bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rational Control of Self‐Recognition of Macroionic γ‐Cyclodextrin by Host‐Guest Interaction with Super‐Chaotropic Borate Cluster Ions
Authors: Chen Jiahui , Luo Jiancheng , Bekele Selemon , Tsige Mesfin , Liu Tianbo
Published: October 2020

We report a feasible method to control self‐recognition during the self‐assembly of a hydrophilic macroion, phosphate‐functionalized γ‐cyclodextrin (γ‐CD‐P), though host‐guest interactions. We confirmed that γ‐CD‐P can form a host‐guest complex with a super‐chaotropic anion, namely the B12F122− borate cluster, by using NMR spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry. The loaded γ‐CD‐P, which has a higher charge density, can be distinguished from the uncomplexed γ‐CD‐P, leading to self‐sorting behavior during the self‐assembly process, confirmed by the formation of two types of individual supramolecular structures (Rh of ca. 57 nm and 18 nm, determined by light scattering) instead of hybrid structures in mixed dilute solution. This self‐recognition behavior is accounted for by the difference in intermolecular electrostatic interactions arising from the loading.
Cannabidiol and Abnormal Liver Chemistries in Healthy Adults: Results of a Phase I Clinical Trial
Authors: Watkins Paul B. , Church Rachel J. , Li Jie , Knappertz Volker
Published: October 2020

Liver safety concerns were raised in randomized controlled trials of cannabidiol (CBD) in patients with Lennox‐Gastaut and Dravet syndromes, but the relevance of these concerns to healthy adults consuming CBD is unclear. The objective of this manuscript is to report on liver safety findings from healthy adults who received therapeutic daily doses of CBD for ~ 3.5 weeks and to investigate any correlation between transaminase elevations and baseline characteristics, pharmacogenetic, and pharmacokinetic data. Sixteen healthy adults were enrolled in a phase I, open‐label, fixed single‐sequence drug–drug interaction trial to investigate the effect of repeated dose administration of CBD (1,500 mg/day) on cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 activity. Seven (44%) participants experienced peak serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values greater than the upper limit of normal (ULN). For five (31%) participants, the value exceeded 5 × ULN, therefore meeting the international consensus criteria for drug‐induced liver injury. There was no correlation between transaminase elevations and baseline characteristics, CYP2C19 genotype, or CBD plasma concentrations. All ALT elevations above the ULN began within 2–4 weeks of initial exposure to CBD. Among the six participants with ALT elevations who were discontinued from the protocol, some had symptoms consistent with hepatitis or hypersensitivity. We conclude that healthy adults consuming CBD may experience elevations in serum ALT consistent with drug‐induced liver injury. Given the demonstrated interindividual variation in susceptibility, clinicians should be alert to this potential effect from CBD, which is increasingly available in various nonprescription forms and doses to consumers.
Reproductive phenology and feeding patterns of Listronotus maculicollis during spring emergence: Implications for spring management
Authors: McGraw Benjamin A. , Price Garrett Y. , Simard Audrey , Vittum Patricia J.
Published: October 2020

The annual bluegrass weevil [Listronotus maculicollis (Kirby)] is a severe pest of golf course turf in North America. Most turf managers attempt to minimize larval damage by targeting adults with insecticides upon emergence from overwintering habitats in spring. Fluctuations in weather often create asynchronous emergence patterns that lead to inefficacious applications. We sought to describe L. maculicollis reproductive phenology to determine when mating and oviposition occur to better time insecticide applications. Dissections were performed on adults collected weekly from golf course fairways and tees between adult emergence and the end of the first generation over a 3‐yr period. Most females emerged with well‐developed reproductive systems, though <40% were mated. Fewer than 20% of males were mature upon emergence and required 5–8 wk after first emergence before all captures displayed mature reproductive systems. Few adults were found to have fed between emergence and adult peak, suggesting that systemic insecticides applied during the migration are not likely to be ingested. In caged oviposition studies, females survived up to 15 wk, with oviposition occurring as late as 14 wk. Average total fecundity ranged between 60 and 90 eggs per female with most oviposition occurring between the start of the experiment and 5 (2013) or 8 wk (2012). A strong correlation between growing degree days per week and eggs per female per week was detected over this period. Our findings suggest that insecticide applications targeting adults to reduce asynchronous larval development and damage should not be applied prior to peak emergence.
Genetic diversity and species‐specific DNA markers ofCynodon
Authors: Pudzianowska Marta , Baird James H.
Published: October 2020

CynodonRich. is one of the major turfgrass and forage genera in warmer climates of the United States and other world regions. New cultivars ofCynodonspp. are often developed by hybridization of a limited number of accessions of two species—C. transvaalensisBurtt Davy andC. dactylon(L.) Pers.—or by selection from existing cultivars. This may lead to an erosion of diversity. Several other species of this genus also exhibit desirable traits, and they could be used in the development of new cultivars to increase the range of genetic variation. In this study, the genetic diversity of sevenCynodonspecies was assessed using Diversity Array Technology sequencing (DArTseq). This technology is capable of identifying single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers with no prior DNA sequence information. The 85 analyzed accessions showed considerable genetic variation and formed several distinct groups based on the degree of relatedness. However, none of these groups were comprised of only accessions of the same species, suggesting that DNA marker groupings are not well in agreement with botanical classification for this genus. The identification of species‐specific SNP markers provides an additional tool for species reclassification and may clear up pedigrees of some established cultivars.
Evaluation of hyaluronic acid nanoparticle embedded chitosan–gelatin hydrogels for antibiotic release
Authors: Özkahraman Bengi , Tamahkar Emel , İdil Neslihan , Kılıç Suloglu Aysun , Perçin Işık
Published: October 2020

