bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increase in concentration of patch test allergen reduces patch test occlusion time to 12 hours without affecting patch test reactivity in patients with parthenium dermatitis
Authors: Verma Kaushal K. , Saginatham Himabindu , Sethuraman Gomathy , Bhari Neetu , Kalaivani M.
Published: May 2020

Background

Patch testing is the standard method to diagnose contact allergy. Patches are applied for 48 hours, which is inconvenient to patients in tropical weather. Therefore, we evaluated different patch test occlusion times with increased concentrations of an allergen to determine if occlusion time can be reduced without compromising patch test reactivity.

Methods

Patch test positive patients with parthenium dermatitis were enrolled and patch tested using five different concentrations (10%, 4%, 2%, 1%, and 0.5%) of parthenium extract. The patches were applied in triplicate. The first set was removed after 12 hours, whereas the second and third sets were removed after 24 and 48 hours, respectively. Readings were performed at 24, 48, and 96 hours.

Results

Fifty patients with parthenium dermatitis were included. The positive patch test reaction rates were comparable in all three sets at 24‐ and 48‐hour readings irrespective of the occlusion time. All were positive, with 10%, 4%, and 2% concentrations at 96‐hour reading with an occlusion time of 12 hours.

Conclusion

An occlusion time of 12 hours seems adequate to elicit positive patch test reaction at a 96‐hour reading if the concentration of patch test allergen can be increased, that is, from 1% to 2% in these patients.
Dactinomycin in acute myeloid leukemia with NPM1 mutations
Authors: Beziat Guillaume , Tavitian Suzanne , Bertoli Sarah , Huguet Françoise , Largeaud Laetitia , Luquet Isabelle , Vergez François , Rieu Jean‐Baptiste , Bories Pierre , Delabesse Eric , Récher Christian
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Complete responses have been observed in NPM1‐mutated AML patients with dactinomycin, a nucleolar stress‐inducing drug. Here, we report a single‐center experience of compassionate use of dactinomycin in untreated or relapsed/ refractory NPM1‐mutated AML.

Methods

From September 2015 to February 2019, 26 adult patients with NPM1‐mutated AML received dactinomycin in different situations: front‐line treatment in 4 unfit patients (16%); morphologic (n = 16, 62%), molecular relapses (n = 4, 16%), refractory disease (n = 1, 13%), or postremission therapy in second complete response (n = 1, 13%).

Results

Median age was 62.5 years. Median number of dactinomycin cycle was 1 (1‐8), and 7 patients (27%) received more than 3 cycles. Three out of 17 patients (18%) in morphologic relapse or refractory to chemotherapy achieved complete remission after the first cycle of dactinomycin. None of the 4 patients unfit for intensive chemotherapy responded to dactinomycin as front‐line therapy. Grade 3‐4 adverse events were thrombocytopenia (n = 11, 42%), neutropenia (n = 11, 42%), GI toxicity (n = 6, 23%), mucositis (n = 5, 19%), lung infection (n = 5, 19%), and skin rash (n = 2, 7.6%).

Conclusions

Dactinomycin is an inexpensive and easily available drug that may induce significant responses in few AML patients with NPM1 mutations with an acceptable safety profile.
Geomorphic transience moderates topographic controls on tropical canopy foliar traits
Authors: Chadwick K. Dana , Asner Gregory P.
Published: May 2020

Tropical ecosystems that exist on mountainous terrain harbour enormous species and functional diversity. In addition, the morphology of these complex landscapes is dynamic. Stream channels respond to mountain uplift by eroding into rising rock bodies. Many local factors determine whether channels are actively downcutting, in relative steady‐state, or aggrading. It is possible to assess the trajectory of catchment‐level landscape evolution utilising lidar‐based models, but the effect of these trajectories on biogeochemical gradients and organisation of canopy traits across climatic and geochemical conditions remain uncertain. We use canopy trait maps to assess how variable erosion rate within catchments influence hillslope controls on canopy traits across Mt. Kinabalu, Borneo. While foliar nutrient content generally increased along hillslopes, these relationships were moderated by catchment responses to changing erosion pressure, with active downcutting associated with greater turnover in canopy traits along hillslopes. These results provide an understanding of geomorphic process controls on forest functional diversity.
Avian responses to extreme weather across functional traits and temporal scales
Authors: Cohen Jeremy M. , Fink Daniel , Zuckerberg Benjamin
Published: May 2020

