bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-year Precipitable Water Vapor Observations in East Manila, Philippines using Radiosonde and Global Navigation Satellite System
Authors: Domingo Agana Louisse S. , Macalalad Ernest P.
Published: October 2020

Precipitable water vapor (PWV) is a parameter that used to describe the water vapor content in the atmosphere has the potential to become a precipitation. Thus, it is important to measure PWV and investigate its trends and variability for potential forecasting precipitation. This study presents the variation of PWV at Tanay Upper Station (14°34’52.8”N, 121°22’08.9”E) from radiosonde operated by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration and at PIMO station (14°38’08.5”N, 121°04’39.4”E) using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) operated by NASAJet Propulsion Laboratory under the International GNSS Service (IGS) network from 2015-2017. Moreover, there is no significant difference (p-values < 0.05) among PWV radiosonde, GNSS-PWV and rainfall as a function of year of observation. Monthly mean variation conforms to the Coronas climate classification, Climate Type I, in terms of the amount of precipitation. It is shown that PWV is high during wet months and least during dry months (November to April). Further, monthly mean variation is moderate correlated with surface temperature from radiosonde (R = +0.589). Evaporation rate depends on the surface temperature, which contributes in forming water vapor. The results showed that PWV from radiosonde gave reasonable values to be considered during wet and dry season as well as the seasonal variation of rainfall.
A study on the comprehensive carrying capacity and spatial optimization under the new development concept - an empirical study of Shandong province
Authors: Rong Lili , Bi Kanglei
Published: October 2020

Scientific evaluation of the comprehensive carrying capacity of land is the condition for regional coordination and high-quality economic development. Applied entropy method and expert marking to determine weight, and adopted multi-objective comprehensive evaluation model to evaluate the comprehensive carrying capacity of land resources from 2008 to 2018 in Shandong province. The results show that the comprehensive carrying capacity level is located in the lower and intermediate critical level, which has obvious spatial differences, and carrying capacities of social economic, land resource, water resource and ecological environmental are not consistent. On this basis, according to obstacle characteristics of land comprehensive carrying capacity, puts forward the proposal for space optimization pattern.
Short-term effects of different fertilization measures on water-stable aggregates and carbon and nitrogen of tea garden soil
Authors: Huang Shengjie , Chen Junpu , Ma Xinpeng , Guo Wentao , Yang Liu , Chen Yi’an , Huang Chengyi
Published: October 2020

In order to study the effects of different fertilization measures on spring tea soil in Southwest Sichuan, five treatments were set up, including no fertilization (CK), full chemical nitrogen fertilizer (CN), 50% nitrogen fertilizer +30% organic fertilizer +20% green fertilizer + microbial fertilizer (NOGM), 50% nitrogen fertilizer +30% organic fertilizer +20% green fertilizer (NOG), 50% nitrogen fertilizer +50% organic fertilizer + microbial fertilizer (NOM). Through the determination of the distribution, organic carbon and total nitrogen content of water stable aggregates, calculated the aggregate stability and carbon and nitrogen contribution rate. The results showed that :(1) compared with CK, fertilization could improve the organic carbon and total nitrogen of soil and the organic carbon and total nitrogen of the aggregates of all sizes. Different fertilization measures had different effects on the distribution of aggregates, but compared with CK, fertilization effectively promoted the stability of aggregates. Fertilization can obviously increased the content of organic carbon and total nitrogen in large aggregates. The contribution rate of organic carbon and total nitrogen in aggregates was mainly from macroaggregates, while that from micro-aggregates was very low. NOGM and NOM were better than other fertilization measures.
Study on desertification reversal factors in Maowusu sandy land in China
Authors: Ying Zhang , Wang Lijun , Yi AiJun , Li Fei , Nuppenau Ernst-August
Published: October 2020

Based on the data of China’s economic and social big data platform from 2000 to 2019, this paper studies and analyzes the development status and influencing factors of desertification in Maowusu sandy land in China. Based on the exploratory analysis (EFA) and the dummy variable regression model (DVRM), the research result shows that the annual precipitation is the main climate factor affecting the vegetation coverage in this area. And for every 100 mm increase in annual precipitation, vegetation coverage will increase by 10%. In addition, the annual average temperature also has a significant impact on the vegetation coverage. For every 1 °C increase in the annual average temperature, the vegetation coverage will increase by 2.5%. Analysis of policy factors shows that the policy effects of the 2005 National Desert Control Plan (2005-2010) and the 2011 National Desert Control Plan (2011-2020) etc. can increase vegetation coverage by 3.4% and 4.7%respectively compared with the base period level in 2000. The study reveals the important role of climate and policy factors in the reversion of desertification in Maowusu sandy land. The study is of great significance and value to desertification management and related policy-making in China.
A Novel Dynamic Programming Approach for Optimizing Driving Strategy of Subway Trains
Authors: Gao Hao , Zhang Yadong , Guo Jin
Published: October 2020