The development of chitosan–gelatin (CS‐G) hydrogels embedded with ampicillin‐loaded hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (HA‐NPs) for wound dressing is proposed. It was aimed to provide controlled ampicillin delivery by incorporation of HA‐NPs into biocompatible CS‐G hydrogel structure. According to in vitro ampicillin release studies, 55% of ampicillin was released from CS‐G/HA‐NPs hydrogels after 5 days. Antibacterial performance of CS‐G/HA‐NPs hydrogels was proven with agar disc diffusion test. For cytotoxicity assay, fibroblast cell viability increased in CS‐G/HA‐NPs hydrogels compared with CS‐G group after 24 hr incubation. Consequently, the potential ability of CS‐G/HA‐NPs hydrogels as a controlled drug delivery system has been verified.
Camera settings and biome influence the accuracy of citizen science approaches to camera trap image classification
Authors: Egna Nicole , O'Connor David , Stacy‐Dawes Jenna , Tobler Mathias W. , Pilfold Nicholas , Neilson Kristin , Simmons Brooke , Davis Elizabeth Oneita , Bowler Mark , Fennessy Julian , Glikman Jenny Anne , Larpei Lexson , Lekalgitele Jesus , Lekupanai Ruth , Lekushan Johnson , Lemingani Lekuran , Lemirgishan Joseph , Lenaipa Daniel , Lenyakopiro Jonathan , Lesipiti Ranis Lenalakiti , Lororua Masenge , Muneza Arthur , Rabhayo Sebastian , Ole Ranah Symon Masiaine , Ruppert Kirstie , Owen Megan
Published: October 2020

Scientists are increasingly using volunteer efforts of citizen scientists to classify images captured by motion‐activated trail cameras. The rising popularity of citizen science reflects its potential to engage the public in conservation science and accelerate processing of the large volume of images generated by trail cameras. While image classification accuracy by citizen scientists can vary across species, the influence of other factors on accuracy is poorly understood. Inaccuracy diminishes the value of citizen science derived data and prompts the need for specific best‐practice protocols to decrease error. We compare the accuracy between three programs that use crowdsourced citizen scientists to process images online: Snapshot Serengeti, Wildwatch Kenya, and AmazonCam Tambopata. We hypothesized that habitat type and camera settings would influence accuracy. To evaluate these factors, each photograph was circulated to multiple volunteers. All volunteer classifications were aggregated to a single best answer for each photograph using a plurality algorithm. Subsequently, a subset of these images underwent expert review and were compared to the citizen scientist results. Classification errors were categorized by the nature of the error (e.g., false species or false empty), and reason for the false classification (e.g., misidentification). Our results show that Snapshot Serengeti had the highest accuracy (97.9%), followed by AmazonCam Tambopata (93.5%), then Wildwatch Kenya (83.4%). Error type was influenced by habitat, with false empty images more prevalent in open‐grassy habitat (27%) compared to woodlands (10%). For medium to large animal surveys across all habitat types, our results suggest that to significantly improve accuracy in crowdsourced projects, researchers should use a trail camera set up protocol with a burst of three consecutive photographs, a short field of view, and determine camera sensitivity settings based on in situ testing. Accuracy level comparisons such as this study can improve reliability of future citizen science projects, and subsequently encourage the increased use of such data.
The roles of wing color pattern and geography in the evolution of Neotropical Preponini butterflies
Authors: Ortiz‐Acevedo Elena , Gomez Juan Pablo , Espeland Marianne , Toussaint Emmanuel F. A. , Willmott Keith R.
Published: October 2020

Diversification rates and evolutionary trajectories are known to be influenced by phenotypic traits and the geographic history of the landscapes that organisms inhabit. One of the most conspicuous traits in butterflies is their wing color pattern, which has been shown to be important in speciation. The evolution of many taxa in the Neotropics has also been influenced by major geological events. Using a dated, species‐level molecular phylogenetic hypothesis for Preponini, a colorful Neotropical butterfly tribe, we evaluated whether diversification rates were constant or varied through time, and how they were influenced by color pattern evolution and biogeographical events. We found that Preponini originated approximately 28 million years ago and that diversification has increased through time consistent with major periods of Andean uplift. Even though some clades show evolutionarily rapid transitions in coloration, contrary to our expectations, these shifts were not correlated with shifts in diversification. Involvement in mimicry with other butterfly groups might explain the rapid changes in dorsal color patterns in this tribe, but such changes have not increased species diversification in this group. However, we found evidence for an influence of major Miocene and Pliocene geological events on the tribe's evolution. Preponini apparently originated within South America, and range evolution has since been dynamic, congruent with Andean geologic activity, closure of the Panama Isthmus, and Miocene climate variability.
Ecomorphological relationships and invasion history of non‐native terrestrial bird species on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, suggest ecological fitting during novel community assembly
Authors: Gleditsch Jason M. , Sperry Jinelle H.
Published: October 2020