Extreme weather, including heat waves, droughts, and high rainfall, is becoming more common and affecting a diversity of species and taxa. However, researchers lack a framework that can anticipate how diverse species will respond to weather extremes spanning weeks to months. Here we used high‐resolution occurrence data from eBird, a global citizen science initiative, and dynamic species distribution models to examine how 109 North American bird species ranging in migration distance, diet, body size, habitat preference, and prevalence (commonness) respond to extreme heat, drought, and rainfall across a wide range of temporal scales. Across species, temperature influenced species’ distributions more than precipitation at weekly and monthly scales, while precipitation was more important at seasonal scales. Phylogenetically controlled multivariate models revealed that migration distance was the most important factor mediating responses to extremely hot or dry weeks; residents and short‐distance migrants occurred less often following extreme heat. At monthly or seasonal scales, less common birds experienced decreases in occurrence following drought‐like conditions, while widespread species were unaffected. Spatial predictions demonstrated variation in responses to extreme weather across species’ ranges, with predicted decreases in occurrence up to 40% in parts of ranges. Our results highlight that extreme weather has variable and potentially strong implications for birds at different time scales, but these responses are mediated by life‐history characteristics. As weather once considered extreme occurs more frequently, researchers and managers require a better understanding of how diverse species respond to extreme conditions.
Development of Iron Speciation Reference Materials for Palaeoredox Analysis
Authors: Alcott Lewis J. , Krause Alexander J. , Hammarlund Emma U. , Bjerrum Christian J. , Scholz Florian , Xiong Yijun , Hobson Andrew J. , Neve Lesley , Mills Benjamin J. W. , März Christian , Schnetger Bernhard , Bekker Andrey , Poulton Simon W.
Published: May 2020

The development and application of geochemical techniques to identify redox conditions in modern and ancient aquatic environments has intensified over recent years. Iron (Fe) speciation has emerged as one of the most widely used procedures to distinguish different redox regimes in both the water column and sediments, and is the main technique used to identify oxic, ferruginous (anoxic, Fe(II) containing) and euxinic (anoxic, sulfidic) water column conditions. However, an international sediment reference material has never been developed. This has led to concern over the consistency of results published by the many laboratories that now utilise the technique. Here, we report an interlaboratory comparison of four Fe speciation reference materials for palaeoredox analysis, which span a range of compositions and reflect deposition under different redox conditions. We provide an update of extraction techniques used in Fe speciation and assess the effects of both test portion mass, and the use of different analytical procedures, on the quantification of different Fe fractions in sedimentary rocks. While atomic absorption spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry produced comparable Fe measurements for all extraction stages, the use of ferrozine consistently underestimated Fe in the extraction step targeting mixed ferrous–ferric minerals such as magnetite. We therefore suggest that the use of ferrozine is discontinued for this Fe pool. Finally, we report the combined data of four independent Fe speciation laboratories to characterise the Fe speciation composition of the reference materials. These reference materials are available to the community to provide an essential validation of in‐house Fe speciation measurements.
Engagement of community stakeholders to develop a framework to guide research dissemination to communities
Authors: Cunningham‐Erves Jennifer , Mayo‐Gamble Tilicia , Vaughn Yolanda , Hawk Jim , Helms Mike , Barajas Claudia , Joosten Yvonne
Published: May 2020

Background

Dissemination of research findings to past study participants and the community‐at‐large is important. Yet, a standardized process for research dissemination is needed to report results to the community.

Objective

We developed a framework and strategies to guide community‐academic partnerships in community‐targeted, dissemination efforts.

Methods

From 2017 to 2019, a community‐academic partnership was formed in Nashville, Tennessee, and iteratively developed a framework and strategies for research dissemination using cognitive interviews. A deductive, constant comparative analysis was conducted on interview responses to examine framework and strategy content. Feedback was used to finalize the framework and strategies for the evaluation. Using existing data, the framework's utility was evaluated in seven town hall meetings (n = 117). Bivariate analyses determined its effect on community members’ trust and willingness to participate in research using pre‐ and post‐surveys. Evaluation results were used to finalize the framework.

Results

The Community‐Engaged Research Dissemination (CERD) framework has two phases. Phase one is a preliminary planning phase with two steps, and phase two is the four‐step dissemination process. There are five standards to be upheld conducting these phases. We provide competencies for each component. Three feasible, culturally adapted strategies were developed as exemplars to disseminate research findings. Using pre‐ and post‐surveys for intervention evaluation, there was a significant difference in trust in medical research and researchers (P = .006) and willingness to participate in research (P = .013).

Discussion and Conclusion

The CERD framework can potentially standardize the process and compare the effect of dissemination efforts on the community's trust and willingness to participate in research.
Effectiveness of bibliotherapy in alleviating examination stress on college students: a quasi‐experimental trial
Authors: Hamdan Walaa , Al Duaijy Lamia , Al Sawy Yaser
Published: May 2020

Background

Examination stress is a prevalent mental health disorder among college students in response to academic life.

Objectives

The study aimed to explore cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT) and study skills training based bibliotherapy as an effective way to help female undergraduates to better cope with examination stress.

Methods

A total of 121 students were randomly allocated to an experimental group or control group. Students in the experimental group used self‐help materials, as a bibliotherapy intervention, over 16 weeks. Students in the control group received no treatment. The students’ examination stress levels were assessed, before and after the intervention using the Revised Test Anxiety scale. Data collected were investigated and analysed using t‐tests.

Results

There was a significant decrease in examination stress scores of students from the experimental group as compared with the control group.

Discussion

The intervention model efficiently diminished the symptoms of examination stress of undergraduates in practice. Findings can be used as a reference for developing non‐clinical techniques to overcome examination anxiety.

