bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the bismuth oxide nanoparticles on bystander effect in MCF-7 and hFOB 1.19 cells
Authors: Zainudin Nur Hamizah Mohd , Razak Khairunisak Ab , Abidin Safri Zainal , Dollah Norhayati , Rahman Wan Nordiana
Published: April 2020

This study aims to investigate the effect of bismuth oxide nanoparticles (Bi2O3 NPs) on the radiation induced bystander effect (RIBE) in MCF-7 and hFOB 1.19 cells line. The cells were irradiated with radiation doses of 0 to 12 Gy using 6 MV photon beam in a single exposure. The irradiated cells’ culture media were transferred to non-irradiated bystander cells 1 hour post-irradiation. PrestoBlue assay was then performed in this experiment to assess the cells’ viability. Results of cell viability percentage in all bystander cell groups compared to the control showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) for both MCF-7 and hFOB 1.19 cell lines. The test also revealed no radiation dose dependencies for all bystander cells groups. The present study demonstrated that MCF-7 and hFOB 1.19 bystander cells were able to proliferate (> 80%) after 48 hours incubation with irradiated-cell conditioned medium (ICCM) treated with Bi2O3 NPs. In summary, the use of Bi2O3 NPs for radiosensitization in radiotherapy is safe and do not increase the RIBE responses in non-targeted cells. RIBE remained as one of the most crucial factors that need to be address and considered for the application of nanoparticles as radiosensitizers in radiotherapy.
Signal change in BA17, 18 and 19: A comparative study of normal, glaucoma suspects and POAG patients
Authors: Nasaruddin N H , Yusoff A N , Kaur Sharanjeet
Published: April 2020

Magnetic resonance signal change is expected to be different between normal, glaucoma suspect (GS) and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) subjects. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique was employed to investigate the differences. This multiple subject studies were carried out to characterize the percentage of signal change (PSC) in Brodmann Area (BA) 17, 18 and 19 of the visual cortex. The block designed fMRI was implemented. The subjects were requested to focus on the black and white checkerboard stimulus of the visual world (A, B and CD), visual field (EF) and visual area (G). The data were analysed using Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM8) via Matlab platform. results showed that GS subjects have the highest PSC, followed by normal and POAG subjects. However, no significant difference was observed in PSC between BA17, 18 and 19 for normal, GS and POAG groups with p = 0.0869, p = 0.0688 and p = 0.2690, respectively. In conclusion, none of the BA can be suggested to be the most dominant area in responding to the visual stimuli used in this study.
Application of surface image guided radiotherapy (SIGRT) for deep inspiration breath-hold and free breathing gating technique in Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
Authors: Abdullah Athirah Nadiah , Arwani Fikri Siti Firzada , Qian Ying Yong
Published: April 2020

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) has integrated Surface Image Guided Radiotherapy (SIGRT), C-RAD Catalyst HD camera in radiotherapy treatment over the 12 months. It eases us in setting up patients before treatment, monitoring intrafraction treatment and allows Deep Inspiration Breath-Hold (DIBH) treatment delivery. Positioning patients using Catalyst gives correctable error in 6-dimension and the shifts were small and acceptable. However, C-RAD is not the gold standard for positioning compared to CBCT but it has the advantage in terms of monitoring patient surface motion during treatment especially DIBH treatments. Target volume coverage for DIBH plan is improved by 0.6% to 1.8% compared to FB plan. This study also compare dose to the heart using DIBH technique over the free breathing (FB) technique for left breast cases. Maximum dose to the heart in DIBH is reduced by 18% compared to FB. Treatment of left breast with DIBH results in significant reductions in doses to the heart, since the distance between the target and the heart is increase compare to FB technique.
Brain activation associated with video gaming stimuli in Internet gaming disorder (IGD) among Malaysian adolescents
Authors: Abdull Nasser N M , Mohamad M , Chan L F , Suppiah S , Yusoff A N , Abd Hamid A I , Wan Ismail W S , Sim S T
Published: April 2020

The rapid development of Internet gaming technology in Malaysia has come with a cost of greater vulnerability in becoming addicted to video games especially for an adolescent whose mental abilities were not matured yet. This study aimed to investigate the differences in human neural activation using fMRI that being triggered by gaming video among Malaysian young adult. The 16 participants with Internet addiction were recruited. They undergo approximate 10 minutes of task-based fMRI scanning that will be presenting an ordered games-related and control short video simultaneously. Data were analyzed using MATLAB 9.3 (R2017b) and Statistical Parametric Mapping 12 (SPM 12) to evaluate brain activation. Based on the result, these the regions activated are known to be linked in visuospatial, somatosensory, semantic memory processing, emotional response, reward, integrating information process, memory retrieval, spatial navigation, and orientation. These findings may yield more in-depth in this study and provide a deeper understanding in developing appropriate guidelines and interventions to treat Internet gaming addicts community, especially in the Malaysian population.
Validation of 131I activity in thyroid phantom using SPECT/CT 3D image based dosimetry
Authors: Mohd Yahya M H , Halim F N A , Mansor S
Published: April 2020