The reduction of operation energy consumption without decreasing service quality has become a great challenge in subways daily operation. A novel DP based approach is proposed for optimizing the train driving strategy. The optimal driving problem is first considered as a multi-objective problem with five optimal targets (i.e., energy saving, punctual arriving, less switching, safe driving and accurate stopping). The optimization problem is remodelled as a multistage decision problem by discretizing the continuous train movement in space. The process of dynamic programming is carried out in the velocity-space status space. Due to the discretizing rules of searching space, the optimal goals of safe driving and accurate stopping can be satisfied during the searching process. The rest of multiple goals are spilt into cost functions and constrains for each stage. Due to the multiple cost functions, a set of pareto optimal solutions can be achieved at each vertex during the process of dynamic programming. To further improve the efficiency of algorithm, two evaluation criterions are introduced to maintain the capacity of the pareto set at each vertex. A case study of Yizhuang urban rail line in Beijing is conducted to verify the effectiveness and the efficiency of DP based algorithms.
Research on express service based on improving customer satisfaction
Authors: Di Jiangxue , Liang Haolan
Published: October 2020

With the rapid development of e-commerce in China, the scale of express delivery industry is also expanding rapidly, while the quality of express delivery service has not been effectively improved, with a high value of number lying in the complaint rate of express delivery industry, which leads to low customer satisfaction. Based on the service quality evaluation model, this paper designs the questionnaire with the help of the Richter scale, also constructs the evaluation index of express service quality based on customer satisfaction, with the analysis of the factors through the use of SPSS 23, this essay finds out the main factors that affect the customer’s satisfaction with express service quality,and put forwards corresponding suggestion for improvement.
A Study of Car Sharing in China Based on Evaluation Index System
Authors: Li Zan , Zhao Fuquan , Liu Zongwei
Published: October 2020

The popularization of automobiles is originally a symbol of social progress, but it has also brought many problems and hidden dangers to the urban development of China in the aspects of transportation, environment, and energy. In this context, the emergence of the car sharing has led people from all walks of life to discover ways to solve these problems. This paper first studies and reveals the significance of car sharing. Then, on the basis of the development bottleneck of car sharing, this paper builds an evaluation index system to objectively analyze and evaluate the development status and find out the keys to solving the problems rooted in the car sharing status in China. Finally, this paper puts forward specific strategies and suggestions to promote the formation of China’s car-sharing society.
Siwei Jianbu decoction improves painful paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy in mouse model by modulating the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Suo Jinshuai , Wang Man , Zhang Peng , Lu Yuting , Xu Rong , Zhang Ling , Qiu Siyan , Zhang Qiuyan , Qian Yangyan , Meng Jing , Zhu Jing
Published: October 2020

Background:Paclitaxel, a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent, is usually associated with peripheral neuropathy. Paclitaxel induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) can be dose limiting and may have detrimental influence on patients' quality of life. However, the mechanism of PIPN remains unclear. Medicinal herbs and their formulas might offer neuronal protection with their multitarget and integrated benefits in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Siwei Jianbu decoction (J12) is a classic formula of traditional Chinese medicine which can promote blood circulation and treat diabetic nephropathy in clinical with the symptoms of weakness and pain.Methods:The effects of J12 were treated in C57BL/6 mice before injected with Paclitaxel.Behaviour studies: Measurement of mechanical hyperalgesia, thermal nociception and cold allodynia. On the last day at the end of week 6, DRGs were obtained from mice for western blot and immunohistochemical analysis containing NF-κB, p-ERK1/2 and p-SAPK/JNK protein expression. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction: mRNA expression of NF-κB, IL-1β and TNF-α was analyzed. Additionally, the blood samples collected from the eye socket of the mouse were prepared to examine the levels of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β using ELISA assay kits.Results:Hypersensitivity tests and pathology analysis have demonstrated that J12 could improve paclitaxel-induced peripheral pain. J12 acts by inhibiting the activation of (C-Jun N-terminal kinases) JNK, (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) ERK1/2 phosphorylation in (Mitogen-activated protein kinases) MAPK signaling pathway and the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in C57BL/6 mice model, J12 also inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and IL-6.Conclusion:The present study showed that J12 ameliorates paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathic pain.
Safety and efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy using double balloon occlusion methods: a clinical retrospective study in 36 patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction
Authors: Xu Guifang , Shen Yonghua , Lv Ying , Zhou Xiaoliang , Li Wen , Wang Yi , Hassan Shahzeb , Wang Lei , Zou Xiaoping
Published: October 2020

Background and study aims Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is common in the late stage of many malignant tumors of the digestive system. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is commonly used for palliative treatment of malignant GOO. The objective of this study was to investigate the safety, efficacy, and prognosis of EUS-GE in treatment of malignant GOO in Chinese patients.

Patients and methods This was a retrospective, single-center study with 36 consecutive patients with malignant GOO who were treated with EUS-GE. The main outcome measures were technical success rate, clinical success rate, incidence of adverse events (AEs), and median survival time.

Results A total of 36 patients with malignant GOO underwent double-balloon-assisted EUS-GE between March 2017 and June 2019 in our hospital. GOO occurred mainly in elderly men (mean age 69.0 years, M:F 0.89). The most common etiology of GOO was pancreatic cancer (41.7 %). The most common obstruction site was the second part of the duodenum (63.9 %). The technical success rate was 100 % (36/36). The clinical success rate was 94.4 % (34/36). Median time for the total procedure was 52 minutes (range 34 – 156 min). Median time for determination of puncture site was 20 minutes (range 15 – 28 min). Median time between puncture and successful delivery of the stent was 38 minutes (range 19 – 128 min). The GOOSS score was 0.2 before EUS-GE. The GOO Scoring System (GOOSS) score was 2.2 at 15 days after the EUS-GE (P = 0.001). The GOOSS score was still higher than 2 during a median follow-up period of 89 days. AEs were observed in nine patients (25.0 %) and 13 total AEs occurred. One patient died as a result of delayed stent migration and bleeding. Mean length of hospital stay was 5.8 ± 4.7 days. The median survival period was 103 days. The rate of GOO recurrence was 2.7 % (1/36).

