bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal evaluation of visual P300 amplitude in clinical high‐risk subjects: An event‐related potential study
Authors: Oribe Naoya , Hirano Yoji , del Re Elisabetta , Mesholam‐Gately Raquelle I. , Woodberry Kristen A. , Ueno Takefumi , Kanba Shigenobu , Onitsuka Toshiaki , Shenton Martha E. , Spencer Kevin M. , Niznikiewicz Margaret A.
Published: June 2020

Aim

We previously reported abnormal P300 and N200 in a visual oddball task, and progressive P300 amplitude reduction at 1‐year follow‐up in patients with first‐episode schizophrenia. P300 reduction as well as intact P1/N1 were also observed in clinical high‐risk subjects (CHR), but whether or not these components change over time is unknown. This study evaluates, longitudinally, the visual P300, as well as P1, N1, and N200, in CHR.

Methods

Visual event‐related potentials (ERP) were recorded twice, once at baseline and once at 1‐year follow‐up in CHR (n = 19) and healthy comparison subjects (HC; n = 28). Participants silently counted infrequent target stimuli (‘x’) among standard stimuli (‘y’) presented on the screen while the 64‐channel electroencephalogram was recorded.

Results

No CHR converted to psychosis from baseline to 1‐year follow‐up in this study. Visual P300 amplitude was reduced and the latency was delayed significantly in CHR at both time points compared with HC. Furthermore, CHR subjects who had more positive symptoms showed more amplitude reduction at both time points. P1, N1, and N200 did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

Visual P300 amplitude was found to be reduced in CHR individuals compared with HC. We note that this finding is in subjects who did not convert to psychosis at 1‐year follow‐up. The association between visual P300 amplitude and symptoms suggests that for CHR who often experience clinical symptoms and seek medical care, visual P300 may be an important index that reflects the pathophysiological impairment underlying such clinical states.
Sparse spectral and ‐finite element methods for partial differential equations on disk slices and trapeziums
Authors: Snowball Ben , Olver Sheehan
Published: June 2020

Sparse spectral methods for solving partial differential equations have been derived in recent years using hierarchies of classical orthogonal polynomials on intervals, disks, and triangles. In this work, we extend this methodology to a hierarchy of nonclassical orthogonal polynomials on disk slices and trapeziums. This builds on the observation that sparsity is guaranteed due to the boundary being defined by an algebraic curve, and that the entries of partial differential operators can be determined using formulae in terms of (nonclassical) univariate orthogonal polynomials. We apply the framework to solving the Poisson, variable coefficient Helmholtz, and biharmonic equations. In this paper, we focus on constant Dirichlet boundary conditions, as well as zero Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions, with other types of boundary conditions requiring future work.
Recognition of the novel HLA‐DQB1*05:03:01:04 allele in an Angami individual from Nagaland, North‐East India
Authors: Keppen Chenole , Sharma Akanksha , Khamo Vinotsole , Abid Mohd , Kanga Uma
Published: June 2020

HLA‐DQB1*05:03:01:04 differs from HLA‐DQB1*05:03:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at position 5075 (A>G).
Percutaneous microwave ablation of solitary presumptive pulmonary metastases in two dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma
Authors: Dornbusch Josephine A. , Wavreille Vincent A. , Dent Brian , Fuerst Jason A. , Green Eric M. , Selmic Laura E.
Published: June 2020

Objective

To describe percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) of presumptive pulmonary metastases and the outcome of two dogs.

Animals

Two dogs with pulmonary lesions after treatment of spontaneously occurring appendicular osteosarcoma.

Study design

Preliminary prospective clinical study.

Methods

Two large‐breed dogs were referred from tertiary veterinary hospitals 146 and 217 days after limb amputation to pursue MWA as an alternative therapy to metastasectomy. Both dogs had been receiving chemotherapy protocols at their respective referral centers.

Results

A novel percutaneous approach for MWA with ultrasonographic or computed tomographic (CT) guidance was successfully performed. The only complications consisted of pneumothoraxes, requiring treatment in one dog. In the weeks after their procedures, both dogs were reported to do well at home. Dog 1 died and dog 2 was euthanized 82 and 19 days, respectively, after their MWA of confirmed (dog 1) or presumed (dog 2) metastatic disease.

Conclusion

Percutaneous MWA of pulmonary nodules was technically feasible in two dogs without major complications.

Clinical significance

Percutaneous MWA may provide a minimally invasive option for treatment of osteosarcoma pulmonary metastases. Additional studies are required to evaluate the benefits of MWA on survival and confirm histologic cell death within pulmonary neoplastic lesions.
Course of scar quality of donor sites following split skin graft harvesting: Comparison between patients and observers
Authors: Legemate Catherine M. , Ooms Pauline J. , Trommel Nicole , Goei Harold , Lucas Ymke , Middelkoop Esther , van Baar Margriet E. , van der Vlies Cornelis H.
Published: June 2020