Conclusion

Findings have revealed that combined CBT with academic skills improvement based bibliotherapy may be efficient in lowering examination stress for female undergraduates. Librarians can contribute to improving the health of their societies.
The anti‐ageing effects of a natural peptide discovered by artificial intelligence
Authors: Kennedy K. , Cal R. , Casey R. , Lopez C. , Adelfio A. , Molloy B. , Wall A.M. , Holton T.A. , Khaldi N.
Published: May 2020

Objective

As skin ages, impaired extracellular matrix (ECM) protein synthesis and increased action of degradative enzymes manifest as atrophy, wrinkling and laxity. There is mounting evidence for the functional role of exogenous peptides across many areas, including in offsetting the effects of cutaneous ageing. Here, using an artificial intelligence (AI) approach, we identified peptide RTE62G (pep_RTE62G), a naturally occurring, unmodified peptide with ECM stimulatory properties. The AI‐predicted anti‐ageing properties of pep_RTE62G were then validated through in vitro, ex vivo and proof of concept clinical testing.

Methods

A deep learning approach was applied to unlock pep_RTE62G from a plant source, Pisum sativum (pea). Cell culture assays of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and keratinocytes (HaCaTs) were subsequently used to evaluate the in vitro effect of pep_RTE62G. Distinct activities such as cell proliferation and ECM protein production properties were determined by ELISA assays. Cell migration was assessed using a wound healing assay, while ECM protein synthesis and gene expression were analysed, respectively, by immunofluorescence microscopy and PCR. Immunohistochemistry of human skin explants was employed to further investigate the induction of ECM proteins by pep_RTE62G ex vivo. Finally, the clinical effect of pep_RTE626 was evaluated in a proof of concept 28‐day pilot study.

Results

In vitro testing confirmed that pep_RTE62G is an effective multi‐functional anti‐ageing ingredient. In HaCaTs, pep_RTE62G treatment significantly increases both cellular proliferation and migration. Similarly, in HDFs, pep_RTE62G consistently induced the neosynthesis of ECM protein elastin and collagen, effects that are upheld in human skin explants. Lastly, in our proof of concept clinical study, application of pep_RTE626 over 28 days demonstrated anti‐wrinkle and collagen stimulatory potential.

Conclusion

pep_RTE62G represents a natural, unmodified peptide with AI‐predicted and experimentally validated anti‐ageing properties. Our results affirm the utility of AI in the discovery of novel, functional topical ingredients.
Frailty is significantly associated with the type of urinary diversion in patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Okita Kazutaka , Hatakeyama Shingo , Momota Masaki , Soma Osamu , Hamano Itsuto , Tanaka Toshikazu , Iwamura Hiromichi , Fujita Naoki , Okamoto Teppei , Yamamoto Hayato , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Yoshikawa Kazuaki , Kawaguchi Toshiaki , Ohyama Chikara
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To investigate the effect of frailty on the type of urinary diversion after radical cystectomy in patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer.

Methods

Between January 2014 and January 2020, we prospectively evaluated frailty in 88 patients with localized muscle‐invasive bladder cancer, who had received radical cystectomy and urinary diversion. The selection of the type of urinary diversion was determined by the operating surgeon based on performance status, comorbidities, tumor status and the patient’s preference. The frailty evaluation included the Fried phenotype criteria, the modified frailty index and the frailty discriminant score. We investigated the association between frailty and type of urinary diversion, the effect of frailty on postoperative complications and the effect of frailty on overall survival.

Results

The median age of the selected participants was 68 years. The number of patients with an orthotopic neobladder and any postoperative complications was 54 (61%) and 46 (52%), respectively. Of the frailty assessment tools that were used, Fried phenotype criteria and frailty discriminant score were significantly associated with the selection of non‐orthotopic neobladder urinary diversion. Occurrences of postoperative complications in participants were significantly associated with modified frailty index, but not with Fried phenotype criteria and frailty discriminant score. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that a higher frailty discriminant score was significantly associated with poor overall survival, whereas higher Fried phenotype criteria and modified frailty index were not.

Conclusion

Frailty is significantly associated with the type of urinary diversion, and it should be considered for the selection of urinary diversion in muscle‐invasive bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy.
Face coverings for the public: Laying straw men to rest
Authors: Greenhalgh Trisha
Published: May 2020

Background

This article responds to one by Graham Martin and colleagues, who offered a critique of my previous publications on face coverings for the lay public in the Covid‐19 pandemic. Their paper reflects criticisms that have been made of face coverings policies more generally.

Method

Narrative rebuttal.

Results

I address charges that my coauthors and I had misapplied the precautionary principle; drawn conclusions that were not supported by empirical research; and failed to take account of potential harms

But before that, I remind my critics that the evidence on face coverings goes beyond the contested trials and observational studies they place centre stage. I set out some key findings from basic science, epidemiology, mathematical modelling, case studies, and natural experiments, and use this rich and diverse body of evidence as the backdrop for my rebuttal of their narrowly framed objections. I challenge my critics' apparent assumption that a particular kind of systematic review should be valorised over narrative and real‐world evidence, since stories are crucial to both our scientific understanding and our moral imagination.

