bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IoT Platform Business Model for Innovative Management Systems
Authors: Mishra Shrutika , Tripathi A. R.
Published: July 2020

Internet of Everything (IoE) in the business is a multiple and distributed interconnection of strategies and devices over the Internet. It is a group of technology which requires a set of protocols, data server storage strategy, infrastructure mechanism, integration of all technology, and communication protocols with all the connecting devices. The Internet of Things (IoT) is likely to convey accelerative, innovative, encouraging elucidations in numerous domains including business and managements. It allows devices to communicate with us very efficiently and accomplish the decisions with applications with other devices. The IoT creates transforming businesses, financial prudence and business culture. IoT platforms with greater access 5G technology are evolving as the upcoming tools and substantial support in the global IoEs setup in business ecosystem.

In this paper, we examine up-to-date landscape of IoT platforms, 5G technology scope for business and management to how they work and the main aspects to consider when choosing a platform provider for cutting-edge decisions. It involves a set of approaches for business behaviors of the IoT and IoE classification, which can be defined as IoE business outlines in the cutting edge 5G technology.
Impact of bank’s ownership structure on risk and efficiency: Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Moudud-Ul-Huq Syed , Akter Rubaida , Biswas Tanmay , Lima Reshma Pervin
Published: July 2020

This study is investigated the impact of ownership structure on bank’s risk and efficiency in Bangladesh. We have used Z-Score as risk-taking variable. As ownership structure is the main variable here, we have taken managerial ownership, institutional ownership, and general public ownership as proxies for ownership structure. Here, another important main variable efficiency has been used as a stability. For our study, we have selected 32 banks randomly. Data have been collected from annual reports of these banks. The time frame of the data is 2000–2014. The study results suggested that using Z-score as proxy for risk taking and the proxy of managerial ownership has negative association and the institutional ownership has significant positive effect on Z-score of commercial banks in Bangladesh. The proxies we have used for ownership structure i.e., managerial ownership and general public ownership have significant negative association on efficiency. On the other hand, institutional ownership has positive effect on the overall efficiency of the banks in Bangladesh. At the end of the study, we have also suggested some policy implications regarding ownership structure, risk, and efficiency of the banks.
In situ
seepage testing method for fractured zones of rock mass
Authors: Liu Sihong , Xu Siyuan , Zhou Bin
Published: July 2020

The permeability characteristics of rock mass discontinuities are important in the stability of hydropower station projects. We propose a large-scale
in situ
seepage testing method and use this method to test gently dipping bedding faults (C3 zone) and steep faults (F14) in a hydropower station construction field in China. The
in situ
test results are compared with those of both undisturbed and reconstituted specimens. The comparison indicates that the largest critical hydraulic gradient and the smallest seepage permeability coefficient are obtained via
in situ
tests because they are performed under stress states that simulate the natural stress of the surrounding rock mass. The natural stress of the surrounding rock mass cannot be reflected in tests of undisturbed and reconstituted specimens.
Real or Not?
Authors: Gopal Ram D. , Hidaji Hooman , Kutlu Sule Nur , Patterson Raymond A. , Rolland Erik , Zhdanov Dmitry
Published: July 2020

Untrustworthy content such as fake news and clickbait have become a pervasive problem on the Internet, causing significant socio-political problems around the world. Identifying untrustworthy content is a crucial step in countering them. The current best practices for identification involve content analysis and arduous fact-checking of the content. To complement content analysis, we propose examining websites’ third-parties to identify their trustworthiness. Websites utilize third-parties, also known as their digital supply chains, to create and present content and help the website function. Third-parties are an important indication of a website's business model. Similar websites exhibit similarities in the third-parties they use. Using this perspective, we use machine learning and heuristic methods to discern similarities and dissimilarities in third-party usage, which we use to predict trustworthiness of websites. We demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of our approach in predicting trustworthiness of websites from a database of News, Fake News, and Clickbait websites. Our approach can be easily and cost-effectively implemented to reinforce current identification methods.
Black Immigrants and the Changing Portrait of Black America
Authors: Hamilton Tod G.
Published: July 2020

I review the literature on the social integration of black immigrants residing in the United States between 1910 and 2018, with the goal of highlighting how the growth of the black immigrant population has complicated the scholarly understanding of the causes and consequences of both intraracial disparities among blacks and disparities between blacks and whites in the United States. The article comprises three substantive sections. First, I examine the changing birth-country composition of the black immigrant population that arrived in the United States from 1900 to 1930 and review the literature on the social integration of black immigrants during the early twentieth century. Second, I review the literature that demonstrates how selective migration and disparate pre-1965 histories have shaped contemporary disparities between black immigrants and black Americans. Third, I discuss the implications of black immigration for understanding the evolution of racial disparities in the twenty-first century.
Ultrasensitive Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensors Based on Hybrid Reduced Graphene Oxide and Carbonized Silk Fabric Electrodes Decorated with Cu Nanoflowers
Authors: Wei Luo , Li Ji-Hui , Chen Chao , Lv Qian , Lv Ruitao , Ma Liqiang , Shen Wanci , Kang Feiyu , Huang Zheng-Hong
Published: July 2020