There exists little to no data on the development of donor‐site scars that remain after split skin graft harvesting. The objectives of this study were to (a) examine changes in characteristics of donor‐site scar quality over time and (b) assess the agreement between patient‐reported and observer‐reported donor‐site scar quality in a burn population. A prospective cohort study was conducted including patients who underwent split skin grafting for their burn injury. Patients and observers completed the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) for the first harvested donor site at 3 and 12 months post‐surgery. This study included 80 patients with a median age of 34 years. At 3 months post‐surgery, the patients scored the POSAS items itch and color as most deviant from normal skin, both improved between 3 and 12 months (3.1 vs 1.5 and 5.0 vs 3.5, respectively [P < .001]). Other scar characteristics did not show significant change over time. The patients' overall opinion score improved from 3.9 to 3.2 (P < .001). Observers rated the items vascularization and pigmentation most severe, only vascularization improved significantly between both time points. Their overall opinion score decreased from 2.7 to 2.3 (P < .001). The inter‐observer agreement between patients and observers was considered poor (ICC < 0.4) at both time points. Results of current study indicate that observers underestimate the impact of donor‐site scars. This has to be kept in mind while guiding therapy and expectations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, prospective cohort study.
The Talent Paradox: Disenchantment, Disengagement, and Damage Through Sport
Authors: Massey William V. , Whitley Meredith A.
Published: June 2020

Previous researchers have demonstrated that sport participation can be a place of purpose, a place of celebrated deviance, and/or a value-neutral endeavor for children who have experienced developmental trauma. While previous research has focused primarily on sport as a positive influence, the purpose of this paper is to examine where disillusionment, disengagement, and damage occur through participation in sport. This study was guided by a constructionist epistemology, with the researchers aiming to understand how sport participation interacted with various system-level influences. Interviews were conducted with 41 former athletes, significant others, and community members. The results of this study explore how a sport system can contribute to disillusionment in sport, disengagement from sport, and damage done through sport.
Coral reef islands can accrete vertically in response to sea level rise
Authors: Masselink Gerd , Beetham Eddie , Kench Paul
Published: June 2020

Coral reef islands are morphodynamically resilient landforms that can adjust to sea level rise through vertical accretion.
The clonal evolution of metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Dang Ha X. , Krasnick Bradley A. , White Brian S. , Grossman Julie G. , Strand Matthew S. , Zhang Jin , Cabanski Christopher R. , Miller Christopher A. , Fulton Robert S. , Goedegebuure S. Peter , Fronick Catrina C. , Griffith Malachi , Larson David E. , Goetz Brian D. , Walker Jason R. , Hawkins William G. , Strasberg Steven M. , Linehan David C. , Lim Kian H. , Lockhart A. Craig , Mardis Elaine R. , Wilson Richard K. , Ley Timothy J. , Maher Christopher A. , Fields Ryan C.
Published: June 2020

The clonal evolution of metastatic colorectal cancer reveals novel insights into cancer biology.
Acoustic streaming vortices enable contactless, digital control of droplets
Authors: Zhang Peiran , Chen Chuyi , Su Xingyu , Mai John , Gu Yuyang , Tian Zhenhua , Zhu Haodong , Zhong Zhanwei , Fu Hai , Yang Shujie , Chakrabarty Krishnendu , Huang Tony Jun
Published: June 2020

The switching of acoustic streaming vortices allows the contactless gating and routing of microliter droplets with scalability.
Direct and seasonal legacy effects of the 2018 heat wave and drought on European ecosystem productivity
Authors: Bastos A. , Ciais P. , Friedlingstein P. , Sitch S. , Pongratz J. , Fan L. , Wigneron J. P. , Weber U. , Reichstein M. , Fu Z. , Anthoni P. , Arneth A. , Haverd V. , Jain A. K. , Joetzjer E. , Knauer J. , Lienert S. , Loughran T. , McGuire P. C. , Tian H. , Viovy N. , Zaehle S.
Published: June 2020

Ecosystems responded asymmetrically to the 2018 European drought.
High-throughput intracellular biopsy of microRNAs for dissecting the temporal dynamics of cellular heterogeneity
Authors: Wang Zixun , Qi Lin , Yang Yang , Lu Mingxing , Xie Kai , Zhao Xi , Cheung Elvis Hung Chi , Wang Yuan , Jiang Xuezhen , Zhang Wenjun , Huang Linfeng , Wang Xin , Shi Peng
Published: June 2020

Fishing miRNAs from individual living cells enables quasi–single-cell analysis for dissecting cellular heterogeneity.
Automatic tracking of free-flying insects using a cable-driven robot
Authors: Pannequin Rémi , Jouaiti Mélanie , Boutayeb Mohamed , Lucas Philippe , Martinez Dominique
Published: June 2020

The free flight of insects is studied using a lab-on-cables with a reactive controller that minimizes tracking errors.
Distinct neutralizing antibody correlates of protection among related Zika virus vaccines identify a role for antibody quality
Authors: Maciejewski Sonia , Ruckwardt Tracy J. , Morabito Kaitlyn M. , Foreman Bryant M. , Burgomaster Katherine E. , Gordon David N. , Pelc Rebecca S. , DeMaso Christina R. , Ko Sung-Youl , Fisher Brian E. , Yang Eun Sung , Nair Deepika , Foulds Kathryn E. , Todd John Paul , Kong Wing-Pui , Roy Vicky , Aleshnick Maya , Speer Scott D. , Bourne Nigel , Barrett Alan D. , Nason Martha C. , Roederer Mario , Gaudinski Martin R. , Chen Grace L. , Dowd Kimberly A. , Ledgerwood Julie E. , Alter Galit , Mascola John R. , Graham Barney S. , Pierson Theodore C.
Published: June 2020