The widespread introduction of species has created novel communities in many areas of the world. Since introduced species tend to have generalized ecologies and often lack shared evolutionary history with other species in their communities, it would be expected that the relationship between form and function (i.e., ecomorphology) may change in novel communities. We tested this expectation in a subset of the novel bird community on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i. By relating foraging behavior observations to morphology obtained from live birds at four sites across the island, we found many relationships between species’ morphology and foraging ecology that mirrored relationships found in the literature for native‐dominated bird communities. Both movement and certain foraging behaviors were related to a species’ tarsus‐to‐wing ratio. Further, bill morphology was related to gleaning, frugivory, and flycatching behaviors. The commonness of significant ecomorphological relationships suggests that, within O‘ahu's novel bird community, form is strongly related to function. We hypothesize that ecological fitting likely played a major role in the assembly of this novel community conserving the relationships between form and function found in many other bird communities. To further support this hypothesis, we used niche data from EltonTraits 1.0 to determine whether the establishment of bird species introduced to O‘ahu was related to the distinctiveness of their ecological niche from the incumbent community. Introduced species were more likely to establish on O‘ahu if their diets were less similar to the bird species already present on the island. Our results support the idea that ecological fitting is an important mechanism in shaping ecological communities, especially in the Anthropocene, thereby influencing novel community assembly and functioning.
High parasite diversity in the amphipodGammarus lacustrisin a subarctic lake
Authors: Shaw Jenny C. , Henriksen Eirik H. , Knudsen Rune , Kuhn Jesper A. , Kuris Armand M. , Lafferty Kevin D. , Siwertsson Anna , Soldánová Miroslava , Amundsen Per‐Arne
Published: October 2020

Amphipods are often key species in aquatic food webs due to their functional roles in the ecosystem and as intermediate hosts for trophically transmitted parasites. Amphipods can also host many parasite species, yet few studies address the entire parasite community of a gammarid population, precluding a more dynamic understanding of the food web. We set out to identify and quantify the parasite community ofGammarus lacustristo understand the contributions of the amphipod and its parasites to the Takvatn food web. We identified seven parasite taxa: a direct life cycle gregarine,Rotundulasp., and larval stages of two digenean trematode genera, two cestodes, one nematode, and one acanthocephalan. The larval parasites use either birds or fishes as final hosts. Bird parasites predominated, with trematodePlagiorchissp. having the highest prevalence (69%) and mean abundance (2.7). Fish parasites were also common, including trematodesCrepidostomumspp., nematodeCystidicola farionis, and cestodeCyathocephalus truncatus(prevalences 13, 6, and 3%, respectively). Five parasites depend entirely onG. lacustristo complete their life cycle. At least 11.4% of the overall parasite diversity in the lake was dependent onG. lacustris, and 16% of the helminth diversity required or used the amphipod in their life cycles. These dependencies reveal that in addition to being a key prey item in subarctic lakes,G. lacustrisis also an important host for maintaining parasite diversity in such ecosystems.
Intraspecific variation and energy channel coupling within a Chilean kelp forest
Authors: Elliott Smith Emma A. , Harrod Chris , Docmac Felipe , Newsome Seth D.
Published: October 2020

The widespread importance of variable types of primary production, or energy channels, to consumer communities has become increasingly apparent. However, the mechanisms underlying this “multichannel” feeding remain poorly understood, especially for aquatic ecosystems that pose unique logistical constraints given the diversity of potential energy channels. Here, we use bulk tissue isotopic analysis along with carbon isotope (δ13C) analysis of individual amino acids to characterize the relative contribution of pelagic and benthic energy sources to a kelp forest consumer community in northern Chile. We measured bulk tissue δ13C and δ15N for >120 samples; of these we analyzed δ13C values of six essential amino acids (EAA) from nine primary producer groups (n = 41) and 11 representative nearshore consumer taxa (n = 56). Using EAA δ13C data, we employed linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to assess how distinct EAA δ13C values were between local pelagic (phytoplankton/particulate organic matter), and benthic (kelps, red algae, and green algae) endmembers. With this model, we were able to correctly classify nearly 90% of producer samples to their original groupings, a significant improvement on traditional bulk isotopic analysis. With this EAA isotopic library, we then generated probability distributions for the most important sources of production for each individual consumer and species using a bootstrap‐resampling LDA approach. We found evidence for multichannel feeding within the community at the species level. Invertebrates tended to focus on either pelagic or benthic energy, deriving 13–67% of their EAA from pelagic sources. In contrast, mobile (fish) taxa at higher trophic levels used more equal proportions of each channel, ranging from 19% to 47% pelagically derived energy. Within a taxon, multichannel feeding was a result of specialization among individuals in energy channel usage, with 37 of 56 individual consumers estimated to derive >80% of their EAA from a single channel. Our study reveals how a cutting‐edge isotopic technique can characterize the dynamics of energy flow in coastal food webs, a topic that has historically been difficult to address. More broadly, our work provides a mechanism as to how multichannel feeding may occur in nearshore communities, and we suggest this pattern be investigated in additional ecosystems.
Power and limitations of environmental DNA metabarcoding for surveying leaf litter eukaryotic communities
Authors: Lopes Carla Martins , Baêta Délio , Sasso Thais , Vanzetti Agustín , Raquel Zamudio Kelly , Taberlet Pierre , Haddad Célio Fernando Baptista
Published: October 2020