The preparation of substrate with high specific surface area and conductivity is very important in the development of non-enzymatic glucose sensors. This study presents a non-enzymatic glucose sensor electrode based on a hybrid reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and carbonized silk fabric (CSF) substrate obtained by immersing silk fabric in a graphene oxide solution and carbonizing at 950 °C in an Ar atmosphere, and then decorating the rGO/CSF surface with Cu nanoflowers by electrodeposition. The optimum Cu-rGO/CSF sensor electrode exhibits high glucose sensitivities of 6613.3 μA mM−1 cm−2 and 1541.7 μA mM−1 cm−2 with linear responses over separate glucose concentration ranges of 0.05–4.0 mM and 4.0–7.0 mM due to the rGO/CSF substrate has high specific surface area, good conductivity and the Cu nanoflowers have high catalytic activity. The electrode also provides a lower limit of detection of 2.27 μM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 and high stability in the air. These results demonstrate that the proposed electrode material facilitates the development of simple and accurate non-enzymatic glucose sensors.
Monkeys and humans implement causal inference to simultaneously localize auditory and visual stimuli
Authors: Mohl Jeff T. , Pearson John M. , Groh Jennifer M.
Published: July 2020

We developed a novel behavioral paradigm for the study of multisensory causal inference in both humans and monkeys and found that both species make causal judgments in the same Bayes-optimal fashion. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of behavioral causal inference in animals, and this cross-species comparison lays the groundwork for future experiments using neuronal recording techniques that are impractical or impossible in human subjects.
BK potassium currents contribute differently to action potential waveform and firing rate as rat hippocampal neurons mature in the first postnatal week
Authors: Hunsberger Michael S. , Mynlieff Michelle
Published: July 2020

This work describes the early developmental trends of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channel activity. Early developmental trends in expression of BK channels, both total expression and relative isoform expression, have been previously reported, but little work describes the effect of these changes in expression patterns on excitability. Here, we show that early changes in BK channel expression patterns lead to changes in the role of BK channels in determining the action potential waveform and neuronal excitability.
Role ofO-linkedN-acetylglucosamine protein modification in cellular (patho)physiology
Authors: Chatham John C. , Zhang Jianhua , Wende Adam R.
Published: July 2020

In the mid-1980s, the identification of serine and threonine residues on nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins modified by a N-acetylglucosamine moiety ( O-GlcNAc) via an O-linkage overturned the widely held assumption that glycosylation only occurred in the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and secretory pathways. In contrast to traditional glycosylation, the O-GlcNAc modification does not lead to complex, branched glycan structures and is rapidly cycled on and off proteins by O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAcase (OGA), respectively. Since its discovery, O-GlcNAcylation has been shown to contribute to numerous cellular functions, including signaling, protein localization and stability, transcription, chromatin remodeling, mitochondrial function, and cell survival. Dysregulation in O-GlcNAc cycling has been implicated in the progression of a wide range of diseases, such as diabetes, diabetic complications, cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. This review will outline our current understanding of the processes involved in regulating O-GlcNAc turnover, the role of O-GlcNAcylation in regulating cellular physiology, and how dysregulation in O-GlcNAc cycling contributes to pathophysiological processes.
Microencapsulation of Probiotic Strains by Lyophilization Is Efficient in Maintaining the Viability of Microorganisms and Modulation of Fecal Microbiota in Cats
Authors: Rodrigues Bruna M. , Olivo Paula M. , Osmari Milene P. , Vasconcellos Ricardo S. , Ribeiro Leonir B. , Bankuti Ferenc I. , Pozza Magali S. S.
Published: July 2020

High extrusion temperatures may compromise the functionality of probiotics in dry food. This study aimed to (i) evaluate the effects of two types of microencapsulation techniques, different encapsulating agents, and 120 days of storage on the viability of a commercial probiotic product and (ii) investigate fecal microbiota populations and fecal characteristics of adult cats fed with diets supplemented with probiotics. Three experimental treatments were evaluated: T1, commercial feed (control); T2, commercial kibbles coated with probiotics; and T3, commercial feed supplemented with freeze-dried probiotics and fructooligosaccharides. Fructooligosaccharides and gum arabic were used as encapsulating agents for freeze drying and spray drying and a pool containingLactobacillus acidophilus,Lactobacillus casei,Lactobacillus lactis,Bifidobacterium bifidum,Enterococcus faecium, andSaccharomyces cerevisiaeas a probiotic. Diets were provided to 18 adult cats for 20 days. Feed samples were evaluated microbiologically, and feces were characterized according to their microbial content, pH, and fecal score. Freeze drying was more effective in maintaining microbial viability. Microcapsules prepared using fructooligosaccharides as encapsulants had the highest bacterial count: 8.74 log CFU/g of lactic acid bacteria and 8.75 log CFU/g of enterococci. Probiotics and synbiotics positively modulated (P<0.05) the fecal microbiota of cats, increasing the lactic acid bacteria counts from 3.65 to 4.87 and 5.07 log CFU/g, respectively. Microbial viability decreased significantly (P<0.05) after storage, demonstrating the need for effective protection mechanisms against extrinsic agents. In conclusion, the supplementation of cat diets with probiotics positively affected the gut microbiota. However, the results reinforce that probiotic microorganisms must be incorporated into the animal feed via effective mechanisms to withstand harsh processing conditions and storage.
Histological Patterns of Epithelial Alterations in Keratoconus
Authors: Crespo Millas Sara , López José Carlos , García-Lagarto Elena , Obregón Estibaliz , Hileeto Denise , Maldonado Miguel J. , Pastor J. Carlos
Published: July 2020