Conclusion EUS-GE was associated with increased safety and efficacy for treatment of malignant GOO in Chinese Mainland.
Challenges in Detecting Clinically Relevant Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Antibodies
Authors: Warkentin Theodore E.
Published: October 2020

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an antibody-mediated hypercoagulable state featuring high thrombosis risk and distinct pathogenesis involving immunoglobulin G-mediated platelet activation. The target of the immune response is a cationic “self” protein, platelet factor 4 (PF4), rendered antigenic by heparin. A key problem is that only a minority of anti-PF4/polyanion antibodies induced by heparin are pathogenic, i.e., capable of causing platelet activation and thereby clinical HIT. Since thrombocytopenia occurs frequently in hospitalized, heparin-treated patients, testing for “HIT antibodies” is common; thus, the problem of distinguishing between pathogenic and nonpathogenic antibodies is important. The central concept is that those antibodies that have platelet-activating properties demonstrable in vitro correlate well with pathogenicity, as shown by platelet activation tests such as the serotonin-release assay (SRA) and heparin-induced platelet activation assay. However, in most circumstances, immunoassays are used for first-line testing, and so it is important for clinicians to appreciate which immunoassay result profiles—in the appropriate clinical context—predict the presence of platelet-activating antibodies (Bayesian analysis). Clinicians with access to rapid, on-demand HIT immunoassays (e.g., particle gel immunoassay, latex immunoturbidimetric assay, chemiluminescent immunoassay) can look beyond simple dichotomous result interpretation (“negative”/“positive”) and incorporate semiquantitative interpretation, where, for example, a strong-positive immunoassay result (or even combination of two immunoassays) points to a greater probability of detecting platelet-activating antibodies, and hence supporting a diagnosis of HIT. Recent recognition of “SRA-negative HIT” has increased the importance of semiquantitative interpretation of immunoassays, given that strong immunoassay reactivity is a potential clue indicating possible HIT despite a (false) negative platelet activation assay.
Karussell im Kopf – Vestibuläre Rehabilitation bei Neuritis vestibularis
Authors: Schädler Stefan
Published: October 2020

Plötzlich eintretender heftiger Drehschwindel mit Übelkeit, manchmal Erbrechen, Gangunsicherheit und Falltendenz zu einer Seite – Personen mit diesen Symptomen haben eine Neuritis vestibularis, sofern sich der Schwindel durch Bewegungen verstärkt, im Liegen abnimmt und das Gehör nicht betroffen ist. Physiotherapeuten können effektiv helfen, die Symptome zu mildern.
Massive Hemorrhage: The Role of Whole Blood Viscoelastic Assays
Authors: Scala Emmanuelle , Marcucci Carlo
Published: October 2020

Viscoelastic whole blood tests are increasingly used to guide hemostatic therapy in bleeding patients in the perioperative, trauma, and obstetric settings. Compared with standard laboratory tests of hemostasis, they have a shorter turnaround time and provide simultaneous information on various aspects of clot formation and lysis. The two available brands TEG (thromboelastography) and ROTEM (rotational thromboelastometry) provide devices that are either manually operated or fully automated. The automation allows for the assays to be used as point-of-care tests increasing their usefulness in massively bleeding patients with rapidly changing hemostatic profiles. While the number of research papers on the subject and the number of published treatment algorithms increase rapidly, the influence of the use of these devices on patient outcome needs yet to be established. In this article, we first review the technology of these devices and the parameters provided by the assays. Next, we present the problems encountered when choosing cut-off values that trigger intervention. Furthermore, we discuss the studies examining their influence on clinical outcomes, and finally, we briefly highlight some of the most important limitations and pitfalls inherent to these assays.
Safety and outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage for malignant biliary obstruction using cautery-enabled lumen-apposing metal stent
Authors: Chin Jerry Yung-Lun , Seleq Samir , Weilert Frank
Published: October 2020

Background and study aims There is increasing evidence to suggest that EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) is a safe and effective treatment alternative for patients with malignant biliary obstructions (MBOs) after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Patients and methods We performed a retrospective analysis of data prospectively collected from patients with MBO who underwent choledochoduodenostomy (CDS) or gallbladder drainage (GBD) between August 2016 and June 2020 using the electrocautery-enabled lumen-apposing metal stents (ECE-LAMS). The primary endpoint was technical and clinical success. Secondary endpoints were adverse events (AEs) and reinterventions.

