bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis in the context of pulmonary adenocarcinoma: a case report
Authors: Kaufmann Christoph C , Wessely Emil , Huber Kurt
Published: February 2020

Background

Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is a rare condition, usually observed in association with malignancy, lupus erythematosus, or antiphospholipid syndrome. Diagnosis of NBTE remains a challenge as patients are often asymptomatic up to their first thromboembolic event. While there is no randomized data available for the guidance of treatment in NBTE, effective anticoagulation remains the main focus in the management of affected patients.

Case summary

A 44-year-old female patient without a significant medical history presented to the emergency department with a new numbness of her right hand. Magnetic resonance imaging scans facilitated the diagnosis of supratentorial stroke. Within the next 3 months, the patient had multiple thromboembolic events, including multiple strokes, pulmonary embolism, and renal/splenic infarction. Echocardiographic examination revealed large, transient vegetations of the aortic valve with concomitant aortic regurgitation. In addition, an incidental, pulmonary non-small-cell adenocarcinoma was found during the diagnostic work-up. Infective endocarditis was excluded by several negative blood cultures and missing signs of infection. Hence, the diagnosis of NBTE secondary to malignancy was made.

Discussion

We present a rare case of NBTE in the context of pulmonary adenocarcinoma. The adequate treatment of malignancy and effective anticoagulation are the main treatment options.
How trophic cascades and photic zone nutrient content interact to generate basin-scale differences in the microbial food web
Authors: Thingstad T Frede
Published: February 2020

In linear food chains, resource and predator control produce positive and negative correlations, respectively, between biomass at adjacent trophic levels. These simple relationships become more complex in food webs that contain alternative food chains of unequal lengths. We have used a “minimum” model for the microbial part of the pelagic food web that has three such food chains connecting free mineral nutrients to copepods: via diatoms, autotrophic flagellates, and heterotrophic bacteria. Trophic cascades from copepods strongly modulates the balance between the three pathways and, therefore, the functionality of the microbial food web in services such as food production for higher trophic levels, DOM degradation, and ocean carbon sequestration. The result is a theoretical framework able to explain, not only apparent conflicts in Arctic mesocosm experiments, but also biogeochemical features of the Mediterranean. Here, the fundamental difference between Arctic and Mediterranean microbial food webs is the way they are predator driven by seasonal migration of large copepods in the Arctic, but resource driven due to the anti-estuarine circulation in the Mediterranean. In this framework, global change effects on microbial ecosystem functions are more like to come indirectly through changes in these drivers than through direct temperature effects on the microbes.
Equivalence of Assurance® Gold Enzyme Immunoassay for Visual or Instrumental Detection of Motile and Nonmotile Salmonella in All Foods to AOAC Culture Method: Collaborative Study
Authors: Feldsine Philip T , Mui Linda A , Forgey Robin L , Kerr David E ,   Collaborators:, Al-Hasani S , Arling V , Beatty S , Bohannon J , Brannan J , Brown N , Bryant J , Burford M , Chavez C , Chinault K , Cooan N , Copeland F , Dixon L , Fitzgerald S , Franke W , Frissora R , Gailbreath K , Godon S , Good M , Ha T , Hagen H , Hanson S , Johnson K , Koch S , Leung S , Lienau A , Lin J , Lin S , Marolla B , Maycock L , McDonagh S , Miller L , Otten N , Post R , Resutek J , Rice B , Richter D , Ritger C , Schwantes D , Simon J , Smith J , Smith S , Stokes R , Thibideau J , Tuncan E , Uber D , Van Landingham V , Vrana D , West D
Published: February 2020

Six foods representative of a wide variety of processed, dried powder processed, and raw food types were analyzed by the Assurance® Gold Salmonella Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) and AOAC INTERNATIONAL culture method. Paired samples of each food type were simultaneously analyzed; one sample by the Assurance method and one by the AOAC culture method. The results for Assurance method were read visually and instrumentally with a microplate reader. A total of 24 laboratories representing federal government agencies and private industry, in the United States and Canada, participated in this collaborative study. Food types were inoculated with species of Salmonella with the exception of raw ground chicken, which was naturally contaminated. No statistical differences (p < 0.05) were observed between Assurance Gold Salmonella EIA with either visual or instrumental interpretation and the AOAC culture method for any inoculation level of any food type or naturally contaminated food. The Assurance visual and instrumental options of reading sample reactions produced the same results for 1277 of the 1296 sample and controls analyzed.
VIDAS® Enzyme-Linked Immunofluorescent Assay for Detection of Listeria in Foods: Collaborative Study
Authors: Gangar Vidhya , Curiale Michael S , D’Onorio Armando , Schultz Ann , Johnson Ronald L , Atrache Vincent ,   Collaborators:, Agin J , Allen M , Armstrong T , Chaney T , Chang P , Chavey C , Clark T , Clover J , Cook P , Copeland F , Courtney T , Davis B , D’Onorio A , Downs D , Fender M , Foster T , Fox W , Hagen H , Hall C , High E , Kalik M , Kallstrom C , Keith M , Kruegel W , Lee J , Lewus C , Light D , Lindgren S , Mills J , Minor J , Murphy M , Muzzy T , Raghubeer E , Robbins R , Salinitro A , Saunders L , Sayer T , Schultz A , Sumpter R , Traux T , Vought K , Witt J , Yonker D
Published: February 2020