Quantitative imaging gives a better understanding on the distribution of radioactivity that can be used in the estimation of absorbed dose in the specific target organ. The goal of this study was to validate the accuracy of 131I activity quantification of cumulated activity in thyroid uptake phantom using 3-dimensional (3D) SPECT/CT imaging. In this study, a series of SPECT/CT acquisition of the thyroid uptake was performed. Images of different matrix sizes and iterations number were reconstructed using ordered-subsets expectation maximization (OSEM). Quantification of the activity in the phantom was determined using a Medical Image Data Examiner (AMIDE) software based on the mean value and maximum value. The cumulated activity in the phantom was determined by calculating area under the curve (AUC) in the time-activity curve. The results showed that the mean activity for 256 voxels was underestimated between 6.18% - 13%, and overestimated between 61.56% - 64.66% for maximum value metric. The cumulated activity derived from SPECT/CT showed an error margin of 10%.
Study of morphological changes and survival fraction in EMT6 cell line post-gamma ray irradiation
Authors: Ronny Sham N F , Hasan N , Hamid Hasani N Abdul , Karim M K , Ibahim M J
Published: April 2020

Radiotherapy plays an important role in cancer treatment; however, the incidence of radio-resistance remains become major challenges in cancer treatment. The presence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has become a clinical hallmark for cancer to relapse after radiation treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological changes and cell survival of EMT6 cell line post–gamma ray irradiation. The irradiation of EMT6 cells was conducted with two approaches, first, EMT6 cells were treated with single dose of gamma-ray ranging low to high dose of gamma-ray (0-16 Gy) and second, EMT6 cells were exposed to fractionated gamma-ray irradiation (2 Gy per cycle) where cells that survive the initial irradiation were further irradiated with 2 Gy dose. Results showed that there were morphological changes in treated cell compared to sham-control cells in both irradiation approaches which include loss of glandular pattern, vacuolated cell plasma, pleomorphic nuclei and enlarged size. For survival fraction, the survival fractions were reduced with increasing dose compared to the sham-control in single dose reaction while for the fractionated irradiation, survival fractions were reduced until 3rd cycles and increased in 4th cycles and maintained until 6 cycles which showed resistance of EMT6. In conclusion, radiation therapy causes cell morphological changes and fractionation of gamma-ray irradiation lead to resistance EMT6 after 4 cycles.
Elimination of Garlic common latent virus from garlic through meristem culture and thermotherapy
Authors: Yulianingsih R , Hidayat S H , Dinarti D
Published: April 2020

Virus infection on garlic (Allium sativum) can be accumulated through vegetative propagation and may cause yield losses. It was evidenced in this study that infection of GCLV on garlic seed cv ‘Tawangmangu Baru’ reached 100% based on detection using DIBA (Dotimmuno binding assay). This research was initiated to obtain an elimination method of GCLV from garlic seed bulbs of cv ‘Tawangmangu Baru’. Tissue culture-based method was used in this research involving isolation of 1.0 mm meristem from micro shoots followed by thermotherapy at 25 °C, 28 °C, 31 °C, and heterogeneous temperatures for 4 wk. Virus indexing was conducted using RT-PCR on micro shoots that grown after treatment. The results showed that meristem culture and thermotherapy did not affect the growth of micro shoots based on assessment on the percentage of surviving explants, plant height, and the number of leaves. Infection of GCLV was still detected on micro shoots after thermotherapy, i.e. 64% to 91%. Virus infection on garlic cv ‘Tawangmangu Baru’ was not totally eliminated by meristem culture and thermotherapy. Factors affecting this result will be discussed in this paper as well as methodology improvement to produce virus-free garlic with high multiplication rate of explants.
Spring discharge variation in the karst region of Mount Sewu based on elevation and rock transmissivity
Authors: Darmawan W , Damayanti A
Published: April 2020

Identification of springs that as sources of clean water based on the spatial pattern of spring discharge in the karst region of Mount Sewu, Gunung Kidul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta was performed. This karst region is prone to drought. In June 2018, a drought occurred in at least 11 sub-districts of the Regency. It means that new sources of clean water are urgently needed. Variations in discharge were obtained using data on spring elevation, rock transmissivity and water balance. The result shows that springs located at lower elevations have relatively lower water discharge compared to springs at higher elevations, while the transmissivity of aquifer rocks is directly proportional to the amount of spring discharge.
Ageing condition of tensile specimens: fracture behavior of notched Al2024 sheet under tensile loading
Authors: Pakravan K , Hosseini Monazzah A , Farahmand S
Published: April 2020