Leaf litter habitats shelter a great variety of organisms, which play an important role in ecosystem dynamics. However, monitoring species in leaf litter is challenging, especially in highly diverse environments such as tropical forests, because individuals may easily camouflage themselves or hide in the litter layer. Identifying species based on environmental DNA (eDNA) would allow us to assess biodiversity in this microhabitat, without the need for direct observation of individuals. We applied eDNA metabarcoding to analyze large amounts of leaf litter (1 kg per sample) collected in the Brazilian Atlantic forest. We compared two DNA extraction methods, one total and one extracellular, and amplified a fragment of the mitochondrial 18S rRNA gene common to all eukaryotes, to assess the performance of eDNA from leaf litter samples in identifying different eukaryotic taxonomic groups. We also amplified two fragments of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene to specifically test the power of this approach for monitoring vertebrate species, with a focus on anurans. Most of the eukaryote sequence reads obtained were classified as Fungi, followed by Metazoa, and Viridiplantae. Most vertebrate sequences were assigned to Homo sapiens; only two sequences assigned to the genus Phyllomedusa and the species Euparkerella brasiliensis can be considered true detections of anurans in our eDNA samples. The detection of taxa varied depending on the DNA extraction method applied. Our results demonstrate that the analysis of eDNA from leaf litter samples has low power for monitoring vertebrate species and should be preferentially applied to describe active and abundant taxa in terrestrial communities, such as Fungi and invertebrates.
Comprehensive stereotype content dictionaries using a semi‐automated method
Authors: Nicolas Gandalf , Bai Xuechunzi , Fiske Susan T.
Published: October 2020

Advances in natural language processing provide accessible approaches to analyze psychological open‐ended data. However, comprehensive instruments for text analysis of stereotype content are missing. We developed stereotype content dictionaries using a semi‐automated method based on WordNet and word embeddings. These stereotype content dictionaries covered over 80% of open‐ended stereotypes about salient American social groups, compared to 20% coverage from words extracted directly from the stereotype content literature. The dictionaries showed high levels of internal consistency and validity, predicting stereotype scale ratings and human judgments of online text. We developed the R package Semi‐Automated Dictionary Creation for Analyzing Text (SADCAT; https://github.com/gandalfnicolas/SADCAT) for access to the stereotype content dictionaries and the creation of novel dictionaries for constructs of interest. Potential applications of the dictionaries range from advancing person perception theories through laboratory studies and analysis of online data to identifying social biases in artificial intelligence, social media, and other ubiquitous text sources.
Development of Electrochemical Platform Based on Molecularly Imprinted Poly(methacrylic acid) Grafted on Iniferter‐modified Carbon Nanotubes for 17β‐Estradiol Determination in Water Samples
Authors: Marques Gabriel Lopes , Rocha Luana Rianne , Prete Maiyara Carolyne , Gorla Felipe Augusto , Moscardi dos Santos Dayana , Segatelli Mariana Gava , Teixeira Tarley César Ricardo
Published: October 2020

This paper describes the development of a new electrochemical sensor for 17β‐estradiol (E2) determination based on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with molecularly imprinted polymer grafted onto iniferter‐multiwall carbon nanotubes surface (MIP‐MWCNT) and dihexadecyl‐hydrogen‐phosphate (DHP). The electrochemical method was based on closed‐circuit preconcentration of E2 in 0.1 mol L−1 phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) during 500 s. Upon preconcentration, E2 was determined by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) exhibiting a limit of detection of 0.01 μmol L−1. The sensor exhibited higher selectivity toward E2 and it was applied for E2 determination in natural water samples, with accuracy attested by HPLC‐DAD.
Finite difference solutions for nonlinear water waves using an immersed boundary method
Authors: Xu Yan , Bingham Harry B. , Shao Yanlin
Published: October 2020

In this article, high‐order finite difference solutions of the exact potential‐flow problem for nonlinear water waves are developed which treat both the free surface and the uneven sea bottom boundary conditions using an immersed boundary method (IBM). The convergence, accuracy, and stability of this approach is first established for the linear problem, using various orders of scheme and different grid discretization strategies. The nonlinear wave problem on a flat bottom is then considered, and the solutions are compared with the highly accurate stream function theory solution. The convergence performance of the numerical solution for this nonlinear wave problem is established. Finally, linear wave shoaling and nonlinear wave propagation over a submerged bar are also tested. A preconditioned iterative solution strategy is also developed and shown to provide optimal scaling of the solution effort with increasing number of unknowns. Compared with existing free surface tracking methods, the IBM retains the same level of accuracy and stability when solving the linear problem. For the nonlinear problem, the IBM behaves reasonably in terms of accuracy, but generally with slightly higher computational effort. When it comes to the wave–body interaction problem, it is expected that the IBM will be advantageous compared with the σ‐transform method, since it removes the necessity of constructing an artificial continuous free‐surface inside the body.
Genesis of the Shuitoushan Pb–Zn deposit, Baoshan Block, Sanjiang region: Constraints from fluid inclusions and O, S, Pb isotopes
Authors: Zhang Chuan‐Yu , Li Wen‐Chang , Yu Hai‐Jun , Li Wan‐Ting
Published: October 2020