The VIDAS LIS method and the traditional culture methods for detection of Listeria species in food were evaluated in a multilaboratory comparative study. The 6 foods tested were either naturally contaminated or inoculated with 3 different concentrations of Listeria. Results for each food and each contamination level with the VIDAS LIS method were as good as or better than those obtained with the traditional culture method. Of 1558 samples tested, 935 were positive: 839 by the VIDAS method and 809 by standard culture methods. Overall false negative rates were 10.3 and 13.5% for the VIDAS LIS and culture methods, respectively. The false positive rate for the VIDAS LIS assay was 1.4% based on 9 VIDAS LIS positive assays that did not confirm positive by isolation of Listeria. The agreement between the VIDAS LIS and culture methods for all samples tested was 86%.
Simultaneous Determination of Chlorothalonil and Hexachlorobenzene in Technical and Formulated Materials by Capillary Gas Chromatography: Collaborative Study
Authors: Vargyas Linda D , Walls Gregory E , Bramstedt William R , Eilrich Gary L ,   Collaborators:, Bennett O , Burns A , Bushway R , Byington J , Denomme M , Fox D , Helfant L , Kennedy D , Ripley B , Schetter J , Schultz W
Published: February 2020

A collaborative study was conducted for the capillary gas chromatographic (GC) method for the simultaneous determination of the fungicide chlorothalonil (CTL) and the accompanying impurity, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), in technical and formulated materials. The method calls for the dissolution of technical and dry formulations of CTL and HCB from the aqueous flowable formulation. The 10 participating laboratories were asked to analyze the samples by adhering to the method as closely as their instrumentation and data systems allowed, and to note any deviations from the method. Collaborators were asked to prepare the standards and samples, set up the capillary GC systems, analyze the samples, and calculate the results. CTL produced reproducibility relative standard deviations (RSDR) of 0.4–2.5 (active ingredient concentrations ranged from approximately 52 to 98% by weight). HCB produced RSDR values of 5.2–22% (HCB concentrations were 0.02–0.04% by weight). The method was adopted First Action by AOAC INTERNATIONAL.
Virulence of Commercialized Fungal Entomopathogens Against Asian Longhorned Beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: Clifton Eric H , Jaronski Stefan T , Hajek Ann E
Published: February 2020

Nine strains of five species of entomopathogenic hypocrealean fungi were tested against adults of the Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky). These strains have been developed as commercial biopesticide products in the United States, Brazil, South Korea, or the European Union (EU). Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) ESALQ E-9 and Metarhizium brunneum (Petch) F52 (formerly M. anisopliae F52) (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) killed 100% of treated beetles with the shortest survival times. Virulence differed among the five strains of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) tested, ranging from 0 to 77.3% mortality within 28 d. Two Isaria fumosorosea (Wize, 1904) (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) (formerly Paecilomyces fumosoroseus) strains and the Lecanicillium muscarium (Petch) Zare & Gams (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) strain used in Mycotal were not pathogenic to A. glabripennis adults. Within the entomopathogenic fungi tested, the Metarhizium strains may be the most appropriate for further evaluation.
Fast approximate methods for modified gravity cosmological simulations
Authors: Vraštil Michal , Habib Salman
Published: February 2020

The accelerated expansion of the Universe poses a major theoretical puzzle. Although the assumption of a non-zero cosmological constant provides a minimal extension of general relativity that is consistent with observational data, many theories of modified gravity have been suggested as possible alternatives. Predictions of structure formation for these models in the fully non-linear regime are very expensive and it is difficult, if not impossible, to explore such a huge space of models and parameters using high-resolution N-body simulations. Even in the mildly non-linear regime, perturbative methods can become extremely complex. We explore whether simplified dynamical approximations, applicable for a certain set of cosmological probes, can be used to investigate models of modified gravity with acceptable accuracy in the latter instance. For the case of chameleon gravity, we find that these methods can indeed be used to explore the region around the baryon acoustic oscillation scale, $k\sim 0.1~h\, \text{Mpc}^{-1}$ but not much further.
The GALAH survey: chemodynamics of the solar neighbourhood
Authors: Hayden Michael R , Bland-Hawthorn Joss , Sharma Sanjib , Freeman Ken , Kos Janez , Buder Sven , Anguiano Borja , Asplund Martin , Chen Boquan , De Silva Gayandhi M , Khanna Shourya , Lin Jane , Horner Jonathan , Martell Sarah , Ting Yuan-Sen , Wyse Rosemary , Zucker Daniel , Zwitter Tomaz
Published: February 2020

