RPR, IgG and IgM. In 2019, a further episode of secondary syphilis was treated with Doxycycline. In 2020, erythematous and papular lesions with vesicular components and urticarial erythema multiforme (EM)-like lesions were present at the neck, trunk and arms. Serological tests and Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) for Treponema Pallidum were performed, as well as a cutaneous biopsy with histological and immunohistochemical evaluation of one lesion. NAAT was negative for T. pallidum. Serological test results were discordant with a new syphilis infection, showing only increased levels of RPR and anti-Treponema IgG. The cutaneous biopsy revealed a non specific histological pattern, while the immunohistochemical evaluation with anti-spirochetal antibodies was mandatory for the diagnosis of recent syphilis, showing clusters of rod-shaped elements, some of which with spiral form, focally present at the epidermis and adnexal structures.

Conclusions

Nowadays, syphilis may present with atypical clinical and serological features. Physicians should be aware of these possible alterations and consider syphilis even in case of uncommon clinical aspect and unclear serological tests. Cutaneous biopsy and immunohistochemical exam may be mandatory for the diagnosis.
Risk factors for preeclampsia and eclampsia at a main referral maternity hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone: a case-control study
Authors: Stitterich N. , Shepherd J. , Koroma M. M. , Theuring S.
Published: June 2021

Background

In the African region, 5.6% of pregnancies are estimated to be complicated by preeclampsia and 2.9% by eclampsia, with almost one in ten maternal deaths being associated with hypertensive disorders. In Sierra Leone, representing one of the countries with the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, 16% of maternal deaths were caused by pregnancy-induced hypertension in 2016. In the light of the high burden of preeclampsia and eclampsia (PrE/E) in Sierra Leone, we aimed at assessing population-based risk factors for PrE/E to offer improved management for women at risk.

Methods

A facility-based, unmatched observational case-control study was conducted in Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH). PCMH is situated in Freetown and is the only health care facility providing ‘Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care services’ throughout the entire country. Cases were defined as pregnant or postpartum women diagnosed with PrE/E, and controls as normotensive postpartum women. Data collection was performed with a questionnaire assessing a wide spectrum of factors influencing pregnant women’s health. Statistical analysis was performed by estimating a binary logistic regression model.

Results

We analyzed data of 672 women, 214 cases and 458 controls. The analysis yielded several independent predictors for PrE/E, including family predisposition for PrE/E (AOR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.46–5.07), preexisting hypertension (AOR = 3.64, 95% CI: 1.32–10.06), a high mid-upper arm circumflex (AOR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.83–5.22), presence of urinary tract infection during pregnancy (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.28–3.19), presence of prolonged diarrhoea during pregnancy (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.63–4.86), low maternal assets (AOR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.63–4.02), inadequate fruit intake (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.64–4.06), well or borehole water as the main source of drinking water (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.31–3.23) and living close to a waste deposit (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.15–3.25).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that systematic assessment of identified PrE/E risk factors, including a family predisposition for PrE/E, preexisting hypertension, or obesity, should be performed early on in ANC, followed by continued close monitoring of first signs and symptoms of PrE/E. Additionally, counseling on nutrition, exercise, and water safety is needed throughout pregnancy as well as education on improved hygiene behavior. Further research on sources of environmental pollution in Freetown is urgently required.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms and the risk of developing a second primary cancer among head and neck cancer patients: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hoxhaj Ilda , Vukovic Vladimir , Boccia Stefania , Pastorino Roberta
Published: June 2021

Background

Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) survivors are at increased risk of developing a second primary cancer (SPC). Along with the environmental risk factors, genetic factors have been associated with a potential increased susceptibility to SPC development. We aim to identify the Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that contribute to SPC development among HNC survivors through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Scopus and ISI Web of Science for eligible studies published in English until January 31st, 2020. We included studies reporting primary data that evaluated the association between SNPs and SPC risk in HNC patients. Data were pooled in a random-effect meta-analyses, when at least two studies on the same SNP evaluated the same genotype model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the χ2-based Q-statistics and the I2 statistics. Quality of the included studies was assessed using the Q-Genie tool.