Results A total of 60 patients were included in the study, with 56 CDS and 4 GBD. Median age was 76 years with 57 % male (34/60). The most common indication for EUS-BD was pancreatic cancer (78 %). Technical success was achieved in 100 % of cases, with a clinical success rate of 91.7 %. Mean total bilirubin pre-procedure was 202 umol/L (normal < 20 umol/L) and 63.8 umol/L post procedure (P < .001). Twenty-one patients had bilirubin recorded at 2 weeks post EUS-BD with 20 of 21 patients demonstrating > 50 % reduction in bilirubin (mean bilirubin reduction 75 %). AEs occurred in 12 of 60 patients (20 %), all of which were mild. The reintervention rate was 11.7 % (7/60). Stent occlusion occurred in 10 of 60 patients (16.7 %) with a mean time to stent occlusion of 46.2 days (3–133). Stent patency of 83.3 % was observed with a mean follow up of 7.9 months.

Conclusion EUS-CDS and GBD using ECE-LAMS are effective EUS-based techniques for managing patients with MBO. AEs are usually mild and resolved by reintervention.
Efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic duct drainage (EUS-PDD): A systematic review and meta-analysis of 714 patients
Authors: Chandan Saurabh , Mohan Babu P. , Khan Shahab R. , Kassab Lena L. , Ponnada Suresh , Ofosu Andrew , Bhat Ishfaq , Singh Shailender , Adler Douglas G.
Published: October 2020

Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound guided pancreatic duct drainage (EUS-PDD) is a minimal-invasive therapeutic option to surgery and in patients with failed endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP). The aim of this review was to quantitatively appraise the clinical outcomes of EUS-PDD by meta-analysis methods.

Methods We searched multiple databases from inception through March 2020 to identify studies that reported on EUS-PDD. Pooled rates of technical success, successful drainage of pancreatic duct, clinical success, and adverse events were calculated. Study heterogeneity was assessed using I2% and 95 % prediction interval.

Results A total of 22 studies (714 patients) were included. The pooled rate of technical success in EUS-PDD was 84.8 % (95 % CI 79.1–89.2). The pooled rate of successful PD drained by EUS-PDD was 77.5 % (95 % CI 63.1–87.4). The pooled rate of clinical success of EUS-PDD was 89.2 % (95 % CI 82.1–93.7). The pooled rate of all adverse events was 18.1 % (95 % CI 14.2–22.9). On sub-group analysis, the pooled technical success and clinical success of EUS-PDD from Japanese data were considerably superior (91.2 %, 83–95.6 & 92.5 %, 83.9–96.7, respectively). The pooled rate of post EUS-PDD acute pancreatitis was 6.6 % (95 % CI 4.5–9.4), bleeding was 4.1 % (95 % CI 2.7–6.2), perforation and/or pneumoperitoneum was 3.1 % (95 % CI 1.9–5), pancreatic leak and/or pancreatic fluid collection was 2.3 % (95 % CI 1.4–4), and infection was 2.8 % (95 % CI 1.7–4.6).

Conclusion EUS-PDD demonstrates high technical success and clinical success rates with acceptable adverse events. Technical success was especially high for anastomotic strictures.
Definiert das Alter den geriatrischen Patienten?
Authors: Hofmann Britt , Simm Andreas
Published: October 2020

Ältere Menschen stellen einen wachsenden Anteil unserer täglich medizinisch und chirurgisch zu versorgenden Patienten dar. Allerdings definiert das kalendarische Alter alleine den älteren Patienten nur unzureichend. Vielmehr scheint das biologische Alter oder das Maß an Gebrechlichkeit entscheidend für die Charakterisierung zu sein. Auch der Prozentsatz der Menschen, die gebrechlich sind, ist in den letzten Jahrzehnten stetig gestiegen. Gebrechlichkeit oder Frailty ist ein geriatrisches Syndrom, welches durch verringerte physische und psychische Reserven zur Kompensation gekennzeichnet ist. Die beiden am häufigsten genutzten Ansätze zur Definition von Gebrechlichkeit sind der phänotypische Ansatz und der Ansatz der Defizitakkumulation. Für ältere Patienten haben sich in diesem Zusammenhang 2 Interventionspunkte in der klinischen Praxis herauskristallisiert: 1. die präinterventionelle/operative Identifizierung von Hochrisikopatienten, um sowohl die Patientenerwartungen
als auch die chirurgische Entscheidungsfindung zu steuern, und 2. periinterventionelle/operative Optimierungsstrategien für gebrechliche Patienten. Noch fehlt ein mit vertretbarem Zeitaufwand in der klinischen Praxis umsetzbarer, objektiver Goldstandard zur Analyse der Frailty.
Adenoma detection rate as a quality indicator for colonoscopy: a descriptive cross-sectional study from a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan
Authors: Yousaf Mian Shah , Shafqat Shameel , Gill Roger Christopher , Khursheed Asfia Arham , Parkash Om
Published: October 2020

Background and study aims Adenoma detection rate (ADR) is validated for measuring quality of colonoscopy, however there is lack of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening program in South Asia. The purpose of this study is to analyze and review the polyp detection rate (PDR) and ADR and provide insight into the factors that influence them in Pakistan.

Patients and methods This retrospective, cross-sectional study was performed at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, on patients ≥ 18 years, who underwent colonoscopy between January 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018.