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to confirm the presence of specific patterns of epithelial response in corneal buttons from keratoconus patients. Methods. This was a retrospective and descriptive study. 90 penetrating keratoplasty specimens obtained from patients diagnosed with keratoconus were evaluated using bright-field microscopy. Morphologically identifiable characteristics including epithelial cell density and epithelial thickness were analyzed on hematoxylin and eosin- (H&E-) and periodic acid of Schiff- (PAS-) stained slides. Results. Three distinctive patterns of epithelial alteration of the central cornea were established. Pattern 3, in which the central epithelium was as thick as peripheral epithelium, was the commonest (44.4%), followed by the pattern 2, defined as central epithelium thinner than periphery epithelium (38.9%), and the uncommonest pattern was number 1, with central epithelium thicker than the periphery (16.7%). Conclusions. Three distinctive histologic patterns that could potentially have a diagnostic and prognostic value in keratoconus patients were found.
Vibration Analysis of Shaft Misalignment Using Machine Learning Approach under Variable Load Conditions
Authors: Umbrajkaar A. M. , Krishnamoorthy A. , Dhumale R. B.
Published: July 2020

The Industry 4.0 revolution is insisting strongly for use of machine learning-based processes and condition monitoring. In this paper, emphasis is given on machine learning-based approach for condition monitoring of shaft misalignment. This work highlights combined approach of artificial neural network and support vector machine for identification and measure of shaft misalignment. The measure of misalignment requires more features to be extracted under variable load conditions. Hence, primary objective is to measure misalignment with a minimum number of extracted features. This is achieved through normalization of vibration signal. An experimental setup is prepared to collect the required vibration signals. The normalized time domain nonstationary signals are given to discrete wavelet transform for features extraction. The extracted features such as detailed coefficient is considered for feature selection viz. Skewness, Kurtosis, Max, Min, Root mean square, and Entropy. The ReliefF algorithm is used to decide best feature on rank basis. The ratio of maximum energy to Shannon entropy is used in wavelet selection. The best feature is used to train machine learning algorithm. The rank-based feature selection has improved classification accuracy of support vector machine. The result obtained with the combined approach are discussed for different misalignment conditions.
The Myc and Ras Partnership in Cancer: Indistinguishable Alliance or Contextual Relationship?
Authors: Mahauad-Fernandez Wadie D. , Felsher Dean W.
Published: July 2020

Myc and Ras are two of the most commonly activated oncogenes in tumorigenesis. Together and independently they regulate many cancer hallmarks including proliferation, apoptosis, and self-renewal. Recently, they were shown to cooperate to regulate host tumor microenvironment programs including host immune responses. But, is their partnership always cooperative or do they have distinguishable functions? Here, we provide one perspective that Myc and Ras cooperation depends on the genetic evolution of a particular cancer. This in turn, dictates when they cooperate via overlapping and identifiably distinct cellular- and host immune–dependent mechanisms that are cancer type specific.
Regulatory Considerations for Contribution of Effect of Drugs Used in Combination Regimens: Renal Cell Cancer Case Studies
Authors: Brewer Jamie R. , Chang Elaine , Agrawal Sundeep , Singh Harpreet , Suzman Daniel L. , Xu James , Weinstock Chana , Fernandes Laura L. , Cheng Joyce , Zhang Lijun , Xie Diqiong , Goldberg Kirsten B. , Bloomquist Erik W. , Tang Shenghui , Sridhara Rajeshwari , Theoret Marc R. , Pazdur Richard , Ibrahim Amna , Beaver Julia A.
Published: July 2020

The development and review of combination drug regimens in oncology may present unique challenges to investigators and regulators. For regulatory approval of combination regimens, it is necessary to demonstrate the contribution of effect of each monotherapy to the overall combination. Alternative approaches to traditional designs may be needed to accelerate oncology drug development, for example, when combinations are substantially superior to available therapy, to reduce exposure to less effective therapies, and for drugs that are inactive as single agents and that in combination potentiate activity of another drug. These approaches include demonstration of activity in smaller randomized trials and/or monotherapy trials conducted in a similar disease setting. This article will discuss alternative approaches used in the development of approved drugs in combination, based on examples of recent approvals of combination regimens in renal cell carcinoma.
A Case Report of Primary Pulmonary Choriocarcinoma in a Man: Successful Combination of Surgery and Chemotherapy
Authors: Nguyen Hang Thi Thuy , Hoang Hung Huy , Le Anh Thi Van
Published: July 2020

Choriocarcinoma is a malignant tumor that typically appears in gonadal organs and primarily occurs in women of reproductive age. Being a primary extragonadal choriocarcinoma, primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma (PPC) is an extremely rare condition. Due to the rarity of PPC, no standardized treatment has been established so far. However, surgery combined with adjuvant chemotherapy appears to be the most optimal treatment. Here, we report a rare case of a man with PPC that was successfully treated with surgery followed by chemotherapy.
Gastric Outlet Obstruction due to Malposition of Gastrostomy Tube: A Rare and Commonly Misdiagnosed Condition
Authors: Shah Jamil , Shahidullah Abul
Published: July 2020