Results

Twenty-one studies, of moderate to good quality, were included in the systematic review. Fifty-one genes were reported across the included studies to have significant associations with an increased SPC risk. Overall, 81 out of 122 investigated SNPs were significantly associated with the SPC risk. Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis, which showed five SNPs associated with an increased risk of SPC: p21C70T, CT + TT (HR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.28–2.43); FASLG -844C > T, CT + TT (HR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.35–2.46), P21 C98A, CA + AA (HR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.28–2.38); FAS -670A > G (HR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.28–2.66) and GST-M1, Null genotype (HR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.13–2.10).

Conclusions

The identified SNPs in our systematic review and meta-analysis might serve as potential markers for identification of patients at high risk of developing SPC after primary HNC.

PROSPERO Registration Number

CRD42019135612.
A clinical study of pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (PEG-rhG-CSF) in preventing neutropenia during concurrent chemoradiotherapy of cervical cancer
Authors: Zou Dongling , Guo Mingfang , Zhou Qi
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (PEG-rhG-CSF) in preventing neutropenia during chemoradiotherapy in patients with cervical cancer.

Methods

From August 2018 to April 2020, 60 patients who were pathologically confirmed as cervical cancer were randomly divided into two groups at a ratio of 2:1: PEG-modified-rhG-CSF experimental group and control group. The primary endpoints were the incidence of grade 3–4 neutropenia. Secondary endpoints included the duration of grade 3–4 neutropenia, the incidence of grade 4 neutropenia, the incidence of febrile neutropenia (FN), delay rate of chemotherapy, prolonged time of chemotherapy, time to complete radiotherapy and safety.

Results

The incidence of grade 3–4 neutropenia in the experimental group was significantly lower than the control group (10% vs. 77.78%, P < 0.001). However, there was no statistical significance between the two groups in the duration of grade 3–4 neutropenia (3.75 days vs. 5.07 days, P = 0.871). The experimental group was better than the control group in the incidence of grade 4 neutropenia, the incidence of FN and delay rate of chemotherapy, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Besides, the prolonged time of chemotherapy and the time to complete radiotherapy in the experimental group were less than those in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The incidence of adverse events in the experimental group and control group were 55.00 and 94.44%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.003).

Conclusion

PEG-rhG-CSF preventive treatment used in the course of chemoradiotherapy for patients with cervical cancer can reduce the incidence of neutropenia and improve the incidence of delayed chemotherapy cycles.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04542356. Registered 9 September 2020 - Retrospectively registered.
Non-employment and low educational level as risk factors for inequitable treatment and mortality in heart failure: a population-based cohort study of register data
Authors: Ohlsson Anna , Eckerdal Nils , Lindahl Bertil , Hanning Marianne , Westerling Ragnar
Published: June 2021

Background

The risk of heart failure is disproportionately high among the socioeconomically disadvantaged. Furthermore, socioeconomically deprived patients are at risk of inequitable access to heart failure treatment and poor outcomes. Non-employment as a risk factor in this respect has not previously been studied at the level of the individual. The aim of this register-based cohort study was to analyse equity in access to renin-angiotensin system blockers and mortality, by employment status and educational level.

Methods

The study population consisted of Swedish patients aged 20–64 years hospitalised for heart failure in July 2006–December 2010, without a heart failure hospitalisation within one year or more before index hospitalisation and without renin-angiotensin system blocker dispensation in the 6 months preceding index hospitalisation. Non-access to renin-angiotensin system blockers, measured as drug dispensations, was investigated by employment status and educational level through logistic regression. Cox regression models were used to obtain hazard ratios for all-cause death by educational level and employment status. Interaction analysis was used to test whether associations between access to treatment and mortality differed by employment status.

Results

Among the 3874 patients, 1239 (32%) were women. The median age was 57 years. Fifty-three percent were employed. The non-employed patients had more comorbidity and lower access (68%) to renin-angiotensin system blockers compared with the employed (82%). The adjusted odds ratio for non-access to renin-angiotensin system blockers among the non-employed was 1.76. Non-employment was associated with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.76 for death. Low educational level was associated with a higher death risk. Mortality was highest among the non-employed without access to renin-angiotensin system blockers and the association between access to renin-angiotensin system blockers and survival was slightly weaker in this group.

Conclusions

Non-employment and low educational level were associated with elevated mortality in heart failure. Non-employment was a risk factor for lower access to evidence-based treatment, and among the non-employed access to treatment was associated with a slightly smaller risk reduction than among the employed. The results underscore that clinicians need to be aware of the importance of socioeconomic factors in heart failure care.