Results Of 1985 patients, 59 % were male and 41 % female, with mean age of 47.8 ± 16.2 years. The most common indication for colonoscopy was bleeding-per-rectum (28.0 %) and overall PDR and ADR were 17.9 % and 9.9 %, respectively. There was no significant difference between genders for either PDR (P = 0.378) or ADR (P = 0.574). Significantly higher PDR and ADR were found for patients ≥ 50 years (P < 0.001), as well as for suboptimal bowel preparation [PDR (25.7 %; P = 0.007) and ADR (18.6 %; P = 0.014)]. Interestingly, endoscopists with < 500 colonoscopy-procedural-experience reported a higher PDR (21.6 %; P = 0.020) and ADR (14.4 %; P = 0.049), corresponding to a significantly higher PDR (20.6 %; P = 0.005) and ADR (11.7 %; P = 0.02) for endoscopists in practice for ≤ 10 years.

Conclusions We have noticed low PDR and ADR, which require further investigation and research. In addition, we believe there should be a different baseline ADR and PDR as a quality indicator for colonoscopy in our region, where no internationally recommended colonoscopic screening programs have been implemented.
Effect of anticoagulants on the risk of delayed bleeding after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Ogiyama Hideharu , Inoue Takuya , Maekawa Akira , Yoshii Shunsuke , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , Nagai Kengo , Yamamoto Masashi , Egawa Satoshi , Horimoto Masayoshi , Ogawa Hiroyuki , Nishihara Akihiro , Komori Masato , Kizu Takashi , Tsutsui Shusaku , Tsujii Yoshiki , Hayashi Yoshito , Iijima Hideki , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: October 2020

Background and study aims In patients receiving antithrombotic therapy, the risks of delayed bleeding after endoscopic procedures for gastrointestinal neoplasms become a major problem. Few reports have shown the effects of delayed bleeding in patients taking anticoagulants after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). This study aimed to evaluate the delayed bleeding events after colorectal ESD in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy.

Patients and methods We retrospectively analyzed 87 patients taking anticoagulants who underwent colorectal ESD from April 2012 to December 2017 at 13 Japanese institutions participating in the Osaka Gut Forum. Among these patients, warfarin users were managed with heparin bridge therapy (HBT), continued use of warfarin, a temporary switch to direct oral anticoagulation (DOAC), or withdrawal of warfarin, and DOAC users were managed with DOAC discontinuation with or without HBT. We investigated the occurrence rate of delayed bleeding and compared the rates between warfarin and DOAC users.

Results The delayed bleeding rate was 17.2 % among all patients. The delayed bleeding rate was higher in DOAC users than in warfarin users (23.3 % vs. 11.4 %, P = 0.14), although no statistically significant difference was observed. In DOAC users, the delayed bleeding rates for dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban users appeared similar (30 %, 18.2 %, 22.2 %, and 25 %, respectively). The onset of delayed bleeding in both warfarin and DOAC users was late, averaging 6.9 and 9.4 days, respectively.

Conclusions Among patients taking anticoagulants, the risk of delayed bleeding after colorectal ESD was relatively high and the onset of delayed bleeding was late.
A Collection of Jewels
Authors: Alberio Lorenzo
Published: October 2020

The authors of this issue of Hämostaseologie—Progress in Haemostasis on “Progress and Pitfalls in Laboratory Hemostasis Diagnosis” were asked to write conceptual reviews, enucleating the quintessence of their subjects in order to share it with a wide audience. All performed a masterful job and you can now enjoy a collection of jewels, each with its peculiar character, which are presented in five “invisible” sections.
Tissue Plasminogen Activator Levels and Risk of Breast Cancer in a Case–Cohort Study on Italian Women: Results from the Moli-sani Study
Authors: Costanzo Simona , Parisi Roberta , De Curtis Amalia , Gamba Sara , Russo Laura , Persichillo Mariarosaria , Panzera Teresa , Marchetti Marina , Cerletti Chiara , de Gaetano Giovanni , Falanga Anna , Donati Maria Benedetta , Iacoviello Licia ,   on behalf of the Moli-sani Investigators
Published: October 2020

Background Elevated levels of key enzymes of the fibrinolytic system, such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), are reported as predictors of poor outcome in cancer patients. Limited information is available about their potential predictive value for breast cancer (BC) risk in the general population.

Aim We examined the association of tPA levels with BC risk in a case–cohort study including women from the prospective Moli-sani cohort.

Methods A sample of 710 women (mean age: 54.6 ± 12.1 years) was selected as a subcohort and compared with 84 BC cases, in a median follow-up of 4.2 years. Incident cases of BC were validated through medical records. tPA plasma levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI), adjusted for relevant covariates, were estimated by a Cox regression model using the Prentice method.

Results Compared with the lowest quartile (<4.9 ng/mL), women in the highest quartile of tPA (>11.2 ng/mL) had increased risk of BC (HRIVvsI: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.13–4.28) after adjusted for age, smoking, education, menopause, and residence. Further adjustment for biochemical markers did not modify this association. The risk of BC increased by 34% for each increase in 1 standard deviation of log-transformed tPA levels (p = 0.046). Elevated levels of tPA were associated mainly with estrogen-receptor-positive BC (2.08, 95% CI: 1.18–3.66).