The Shuitoushan Pb–Zn deposit, which is located in the southern Baoshan Block of Sanjiang region, SW China, forms an important part of the Luziyuan polymetallic ore field. The origin of ore‐forming fluids and the genesis of this deposit are rarely reported. In this study, we present the results of geological features, fluid‐inclusion and isotopic (O, S, Pb) analyses of the Shuitoushan deposit. The mineralization process of this deposit can be divided into three stages: pyrite‐quartz stage (Stage I), sphalerite‐galena‐chalcopyrite stage (Stage II), and chalcopyrite‐calcite stage (Stage III), with a relatively medium‐low temperature (their homogenization temperatures ranging from 261 to 340°C, 219 to 300°C, and 159 to 225°C, respectively) and low salinity (their salinities varying from 2.1 to 6.8 wt% NaCleqv., 1.2 to 4.9 wt% NaCleqv. and 0.7 to 3.85 wt% NaCleqv., respectively), as revealed by microthermometry study of three types of fluid inclusions, namely L‐type (liquid‐rich), V‐type (vapor‐rich), and PL‐type (pure liquid), distinguished in ore‐bearing quartz veins. The decline of δ18OH2O values (decreasing from 7.58‰ in early stage to 0.08‰ in late stage) of the mineralizing fluid indicates an initial magmatic water source of it, with a gradually increasing input of meteoric water during the process of evolution. The ore‐forming materials are likely to be mainly derived from the concealed intermediate‐acid intrusions and also wall rocks, as suggested by the δ34S values (4.1–12.2‰) and Pb isotope compositions (206Pb/204Pb = 18.325–18.448, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.806–15.944, 208Pb/204Pb = 38.822–39.439) of sulphides in ores. Above all, the Shuitoushan deposit can be classified as an epithermal Pb–Zn deposit. This study also indicates that the Pb–Zn polymetallic deposits in the Luziyuan ore field have similar ore‐forming fluids and materials sources, the distribution and mineralization process of which are controlled by the concealed intermediate‐acid intrusion at depth in Luziyuan, Wumulan, and Shuitoushan areas.
Assessing financial protection in health: Does the choice of poverty line matter?
Authors: Ataguba John E.
Published: October 2020

Financial protection in health is an essential aspect of the universal health coverage discourse. It is about ensuring that paying for health services does not affect the ability of households and individuals to afford necessities. A well‐known way to assess financial protection is whether or not people are pushed into—or further into—poverty by paying out‐of‐pocket for health services. Although impoverishment from out‐of‐pocket health spending is not an explicit indicator of the sustainable development goals, it has gained prominence among researchers and policymakers because of its intuitive appeal and link to overall poverty reduction. Using data from Nigeria, this paper demonstrates that the choice of poverty line matters for assessing the impoverishing effect of paying out‐of‐pocket for health services. Among other things, the inconsistencies (or lack of dominance) could occur in ranking impoverishment levels by mutually exclusive groups within a country or in ranking different countries or a country over time. The implication is that the choice of poverty line could lead to manipulation of results for policy and for supporting an agenda that demonstrates an improvement in financial protection when this may not necessarily be the case.
Customers' usage behaviour of e‐banking services: Interplay of electronic banking and traditional banking
Authors: Sandhu Supreet , Arora Sangeeta
Published: October 2020

Digital finance which is facilitated by electronic banking is absolutely paramount for realising the developmental objectives of emerging economies. Success of service innovations in the field of electronic banking depends to a great extent on the perceptions and consumption patterns of the intended users of such services. This paper reports on a study that investigated customers' usage of electronic banking services in a multi‐channel context. As e‐banking usage is found still low, banks have scope for further propagation of technology and reaping its benefits. With the inclusion of technology, banks should not ignore the importance of employees as manual and electronic banking are found complementary to each other. There is still need to make electronic banking simpler and more secured as these are the major inhibitors of complete reliance on electronic media.
Serial theft case linkage based on a two‐step cumulative probability model
Authors: Ding Ning , Ma Mingyuan , Zhai Yiming
Published: October 2020

At present, serial theft case linkage remains at the stage of empiricism. In order to overcome this subjective arbitrariness, this study proposes using a ‘two‐step cumulative probability model’ for investigation. In the first step, based on expert grading method, the opinions of 99 policemen were combined to quantify the serial theft case characteristics. In the second step, when a new case occurred, the characteristics of it were compared with the characteristics of each serial theft case, and the corresponding probabilities were added according to the calculations of the second step; when the accumulated points exceeded the threshold, we considered concatenating the new case with the corresponding serial cases. The results demonstrated that the average accuracy of the two‐step cumulative probability model was 87.5% and that the average response rate of the irrelevant case (control group) was 12.3%. We concluded that the two‐step cumulative probability model could assist in criminal investigations.
Impact of trimethylaminuria on daily psychosocial functioning
Authors: Roddy Daniel , McCarthy Philomena , Nerney Darragh , Mulligan‐Rabbitt Jennifer , Smith Edwin , Treacy Eileen P.
Published: October 2020