We present the chemodynamic structure of the solar neighbourhood using 55 652 stars within a 500 pc volume around the Sun observed by GALAH and with astrometric parameters from Gaia DR2. We measure the velocity dispersion for all three components (vertical, radial, and tangential) and find that it varies smoothly with [Fe/H] and [α/Fe] for each component. The vertical component is especially clean, with $\sigma _{v_z}$ increasing from a low of 10 km s−1 at solar [α/Fe] and [Fe/H] to a high of more than 50 km s−1 for more metal-poor and [α/Fe] enhanced populations. We find no evidence of a large decrease in the velocity dispersion of the highest [α/Fe] populations as claimed in surveys prior to Gaia DR2. The eccentricity distribution for local stars varies most strongly as a function of [α/Fe], where stars with [α/Fe] < 0.1 dex having generally circular orbits (e < 0.15), while the median eccentricity increases rapidly for more [α/Fe] enhanced stellar populations up to e ∼ 0.35. These [α/Fe] enhanced populations have guiding radii consistent with origins in the inner Galaxy. Of the stars with metallicities much higher than the local interstellar medium ([Fe/H] > 0.1 dex), we find that the majority have e < 0.2 and are likely observed in the solar neighbourhood through churning/migration rather than blurring effects, as the epicyclic motion for these stars is not large enough to reach the radii at which they were likely born based on their metallicity.
The loss of the intracluster medium in globular clusters
Authors: Chantereau W , Biernacki P , Martig M , Bastian N , Salaris M , Teyssier R
Published: February 2020

Stars in globular clusters (GCs) lose a non-negligible amount of mass during their post-main-sequence evolution. This material is then expected to build up a substantial intracluster medium (ICM) within the GC. However, the observed gas content in GCs is a couple of orders of magnitude below these expectations. Here, we follow the evolution of this stellar wind material through hydrodynamical simulations to attempt to reconcile theoretical predictions with observations. We test different mechanisms proposed in the literature to clear out the gas such as ram-pressure stripping by the motion of the GC in the Galactic halo medium and ionization by UV sources. We use the code ramses to run 3D hydrodynamical simulations to study for the first time, the ICM evolution within discretized multimass GC models including stellar winds and full radiative transfer. We find that the inclusion of both ram pressure and ionization is mandatory to explain why only a very low amount of ionized gas is observed in the core of GCs. The same mechanisms operating in ancient GCs that clear the gas could also be efficient at younger ages, meaning that young GCs would not be able to retain gas and form multiple generations of stars as assumed in many models to explain ‘multiple populations’. However, this rapid clearing of gas is consistent with observations of young massive clusters.
High-energy cosmic ray production in X-ray binary jets
Authors: Cooper A J , Gaggero D , Markoff S , Zhang S
Published: February 2020

As smaller analogues of active galactic nuclei, X-ray binaries (XRBs) are also capable of launching jets that accelerate particles to high energies. In this work, we re-examine XRB jets as potential sources of high-energy cosmic rays (CRs) and explore whether they could provide a significant second Galactic component to the CR spectrum. In the most intriguing scenario, XRB-CRs could dominate the observed spectrum above the so-called knee feature at ∼3 × 1015 eV, offering an explanation for several key issues in this transition zone from Galactic to extragalactic CRs. We discuss how such a scenario could be probed in the near future via multimessenger observations of XRB jets, as well as diffuse Galactic neutrino flux measurements.
Extreme ultraviolet quasar colours from GALEX observations of the SDSS DR14Q catalogue
Authors: Vanden Berk Daniel E , Wesolowski Sarah C , Yeckley Mary J , Marcinik Joseph M , Quashnock Jean M , Machia Lawrence M , Wu Jian
Published: February 2020

The rest-frame far to extreme ultraviolet (UV) colour–redshift relationship has been constructed from data on over $480\, 000$ quasars carefully cross-matched between SDSS Data Release 14 and the final GALEX photometric catalogue. UV matching and detection probabilities are given for all the quasars, including dependencies on separation, optical brightness, and redshift. Detection limits are also provided for all objects. The UV colour distributions are skewed redward at virtually all redshifts, especially when detection limits are accounted for. The median GALEX far-UV minus near-UV (FUV − NUV) colour–redshift relation is reliably determined up to z ≈ 2.8, corresponding to rest-frame wavelengths as short as 400 Å. Extreme UV (EUV) colours are substantially redder than found previously, when detection limits are properly accounted for. Quasar template spectra were forward modelled through the GALEX bandpasses, accounting for intergalactic opacity, intrinsic reddening, and continuum slope variations. Intergalactic absorption by itself cannot account for the very red EUV colours. The colour–redshift relation is consistent with no intrinsic reddening, at least for SMC-like extinction. The best model fit has a FUV continuum power-law slope αν, FUV = −0.34 ± 0.03 consistent with previous results, but an EUV slope αν, EUV = −2.90 ± 0.04 that is much redder and inconsistent with any previous composite value (all ≳ −2.0). The EUV slope difference can be attributed in part to the tendency of previous studies to preferentially select UV brighter and bluer objects. The weak EUV flux suggests quasar accretion disc models that include outflows such as disc winds.
Evidence for planetary hypothesis for PTFO 8-8695 b with five-year optical/infrared monitoring observations
Authors: Tanimoto Yuta , Yamashita Takuya , Ui Takahiro , Uchiyama Mizuho , Kawabata Miho , Mori Hiroki , Nakaoka Tatsuya , Abe Taisei , Itoh Ryosuke , Kanda Yuka , Kawaguchi Kenji , Kawahara Naoki , Otsubo Ikki , Shiki Kensei , Takagi Kengo , Takaki Katsutoshi , Akitaya Hiroshi , Yamanaka Masayuki , Kawabata Koji S
Published: February 2020