Conclusion Higher levels of tPA, reported to predict cardiovascular risk, are a potential biomarker for BC risk, supporting the hypothesis of a “common soil” linking the pathogenic mechanisms of hormone-dependent tumors and cardiovascular disease.
Rapid cooling technique increases nanoparticle beam density for imaging
Authors: Lim Alane
Published: October 2020

Researchers have developed a technique that could improve the reproducibility and efficiency of imaging shock-frozen, isolated, biological, and artificial nanoparticles.
Understanding the crystal structure of solid hydrogen under ultrahigh pressure
Authors: McConnon Aili
Published: October 2020

Scientists obtain high-quality X-ray diffraction data about solid hydrogen under extreme pressures of up to 254 GPa, paving the way for studying the crystal structure of hydrogen at higher pressures and eventually testing metallic hydrogen.
Value of clinical engagement in the NSW Health response to COVID-19
Authors: Lyons Nigel , Cox Cathryn , Clements Vanessa
Published: October 2020

Clinical engagement has been critical to the NSW Health response to COVID-19, with clinicians across the state working together at a scale and pace not seen before. Since mid-March 2020, 30 COVID-19 Communities of Practice (COPs) have been established, bringing together over 3500 clinicians and other members across 30 different clinical specialties to inform and support a consistent statewide response to the pandemic. COPs share issues, escalate priorities and develop evidence-based guidance on a range of topics. This article provides practical insights into the value of clinical leadership and engagement in a time of crisis. It describes the role of COVID-19 COPs, what they have achieved and their importance in supporting the ongoing pandemic response in New South Wales.
Effect of selenium supplementation on productive performance and antioxidant status of broilers under heat stress: a meta-analysis and a meta-regression
Authors: Zepeda-Velazquez A. P. , Ramirez-Perez A. H. , Ambriz-Vilchis V. , Salinas-Martinez J. A. , Alvarez-Alonso C. , Plata-Perez G. , Ortega-Meneses F. , Angeles-Hernandez J. C.
Published: October 2020

Heat stress and a high metabolic rate of broilers increase the production of reactive oxygen species, which must be removed by antioxidants to prevent oxidative stress. Selenium (Se) is a potent antioxidant as it is a structural part of glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Dietary supplementation of Se can help reduce the oxidative stress caused by heat-stress conditions. The aim was to evaluate the effect of Se supplementation on the performance and antioxidant status of broilers under heat stress, by using a meta-analysis approach, and to quantify the contribution to heterogeneity of the explanatory variables through a meta-regression procedure. A database of 74 trials was created from 56 published studies that met the following inclusion criteria: papers that reported a measure of effect size, sample size, measure of variability and random procedure. The response variables were GPx and malondialdehyde concentrations, DM intake, average daily gain, and feed conversion rate. Broiler line, Se source, and dosage, heat-stress level, days of experimentation, sample source (blood, liver or meat) and basal Se concentration were considered to be explanatory variables. All statistical analyses were performed in R software, by using the ‘meta’ and ‘Metafor’ packages for meta-analysis and meta-regression respectively. High concentrations of GPx were found in Se-supplemented broilers (>1.76; P = 0.001), in comparison to control groups. However, when the random model was applied to GPx studies, it showed high heterogeneity (I2 = 95.4%), which was reduced (I2 = 61.5) when heat-stress temperature, Se source and its dosage and tissue sample were included as covariates in the meta-regression analysis. The highest standard mean difference of GPx was founded in studies that reported supplementation with inorganic Se sources (2.92), in comparison to supplementation with organic and nano-Se sources (1.66 and 1.44 respectively). The standard mean differences of malondialdehyde and feed conversion rate were significantly lower (<0.66 and <0.11 respectively) in supplemented broilers. Heterogeneity of all variables decreased when the explanatory variables were included in the mixed-regression model. Our findings confirmed that Se supplementation improves the broiler’s antioxidant status and productive performance. However, the response level was affected by dosage and source of Se and the level of heat stress.
Iodocyclisation of Electronically Resistant Alkynes: Synthesis of 2-Carboxy (and sulfoxy)-3-iodobenzo[b]thiophenes
Authors: Chen Shuqi , Flynn Bernard L.
Published: October 2020

The iodocyclisation of alkynes bearing tethered nucleophiles is a highly effective method for the construction and diversification of heterocycles. A key limitation to this methodology is the 5-endo-dig iodocyclisation of alkynes that have an unfavourable electronic bias for electrophilic cyclisation. These tend to direct electrophilic attack of the iodonium atom to the wrong carbon for cyclisation, thus favouring competing addition reactions. Using our previously determined reaction conditions for the 5-endo-dig iodocyclisations of electronically resistant alkynes, we have achieved efficient synthetic access to 2-carboxy (and sulfoxy)-3-iodobenzo[b]thiophenes. The corresponding benzo[b]furans and indoles were not accessible under these conditions. This difference may arise due to the availability of a radical mechanism in the case of iodobenzo[b]thiophenes. The 2-carboxy functionality of the iodocyclised products can be further employed in iterative alkyne-coupling iodocyclisation reactions, where the carboxy group or an imine (Schiff base) partakes in a second iodocyclisation to generate a lactone or pyridine ring.
Understanding the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic as evolution in action
Authors: Cairns Will
Published: October 2020

In the midst of our pandemic, when we are up to our necks in a torrent of news, opinion and speculation, it is important to step back from our personal interests in SARS-CoV-2 to consider the broader biological and social evolutionary context of what we are experiencing.
Synthetic gene-regulatory networks in the opportunistic human pathogen
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Sorg Robin A. , Gallay Clement , Van Maele Laurye , Sirard Jean-Claude , Veening Jan-Willem
Published: October 2020