The effect of different (T6 and T8) heat treatments on tensile properties and fracture behavior of Al2024 in presence and absence of notch by means of microhardness, tensile tests and scanning electron microscopy were investigated. Tensile and hardness specimens were subjected to two different artificial ageing (T6 and T8 heat treatment) for various times. These included under ageing (UA), peak ageing (PA) and over ageing (OA). T8 heat treatment, which has a cold rolling between solutionizing and ageing in its steps, showed a higher value of hardness and yield strength in comparison with common artificial ageing of T6 heat treatment. In notched-tensile specimens, yield stress was found to increase up to the peak ageing condition with a simultaneously decrease in elongation at fracture. This behavior was converse at OA condition. Although introducing of notch increase the yield stress of samples under T6 and T8 conditions in comparison with un-notched samples, the notch strengthening phenomenon was observed only under T8 treatment. Despite of an enhancement in strengthening by applying notch on tensile samples, the elongation to failure was notably lessen in both notched-heat treated samples in comparison with un-notches ones. Also, it was confirmed that the toughness of notched samples of both heat treatments at PA condition were significantly lower than un-notched ones. Consequently, toughness decrement was considerably dominated by the role of deformability compared to strengthening factor, however, the presence of cold rolling in the process of heat treatment (T8) could reduce the harmful effects of notch by increasing the stress bearing capacity in contrary with T6 heat treatment. Moreover, inserting the mechanical properties of peak aged samples from the un-notched tensile test in Abaqus finite element software; the V-shaped notch tensile test was simulated and confirmed the experimental results. It was shown in SEM results that the presence of notch enhanced the contribution of cracked particles, compared to particle/matrix deboning and matrix deformation, therefore, the non-homogeneous distribution of fracture features confirmed the harmful effect of notch. In the following, the distribution of three fracture micro-mechanisms were homogeneous in un-notched samples, which demonstrated the superior values of toughness in smooth samples. The present finding sheds light on development of processing techniques to optimize the mechanical properties of Al 2024 alloy.
Accuracy of satellite-derived estimates of flaring volume for offshore oil and gas operations in nine countries
Authors: Brandt Adam R
Published: April 2020

Flaring of natural gas contributes to climate change and wastes a potentially valuable energy resource. Various groups have estimated flaring volumes via remote sensing by nighttime detection of flares using multi-spectral imaging. However, only limited efforts have been made to independently assess the accuracy of these estimation methods. I analyze the accuracy of the VIIRS Nightfire published flare detection results, comparing yearly estimated flaring rates to reported flaring data from governments in 9 countries (Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, USA, UK) and 7 years (2012–2018 inclusive). We analyze only flares occurring at offshore oil and gas production platforms and floating production units. A total of 1054 flare volume estimates were compared to volumes reported to government agencies. 80.8% of flare estimates lie within 0.5 orders of magnitude (OM) of reported volumes, which 93.7% fall within 1 OM of the reported volume. Little systematic bias is found except in the smallest size classes (<106 m3 y−1). Relative error ratios are larger for smaller flares. No significant trend was observed across years, and variation by country is in line with that expected by size distribution of flares by country. Wide aggregate estimates for groups of flares will exhibit little bias and dispersion, with the sum of 1000 flares having an expected interquartile range of −6% to +3% of actual reported volumes. Social media blurb: Test of remote sensing for flare detection shows accuracy across 9 countries and 8 years.
Allergic and Respiratory Symptoms in Employees of Indoor Cannabis Grow Facilities
Authors: Sack Coralynn , Ghodsian Niloufar , Jansen Karen , Silvey Brynne , Simpson Christopher D
Published: April 2020

Background

While little is known about the occupational hazards associated with Cannabis cultivation, both historical research in the hemp industry and preliminary data from modern grow houses, suggest that Cannabis workers may be at increased risk of respiratory and allergic diseases.

Objectives

We sought to investigate the association between workplace exposures and health symptoms in an indoor Cannabis grow facility in Washington State, USA.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study with all consenting employees in an indoor Cannabis grow facility in Seattle, WA using a questionnaire. The questionnaire gathered data on respiratory, ocular, nasal, and dermal symptoms. A subset of employees with work-related symptoms underwent repeated cross-shift and cross-week measurement of spirometry, fractional exhaled nitrogen oxide (FeNO), and skin prick testing for Cannabis sensitization. Exposure to Cannabis dust was classified based on self-described tasks, expert opinion, and exposure monitoring of particulate matter. Multivariable logistic regression was undertaken to examine associations between exposure to Cannabis dust (classified as low, medium, and high) and health symptoms. Linear mixed effects models examined the relationship between cross-shift and cross-week changes in spirometry and FeNO.

Results

Ninety-seven percent (97%) of the employees (n = 31) surveyed were recreational cannabis users, with 81% (n = 25) smoking cannabis multiple times per day. Twenty-two (71%) employees reported one or more work-related symptoms: 65% respiratory, 39% ocular, 32% nasal, and 26% dermal symptoms. There was a trend toward increased likelihood of work-related symptoms with increasing exposure to Cannabis dust, although none of these results were statistically significant. Of the 10 employees with work-aggravated symptoms, 5 had borderline-high or high FeNO, 7 had abnormal spirometry, and 5 had evidence of Cannabis sensitization on skin prick testing. FeNO increased by 3.78 ppb (95% confidence interval 0.68–6.88 ppb) across the work-week and there was a trend toward cross-week and cross-shift reduced airflow.