Background

Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) (OMIM #602079) is a rare inherited metabolic condition. TMAU is associated with decreased hepatic trimethylamine N‐oxidation, which leads to an excess of the volatile trimethylamine (TMA) instead of substrate conversion to trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO). TMA is a tertiary amine derived from the enterobacterial metabolism of precursors such as choline and phosphatidylcholine present in the diet, and is also a bacterial metabolite of TMAO, a normal constituent of saltwater fish. When the involved enzyme flavin mono‐oxygenase 3 is deficient, TMA builds up and is released in the person's sweat, urine, and breath, giving off a strong body odor. We have recently reported the biochemical and genetic characteristics of 13 Irish adult patients with TMAU attending the main Irish Reference Center. Research on the behavioral and psychosocial aspects of this condition is limited. This study explores the patients' perspectives of living with TMAU in Ireland.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach was used. Six adults participated in this study. Data were gathered through semi‐structured interviews, which were transcribed and analyzed.

Results

The results suggest that the participants experienced a negative journey to diagnosis. Fear, anxiety, paranoia, and dysfunctional thinking are a constant struggle. Participants reported using avoidant coping mechanisms and strategic planning to navigate daily life.

Conclusion

It is considered that the results from this study will inform future interventions with this unique patient cohort.
Efficacy and Safety of Enteral Erythromycin Estolate in Combination With Intravenous Metoclopramide vs Intravenous Metoclopramide Monotherapy in Mechanically Ventilated Patients With Enteral Feeding Intolerance: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Charoensareerat Taniya , Bhurayanontachai Rungsun , Sitaruno Sirima , Navasakulpong Asma , Boonpeng Apinya , Lerkiatbundit Sanguan , Pattharachayakul Sutthiporn
Published: October 2020

Background

In this pilot study, we aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of enteral erythromycin estolate in combination with intravenous metoclopramide compared to intravenous metoclopramide monotherapy in mechanically ventilated patients with enteral feeding intolerance.

Methods

This randomized, double‐blind, controlled pilot study included 35 mechanically ventilated patients with feeding intolerance who were randomly assigned to receive 10‐mg metoclopramide intravenously every 6–8 hours in combination with 250‐mg enteral erythromycin estolate (study group) or placebo every 6 hours for 7 days. The primary outcome was an administered‐to‐target energy ratio of ≥80% at 48 hours, indicating a successful feeding. Secondary, prespecified outcomes were daily average gastric residual volume (GRV), total energy intake, administered‐to‐target energy ratio, hospital length of stay, in‐hospital mortality, and 28‐day mortality.

Results

The rate of successful feeding was not significantly different between the study and placebo groups (47.1% and 61.1%, respectively; P = .51). The average daily GRV was significantly lower in the study group than in the placebo group (β = 91.58 [95% Wald CI, −164.35 to −18.8]), determined by generalized estimating equation. Other secondary outcomes were comparable, and the incidence of adverse events was not significantly different between the 2 groups. One common complication was cardiac arrhythmia, which was mostly self‐terminated.

Conclusion

Although the combination therapy of enteral erythromycin estolate and intravenous metoclopramide reduced GRV, the successful feeding rate and other patient‐specific outcomes did not improve in mechanically ventilated patients with feeding intolerance.
Even a partial pathological response is associated with lower relapse rates in patients with operable rectal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Koizumi Michihiro , Yamada Takeshi , Shinji Seiichi , Matsuda Akihisa , Yokoyama Yasuyuki , Takahashi Goro , Iwai Takuma , Takeda Kohki , Hara Keisuke , Yoshida Hiroshi
Published: October 2020

Background

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy to treat locally advanced rectal cancer is an effective therapeutic strategy for the prevention of local recurrence and distant organ metastasis after surgery.

Objectives

To assess the prognostic significance of histopathological tumor response in rectal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

This study included patients with operable rectal cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy using the FOLFOX regimen (5‐fluorouracil, l‐leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) in a hospital between February 2012 and November 2017. The main outcome measure was disease‐free survival with respect to histopathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in resected specimens.

Results

The median follow‐up was 32 months. Of 48 patients treated with neoadjuvant FOLFOX, 24 (50%) were classified as responders, which included two patients with pathological complete response and 22 patients with partial response. The remaining 24 patients (50%) were classified as nonresponders. Responders had a significantly better 3‐year disease‐free survival than nonresponders (86% vs. 62%, p = .02).