Conclusion

I conclude by thanking my academic adversaries for the intellectual sparring match, but exhort them to remember our professional accountability to a society in crisis. It is time to lay straw men to rest and embrace the full range of evidence in the context of the perilous threat the world is now facing.
Retrospective evaluation of extended glass‐ceramic ceramic laminate veneers after a mean observational period of 10 years
Authors: Rinke Sven , Bettenhäuser‐Hartung Lara , Leha Andreas , Rödiger Matthias , Schmalz Gerhard , Ziebolz Dirk
Published: May 2020

Purpose

A retrospective evaluation of extended anterior ceramic laminate veneers (EACVs) after a mean observational period of 10 years.

Methods

Thirty‐one patients (20 females/11 males) underwent restoration with 101 adhesively luted, heat‐pressed EACVs (maxilla, n = 65; mandible, n = 36).

Results

The 10 year survival rate was 91.8% (95% confidence interval [95%‐CI]: 0.87;0.97). Eight ceramic fractures, one biological failure, and one change in treatment plan caused the observed failures. Seventy‐seven of the 101 restorations remained intervention‐free in service (success rate: 78.6% [95%‐CI: 0.70;0.88]). Fourteen interventions were needed (nine recementations, two endodontic treatments, two composite fillings, and one fracture polishing). The jaw position (maxilla/mandible, survival P = .578/success P = .056) had no influence on the clinical performance. EACVs covering large areas of exposed dentin (>50%) were associated with a significantly increased risk (hazard ratio 2.98, P = .019) of needing a clinical intervention (success rate: 68.0% [95%‐CI: 0.52; 0.84]). However, the degree of dentin exposure had no effect on the survival rate (P = .761).

Conclusions

After a mean observational period of 10 years, mandibular and maxillary EACVs exhibited survival and success rates that were comparable. Significantly lower success rates were associated with large areas of exposed dentin (>50%).

Clinical Significance

Mandibular and maxillary EACV revealed 10‐year survival rates comparable to those published for anterior metal‐ceramic and glass‐ceramic full‐coverage crowns. Precaution should be taken not to expose dentin, and when large areas of dentin are exposed, different conditioning/luting strategies should be used.
Rapid and nondestructive monitoring for the quality of Jinhua dry‐cured ham using hyperspectral imaging and chromometer
Authors: Ni Chendie , Liu Hai , Liu Qiang , Sun Ye , Pan Leiqing , Fisk Ian Denis , Liu Yuan
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study was to build a rapid and nondestructive method to evaluate the quality of Jinhua dry‐cured ham (JHH). Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) in the spectral range of 400–1,000 nm was acquired to build a quantitative model to monitor the quality of JHH, coupled with characteristic color indicators that highly correlated to the quality of JHH to simply data process. The feature wavelength of spectral data was selected by the successive projection algorithm. Quantitative regression models based on four spectral preprocessing methods were established to predict color indicators. And color indicators can reflect the difference of quality attributes of JHH, especially ΔL* and ΔE*. For Jinhua second‐grade ham, effective models (δL* and δE*) had optimal of 0.920, 0.938 and root mean square error of prediction of 1.02, 1.12. Therefore, this rapid and nondestructive method for quality evaluation of JHH dry‐cured ham has the potential to apply to modernization processing of manufacture.

Practical Applications

For the modern agri‐food industry, quality is one of the most important concerns and a rapid, nondestructive, standard, and objective technology is needed to be used to monitor the quality of dry‐cured ham efficiently. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) system is a nondestructive technique to evaluate the color of dry‐cured hams hence supports the quality evaluation of them. The purpose of this study was to build a quantitative model by HSI to monitor the quality of Jinhua dry‐cured ham according to its color indicators.
Methodology for future flood assessment in terms of economic damage: Development and application for a case study in Nepal
Authors: Delalay Marie , Ziegler Alan D. , Shrestha Mandira Singh , Gopal Vik
Published: May 2020

To address the lack of adequate measures for flood risk reduction in Nepal, where recurrent flood‐related hazards have had grave consequences for many people over the past decades, we develop a flood risk assessment model for a study area in the Sindhupalchok District. The model considers direct and indirect damages that are assigned to four asset categories (hydropower plants, roads, houses, and farmlands) and two scenarios (low‐exposure‐low‐flood and high‐exposure‐high‐flood scenarios). Model results indicate the following: (a) the planned expansion of hydropower plants reflected in the high exposure scenario is responsible for a substantial increase of economic damage compared with the low scenario and (b) for both scenarios, flood damage is largely related to road closures, which result in the loss of income for villagers and the loss of customs revenues. As this study aims both to provide methods for the assessment of flood risk and to demonstrate them in a case study, we discuss future work related to model‐based flood risk assessments that are needed towards flood risk reduction in Nepal.
Hospitalizations for peptic ulcer disease in China: Current features and outcomes
Authors: Zheng Yuan , Xue Ming , Cai Yue , Liao Susu , Yang Hong , Wang Zhenyu , Wang Xiaomo , Zhang Xuegao , Qian Jiaming , Wang Li
Published: May 2020

Background and Aim

Rates and outcomes of hospitalizations for peptic ulcer disease (PUD) are unknown in mainland China. We aimed to describe characteristics and treatments of PUD inpatients in secondary and tertiary care hospitals registered in the national Health Statistics and Information Reporting System in 2015 and to explore factors related to inpatient outcomes.