PTFO 8-8695 b (CVSO 30 b) is a young planet candidate whose host star is a $\sim\!\!{2.6}$-Myr-old T-Tauri star, and there have been continuous discussions about the nature of this system. To unveil the mystery of this system, we observed PTFO 8-8695 for around five years at optical and infrared bands simultaneously using the Kanata telescope at the Higashi-Hiroshima Observatory. Through our observations, we found that the reported fading event split into two: deeper but phase-shifted “dip-A” and shallower but equiphase “dip-B”. These dips disappeared at different epochs, and then, dip-B reappeared. Based on the observed wavelength dependence of dip depths, a dust clump and a precessing planet are likely origins of dip-A and B, respectively. Here we propose “a precessing planet associated with a dust cloud” scenario for this system. This scenario is consistent with the reported change in the depth of fading events, and even with the reported results, which were thought to be evidence against the planetary hypothesis.
Family Standards of Living Over the Long Run, England 1280–1850*
Authors: Horrell Sara , Humphries Jane , Weisdorf Jacob
Published: February 2020

This article uses new wage series for men, women and children in combination with an established cost of living index and standard assumptions about family size to construct a measure of family welfare in England, 1280–1850. It asks whether this family could achieve a standard of living historically defined as ‘respectable’. It extracts information from primary and secondary sources to make adjustments for the participation rates of women and children, the varying number of days worked over time, the changing involvement of married women in paid work, and the evolving occupational structure. The resulting series is the first to depict the living standard of a representative working family over the very long run. Prior to the Black Death, this family existed just above subsistence; afterwards shortage of labour brought substantial albeit not unassailable gains. Tudor-era turmoil and constraints on women’s work pushed the family below the ‘respectable’ standard. From the mid 1600s however, the gradual transformation of the economy coincided with improved welfare. Over these centuries, it was rare for men’s work alone to sustain the family at a respectable level; women and children’s earnings were necessary. This article calls for a re-evaluation of the chronology, causes and consequences of long-run growth.
Tracking intermediate performance of vigilant attention using multiple eye metrics
Authors: Abe Takashi , Mishima Kazuo , Kitamura Shingo , Hida Akiko , Inoue Yuichi , Mizuno Koh , Kaida Kosuke , Nakazaki Kyoko , Motomura Yuki , Maruo Kazushi , Ohta Toshiko , Furukawa Satoshi , Dinges David F , Ogata Katsuhiko
Published: February 2020

Vigilance deficits account for a substantial number of accidents and errors. Current techniques to detect vigilance impairment measure only the most severe level evident in eyelid closure and falling asleep, which is often too late to avoid an accident or error. The present study sought to identify ocular biometrics of intermediate impairment of vigilance and develop a new technique that could detect a range of deficits in vigilant attention (VA). Sixteen healthy adults performed well-validated Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT) for tracking vigilance attention while undergoing simultaneous recording of eye metrics every 2 hours during 38 hours of continuous wakefulness. A novel marker was found that measured VA when the eyes were open—the prevalence of microsaccades. Notably, the prevalence of microsaccades decreased in response to sleep deprivation and time-on-task. In addition, a novel algorithm for detecting multilevel VA was developed, which estimated performance on the PVT by integrating the novel marker with other eye-related indices. The novel algorithm also tracked changes in intermediate level of VA (specific reaction times in the PVT, i.e. 300–500 ms) during prolonged time-on-task and sleep deprivation, which had not been tracked previously by conventional techniques. The implication of the findings is that this novel algorithm, named “eye-metrical estimation version of the PVT: PVT-E,” can be used to reduce human-error-related accidents caused by vigilance impairment even when its level is intermediate.
Genomic Acquisitions in Emerging Populations ofXanthomonas vasicolapv.vasculorumInfecting Corn in the United States and Argentina
Authors: Perez-Quintero Alvaro L. , Ortiz-Castro Mary , Lang Jillian M. , Rieux Adrien , Wu Guangxi , Liu Sanzhen , Chapman Toni A. , Chang Christine , Ziegle Janet , Peng Zhao , White Frank F. , Plazas Maria Cristina , Leach Jan E. , Broders Kirk
Published: February 2020

Xanthomonas vasicola pv. vasculorum is an emerging bacterial plant pathogen that causes bacterial leaf streak on corn. First described in South Africa in 1949, reports of this pathogen have greatly increased in the past years in South America and in the United States. The rapid spread of this disease in North and South America may be due to more favorable environmental conditions, susceptible hosts and/or genomic changes that favored the spread. To understand whether genetic mechanisms exist behind the recent spread of X. vasicola pv. vasculorum, we used comparative genomics to identify gene acquisitions in X. vasicola pv. vasculorum genomes from the United States and Argentina. We sequenced 41 genomes of X. vasicola pv. vasculorum and the related sorghum-infecting X. vasicola pv. holcicola and performed comparative analyses against all available X. vasicola genomes. Time-measured phylogenetic analyses showed that X. vasicola pv. vasculorum strains from the United States and Argentina are closely related and arose from two introductions to North and South America. Gene content comparisons identified clusters of genes enriched in corn X. vasicola pv. vasculorum that showed evidence of horizontal transfer including one cluster corresponding to a prophage found in all X. vasicola pv. vasculorum strains from the United States and Argentina as well as in X. vasicola pv. holcicola strains. In this work, we explore the genomes of an emerging phytopathogen population as a first step toward identifying genetic changes associated with the emergence. The acquisitions identified may contain virulence determinants or other factors associated with the spread of X. vasicola pv. vasculorum in North and South America and will be the subject of future work.
Social Factors, Disability, and Depressive Symptoms in Adults With Chronic Pain
Authors: Solé Ester , Racine Mélanie , Tomé-Pires Catarina , Galán Santiago , Jensen Mark P. , Miró Jordi
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

The primary aim of this study was to better understand the role that social factors (ie, social support, satisfaction in participation with social roles, social isolation, and self-perceived ability to perform social roles and activities) play in pain-related interference and depressive symptoms in adults with chronic pain. Moreover, this study also examined if sex exerts a moderating role in these associations.