Conclusions

We found a high prevalence of work-related allergic- and particularly respiratory symptoms in the employees of one indoor Cannabis grow facility in Washington State. A high proportion of employees with work-aggravated symptoms had findings consistent with probable work-related asthma based on high FeNO, airflow obstruction on spirometry, and Cannabis sensitization on skin prick testing. However, due to the high incidence of recreational cannabis use among these workers, the relative influence of occupational versus recreational exposure to Cannabis dust on the respiratory health and sensitization status of these workers could not be resolved in this study.
Using ultrasound to define the time point of intrauterine growth retardation in a mouse model of heme oxygenase-1 deficiency†
Authors: Meyer Nicole , Langwisch Stefanie , Scharm Markus , Zenclussen Ana Claudia
Published: April 2020

The enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), encoded by the HMOX1 gene, mediates heme catabolism by cleaving free heme. We have previously revealed the importance of HO-1 in pregnancy. Here, we determined the impact of maternal or paternal HO-1 deficiency on fetal growth and placental parameters throughout gestation. We mated Hmox1-sufficient (WT), partial (HET)-, or total (KO)-deficient BALB/c female mice with Hmox1-WT or -KO BALB/c males and performed ultrasound analysis to monitor placental and fetal growth. Doppler measurements were used to determine maternal blood flow parameters. Offspring weights and feto-placental indices (FPI) were also determined. We found a significantly increased number of underdeveloped fetuses at gd10 in HET females that were mated with WT males compared with WT × WT pairings. At the same gestational age, underdeveloped placentas could be detected in HET females mated with KO males. Many fetuses from the KO × KO combination died in utero between gd12 and gd14. At gd14, abnormal placental parameters were found in surviving fetuses, which had significant reduced weights. Moreover, only 3.11% female and 5.33% male KO pups resulted from 10 HET × HET breeding pairs over 1 year. Our results show that HO-1 from both maternal and paternal origins is important for proper placental and fetal growth. Placental growth restriction and occurrence of abortions in mice that were partially or totally deficient in HO-1 were recorded in vivo from gd10 onwards. Future studies will focus on elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind these observations.
Modeling continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data during
sleep
Authors: Gaynanova Irina , Punjabi Naresh , Crainiceanu Ciprian
Published: April 2020

We introduce a multilevel functional Beta model to quantify the blood glucose levels measured by continuous glucose monitors for multiple days in study participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The model estimates the subject-specific marginal quantiles, quantifies the within- and between-subject variability, and produces interpretable parameters of blood glucose dynamics as a function of time from the actigraphy-estimated sleep onset. Results are validated via simulations and by studying the association between the estimated model parameters and hemoglobin A1c, the gold standard for assessing glucose control in diabetes.
Prognostic implications of programmed death ligand 1 expression in resected lung adenocarcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Donglai , Mao Yiming , Ding Qifeng , Wang Wei , Zhu Feng , Chen Chang , Chen Yongbing
Published: April 2020

OBJECTIVES

Conflicting results have been reported about the prognostic value of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) protein and gene expression in lung adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive online search to explore the association between PD-L1 expression (protein and messenger RNA) and overall survival (OS) or disease-free survival. Outcomes also included pooled rates of high PD-L1 protein expression in different cell types, per threshold used and per antibody used. A pooled gene expression analysis was also performed on 3 transcriptomic data sets that were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and the Gene Expression Omnibus database.

RESULTS

A total of 6488 patients from 25 studies were included. The pooled results suggested that high PD-L1 expression was associated with shorter OS [hazard ratio (HR) 1.57; P < 0.001] and disease-free survival (HR 1.341; P = 0.037) in the overall population. The overall pooled rate of high PD-L1 protein expression was 29% (95% confidence interval 23–34%) in tumour cells. In subgroup analysis, high PD-L1 protein expression in tumour cells predicted worse OS and disease-free survival. A pooled analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus data sets revealed that higher levels of PD-L1 messenger RNA predicted poorer OS in the entire population.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is, to our knowledge, the largest pooled analysis on the subject to shed light on the high expression rate of PD-L1 and the prognostic value of high PD-L1 expression in resected lung adenocarcinomas. PD-L1 gene expression is a promising prognostic factor for patients with surgically resected lung adenocarcinoma. Standardization of staining should be underscored prior to routine implementation.
Predictive factors for canine position in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate
Authors: Rizell Sara , Alhakim Zahra , Mark Hans , Naoumova Julia
Published: April 2020

Objectives

The aims were to compare cleft and non-cleft canine position, to find predictive factors for canine position and to assess surgically exposed canines.

Materials/Methods

One hundred forty-eight individuals, born 1978–2005, with total unilateral cleft lip and palate (including Simonart’s band <5 mm) treated in Gothenburg, were included. Canine angulation as well as vertical and horizontal position were assessed on panoramic radiographs (PAN) taken at the age of 10. Plausible predictive factors were registered from PAN, cast models and medical records. Data on spontaneous eruption or surgical exposure were available for 88 patients. Cleft- and non-cleft side was compared using paired t-test and Fisher’s exact test. Multiple stepwise regression analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to detect possible predictors for cleft canine position.