Conclusions

Patients whose surgical specimens show a pathological complete response or partial response have good oncologic outcomes.
Eradication of hepatitis C virus preserve liver function and prolong survival in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients with limited life expectancy
Authors: Yeh Ming‐Lun , Kuo Hsing‐Tao , Huang Ching‐I , Huang Chung‐Feng , Hsieh Ming‐Yen , Liang Po‐Cheng , Lin I‐Hung , Hsieh Meng‐Hsuan , Lin Zu‐Yau , Chen Shinn‐Chern , Dai Chia‐Yen , Huang Jee‐Fu , Yu Ming‐Lung , Chuang Wan‐Long
Published: October 2020

Whether patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC) benefit from hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication is uncertain. We aimed to investigate whether a survival benefit was conferred by HCV eradication in aHCC patients. This retrospective cohort study enrolled 168 HCV‐infected aHCC patients from April 2013 to January 2019. All patients were treated with sorafenib. Endpoints included overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS), and time to liver decompensation. Patients with undetectable HCV RNA exhibited reduced aspartate aminotransferase and alpha fetoprotein levels, as well as an attenuated proportion of aHCC at initial diagnosis but increased albumin and mean sorafenib daily dosing. Patients with undetectable HCV RNA exhibited significantly longer OS compared to patients with detectable or unknown HCV RNA, which was an independent factor of OS (HR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.350‐0.903, P = .017). Patients with undetectable HCV RNA also presented a trend for longer PFS (HR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.46‐1.00, P = .053). The survival benefit was considered with respect to the significantly prolonged time to Child‐Pugh B scores in patients with undetectable HCV RNA (HR 0.59, 95% CI: 0.38‐0.92, P = .020). Patients with detectable HCV RNA at sorafenib initiation who further received direct acting antiviral therapy also had significantly longer OS (HR 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02‐0.81, P = .030) and PFS (HR 0.23, 95% CI: 0.06‐0.99, P = .048). In conclusion, abolishing HCV viremia preserves liver function and confers a survival benefit in advanced HCC patients on sorafenib treatment.
Transorbital Endoscopic Approach for Repair of Frontal Sinus Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks: Case‐Series
Authors: Noiphithak Raywat , Yanez‐Siller Juan C. , Nimmannitya Pree , Rukskul Pataravit
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To highlight the feasibility and evaluate the outcomes of the transorbital endoscopic approach (TOEA) in the management of frontal sinus cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

The database of patients with frontal sinus CSF leaks managed with TOEA from January 2017 through December 2019 at our institution was reviewed. Two videos of clinical case examples are presented.

Results

Sixteen patients (10 males, 6 females, mean age 53; range 21–61 years) underwent TOEA through the superior eyelid corridor for the repair of frontal sinus CSF leak. The most common etiology of the CSF leak was trauma (nine cases; 56.3%), followed by injury from iatrogenic causes in six cases (37.5%), and spontaneous leak in one case (6.2%). Average defect size was 8.8 mm (range 2.0–20.8 mm). Ten patients were revision cases who had undergone prior nontransorbital CSF leak repair at outside institutions. All patients underwent successful repair via TOEA without postoperative complications. Complete resolution was maintained in all cases. Mean follow‐up period was 11 months (range 6–22 months).

Conclusions

TOEA is a safe minimally disruptive alternative for definitive management of frontal sinus CSF leak in well‐selected primary or revision cases. Further studies are necessary to define its indications and outcomes.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1753–1757, 2021
The First “Dead Zone”
Authors: Kirchman David L.
Published: October 2020

The term “dead zone” is used in the popular media and only occasionally in the scientific literature to describe waters with dangerously low dissolved oxygen. This note is about the term's first appearance in print. The story starts in the North Atlantic Ocean, winds through the former Soviet Union and Lake Pontchartrain, before ending in Houma, Louisiana, whose coastal waters include the most infamous dead zone, the northern Gulf of Mexico. Although the term is common in reports for the general public, scientists tend to avoid it because it is inaccurate; dead zones are in fact full of life. In spite of its problems, “dead zone” has a place in communicating our science to others, but it and other colorful terms should be used judiciously.
Impact of Subthalamic Deep Brain Stimulation on Impulse Control Disorders in Parkinson's Disease: A Prospective Study
Authors: Santin Marie des Neiges , Voulleminot Paul , Vrillon Agathe , Hainque Elodie , Béreau Matthieu , Lagha‐Boukbiza Ouhaid , Wirth Thomas , Montaut Solveig , Bardinet Eric , Kyheng Maeva , Rolland Anne‐Sophie , Voirin Jimmy , Drapier Sophie , Durif Franck , Eusebio Alexandre , Giordana Caroline , Auzou Nicolas , Houeto Jean‐Luc , Hubsch Cécile , Jarraya Béchir , Laurencin Chloé , Maltete David , Meyer Mylène , Rascol Olivier , Rouaud Tiphaine , Tir Mélissa , Moreau Caroline , Corvol Jean‐Christophe , Proust François , Grabli David , Devos David , Tranchant Christine , Anheim Mathieu ,   for the Predistim Study Group
Published: October 2020

Background

Impact of subthalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) on impulse control disorders (ICD) in Parkinson's disease (PD) remains controversial.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to analyze the natural history of ICD between baseline and 1 year after subthalamic DBS in patients with PD and to identify predictive factors, taking into account the positions of the active contact and stimulation parameters.

Methods

We analyzed postoperative modifications of ICD based on the multicentric, prospective Predictive Factors and Subthalamic Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease cohort. ICD status and Ardouin Scale of Behaviour in PD were assessed at baseline and 1 year following subthalamic DBS. Location of active contacts within the 3 subthalamic nucleus functional territories was investigated.