Nearly all disease processes worsen with malnutrition. However, providing adequate and optimal nourishment can be challenging in individuals who are not able to eat. Insertion of a gastrostomy tube is a well-established method for providing enteral access for long-term nutritional support. Although enteral tube feedings are generally well tolerated, gastrostomy tube placement is associated with several complications. An uncommon, and often initially misdiagnosed, complication of gastrostomy tube placement is gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), which refers to the clinical outcome of any disease process that mechanically obstructs gastric emptying. GOO is a clinical syndrome characterized by nausea, postprandial nonbilious vomiting, epigastric pain, early satiety, abdominal distention, and insidious weight loss due to mechanical obstruction in the distal stomach, pylorus, or duodenum. Rarely, migration and malposition of a gastrostomy tube can lead to this condition. Therefore, physicians should be aware of GOO as a rare complication of gastrostomy tube placement. Often, simple adjustment of the tube can lead to rapid improvement and resolution of the patient’s clinical condition as well as prevent needless medical tests, overly aggressive management, and further complications. Here, we present an interesting case of a woman who developed a GOO after unintended migration of a gastrostomy tube.
Increased Serum Periostin Levels and Eosinophils in Nasal Polyps Are Associated with the Preventive Effect of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Asthma Exacerbations in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients
Authors: Kanemitsu Yoshihiro , Kurokawa Ryota , Ono Junya , Fukumitsu Kensuke , Takeda Norihisa , Fukuda Satoshi , Uemura Takehiro , Tajiri Tomoko , Ohkubo Hirotsugu , Maeno Ken , Ito Yutaka , Oguri Tetsuya , Takemura Masaya , Yap Jennifer , Nishiyama Hirono , Masaki Ayako , Ozawa Yoshiyuki , Izuhara Kenji , Suzuki Motohiko , Niimi Akio
Published: July 2020

Background: Eosinophilic nasal polyps (NPs) are associated with the presence of asthma in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients. Serum periostin has been considered a relevant biomarker for unified airway diseases. Objective: To determine the utility of biomarkers including serum periostin that reflects reduction of exacerbations of comorbid asthma in CRS patients. Methods: We prospectively recruited 56 CRS patients who were subjected to undergo endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) (20 with asthma) between October 2015 and December 2017 and followed them for 1 year after ESS. Blood eosinophil count, serum periostin, and fractional nitric oxide (FeNO) were measured at enrollment. How these type 2-driven biomarkers reflect comorbid asthma was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The frequency of asthma exacerbations during 1 year was counted both before and after ESS. Associations between preoperative biomarkers including eosinophils in NPs and asthma exacerbations were evaluated. Results: Blood eosinophil count, FeNO, and serum periostin levels were significantly higher in CRS patients with asthma than in those without (p < 0.01 for all) and discriminated comorbid asthma among CRS patients (p < 0.05; AUC > 0.80 for all). The increased preoperative serum periostin correlated with lower absolute number of postoperative exacerbations (ρ = −0.49, p = 0.03) and its relative reduction after ESS (ρ = 0.53, p = 0.03) in asthmatic patients. Increased eosinophils in NPs were also associated with reduced asthma exacerbations. Conclusion: Preoperative increased serum periostin and eosinophils in NPs are associated with the preventive effect of ESS for asthma exacerbations in CRS patients comorbid with asthma.
Early Anticoagulation or Antiplatelet Therapy Is Critical in Craniocervical Artery Dissection: Results from the COMPASS Registry
Authors: Rosati Lauren M. , Vezzetti Alexandra , Redd Kolby T. , McMillian Brittiny , Giamberardino Lauren , Kodumuri Nishanth , Kothari Ravish , Yallapragada Anil V. , Sen Souvik
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Craniocervical artery dissection (CeAD) is a leading cause of stroke in the young patient population. Recent studies reported a low rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in patients with CeAD, with no significant difference between patients randomized to anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy in patients with CeAD. Methods: All CeAD patients from 2015 to 2017 were consecutively identified by an electronic medical record-based application and enrolled in this prospective longitudinal registry. CeAD was confirmed by imaging and graded using the Denver scale for blunt cerebrovascular injury. Patients were followed for 12 months for MACE defined as stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or death. Results: The cohort included 111 CeAD patients (age 53 ± 15.9 years, 56% Caucasian, 50% female). CeAD was detected by magnetic resonance (5%), computed tomography (88%), or catheter angiography (7%). CeAD was noted in the carotid (59%), vertebral (39%), and basilar (2%) arteries, 82% of which were extracranial dissections. CeAD was classified as grade I, II, III, and IV in 16, 33, 19, and 32%, respectively. A total of 40% of dissections were due to known trauma. A predisposing factor was noted in the majority (78%) of patients, including violent sneezing (21%), carrying a heavy load (19%), sports/recreational activity (11%), chiropractic manipulation (9%), abrupt/prolonged rotation of head (9%), and prolonged phone use (9%). At presentation, 41% had a stroke, 5% had TIA, 39% had headache, and 36% were asymptomatic. Favorable outcome defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2 was noted in 68% at 3 months and 71% at 12 months. The rate of MACEs at 3 and 12 months was 11 and 14%, respectively, with more events observed in patients who were not receiving anticoagulation/antiplatelet therapy due to contraindications (p = 0.008). Conclusions: We report diagnostic characteristics, as well as short- and long-term outcomes of CeAD. A high MACE rate was observed within the first 2 weeks of CeAD diagnosis, notably in patients not initiated on anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy.
COVID-19 in Hospitalized Patients on Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis: A Case Series
Authors: Sachdeva Mala , Uppal Nupur N. , Hirsch Jamie S. , Ng Jia H. , Malieckal Deepa , Fishbane Steven , Jhaveri Kenar D. ,   the Northwell COVID-19 Research Consortium and the Northwell Nephrology COVID-19 Research Consortium
Published: July 2020