Results

The cleft canine angulation was 29.3 ± 13.1 degrees (mean ± standard deviation) versus 7.6 ± 8.2 degrees on the non-cleft side (p < 0.001). Cleft canines were higher positioned and located closer to the midline compared to non-cleft canines (p < 0.001). Age for both hard palate closure and bone grafting, cleft lateral agenesis as well as transposition were associated with canine position. Cleft canines that required surgical exposure (28%) had an increased angulation and were higher positioned than spontaneously erupted canines (p < 0.001).

Limitations

The shortcomings were the retrospective design and incomplete assessment of the buccal–palatal canine position on 2D images.

Conclusions/Implications

With increased age for bone grafting, decreased age for hard palate closure and transposition, an association with abnormal canine position was found. A rigorous monitoring of cleft canine eruption is, therefore, advocated.
Classification of sinus rhythm single potential morphology in patients with mitral valve disease
Authors: van Schie Mathijs S , Starreveld Roeliene , Roos-Serote Maarten C , Taverne Yannick J H J , van Schaagen Frank R N , Bogers Ad J J C , de Groot Natasja M S
Published: April 2020

Aims

The morphology of unipolar single potentials (SPs) contains information on intra-atrial conduction disorders and possibly the substrate underlying atrial fibrillation (AF). This study examined the impact of AF episodes on features of SP morphology during sinus rhythm (SR) in patients with mitral valve disease.

Methods and results

Intraoperative epicardial mapping (interelectrode distance 2 mm) of the right and left atrium (RA, LA), Bachmann’s bundle (BB), and pulmonary vein area (PVA) was performed in 67 patients (27 male, 67 ± 11 years) with or without a history of paroxysmal AF (PAF). Unipolar SPs were classified according to their differences in relative R- and S-wave amplitude ratios. A clear predominance of S-waves was observed at BB and the RA in both the no AF and PAF groups (BB 88.8% vs. 85.9%, RA 92.1% vs. 85.1%, respectively). Potential voltages at the RA, BB, and PVA were significantly lower in the PAF group (P < 0.001 for each) and were mainly determined by the size of the S-waves amplitudes. The largest difference in S-wave amplitudes was found at BB; the S-wave amplitude was lower in the PAF group [4.08 (2.45–6.13) mV vs. 2.94 (1.40–4.75) mV; P < 0.001]. In addition, conduction velocity (CV) at BB was lower as well [0.97 (0.70–1.21) m/s vs. 0.89 (0.62–1.16) m/s, P < 0.001].

Conclusion

Though excitation of the atria during SR is heterogeneously disrupted, a history of AF is characterized by decreased SP amplitudes at BB due to loss of S-wave amplitudes and decreased CV. This suggests that SP morphology could provide additional information on wavefront propagation.
Health literacy as a determinant of healthy eating and active living in Canadian immigrant youth
Authors: Richter Solina , Yohani Sophie , Vallianatos Helen , Higginbottom Gina
Published: April 2020

The purpose of the study was to explore health literacy and community engagement in relation to active living with newcomer young people and their families. We employed a case study design and a participatory approach. The data collected included photovoice and photo-assisted focus group interviews, which included an initial stage when youth participated in workshops creating collages on healthy living. A follow-up focus group centred on discussion of the collages with subsequent training on the photovoice method and the use of the cameras, and a second focus group, which incorporated photos taken by participants during the programming and their leisure time. Different themes were developed from the data: active living, balance, body talk, challenges, environment and health, culture and health, family, health and food, health and safety, knowledge, source of knowledge, peers and friends, personal hygiene, recreational activities, socio-emotional health, social isolation and spiritual health. Excerpts were taken from the different themes to demonstrate the immigrant/refugee youths’ understanding of levels of health literacy and its contribution to healthy eating and active living. The qualitative findings are presented under the different tenets of health literacy. Health literacy extends beyond the individual level and effects the whole family and communities; intervention need to extend to include community connections and involvement activities. Future research needs to focus on the long-term effects of critical health literacy among immigrant communities.
Impaired Cellular Immune Responses During the First Week of Severe Acute Influenza Infection
Authors: Turner Jackson S , Lei Tingting , Schmitz Aaron J , Day Aaron , Choreño-Parra José Alberto , Jiménez-Alvarez Luis , Cruz-Lagunas Alfredo , House Stacey L , Zúñiga Joaquín , Ellebedy Ali H , Mudd Philip A
Published: April 2020

Background

Cellular immune responses are not well characterized during the initial days of acute symptomatic influenza infection.

Methods

We developed a prospective cohort of human subjects with confirmed influenza illness of varying severity who presented within a week after symptom onset. We characterized lymphocyte and monocyte populations as well as antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell and B-cell responses from peripheral blood mononuclear cells using flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunospot assays.

Results

We recruited 68 influenza-infected individuals on average 3.5 days after the onset of symptoms. Three patients required mechanical ventilation. Influenza-specific CD8+ T-cell responses expanded before the appearance of plasmablast B cells. However, the influenza-specific CD8+ T-cell response was lower in infected subjects than responses seen in uninfected control subjects. Circulating populations of inflammatory monocytes were increased in most subjects compared with healthy controls. Inflammatory monocytes were significantly reduced in the 3 subjects requiring mechanical ventilation. Inflammatory monocytes were also reduced in a separate validation cohort of mechanically ventilated patients.