Methods

We retrieved and validated PUD hospitalization data from 4441 hospitals reporting to Health Statistics and Information Reporting System in 2015. Sensitivity analyses were performed to examine the robustness of findings considering different reporting rates across provinces. Current analyses focused on ulcer sites, complications, therapies, and rates of in‐hospital death or unauthorized discharge.

Results

Total admissions for PUD were 443 433 (mean age 55.14 years), constituting 0.59% of all‐cause hospitalizations of 2015 in 4441 hospitals. Duodenal ulcers were more common than gastric ulcers (44.69% vs 37.42%). About 61% of inpatients had complications (46.45% for bleeding and 14.66% for perforation). Over 96% of uncomplicated or bleeding inpatients were managed medically. Surgery was provided to 64.22% of perforated cases. Endoscopic hemostasis and transcatheter embolization were performed for 1.59% of the bleeding and 0.59% of the perforation cases. For all PUD cases, the average in‐hospital mortality was 0.35%. Six percent of inpatients left hospitals without authorization. Multinomial logistic regressions showed that inpatient death and unauthorized discharge were associated with older age, gastric ulcer, bleeding, perforation, and comorbidity after controlling for gender, insurance status, hospital type, area, and region.

Conclusions

Currently, pharmacologic management is dominant, and endoscopic hemostasis is notably underutilized for PUD hospitalizations in mainland China.
Unexpected tumor‐to‐tumor metastasis of synovial sarcoma within leiomyoma: A case report and literature review
Authors: Sakai Shiho , Morinaga Yukiko , Koshiba Akemi , Mori Taisuke , Kusuki Izumi , Kitawaki Jo
Published: May 2020

A tumor metastasis within another tumor is known as tumor‐to‐tumor metastasis (TTM). We report a 43‐year‐old woman who presented with hypermenorrhea and an abdominal mass. She had history of a soft tissue tumor on her left ankle at 38 years of age. Laboratory data showed slight elevation of CA125 and no other abnormal findings and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a circumscribed margin mass in the uterine fundus. We diagnosed the mass as benign leiomyoma and performed total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Postoperative pathological examination revealed TTM of synovial sarcoma within the uterine leiomyoma. A database search identified 29 cases of TTM within uterine leiomyoma. The donor tumor was mostly breast cancer (in 23 cases). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a sarcoma TTM to a uterine leiomyoma. Despite the difficulty of preoperative diagnosis, TTM should be considered during the treatment approach for a patient with leiomyoma and a history of malignant tumors.
Assessment of thiol disulfide balance in early‐stage endometrial cancer
Authors: Sezgin Burak , Pirinççi Fatih , Camuzcuoğlu Aysun , Erel Özcan , Neşelioğlu Salim , Camuzcuoğlu Hakan
Published: May 2020

Aim

We carried out this research to assess thiol disulfide balance in patients with early‐stage endometrial cancer.

Methods

Fifty‐seven endometrial cancer patients and 60 age‐matched healthy subjects volunteered for this study. Thiol disulfide parameters and the ratios of these parameters were examined using a colorimetric system. We also evaluated total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant capacity and oxidative stress index.

Results

Subjects with endometrial cancer had statistically significantly lower serum native thiol and total thiol levels (224.2 [122.8–267.5] and 270.5 [171.6–323.2], respectively) than healthy subjects (281.35 [213.45–358.9] and 339.55 [274.1–425.95], respectively) (P = 0.001, P < 0.001). Subjects with endometrial cancer had statistically significantly higher serum disulfide/native thiol and disulfide/total thiol ratios (12.22 [8.77–17.61] and 9.82 [7.46–13.02], respectively) than healthy subjects (8.9 [6.79–16.35] and 7.36 [5.9–12.32], respectively) (P = 0.038, P = 0.028). Disulfide/native thiol ratio appeared to be strongly and positively correlated with the stage of endometrial cancer (r = 0.827, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This is an initial report related to thiol disulfide balance in endometrial cancer patients. We believe that oxidative stress contributes both to the evolution and to the progression of the disease. We conclude that deterioration of thiol disulfide balance due to oxidative stress is likely to contribute to the etiopathogenesis of endometrial cancer.
Machine Learning and Multiparametric Brain MRI to Differentiate Hereditary Diffuse Leukodystrophy with Spheroids from Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Mangeat Gabriel , Ouellette Russell , Wabartha Maxime , De Leener Benjamin , Plattén Michael , Danylaité Karrenbauer Virginija , Warntjes Marcel , Stikov Nikola , Mainero Caterina , Cohen‐Adad Julien , Granberg Tobias
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids (HDLS) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are demyelinating and neurodegenerative disorders that can be hard to distinguish clinically and radiologically. HDLS is a rare disorder compared to MS, which has led to occurrent misdiagnosis of HDLS as MS. That is problematic since their prognosis and treatment differ. Both disorders are investigated by MRI, which could help to identify patients with high probability of having HDLS, which could guide targeted genetic testing to confirm the HDLS diagnosis.