Materials and Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, 364 adults with chronic pain participated: 133 were university students and 231 were individuals from the community. University students completed a paper-and-pencil survey and individuals from the community responded to a web-based survey. Both surveys included the same questions assessing sociodemographic, pain characteristics, pain-related interference, depressive symptoms, and social factors.

Results:

Only satisfaction in participation in usual social roles and self-perceived ability for participating in such social roles contributed independently, significantly, and negatively to the prediction of pain interference, whereas all 4 social factors made independent and significant contributions to the prediction of depressive symptoms. Satisfaction with participation in usual social roles, self-perceived social ability, and social support were negatively related to depressive symptoms, whereas social isolation was positively related. The results also indicated that sex moderated the associations between social factors and depressive symptoms, but not between social factors and pain interference.

Discussion:

The study provides important new findings regarding the associations between social factors and physical and psychological functioning of individuals with chronic pain, supporting biopsychosocial models.
Syringe External Fixator: An Inexpensive Static-to-Dynamic Treatment for Comminuted Intra-Articular Phalangeal Fractures
Authors: Yousaf Omer , Yousaf Imran S. , Giladi Aviram M. , Katz Ryan D.
Published: February 2020

Comminuted intra-articular phalanx fractures are complicated injuries often treated with external fixation. The ideal external fixation system should be affordable, readily available, adaptable, and easy to use. The use of dynamic external fixation has advanced the care of these injuries but can be difficult to implement. The authors present a case example of a patient with a comminuted intra-articular phalangeal fracture of the left small finger treated using a syringe as a static uniplanar fixator that was converted to a dynamic fixator during postoperative recovery.
Suicide risk among prostate cancer patients before and after the implementation of prostate-specific antigen-based prostate screening in Lithuania in 2006
Authors: Patasius Ausvydas , Kaceniene Auguste , Ulys Albertas , Stukas Rimantas , Smailyte Giedre
Published: February 2020

Despite good prognosis, increased suicide rates are reported for prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of suicide among prostate cancer patients before and after the start of nation-wide prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening programme. Prostate cancer cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2011 were identified from the population-based Lithuanian Cancer Registry and analysis was conducted in 2018. Analysis was stratified by period of diagnosis, age, Gleason score, extent of disease, and time since diagnosis. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were used to assess suicide risk. SMRs were calculated by dividing the observed number of suicides among prostate cancer patients by the expected number of suicides from the general population. Overall, 25 786 prostate cancer cases were diagnosed 2000–2011, and 135 suicides occurred among them compared with expected number of 133 (SMR: 1.10; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85–1.20). The suicide risk among prostate cancer patients was 1.08 before and 0.97 after the start of nation-wide PSA-based screening programme. Statistically significant increase in suicide risk was associated with Gleason score 8–10 in the prescreening period (SMR: 2.45; 95% CI 1.23–4.90). Suicide risk among prostate cancer patients before and after introduction of nation-wide PSA-based screening programme is similar to that in the general population.
The association between hypertension and colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Xuan Kun , Zhao Tianming , Sun Chenyu , Patel Akash S. , Liu Haixia , Chen Xin , Qu Guangbo , Sun Yehuan
Published: February 2020

The relationship between hypertension and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear. This meta-analysis aims to explore the association between them. Six databases were searched for studies published before August 2019. The pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate the association between the hypertension and CRC risk. A total of 2841 potentially relevant articles were obtained, and 25 studies with a pooled 1.95 million participants were finally included in the meta-analysis. These results suggested a positive association between hypertension and risk of CRC with a pooled RR of 1.15 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.23). Male patients with hypertension had a 13% (95% CI: 1.06, 1.20) increased risk of CRC. The risk of colon cancer and rectal cancer in male patients was 1.17 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.36) and 1.35 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.74), respectively, while no association between hypertension and the risk of CRC in females was elucidated. This meta-analysis demonstrated that a positive association between hypertension and CRC exists, with male patients having a higher risk of developing CRC than female patients.
Heightened reward response is associated with HCN2 overexpression in the ventral tegmental area in morphine-sensitized rats
Authors: Scheggi Simona , Braccagni Giulia , De Montis Maria Graziella , Gambarana Carla
Published: February 2020