Conclusions

Antigen-specific CD8+ T cells respond early during acute influenza infection at magnitudes that are lower than responses seen in uninfected individuals. Circulating inflammatory monocytes increase during acute illness and low absolute numbers are associated with very severe disease.
Entrepreneurial Intention: The Impact of General Computer Self-Efficacy and Computer Anxiety
Authors: Albashrawi Mousa , Alashoor Tawfiq
Published: April 2020

Entrepreneurs are valuable assets because of their enormous contribution to their nations’ economy through creating new ventures and job opportunities. The entrepreneurship literature is informative with respect to what drives individuals to become entrepreneurs. However, it does not shed light on IT-related factors that can explain and predict entrepreneurial intention. The current study investigates the technological perspective and develops a theoretical model that extends the theory of planned behavior (TPB) by incorporating cognitive and emotional IT-related factors into established entrepreneurial models. More specifically, the developed model explains how general computer self-efficacy and computer anxiety can influence entrepreneurial intention. The study provides interesting results, as it compares two models generated for entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs. Contributions are communicated to both academia and industry.
Measuring the Costs of Limb Regeneration and Their Transgenerational Consequences in Two Nearctic Lady Beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Michaud J P , Abdelwahab Ahmed H , Bayoumy Mohamed H , Awadalla S S , El-Gendy M
Published: April 2020

We examined the ability of Coleomegilla maculata DeGeer and Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville to regenerate, during pupation, a foreleg amputated in the fourth instar. Leg regeneration was complete for 80.7% of amputated H. convergens larvae, with 12.5% regenerating partially, and 6.8% showing no regeneration. Regeneration in C. maculata was 72.2% complete, 20.5% partial, and 7.2% none, but mortality following ablation was slightly higher than for H. convergens (7.4 vs. 0.6%). Ablation/regeneration caused a slight delay in pupation, but pupation time, fresh mass at emergence, and reproductive performance remained unaffected in either species. Reciprocal crosses were made between regenerated and unoperated beetles, and 12 progeny reared from the second clutch of each female in all treatments. Mating treatment affected eclosion time in H. convergens, whereas in C. maculata, larval development and pupation time were also affected. Considering all treatments, larval mortality was higher in H. convergens than in C. maculata, but lower when both H. convergens parents regenerated. Parental mating treatment did not affect adult weight in either species, but development of C. maculata progeny was faster when only the sire regenerated, and slower when the only the dame regenerated, whereas progeny of regenerated sires completed pupated faster than those sired by controls. We infer that genes activated during regeneration have pleiotropic effects with subtle, gender-specific, epigenetic consequences. If these pleiotropic effects are genetically linked to important traits, regenerative genetic elements could be conserved in coccinellids via natural selection acting on these traits, rather than on regenerative ability per se.
Lady scientist, technological treasures and the making of a discipline
Authors: Vider Jaanika
Published: April 2020

The Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford is known for its abundant ethnographic and archaeological collections and typological displays. Conceived as an educational museum serving the purposes of evolutionist anthropology and its comparative practice, the collections grew considerably in size and geographical scope during Henry Balfour’s curatorship (1893–1939). The museum’s Siberian collection is almost entirely made up of objects from a single expedition to the Yenisei valley in 1914–15, led by a recent graduate from the University of Oxford Diploma in Anthropology, Maria Antonina Czaplicka (1884–1921). This article follows the journey of the making of this collection, starting from the context of the newly established diploma, and moving through international networks of museum professionals, into the Illimpei tundra, and back to what is now its institutional home in Oxford. Examining the practices of an early professionally trained anthropologist, the article offers novel insights into the complex entanglement of museum collecting and early twentieth-century anthropological teaching and research.
Boolean negation and non-conservativity I: Relevant modal logics
Authors: Øgaard Tore Fjetland
Published: April 2020

Many relevant logics can be conservatively extended by Boolean negation. Mares showed, however, that E is a notable exception. Mares’ proof is by and large a rather involved model-theoretic one. This paper presents a much easier proof-theoretic proof which not only covers E but also generalizes so as to also cover relevant logics with a primitive modal operator added. It is shown that from even very weak relevant logics augmented by a weak K-ish modal operator, and up to the strong relevant logic R with a S5 modal operator, all fail to be conservatively extended by Boolean negation. The proof, therefore, also covers Meyer and Mares’ proof that NR—R with a primitive S4-modality added—also fails to be conservatively extended by Boolean negation.
When Counterarguing Becomes the Primary Task: Examination of Dogmatic Anti-Vaping Messages on Psychological Reactance, Available Cognitive Resources, and Memory
Authors: Clayton Russell B , Leshner Glenn , Sanders-Jackson Ashley , Hendrickse Joshua
Published: April 2020