METHODS

Here, we present a machine learning method based on quantitative MRI that can achieve a robust classification of HDLS versus MS. Four HDLS and 14 age‐matched MS patients underwent a quantitative brain MRI protocol (synthetic MRI) at 3 Tesla (T) (scan time <7 minutes). We also performed a repeatability analysis of the predicting features to assess their generalizability by scanning a healthy control with five scan‐rescans at 3T and 1.5T.

RESULTS

Our predicting features were measured with an average confidence interval of 1.7% (P = .01), at 3T and 2.3% (P = .01) at 1.5T. The model gave a 100% correct classification of the cross‐validation data when using 5‐11 predicting features. When the maximum measurement noise was inserted in the model, the true positive rate of HDLS was 97.2%, while the true positive rate of MS was 99.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that computer‐assistance in combination with quantitative MRI may be helpful in aiding the challenging differential diagnosis of HDLS versus MS.
Glycerol Utilization By Phytoplankton1
Authors: Wang Cong , Baseler Sarah , Lin Senjie
Published: May 2020

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is an important source of carbon and energy for microbes, but whether it can be used by phytoplankton has not been systematically studied, and the underlying molecular metabolism remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the ability of phytoplankton to utilize glycerol as a representative of DOC. The widespread presence and expression of glycerol transporter genes were found in transcriptomes and genomes, suggesting the glycerol utilization potential in the diverse marine phytoplankton. We surveyed 29 representative phytoplankton species (31 strains) from six phyla for their ability to use glycerol. Three types of responses were found: positive utilization (Type I), no response (Type II), and negative response (Type III). In all, 11 Type I species were further investigated in axenic cultures with different glycerol concentrations, and five species showed intrinsic glycerol utilizing ability without the aid of bacteria. The ability of species to use glycerol to support non‐photosynthetic (DCMU treated) growth was consistent with their possession and expression of glycerol transporter genes. However, some species from the Type II and Type III also possess and express the genes, raising a question whether glycerol transporter in algae might have diversified its function to glycerol export or even non‐glycerol transport. Our results show that glycerol could serve as organic carbon source, harmless xenobiotics, or growth inhibitors for phytoplankton depending on species, indicating that glycerol, including natural sources or human discharges, may shape the marine phytoplankton community structure, especially under low photosynthetic efficiency conditions.
Ultrasound‐guided venipuncture for implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices: A single‐center, retrospective study
Authors: Deluca Giovanni , Massari Vincenzo F. M. , Musaico Francesco , Rosa Isabella , Modugno Giuseppe , Scardigno Antonio Davide , Valente Leonardo , Leo Pasquale Di , Ceravolo Gianluca , Pittiruti Mauro
Published: May 2020

Background

The venous access for the insertion of permanent leads of cardiac implantable electronic devices is often achieved by venous cutdown of the cephalic vein, or by “blind” puncture of the subclavian vein using anatomical landmarks, or by fluoroscopy‐assisted methods.

Methods

We have retrospectively analyzed our clinical experience to verify the feasibility, the safety, and efficacy of the adoption of ultrasound‐guided puncture/cannulation of the axillary vein for this purpose.

Results

Nine hundred eighty‐seven leads were placed during 548 consecutive procedures, accessing the axillary vein in the infraclavicular area using real‐time ultrasound guidance. Venipuncture was successful in 99.8% of cases. The access time was 11 seconds (range 4‐580). We recorded three cases of pneumothorax (0.5%), but no hemothorax and no hemo‐mediastinum. The incidence of local hematoma was 2.1% (12 cases). No injury to the brachial plexus or to the phrenic nerve was recorded. In a follow‐up of 33 months (range 16‐39), we observed no cases of “subclavian crush syndrome” (damage of the leads at the level of the thoracic inlet), and the rate of pocket infection/infective endocarditis was 0.7%.

Conclusion

In our experience, ultrasound‐guided puncture/cannulation of the axillary vein for implantation of permanent leads is feasible, effective, and safe. It might be considered as a first option for this procedure.
Genomic prediction of maize microphenotypes provides insights for optimizing selection and mining diversity
Authors: Yu Xiaoqing , Leiboff Samuel , Li Xianran , Guo Tingting , Ronning Natalie , Zhang Xiaoyu , Muehlbauer Gary J. , Timmermans Marja C.P. , Schnable Patrick S. , Scanlon Michael J. , Yu Jianming
Published: May 2020

Effective evaluation of millions of crop genetic stocks is an essential component of exploiting genetic diversity to achieve global food security. By leveraging genomics and data analytics, genomic prediction is a promising strategy to efficiently explore the potential of these gene banks by starting with phenotyping a small designed subset. Reliable genomic predictions have enhanced selection of many macroscopic phenotypes in plants and animals. However, the use of genomicprediction strategies for analysis of microscopic phenotypes is limited. Here, we exploited the power of genomic prediction for eight maize traits related to the shoot apical meristem (SAM), the microscopic stem cell niche that generates all the above‐ground organs of the plant. With 435 713 genomewide single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we predicted SAM morphology traits for 2687 diverse maize inbreds based on a model trained from 369 inbreds. An empirical validation experiment with 488 inbreds obtained a prediction accuracy of 0.37–0.57 across eight traits. In addition, we show that a significantly higher prediction accuracy was achieved by leveraging the U value (upper bound for reliability) that quantifies the genomic relationships of the validation set with the training set. Our findings suggest that double selection considering both prediction and reliability can be implemented in choosing selection candidates for phenotyping when exploring new diversity is desired. In this case, individuals with less extreme predicted values and moderate reliability values can be considered. Our study expands the turbocharging gene banks via genomic prediction from the macrophenotypes into the microphenotypic space.
Children in the biblical world: The next generation of childhood and biblical studies
Authors: Garroway Kristine Henriksen
Published: May 2020