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) population, with high mortality rates reported among patients on hemodialysis. However, the degree to which it has affected the peritoneal dialysis (PD) population in the United States has not yet been elucidated. In this report, we describe the clinical characteristics, presentations, clinical course, and outcomes of ESKD patients on PD hospitalized with COVID-19. Methods: We describe the characteristics, presentation, and outcomes of adult ESKD patients on chronic PD hospitalized with CO­VID-19 in our 13 major hospitals in the NY health system using descriptive statistical analysis. Results: Of 419 hospitalized patients with ESKD, 11 were on chronic PD therapy (2.6%). Among those 11, 3 patients required mechanical ventilation, 2 of whom died. Of the entire cohort, 9 of the 11 patients (82%) were discharged alive. While fever was a common presentation, more than half of our patients also presented with diarrhea. Interestingly, 3 patients were diagnosed with culture-negative peritonitis during their hospitalization. Seven patients reported positive SARS-CoV-2 exposure from a member of their household. Conclusion: Hospitalized patients on PD with COVID-19 had a relatively mild course, and majority of them were discharged home.
Efficacy and Feasibility of Magnifying Blue Laser Imaging without Biopsy Confirmation for the Diagnosis of the Demarcation of Gastric Tumors: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Nakano Takahiro , Dohi Osamu , Naito Yuji , Terasaki Kei , Iwai Naoto , Ueda Tomohiro , Majima Atsushi , Horii Yusuke , Yasuda-Onozawa Yuriko , Kitaichi Tomoko , Hirose Ryohei , Inoue Ken , Yoshida Naohisa , Kamada Kazuhiro , Uchiyama Kazuhiko , Handa Osamu , Ishikawa Takeshi , Takagi Tomohisa , Konishi Hideyuki , Kishimoto Mitsuo , Itoh Yoshito
Published: July 2020

Background: Accurate diagnosis of the demarcation line (DL) of gastric tumors is essential for curative complete resection by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). It is controversial to perform only magnifying endoscopy for diagnosing the DL of gastric tumors prior to ESD. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy for the DL of gastric adenomas and well-differentiated adenocarcinomas using only magnifying blue laser imaging (M-BLI) compared with that using both M-BLI and biopsy confirmation. Methods: In this prospective, single-center study, 96 well-differentiated adenocarcinomas and 32 gastric adenomas were enrolled between July 2015 and December 2016. A total of 122 lesions with a clear DL on M-BLI were randomly allocated to undergo M-BLI only (the M-BLI group) or M-BLI with biopsy confirmation (the M-BLI-BC group), performed as biopsies in 4 directions from noncancerous tissues ≈ 5 mm outside the lesion before ESD. The primary end point was to clarify the noninferiority of M-BLI without biopsy confirmation compared with that with biopsy confirmation, in terms of the diagnostic accuracy and complete resection. Results: There were no significant differences in sex, median age, color, circumference, macroscopic type, biopsy-based diagnosis, and Helicobacter pylori infection between the 2 groups. The diagnostic accuracy for the DL was 100 and 95.0% and the complete resection was 100 and 100% in the M-BLI and M-BLI-BC groups, respectively. Conclusion: The diagnostic ability of M-BLI is excellent in diagnosing the demarcation of gastric adenoma and well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. Biopsy confirmation is not needed for these lesions with a clear DL by M-BLI.
Comparison Study between Double Bare Covered and Fully Covered Metal Stent during Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Choledochoduodenostomy (with Video)
Authors: Ogura Takeshi , Nishioka Nobu , Yamada Masanori , Yamada Tadahiro , Higuchi Kazuhide
Published: July 2020

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) is a common technique for biliary drainage. However, EUS-CDS is associated with adverse events such as cystic duct obstruction, stent dislocation, and stent kinking caused by powerful axial force. A novel double-bare, covered self-expandable metal stent (DBSEMS) has recently become available in Japan. This pilot study evaluated the clinical outcomes of EUS-CDS using DBSEMS. Method: We retrospectively enrolled patients with malignant lower bile duct obstruction who underwent EUS-CDS due to failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). EUS-CDS procedures performed between April 2017 and March 2018 used a conventional fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS), and those performed between April 2018 and April 2019 used DBSEMS. In all stents, the diameter was 10 mm and length was 6 cm. Results: A total of 22 patients underwent EUS-CDS, performed using conventional FCSEMS (n = 12) and DBSEMS (n = 10). Four complications occurred with FCSEMS: cholangitis due to kinking (n = 3) and stent dislocation (n = 1). With DBSEMS, there were no instances of kinking, and reflux cholangitis that developed in 1 patient due to duodenal obstruction was resolved by duodenal stenting. Elapsed time to recurrent biliary obstruction was longer with DBSEMS than FCSEMS (200 vs. 99 days), although the difference was not significant (p = 0.06). Conclusion: BSEMS can help prevent cholangitis due to stent kinking after EUS-CDS, thus increasing stent patency.
Features of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma in Magnifying Narrow-Band Imaging
Authors: Iwagami Hiroyoshi , Kanesaka Takashi , Ishihara Ryu , Ohmori Masayasu , Matsuno Kenshi , Matsuura Noriko , Nakahira Hiroko , Shichijo Satoki , Maekawa Akira , Yamamoto Sachiko , Takeuchi Yoji , Higashino Koji , Uedo Noriya , Nakatsuka Shinichi
Published: July 2020