This study tested Psychological Reactance Theory and the Limited Capacity Model of Motivated Mediated Message Processing by examining participants’ (N = 155 young adult, ever-vapers) cognitive and affective responses to anti-vaping public service announcements (PSAs) featuring dogmatic or suggestive language. Ever-vapers in the dogmatic PSA condition were predicted to report greater perceived freedom threats, anger and counterarguments, and intentions to vape relative to ever-vapers in the suggestive PSA condition. This study also examined how counterarguing, as the cognitive component of psychological reactance, influences available cognitive resources and encoding of message content. The results indicated that ever-vapers in the dogmatic PSA condition reported significantly greater freedom threats and state psychological reactance but not intentions to vape relative to ever-vapers in the suggestive PSA condition. Moreover, counterarguing dogmatic anti-vaping PSAs resulted in fewer available cognitive resources for encoding as evidenced by slower Secondary Task Reaction Times (STRTs) and reduced encoding of message content. The results from this study provide considerable theoretical and practical implications while advancing the STRT measure.
Inclination-type resonance in two-planet systems
Authors: Sotiriadis Sotiris , Libert Anne-Sophie
Published: April 2020

We investigate the inclination-growth mechanisms for two-planet systems during the late protoplanetary disc phase. In previous works, much attention has been directed to the inclination-type resonance, and it has been shown that it asks for high eccentricities to be acquired during the migration of the giant planets. By adopting eccentricity and inclination damping formulae based on hydrodynamical simulations (instead of the K-prescription), we have carried out 20000 numerical simulations, where we vary the initial planetary eccentricities, the migration rate, and the dispersal time of the gas disc. Our results confirm that highly mutually inclined systems are unlikely to be produced by an inclination-type resonance of two migrating giant planets. However, in $\sim 1~\%$ of the simulations, inclination-type resonance is observed, and a dynamical study of the evolutions reveals that the inclination-type resonance mechanism operates in three cases: i) when the inner planet reaches the inner cavity of the disc, ii) at moderate to high eccentricities for faster migration rates, and iii) at low to moderate eccentricities after a phase of orbital destabilization and re-arrangement.
The Dancing Cord: Inherent Spinal Cord Motion and Its Effect on Cord Dose in Spine Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
Authors: Oztek Murat Alp , Mayr Nina A , Mossa-Basha Mahmud , Nyflot Matthew , Sponseller Patricia A , Wu Wei , Hofstetter Christoph P , Saigal Rajiv , Bowen Stephen R , Hippe Daniel S , Yuh William T C , Stewart Robert D , Lo Simon S
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Spinal cord dose limits are critically important for the safe practice of spine stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). However, the effect of inherent spinal cord motion on cord dose in SBRT is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of cord motion on spinal cord dose in SBRT.

METHODS

Dynamic balanced fast field echo (BFFE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained in 21 spine metastasis patients treated with SBRT. Planning computed tomography (CT), conventional static T2-weighted MRI, BFFE MRI, and dose planning data were coregistered. Spinal cord from the dynamic BFFE images (corddyn) was compared with the T2-weighted MRI (cordstat) to analyze motion of corddyn beyond the cordstat (Dice coefficient, Jaccard index), and beyond cordstat with added planning organ at risk volume (PRV) margins. Cord dose was compared between cordstat, and corddyn (Wilcoxon signed-rank test).

RESULTS

Dice coefficient (0.70-0.95, median 0.87) and Jaccard index (0.54-0.90, median 0.77) demonstrated motion of corddyn beyond cordstat. In 62% of the patients (13/21), the dose to corddyn exceeded that of cordstat by 0.6% to 13.8% (median 4.3%). The corddyn spatially excursed outside the 1-mm PRV margin of cordstat in 9 patients (43%); among these dose to corddyn exceeded dose to cordstat
 >+ 1-mm PRV margin in 78% of the patients (7/9). Corddyn did not excurse outside the 1.5-mm or 2-mm PRV cord cordstat margin.

CONCLUSION

Spinal cord motion may contribute to increases in radiation dose to the cord from SBRT for spine metastasis. A PRV margin of at least 1.5 to 2 mm surrounding the cord should be strongly considered to account for inherent spinal cord motion.
Characteristics of doctors’ fatality due to COVID-19 in Western Europe and Asia-Pacific countries
Authors: Yoshida I , Tanimoto T , Schiever N , Patelli F , Kami M
Published: April 2020

Under the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the deaths of healthcare professionals have been increasingly reported worldwide. We performed a cross-sectional, observational study using news reports on the websites among selected countries as of April 2020. We found 120 dead medical doctors due to COVID-19 in Western Europe and Asia-Pacific countries; 67 in Italy (47 in the Northern part), 34 in China (22 in Hubei), 6 in France, 4 in the UK, the USA and Spain and 1 in South Korea, respectively. Among them, 90% were men, and specialties were reported as general practitioners for 30% and as physicians for 11.6%. The overall proportions of dead medical doctors amounted to 1.9 per 10 000 confirmed cases and 30.2 per 10 000 dead cases, respectively. Proactive measures are warranted to protect doctors especially who often encounters with COVID-19 patients.
Performance of composite measures used in a trial of etanercept and methotrexate as monotherapy or in combination in psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Coates Laura C , Merola Joseph F , Mease Philip J , Ogdie Alexis , Gladman Dafna D , Strand Vibeke , van Mens Leonieke J J , Liu Lyrica , Yen Priscilla K , Collier David H , Kricorian Gregory , Chung James B , Helliwell Philip S
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To examine which composite measures are most sensitive to change when measuring psoriatic arthritis (PsA) disease activity, analyses compared the responsiveness of composite measures used in a 48-week randomized, controlled trial of MTX and etanercept in patients with PsA.