Research onchildren in the bibleand biblical lands has continued to reveal more children and more voices. This essay begins with an overview of two entry points into the subject, looking first at the field ofchildhood and religion, and second at the field ofchildren in the bible and biblical lands.Concentrating on the second entry point, the essay moves to a discussion of the recent volumes embracing literary criticism as well as scholarship onchildren in material culture and biblical textsthrough a comparative lens. This essay includes a discussion of the next wave of scholarship: those scholars recently finished with or currently working on dissertations, and those scholars reassessing previous works onchildren in the bible. It ends with an eye to the future, thinking about naming the field and how scholarship onchildren in the biblewill continue to evolve.
Training in interventional pulmonology: What we have learned and a way forward
Authors: Colt Henri G. , Williamson Jonathan P.
Published: May 2020

IP encompasses a complex list of procedures requiring knowledge, technical skills and competence. Modern, learner‐centric educational philosophies and an explosion of multidimensional educational tools including manikins, simulators, online resources, social media and formal programs can foster learning in IP, promoting professionalism and a culture of lifelong learning. This paper provides background and guidance to a structured, multidimensional and learner‐centric strategy for medical procedural education. Focusing on our experience in IP, we describe how competency‐based measures, simulation technology and various teaching modalities contribute to a more uniform learning environment in which patients do not suffer the burdens of procedure‐related training.
Natriuretic peptides in pleural effusions: Beyond a diagnosis of heart failure
Authors: Porcel José M.
Published: May 2020

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International effects of corporate tax cuts on income distribution
Authors: Bawa Siraj G. , Vu Nam T.
Published: May 2020

This paper evaluates the domestic and cross‐country effects of corporate income tax (CIT) cuts on income inequality using a tractable multi‐country DSGE model calibrated to U.S. and Canadian data. We illustrate that the cross‐border propagation of differentiated equity holdings can help explain the increase in income inequality, both within‐ and cross‐country, in response to a CIT cut. A lower barrier to capital mobility alleviates this divergence in income, while lower trade costs exert little effects on income distribution. The model is also consistent with recent evidence that middle‐income workers experience lower income growth than their counterparts in either extreme of the skill spectrum.
Human‐porcine MHC‐I homology allows for antibody cross‐reactivity
Authors: Forneris Nicole , Levy Heather , Burlak Christopher
Published: May 2020

Pigs are especially useful large animal models, however, limited availability of commercially available antibodies for immunoblotting presents a significant obstacle facing preclinical xenotransplantation research. Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC‐I) molecule expression enhancement by nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain (NOD)‐like receptor family with a caspase recruitment domain (CARD) containing caspase 5 (NLRC5) is fundamental to understanding porcine xenoantigen presentation. Swine Leukocyte Antigens (SLAs) are the porcine MHC homologs for human leukocyte antigens. SLA‐I is a known xenoantigen that causes T cell activation. NLRC5, SLA‐I, and B2M are all targets of immune modulation in genetically engineered pigs in xenotransplantation research with the goal to reduce SLA‐I expression. In the present study, the human anti‐NLRC5 (ab105411), anti‐NLRC5 (ab117624), anti‐NLRC5 N‐terminal (ab178767), anti‐HLA E (ab203082), anti‐HLA E (ab135826), anti‐HLA E (ab2216) and anti‐β2M (ab75853) antibodies were examined using immunoblots for porcine cross‐reactivity. The anti‐human antibodies ab117624, ab105411, ab178767, ab2216, and ab75853 cross reacted with cognate proteins in porcine cell lysates. Antibody reagents from this study will allow for validation of NLRC5, B2M, MHC‐I expression in future research studies. In addition, following the methodology described in this study for other xenotransplantation targets may provide an alternative to custom antibody development.
Early Cenozoic exhumation in the Qilian Shan, northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau: Insights from detrital apatite fission track thermochronology
Authors: He Pengju , Song Chunhui , Wang Yadong , Meng Qingquan , Wang Daichun , Feng Ying , Chen Lihao , Feng Wei
Published: May 2020