Analysis of antibodies elicited by related Zika virus DNA vaccines revealed protection correlates with a capacity to neutralize mature virions.
Targeting MDM2-dependent serine metabolism as a therapeutic strategy for liposarcoma
Authors: Cissé Madi Y. , Pyrdziak Samuel , Firmin Nelly , Gayte Laurie , Heuillet Maud , Bellvert Floriant , Fuentes Maryse , Delpech Hélène , Riscal Romain , Arena Giuseppe , Chibon Frédéric , Le Gellec Sophie , Maran-Gonzalez Aurélie , Chateau Marie-Christine , Theillet Charles , Carrere Sébastien , Portais Jean-Charles , Le Cam Laurent , Linares Laetitia K.
Published: June 2020

Chromatin-bound MDM2 regulates serine metabolism and nucleotide synthesis to sustain tumor growth in liposarcoma.
A Vibrio cholerae Core Genome Multilocus Sequence Typing Scheme To Facilitate the Epidemiological Study of Cholera
Authors: Liang Kevin Y. H. , Orata Fabini D. , Islam Mohammad Tarequl , Nasreen Tania , Alam Munirul , Tarr Cheryl L. , Boucher Yann F.
Published: June 2020

Toxigenic
Vibrio cholerae
isolates of the O1 and O139 serogroups are the causative agents of cholera, an acute diarrheal disease that plagued the world for centuries, if not millennia. Here, we introduce a core genome multilocus sequence typing scheme for
V. cholerae
. Using this scheme, we have standardized the definition for subspecies-level classification, facilitating global collaboration in the surveillance of
V. cholerae
. In addition, this typing scheme allows for quick identification of outbreak-related isolates that can guide subsequent analyses, serving as an important first step in epidemiological research. This scheme is also easily scalable to analyze thousands of isolates at various levels of resolution, making it an invaluable tool for large-scale ecological and evolutionary analyses.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Pan-Degenerate Amplification and Adaptation Assay for HIV-1 Drug Resistance Mutation Analysis in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Kouamou Vinie , Manasa Justen , Katzenstein David , McGregor Alan M. , Ndhlovu Chiratidzo E. , Makadzange Tariro
Published: June 2020

HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) is a barrier to sustained virologic suppression in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Point mutation assays targeting priority drug resistance mutations (DRMs) are being evaluated to improve access to HIVDR testing. In a cross-sectional study (June 2018 to September 2019), we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of a simple and rapid HIVDR assay (the pan-degenerate amplification and adaptation [PANDAA] assay targeting the mutations K65R, K103NS, M184VI, Y181C, and G190A) compared to Sanger sequencing and next-generation sequencing (NGS).
Nearly Complete Genome Sequence of Brugia malayi Strain FR3
Authors: Tracey Alan , Foster Jeremy M. , Paulini Michael , Grote Alexandra , Mattick John , Tsai Yu-Chih , Chung Matthew , Cotton James A. , Clark Tyson A. , Geber Adam , Holroyd Nancy , Korlach Jonas , Libro Silvia , Lustigman Sara , Michalski Michelle L. , Rogers Matthew B. , Twaddle Alan , Dunning Hotopp Julie C. , Berriman Matthew , Ghedin Elodie
Published: June 2020

Lymphatic filariasis affects ∼120 million people and can result in elephantiasis and hydrocele. Here, we report the nearly complete genome sequence of the best-studied causative agent of lymphatic filariasis,
Brugia malayi
. The assembly contains four autosomes, an X chromosome, and only eight gaps but lacks a contiguous sequence for the known Y chromosome.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus velezensis Strain E68, Isolated from an Oil Battery
Authors: Liang Nathan , Jabaji Suha
Published: June 2020

Bacillus velezensis
strain E68 is a biosurfactant-producing bacterium isolated from an oil battery near Chauvin, Alberta, Canada. Strain E68 exhibited antimicrobial activity against fungal pathogens and could potentially serve as a biological control agent. Its genome was sequenced and annotated, revealing the presence of multiple lipopeptide biosynthetic gene clusters.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus velezensis Strain DKU_NT_04, Isolated from a Traditional Korean Food Made from Soybeans (Cheonggukjang)
Authors: Bang Man-Seok , Jeong Hee-Won , Lee Yea-Jin , Lee Sang-Cheol , Lee Gi Soo , Kim Sungyong , Lee Han-Hwi , Shin Jang-In , Oh Chung-Hun
Published: June 2020

In the present work, we report the complete genome sequence of
Bacillus velezensis
DKU_NT_04, isolated from cheonggukjang, which is a traditional Korean fermented soybean paste. The final genome assembly consists of a 4.328-Mbp chromosome with 4,134 coding sequences and a G+C content of 45.21%.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Green Alga Scenedesmus acuminatus SAG 38.81
Authors: Astafyeva Yekaterina , Alawi Malik , Indenbirken Daniela , Danso Dominik , Grundhoff Adam , Hanelt Dieter , Streit Wolfgang R. , Krohn Ines
Published: June 2020

Scenedesmus acuminatus
, also known as
Tetradesmus acuminatus
, is a promising green microalga for sustainable production of microalga products, including valuable compounds such as astaxanthin, β-carotene, and lutein, polysaccharides such as β-glucan, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Here, we report the draft whole-genome sequence of
Scenedesmus acuminatus
SAG 38.81.
Giant serous adenofibroma of the fallopian tube
Authors: Tavares Madalena Andrade , Silva Rita Cravo , Lourenço Mariana , Ambrósio Alexandre
Published: June 2020

Serous adenofibroma of the fallopian tube is a rare, benign tumour of the female genital tract. They are usually small, asymptomatic and incidentally diagnosed during a surgery for another gynaecological condition. This report presents an atypical case of a 17-year-old girl with a tubal serous adenofibroma that presented with a palpable mass occupying the entire abdomen accompanied by urinary symptoms. She underwent a laparoscopic surgery with drainage of 1800 mL of yellow, citrine liquid from the cyst and left salpingectomy with no complications.
Corneal endothelium in paediatric patients with uveitis: a prospective
longitudinal study
Authors: Fung Simon Sheung Man , El Hamouly Ali , Sami Hamza , Jiandani Dishay , Williams Sara , Tehrani Nasrin , Mireskandari Kamiar , Ali Asim
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To study the longitudinal effect of anterior chamber inflammation on the
corneal endothelium in children.