Background: Several endoscopic classifications for esophageal adenocarcinoma have been proposed; however, gastric adenocarcinoma is much more common than esophageal or esophagogastric junctional (EGJ) adenocarcinoma in East Asian countries. We, therefore, investigated whether an endoscopic diagnostic algorithm for gastric adenocarcinoma could be used for esophageal or EGJ adenocarcinoma. Methods: One hundred eighteen consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic resection or surgery for intramucosal esophageal or EGJ adenocarcinoma, at the Osaka International Cancer Institute between January 2006 and December 2017, were included in this retrospective study. Their lesions were classified as Siewert type 1 or 2, and the presence of endoscopic magnifying narrow-band imaging findings for diagnosing gastric adenocarcinoma was evaluated. Results: We evaluated 125 adenocarcinomas in 118 patients (29 type 1 and 96 type 2). Demarcation lines (DLs) were seen in 7 (24%) type 1 and 53 (55%) type 2 lesions. Irregular mucosal patterns were present in 2 (7%) type 1 and 22 (23%) type 2 lesions. Irregular vascular patterns were present in 26 (90%) type 1 and 50 (52%) type 2 lesions. According to the magnifying endoscopy diagnostic algorithm for gastric adenocarcinoma, only 7 (24%) type 1 and 52 (54%) type 2 lesions were correctly diagnosed as cancers (p = 0.005). Conclusion: The magnifying endoscopy diagnostic algorithm for gastric cancer may not be useful for esophageal or EGJ adenocarcinomas because of the low visibility of DLs, especially in Siewert type 1 adenocarcinoma.
Human Cardiac Mesenchymal Stem Cells Remodel in Disease and Can Regulate Arrhythmia Substrates
Authors: Sattayaprasert Prasongchai , Vasireddi Sunil K. , Bektik Emre , Jeon Oju , Hajjiri Mohammad , Mackall Judith A. , Moravec Christine S. , Alsberg Eben , Fu Jidong , Laurita Kenneth R.
Published: July 2020

Background:

The mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), known to remodel in disease and have an extensive secretome, has recently been isolated from the human heart. However, the effects of normal and diseased cardiac MSCs on myocyte electrophysiology remain unclear. We hypothesize that in disease the inflammatory secretome of cardiac human MSCs (hMSCs) remodels and can regulate arrhythmia substrates.

Methods:

hMSCs were isolated from patients with or without heart failure from tissue attached to extracted device leads and from samples taken from explanted/donor hearts. Failing hMSCs or nonfailing hMSCs were cocultured with normal human cardiac myocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. Using fluorescent indicators, action potential duration, Ca2+ alternans, and spontaneous calcium release (SCR) incidence were determined.

Results:

Failing and nonfailing hMSCs from both sources exhibited similar trilineage differentiation potential and cell surface marker expression as bone marrow hMSCs. Compared with nonfailing hMSCs, failing hMSCs prolonged action potential duration by 24% (
P
<0.001, n=15), increased Ca2+ alternans by 300% (
P
<0.001, n=18), and promoted spontaneous calcium release activity (n=14,
P
<0.013) in human cardiac myocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. Failing hMSCs exhibited increased secretion of inflammatory cytokines IL (interleukin)-1β (98%,
P
<0.0001) and IL-6 (460%,
P
<0.02) compared with nonfailing hMSCs. IL-1β or IL-6 in the absence of hMSCs prolonged action potential duration but only IL-6 increased Ca2+ alternans and promoted spontaneous calcium release activity in human cardiac myocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, replicating the effects of failing hMSCs. In contrast, nonfailing hMSCs prevented Ca2+ alternans in human cardiac myocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells during oxidative stress. Finally, nonfailing hMSCs exhibited >25× higher secretion of IGF (insulin-like growth factor)-1 compared with failing hMSCs. Importantly, IGF-1 supplementation or anti–IL-6 treatment rescued the arrhythmia substrates induced by failing hMSCs.

Conclusions:

We identified device leads as a novel source of cardiac hMSCs. Our findings show that cardiac hMSCs can regulate arrhythmia substrates by remodeling their secretome in disease. Importantly, therapy inhibiting (anti–IL-6) or mimicking (IGF-1) the cardiac hMSC secretome can rescue arrhythmia substrates.
High-Resolution Transcriptomic Profiling of the Heart During Chronic Stress Reveals Cellular Drivers of Cardiac Fibrosis and Hypertrophy
Authors: McLellan Micheal A. , Skelly Daniel A. , Dona Malathi S.I. , Squiers Galen T. , Farrugia Gabriella E. , Gaynor Taylah L. , Cohen Charles D. , Pandey Raghav , Diep Henry , Vinh Antony , Rosenthal Nadia A. , Pinto Alexander R.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Cardiac fibrosis is a key antecedent to many types of cardiac dysfunction including heart failure. Physiological factors leading to cardiac fibrosis have been recognized for decades. However, the specific cellular and molecular mediators that drive cardiac fibrosis, and the relative effect of disparate cell populations on cardiac fibrosis, remain unclear.