Results

A total of 217 were patients included. Of the patients, 10.6% had ICD at baseline of which 95.6% improved at 1 year following subthalamic DBS; 3.6% of the patients experienced de novo ICD at 1 year following subthalamic DBS. Dopamine agonist dose reduction (from 309.8 to 109.3 mg) was the main driver of ICD regression (P = 0.05). Higher preoperative dyskinesias were associated with poorer ICD evolution (P = 0.04). Whereas baseline apathy was a risk factor of de novo ICD (P = 0.02), ICD improvement correlated with postoperative apathy (P = 0.004). Stimulation power and position of active contacts—mainly located within the sensorimotor part of the subthalamic nucleus—did not influence ICD.

Conclusions

This 1‐year, postoperative follow‐up study showed ICD regression and dopaminergic drug reduction with optimal position of the active contacts within the subthalamic nucleus. Whereas patients with PD with preoperative ICD were prone to postoperative apathy, we also showed that those with preoperative apathy had a higher risk to experience postoperative de novo ICD, further highlighting the meaningful influence of postoperative management of dopaminergic medication on outcome and the continuum between apathy and ICD. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Congress adopts bipartisan legislation to boost mental health care in VA
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: October 2020

Not long ago, passage of comprehensive federal legislation to strengthen mental health services at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) would have been seen as having little impact on community mental health providers outside of the VA. Now that closer collaboration among the various entities that serve veterans has become more common, the newly adopted Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act is being welcomed as an important initiative for local communities.
Loss of POLR1D results in embryonic lethality prior to blastocyst formation in mice
Authors: Miao Xiaosu , Sun Tieqi , Golan Morgane , Mager Jesse , Cui Wei
Published: October 2020

In eukaryotic cells, RNA polymerase (Pol) I and Pol III are dedicated to the synthesis of ribosomal RNA precursors and a variety of small RNAs, respectively. Although RNA Pol I and Pol III complexes are crucial for the regulation of cell growth and cell cycle in all cell types, many of the components of the Pol I and Pol III complexes have not been functionally characterized in mammals. Here, we provide the first in vivo functional characterization of POLR1D, a subunit shared by RNA Pol I and Pol III, during early mammalian embryo development. Our results show that Polr1d mutant embryos cannot be recovered at E7.5 early post‐gastrulation stage, suggesting failed implantation. Although Polr1d mutants can be recovered at E3.5, they exhibit delayed/stalled development with morula morphology rather than differentiation into blastocysts. Even with extended time in culture, mutant embryos fail to form blastocysts and eventually die. Analysis of E3.0 embryos revealed severe DNA damage in Polr1d mutants. Additionally, lineage assessment reveals that trophectoderm specification is compromised in the absence of Polr1d. In summary, these findings demonstrate the essential role of POLR1D during early mammalian embryogenesis and highlight cell‐lethal phenotype without Polr1d function.
Semiconvergence analysis of the randomized row iterative method and its extended variants
Authors: Wu Nianci , Xiang Hua
Published: October 2020

The row iterative method is popular in solving the large‐scale ill‐posed problems due to its simplicity and efficiency. In this work we consider the randomized row iterative (RRI) method to tackle this issue. First, we present the semiconvergence analysis of RRI method for the overdetermined and inconsistent system, and derive upper bounds for the noise error propagation in the iteration vectors. To achieve a least squares solution, we then propose an extended version of the RRI (ERRI) method, which in fact can converge in expectation to the solution of the overdetermined or underdetermined, consistent or inconsistent systems. Finally, some numerical examples are given to demonstrate the convergence behaviors of the RRI and ERRI methods for these types of linear system.
Obtaining reliable S‐wave velocity depth profile by joint inversion of geophysical data: the combination of active surface‐wave, seismic refraction and electric sounding data
Authors: Senkaya Mustafa , Karsli Hakan , Socco Laura Valentina , Foti Sebastiano
Published: October 2020

The inversion of active surface‐wave data is highly affected by the non‐uniqueness of the solution. While a deterministic approach is generally chosen due to certain advantages, there is the risk of getting trapped in a local minima, especially when no a priori information is available about the sub‐surface geometry since the layer thickness is assumed fixed to a priori. The fixed‐layer thickness in a deterministic inversion of the active surface‐wave raises significant issues, such as the relevance of the initial model geometry (the thickness of the intermediate layer and the total depth of the initial model) and the equivalence problems. Thus, the inversion result is inherently not reliable, even in the case of the normal dispersion medium, and the result could be unachievable in challenging sub‐surface situations. These issues could be reduced by using a joint inversion approach. The present paper first presents examples of issues through four case histories in Trabzon, Turkey. Then, two joint inversion approaches based on local search are carried out to handle the issues concerning individual inversion. The first approach combines active surface‐wave data with electric sounding data and the second includes travel times from seismic refraction data. In addition, an independent inversion is carried out with a neighbourhood algorithm for a global search to compare against the joint inversion results. The joint inversion schemes clearly reduce the ambiguities of the individual inversion of the active surface‐wave data, and the dependence on the initial model regarding the layer thickness is also mitigated. Moreover, the joint inversion approach provides an estimate of the complementary model parameters, namely electrical resistivity and the compressional wave velocity. It is shown that the proposed joint inversion approaches provide consistent results with former boreholes, seismic tomographic profiles and the known geologic features of the study area even in the absence of any a priori information.