Methods

In this prospective longitudinal observational study, children (aged
<18 years) with anterior chamber inflammation and those at risk of
developing uveitis due to juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) were included.
Changes in central endothelial cell density (ECD) and morphological variables
were determined by non-contact specular microscopy, and their correlations with
uveitis activity and surgical interventions were analysed.

Results

Ninety-nine eyes of 99 children (mean age (±SD): 10.0±4.1 years) with a
history of anterior chamber inflammation were recruited. Mean follow-up was
12.3±3.5 months. Eleven children, who were under surveillance but had not
developed JIA-associated uveitis were included as controls. While there were no
significant differences in mean ECD between controls and subjects without prior
surgery (group 1) at all time points, those who had prior ophthalmic surgery
(group 2) displayed significantly lower ECD than the controls at recruitment
(p=0.002) and at follow-up (p=0.004). However, longitudinal ECD assessments did
not show significant changes in either group (group 1, p=0.07, group 2,
p=0.54). On regression analysis, once the patient’s age was adjusted for, only
the occurrence of intraocular procedures during the study (r=0.43, adjusted
p=0.03) was associated with a significant annual rate of ECD loss.

Conclusion

During the study period, longitudinal ECD changes among children with
uveitis were associated with intraocular surgery for uveitis-related
complications but not uveitis activity. By reducing the need for surgical
intervention, the corneal endothelium in these children may be
preserved.
Nuclear expression of BAP-1 in transvitreal incisional biopsies and subsequent
enucleation of eyes with posterior choroidal melanoma
Authors: Herrspiegel Christina , Kvanta Anders , Lardner Emma , Ramsköld Cabaca Louise , Wells Jill , Bartuma Katarina , Seregard Stefan , Stålhammar Gustav
Published: June 2020

Background

As a majority of patients with choroidal melanoma do not undergo
enucleation, tumour tissue for prognostic testing has to be obtained with
alternate methods. Transvitreal incisional biopsies enable histological
examination as well as immunohistochemical staining of BRCA1-associated
protein-1 (BAP-1).

Methods

Fifty-nine patients diagnosed with choroidal melanoma in transvitreal
biopsies between years 2003 and 2019 were included. Twenty-one of these
patients subsequently underwent enucleation. The level of nuclear expression of
BAP-1 in transvitreal biopsies and enucleations was evaluated and the
concordance calculated. Metastasis-free survival and HR for metastasis were
analysed.

Results

The mean tumour thickness and diameter at biopsy was 3.8 mm (SD 2.1) and
9.3 mm (SD 4.8), respectively. For biopsies, 37 of 59 tumours (63%) were
classified as having high nuclear BAP-1 expression, and 22 (37%) as low. For
enucleations, 13 of 21 tumours (62%) were classified as having high nuclear
BAP-1 expression, and 8 (38%) as low. Eighty-six per cent of biopsies had an
identical BAP-1 classification as the subsequent enucleation, yielding a
Cohen’s kappa coefficient of 0.70. Patients with low nuclear BAP-1 expression
in transvitreal biopsies had a significantly shorter metastasis-free survival
(p=0.001), with a size-adjusted Cox regression HR for metastasis of 13.0 (95%
CI 3.1 to 54.4, p=0.0004).

Conclusion

Loss of nuclear BAP-1 expression occurred in a large proportion of the
small tumours included in this study. BAP-1 immunoreactivity in transvitreal
incisional biopsies of choroidal melanoma is substantially concordant with
immunoreactivity in enucleated specimens and identifies patients with poor
metastasis-free survival.
Better reporting standards are needed to enhance the quality of hop testing in the setting of ACL return to sport decisions: a narrative review
Authors: Read Paul , Mc Auliffe Sean , Wilson Mathew G , Myer Gregory D
Published: June 2020

Background/aim

There is a lack of consistency in return to sport (RTS) assessments, in particular hop tests to predict who will sustain a reinjury following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Inconsistent test battery content and methodological heterogeneity might contribute to variable associations between hop test performance and subsequent injury. Our aim was to investigate whether commonly used hop tests are administered in a consistent manner and in accordance with reported guidelines.

Methods

We conducted a narrative review of studies that examined whether hop testing could differentiate RTS pass rates, reinjury and rerupture in athletes after ACL reconstruction. Our specific focus was on the methodological procedures of hop testing as this component is widely used to evaluate patients’ function and readiness to RTS.

Main findings

Substantial variation exists in RTS hop test administration, scoring and interpretation. Authors often failed to report important details of methods such as warm up activities, randomisation, number of trials, rest periods and landing requirements.