Morphine sensitization is associated with increased locomotion and stereotypies in rats. This persistent condition has been proposed as a model of manic-like symptoms. Modifications in reward threshold are considered a central feature of mania and have been related to changes in mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic transmission. Thus, to further characterize this model, we investigated reward responses in morphine-sensitized male rats and the mechanisms underlying the behavioral phenotype. In particular, we examined the possible involvement of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels as they play a critical role in regulating the excitability of dopaminergic neurons. Rats were trained to self-administer sucrose to study whether morphine sensitization affected motivated behavior. Next, the dopaminergic response to sucrose was examined in the nucleus accumbens shell by in vivo microdialysis. To investigate the possible mechanisms underlying the increased dopaminergic transmission in morphine-sensitized rats, HCN2 channel expression levels in mesocorticolimbic regions were analyzed by immunoblotting. Sensitized rats showed an enhanced motivation to work for sucrose that was accompanied by an increased dopaminergic response to sucrose consumption in the nucleus accumbens shell. Moreover, HCN2 expression levels were increased in the ventral tegmental area, suggesting that their increased expression may underpin the enhanced motivation for sucrose reward and nucleus accumbens shell dopaminergic response in sensitized rats. The modified behavioral and dopaminergic reward response observed in sensitized rats supports the suggestion that the condition of morphine sensitization can be regarded as a model of manic symptoms.
Glucocorticoid and brain-derived neurotrophic factor relationship: a brief investigation into the model of depression by chronic administration of corticosterone
Authors: Pereira Gabriele C. , Roversi Karine , Trevisan Gabriela , Burger Marilise E. , Bochi Guilherme V.
Published: February 2020

Depression is considered a common mental disorder that affects more than 300 million people worldwide. Despite this high incidence, its etiology is not completely elucidated instigating further studies. For this purpose, different animal models are used to study routes and molecular changes involved in depression, among them the chronic administration of corticosterone. However, the knowledge about neurochemical changes after this protocol is still controversial. In this work, we evaluated serum corticosterone levels, adrenal/body weight ratio, as well as glucocorticoid receptor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein expression and its receptor, tropomyosin-receptor kinase B. These analyzes were performed on prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum samples taken of mice after 21 days of administration of corticosterone. Exposure to corticosterone reduced the serum corticosterone levels and the adrenal/body weight ratio. Moreover, the glucocorticoid receptor and tyrosine-receptor kinase B expression were increased in the hippocampus while the brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression was reduced in the prefrontal cortex. We also found a positive correlation between the expression of glucocorticoid receptor and tyrosine-receptor kinase B and our results suggest a possible relationship between the glucocorticoid/glucocorticoid receptor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin-receptor kinase B routes after chronic corticosterone administration. To our knowledge, this is the first study that evaluate these parameters concomitantly in important mood-related structures. In addition, these results may be useful to other research groups seeking to explore new pathways and substances with therapeutic potential to treat this silent epidemic.
Anatomical Study of Lumbar Artery Perforators in Male Subjects
Authors: Thomas Jordan , Waxweiler Charlotte , Leveque Raphaël , Cuylits Nicolas
Published: February 2020

Introduction:

The lumbar artery perforator (LAP) flap takes an important place in lumbosacral reconstruction and in breast reconstruction. Although studies on the location of lumbar perforators in women are common, no anatomical study has focused solely on male subjects. Our objective is to facilitate the surgical approach to the LAP flap in male subjects by precisely ascertaining the characteristics of the perforators.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of computed tomographic angiography images of a cohort of 30 patients evaluating the perforator position from the 4 lumbar arteries. In addition, 4 characteristics were studied: the length, the diameter, the path of the lumbar pedicle, and the thickness of tissues available for transfer.

Results:

One hundred five lumbar perforating vessels were analyzed on 60 posterior hemi-bodies, of which 86% came from the third and fourth lumbar arteries. The average location was situated 7.4 cm from the midline and in a 6-cm vertical wide area. The position of the lumbar perforator was independent of body mass index, abdominal circumference, and subject size. Our results, compared to previous studies, show no difference in this position between men and women.

Conclusions:

The LAP flap is useful for regional reconstructions and as a free flap for both women and men. We provide male-specific tracking values for the dissection of lumbar perforating vessels. Dominant perforators were found to be situated in a wide region of 4 cm × 6 cm in the lumbosacral region at 7.4 cm from the midline.
Deep Neural Network-Based Method for Detecting Obstructive Meibomian Gland Dysfunction With in Vivo Laser Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Maruoka Sachiko , Tabuchi Hitoshi , Nagasato Daisuke , Masumoto Hiroki , Chikama Taiichiro , Kawai Akiko , Oishi Naoko , Maruyama Toshi , Kato Yoshitake , Hayashi Takahiko , Katakami Chikako
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

To evaluate the ability of deep learning (DL) models to detect obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) using in vivo laser confocal microscopy images.

Methods:

For this study, we included 137 images from 137 individuals with obstructive MGD (mean age, 49.9 ± 17.7 years; 44 men and 93 women) and 84 images from 84 individuals with normal meibomian glands (mean age, 53.3 ± 19.6 years; 29 men and 55 women). We constructed and trained 9 different network structures and used single and ensemble DL models and calculated the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity to compare the diagnostic abilities of the DL.

Results:

For the single DL model (the highest model; DenseNet-201), the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity for diagnosing obstructive MGD were 0.966%, 94.2%, and 82.1%, respectively, and for the ensemble DL model (the highest ensemble model; VGG16, DenseNet-169, DenseNet-201, and InceptionV3), 0.981%, 92.1%, and 98.8%, respectively.