Methods:

We developed a novel cardiac single-cell transcriptomic strategy to characterize the cardiac cellulome, the network of cells that forms the heart. This method was used to profile the cardiac cellular ecosystem in response to 2 weeks of continuous administration of angiotensin II, a profibrotic stimulus that drives pathological cardiac remodeling.

Results:

Our analysis provides a comprehensive map of the cardiac cellular landscape uncovering multiple cell populations that contribute to pathological remodeling of the extracellular matrix of the heart. Two phenotypically distinct fibroblast populations, Fibroblast-
Cilp
and Fibroblast-
Thbs4
, emerged after induction of tissue stress to promote fibrosis in the absence of smooth muscle actin–expressing myofibroblasts, a key profibrotic cell population. After angiotensin II treatment, Fibroblast-
Cilp
develops as the most abundant fibroblast subpopulation and the predominant fibrogenic cell type. Mapping intercellular communication networks within the heart, we identified key intercellular trophic relationships and shifts in cellular communication after angiotensin II treatment that promote the development of a profibrotic cellular microenvironment. Furthermore, the cellular responses to angiotensin II and the relative abundance of fibrogenic cells were sexually dimorphic.

Conclusions:

These results offer a valuable resource for exploring the cardiac cellular landscape in health and after chronic cardiovascular stress. These data provide insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms that promote pathological remodeling of the mammalian heart, highlighting early transcriptional changes that precede chronic cardiac fibrosis.
Elevated Heart Rate and Survival in Children With Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Multicenter Study From the Pediatric Cardiomyopathy Registry
Authors: Rossano Joseph W. , Kantor Paul F. , Shaddy Robert E. , Shi Ling , Wilkinson James D. , Jefferies John L. , Czachor Jason D. , Razoky Hiedy , Wirtz Heidi S. , Depre Christophe , Lipshultz Steven E.
Published: July 2020

Background

In adults with heart failure, elevated heart rate is associated with lower survival. We determined whether an elevated heart rate was associated with an increased risk of death or heart transplant in children with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results

The study is an analysis of the Pediatric Cardiomyopathy Registry and includes baseline data, annual follow‐up, and censoring events (transplant or death) in 557 children (51% male, median age 1.8 years) with dilated cardiomyopathy diagnosed between 1994 and 2011. An elevated heart rate was defined as 2 or more SDs above the mean heart rate of children, adjusted for age. The primary outcomes were heart transplant and death. Heart rate was elevated in 192 children (34%), who were older (median age, 2.3 versus 0.9 years;
P
<0.001), more likely to have heart failure symptoms (83% versus 67%;
P
<0.001), had worse ventricular function (median fractional shortening
z
score, −9.7 versus −9.1;
P
=0.02), and were more often receiving anticongestive therapies (96% versus 86%;
P
<0.001) than were children with a normal heart rate. Controlling for age, ventricular function, and cardiac medications, an elevated heart rate was independently associated with death (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.6;
P
<0.001) and with death or transplant (adjusted HR 1.5;
P
=0.01).

Conclusions

In children with dilated cardiomyopathy, elevated heart rate was associated with an increased risk of death and cardiac transplant. Further study is warranted into the association of elevated heart rate and disease severity in children with dilated cardiomyopathy and as a potential target of therapy.
Mess in Science and Wicked Problems
Authors: Schickore Jutta
Published: July 2020

This paper discusses the claim that science is “messy.” Part I argues first, that a good portion of today’s discussions about messy science is just a portrayal of familiar features of science in new terms. In the paper, I refer to this as “messy science talk.” Second, Part I draws out rhetorical functions of messy science talk, namely the denigration of science in the popular media and the celebration of the maverick. Part II identifies one way in which it is enlightening to think about mess in current science, namely in reference to the problems that scientists need to address. It also shows that we do not need an entirely new conceptual inventory to analyze these problems. “Mess” and “wicked problems” were a theme in operations research and theories of social planning in the 1970s. These older analyses can illuminate important characteristics of today’s scientific problems. Wicked problems cut across different disciplines, engage different stakeholders (including non-scientists), are fluid, and cannot even be clearly formulated. They are urgent and need to be addressed before sufficient evidence is in.
Point-of-care hepatitis C screening with direct access referral to improve linkage to care among halfway house residents: a pilot randomised study
Authors: Hsiang JC , Sinnaswami P , Lee MY , Zhang MM , Quek KE , Tan KH , Wong YM , Thurairajah PH
Published: July 2020

INTRODUCTION Linkage to care among individuals with substance misuse remains a barrier to the elimination of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). We aimed to determine whether point-of-care (PoC) education, screening and staging for liver disease with direct access to hospitals would improve linkage to care among this group. METHODS All participants were offered PoC education and HCV screening. HCV-positive participants were randomised to standard care (controls) or direct access, which provided a direct pathway to hospitals. Linkage to care was determined by reviewing electronic medical records. Linkage of care cascade was defined as attendance at the specialist clinic, confirmation of viraemia by HCV RNA testing, discussion about HCV treatment and initiation of treatment. RESULTS 351 halfway house residents were screened. The overall HCV prevalence was 30.5% (n = 107), with 69 residents in the control group and 38 in the direct access group. The direct access group had a significantly higher percentage of cases linked to specialist review for confirmatory RNA testing (63.2% vs. 40.6%, p = 0.025), HCV treatment discussion (p = 0.009) and treatment initiation (p = 0.01) compared to the controls. Overall, only 12.6% (n = 13) had treatment initiation during follow-up. PoC HCV screening with direct access referral had significantly higher linkage to HCV treatment initiation (adjusted odds ratio 9.13, p = 0.005) in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION PoC HCV screening with direct access improves linkage to care and simplifies the HCV care cascade, leading to improved treatment uptake. PoC education, screening, diagnosis and treatment may be an effective strategy to achieving HCV micro-elimination in this population.
Two new species of the genus Broscosoma Rosenhauer, 1846 (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Broscinae) from China
Authors: JIANG RI-XIN , FENG QI , WANG SHUO
Published: July 2020