Conclusion

We recommend researchers provide clearer descriptions of how hop tests are performed to increase standardisation and promote accurate data collection. Absence of reporting to describe test methods and using different test procedures makes it difficult to compare study findings.
Which treatment is most effective for patients with Achilles tendinopathy? A living systematic review with network meta-analysis of 29 randomised controlled trials
Authors: van der Vlist Arco C , Winters Marinus , Weir Adam , Ardern Clare L , Welton Nicky J , Caldwell Deborah M , Verhaar Jan A N , de Vos Robert-Jan
Published: June 2020

Objective

To provide a consistently updated overview of the comparative effectiveness of treatments for Achilles tendinopathy.

Design

Living systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Data sources

Multiple databases including grey literature sources were searched up to February 2019.

Study eligibility criteria

Randomised controlled trials examining the effectiveness of any treatment in patients with both insertional and/or midportion Achilles tendinopathy. We excluded trials with 10 or fewer participants per treatment arm or trials investigating tendon ruptures.

Data extraction and synthesis

Reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation to appraise the certainty of evidence.

Primary outcome measure

The validated patient-reported Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire.

Results

29 trials investigating 42 different treatments were included. 22 trials (76%) were at high risk of bias and 7 (24%) had some concerns. Most trials included patients with midportion tendinopathy (86%). Any treatment class seemed superior to wait-and-see for midportion Achilles tendinopathy at 3 months (very low to low certainty of evidence). At 12 months, exercise therapy, exercise+injection therapy and exercise+night splint therapy were all comparable with injection therapy for midportion tendinopathy (very low to low certainty). No network meta-analysis could be performed for insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

Summary/conclusion

In our living network meta-analysis no trials were at low risk of bias and there was large uncertainty in the comparative estimates. For midportion Achilles tendinopathy, wait-and-see is not recommended as all active treatments seemed superior at 3-month follow-up. There seems to be no clinically relevant difference in effectiveness between different active treatments at either 3-month or 12-month follow-up. As exercise therapy is easy to prescribe, can be of low cost and has few harms, clinicians could consider starting treatment with a calf-muscle exercise programme.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018086467.
Association between young women’s physical and mental health and their method of contraception in a longitudinal, population-based study
Authors: Rowlands Ingrid J , Mishra Gita D , Lucke Jayne C
Published: June 2020

Background

Women’s physical and mental health are strongly inter-related and may influence patterns of contraceptive use. We examined the longitudinal associations between young women’s physical and mental health and method of contraceptive use over a 5-year period.

Methods

Data from 4952 young women (≤27 years) participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health who completed four self-reported surveys between 2013 and 2017 were analysed. Women’s contraceptive use was categorised as: contraceptive pill/oral contraceptives, long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), condom, other methods and none. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the longitudinal associations between women’s physical and mental health and method of contraception.

Results

Over the 5-year period the percentage of pill users decreased from 60% (95% CI 58% to 61%) to 41% (95% CI 39% to 42%) and LARC users increased from 13% (95% CI 12% to 14%) to 21% (95% CI 20% to 22%) as did non-users from 9% (95% CI 8% to 9%) to 17% (95% CI 16% to 18%). Compared with women using the pill, women who used LARCs were more likely to be overweight (OR 1.34; 95% CI 1.17 to 1.53) and obese (OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.55 to 2.19), current smokers (OR 1.45; 95% CI 1.23 to 1.71) and reported fair or poor general health (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.28 to 1.76) and very high levels of psychological distress (OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.24 to 1.76). Similar results were also found among women who used condoms or no contraception.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that obesity, smoking and poor physical and mental health play an important role in young women’s contraceptive use.
Adult congenital heart disease and the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Radke Robert M , Frenzel Tim , Baumgartner Helmut , Diller Gerhard-Paul
Published: June 2020

Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) may be at high risk in the case of COVID-19. Due to the heterogeneity of ACHD and secondary complications, risk profiles are, however, not uniform. This document aims to give an overview of relevant data and outline our pragmatic approach to disease prevention and management. Based on anatomy and additional physiological factors including symptoms, exercise capacity, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and cyanosis, we propose a pragmatic approach to categorising patients into low-risk, intermediate-risk and high-risk groups. We regard especially patients with complex cyanotic conditions, those with palliated univentricular hearts, heart failure, severe valvular disease or pulmonary hypertension as high-risk patients. To avoid infection, we recommend self-isolation and exemption from work for these cohorts. Infected ACHD patients with low or moderate risk and without signs of deterioration may be remotely followed and cared for at home while in self isolation. High-risk patients or those with signs of respiratory or cardiovascular impairment require admission ideally at a tertiary ACHD centre. Especially patients with complex, cyanotic disease, heart failure and arrhythmias require particular attention. Treatment in patients with cyanotic heart disease should be guided by the relative degree of desaturation compared with baseline and lactate levels rather than absolute oxygen saturation levels. Patients with right heart dilatation or dysfunction are potentially at increased risk of right heart failure as mechanical ventilation and acute respiratory distress syndrome can lead to increase in pulmonary arterial pressures.
Treatment switch in Fabry disease- a matter of dose?
Authors: Lenders Malte , Nordbeck Peter , Canaan-Kühl Sima , Kreul Lukas , Duning Thomas , Lorenz Lora , Pogoda Christian , Brand Stefan-Martin , Wanner Christoph , Brand Eva
Published: June 2020

Background

Patients with Fabry disease (FD) on reduced dose of agalsidase-beta or after switch to agalsidase-alfa show a decline in chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and a worsened plasma lyso-Gb3 decrease. Hence, the most effective dose is still a matter of debate.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, we assessed end-organ damage and clinical symptoms in 78 patients who had received agalsidase-beta (1.0 mg/kg) for >1 year, which were assigned to continue this treatment (agalsidase-beta, regular-dose group, n=17); received a reduced dose of agalsidase-beta and subsequent switch to agalsidase-alfa (0.2 mg/kg) or a direct switch to 0.2 mg/kg agalsidase-alfa (switch group, n=22); or were re-switched to agalsidase-beta after receiving agalsidase-alfa for 12 months (re-switch group, n=39) with a follow-up of 88±25 months.