The Qilian Shan is a reactivated fold‐thrust belt at the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau (TP). The initiated timing of the Qilian Shan's tectonic response to Indian‐Asian plate convergence has significant implications for our understanding of the growth of the TP, yet remains a controversial topic. We conducted apatite fission track analyses of the Cenozoic synorogenic sediments in the Subei Basin on the northwestern flank of the Qilian Shan to investigate the time of initial Qilian Shan deformation during the Cenozoic. An integration of new and existing detrital apatite fission track ages indicates that terranes in the Qilian Shan experienced a prominent tectonic exhumation event at ~60–50 Ma. This result suggests that tectonism initiated on the northeastern margin of the TP nearly simultaneously with the India‐Asia collision.
Calibrating the dynamic Huff model for business analysis using location big data
Authors: Liang Yunlei , Gao Song , Cai Yuxin , Foutz Natasha Zhang , Wu Lei
Published: May 2020

The Huff model has been widely used in location‐based business analysis to delineate a trade area containing a store’s potential customers. Calibrating the Huff model and its extensions requires empirical location visit data. Many studies rely on labor‐intensive surveys. With the increasing availability of mobile devices, users in location‐based platforms share rich multimedia information about their locations at a fine spatio‐temporal resolution, which offers opportunities for business intelligence. In this research, we present a time‐aware dynamic Huff model (T‐Huff) for location‐based market share analysis and calibrate this model using large‐scale store visit patterns based on mobile phone location data across the 10 most populated US cities. By comparing the hourly visit patterns of two types of stores, we demonstrate that the calibrated T‐Huff model is more accurate than the original Huff model in predicting the market share of different types of business (e.g., supermarkets versus department stores) over time. We also identify the regional variability where people in large metropolitan areas with a well‐developed transit system show less sensitivity to long‐distance visits. In addition, several socioeconomic and demographic factors (e.g., median household income) that potentially affect people’s visit decisions are examined and summarized.
Genomic analysis of blood samples with serologic ABO discrepancy identifies 12 novel alleles in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Zuo Qinqin , Duan Yong , Wang Baoyan , Xu Hua , Wu Wenjing , Zhao Jingwen , Wu Dazhou , Chu Xiaoyue , Chen Wei
Published: May 2020

Objectives

This study aimed at identifying new ABO alleles from155 unrelated blood samples with potential ABO discrepancy in a Chinese Han population of 835 144 donors.

Background

Serological strategies and genotyping are crucial for the precise determination of ABO discrepancy.

Methods

Their ABO phenotypes and plasma glycosyltransferase activity were determined by standard forward and reverse typing and dilution tests. The genomic DNA of the ABO gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. The frequency of ABO subgroup alleles associated with ABO discrepancy was analysed.

Results

Serological analysis indicated that 53, 96 and 6 samples with ABO discrepancy were identified in the A, B and O subgroups, respectively. Genetic analysis revealed 12 novel alleles among the 46 associated with serologic ABO discrepancy. The majority of novel alleles was obtained from point mutations or single base insertion in Exons 6 to 7 of the ABO gene. The most frequent alleles were ABO*cisAB.01 (14/53, 26.42%) and ABO*A2.05 (7/53, 13.2%) in the A subgroup and ABO*BA.02 (34/96, 35.42%) and ABO*BEL.11 (15/96, 15.62%) in the B subgroup. Samples with the same ABO subgroup allele displayed different phenotypes, such as ABO*AX.13, ABO*BW.03, ABO*BW.12, ABO*BW.15, ABO*BEL.03, ABO*BEL.10 and ABO*BEL.11.

Conclusion

This study identified 12 novel alleles among the 46 associated with serologic ABO discrepancies. ABO genotyping is needed for the accurate evaluation of blood phenotype to improve the safety of blood transfusion.
Development and validation of donor adverse reaction severity grading tool: enhancing objective grade assignment to donor adverse events
Authors: Townsend Mary , Kamel Hany , Van Buren Nancy , Wiersum‐Osselton Johanna , Rosa‐Bray Marilyn , Gottschall Jerome , Rajbhandary Srijana
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Uniform and consistent reporting and comparison of donor adverse events (DAEs) and severity are well‐recognized challenges for donor hemovigilance (DHV). While the 2014 Standard for Surveillance of Complications Related to Blood Donation (SSCRBD), developed by hemovigilance experts from AABB, the International Society of Blood Transfusion, and International Hemovigilance Network, established the DAE definitions, no specific guidelines were provided to grade severity. A group of subject matter experts developed the Severity Grading Tool for Blood Donor Adverse Events (SGT) to enhance objective assignment of severity and conducted a study to validate the tool.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Between January 8, 2019, and February 28, 2019, participants graded severity of 32 cases (34 DAEs) using the SGT. Comments boxes allowed participants to provide rationale for selecting a severity grade for each case. Agreement with expert grading among study participants was evaluated using percentage agreement. Inter‐rater reliability was evaluated by Kendallʼs coefficient of concordance (W). The final SGT was revised based on validation study results and feedback received.

RESULTS

The overall agreement was almost perfect with W = 0.84 (confidence interval [CI], 0.78‐0.90). Of 34 DAEs, respondent agreement with expert grading of more than 90% was reached for 18 DAEs, 80% to 90% for six DAEs, 70% to 80% for six DAEs, and less than 70% for four DAEs.

CONCLUSION

The development and validation of a uniform SGT with objective criteria for assigning severity of DAEs used together with standard reaction definitions will provide opportunities for comparison between blood centers and systems to enhance the field of DHV.