Significance

Streptococcus pneumoniae
is a major human pathogen responsible for enormous global morbidity and mortality. Despite this, the pneumococcus makes up part of the commensal nasopharyngeal flora. How the pneumococcus switches from this commensal to pathogenic state and causes disease is unclear and very likely involves variability in expression of its virulence factors. Here, we used synthetic biology approaches to generate complex gene-regulatory networks such as logic gates and toggle switches. We show that these networks are functional in vivo to control capsule production in an influenza-superinfection model. This opens the field of systematically testing the role of phenotypic variation in pneumococcal virulence. The approaches used here may serve as an example for synthetic biology projects in unrelated organisms.
Blocking PPARγ interaction facilitates Nur77 interdiction of fatty acid uptake and suppresses breast cancer progression
Authors: Yang Peng-bo , Hou Pei-pei , Liu Fu-yuan , Hong Wen-bin , Chen Hang-zi , Sun Xiao-yu , Li Peng , Zhang Yi , Ju Cui-yu , Luo Li-juan , Wu Sheng-fu , Zhou Jia-xin , Wang Zhi-jing , He Jian-ping , Li Li , Zhao Tong-Jin , Deng Xianming , Lin Tianwei , Wu Qiao
Published: October 2020

Significance

It is still a great challenge to identify novel therapeutic strategies for breast cancer, especially for those with treatment resistance. It was demonstrated here that nuclear receptor Nur77 was an effective drug target for breast cancer and compound Csn-B was clinically relevant by binding to Nur77 to prevent peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) targeting by steric hindrance, thereby inhibiting fatty acid uptake in cells and mouse models. Clinical sample analysis further supported the opposing roles of Nur77 and PPARγ in the patient prognosis of breast cancer. This study not only reveals a inhibitory function of Nur77 on fatty acid uptake for impeding tumor growth, but also identifies Csn-B as an effective therapeutic lead compound for breast cancer.
Macropinocytosis-mediated membrane recycling drives neural crest migration by delivering F-actin to the lamellipodium
Authors: Li Yuwei , Gonzalez Walter G. , Andreev Andrey , Tang Weiyi , Gandhi Shashank , Cunha Alexandre , Prober David , Lois Carlos , Bronner Marianne E.
Published: October 2020

Significance

Membrane and cytoskeletal dynamics are critical to cell motility. Extensively studied in cell culture, their roles in cell movement in vivo are less understood, especially in higher vertebrates. We use dynamic imaging to visualize membrane and cytoskeletal behavior in migrating neural crest cells in living tissue. We found that forward movement of individual neural crest cells is accompanied by circular membrane flow, from anterior-to-posterior apically and posterior-to-anterior basally, coupled with internalization of lipid vesicles via macropinocytosis in the soma. Macropinosomes become wrapped with actin, then undergo anterograde translocation via microtubules toward the lamellipodium, resulting in its expansion. We elucidate how actin dynamics and membrane flow are interacted to drive forward locomotion of individual cells.
P7C3-A20 treatment one year after TBI in mice repairs the blood–brain barrier, arrests chronic neurodegeneration, and restores cognition
Authors: Vázquez-Rosa Edwin , Shin Min-Kyoo , Dhar Matasha , Chaubey Kalyani , Cintrón-Pérez Coral J. , Tang Xinmiao , Liao Xudong , Miller Emiko , Koh Yeojung , Barker Sarah , Franke Kathryn , Crosby Danyel R. , Schroeder Rachel , Emery Josie , Yin Terry C. , Fujioka Hisashi , Reynolds James D. , Harper Matthew M. , Jain Mukesh K. , Pieper Andrew A.
Published: October 2020

Significance

Chronic neurodegeneration, a major cause of the long-term disabilities that afflict survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI), is linked to an increased risk for late-life neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, vascular dementia, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Here, we report on the restoration of blood–brain barrier (BBB) structure and function by P7C3-A20 when administered 12 mo after TBI. This pharmacotherapy was associated with cessation of chronic neurodegeneration and recovery of normal cognitive function, benefits that persisted long after treatment cessation. Pharmacologic renewal of BBB integrity may thus provide a new treatment option for patients who have suffered a remote TBI, or other neurological conditions associated with BBB deterioration.
Uncle George’s illustrated map
Authors: Holmes Nigel
Published: October 2020

A personal look back at a 60-year career making information graphics for newspapers, magazines and corporations in England and the United States, and some of the lessons learned. The essential role of mentors in encouraging a bold graphic approach. How humor can help readers understand difficult concepts. The importance of including context when presenting data.
“Maleducados/Ill-mannered”during the #A28 political campaign on Twitter
Authors: Bou-Franch Patricia
Published: October 2020