Results

No differences for clinical events were observed for all groups. Patients within the re-switch group started with the worst eGFR values at baseline (p=0.0217). Overall, eGFR values remained stable in the regular-dose group (p=0.1052) and decreased significantly in the re-switch and switch groups (p<0.0001 and p=0.0052, respectively). However, in all groups males presented with an annual loss of eGFR by –2.9, –2.5 and −3.9 mL/min/1.73 m² (regular-dose, re-switch, switch groups, all p<0.05). In females, eGFR decreased significantly only in the re-switch group by −2.9 mL/min/1.73 m² per year (p<0.01). Lyso-Gb3 decreased in the re-switch group after a change back to agalsidase-beta (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that a re-switch to high dosage of agalsidase results in a better biochemical response, but not in a significant renal amelioration especially in classical males.
The good, the bad and the ugly: pandemic priority decisions and triage
Authors: Flaatten Hans , Van Heerden Vernon , Jung Christian , Beil Michael , Leaver Susannah , Rhodes Andrew , Guidet Bertrand , deLange Dylan W
Published: June 2020

In this analysis we discuss the change in criteria for triage of patients during three different phases of a pandemic like COVID-19, seen from the critical care point of view. Availability of critical care beds has become a hot topic, and in many countries, we have seen a huge increase in the provision of temporary intensive care bed capacity. However, there is a limit where the hospitals may run out of resources to provide critical care, which is heavily dependent on trained staff, just-in-time supply chains for clinical consumables and drugs and advanced equipment. In the first (good) phase, we can still do clinical prioritisation and decision-making as usual, based on the need for intensive care and prognostication: what are the odds for a good result with regard to survival and quality of life. In the next (bad phase), the resources are mostly available, but the system is stressed by many patients arriving over a short time period and auxiliary beds in different places in the hospital being used. We may have to abandon admittance of patients with doubtful prognosis. In the last (ugly) phase, usual medical triage and priority setting may not be sufficient to decrease inflow and there may not be enough intensive care unit beds available. In this phase different criteria must be applied using a utilitarian approach for triage. We argue that this is an important transition where society, and not physicians, must provide guidance to support triage that is no longer based on medical priorities alone.
ACE2 and COVID-19 and the resulting ARDS
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqing , Li Shuren , Niu Shaoqian
Published: June 2020

This article reviews the correlation between ACE2 and COVID-19 and the resulting acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ACE2 is a crucial component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). The classical ACE-angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang II)-angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) axis and the ACE2-Ang(1-7)-Mas counter-regulatory axis play an essential role in RAS system. ACE2 antagonises the activation of the classical RAS ACE-Ang II-AT1R axis and protects against lung injury. Similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus, 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) also uses ACE2 for cell entry. ARDS is a clinical high-mortality disease which is probably due to the excessive activation of RAS caused by 2019-nCoV infection, and ACE2 has a protective effect on ARDS caused by COVID-19. Because of these protective effects of ACE2 on ARDS, the development of drugs enhancing ACE2 activity may become one of the most promising approaches for the treatment of COVID-19 in the near future. In the meantime, however, the use of RAS blockers such as ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers that inhibit the damaging (ACE-Ang II) arm of the RAS cascade in the lung may also be promising. Trial registration number: NCT04287686.
Identifying the nature of the QCD transition in relativistic collision of heavy nuclei with deep learning
Authors: Du Yi-Lun , Zhou Kai , Steinheimer Jan , Pang Long-Gang , Motornenko Anton , Zong Hong-Shi , Wang Xin-Nian , Stöcker Horst
Published: June 2020

Using deep convolutional neural network (CNN), the nature of the QCD transition can be identified from the final-state pion spectra from hybrid model simulations of heavy-ion collisions that combines a viscous hydrodynamic model with a hadronic cascade “after-burner”. Two different types of equations of state (EoS) of the medium are used in the hydrodynamic evolution. The resulting spectra in transverse momentum and azimuthal angle are used as the input data to train the neural network to distinguish different EoS. Different scenarios for the input data are studied and compared in a systematic way. A clear hierarchy is observed in the prediction accuracy when using the event-by-event, cascade-coarse-grained and event-fine-averaged spectra as input for the network, which are about 80%, 90% and 99%, respectively. A comparison with the prediction performance by deep neural network (DNN) with only the normalized pion transverse momentum spectra is also made. High-level features of pion spectra captured by a carefully-trained neural network were found to be able to distinguish the nature of the QCD transition even in a simulation scenario which is close to the experiments.
Synchrotron radiation in terms of accelerator for CEPC MDI
Authors: Bai Sha , Yu Chenghui , Wang Yiwei , Gao Jie
Published: June 2020