Conclusions:

Our network combining DL and in vivo laser confocal microscopy learned to differentiate between images of healthy meibomian glands and images of obstructive MGD with a high level of accuracy that may allow for automatic obstructive MGD diagnoses in patients in the future.
Comparison of a New Swept-Source Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography and a Scheimpflug Camera for Measurement of Corneal Curvature
Authors: Zhang Ting , Zhou Yijing , Young Charlotte Aimee , Chen Aiming , Jin Guangming , Zheng Danying
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

To evaluate the agreement of corneal curvature measured by a newly introduced swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography (CASIA2) and Pentacam (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany).

Methods:

Corneal curvature was measured in 49 healthy subjects (age: 24.8 ± 4.36) by using CASIA2 and Pentacam. Repeatability was evaluated for CASIA2, and agreement between the CASIA2 and Pentacam was assessed. The coefficient of repeatability, the relative coefficient of repeatability, the range of the limits of agreement were analyzed, and Bland–Altman plots were performed to assess the interdevice agreement of measurement.

Results:

For the intradevice reliability of the CASIA2, the mean difference between the 2 examinations was from 0.02 to 0.14 D for the corneal curvatures and the limits of agreement range was from 0.45 to 2.42 D for the corneal curvatures; there was no statistically significant difference found between the first and second examinations obtained from CASIA2 (P > 0.05). For agreement between the 2 devices, the Bland–Altman analysis of the posterior corneal curvature showed a mean difference of 0.16 D (P = 0.047) in the flat posterior corneal curvature and 0.16 D (P = 0.046) in the steep posterior corneal curvature. For the measurement of anterior corneal curvature and true net power (TNP) with the Pentacam and CASIA2, there was no significant difference in the flat anterior corneal curvature (P = 0.585), steep anterior corneal curvature (P = 0.274), flat TNP (P = 0.685), and steep TNP (P = 0.447).

Conclusions:

Our study indicated generally good agreement of corneal curvature measurement by using Pentacam and CASIA2. We consequently expect no difference in clinical outcome when measurements for corneal curvature, especially anterior corneal curvature and TNP, are performed with either of the devices.
A Case-Control Study of Keratoconus Risk Factors
Authors: Moran Sarah , Gomez Ludovic , Zuber Kevin , Gatinel Damien
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

To evaluate risk factors associated with keratoconus in a case-control setting.

Methods:

This single center, prospective, case-control study was carried out from May 2014 to November 2017 at the Rothschild Foundation (Paris, France). Two hundred two patients with keratoconus and 355 control patients were investigated and followed by a single ophthalmologist. Data regarding multiple variables were gathered, including eye rubbing, pattern of eye rubbing, dominant hand, allergies, history of dry eye, screen time, sleep position, and night-time work.

Results:

After multivariable analysis, the following variables showed significant results: eye rubbing with knuckles [odds ratio (OR) = 8.29; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.92–18.26, P < 0.001] or fingertips (OR = 5.34; 95% CI: 2.44–12.21, P < 0.001), a history of dry eye (OR = 4.16; 95% CI: 2.3–7.7; P < 0.001), male sex (OR = 4.16; 95% CI: 1.47–11.89; P < 0.001), screen time (OR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01–1.04; P < 0.001), prone sleep position (OR = 11.63; 95% CI: 3.88–38.16), and side sleep position (OR = 10.17, 95% CI 3.84–33.73).

Conclusions:

This study shows a strong correlation between eye rubbing and keratoconus, particularly when rubbing is performed with the knuckles. Additional associations were identified which may merit future investigation as risk factors, including sleep position, night-time work, and screen time.
Efficacy of Mobile Health for Self-management of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors
Authors: Delva Sabianca , Waligora Mendez Kyra J. , Cajita Mia , Koirala Binu , Shan Rongzi , Wongvibulsin Shannon , Vilarino Valerie , Gilmore Danielle R. , Han Hae-Ra
Published: February 2020

Background

Although mobile health (mHealth) technologies are burgeoning in the research arena, there is a lack of mHealth interventions focused on improving self-management of individuals with cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs).

Objective

The purpose of this article was to critically and systematically review the efficacy of mHealth interventions for self-management of CMRF while evaluating quality, limitations, and issues with disparities using the technology acceptance model as a guiding framework.

Methods

PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Lilacs were searched to identify research articles published between January 2008 and November 2018. Articles were included if they were published in English, included adults, were conducted in the United States, and used mHealth to promote self-care or self-management of CMRFs. A total of 28 articles were included in this review.

Results

Studies incorporating mHealth have been linked to positive outcomes in self-management of diabetes, physical activity, diet, and weight loss. Most mHealth interventions included modalities such as text messaging, mobile applications, and wearable technologies. There was a lack of studies that are (1) in resource-poor settings, (2) theoretically driven, (3) community-engaged research, (4) measuring digital/health literacy, (5) measuring and evaluating engagement, (6) measuring outcomes related to disease self-management, and (7) focused on vulnerable populations, especially immigrants.

Conclusion

There is still a lack of mHealth interventions created specifically for immigrant populations, especially within the Latino community—the largest growing minority group in the United States. In an effort to meet this challenge, more culturally tailored mHealth interventions are needed.
Predictive accuracy of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio and monocyte-to-high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio in determining the slow flow/no-reflow phenomenon in patients with non–ST-elevated myocardial infarction
Authors: Kalyoncuoglu Muhsin , Biter Halil İbrahim , Ozturk Semi , Belen Erdal , Can Mehmet Mustafa
Published: February 2020

Objective

To investigate whether inflammation based scores including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) and monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (MHR) predict the slow flow (SF)/no-reflow (NR) phenomenon comparatively in patients with non–ST-elevated Myocardial Infarction
(NSTEMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

Current study is retrospective designed and includes 426 NSTEMI patients (mean age of 56.8 ± 11.4 years). The patients were grouped into non slow flow/no-reflow and slow flow/no-reflow groups according to postintervention thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade.