This paper approaches the study of conflict through an examination of Spanish metapragmatic labels and comments of impoliteness on Twitter. The aim is twofold. It first aims to confirm the attributed importance of the labelmaleducado/ill-mannered in the specific context of Twitter and of digital discourse more generally, on quantitative and comparative grounds; then, it investigates this label, and the metapragmatic comments where it occurred, in a contextualized corpus of tweets compiled during the political campaign of Spain’s General Elections of April 28, 2019. The study draws from fivead hoccorpora specifically compiled from Twitter, and a general corpus of Spanish digital discourse provided by Sketch Engine. The analysis adopts a corpus-based metapragmatic approach, which combines quantitative and qualitative methods. Findings revealed thatmaleducadowas the most frequent metapragmatic label under scrutiny in the Twitter corpora and motivated the subsequent study of lay conceptualizations of this term.
Modulational instability in a one-dimensional spin–orbit coupled Bose–Bose mixture
Authors: Singh Dheerendra , Parit Mithilesh K , Raju Thokala Soloman , Panigrahi Prasanta K
Published: October 2020

We establish the condition of modulational instability (MI) in one-dimensional effective one-component self-bound quantum droplets and Bose–Bose (BB) mixture, coupled through spin–orbit and Rabi couplings. For the self-bound quantum droplets of effective one-component BB mixture, MI occurs for the atom density:

P
<

g

3
/
2

δ
g

2

m

2

π

2

ℏ

2

, where δg = g + g
12 with g indicate intra-atomic and g
12 inter-atomic interaction strengths. The MI growth rate of BB mixture in the presence of spin–orbit and Rabi couplings shows distinct signatures of the couplings, in the form of multiple domains of instability. In particular, we demonstrate the explicit difference in MI, between the effective one-component self-bound quantum droplets and BB mixture.
Design and control of a novel rotary shape memory alloy actuator for two degree of freedom underwater vectored thruster
Authors: Li YuTian , Liu Kai , Zhou XueFeng , Yuan Bin
Published: October 2020

Underwater vectored propulsion thruster is normally actuated by a step motor or a hydraulic system. The traditional actuators show an inherent shortcoming in energy consumption per volume, low space utilization and structure complexity. Shape memory alloy (SMA) based actuator is considered as a strong competitor to the traditional one, however high torque output and long movement distance to acquire high control accuracy and wide operating range still remain a big challenge. In this work, we developed an SMA-based underwater vectored thruster consisting of two motion rings and their rotary SMA actuators. Two SMA wires combined with supplementary rotation parts are utilized to drive the rotation of each motion ring. The rotary SMA actuator outputs torque that can change the angular position of underwater thruster, and the maximum angle and the response speed can be reached 38° and 1.6° s−1. The experimental results verify the feasibility of applying the rotary actuator to underwater device. Modeling the SMA rotary actuator system helps understanding the rotary process of underwater vectored thruster. Based on the system model, a control scheme integrated with an anti-windup Proportion Integral Differential (PID) controller is proposed. Its performance is compared with that of the integrating angle feedback without an anti-windup block through the simulation method. With the proposed anti-windup PID controller, the results show that the overshoot can be eliminated and the steady error is decreased to 0.01% and 0.9% at 10° and 25° respectively, reflecting that the anti-windup PID controller significantly improves the system controlling performance.
A bioelectric neural interface towards intuitive prosthetic control for amputees
Authors: Nguyen Anh Tuan , Xu Jian , Jiang Ming , Luu Diu Khue , Wu Tong , Tam Wing-kin , Zhao Wenfeng , Drealan Markus W , Overstreet Cynthia K , Zhao Qi , Cheng Jonathan , Keefer Edward W , Yang Zhi
Published: October 2020

Objective. While prosthetic hands with independently actuated digits have become commercially available, state-of-the-art human-machine interfaces (HMI) only permit control over a limited set of grasp patterns, which does not enable amputees to experience sufficient improvement in their daily activities to make an active prosthesis useful. Approach. Here we present a technology platform combining fully-integrated bioelectronics, implantable intrafascicular microelectrodes and deep learning-based artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate this missing bridge by tapping into the intricate motor control signals of peripheral nerves. The bioelectric neural interface includes an ultra-low-noise neural recording system to sense electroneurography (ENG) signals from microelectrode arrays implanted in the residual nerves, and AI models employing the recurrent neural network (RNN) architecture to decode the subject’s motor intention. Main results. A pilot human study has been carried out on a transradial amputee. We demonstrate that the information channel established by the proposed neural interface is sufficient to provide high accuracy control of a prosthetic hand up to 15 degrees of freedom (DOF). The interface is intuitive as it directly maps complex prosthesis movements to the patient’s true intention. Significance. Our study layouts the foundation towards not only a robust and dexterous control strategy for modern neuroprostheses at a near-natural level approaching that of the able hand, but also an intuitive conduit for connecting human minds and machines through the peripheral neural pathways.

Clinical trial: DExterous Hand Control Through Fascicular Targeting (DEFT). Identifier: NCT02994160.
Study on Preparation and Properties of Corrosion Resistant 3D Printing Magnesium Alloy Materials
Authors: Tian Jun
Published: October 2020

In this paper, the medical magnesium alloy melt containing Mg, Zn, Ca, Nd elements was prepared by liquid forming technology. Through atomization, the medical magnesium alloy powder material for 3D printing was obtained. The microstructure of the alloy was observed by SEM and XRD. The corrosion resistance of the alloy was tested by electrochemistry. The final results show that the 3D printing material of medical magnesium alloy has good structure uniformity and corrosion resistance can be effectively improved by adding Nd element.