With the discovery of the Higgs boson at around 125 GeV, a circular Higgs factory design with high luminosity [Formula: see text] is becoming more popular in the accelerator world. The Circular Electron and Positron Collider (CEPC) project in China is one of them. Machine Detector Interface (MDI) is the key research area in electron–positron colliders, especially in CEPC. Since the [Formula: see text] beams collide at the Interaction Point (IP) with a horizontal angle of 33 mrad, the horizontal trajectory will couple to the vertical. Due to the solenoid and anti-solenoid combined field strength quite high, the maximum could be up to 4.2 T, the transverse magnetic field component is also quite high. Thus synchrotron radiation (SR) from vertical trajectory in combined field should be taken into account. And also synchrotron radiation is an important influential factor in the collimator design of CEPC MDI. These two effects are analyzed in this paper.
Design and beam dynamics of the CEPC booster
Authors: Wang Dou , Yu Chenghui , Cui Xiaohao , Ji Daheng , Liu Yudong , Zhai Jiyuan , Wang Na , Zhang Yuan , Gao Jie
Published: June 2020

The CEPC booster needs to provide electron and positron beams to the collider at different energy with required injection speed. A 10 GeV linac is adopted as the injector for CDR. Then the beam energy is accelerated to specific energy according to three modes of operation of the CEPC collider ring ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]). The geometry of the booster is designed carefully in order to share the same tunnel with the collider. The design status of the booster with the CDR lattice including parameters, optics and dynamic aperture is discussed in this paper.
Vertex representations of quantum N-toroidal algebras for type C
Authors: Jing Naihuan , Xu Zhucheng , Zhang Honglian
Published: June 2020

Quantum [Formula: see text]-toroidal algebras are generalizations of quantum affine algebras and quantum toroidal algebras. In this paper, we construct a level-one vertex representation of the quantum [Formula: see text]-toroidal algebra for type [Formula: see text]. In particular, we also obtain a level-one module of the quantum toroidal algebra for type [Formula: see text] as a special case.
Some Surface Waves in a Generalized Thermoelastic Plate
Authors: Lianngenga R.
Published: June 2020

The propagation of surface waves of symmetric and anti-symmetric families is investigated in a generalized thermoelastic plate. Frequency equations of such surface waves are derived and deduced for the cases of long compressional, flexural and Rayleigh waves. The existence of two modes of vibration is discussed. Numerically and analytically, the phase speeds and attenuations of these waves are computed for a particular model to show the effect of specific heat.
Phyto-Assisted Synthesis and Characterization of V2O5Nanomaterial and their Electrochemical and Antimicrobial Investigations
Authors: Gautam Sonali , Kumar Anuj , Vashistha Vinod Kumar , Das Deepak Kumar
Published: June 2020

The chemical and physical synthetic strategies for the preparation of nanomaterials are time-consuming, costly and toxic. To address these issues, Phyto-assisted synthesis of nanomaterials can be considered as a promising strategy. Herein, V2O5nanomaterial has been synthesized by using Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaf extract. The V2O5nanomaterial was characterized by employing multiple techniques, such as UV-Vis, FTIR, XRD, FE-SEM and EDX. The results showed that V2O5nanomaterial possesses nanoplate’s type morphology with 30–50[Formula: see text]nm diameters. Further, cyclic voltammetric studies showed the good durability during the voltammetric scans in 2M KCl electrolyte at 50[Formula: see text]mV/s scan rate and the V2O5nanoplates may be served as a promising cathodic candidate in Li-ion secondary batteries. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of the prepared V2O5nanoplates was evaluated against the bacteria viz. S. typhi, S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli and fungi; F. species, A. flavus, P. triticina and A. niger by using the serial dilution method. The results suggested that V2O5nanoplates possess comparable antimicrobial activity comparable to standard drug Streptomycin against the used pathogens.
pH dependence of the Slc4a11-mediated H+ conductance is influenced by intracellular lysine residues and modified by disease-linked mutations
Authors: Quade Bianca N. , Marshall Aniko , Parker Mark D.
Published: June 2020

SLC4A11 is the only member of the SLC4 family that transports protons rather than bicarbonate. SLC4A11 is expressed in corneal endothelial cells, and its mutation causes corneal endothelial dystrophy, although the mechanism of pathogenesis is unknown. We previously demonstrated that the magnitude of the H+ conductance ( Gm) mediated by SLC4A11 is increased by rises in intracellular as well as extracellular pH (pHi and pHe). To better understand this feature and whether it is altered in disease, we studied the pH dependence of wild-type and mutant mouse Slc4a11 expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Using voltage-clamp circuitry in conjunction with a H+-selective microelectrode and a microinjector loaded with NaHCO3, we caused incremental rises in oocyte pHi and measured the effect on Gm. We find that the rise of Gm has a steeper pHi dependence at pHe =8.50 than at pHe =7.50. Data gathered at pHe =8.50 can be fit to the Hill equation enabling the calculation of a p K value that reports pHi dependence. We find that mutation of lysine residues that are close to the first transmembrane span (TM1) causes an alkaline shift in p K. Furthermore, two corneal-dystrophy-causing mutations close to the extracellular end of TM1, E399K and T401K (E368K and T370K in mouse), cause an acidic shift in p K, while a third mutation in the fourth intracellular loop, R804H (R774H in mouse), causes an alkaline shift in p K. This is the first description of determinants of SLC4A11 pH dependence and the first indication that a shift in pH dependence could modify disease expressivity in some cases of corneal dystrophy.
The ex vivo perfused human lung is resistant to injury by high-dose S. pneumoniae bacteremia
Authors: Ross James T. , Nesseler Nicolas , Leligdowicz Aleksandra , Zemans Rachel L. , Mahida Rahul Y. , Minus Emily , Langelier Chaz , Gotts Jeffrey E. , Matthay Michael A.
Published: June 2020