Methods

The trial randomised 851 patients to receive weekly: MTX (20 mg/week), etanercept (50 mg/week) or MTX plus etanercept. Dichotomous composite measures examined included ACR 20/50/70 responses, minimal disease activity (MDA) and very low disease activity (VLDA). Continuous composite measures examined included Disease Activity Score (28 joints) using CRP (DAS28-CRP), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), Disease Activity for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) and Psoriatic Arthritis Disease Activity Score (PASDAS).

Results

At week 24, etanercept-treated groups were significantly more effective than MTX monotherapy to achieve ACR 20 (primary end point) and MDA (key secondary end point). When examining score changes from baseline at week 24 across the five continuous composite measures, PASDAS demonstrated relatively greater changes in the etanercept-treated groups compared with MTX monotherapy and had the largest effect size and standardized response. Joint count changes drove overall score changes at week 24 from baseline in all the continuous composite measures except for PASDAS, which was driven by the Physician and Patient Global Assessments.

Conclusion

PASDAS was the most sensitive continuous composite measure examined with results that mirrored the protocol-defined primary and key secondary outcomes. Composite measures with multiple domains, such as PASDAS, may better quantify change in PsA disease burden.

Trail registration

https://ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02376790.
High- density lipoprotein function is abnormal in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Bae Sangmae Sharon , Lee Yuen Yin , Shahbazian Ani , Wang Jennifer , Meriwether David , Golub Ilana , Oganesian Buzand , Dowd Tyler , Reddy Srinivasa T , Charles-Schoeman Christina
Published: April 2020

Objective

Damage to the vascular endothelium is strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). Normally, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) protects the vascular endothelium from damage from oxidized phospholipids, which accumulate under conditions of oxidative stress. The current work evaluated the antioxidant function of HDL in IIM patients.

Methods

HDL’s antioxidant function was measured in IIM patients using a cell-free assay, which assesses the ability of isolated patient HDL to inhibit oxidation of low-density lipoproteins and is reported as the HDL inflammatory index (HII). Cholesterol profiles were measured for all patients, and subgroup analysis included assessment of oxidized fatty acids in HDL and plasma MPO activity. A subgroup of IIM patients was compared with healthy controls.

Results

The antioxidant function of HDL was significantly worse in patients with IIM (n = 95) compared with healthy controls (n = 41) [mean (S.d.) HII 1.12 (0.61) vs 0.82 (0.13), P < 0.0001]. Higher HII associated with higher plasma MPO activity [mean (S.d.) 13.2 (9.1) vs 9.1 (4.6), P = 0.0006] and higher oxidized fatty acids in HDL. Higher 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in HDL correlated with worse diffusion capacity in patients with interstitial lung disease (r = −0.58, P = 0.02), and HDL’s antioxidant function was most impaired in patients with autoantibodies against melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5) or anti-synthetase antibodies. In multivariate analysis including 182 IIM patients, higher HII was associated with higher disease activity and DM diagnosis.

Conclusion

The antioxidant function of HDL is abnormal in IIM patients and may warrant further investigation for its role in propagating microvascular inflammation and damage in this patient population.
Neurostructural correlates of hope: dispositional hope mediates the impact of the SMA gray matter volume on subjective well-being in late adolescence
Authors: Wang Song , Zhao Yajun , Li Jingguang , Lai Han , Qiu Chen , Pan Nanfang , Gong Qiyong
Published: April 2020

There has been increasing interest in identifying factors to predict subjective well-being in the emerging field of positive psychology over the past two decades. Dispositional hope, which reflects one’s goal-directed tendencies, including both pathway thinking (planning to meet goals) and agency thinking (goal-directed determination), has emerged as a stable predictor for subjective well-being. However, the neurobiological substrates of dispositional hope and the brain-hope mechanism for predicting subjective well-being remain unclear. Here, we examined these issues in 231 high school graduates within the same grade by estimating cortical gray matter volume (GMV) utilizing a voxel-based morphometry method based on structural magnetic resonance imaging. Whole-brain regression analyses and prediction analyses showed that higher dispositional hope was stably associated with greater GMV in the left supplementary motor area (SMA). Furthermore, mediation analyses revealed that dispositional hope mediated the relation between left SMA volume and subjective well-being. Critically, our results were obtained after adjusting for age, sex, family socioeconomic status and total GMV. Altogether, our study presents novel evidence for the neuroanatomical basis of dispositional hope and suggests an underlying indirect effect of dispositional hope on the link between brain gray matter structure and subjective well-being.