Two new species of the genus Broscosoma Rosenhauer, 1846 (Carabidae: Broscinae) were found in China: Broscosoma xuhaoi sp. nov. from Chongqing City and Broscosoma zhengyuandongi sp. nov. from Fujian Province. Habitus and diagnostic features of the new species are described and illustrated. An updated list of all known Chinese Broscosoma species is given.
Echinoderes unispinosus (Kinorhyncha: Cyclorhagida), a new record from deep-sea sediments in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: ÁLVAREZ-CASTILLO LUCIA , CEPEDA DIEGO , PARDOS FERNANDO , RIVAS GERARDO , ROCHA-OLIVARES AXAYÁCATL
Published: July 2020

Kinorhyncha is a phylum of exclusively marine, meiofaunal invertebrates (Sørensen & Pardos 2008). Currently, the knowledge about the worldwide distribution of most of its species is considerably patchy, as several taxa have been reported from a single or few localities, usually within a limited geographic area (Sørensen & Pardos 2008; Yamasaki et al. 2018a). This even becomes more evident for deep-sea kinorhynchs, as noticed by Sørensen et al. (2018). Given the particular value of new records from the deep-sea to increase our understanding in the distribution of meiofaunal organisms plus the observed relationship of morphological variation through the bathymetric gradient, we aim to report the first record of Echinoderes unispinosus Yamasaki, Neuhaus & George, 2018 in the southern edge of the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), and contribute with new information about the morphological intraspecific variation of this species. In Mexico, studies of kinorhynch biodiversity are limited to the northern Gulf of California (50–1570m depth) (Álvarez-Castillo et al. 2015, 2018; Cepeda et al. 2019) and the Yucatán Peninsula (Sánchez & Martínez 2019). The GoM is a semi-closed basin located in a transition zone with both subtropical and tropical weather. Deep-sea muddy sediment samples of the present study were collected during the expedition XIXIMI-5 (10–24 June 2016) and processed according to Cisterna-Céliz et al. (2019). Kinorhynch specimens were mounted, measured and photographed according to Cepeda et al. (2019). Two adult males were identified as E. unispinosus, one from station B11 (2298 m depth) and another from station B15 (3708m depth). Kinorhynch specimens were deposited at the Aquatic Invertebrates Collection of the Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico, under accession numbers: KGM.001 and KGM.002.
Four new species of Careproctus (Cottoidei: Liparidae) from the deep-water vicinity of the southern Kuril Islands (Western North Pacific)
Authors: CHERNOVA NATALIA , THIEL RALF , EIDUS IRINA
Published: July 2020

Four new species of Careproctus (Cottoidei: Liparidae) are described from the Bussol Strait (the deepest channel of the Kuril archipelago) and two neighboring abyssal basins of the Western North Pacific. Careproctus laperousei sp. nov. from the northern slope of the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench (depths of 4796–4803 m) has the following characters: vertebrae 57, pectoral-fin rays 26, principal caudal-fin rays 8 and pore pattern 2-6-7-1; it differs from the most similar congeners from the North Pacific in having a black peritoneum, short head (22.5 % of standard length, SL) and large disk (37.0 % of head length, lc). Careproctus brevipectoralis sp. nov. from the Kuril Basin of the Sea of Okhotsk (depths of 3301 m) has the following characters: vertebrae 55, pectoral-fin rays 26, caudal-fin rays 9, pore pattern 2-6-7-1 and peritoneum black; it differs from congeners by the absence of pleural ribs, deep and compressed leaf-like body (greatest depth 119 % lc, depth above anal-fin origin 113 % lc), small head (18 % SL), short pectoral fin (11 % SL) and cartilaginous-like tissue surrounding the dorsal fin. Careproctus pulcher sp. nov. and Careproctus globulus sp. nov., both having 46 vertebrae, are found on the Pacific side of the Bussol Strait at depths of 2350–2358 m. Careproctus pulcher sp. nov. is characterized by pectoral-fin rays 31–32, caudal-fin rays 10, pore pattern 2-6-7-1 and peritoneum pale; it differs from the most similar congeners in having a shorter head (25.5–26.3 % SL in adults) and gill opening reaching ventrally to 4th pectoral ray. Careproctus globulus sp. nov. has the following characters: pectoral-fin rays about 24, caudal-fin rays 8 and peritoneum black; it differs from other species in having a globular body, deep curve of vertebral column and pore pattern 2-5-6-1. Thus, based on these collections, the underwater sill of the Bussol Strait is inhabited by different species of Careproctus than the neighboring abyssal plains, Kuril-Kamchatka Trench and the Kuril Basin of the Sea of Okhotsk. Careproctus laperousei sp. nov. is the most deep-water Careproctus in the North Pacific.