Results

The slow flow/no-reflow group had significantly higher MHR and lower LMR values than the non slow flow/no-reflow group (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively). Lower LMR [odds ratio (OR): 0.659, P < 0.01] and higher MHR (OR: 1.174, P = 0.04) were independent predictors of slow flow/no-reflow phenomenon in model 1 and 2 multivariate analyses, respectively. Furthermore, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (OR: 0.934, P = 0.01; OR: 0.930, P < 0.01), smoking (OR: 2.279, P = 0.03; OR: 2.118, P = 0.04), Syntax score (1.038, P = 0.04; 1.046, P = 0.01) and high thrombus grade (OR: 7.839, P < 0.01; OR: 8.269, P < 0.01), independently predicted the slow flow/no-reflow development in both multivariate analysis models, respectively. The predictive performance of LMR and MHR was not different (P = 0.88), but both predictive powers were superior to NLR (P < 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively).

Conclusion

The MHR and LMR may be useful inflammatory biomarkers for identifying high-risk individuals for the development of slow flow/no reflow in NSTEMI patients who underwent PCI.
Digital Single-operator Cholangioscopy (DSOC) Improves Interobserver Agreement (IOA) and Accuracy for Evaluation of Indeterminate Biliary Strictures
Authors: Sethi Amrita , Tyberg Amy , Slivka Adam , Adler Douglas G. , Desai Amit P. , Sejpal Divyesh V. , Pleskow Douglas K. , Bertani Helga , Gan Seng-Ian , Shah Raj , Arnelo Urban , Tarnasky Paul R. , Banerjee Subhas , Itoi Takao , Moon Jong Ho , Kim Dong Choon , Gaidhane Monica , Raijman Isaac , Peterson Bret T. , Gress Frank G. , Kahaleh Michel
Published: February 2020

Background:

Visual characteristics seen during digital single-operator cholangioscopy (DSOC) have not been validated. The aim of this 2-phase study was to define terminology by consensus for the visual diagnosis of biliary lesions to develop a model for optimization of the diagnostic performance of DSOC.

Materials and Methods:

In phase 1 (criteria identification), video-cholangioscopy clips were reviewed by 12 expert biliary endoscopists, who were blinded to the final diagnosis. Visual criteria were consolidated into the following categories: (1) stricture, (2) lesion, (3) mucosal features, (4) papillary projections, (5) ulceration, (6) abnormal vessels, (7) scarring, (8) pronounced pit pattern.

During the second phase (validation), 14 expert endoscopists reviewed DSOC (SpyGlass DS, Boston Scientific) clips using the 8 criteria to assess interobserver agreement (IOA) rate.

Results:

In phase 1, consensus for visual findings were categorized into 8 criteria titled the “Monaco Classification.” The frequency of criteria were: (1) presence of stricture—75%, (2) presence of lesion type—55%, (3) mucosal features—55%, (4) papillary projections—45%, (5) ulceration—42.5%, (6) abnormal vessels—10%, (7) scarring—40%, and (8) pronounced pit pattern—10%. The accuracy on final diagnosis based on visual impression alone was 70%.

In phase 2, the IOA rate using Monaco Classification criteria ranged from slight to fair. The presumptive diagnosis IOA was fair (κ=0.31, SE=0.02), and overall diagnostic accuracy was 70%.

Conclusions:

The Monaco classification identifies 8 visual criteria for biliary lesions on single-operator digital cholangioscopy. Using the criteria, the IOA and diagnostic accuracy rate of DSOC is improved compared with prior studies.
Hypobetalipoproteinemia and abetalipoproteinemia: liver disease and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Welty Francine K.
Published: February 2020

Purpose of review

Several mutations in the apolipoprotein (apo) B, proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein genes result in low or absent levels of apoB and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) in plasma which cause familial hypobetalipoproteinemia (FHBL) and abetalipoproteinemia (ABL). Mutations in the angiopoietin-like protein 3 ANGPTL3 gene cause familial combined hypolipidemia (FHBL2). Clinical manifestations range from none-to-severe, debilitating and life-threatening disorders. This review summarizes recent genetic, metabolic and clinical findings and management strategies.

Recent findings

Fatty liver, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma have been reported in FHBL and ABL probably due to decreased triglyceride export from the liver. Loss of function mutations in PCSK-9 and ANGPTL3 cause FHBL but not hepatic steatosis. In 12 case–control studies with 57 973 individuals, an apoB truncation was associated with a 72% reduction in coronary heart disease (odds ratio, 0.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.12–0.64; P = 0.002). PCSK9 inhibitors lowered risk of cardiovascular events in large, randomized trials without apparent adverse sequelae.

Mutations causing low LDL-C and apoB have provided insight into lipid metabolism, disease associations and the basis for drug development to lower LDL-C in disorders causing high levels of cholesterol. Early diagnosis and treatment is necessary to prevent adverse sequelae from FHBL and ABL.