Few patients with bacteremia from a nonpulmonary source develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, the mechanisms that protect the lung from injury in bacteremia have not been identified. We simulated bacteremia by adding Streptococcus pneumoniae to the perfusate of the ex vivo perfused human lung model. In contrast to a pneumonia model in which bacteria were instilled into the distal air spaces of one lobe, injection of high doses of S. pneumoniae into the perfusate was not associated with alveolar epithelial injury as demonstrated by low protein permeability of the alveolar epithelium, intact alveolar fluid clearance, and the absence of alveolar edema. Unexpectedly, the ex vivo human lung rapidly cleared large quantities of S. pneumoniae even though the perfusate had very few intravascular phagocytes and lacked immunoglobulins or complement. The bacteria were cleared in part by the small number of neutrophils in the perfusate, alveolar macrophages in the airspaces, and probably by interstitial pathways. Together, these findings identify one mechanism by which the lung and the alveolar epithelium are protected from injury in bacteremia.
Heparin as a therapy for COVID-19: current evidence and future possibilities
Authors: Hippensteel Joseph A. , LaRiviere Wells B. , Colbert James F. , Langouët-Astrié Christophe J. , Schmidt Eric P.
Published: June 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the clinical syndrome associated with infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has impacted nearly every country in the world. Despite an unprecedented focus of scientific investigation, there is a paucity of evidence-based pharmacotherapies against this disease. Because of this lack of data-driven treatment strategies, broad variations in practice patterns have emerged. Observed hypercoagulability in patients with COVID-19 has created debate within the critical care community on the therapeutic utility of heparin. We seek to provide an overview of the data supporting the therapeutic use of heparin, both unfractionated and low molecular weight, as an anticoagulant for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, we review preclinical evidence establishing biological plausibility for heparin and synthetic heparin-like drugs as therapies for COVID-19 through antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. Finally, we discuss known adverse effects and theoretical off-target effects that may temper enthusiasm for the adoption of heparin as a therapy in COVID-19 without confirmatory prospective randomized controlled trials. Despite previous failures of anticoagulants in critical illness, plausibility of heparin for COVID-19 is sufficiently robust to justify urgent randomized controlled trials to determine the safety and effectiveness of this therapy.
Spermidine supplementation and voluntary activity differentially affect obesity-related structural changes in the mouse lung
Authors: Ahrendt Nancy , Steingrüber Tobias , Rajces Alexandra , Lopez-Rodriguez Elena , Eisenberg Tobias , Magnes Christoph , Madeo Frank , Sedej Simon , Schmiedl Andreas , Ochs Matthias , Mühlfeld Christian , Schipke Julia
Published: June 2020

Obesity is associated with lung function impairment and respiratory diseases; however, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are still elusive, and therapeutic options are limited. This study examined the effects of prolonged excess fat intake on lung mechanics and microstructure and tested spermidine supplementation and physical activity as intervention strategies. C57BL/6N mice fed control diet (10% fat) or high-fat diet (HFD; 60% fat) were left untreated or were supplemented with 3 mM spermidine, had access to running wheels for voluntary activity, or a combination of both. After 30 wk, lung mechanics was assessed, and left lungs were analyzed by design-based stereology. HFD exerted minor effects on lung mechanics and resulted in higher body weight and elevated lung, air, and septal volumes. The number of alveoli was higher in HFD-fed animals. This was accompanied by an increase in epithelial, but not endothelial, surface area. Moreover, air-blood barrier and endothelium were significantly thicker. Neither treatment affected HFD-related body weights. Spermidine lowered lung volumes as well as endothelial and air-blood barrier thicknesses toward control levels and substantially increased the endothelial surface area under HFD. Activity resulted in decreased volumes of lung, septa, and septal compartments but did not affect vascular changes in HFD-fed mice. The combination treatment showed no additive effect. In conclusion, excess fat consumption induced alveolar capillary remodeling indicative of impaired perfusion and gas diffusion. Spermidine alleviated obesity-related endothelial alterations, indicating a beneficial effect, whereas physical activity reduced lung volumes apparently by other, possibly systemic effects.
Neural representations of haptic object size in the human brain revealed by multivoxel fMRI patterns
Authors: Perini Francesca , Powell Thomas , Watt Simon J. , Downing Paul E.
Published: June 2020

Our understanding of the neural basis of haptics (perceiving the world through touch) remains incomplete. We used functional MRI to study human haptic judgments of object size, which require integrating multiple afferent signals. Multivoxel pattern analyses identified intraparietal and prefrontal regions that encode size haptically in a metric and hand-invariant fashion. Effector-independent haptic size estimates are useful on their own and in combination with other sensory estimates for a variety of perceptual and motor tasks.
Assessing sensorimotor control of the lumbopelvic-hip region using task-based functional MRI
Authors: Silfies Sheri P. , Beattie Paul , Jordon Max , Vendemia Jennifer M. C.
Published: June 2020

We demonstrated the feasibility of using task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) protocols for acquiring the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) response of key sensorimotor cortex regions during voluntary lumbopelvic movements. Our approach activated lumbopelvic muscles during small-amplitude movements while participants were lying supine in the scanner. Our data supports these tasks can be done with limited head motion and low correlation of head motion to the task. The approach provides opportunities for assessing the role of brain changes in persistent low back pain.